To Mis Jane Hilton
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CCCLXXI. — To Miss Jane Hilton, afterwards Mrs. Barton, of Beverley. MY DEAR SISTER, YORK, July 22, 1766.
SEE that you stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free. You need never more be entangled either with pride, or anger, or desire of any creature. Christ is yours; all is yours. O be all His, and admit no rival into your heart! But above all, beware of unbelief. Beware of the reasoning devil. In every cloud, or shadow of doubt, look up; and help, while yet you ask, is given. All you want is ready! Only believe! I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother in Christ.
I hope your health is better.
CCCLXXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, YORK, June 25, 1768.
YOUR conversation gave me much satisfaction. I rejoiced to find that you were sensible of your loss, and determined, by the grace of God, never to rest till you had recovered all which you once enjoyed. Nay, and you will recover it with increase; you will find a deeper communion with God, and a more full self-devotion than ever. An earnest of this was given you the other day. Hold that fast, and continually expect the rest. How did you find yourself on Thursday morning? Had you not again a taste of the great salvation? And how have you been since? Are you still happy in God; and resolved not to rest, till you are all devoted to Him? See that you do not fall again into evil reasonings! Be simple before God. Continue instant in prayer; and watch against whatever you know, by experience, to be a weight upon your mind. How soon may you then have your whole desire! How soon may your heart be all love! Why not now? All things are ready: Only believe! And speak freely to
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, GUISELEY, July 1, 1768.
YOU must now expect temptations. Perhaps they will assault you on every side; for all the powers of hell are enraged at you, and will use every art to move you from your steadfastness. But He that is for you is greater than all that are against you: Only beware of evil reasoning! Hang simply on Him that loves you, and whom you love; just as a little helpless child. Christ is yours, all yours: That is enough. Lean your whole soul upon Him! Do you find a witness in yourself, that He has cleansed your heart? Do you feel this always? And have you a constant sense of the loving presence of God? You never need lose anything that God has given, so you keep close to Him. Be little and mean in your own eyes, glorying only in the Lord. And do not cease to pray for
Your affectionate brother.
You may direct to me at Epworth, near Thorne, Yorkshire. It is a pity but you should now read the “Plain Account of Christian Perfection,” (I suppose you may get it at Hull,) and the First Epistle of St. John.
CCCLXXIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, EPWORTH, July 13, 1768.
COMING here this afternoon, I found your welcome letter. I would have you write as often as you can. For you have need of every possible help; inasmuch as your grace is as yet young and tender, and all the powers of darkness are at work to move you from your steadfastness. But it is enough that Christ is yours: And He is wiser and stronger than all the powers of hell. Hang upon Him, and you are safe: Lean on Him with the whole weight of your soul. Do you find now as clear an evidence of the
invisible as of the visible world? And are your thoughts continually fixed on the God of your salvation? Do you pray without ceasing? Does He preserve you even in your dreams? Hold fast what you have, and look for more: For there is no end of his goodness.
Mr. Robertshaw is to stay with you another year; and doubt not, the Lord will stay with you for ever. Think always of Him; and think sometimes of Your affectionate brother.
Tomorrow I go hence: But I expect to be here again next week, and to stay here till Monday se’nnight.
CCCLXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, August 20, 1768.
I WRITE often, because I know you are yet weak and tender, and in need of every help. I am not sorry that you have trials: They are intended to show you your own helplessness; and to give you a fuller confidence in Him who has all power in heaven and earth. You have reason to cast all your care upon Him; for He has dealt bountifully with you. When any trial comes, see that you do not look to the thing itself; but immediately look unto Jesus. Reason not upon it, but believe. See the hand of God in Shimei’s tongue. If you want advice in any point, write to me without delay. And, mean time, stay your whole soul upon Him who will never leave you nor forsake you. Tell Him simply all you fear, all you feel, all you want.
Pour out your soul into His bosom. Do you feel no pride, no anger, no desire? You will feel temptations to all: And the old deceiver will tell you again and again, “That is pride, that is anger!” But regard him not. And cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. Your affectionate brother.
I am to spend a month or two in and near Bristol.
CCCLXXVI. — To the Same.
BRISTOL, September 30, 1768.
