My Dear Friend, I do not even know your name; but your cousin has been telling me about your case, and wishes me to write you a line inviting you to lay hold on Jesus Christ, the only refuge for a perishing soul. You seem to have been thinking seriously of your soul for some time. Do remember the words of Peter (2 Peter 1:10), “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” Never rest till you can say what John says (1 John 5:19) “We know that we are of God”. The world always loves to believe that it is impossible to know that we are converted. If you ask them they will say, “I am not sure — I cannot tell; “but the whole Bible declares we may receive, and know we have received the forgiveness of sins — see Ps. 32:1; 1 John 2:12. Seek this blessedness — the joy of having forgiveness; it is sweeter than honey — and the honeycomb. But where shall I seek it? In Jesus Christ. “God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son”. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life.” 1 John 5:12. Get deeply acquainted with yourself, your sins and misery. Most people are like the Laodicans — Rev. 3:17. Even those who are deeply concerned about their souls do not see the millionth part of the blackness of their hearts and lives. Oh! if we could but put our sins where God puts them, Ps. 90:8, how we would cry out, Unclean, unclean! Woe is me for I am undone! Have you ever discovered your lost condition? Many know they are great sinners; but where God is teaching. He will make you feel as an undone sinner. Have you felt this? What things were gain to you, those do you count loss for Christ? Do you know that no human righteousness can cover you? In his holy, pure sight, all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. If you have been convinced of sin, have you been convinced of righteousness? — John 16:8. Have you heard the voice of Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? Have you opened the door and let Him in? Awfully momentous questions! Your eternity depends upon the answer, — yes or no. “He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life”. Oh, what a simple thing the gospel is! How fearful to think it is hid from so many! — 2 Cor. 4:3, 4. Jesus stands at your door willing to be your shield — Ps. 84:9, 11; your righteousness — Jer. 33:6; your all and in all. Now then, throw open the door and let Him in. Accept his white raiment, that you may be clothed. And oh! remember if Christ justifies you, He will sanctify you. He will not save you and leave you in your sins. Why did he get the name Jesus? Matt. 1:21. Here is a prayer for everyone that has been found of Christ: “Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Ps. 119:133. If you are redeemed, you are not your own — not the world’s — not Satan’s. Think of this when you are tempted to sin. Now, did I not say well that you should make your calling and election sure? Oh, beware of being a hypocrite — a mere professor, with an unholy heart and life.
That your sister is on the road to Zion, I am glad, and pray that you may go hand in hand. Be diligent; the time is short. Try and persuade your friends to go with you. It is an awful thing to separate at the throne of Christ, for that will be for eternity. Pray much for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, to soften your heart, to make Christ lovely and precious, to come and dwell in your hearts, and fit you for glory. Come to the living stone, and you will be built up as living stones, 1 Peter 2:4, 5. Oh how sweet to be made living stones in that glorious temple! Pray much in secret. Pray for ministers that we may speak the word boldly. Christ is doing great things in our day, which should make us wrestle at a throne of grace. Oh that the Lord, that was pierced with many thorns, might soon be crowned with many crowns! Praying that you and your sister may both be saved, I am, your friend in the gospel, etc.