To Miss Briggs
DXL. — To Miss Briggs.
MY DEAR BETSY, CHESTER, March 17, 1771.
YOU have great reason to praise Him who has done great things for you already. What you now want is, to come boldly to the throne of grace, that the hunger and thirst after His full image, which God has given you, may be satisfied. Full salvation is nigh, even at the door. Only believe, and it is yours. It is a great blessing that, at your years, you are preserved from seeking happiness in any creature. You need not, seeing Christ is yours! O cleave to Him with your whole heart!
I am, my dear Betsy,
Yours affectionately.
DXLI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, ATHLONE, April 14, 1771.
YOU may be assured that I am always well pleased to hear from you; and that I shall never think your letters too long. Always tell me whatever is in your heart; and the more freely the better. Otherwise, it would be hardly possible to give you the advice you may want from time to time. As soon as you had your armor on, it was fit that it should be proved: So God prepared for you the occasions of fighting, that you might conquer, and might know both your own weakness and His strength. Each day will bring just temptation enough, and power enough to conquer it; and, as one says, “temptations, with distinct deliverances from them, avail much.” The unction of the Holy One is given to believers for this very end, — to enable them to distinguish (which otherwise would be impossible) between sin and temptation. And this you will do, not by any general rule, but by listening to Him on all particular occasions, and by your consulting with those that have experience in the ways of God. Undoubtedly both you, and Philothea, and my dear Miss Perronet, are now more particularly called to speak for God. In so doing you must expect to meet with many things which are not pleasing to flesh and blood. But all is well. So much
the more will you be conformed to the death of Christ. Go on in his name, and in the power of his might. Suffer and conquer all things. I am, my dear Betsy,
Yours affectionately.
DXLII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, CASTLEBAR, May 31, 1771.
YOU judge exceeding right: As yet you are but a little child, just a babe in the pure love of Christ. As a little child, hang upon him, and simply expect a supply of all your wants. In this respect reasoning profits you nothing: Indeed, it is just opposite to believing, whereby you hearken to the inward voice, which says, “Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Undoubtedly it would be a cross to declare what God has done for your soul: Nay, and afterwards Satan would accuse you on the account, telling you, “You did it out of pride.” Yea, and some of your sisters would blame you, and perhaps put the same construction upon it. Nevertheless, if you do it with a single eye, it will be well pleasing to God.
Your letters will be always agreeable to,
My dear Betsy,
Yours affectionately.
DXLIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, December 28, 1774.
YOU have done what you could in this matter; and “angels can do no more.” I am glad you tried: By and by she may see more clearly. I am always glad to hear from you, whether you have time to write accurately or not. And I love that you should tell me both what you feel, and what you do; for I take part in all. I doubted not but you would find a blessing at this solemn season: See that you strengthen each other’s hands in God. I should be glad to see both, or either of you, when it is convenient.