To Mrs. Rebecca Gains
I believe one of our Preachers that are stationed in the Leicester Circuit will call upon you at Alexton; and I make no doubt but some of the seed which you have been long sowing will then grow up. No one should wish or pray for persecution. On the contrary, we are to avoid it to the uttermost of our power. “When they persecute you in one city, flee unto another.” Yet, when it does come, notwithstanding all our care to avoid it, God will extract good out of evil.
Tomorrow, I am to set out for Cornwall. In about three weeks I expect to be here again. In the beginning of October, I generally move towards London; in the neighborhood of which I usually spend the winter. I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
—————
DCXX. — To Mrs. Rebecca Gains.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, August 4, 1770.
I WAS glad to hear from you; and especially to hear that you are still athirst for God. O beware of setting up any idol in your heart! Give all to Him; for He is worthy. You did exceeding right in going to Jane Johnson. There is no end of shyness, if we stand aloof from each other. In this case, we have only to overcome evil with good; and they are wisest that yield first. Promises of that kind are of no force. The sooner they are broken the better. You should take Molly S—— in to board. O self-will! How few have conquered it! I believe it is a good providence for your account: She can pay but few visits. She fears God, and wishes to save her soul; and the visiting those that are otherwise minded will not profit her: She wants nothing but Christ. Surely you may tell anything to,
My dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
DCXXI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, Near DUNBAR, May 26, 1779.
IT was not your own desire to miss me at Alnwick, as well as at Newcastle; otherwise I might have blamed you, and supposed that your love was grown cold. But I do not believe that is the case; and it is still your desire to love God. What then should hinder your recovering His love, if you still walk in all his appointed ways? if you still contrive all the opportunities you can of hearing his word, of communicating, of prayer, reading, and meditation? It cannot be, if you seek Him, but you will soon find. He will return and abundantly pardon. Who knows how soon? Perhaps today; and why not at this hour? You ask what I think of that strange book. I think the writer was distracted; otherwise she could have no excuse.
I am, dear Becky,
Your affectionate brother.
DCXXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LONDON, January 5, 1785.
YOU did well to write. Although I have not much time, yet I am always well-pleased to hear from a friend. If outward losses be a means of stirring you up to gain more inward holiness, you will never have need to repent of that loss, but rather to praise God for it. How soon will the moment of life be gone! It is enough, if we secure an happy eternity. Let brother Gains and you earnestly seek to be wholly devoted to God; and all things else will be added to you.
I am, dear Becky,
Your affectionate brother.