To Mrs. Barton Date: BRISTOL, July 29, 1777. MY DEAR SISTER, It is well that you have learned to say, ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away.' Your child is gone but a little before you. How soon shall we overtake her! It is no way inconsistent with Christian resignation to ask conditionally, ' Let this cup pass from me '; only with the addition,' Nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou writ.' Rapturous joy, such as is frequently given in the beginning of justification or of entire sanctification, is a great blessing; but it seldom continues long before it subsides into calm, peaceful love. I believe, if Miss Hurrell See letter of Oct. 28. were to spend a little time with you, it might be of great use to many. I am, with love to Brother Barton, Your affectionate brother.