To Sarah Ryan (November 30, 1757)

To Sarah Ryan

1Replying to Ryan’s letter of Nov. 29.

London
November 30, 1757

My Dear Sister,

Your letter came in a seasonable time, as rain in a time of drought. How fain would we excuse those we love! I would gladly acquit those who severely condemn each other. The wrong to myself is not worth a thought; it gives me not a moment’s uneasiness. But I am pained for others, who, if they do not sin against God, yet give great occasion to the enemy to blaspheme.

2JW was currently mediating a disturbance in the London society over ‘some imprudent words spoken by one who seemed to be strong in the faith’, which had become a case where ‘one side flatly affirmed, the other flatly denied’; see JW, Journal, Nov. 26–30, 1757, 21:132 in this edn.

You may learn an excellent lesson herefrom. Suppose you are saved from sin, it is certain that you are not saved from a possibility of mistake. On this side, therefore, Satan may assault you. You may be deceived either as to persons or things. You may think better or (which is far more strange) you may think worse of them than they 107deserve. And hence words or actions may spring which, if not sinful in you, are certainly wrong in themselves, and which will and must appear sinful to those who cannot read your heart. What grievous inconvenience would ensue! How would the good that is in you be evil spoken of! How would the great gift of God be doubted of, if not disbelieved and denied for your cause! Therefore in the name of God I exhort you, keep close every moment to the unction of the Holy One! Attend to the still, small voice!

Beware of hearkening to the voice of a stranger! My eyes ache, my head aches, my heart aches. And yet I know not when to have done. O speak nothing, act nothing, think nothing, but as you are taught of God!

Still may he with your weakness stay,

Nor for a moment’s space depart;

Evil and danger turn away,

And keep your hand, your tongue, your heart.

4CW, Hymn on 2 Tim. 4:5, st. 3, HSP (1742), 217.

So shall you always comfort, not grieve,
Your affectionate brother,
J.W.