YOU, as it were, ask my advice. But I know nothing of the matter: You should have spoken to me when I saw you. Is the person a believer? Is he a Methodist? Is he a member of our society? Is he clear with regard to the doctrine of perfection? Is he athirst for it? If he fails in any of these particulars, I fear he would be a hindrance to you, rather than a help. Was not inordinate affection for him one cause of your losing the pure love of God before? If it was, you have a great reason to be afraid lest it should again rob you of that pearl. Has it not already? Have you all the life you had two months ago? Is your soul still all love? Speak freely to Your affectionate brother
CCCLXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, October 8, 1768.
YOU need never be afraid “of wearying my patience,” unless it be by your silence. There is no danger of your writing too often. I can easily believe, the description you give is just: Therefore, there are only two particulars remaining: First, Have you both the consent of your parents? Without this, there is seldom a blessing. Secondly, Is he able to keep you? I mean, in such a manner as you have lived hitherto. Otherwise, remember! “When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window.” Do you find as much as ever of the spirit of prayer, and of continual watchfulness? Are you always sensible of the presence of God? in the greatest hurry of business? Have you power over wandering thoughts? Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, November 26, 1768.
THERE seems to have been a particular providence in Hannah Harrison’s coming to Beverley, especially at that very time when a peace-maker was so much wanting: And it was a pledge that God will withhold from you no manner of thing that is good.
The words of our Lord himself show us, what we are to expect from “those of our own household.” But all this, likewise, shall be for good. “It is given to you to suffer” for Him: And all will turn to your profit, that you may be more largely a partaker of his holiness.
Do you feel, when you are tried in a tender point, no temper contrary to love? Grief there may be: But is there no resentment or anger? Do you feel invariable calmness of spirit? Do you perceive nothing but pity and tender goodwill, both at the time and afterwards?
Write to me of the trials you meet with. You may always direct to London, and the letter will come safe. Expect more faith and love daily. Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, March 1, 1769.
I REJOICE that I have confidence in you in all things. I believe you do not willingly lose any opportunity of speaking for a good Master. I apprehend you should particularly encourage the believers to give up all to God; and to expect the power whereby they will be enabled so to do, everyday, and every moment. I hope none of your Preachers speak against this; but rather press all the people forward.
Do you now feel anything like anger, or pride, or self-will, or any remains of the carnal mind? Was your second deliverance wrought while I was at
Beverley? at the time of the Sermon, or after it? You did not tell me, in what manner you found the change; and whether it has continued without; any intermission from that moment. Certainly there never need be any decay: There never will, if you continue watching unto prayer. Continue to pray for
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LISBURN, April 9, 1769.
I THANK brother Barton for his letter. Both of you have now more need than ever continually to watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation. There will be a great danger of so cleaving to each other, as to forget God; or of being so taken up with a creature, as to abate your hunger and thirst after righteousness. There will be a danger likewise of whiling away time; of not improving it to the uttermost; of spending more of it than needs, in good sort of talk with each other, which yet does not quicken your souls. If you should once get into a habit of this, it will be exceeding hard to break it off. Therefore you should now attend to every step you take, that you may begin as you hope to hold on to the end. And beware you are not entangled with worldly care, any more than worldly desire. Be careful for nothing; but in everything make your request known to God, with thanksgiving
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, September 9, 1769.
NOW I understand you well; but I did not understand you before: I thought you meant, that you had not now the love that you had once. I am glad to find that I was mistaken; and that you still retain that precious gift of God. Undoubtedly, you may retain it always; yea, and with a continual increase. You may have a deeper and deeper fellowship with the Father, and with
his Son Jesus Christ. You may have more and more of the mind which was in him, and be more fully renewed in His likeness. You should send me word, from time to time, what your present experience and your present trials are. Peace be with your spirits!
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, NORWICH, November 1, 1769.
HAVE you been tried with bodily weakness, or with outward afflictions? If with the latter, have you found a deliverance from them? It is certain, in every temptation He will make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. When you are tempted, it is an unspeakable blessing that there is nothing in your heart which joins with the temptation. And there never need be more: The enemy is thrust out, and cannot re-enter, if you continue to watch and pray. Continue likewise to be useful in your generation: As you have time, do good to all men. Snatch all the opportunities you can of speaking a word to any of your neighbors. Comfort the afflicted; support the weak; exhort the believers to go on unto perfection. Never be weary in well-doing: In due time you shall reap, if you faint not.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, December 24, 1769.
