To Mr. William Sampson.
I am glad you do not let go your confidence, or lose the witness of your sanctification. Take care that you lose not any of the things that you have gained, but that you receive awful reward. Certainly it is a most uncomfortable thing to lose any part of what God hath wrought in us. I wonder how any that have lost the love of God can find any rest in their souls, till they have regained it.
It was well for, you that God did not suffer you to find rest in any creature. He had better things in store for you. One more degree of His love makes you large amends, even in the present world, for every other loss
I am, dear Patty,
Your affectionate Brother.
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DCCXCIX. — To Mr. William Simpson.
DEAR BILLY, Near LONDON, November 11, 1786.
BUSY as I am, I snatch time to write a few lines, as I judge you had rather see my hand writing than John Broadbent’s.
You must in anywise write a few loving lines to brother Inglis, and tell him I desired you so to do. It may induce him to be a little more careful for the time to come.
The Sunday preaching may continue at Jervas for the present. I suppose the society at Jervas is as large as that at Northallerton: and this is a point which is much to be considered.
You must needs expel out of the society at Knaresborough those that will be contentious.
I am, with love to Nancy,
Dear Billy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
DCCC. — To the Same.
DEAR BILLY, LONDON, November 23, 1786
YOU have taken, in this intricate affair, the very best method that could be taken. When you have to do with those stubborn spirits it is absolutely necessary, either to mend them or to end them: And ten persons of a quiet temper are better than thirty contentious ones.
Undoubtedly some of the eloquent men will be sending me heavy complaints. It is well, therefore, that you spoke first. I am, dear Billy,
Your affectionate friend and brother.
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DCCCI. — To Mr. Robert Hopkins.
MY DEAR BROTHER, Near LEEDS, July 25, 1781.
AS long as you give yourself up to God without reserve, you may be assured He will give you His blessing. Indeed, you have already received a thousand blessings: But the greatest of all is yet behind, — Christ in a pure and sinless heart, reigning the Lord of every motion there. It is good for you to hold fast what you have attained, and to be continually aspiring after this; and you will never find more life in your own soul, than when you are earnestly exhorting others to go on unto perfection. Many will blame you for doing it; but regard not that: Go on through honor and dishonor. “This one thing I do,” is your motto. I save my own soul, and them that hear me.
I am
Your affectionate brother.