LETTER 4

[To a Friend] - 1808.

Dear Sir,

As it respects The Barber, I can speak with confidence It was the first book that ever was attended with light, as well as power, to show me the desperate condition I was in. I had been, convicted, and I believe it was the Spirit of God that convict me; yet I had not light to understand what it meant; and I went on in misery and vexation eighteen years, till this book (whoever likes or dislikes) fell into my hands. I always determined never to read Mr. Huntington's controversial books, lest I should be prejudiced against his preaching; because I was told they were cruel and abusive, and written in a bad spirit. But one night, walking along Oxford Street, I thought I would turn into a bookshop and ask if they had any of Mr. Huntington's works. They replied that they had The Barber and another, both of which I bought, and immediately read. Till then I knew nothing of the spider's web I had been weaving; but that book plainly showed me the difference between the letter and the spirit, the form of godliness and the power. God by it so entangled me with my own deceivings, that I was forced to cry out, "Lord, save, or I perish." Let who will find fault with The Barber or his bad spirit, I will thank God that he should condescend to send that book with such power to my heart, and will pray that the author may be established in his own soul, and blest in all his labours.

Yours faithfully, J. B.

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