71. - To Mrs. Greenwood.
With respect to what you say of the kingdom not coming with outward pomp, which is discoverable by the men of the world, it is strictly true; but that there is an inward display of power and glory, under Pentecostal Christianity, is undeniable, both from our Lord’s promises to his disciples, and from their experiences, after the kingdom was come to them with power. It is sometimes suggested to me that, as the apostasy hath chiefly consisted in going after the pomp of the whore of Babylon, so that while the woman, who fled into the wilderness, remains there as a widow, she must be deprived even of those true ornaments, and of that spiritual glory which was bestowed upon her on the day of pentecost, the day of her espousals. I do not, however, close in with the suggestion, as I am not sure that it cannot come from Satan transformed into an angel of light to rob me of a bright jewel of my Christian hope. To wait in deep resignation, and with a constant attention to what the Lord will please to do, or say, concerning us, and his Church; and to leave to him the times and the seasons is what I am chiefly called to do; taking care in the meanwhile of falling into either ditch: I mean into speculation, which is careless of action, or into the activity, which is devoid of spirituality. I would not have a lamp without oil, and I could not have oil without a lamp, and a vessel to hold it in for myself, and to communicate it to others.
I thank you, my dear friend, for the books you have sent me. My good wishes attend your brothers. Fare you all well in Christ: so prays, J. FLETCHER.
71. - TO MRS. GREENWOOD.
MADELEY, June 20, 1784.
MY DEAR FRIEND, - I shall never forget the mercy which the living and the dead have showed me; but the sight of Mr. Greenwood in his son, has brought some of my Newington scenes fresh to my remembrance, and I beg leave to convey my tribute of thanks back by his hands. Thanks! thanks! What, nothing but words? Here is my humbling case! I wish to requite your manifold kindness, but I cannot; and so I must be satisfied to be ever your insolvent debtor. Nature and grace do not love it. Proud nature lies uneasy under great obligations; and thankful grace would be glad to put something in the scale opposite to that which you have filled with so many favours. But what shall I put? I wish I could send you all the bank of England, and all the Gospel of Christ; but the first is not mine; and the second is already yours; so praying the Lord Jesus to make up my deficiencies with you, as he has done with his Father, I remain your still unprofitable, and still obliged Lazarus,
J. FLETCHER.
72. - TO MR. JOHN FENNEL.
MADELEY, Nov. 28, 1784.
DEAR JOHN, - I rejoice to hear that you think of a better world, and of the better part, which Mary and your late mother, another Mary, chose before you; may all her prayers, but above all, may the dew of heaven come down upon your soul in solemn thoughts, heavenly desires, and strong resolutions to be the Lord’s, cost what it will. Let the language of your heart and lips be, at any rate, “I will be a follower of Christ; yea, a member of his, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven.” A noble promise this! and of which I have so peculiar a right to put you in mind. But in order to be this happy and holy soul, you must not forget that your Christian name, your Christian vows, and ten thousand reasons beside, bind you to turn your back upon the world, the flesh, and the devil; and to set yourself steadfastly to look to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; to your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.
My dear John, you have no time to lose: we have calls here to the young without end; they die fast. I lately buried two brothers and sisters in the same grave. Be you also ready! I was some nights ago praying for you on my bed, in my sleepless hours, and I asked for you the faith of righteous Abel, the chastity of Joseph, the early piety of Samuel, the right choice of young Solomon, the self denial and abstinence of Daniel, together with the zeal and undaunted courage of his three friends. But above all, I asked that you might follow John the Baptist, and John the apostle, as they followed our Lord. Back, earnestly, constantly back my prayer. So shall you be faithful, diligent, and godly; a blessing to all around you; and a comfort to your affectionate old friend and minister,
J. FLETCHER.