To Miss Elizabeth Baker
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DCCCLVII. — To Miss Elizabeth Baker, afterwards
Mrs. Jordan, of Monmouth.
MY DEAR BETSY, CARMARTHEN, August 26, 1788.
SINCE I had the pleasure of seeing you, I have been thinking much on what you said concerning your loving others too much. In one sense, this cannot be; you cannot have too much benevolence for the whole human race: But in another sense, you may; you may grieve too much for the distresses of others; even so much as to make you incapable of giving them the relief which otherwise you should give them. So I know one that, when he sees any one in strong pain, directly faints away.
Is it something like this which you mean by feeling too much for others? You can give me two or three instances of it; and then I shall be better able to judge.
Have you a constant witness of the pardoning love of God? And do you find an abiding love to Him? Have you yet been enabled to give Him your whole heart? If so, at what time, and in what manner, did you receive this blessing?
I think you can speak with all freedom to
Yours very affectionately.
DCCCLVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, BRISTOL, September 16, 1788.
ONE would be apt to imagine that there could be no ill consequence of the deepest concern for the sin and misery of our fellow-creatures. But clear, indisputable experience shows the contrary to a demonstration. Lucretia Smith, (to mention only one instance,) a young gentlewoman of our society here, who found remission of sins long ago, and was unblamable in her whole behavior, reasoned on that question, “Why does not the God of love make every one as happy as me?” till she lost all her happiness, all her peace, which she never recovered since. Beware, therefore, of reasoning on those points which are far too high for you. Such knowledge is too wonderful for us: We cannot attain unto it. His ways are unsearchable, and his judgments a great deep. What He doeth thou knowest not now: It is enough that thou shalt know hereafter. I hope you never will be weary of well doing. Herein your sister Sally is a pattern. She has done unspeakable good since she came to Cowbridge. God sent her thither to revive his work there. When I first heard of her removal from Monmouth, I could not but be troubled at not seeing by what possible means the want of her could be supplied. But it is done already. God has raised you to supply her place. And He will supply all your wants out of the riches of his mercy in Christ Jesus. In what sense do you see God? Are you always sensible of His loving presence? How do you “rejoice evermore,” and “pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks?” It is certain this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus.
Adieu!
Have you a constant witness of the pardoning love of God? And do you find an abiding love to Him? Have you yet been enabled to give Him your whole heart? If so, at what time, and in what manner, did you receive this blessing?
I think you can speak with all freedom to
Yours very affectionately.
DCCCLVIII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, BRISTOL, September 16, 1788.
ONE would be apt to imagine that there could be no ill consequence of the deepest concern for the sin and misery of our fellow-creatures. But clear, indisputable experience shows the contrary to a demonstration. Lucretia Smith, (to mention only one instance,) a young gentlewoman of our society here, who found remission of sins long ago, and was unblamable in her whole behavior, reasoned on that question, “Why does not the God of love make every one as happy as me?” till she lost all her happiness, all her peace, which she never recovered since. Beware, therefore, of reasoning on those points which are far too high for you. Such knowledge is too wonderful for us: We cannot attain unto it. His ways are unsearchable, and his judgments a great deep. What He doeth thou knowest not now: It is enough that thou shalt know hereafter. I hope you never will be weary of well doing. Herein your sister Sally is a pattern. She has done unspeakable good since she came to Cowbridge. God sent her thither to revive his work there. When I first heard of her removal from Monmouth, I could not but be troubled at not seeing by what possible means the want of her could be supplied. But it is done already. God has raised you to supply her place. And He will supply all your wants out of the riches of his mercy in Christ Jesus. In what sense do you see God? Are you always sensible of His loving presence? How do you “rejoice evermore,” and “pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks?” It is certain this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus.
Adieu!
DCCCLIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BETSY, Near OXFORD, October 29, 1789.
YOU cannot easily conceive how great satisfaction I received from your affectionate letter. I am glad you write without reserve; and take knowledge that your words come from your heart. What is that sympathy that often unites our hearts to each other perhaps the first interview? Surely it is not intended that this should cease till it is perfected in eternity.
I am pleased to hear that the work of God does not decline, but rather increase, in Monmouth. My dear friend, stir up the gift of God that is in you. Warn every one: Exhort every one! Be not weary of well doing! In due time you shall reap, if you faint not.
Still let thy mind be bent, still plotting how,
And when, and where, the business may be done.
Have you received a clear, direct witness that you was saved from inbred sin? At what time? In what manner? And do you find it as clear as it was at first? Do you feel an increase?
Yours most affectionately.
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DCCCLX. — To Mr. George Sykes.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LIVERPOOL, April 8, 1790.
WHAT says our Lord? “Let the dead bury their dead; but preach thou the Gospel.” O refuse not Him that speaketh, but take up thy cross and follow Him!
I am
Your affectionate brother.