SOME of the trials which you must frequently have are of a delicate nature. You will need much of the wisdom from above, or you would suffer loss under them. Those who are very near to you, were (and probably are still) prejudiced against William Fallowfield beyond all sense and reason. And how extremely difficult it is for you, not to drink in a little of their spirit!
Only, what is ill-will in them, may in you be a simple error of judgment. Yet there is danger lest it should weaken your soul, and insensibly lead you to some wrong temper.
I believe you may speak without reserve to brother Howard. He is a cool, thinking man. But does he preach Christian perfection clearly and explicitly? Which of your other Preachers does?
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, TEWKESBURY, March 15, 1770.
I REJOICE to hear that you stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; and the more, because, although many taste of that heavenly gift, deliverance from inbred sin, yet so few, so exceeding few, retain it one year; hardly one in ten; nay, one in thirty. Many hundreds in London were made partakers of it, within sixteen or eighteen months: But I doubt whether twenty of them are now as holy and as happy as they were. And hence, others had doubted whether God intended that salvation to be enjoyed long. That many have it for a season, that they allow; but are not satisfied that any retain it always. Shall not you, for one? You will, if you watch and pray, and continue hanging upon Him. Then you will always give matter of rejoicing to
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, May 8, 1770.
TWO things are certain: The one, that it is possible to lose even the pure love of God; the other, that it is not necessary, it is not unavoidable; it may be lost, but it may be kept. Accordingly, we have some, in every part of the kingdom, who have never been moved from their steadfastness. And
from this moment you need never be moved: His grace is sufficient for you. But you must continue to grow, if you continue to stand; for no one can stand still. And is it not your Lord’s will concerning you, that you should daily receive a fresh increase of love? And see that you labor so much the more, to comfort the feeble-minded, to support the weak, to confirm the wavering, and recover them that are out of the way. In June I hope to see you. Peace be with your spirits!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCLXXXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, NORWICH, November 5, 1770.
FOR many years I had a kind of scruple with regard to praying for temporal things. But three or four years ago I was thoroughly persuaded that scruple was unnecessary. Being then straitened much, I made it matter of prayer; and I had an immediate answer. It is true, we can only ask onward blessings with reserve: “If this is best; if it be thy will:” And in this manner we may certainly plead the promise, — “All these things shall be added unto you.”
I hope the little debates which were some time since in the society at Beverley are at an end; and that you all now continue in love, and bear one another’s burdens. You had, for a long time, a hard part to act between the contending parties: But as God preserved you from anger and from a party-spirit, you suffered no loss thereby. Beware of suffering loss from another quarter, from worldly care. This is a dangerous enemy. You had need steadily to cast your care on Him that careth for you. To Him I commit you and yours; and am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, February 21, 1772.
I BELIEVE you will never willingly give me pain. You will give me pleasure as long as you are pressing on to the mark; ready to do, and patient to suffer, the whole will of God. You cannot be separated from the people till you are removed into Abraham’s bosom. In order to make your continuance with them the easier, I hope Mr. Thompson has now fixed the class as I directed. He is a good Preacher, and a good man; though liable to mistake, or he would be more than man.
Can you still give God your whole heart? Is He always present with you? Have these trials weakened or strengthened your faith? Have you a clear evidence that you are saved from sin? See that you strengthen each other’s hands, and press on to the mark together!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, December 18, 1772.
IT is a little thing to trust God as far as we can see Him; so far as the way lies open before us. But to trust in Him when we are hedged in on every side, and can see no way to escape, this is good and acceptable with God. This is the faith of Abraham our father; and, by the grace of God, this is your faith!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCLXXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, January 21, 1773.
CONSULT with some experienced and sensible person upon every step you take. Concerning removing to Hull, you would do well to consult Thomas Snowdon, or some one that lives there. It would be expedient, too, to take good advice before you enter upon any new business. Everything now is full of uncertainty and danger, during the amazing dearness of provisions. Hence, most people have just money to buy food, and have nothing more to lay out. Yet the promise stands sure, “Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things shall be added unto you.” Yea, surely the Lord will sooner make windows in heaven, than suffer his truth to fail. Peace be with your spirits!
