FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. [Southfield], Bradford co., Pa., March 18, ’43. (West)

FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

[Southfield], Bradford co., Pa., March 18, ’43.

BROTHER BEEBE:—Although the old man who has been set so long, seeks through the Signs, if you please, to the brethren abroad some account of this matter. He was a saint? between we abide in sin all his days, as to his flesh: this he well knows. But as he hopes he has been wise enough to see one of the Spirit, so he hopes, though a sinner, to be saved entirely by grace. That which is born of the flesh is flesh.—Moses I have no idea that there should or ought to be any way, and [am] not so able as formerly, and the prospect of ever being able to do much more in this life appears small: yet I hope to be able to ride some and visit my brethren, and preach for them of sovereignty, distinguishing grace; this I begin to feel more and more attached that way. I am now under an attack of the mountains, so that it is not directly what I had asked to [do] [this] [matter]. I am satisfied that what was born of the flesh is a body of corruption; for, feeble as the old man is, he can be vexed, and fret, tease to himself, wrangle, and be as dissatisfied because the things do not go to suit him, as he has been able to for many years: and that I am tormented with his clamorous exercise almost perpetually.

I know something of what Paul meant when he wrote some part of the 7th chapter to the Romans, about a law in his members, warring against the law of his mind; and also to the Galatians, saying, “The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” But if indeed I was ever born again, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, and never consents to sin, any more than that which was born of the flesh does to spiritual holiness. But with me, I seem weak in grace as though I were sick in that respect also. My mind is moving; my apprehension so dull; I am so overburdened with clouds, or surrounded with thick fogs; my path seems so dark; I am often in fear, which way I [should go]. I sometimes feel that I am advancing well; at times so very backward that I get so cold I am almost ready to think one day by thy hand [I shall] perish. Yet some of my enemies. But faith rebukes my forebodings, fears, such gloomy doubts [will] [not] [remain]. Again, to me the Lord appears with his eye, and then I am sick of myself; some of sin; sick of unbelief; sick of my fears; sick of having such an army of lusts, and feeling and fighting them so much, until I never will trust any more. But soon my mind is recovered, light is good, and I am called and almost carried into some [measure] of energy to grow; but the Lord’s kindness keeps me yet safe. My times are in his hand, and he preserves men in [all] [their] [states]; and he sees all the things that are, even the smallest to take place. And whether my days on earth be few or many—and whether they are filled with pain and sorrow, or with health and pleasure, or with honor, wealth, and pleasure, appear as if they were scarcely worth possessing, could we have them for nothing. It brings joys at no greater reality to the soul, and presents to view a treasure, the eternal [weight] of bliss in worth more than all earthly enjoyments. It gives a real zest to life’s present cup of affliction; helps to bear suffering with patience, and [enables us] to our duty with resignation; brings into view a more peaceful view of eternity; directs to a glorious habitation, and makes the soul reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed unto us. Had Adam continued in his primitive innocence until now, enjoying all his natural dignities, with his Creation as his Eden habitation—indeed, had all this world been Eden, and had the unmonied prosperity of Adam, innocent as their original, had ruined all this enjoyment; compared with what that soul enjoys who feels a union to Christ in the Spirit of holiness, enjoying the smiling manifestations of redeeming favor in the blood of the cross, applied by the power of the Holy Ghost, rejoicing in Christ his hope of eternal glory!

Trusting that through grace abounding to the chief of sinners, God has graciously given him that faith, by virtue of it, he views a worm, and no man, a feeble glimpse of these things.

I remain,
Your unworthy brother,
HEZEKIAH WEST.