To Mrs. Elizabeth Bennis
But neither can I put the saving of trouble in competition with the saving of souls.
I am, my dear brethren,
Your affectionate brother.
—————
CCCCIV. — To Mrs. Elizabeth Bennis, of Limerick.
MY DEAR SISTER, PEMBROKE, August 23, 1763.
YOU did well to write; this is one of the means which God generally uses to convey either light or comfort: Even while you are writing you will often find relief; frequently, while we propose a doubt, it is removed. There is no doubt but what you at first experienced was a real foretaste of the blessing, although you were not properly possessed of it till the Whit-Sunday following. But it is very possible to cast away the gift of God, or to lose it by little and little; though I trust this is not the case with you: And yet you may frequently be in heaviness, and may find your love to God not near so warm at some times as it is at others. Many wanderings, likewise, and many deficiencies, are consistent with pure love; but the thing you mean is, the abiding witness of the Spirit touching this very thing. And this you may boldly claim, on the warrant of that word, “We have received the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things which are freely given to us of God.”
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, MANCHESTER, March 29, 1766.
ONE of our Preachers has lately advanced a new position among us, — that there is no direct or immediate witness of sanctification, but only a perception or consciousness that we are changed, filled with love, and cleansed from sin. But, if I understand you right, you find a direct testimony that you are a child of God.
Now, certainly, if God has given you this light, he did not intend that you should hide it under a bushel. “It is good to conceal the secrets of a King; but it is good to tell the loving-kindness of the Lord.” Every one ought to declare what God has done for his soul, and that with all simplicity: Only care is to be taken to declare to several persons that part of our experience which they are severally able to bear; and some parts of it, to such alone as are upright and simple of heart.
One reason why those who are saved from sin should freely declare it to believers is, because nothing is a stronger incitement to them to seek after the same blessing. And we ought, by every possible means, to press every serious believer to forget the things which are behind, and with all earnestness go on to perfection. Indeed, if they are not thirsting after this, it is scarce possible to keep what they have: They can hardly retain any power of faith, if they are not panting after holiness.
A thousand infirmities are consistent, even with the highest degree of holiness; which is in other than pure love, an heart devoted to God; one design and one desire. Then, whatever is done, either in word or deed, may be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Press after all the residue of the promises.
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LEEDS, August 14, 1766.
ALTHOUGH I am at present exceedingly hurried with various business, yet love constrains me to write a few lines. Your letters are always welcome to me, as the picture of an honest and affectionate heart.
What you say concerning the witness of the Spirit is agreeable to all sound experience. We may, in some measure, be satisfied without it, in the time of broad sunshine; but it is absolutely necessary in the time of clouds, and heaviness, and temptation; otherwise it would be hardly possible to hold fast your confidence.
Beware of voluntary humility: Even this may create a snare. In the “Thoughts on Christian Perfection,” and in the “Farther Thoughts,” you have the genuine experience of the adult children of God. Oppose that authority to the authority of any that contradict, (if reason and Scripture are disregarded,) and look daily for a deeper and fuller communion with God. O what is it to walk in the light, as He is in the light! Do not cease to pray for
Your truly affectionate brother.
CCCCVII. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER BENNIS, DUBLIN, July 25, 1767.
WHEN you write to me, you have only to “think aloud,” just to open the window in your breast. When we love one another, there is no need of either disguise or reserve. I love you, and I verily believe you love me: So you have only to write just what you feel.
The essential part of Christian holiness is giving the heart wholly to God; and certainly we need not lose any degree of that light and love which at first attend this: It is our own infirmity, if we do; it is not the will of the Lord concerning us. Your present business is, not to reason whether you
should call your experience thus or thus; but to go straight to Him that loves you, with all your wants, how great or how many soever they are. Then all things are ready; help, while you ask, is given. You have only to receive it by simple faith. Nevertheless, you will still be encompassed with numberless infirmities; for you live in a house of clay, and therefore this corruptible body will, more or less, press down the soul, yet not so as to prevent your rejoicing evermore, and having a witness that your heart is all His. You may claim this: It is yours; for Christ is yours. Believe, and feel him near.
