Peace With God

A portion of a letter from Thomas Charles to a friend, Mr. John Walker. Napoleon Bonaparte was the new Emperor of France and Britain feared a French invasion. Charles wrote to his friend, "I pray that the time may speedily arrive, when they shall learn war no more." He then spoke wonderfully of the peace that Christians have with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter was written January 11, 1805.

Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ is to us sinners a blessing, which in value, and in its happy efforts, passeth all understanding. Jesus is our peace – our peace-purchaser, our peace-maker, our peace-ratifier, and our peace-preserver forever. He himself is everything to us.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 326.

Everything Ordered and Directed by Divine Goodness

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to Sally Jones, whom he would later marry. Charles was a spiritual counselor to Miss Jones throughout their courtship. She grew by leaps and bounds in the grace and knowledge of the Lord through her acquaintance with him. In this letter he directed her to gain comfort in knowing that all events are under God's directions. It was written March 1, 1782.

Never was a truer saying than this… "the good God makes all things good, for good to his people." Everything, the smallest as well as the greatest event, is ordered and directed by divine goodness and wisdom for their good. He is as much present with, and takes as much care of, everyone of his children, as if he had no other creature to watch over, and take care of, in the whole universe.

Thomas Charles' Spiritual Counsels, Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust, 1993, p. 251.

Free Mercy!

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles (1755-1814), to his wife, Sally Jones Charles. He going was through a difficult time and felt very much his weakness and corruption. He referred to verses in Romans 7 several times in this letter and wondered how the Lord could use him, seeing that he was so depraved and sinful. But his soul was lifted up in contemplating God's mercy. No date is given for the letter.

Blessed be the Lord, that his mercy is free. Guilt and unworthiness are obstacles which it easily surmounts. Nothing but free mercy could save my soul, or bring me this moment one drop of comfort. I have no comfort in myself; but I can see infinite consolations in God, and I long after a fuller enjoyment of them. I am a burden to myself; but I am happy in looking to that glorious deliverance from self, etc. which Christ hath procured for all his people.

Thomas Charles' Spiritual Counsels: Selected from His Letter and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836 and republished by Banner of Truth Trust, 1993, pp. 299-300.

Alarming and Anxious Thoughts About Death

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to Sally Jones, who would later become his wife. Many letters were exchanged between them that increased their understanding of one another and led to a deeper love, though he loved her long before she loved him. She had confided in him in a previous letter how alarming death was. He responded with Biblical counsel and a personal testimony. The letter was written March 1, 1780.

I feelingly sympathize with you when you inform me that the thoughts of death are alarming to you. It was the case with me for many sorrowful years. But, through the abundant goodness of my Heavenly Father, it is not generally the case with me at present. That Scripture, 1 Cor. 15:25, 26, was very remarkably blessed to me for the removing of all the very alarming and anxious thoughts about death which till then deprived me of lasting comfort. Death is considered there not so much our enemy as Christ’s, and he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet; and though death will be the last enemy, yet death must be destroyed.

I saw I had nothing to do but enjoy the victory, Christ is engaged to conquer. The victory is obtained by the arm of omnipotence, and we shall, ere long, bear the palm in our hands as a token of it. Till that happy time arrives may it be our constant care and study to live in the fear and to the glory of him who hath thus loved us, and vanquished our strong enemies for us.

The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers, by Michael A. G. Haykin with Victoria J. Haykin, Reformation Trust Publishing, a division of Ligonier ministries, 2009, p. 52.

If God Has Given Me Christ

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to his wife to be, Miss Sarah Jones. Charles expressed a thought that brought him comfort in the midst of trials that might enable her bare up during times of trial. The letter was written June 5, 1780.

As to your complaints, I shall be always glad to hear them with attention, and esteem myself very happy to bear a part of your burden. I could likewise repeat numberless complaints in return; but instead of that, permit me to mention my ‘cordial,’ which, amidst all my complaints, helps me to many a quiet thought and many a sound sleep, which is—‘If God has given me Christ, what can I have to complain of?’ But then you must know, that I take him as a free gift, and attempt to cast myself wholly upon him; and according to Luther’s advice, throw all I am and do into one heap, and lay it down at the foot of his cross. O! He has a world of merit in his hands for you, for me, and a gracious heart to bestow it…

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 234.

Slothful or Industrious?

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to Mr. D. Charles. The writer spoke at length about Christians being active rather than slothful. Too many Christians, he says, complain about their circumstances or wish things to be better when they need to take “an industrious course.” The letter was written October 4, 1782.

