To Miss Patty Chapman.
I could be anywhere else in Cork. I still find (blessed be God) a gradual increase of strength, and my sight is rather better than worse. If my life and health be continued, I shall endeavor to reach Dublin about the end of March; and Cork before the end of June. Peace be with your spirits! I am, my dear Hetty,
Yours most affectionately.
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DCCLXXXIX. — To Miss Patty Chapman.
MY DEAR SISTER, December 17, 1773.
CERTAINLY the more good you do, the more will many be tempted against you. But go on. So much the more will the Spirit of glory and of Christ rest upon you. By fighting against that reserve, you will conquer: it: The more it is resisted, the more it is weakened. You need not be overcome by peevishness any more. The grace of God is sufficient for you. It seems that you are at present in your place: “How knowest thou but thou shalt gain thy brother?” The most profitable way of reading is to read in an exact method: Suppose a chapter or two (as time may serve) in the Old Testament, with the Notes, in the morning; and a chapter, more or less, of the New Testament, and Notes, in the afternoon or evening. Next to this, it might be useful to read the Works in order, only not too fast, not too much at a time. For all rending should be joined with meditation and prayer. Read a little; pray and meditate much. In order to converse usefully we had a rule at Oxford, to plan every conversation before we went into company; to consider, what subject should be most useful, and how to prosecute it. And though of yourself you are not sufficient for these things, yet one is nigh to supply all your wants. Love Him, and trust Him for all things; and continue to love, for his sake,
My dear Patty,
Yours affectionately.
DCCXC. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LEWISHAM, January 19, 1773.
IF nothing unforeseen prevent, I shall be at Newbury on Monday, March 8th. You should not be content with coming yourself, but bring Mr. and Mrs. Jacques with you.
I doubt not but you will see a still greater increase of the work of God at Watlington: Only lose no time! Be instant in season, out of season! In due time you will reap, if you faint not.
God gives the full assurance of hope sooner or later, as it seemeth Him good. But the main point is, let your heart be whole with Him. Let no false rival claim a part,
Nor sin disseize him of his own!
I am, dear Patty,
Yours affectionately.
DCCXCI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, Near LONDON, October 27, 1773.
NOW is the hour and the power of darkness: But
In vain does Satan rage his hour;
Beyond his chain he cannot go.
And I doubt not, most of those that are scattered abroad in the dark and cloudy day, will attain be gathered in by our good Shepherd. It is right, therefore, to be concerned for them; but not to sorrow as those without hope; seeing the Lord hath not forgotten to be gracious. You that are spiritual, labor to restore them that are fallen, in the spirit of meekness; and your labor shall not be in vain. Meantime, in your patience possess
your own soul. All things shall work together for your good; shall bring you nearer to God.
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXCII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, Near LONDON, February 25, 1774.
I SHOULD have been glad to see you at Newbury; but the will of our Lord is best.
You can never speak too strongly or explicitly upon the head of Christian perfection. If you speak only faintly and indirectly, none will be offended, and none profited. But if you speak out, although some will probably be angry, yet others will soon find the power of God unto salvation. You have good encouragement from the experience of her whom God has lately taken to himself. Speak to all, and spare not. Be instant in season, out of season: And pray always with all perseverance; particularly for Yours affectionately.
DCCXCIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, BRISTOL, October 6, 1774.
ON Monday se’nnight, the 17th of this month, I hope to be at Wallingford; and at High-Wycomb, as usual, on the Thursday following. When you have time, you would do well to write down the particular circumstances of your conversion to God. The more closely we are united to Him, the more nearly we shall be united to each other. I cannot doubt but He will make Mr. Wolf an instrument of good to many of His children. He is simple of heart, and much devoted to God; and, indeed, so is his wife also.
Yours affectionately.
DCCXCIV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, LUTON, January 11, 1775.
I HOPE, with God’s help, to be at Newbury on Thursday, March 2; and to have the pleasure of seeing you there, unless something unforeseen should hinder.
You have lately had a wintry season at Watlington; now you may expect the return of spring. Beware you are not weary and faint in your mind! Even bodily weakness may incline you to this; especially when there appears to be no increase, but rather a decay, of the work of God. Yet I do not apprehend that you are yet at liberty to remove from Watlington. Cannot Hannah Ball step over for two or three days, and kindle a flame among you? If she does not come, look for One greater than her! How soon? It may be before you see another day.
I am, dear Patty,
Yours affectionately.
DCCXCV. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, WORCESTER, March 15, 1775.
YOU only tell me in general that your health is declining: But you do not say in what manner, or from what cause. When did you begin to feel any decay of health? In what manner was you affected? What did you imagine it was owing to? How have you been since, from time to time? What means of recovery have you used; and with what effect? Write to me as particularly as you can on these heads, directing to me in Dublin. It is our duty to take care of our bodily health; but what is this to an healthful mind? Let your mind be
All praise, all meekness, and all love.
I am, dear Patty,
Yours affectionately.
DCCXCVI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, DUBLIN, April 5, 1775.
THE Apothecary seems to have understood your case: But you have done right in leaving off the taking of medicines. But withal you should use all the exercise you can, particularly in the open air. And use what little strength you have to the glory of Him that gave it. Warn every one, and exhort every one, if by any means you may save some.
I am, my dear Patty,
Yours affectionately.
DCCXCVII. — To the Same.
DEAR PATTY, LONDON, October 13, 1781
I RETURNED hither yesterday in the afternoon, and had the pleasure of yours. I hope to be at High-Wycomb on Monday and Tuesday; at Oxford on Wednesday upon;, and at Witney on Wednesday evening. If in all these trials your mind is unmoved, and fixed upon Him that loves you, they will only help you forward on your way.
I am, dear Patty,
Your affectionate brother.
DCCXCVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR SISTER, Near LONDON, November 3, 1784.
I WAS a little disappointed at your not seeing me at Wallingford as you used to do, before I went away. But I took it for granted, there, was some circumstance which I did not know: So I did not blame you.