LETTER TO A SPIRITUAL FRIEND

It is now my preaching morning — and I am preparing for the delightful work — yet I cannot help writing a line or two. My thoughts are turned today upon recommending Christ to my people. I have a sweet subject from John 4:10, in which our Lord lays open the love of his heart in a most attracting manner. He must needs go through Samaria; because there was a very wicked creature, whom he would save. His manner of teaching her is peculiar to himself. He does it in the kindest way that almighty love could inspire, and I can witness for him that he is not changed — in convincing her — opening her eyes — making himself known — and giving her to believe in him: He is repeating these wonders every day — “If thou knewest the gift of God.” It is ignorance that keeps sinners from Christ. When he is teaching and drawing them, it is ignorant pride that hinders them from receiving salvation as the gift of God. It is for want of knowing who Christ is, and who it is that saith to thee—”Give me to drink.” If his true character were understood, who he is, and what he came into the world for, convinced sinners would not lie under guilt and unbelief as they do. They would come and ask of him — for he gives to all askers — his Spirit — which is the water of life. So the promise runs, Luke 11:13. “Ask, and ye shall have,” is the one grand truth that runs through the gospel. And especially, the receiving, not for, but upon asking, the holy Spirit, as in John 7:37. He is the water mentioned, John 4:10, not living, as our translation has it, but the water of life, as the old translations, or quickening water, as the French has it, in verse 14. It shall be in him a fountain, not a well, springing up into everlasting life. Lord, give us this water of life. I sat down to write as soon as prayers were over. The Lord Jesus Christ bless you and yours and family, and school. Excuse the little sermon. My mind was so taken up with it, that I could think of nothing else. O how often, how much, do I wish and pray, that Christ and you were better aquainted. My dear friend, give him more employment — make more use of him — trust him better — he wants your confidence, and would have you live in perfect friendship with him. He deserves it at your hands. Indeed, Sir, he would have you trust and not be afraid. You cannot think what a heaven it is to be intimate with him.

“Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people he entered in to Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was ready to die …

And when they came to Jesus they besought him instantly saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.”

Luke 7:1, 4, 5

These are ruins of an ancient synagogue at Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Most probably it is the same structure the centurion built for the Jews and where the Savior preached after walking on the Sea of Galilee. John 6: 17–21.

Jesu on thine each syllable
A thousand sweet Arabias dwell;
Mountains of myrrh, and beds of spices,
And ten, ten thousand Paradises.
Yes, more than all this, millions more.

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