To Miss Penelope Newman

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DCXIV. — To Miss Penelope Newman.

MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, August 9, 1776.

BEFORE I received yours, we had been speaking in the Conference on that very head, — the means of preventing spiritual religion from degenerating into formality. It is continually needful to guard against this, as it strikes at the root of the whole work of God. One means whereby God guards us against it is, temptation; and, indeed, crosses of every kind. By these he keeps us from sleeping, as do others, and stirs us up to watch unto prayer. So He is now stirring you up! Hear his voice; and you will feel more life than ever.

I am, dear Penny,

Yours affectionately.