To Dorothy Furly (April 13, 1758)

But if you find such a surprising alteration at Bonner's Hall,

You ought not to drink much tea, and none without pretty much cream (not milk) and sugar. But I believe, were you to drink nettletea for a few mornings, it would do you more good than any other. It seems best for you to have frequent returns of weakness. It may be needful to fix seriousness upon your spirit by a lasting impression that there is but a step between you and eternity. But sickness alone will not do this—no, nor even the near approach of death. Unless the Spirit of God sanctify both, a man may laugh and trifle with his last breath.

You will overcome trifling conversation and the fear of man not by yielding, but by fighting. This is a cross which you cannot be excused from taking up. Bear it, and it will bear you. By prayer you will receive power so to do, to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. But it is more difficult to resist hurtful desire; I am most afraid you should give way to this. Herein you have need of all the power of God. O stand fast! Look up and receive strength! I shall be glad to hear that you are more than conqueror ,