Dr.
L----n; at the same time, my friend, I am as sure of their answer as
if I were already in possession of it. Who told my friend that she was
blind, and miserable, and wretched, and naked? Flesh and blood never
yet taught proud man or woman this lesson.

"My dear friend, there is nothing new nor strange in all you have
told me: there is scarce a heaven-taught soul, who has made any
advances in the spiritual warfare, but could sympathize with you from
experience. What have you experienced more than the Scriptures tell
us: that 'the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked?' Only the Lord can search it, only he can cleanse it. He takes
the prerogative to himself, and he calls it his covenant that he will
make with sinners in gospel times. You may strive and fight, and
resolve and vow--all will not do: you lie at his mercy for holiness as
well as pardon. He is exalted as a Prince to give repentance, and he
is the author and finisher of faith. He works all our works in us, and
without him we are not equal to one good thought. We are his
workmanship, 'created anew in Christ Jesus,' My dear friend, put the
work into his hand, and try to wait on him in hope--hope in every
situation; do more, trust.

"You entirely mistake the situation of others; none of us have
our heaven here: no, sin dwelleth in us; the very best have their ups
and downs. Do you think your friend is always on the mount? very far
from it. I am at times so cold, so dead, so stupid, that I can neither
pray, read, nor hear. I have begun the same chapter over and over,
still trying to fix my thoughts, and as often they wander on every
trifle; but my peace lies where you will soon learn to place yours, in
the merits of my almighty Saviour. My safety depends not on my frames,
but his promise and when tossed and tempted, dead and lifeless,
emptied of every good, perhaps buffeted like you with abominable
thoughts, the fiery darts of Satan, casting all on Him, I am safe as
when basking in the sunshine of his love, and tasting what you have
tasted: for you have tasted, and you shall yet taste the joys of his
salvation. I too have proved false to his covenant, have gone off with
the world, and been intoxicated with its vanities and empty delights,
and have laid up for myself seasons of deep remorse; my sins have
often separated between my God and me, especially in my younger days;
the Lord calls to watchfulness and diligence in the use