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, October 8, 1774.
IT is exceeding certain that God did give you the second blessing, properly so called. He delivered you from the root of bitterness, from inbred, as well as actual, sin. And at that time you were enabled to give Him all your heart; to rejoice evermore, and to pray without ceasing. Afterwards, He permitted his work to be tried; and sometimes as by fire. For a while you were not moved; but could say in all things, “Good is the will of the Lord.” But it seems you gave way, by little and little, till you were in some measure shorn of your strength. What have brother Barton and you to do, but to arise at once, and shake yourselves from the dust? Stir up the gift of God that is in you! Look unto Him that is mighty to save! Is He not able, in every sense, to turn your captivity? He has not forgotten to be gracious; neither will He shut up his loving-kindness in displeasure. He is a God nigh at hand. Only believe; and help, while yet you ask, is given! Trust in Him, and conquer all.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, December 30, 1774.
ONE observes well, that, in order to judge of the grace which God has given us, we must likewise consider what our temptations are; because a little grace will balance little temptations; but to conquer great temptations, much grace is requisite. Formerly, you had comparatively little temptation: And through His grace, you could rejoice with joy unspeakable. At present, you do not find that joy. No; for you have the temptations which you had not then. You have little children; you have worldly care; and, frequently, a weak body. Therefore, you may have far more grace than you had before, though you have not so much joy; nay, though you should for a time have no joy at all, but sorrow and heaviness; yea, though you should say, with your Master, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” O what a gainer are you by this! when you are enabled to say in the midst of all, “The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” See how He loveth whom he chasteneth! And what is at the end? An eternal weight of glory! It is laid up for you both. Taste of it now. I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, February 19, 1777.
I AM glad to hear that your little society prospers. If they increase in grace, they will increase in number; of which I can have no doubt, if you watch against all jealousies, and continue open and loving to each other. There will be nothing wanting, I am persuaded, on the part of the Preachers. Whenever they speak, they will speak as the oracles of God; with sound speech, which cannot be reproved. And, what is more, the whole tenor of their life is agreeable to their doctrine. Whatever they preach, you will
experience. What you have received is a pledge of what you will receive. For He that loves you will withhold from you no manner of thing that is good.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, July 29, 1777.
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 noway 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 wilt.”
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 H—— 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.
CCCXCIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, November 13, 1778.
I AM glad sister Crosby has been at Beverley, and that you had an opportunity of hearing her. She is useful wheresoever she goes; particularly in exciting believers to go on to perfection. There is frequently something very mysterious in the ways of divine Providence. A little of them we may understand; but much more is beyond our comprehension; and we must be content to say, “What thou doest I
know not now; but I shall know hereafter.” At present it is sufficient for me to know, that all His ways are mercy and truth to them that love Him. Even in these troublous times, there is a very considerable increase of the work of God. Cleave to Him with your whole heart, and you will have more and more reason to praise Him.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, February 11, 1779.
THIS is our comfort, that we know our Lord has all power in heaven and in earth; and that whensoever He willeth to deliver, to do is present with Him. He did indeed very remarkably interpose in your behalf, by raising up those friends in time of need. You have reason to praise Him; and you have reason to trust Him. He will withhold from you no manner of thing that is good.
I am glad to hear that at length there is likely to be a day of visitation even for poor Beverley. If you have two or three that are strong in faith, they will wrestle with God in mighty prayer, and bring down a blessing on all that are round about them.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, November 9, 1779.
IF you continue earnest to save your souls, both of you must expect temptations; and those of various sorts. Sometimes you will be tried by friends, or enemies: Sometimes by one another; at some times perhaps you will be quite out of conceit with each other, and all things will appear
wrong. Then beware of anger; of fretfulness, or peevishness, which maketh the grasshopper a burden. But from all this, the God whom you serve is able to deliver you; yea, and He will deliver you. Trust Him, and praise Him.
I am
Yours affectionately.
CCCXCVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, EDINBURGH, May 19, 1780.
