To Mrs. Mary Savage

—————

DXCII. — To Mrs. Mary Savage, of Worcester.

MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, August 31, 1771.

RIGHT precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints! And I believe many of the blessings which we receive are in answer to their dying prayers. It is well if the great change be wrought in a soul even a little before it leaves the body. But how much more desirable it is that it should be wrought long before, that we may long glorify Him with our body and with our spirit! O exhort all whom you have access to, not to delay the time of embracing all the great and precious promises! Frankly tell all those that are simple of heart, what He has done for your soul; and then urge, “May not every sinner find

The grace which found out me?”

If Mr. Fletcher has time to call upon you, he will surely bring a blessing with him. He is a man full of faith. Be free with S. Briscoe, who brings this.

My dear sister, adieu!

DXCIII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, September 19, 1771.

A REPORT was spread abroad of my coming to Broad-Marston, and several other places; but I know not what was the occasion of it. I am now expected in the southern parts of the kingdom, and my course has been for several years as fixed as that of the sun.

Mr. Ellis is a steady, experienced man, and a sound Preacher. Wherever he is, the work of our Lord prospers in his hand; and the more so, as he is a lover of discipline, without which the best preaching is of little use. I

advise you to speak to him as freely as possible, and he will be made profitable to your soul. Your late trials were intended to give you a deeper sense of your poverty and helplessness. But see that you cast not away that confidence which hath great recompense of reward. Cleave to Him with your whole heart, and all is well.

I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother.

DXCIV. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, GRIMSBY, July 22, 1772.

IT is easy to see the difference between those two things, sinfulness and helplessness. The former you need feel no more; the latter you will feel as long as you live. And indeed the nearer you draw to God, the more sensible of it you will be. But beware this does not bring you into the least doubt of what God has done for your soul. And beware it does not make you a jot the less forward to speak of it with all simplicity. Do you still feel an entire deliverance from pride, anger, and every desire that does not center in God? Do you trust Him both with soul and body? Have you learned to cast all your care upon him? Are you always happy in him? In what sense do you pray without ceasing? Expect all the promises! I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother.

In about a fortnight, I am to be at Mr. Glynne’s, Shrewsbury. DXCV. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, June 30, 1773.

I REJOICE to hear that the work of God does not decrease among you, and that you find an increase of it in your own soul. Perhaps the best way to examine your own growth is, first, to consider whether your faith remains unshaken. Do you continually see Him that is invisible? Have you as clear

an evidence of the spiritual as of the invisible world? Are you always conscious of the presence of God, and of his love to your soul? In what sense do you pray without ceasing? Are you never in a hurry, so as to dim the eye of your soul, or make you inattentive to the voice of God? Next, consider your hope. Do you thereby taste of the powers of the world to come? Do you sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus? Do you never shrink at death? Do you steadily desire to depart, and to be with Christ? Do you always feel that this is far better? Can you in pain and trouble rejoice in hope of the glory of God? You may answer me at your leisure. I hope to see you in March; and am,

Dear Molly,

Yours affectionately.

DCXVI. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, LEWISHAM, July 31, 1773.

I DID receive a letter from you while I was in Ireland; but whether I answered it or no I cannot tell. It gives me pleasure to hear that you still stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; and that his blessed work still continues to widen and deepen among you. It will do so, as long as you walk in love, and strive together for the hope of the Gospel. As God has made Mr. Wolfe an instrument of promoting this among you, I think it will be well for him to stay another year.

When I was at Worcester, a young woman had just joined the society, who had her fortune in her own hands. Is she with you still? And is she married or single? I have a particular reason for asking. How has Mr. Seed behaved? Is he serious, zealous, active? And has God prospered his word? I am, my dear sister,

Your affectionate brother.

DXCVII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, December 11, 1773.

WHATEVER was reported concerning brother Wolfe, it did not come to my ears. I never heard anything of him but good; nor do I know of anything laid to his charge. I advise you to speak very freely to Mr. Collins. He has much experience in the things of God; and has likewise seen so much of trouble and temptation, that he knows how to sympathize with those that are tempted.

By stirring up the gift of God that is in you, you will find a constant increase of inward life. Labor to be more and more active, more and more devoted to Him. Be ready to do and suffer His whole will; then will He Sink you to perfection’s height,

The depth of humble love.

I am, dear Molly,

Your affectionate brother.

DXCVIII. — To the Same.

MY DEAR SISTER, WHITEHAVEN, May 6, 1774.

YOU send me an agreeable account of the work of God in Worcester. I expected that he would give a blessing to the zeal and activity of your present Preachers, and of Mr. Collins in particular, who is everywhere of use to those that are simple of heart. But much also depends upon the spirit; and behavior of those who are united together. If their love does not grow cold; if they continue walking in the Spirit, using the grace they have already received, adorning the doctrine of God our Savior, and going on to perfection; their light, shining before men, will incite many to glorify our Father which is in heaven. I am glad to hear that Billy Savage and you are still pressing toward the mark. Indeed, God will permit all the grace you have to be tried: He prepares occasions of fighting, that you may conquer;