Letter 538

Mr. Heath has need of abundance of faith and patience. He is in a very unpleasing situation. But this I am determined on; he shall not want, as long as I have either money or credit. He is a truly pious and a very amiable man: His wife and children are cast in the same mould. I am glad you all showed him, while he was in London, the respect which he well deserves.

As the work of God increases in so many parts both of England and Ireland, it would be strange if there were no increase of it in London; especially while all the Preachers are of one mind, and speak the same thing. Only do not forget strongly and explicitly to urge the believers to “go on to perfection.” When this is constantly and earnestly done, the word is always clothed with power.

Truly I claim no thanks for loving and esteeming Betsy Briggs; for I cannot help it. And I shall be in danger of quarrelling with you, if you ever love her less than you do now. Peace be with all your spirits! I am

Your affectionate friend and brother.

DXXXVIII. — To Mr. Charles Perronet.

DEAR CHARLES, LONDON, December 28, 1774.

CERTAINLY there is nothing amiss in the desire to do something for a good Master; only still adding, (in this, as in all things else,) “Yet not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

If we could once bring all our Preachers, itinerant and local, uniformly and steadily to insist on those two points, “Christ dying for us,” and “Christ reigning in us,” we should shake the trembling gates of hell. I think most of them are now exceeding clear herein, and the rest come nearer and nearer; especially since they have read Mr. Fletcher’s Checks, which have removed many difficulties out of the way.