I have read your letter, my dear brother, with great pleasure. It is
my highest happiness to see the reign of Jesus Christ extending itself
in the hearts of God's people. An external religion has too much
usurped the place of the religion of the heart. The ancient
saints--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Enoch, Job--lived interiorly with God.
The reign of Christ on earth is nothing more nor less than the
subjection of the whole soul to himself. Alas! the world are opposed
to this reign. Many pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in
Heaven," but they are unwilling to be crucified to the world, and to
their sinful lusts. God designs to bring his children, naturally
rebellious, through the desert of crucifixions--through the temptations
in the wilderness, into the promised land. But how many rebel, and
choose rather to be bond-slaves in Egypt, than suffer the reductions of
their sensual appetite.
Since Jesus Christ appeared on earth, there is a general belief that
the kingdoms of this world will ultimately be subject to his dominion.
But we may ask, who hastens his coming, by now yielding up his own
heart to his entire control?
Our Lord imposed no rigorous ceremonies on his disciples. He taught
them to enter into the closet; to retire within the heart; to speak but
few words; to open their hearts, to receive the descent of the Holy
Spirit.
The holy Sabbath has not only an external, but a deeply spiritual
meaning. It symbolises the rest of the holy soul, in union with God.
Oh! that all Christians might know the coming of Jesus Christ in the
soul! Might live in God, and God in them!
God alone knows how much I love you.