My dear sister, adieu.
Yours affectionately.
CCCCVIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER, CORK, May 30, 1769.
SOME years since, I was inclined to think that none who had once enjoyed and then lost the pure love of God must ever look to enjoy it again till they were just stepping into eternity. But experience has taught us better things: We have at present numerous instances of those who had cast away that unspeakable blessing, and now enjoy it in a larger measure than ever. And why should not this be your case? Because you are unworthy? So were they. Because you have been an unfaithful steward? So had they been also; yet God healed them freely: And so he will you, only do not reason against him. Look for nothing in yourself but sin and unworthiness. Forget yourself.
Worthy is the Lamb, and he has prevailed for you. You shall not die, but live; live all the life of heaven on earth. You need nothing in order to this but faith; and who gives this? He that standeth at the door. I hope to see you at Limerick on Monday next; and I pray, let there never more be any reserve between you and
Your truly affectionate, etc.
CCCCIX. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER, DUBLIN, July 24, 1769.
IF the reading over your papers has no other effect, this it certainly has, it makes me love you abundantly better than I did before: I have now a more intimate knowledge of you; I enter more into your spirit, your tempers, and hopes, and fears, and desires; all which tends to endear you to me. It is plain, one of your constant enemies, and the most dangerous of all, is evil reasoning. Accordingly, the thing which you chiefly want is Christian simplicity. Brother Bourke and you should carefully watch over each other in that respect, and let each deal faithfully with the other; let there be no reserve between you; encourage one another, also to pray for and expect the continual and direct witness of the Spirit. My dear friend, remember Yours affectionately, etc.
CCCCX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, September 18, 1769.
I WROTE a longer letter to you than I usually do, before I set out from Dublin: Where or how it stopped, I cannot imagine. I think of you everyday; indeed, I do not know that I ever loved you so well as since I was at Limerick last. The more we are acquainted with each other, the more we ought to love one another.
I hope brother Bourke and you faithfully endeavor to help each other on. Is your own soul all alive; all devoted to God? Do you find again what you found once? And are you active for God? Remember, you have work to do in your Lord’s vineyard; and the more you help others, the more your soul will prosper.
I am, my dear sister,
Yours affectionately, etc.
CCCCXI. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER, WHITEHAVEN, April 12, 1770.
IF two or three letters have miscarried, all will not; so I am determined to write again. How does the work of God go on at Limerick? Does the select society meet constantly? And do you speak freely to each other? What Preachers are with you now? Do you converse frankly and openly with them, without any shyness or reserve? Do you find your own soul prosper? Do you hold fast what God has given you? Do you give Him all your heart? And do you find the witness of this abiding with you? One who is now in the house with me has not lost that witness one moment for these ten years. Why should you lose it any more? Are not the gifts of God without repentance? Is He not willing to give always what he gives once? Lay hold, lay hold on all the promises.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, YARM, June, 13, 1770.
JUST now we have many persons all over England that are exactly in the state you describe. They were some time since renewed in love, and did then rejoice evermore; but after a few years, months, or weeks, they were moved from their steadfastness: Yet several of these have within a few months recovered all they had lost, and some with increase; being far more established than ever they were before. And why may it not be so with you? The rather, because you do not deny or doubt of the work which God did work in you; and that by simple faith. Surely you should be everyday expecting the same free gift; and He will not deceive your hope. If you can guard brother S. against pride, and the applause of well-meaning people, he will be a happy man, and an useful laborer. I hope brother M. has not grown cold. Stir up the gift of God which is in you!
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXIII. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER, ASHBY, July 27, 1770.
WILL YOU ever find in yourself anything but unfitness? Otherwise your salvation would be of works, not of grace. But you are frequently sick of a bad disease, — evil reasoning; which hinders both your holiness and happiness: You want the true Christian simplicity, which is indeed the highest wisdom. Nothing is more clear, according to the plain Bible account, than sanctification; pure love reigning in the heart and life. And nothing is more plain than the necessity of this, in order to feel happiness here and hereafter. Check all reasoning concerning these first principles, else you will exceedingly darken your soul; and go on denying yourself, and taking up your cross, until you
Sink into perfection’s height,
The depth of humble love.