IT is no burden to me to hear from you. Indeed, I had rather, when Providence permits, see you; but that cannot be very often. This summer, after visiting a few places which I have not seen for many years, I must contrive, if it be possible, to spend a little time in London, Bath, and Bristol, before the Conference; so that I do not attempt, in this broken, irregular year, to visit many of the societies. I believe I shall not come any nearer Beverley than York. I am glad to hear so good an account of your Preachers. John Furz is fairly worn-out; he is hardly able to preach at all. If he lives till next year, I expect he will be a Supernumerary. As God begins to visit poor Beverley, you have reason to hope you shall see better days than ever. But you have had as yet little more than the earnest of a shower. But who knows how soon you will see the general blessing? I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, December 9, 1780.
GOD knoweth the way wherein you go; and when you have been tried, you shall come forth as gold. I believe, if you drank nettle-tea, (five or six leaves,) instead of common tea, it would swiftly restore your strength. If a proper application be made to the Magistrates, undoubtedly they will secure the peace. Persecution is more and more out of fashion since King
George came to the throne. But, in the mean time, let prayer be made continually.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCXCIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, November 6, 1781.
I AM always well pleased to hear from you, especially when you tell me that God has dealt well with you. I trust He has yet greater blessings in store for you, and for the little flock at Beverley. I was glad of the little time we had together, and hoped it would not be in vain. I found love to your two little maidens. There is good seed sown in their hearts, which, if it be carefully watered, will probably bring forth fruit to your comfort, and the glory of God. Let your husband and you go on hand in hand, stirring up the gift of God that is in you, and running with resignation and patience the race that is set before you. You have met, and undoubtedly will meet, with manifold temptations: But you have had full proof that God is faithful, who will never suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. O tarry, then, the Lord’s leisure! Be strong, and He shall comfort thy heart. And put thou thy trust in the Lord.
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, DUBLIN, April 23, 1783.
IT has pleased God, for many years, to lead you in a rough and thorny way. But He knoweth the way wherein you go; and when you have been tried, you shall come forth as gold. Every proof you have had of God’s care over you is a reason for trusting him with your children. He will take care of them, whether you are alive or dead; so that; you have no need to
be careful in this matter. You have only, by prayer and supplication, to make your requests known to God; and whenever He sees it will be best for you, He will deliver you out of your captivity. In two or three weeks I hope to be in England again: But it is all one where we are, so we are doing the will of our Lord.
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, July 5, 1783.
LAST month I made a little journey to Holland; from whence I returned yesterday. There is a blessed work at the Hague, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and many other of the principal cities; and in their simplicity of spirit, and plainness of dress, the believers vie with the old English Methodists. In affection they are not inferior to any. It was with the utmost difficulty we could break from them.
I am glad to hear so good an account of my two little maids. I found much love to them when I was at Beverley. Now is the time for them to choose that better part which shall never be taken from them. Now is the time for them to choose whether they will seek happiness in God or in the world. The world never made any one happy; and it is certain it never will. But God will. He says, —
“Love shall from me returns of love obtain;
And none that seek me early seek in vain.”
I am, with love to brother Barton,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, June 11, 1788.
YOU have indeed had a series of trials, one upon the back of another. It is well you know in whom you have believed; otherwise you would have been weary and faint in your mind. For it is not an easy thing always to remember, (then especially when we have most need of it,) that “the Lord loveth whom he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Who could believe it, if He had not told us so himself? It is well that He never fails to give us strength according to our day; and that we know these “light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
I am
Your affectionate brother
—————
CCCCIII. — To the Stewards of the Foundry.
MY DEAR BRETHREN, PEMBROKE, August 6, 1768.
THE thing you mention is of no small concern, and ought not to be determined hastily. Indeed, it would be easy to answer, if we considered only how to save money: But we are to consider also how to save souls. Now, I doubt whether we should act wisely in this respect were we to give up the chapel in Spitalfields. We have no other preaching-place in or near that populous quarter of the town; and a quarter which, upon one account, I prefer before almost any other; namely, that the people in general are more simple, and less confused by any other Preachers. I think, therefore, it would not be well to give up this, if we could gain a thousand pounds thereby. I should look upon it as selling the souls of men for money; which God will give us in due time without this. That many who live near the Foundry would be glad of it, I allow, because it would save them trouble.