y powers of mind which he has
given them, they may have clearer perceptions of divine truth than you
are able to obtain by the exertion of your own faculties alone. You may
also employ the sermons which you hear, for an increase of doctrinal
knowledge, as well as an excitement to the performance of duty. But all
these things you must invariably bring to the test of God's word. We are
commanded to "try the spirits, whether they be of God." Do not take the
opinions of men upon trust. Compare them diligently with the word of
God, and do not receive them till you are fully convinced that they
agree with this unerring standard. Make this your text-book; and only
use others to assist you in coming to a right understanding of this.

4. _In all your researches after doctrinal knowledge, seek the guidance
of the Holy Spirit._ Make it a subject of daily prayer, that God would
enable you to understand his word, that you may be "rooted and grounded
in the faith." The influences of the Holy Spirit are two-fold. He
enlightens the understanding, to lead it into a correct knowledge of the
truth; and he applies the truth to the sanctification of the heart. Pray
diligently that you may have both. If you persevere in the proper
observance of this direction, you cannot fail to profit by the others.
But, if you neglect this, your pursuit of doctrinal knowledge will serve
only as food to your pride, self-confidence and vain-glory, and exert a
blighting influence upon your soul.

Your affectionate Brother.

[Footnote A: The reader will find a list of suitable books in the
Appendix.]

LETTER III.

_True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it must be carried out
in all our Conduct._

"And he (the righteous) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers
of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: _his leaf
shall not wither_."--PS. 1:3.

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the
Lord is; for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that
spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat
cometh, _but her leaf shall be green_; and shall not be careful in
the year of drought, _neither shall cease from yielding
fruit_."--JER. 17:7, 8.

MY DEAR SISTER,

In my first letter I spoke of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as
represented by our Lord under the similitude of a living spring. In my
last I