Still draw near to the fountain by simple faith, and take all you want; but be not slothful in your Lord’s vineyard.
My dear sister,
Yours affectionately.
CCCCXIV. — To the Same.
My Dear Sister, Limerick, May 15, 1771.
WHENEVER there is a dependence, though frequently secret and unobserved, on any outward thing, it is the mercy of God which disappoints us of our hope, that we may be more sensibly convinced, “neither is he that planteth anything, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase.”
From time to time you must find many difficulties and perplexities that none but God can clear. But can He clear them? That is enough. Then He surely will. This is the very use of that anointing which we have from God. It is to teach us of all things, to clear up a thousand doubts and perplexities which no human wisdom could do. This was given you in the case of your child; and when that came, temptation spake not again. This is never more needful than with regard to anger; because there is an anger which is not sinful, a disgust at sin which is often attended with much commotion of the animal spirits; and I doubt whether we can well distinguish this from sinful anger, but by that light from heaven. I really hope J. C. will do well: Within these two years he is improved exceedingly.
If our sisters miss you any more, there is but one way, — you must go or send after them. Be not idle; neither give way to voluntary humility. You were not sent to Waterford for nothing; but to “strengthen the things that remain.”
It would be a strange thing if I should pass a day without praying for you: By this means at least we may reach each other; and there may be a still increasing union between you and
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, DUBLIN, July 20, 1771.
I AM much pleased to hear so good an account of J. C. If I was resolved to understand all God’s dispensations, I should embrace his opinion: Because it in a manner accounts for some things which otherwise are unaccountable. But this I do not expect: I am content to understand exceeding little, while I am in the body. What He does, I know not now: It is enough that I shall know hereafter. Our business now is to love and obey: Knowledge is reserved for eternity. My chief objection to Milton’s doctrine of election is, that I cannot reconcile it to the words of St. Peter, which manifestly
refer to the eternal state of men: “God is no respecter of persons.” Now, how can we allow this, if we believe he places one man, as it were, suspended between heaven and hell, while he fixes another, ere ever he is born, under an absolute impossibility of missing heaven? I am well pleased you see some reason to hope well of Mr. T. Speak closely to him. He has a strong, cultivated understanding, and would make a shining Christian. If he continues serious, he will not long be pleased with his former company: They will grow tasteless, nay, irksome. It is not material whether this or that infirmity or defect be consistent with this or that gift of God. Without reasoning about this, it is your part simply to spread all your wants before Him who loves you; and He will richly supply them all!
Your ever affectionate brother.
CCCCXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, RYE, October 28, 1771.
IT is no wonder that finite cannot measure infinite; that man cannot comprehend the ways of God. There always will be something incomprehensible, something like Himself, in all his dispensations. We must therefore be content to be ignorant, until eternity opens our understanding; particularly with regard to the reasons of His acting thus or thus. These we shall be acquainted with when in Abraham’s bosom. As thinking is the act of an embodied spirit, playing upon a set of material keys, it is not strange that the soul can make but ill music when her instrument is out of tune. This is frequently the case with you; and the trouble and anxiety you then feel are a natural effect of the disordered machine, which proportionably disorders the mind. But this is not all: As long as you have to wrestle not only with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers, wise as well as powerful, will they not serve themselves of every bodily weakness to increase the distress of the soul? But let them do as they may; let our frail bodies concur with subtle and
malicious spirits; yet see that you cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Whereunto you have attained, hold fast; and when you feel the roughest and strongest assault, when the enemy comes in like a flood, do not reason, do not (in one sense) fight with him; but sink down in the presence of your Lord, and simply look up, telling him, “Lord, I cannot help myself; I have neither wisdom nor strength for this war; but I am thine, I am all thine: Undertake for me: Let none pluck me out of thine hands. Keep that safe which is committed to thee, and preserve it unto that day.”
