SEVEN LETTERS

TO

MRS. ****

LETTER I.

My Dear Madam,

Nov.-1775. Too much of that impatience which you speak of, towards those who differ from us in some religious sentiments, is observable on all sides. I do not consider it as the fault of a few individuals, or of this or that party, so much as the effect of that inherent imperfection which is common to our whole race. Anger and scorn are equally unbecoming in those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and who acknowledge themselves to be both sinful and fallible; but too often something of this leaven will be found cleaving to the best characters, and mixed with honest endeavours to serve the best cause. But thus it was from the beginning; and we have reason to confess that we are no better than the apostles were, who, though they meant well, manifested once and again a wrong spirit in their zeal; Luke ix. 54. Observation and experience contribute, by the grace of God, gradually to soften and sweeten our spirits; but then there will always be ground for mutual forbearance and mutual forgiveness on this head. However, so far as I may judge of myself, I think this hastiness is not my most easy besetting sin. I am not indeed an advocate for that indifference and lukewarmness to the truths of God, which seem to constitute the candour many plead for in the present day.

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MRS. ****

LETTER I.

My Dear Madam,

Nov. 1775.

Too much of that impatience which you speak of, T00

towards those who differ from us in some religious sentiments, is observable on all sides. I do not consider it as the fault of a few individuals, or of this or that party, so much as the effect of that inherent imperfection which is common to our whole race. Anger and scorn are equally unbecoming in those who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, and who acknowledge themselves to be both sinful and fallible; but too often something of this leaven will be found cleaving to the best characters, and mixed with honest endeavours to serve the best cause. But thus it was from the beginning; and we have reason to confess that we are no better than the apostles were, who, though they meant well, manifested once and again a wrong spirit in their zeal; Luke ix. 54. Observation and experience contribute, by the grace of God, gradually to soften and sweeten our spirits; but then there will always be ground for mutual nce and mutual

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stimony to what I have am properly called to it. ne accounted evangelical nfined themselves to a few I think this a fault; and ntly so, the auditories are deition and pleasure, which they more judicious and comprehensive cripture, as it consists of histories, es, precepts, promises, exhortations, aragements, and reproofs, is the proGospel-ministry; and every part should course be attended to; yet so as that, partment we exhibit, Jesus should be the ; in whom the prophecies are fulfilled, the ablished; to whom, in a way of type and most important parts of Scripture-history .css reference; and from whom alone we at life, strength, and encouragement, which >> make obedience either pleasing or prachere there is true spiritual faith in the ercise, I believe a person will not so il of what he is to practise, as to be ss without it. Our Saviour's comand clear in themselves; and that m faith is the best casuist and and enforce them.

"Forgive me if I transgress; en I stand is holy ground." dear Madam, that were I, e importance, you would controverting any of ingly,) which I am