To Miss C——, Armagh.
I have considered what you say, concerning the usefulness of being present at the general Conference. And I think we may steer a middle course. I will only require a select number to be present. But I will permit any other Traveling Preacher who desires it, to be present with them. O let us be all alive to God, and all athirst for his whole image! I am
Your affectionate brother.
—————
DCCLXIV. To Miss C——, Armagh.
CLANMAIN, June 8, 1773.
DO not think it strange, my dear Miss C——, that I write to you: The regard I have for you constrains me. It is possible, I may see you no more: I am not young, and you are not healthy; nay, and the ten thousand gates of death stand continually open to every child of man. Will you take it ill then, that I tell you freely, you have been much upon my mind? Ever since I saw you first, I felt an earnest desire, that you should be wise and happy; that you should make the best of a few uncertain days, and improve the time which flees away as a shadow, and knows not to return. Believe me, my dear maid, what are called pleasures and diversions can give you no solid happiness. They are poor, empty, insignificant trifles: And you was made for better things. You are not only to consider yourself as having an agreeable person: You are an immortal spirit. You was made a little lower than the angels, that you may live with them for ever. You are come forth from God, and are returning to God, as fast as a few fleeting years can carry you. But I am in pain for you: I am concerned lest you should forget this, like other pretty, giddy, unthinking creatures. What if it should be said of you, —
“At dawn poor Stella danced and sung;
The gazing youth around her bow’d:
At night her passing-bell was rung;
I saw, and kiss’d her in her shroud!”
O make haste. Be a Christian, a real Bible Christian now! You may say, “Nay, I am a Christian already.” I fear not. (See how freely I speak.) A Christian is not afraid to die. Are not you? Do you desire to depart, and to be with Christ? A Christian is happy in God. Are you? Can you say, — “I nothing need, beneath, above,
Happy, happy, in thy love?”
A Christian (though perhaps he never heard the name o a Methodist) has power over all sin. Have you? If not, it is certain you may; for God is no respecter of persons. Whatsoever he has given to any other, He is willing, to give to you also. O let your heart cry to Him, “What I know not teach thou me. Let me not die before I long to die! Give me the wisdom that sitteth by thy throne, and reject me not from among thy children!” To His care I tenderly commit you; and am,
My dear Miss C——,
Yours affectionately.
If you love me, hear Mr. Saunderson preach.
—————
DCCLXV. — To Mrs. Knapp, Worcester.
MY DEAR SISTER, BIRMINGHAM, March 25, 1781.
I ALWAYS loved you since I knew you; but lately more than ever, because I believe you are more devoted to God, and more athirst for his whole image. I have been seriously considering your case, and I will tell you my thoughts freely. Your body frequently presses down your spirit, by