LXXIX.

May 9, 1807.

BELOVED,

I HOPE my continual coming will not weary thee, as the importunity of the widow did the unjust judge. I have a request to make, which is this - Some time ago Mr. E. A. desired to have part of my tomb at Lewes; to which I consented, as I much respect him. He said he would pay the expense of the erection. I therefore beg you to give him the bill, telling him that I desired it. He has more goldfinches, yellow-hammers, and paper kites, than we have, and keeps a breeding cage, which our families will not suffer us to 'do. Nevertheless, these are a weight to him; so that he cannot run quite so fast as I can, who am much older.

God is our shield and exceeding great reward; and it is faith that manifests our sonship; and, if sons, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with the human nature of Christ. This, my beloved, is our treasure, "rich in faith;" for this treasure is promised to faith; and "God is not ashamed to be called our God, for he hath prepared for us a city." Let nothing under heaven divert our souls from this, however engaged, however wearied. Five, six, seven, eight, or ten times a day creep into some hole, and tell him all your wants; and watch his hand, and acknowledge all his favours. And pray against the gout every time you go; and, should the fits come with greater severity than usual, as is often the case, still persist, and never refrain, never give it up. The devil himself cannot stand before the faith that God has given us. We have the best of fathers, and two intercessors. Christ ever lives to make intercession for us, and the Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Farewell!

THE DOCTOR.

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