I am in great hopes, if we live until another Conference, J. C. will be useful as a Travelling Preacher: So would J. M. if he had courage to break through. However, I am pleased he exercises himself a little: Encourage him. I wish you would lend Mrs. Dawson the Appeals: Take them from the Book-Room, and present them to her in my name. Go yourself: For I wish you to be acquainted with her. I believe they will satisfy her about the Church. She halts just as I did many years ago. Be not shy towards brother C.: He is an upright man. Sister L. is already doing good in Clonmell. Do you correspond with her?
Your affectionate.
CCCCXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, CANTERBURY, December 3, 1771.
I DID believe brother C. would be of use to you, and you may be of use to him: Speak to each other without reserve, and then you will seldom meet in vain. Thrust him out to visit the whole society, (not only those that can give him meat and drink,) from house to house, according to the plan laid down in the Minutes of Conference: Then he will soon see the fruit of his labor. I hope he is not ashamed to preach full salvation, receivable now by faith. This is the word which God will always bless, and which the devil peculiarly hates; therefore he is constantly stirring up both his own children and the weak children of God against it.
All that God has already given you, hold fast. But expect to see greater things than these.
Your affectionate.
CCCCXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LIVERPOOL, March 31, 1772.
YOU did well to break through and converse with Mrs. D——. There is no doubt but she has living faith; but, not having opportunity to converse with believers, she cannot express herself with that clearness that our friends do: Cultivate the acquaintance. Now, lay before her, by way of promise, the whole Christian salvation: She will quickly see the desirableness of it. You may then lend her the “Plain Account of Christian Perfection.” She will not be frightened, but rather encouraged, at hearing it is possible to attain what her heart longs for. While you are thus feeding God’s lambs, he will lead you into rich pastures.
I do not wonder you should meet with trials: It is by these your faith is made perfect. You will find many things, both in your heart and in your life, contrary to the perfection of the Adamic law; but it does not follow that they are contrary to the law of love: Let this fill your heart, and it is enough. Still continue active for God. Remember, a talent is entrusted to you: See that you improve it: He does not like a slothful steward. Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, YARM, June 16, 1772.
AS often as you can, I request you will converse personally or by letter with Mrs. D.: Her heart is much united to you; and I believe you are particularly called to be useful to those whom the riches or the grandeur of this world keep at a distance from the pure word of God. When you are at Waterford, see that you be not idle there. You should gather up and meet a
band immediately. If you would also meet a class or two, it would be so much the better: You know, the more labor the more blessing. Nothing is sin, strictly speaking, but a voluntary transgression of a known law of God. Therefore, every voluntary breach of the law of love is sin; and nothing else, if we speak properly. To strain the matter farther is only to make way for Calvinism. There may be ten thousand wandering thoughts, and forgetful intervals, without any breach of love, though not without transgressing the Adamic law. But Calvinists would fain confound these together. Let love fill your heart, and it is enough! Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, August 31, 1772.
MY health is not worse, but rather better. Your account of the society in Waterford is pleasing. Continue to exercise your talent amongst them, and you will be a gainer by it. You need not dispute or reason about the name which belongs to the state you are in. You know what you have: Be thankful for it. You know what you want, — zeal, liveliness, stability, deliverance from wandering imaginations. Well then, ask, and they shall be given. The way into the holiest is open through the blood of Jesus. You have free access through Him.
To Him your every want
In instant prayer display;
Pray always, pray and never faint,
Pray, without ceasing pray!
See, help, while yet you ask, is given!
I am, dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXI. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER, COLCHESTER, November 3, 1772.
YOUR time was well bestowed at Waterford: Many, I doubt not, will remember it with thankfulness. But why this want of discipline in Limerick? Wherever this is dropped, all is confusion: See that it be immediately restored. Captain Webb is now in Dublin: Invite him to visit Limerick: He is a man of fire, and the power of God constantly accompanies his word. Speak a little to as many as you can; go among them, to their houses; speak in love, and discord will vanish. It is hardly possible for you to comfort or strengthen others, without some comfort returning into your own bosom.
It is probable I shall visit Ireland in the spring, though I am almost a disabled soldier. I am forbid to ride, and am obliged to travel mostly in a carriage.
