To Samuel Furly (February 11, 1757)

The times and seasons of bestowing comfort and all other spiritual blessings the Father hath reserved in his own power. And there may be many wise reasons unknown to us (who are of yesterday and know nothing) why he does not answer every prayer as soon as we offer it. Indeed, one very common reason is, sin lieth at the door—perhaps sin of omission, the not following the light, not using the power we have. I know not that this is your case. Possibly God may see good to take this way to break the stubbornness of your will and destroy your pride of understanding. Certainly you are in the hands of him that loves you, and that will speedily deliver, if you persevere in waiting for him and in rejecting all comfort but that which flows from the Spirit of adoption crying in your heart, ‘Abba Father!’