To Mrs. H., June 1858.
My very dear friend,
I hope you are still kept steadily following onward in the way of faith. Oh,
how sweet to live in momentary dependence upon Him, and independent of all
beside; then are we satisfied with His fullness, however low creature
streamlets may run. Do I not long to be more fully and always in this way of
faith? Yes, verily; though, alas! I am too often turned aside by carnal
reason--my old and powerful foe.
Oh, my dear Amelia, I think none of the Lord's children
are so slow to learn and so easily beguiled in some things, from the
simplicity which is in Christ. I cannot boast of any attainments. I am laid
low in the dust, and very, very poor; yet I have a rich Beloved, who scorns
not my lowliness, and only keeps me short in hand that I may not be able to
do without Him, and that I may glory in nothing but Himself, in whom I can
never glory too much. It is good to be in the "valley of humiliation," the
air is congenial to the new man, and very beneficial, though not pleasing to
this proud heart. Moreover, there we have much of the company of Prince
Immanuel, who chose that spot for His earthly residence; for "He made
Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and being
found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto
death, even the death of the Cross." Oh, it was a mighty stoop of love. I
marvel and adore, desiring to follow the Lamb wherever He leads.
I heard a little of His wondrous ways towards you from
dear Mrs. B—. It is wonderful how He sends His benefits in such a way as to
cut off all glorying in the flesh. You shall not be delighting in His
benefits—but absorbed in Himself. Against this, the enemy fights hard,
presenting various things to divert from that safe and secret place into
which he has no access. While delighting in gifts he can touch us—but, when
enrapt up in the Giver, he is defeated, Psalm 91. Fare you well.
Affectionate love, from yours ever warmly,
Ruth