The Letters of Ruth Bryan, 1805-1860
 

Pleadings with a soul

"The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction." Lamentations 3:22

To Miss F., my dear friend,
It grieves me to hear you are so ill. How gladly would I see you and try to soothe and comfort you; but though I cannot come to see you, as I am very weak, and fast going down to the last valley, yet I am with you in spirit, and can speak to the King for you as the blessed Spirit enables me. For what would you make request? Is it for life and health? He can give them, for "He brings down to the grave, and brings up again." So do not be too much cast down. But do you cling more to life than you would wish? Ah! it is only salvation applied, and Christ enjoyed, that can loosen our hold of things seen, and of those earthly attractions which have long entwined themselves around the heart, for then we have found something infinitely better. But is it your chief desire to find that salvation, and hear that blessed Savior say, "Fear not, I have redeemed you, you are mine"? Oh, then, my heart will rejoice, for such desires will surely be granted. "Your heart shall live that seek the Lord."

"Those feeble desires, those wishes so weak,
 'Tis Jesus inspires, and bids you still seek."

I do hope and trust the Lord has a purpose of love to you, and that He has put these rough cords of affliction around you, to draw you to Himself. Oh, blessed Spirit, convince that dear soul of sin, and then say to her, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." Break her heart, and then bind it up with the love and blood of Jesus. O Jesus, manifest Yourself to her as her own precious Savior. O my covenant God, save her for Your mercy's sake, and if it be Your holy will, spare her to show forth Your praise. Amen, amen.

The Lord bless you, and turn the water of affliction into the wine of consolation.
With tenderest love and ardent longings, your warmly affectionate,
Ruth Bryan




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