s, ought we therefore to cast aside so
plain a precept? By many it would be called plain popery, but
this we must bear. I can feel a happiness in submitting to
these directions of the Lord by the Spirit; they seem to us
little, but surely whatsoever is of sufficient importance for
the Spirit to command or direct, is sufficiently important for
us worms to obey. With regard to miracles my mind is not at
present prepared to embrace them fully: but this I do feel that
the Apostle Paul, in Corinthians 12 and 14, when speaking of
supernatural gifts for the edifying the Church and doing the
work of God, points them out as things to be desired and prayed
for then, and if they were desired to be prayed for then, why
not now? I look on the argument from experience in the churches
as of no weight, for unless it can be proved the churches have
received faith on these powers, their not possessing the
power is according to the whole analogy of faith. That
distinguishing between apostolic times and present times is to
my mind so dangerous a principle, and puts into the hands of
any one so disposed, a sword that seems to me to reach the very
vitals of the Gospel.

I would have you pray for me, especially that Christ may be in
me daily, my glorious loving Lord and satisfying portion, whose
presence can make even this waste howling wilderness like the
garden of Eden. Little did I think how poor I was in the
anointed Lamb of God till he stripped me bare, and left me here
to stand months alone with himself, and then I saw how much of
that apparent love and zeal I felt flowed from human fountains.
I bless his name, he left me yet a little while untainted to
cheer, support, and comfort me, but my stature, my dear friend,
I pray I may not again, mistake nor think I am approaching
towards manhood when a very child in spiritual growth. When
surrounded by all the love and kindness I experienced amongst
you, encouraged by your sympathy and prayers, those thousand
weaknesses I since have felt I hardly know the smart of. Amidst
dangers, sorrows, and death I have walked for many months; and
these scenes have tried the very foundation, yet it was most
gracious of the Lord, when he let the plague reach me and laid
me on my couch to give me the sweetest comfort from a f