You have need to stir up the gift of God that is in you. Light will spring up. Why not now? Is not the Lord at hand?
I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXII. — To the Same.
DEAR SISTER BENNIS, SHOREHAM, December 16, 1772.
THE plan which you mention, I prefer to any other, and have written to put it in practice immediately.
I think you make most of your trials by unbelief and giving too much way to reasoning. Do not stop to reason with the adversary, but flee to the Strong for more strength, which, by asking, you will receive. Be diligent in helping others. I hope you visit Mrs. D—— frequently. Let not your talent rust, but see to gain a double interest. You work for a generous
Master. Fight on, and conquer all! Joy you shall have, if joy be best. My dear sister, adieu.
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, February 12, 1773.
WHEN we draw near to God in his appointed ways, he will surely draw near to us. Pray remind Mr. G—— of using the same means: Then he and you will find the same blessing. Write to Waterford to brother S——, and encourage him to do there as he did at Limerick.
I can observe, by Mrs. D——’s manner of writing, a very considerable change in her spirit; more acquaintance with God; more humility, and more artless, simple love. I am much pleased that you visit so frequently. Continue to lead the simple, and God will give you more wisdom. As long as you trust, not in yourself, but in Him that has all power in heaven and in earth, you will find his grace sufficient for you, and his strength made perfect in your weakness. Look to him continually, and trust in him, that you may increase with all the increase of God. I am, my dear sister,
Your ever affectionate brother.
CCCCXXIV. — To the Same.
April 1, 1773.
I FEAR you are too idle: This will certainly bring condemnation. Up and be doing! Do not loiter. See that your talent rust not: Rather let it gain ten more; and it will, if you use it.
You are permitted to be in heaviness, to humble and prove you yet more. Then you shall come forth as gold. If you love me, you will both write and speak freely to,
My dear sister,
Your affectionate.
CCCCXXV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, September 10, 1773.
WHEN two or three agree to seek God by fasting and prayer, it cannot be that their labor should be in vain. Especially if they add their endeavors to their prayers for the increase of the work of God. I hope you will encourage every Preacher to visit the whole society in order, from house to house: Dinner, or drinking tea, does not answer the same intention. This may and ought to be done over and above.
I thought you had been in more danger of being hurt by worldly abundance than worldly care. But we cannot stand under either one or the other, unless we be endued with power from on high; and that continually, from hour to hour, or rather from moment to moment. Yet distress is not sin: We may be grieved, and still resigned. And this is acceptable with God. In all these cases, you should remember that observation, never to be let slip, —
“With even mind, thy course of duty run:
God nothing does, or suffers to be done,
But thou wouldst do thyself, if thou couldst see
The end of all events, as well as He!”
My dear sister, adieu.
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, SHEERNESS, December 1, 1773.
SOME time since, when I heard brother Bennis had got very rich, I was in fear for you, lest the world should again find a way into your heart, and damp your noblest affections. I am not sorry that you have not that temptation. It is most desirable, to have neither poverty nor riches; but still you cannot be without temptation, unless you would go out of the world. How far that sudden emotion which you speak of is a preternatural dart from Satan, and how far it springs from your own heart, it is exceeding hard to judge. It is possible it may be neither one nor the other, but a mere effect of the natural mechanism of the body, which has no more of good or evil than blushing or turning pale. But whether it be natural or preternatural, it is grievous to one whose conscience is tender. We may therefore undoubtedly pray against it. And surely He can and will deliver us. Come therefore boldly to the throne of grace, and find grace to help in time of need.
You will find full employment in Waterford: I believe that society wants your exertions. See therefore that you be not weary of well-doing. I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXVII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, January 18, 1774.
