XXIX.

Lewes, 16th March, 1801.

Dearly beloved in the Lord; Grace and peace be with thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

NEVER, my dear friend, did I see more need of my coming to any place than to this; nor have I had one dead, barren time in the pulpit since I have been here. A spiritual fast is a great blessing; the people come with a sharp appetite, and to a hungry people God sends his pastors in the fullness of the blessings of the gospel of peace. The young B's were sadly down, and the M's at a very low ebb; but every soul is revived, and never was this chapel filled so before. Surely God is with us! I feel the benefits and the blessing of speaking to a people that are not too full fed, as they are at Providence. What passes at times for light food there, is swallowed up here, and not fragments enough left to fill one basket. I 'have preached every discourse out of the sixth chapter of the Hebrews, and not a few in Satan's trap are let out. One gentleman yesterday put six guineas into my hands; so I keep on sowing spirituals, and reaping carnals. I hope, after this long fast at Providence, there will be some appetite and relish for the savoury meat; and you know the blessing is upon the head of all that hunger after the fatted calf, the Lamb of God, and the living bread; and this hungry- belly is not to be filled too full in this life, lest Israel wax fat and kick; but in the world to come we shall be filled with all his fullness; then, it is said, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun of persecution shine on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne shall feed us to the full; fill us with light from his sweet face, and with love, joy, and peace from his heart; and the more we are kept on short commons in this life, the greater and sweeter will the marriage supper of the Lamb be. God has preserved and appointed our good things to come last -"Thou," says Abraham to the rich man, "hast had thy good things, and Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." This day is Saturday. I hope to preach tomorrow, on Monday, and on Tuesday evenings, and on Wednesday morning set my face for London, where I hope to arrive by four o'clock. Farewell, be of good cheer; Christ loves all that love him, and will reward all that fear him; and we know that we are passed from death to life, because we love one another. Grace, mercy, and peace, be with you, is the daily prayer of, dearly beloved,

Yours in the Lord,

S. S.

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