DEAR MRS. AULD,
BOWER, 17th October, 1863.
I received your kind letter, for which I heartily thank you. A note from a friend is like a mouthful of fresh air to one living in sickly confinement. I am much troubled with a carnal mind, so that I am like one bereaved of his judgment, wandering on the mountains of vanity. They are happy that have got a spiritual mind; it will make one to sow to the spirit, whereas the carnal mind keeps one sowing to the flesh.
Dear friend, I have been reading the letter of the Bible for a very long time, and I thought I got some jewels in it about 45 years ago. But I find I must be brought back to the A B C, to learn to find the pearl of great price, that I may sell all my jewels, and buy this field in which the person of Christ is so infinitely and incomprehensibly set forth. The Lord’s people have got cabinets in which to lock up their jewels, and it is their wisdom to be doing so. But it is not at all times they can open this, and view what it contains. Sometimes experience is so dark that they cannot see that ever they got a token for good from the Lord. But the next time the light of His countenance shines on their souls, it will take off the covering off all the former, and they will see the unchangeableness and faithfulness of Him whose gifts and callings are without repentance.
May the good will of Him who dwelt in the bush be with you. Remember me to Mr. Auld.
Yours affectionately,
DAVID STEVEN.