A WILL steadily and uniformly devoted to God is essential to a state of sanctification; but not a uniformity of joy, or peace, or happy communion with God. These may rise and fall in various degrees; nay, and may be affected either by the body or by diabolical agency, in a manner which all our wisdom can neither understand nor prevent. As to wanderings, you would do right well to consider the sermon on Wandering Thoughts: You might likewise profit by Elizabeth Harper’s Journal, whose experience much resembled yours, only she was more simple: And you may learn
from her to go straight to God, as a little child, and tell him all your troubles, and hindrances, and doubts; and desire him to turn them all to good. You are not sent to Waterford to be useless. Stir up the gift of God which is in you; gather together those that have been scattered abroad, and make up a band, if not a class or two. Your best way would be to visit from house to house. By this means you can judge of their conduct and dispositions in domestic life, and may have opportunity to speak to the young of the family. By motion you will contract warmth; by imparting life, you will increase it in yourself.
As to the circumstance mentioned in the postscript of your last, I should think you would do well to exert yourself in that matter as much as possible. It will be a cross: Take up that cross; bear your cross, and it will bear you; and if you do it with a single eye, it will be no loss to your soul. I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
CCCCXXVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, March 1, 1774.
ELIZABETH HARPER was frequently in clouds too; and in that case it is the best way to stand still: You can do nothing but simply tell all your wants to Him that is both able and willing to supply them.
I enclose James Perfect’s letter, on purpose that you may talk with him. He has both an honest heart and a good understanding; but you entirely mistake his doctrine. He preaches salvation by faith in the same manner that my brother and I have done; and as Mr. Fletcher (one of the finest writers of the age) has beautifully explained it. None of us talk of being accepted for our works: That is the Calvinist slander. But we all maintain, we are not saved without works; that works are a condition (though not the meritorious cause) of final salvation. It is by faith in the righteousness and blood of Christ that we are enabled to do all good works; and it is for the sake of these that all who fear God and work righteousness are accepted of Him.
It is far better for our people not to hear Mr. Hawksworth. Calvinism will do them no good. As to the rest, I refer to my enclosure to Mr. M., with whom I wish you to have some conversation. Be not discouraged: I really believe God will visit poor Waterford in love. Do you go on. Bear up the hands that hang down; by faith and prayer support the tottering knee; reprove, encourage. Have you appointed any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace, and persevere therein, and mercy will come down.
I am
Yours, etc.
CCCCXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LEEDS, May 2, 1774.
UNTIL Mr. Hill and his associates puzzled the cause, it was as plain as plain could be. The Methodists always holden, and have declared a thousand times, the death of Christ is the meritorious cause of our salvation, that is, of pardon, holiness, and glory; loving, obedient faith is the condition of glory. This Mr. Fletcher has so illustrated and confirmed, as I think scarcely any one has done before since the Apostles. When Mr. W. wrote me a vehement letter concerning the abuse he had received from the young men in Limerick, and his determination to put them all out of the society, if they did not acknowledge their fault; I much wondered what could be the matter, and only wrote him word, “I never put any out of our society for anything they say of me.” You are come in good time to make peace. Go on, and prosper.
Your ever affectionate.
CCCCXXX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, December 21, 1776.
YOU are a great deal less happy than you would be, if you did not reason too much. This frequently gives that subtle adversary an advantage against you. You have need to be continually as a little child, simply looking up for whatever you want.
It is devoutly to be wished for, that we may rejoice evermore; and it is certain, the inward kingdom of God implies not only righteousness and peace, but joy in the Holy Ghost. You have therefore reason to ask for, and expect, the whole Gospel blessing. Yet it cannot be denied that many times joy is withholden, even from them that walk uprightly. The great point of all is, a heart and a life entirely devoted to God. Keep only this, and let all the rest go: Give Him your heart, and it sufficeth. I am, my dear sister,
Your ever affectionate brother.
—————
CCCCXXXI. — To Miss Bosanquet, afterwards Mrs. Fletcher. MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, August 16, 1767.
SO the Lord has chastened and corrected you; but he hath not given you over unto death. It is your part to stand ready continually for whatever He shall call you to. Everything is a blessing, a means of holiness, as long as you can clearly say, “Lord, do with me and mine what thou wilt, and when thou wilt, and how thou wilt.”
Undoubtedly she was (and so was I) in the third stage of a consumption. And Physicians have long since agreed that this is not curable by any natural means. But what signifies this in the sight of God? As,