NEW YEAR’S LETTER TO A FRIEND

Jan. 14th, 1792

My Dear Friend,

You will give me credit, farther than you have heard or seen, that I have not forgotten your kindness. I also thank One for the full conviction, that it was a love of his teaching, which inspires your heart and mine, and that it will not end, when faith and hope have done their perfect work; glory be to him in the highest.

I am spending two or three days at Tottenham, and so get time to acknowledge my debts, which I never can get in London — what with much preaching, and many works of charity, I live there for the public; and I do not regret it, because my time is short, and I would labor while it is day. I have reached the 11th chapter of the Revelation, with much comfort to myself: I dare not say, that I have given the whole mind of the holy Spirit; but according to my light, I have delivered nothing contrary to it; the most difficult parts of the book are to come: but I am looking up for his teaching, who can lead me into all truth; he is my commentator: for all the rest have failed me. Help me in your prayers, as well as your hints, (which I value much) that this my last preaching may be the best.

Our word for this year, was—Grow in grace — what grace is, favor, free favor — a cool breeze after a sultry day, as refreshing as the dew upon herbs, for to these favor is compared.

What growth is — an increase of the favor of God, by the increasing knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: so I read the words — grow in the grace, and in the knowledge, by the Spirit, through faith in the word, prayer over it, more dependence on the faithfulness and power of God to fulfill it. In this view, I wished my people, and you a growing year. May much of the rain and shining of heaven upon the good seed, make it bring forth an hundredfold, to the praise of the sower, who is the Son of man.

Black clouds, and great storms are gathering — but nothing but a full persuasion of this could make us lift up our heads with joy. He has told us, that these latter days would be the worst. So it is — infidelity triumphs — The fancied rights of men usurp the rights of God — republicanism throws off subjection to God’s ordinance — and every unbeliever is a king. Happy for us, the government is upon his shoulders, who can and will get himself glory by fulfilling Psal. 68:1, 2. Read the Hebrew, the verbs are in the future tense; verse 3 is our support and stay in these tempests. You will not fail to pray for me, that I may be kept by his mighty power through faith, till I come to the blessed end — to see my Jesus face to face. To him I commend you and yours, being in this one respect, without guile,

Your friend and servant,

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