To Mrs. Emma Moon, of Yarm
Noncich, December 6, 1767.
My Dear Sister, — I can easily beUeve that nothing would be wanting to me which it was in your power to supply: for I am persuaded your heart is as my heart, as is the case with all the “souls whom Himself vouchsafes to unite in fellowship divine.” What is always in your power is, to bear me before the throne of grace. One thing in particular which I frequently desire is, “a calm evening of a various day;” that I may have no conflicts at the last, but rather, if God sees good, before “ray flesh and my heart faileth.”
In every place where Mr. Whitefield has been he has laboured in the same friendly, Christian maimer. God has indeed effectually broken down the wall of partition which was between us. Thirty years ago we were one: then the sower of tares rent us asunder: but now a stronger than him has made us one again.
There is no weakness either in our body or mind, but Satan endeavours to avail himself of it. That kind of dulness or listlessness I take to be originally a pure eff*ect of bodily constitution. As such, it is not imputable to us in any degree, unless we give way to it. So long as we diligently resist, it is no more blameable than sleepiness, or weariness of body.
Do many of those who were saved from sin in your neighbourhood stand fast in their liberty? or have one-half, if not the greater part, been moved from their steadfastness? How is it that so many are moved? that in many places so few, comparatively, stand? Have you lately conversed with sister Heslop 1 Does she retain all the life she had? Does Jolm Eland? and some others at Hutton? Peace be multiplied upon you!
LXIX. — TO THE SAME.
London, January 24, 1768.
My Dear Sister, — Formerly, when persons reproached me for doing thus and thus, I have very frequently said, “In truth, I have not done it yet; but, by the grace of God, I will.” This seems to be the very case with you. You are accused for what you did not, but ought to have done. You ought to have informed me from time to time, not indeed of trifles, or idle reports, but of things which you judged to be a real hinderance to the work of God. And God permitted you to be reminded of this omission by those who intended nothing less.
Opposition from their brethren has been one cause why so many who were set free have not retained their liberty. But perhaps there was another more general cause: they had not proper help. One just saved from sin is like a new-born child, and needs as careful nursing. But these had it not. How few were as nursing fathers! How few cherished them as a nurse her own children! So that the greater part were weakened, if not destroyed, before their sinews were knit, for want of that prudent and tender care which their state necessarily required. Do all that you can to cherish them that are left; and never forget
Your affectionate brother.