The husbandman well knows, that if he be idle and slothful in seed-time, it will be in vain to form any expectations as to the time of harvest. ‘The sluggard will not sow by reason of cold;’ and what return hath he in harvest? He must ‘beg in harvest and have nothing’ (Prov. 20:4). So it is in spiritual things. The hand of the diligent alone maketh rich. Tell me how a man employs his time, whether he is slothful or industrious, and I will tell you what progress he makes in grace; for you may as soon gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles, as enjoy those fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, and peace, whilst you live after the flesh, in self-indulgence, ease, and sloth.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, pp. 225-26.

My Only Daily Remedy

A selection from a letter by the Welsh preacher, Thomas Charles, to a friend. The letter focuses on the necessity of forgiveness, bestowed and received. There had been a misunderstanding between them and he sought her forgiveness. The letter was written April 9, 1802.

If I have trespassed, you must freely forgive me, and then we are friends again. The doctrine of forgiveness, whether received or bestowed, is very suitable to us in the world, full of failings; and continual infirmities as we all are. It is my only daily remedy. Were it not for pardon, dearly bought, but freely bestowed upon me, a guilty wretch, daily, I should sink in a moment into all the gloom of eternal despair. But “there is forgiveness,” and we “have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin,” and that “according to the riches of His grace.” Charming words! Though utterly ruined, we are thus made up for ever.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 303.

The Real Truth

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles to a friend. The letter is a veritable sermon, full of counsel and encouragement, but it is especially full of Christ Jesus. The letter was written July 15, 1805.

A poor woman in our country frequently on her death-bed repeated the following words, “Jesus and I exactly suit one another; I have nothing, and He has everything.” I have nothing more to say in my best hours; and when I say this, it is well with me, it is my best season, I triumph. This Jesus, with all his infinite fullness, was designed for us. He suits none else so well. We are invited to come unto Him, to receive Him and take Him for our own for ever. This the real truth, however astonishing it may appear. Now, my good friend, what lack we? Nothing but the constant belief of this truth, and to act suitably towards Him. Thus a great salvation appears at hand; it is near us; it is in our hearts by believing the truth. The Comforter is promised to take of the things of Christ and shew them to us. So in every way we are provided for. Not unto us, but unto His own name be the glory.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 350.

Dressed Gloriously in the Robes of Gospel Righteousness

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles to a female acquaintance that had made remarks in a letter to him about modest dress. He agreed with her but made a spiritual application in his return letter, written August 14, 1795.

What a glorious change – the garments of salvation instead of our own filthy rags! “Take away the filthy rags from him” – gracious words! Instead of driving him and his filthy garments into destruction, he is saved, as a brand plucked out of the burning; and he is clothed with a change of raiment. What a dispensation of abounding grace is here! The sin destroyed and not the sinner! – not saved in his filthy raiment, but saved and washed and dressed gloriously in the robes of gospel righteousness. How shall we adore, wonder and praise, when we appear above, thus completely arrayed!

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, pp. 379-80.

All Will Be Well

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles to a friend about spiritual strength for duty in the Lord’s work. The letter has no date:

Let us walk humbly with God, live steadfastly by faith upon him, and act boldly and faithfully for him; and all will be well.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 365.

Dark Clouds and Sunshine

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles to a pastor and his family who had experienced a sore trial. The letter was written February 26, 1784.

It shall be well at last with the righteous; and though for a season a dark cloud should hang over him, yet he may be well assured, that every cloud is big with blessings; and the darker it is, the more blessings it contains; and when it has emptied itself, the sun will shine comfortably. The cloud and its contents are as necessary as the sun. Without the cloud the heat of the sun would burn the earth, so that it would bring forth no fruit to perfection. The rain and the sun together make a fruitful season. Let us therefore bless God for the one as well as for the other.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 355.

Supported in Times of Affliction

A selection from a letter by the Calvinistic Methodist preacher, Thomas Charles, to a friend who had suffered heavy affliction. He shares with her the blessing that an affliction was to him. The letter was probably written in 1812:

I rejoice that you are in some degree supported under your heavy affliction, and that your thoughts are directed to the Lord, with some degree of submission to his sovereign will, and of confidence in his goodness, care, and faithfulness. I can say that the heaviest affliction I ever met with was one of my greatest blessings. I refer you to three Scriptures which were peculiarly blessed to me at that time and often afterwards, to wit, Rom. viii.32; Heb. vi.17, 18; Isa. liv. 10. Supported by these strong, unshaken and immoveable pillars, it was easy for me to bear all.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 321.

Trifling With the Souls of Men

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to someone who had written him with questions about preaching the gospel to the lost, written January 18, 1814:

Speaking of the terrors of the Lord to sinners with firmness, and at the same time without feeling compassion for them, shews the want of the fear of God and love to man in the speaker. We ought to weep over them as Jesus did over Jerusalem. The words in 2 Cor. 5:19, 20, are particularly descriptive of the true ambassador of Christ, to whom the ministry of reconciliation is given – is committed… ‘We beseech—we pray you in Christ’s stead… be ye reconciled to God.’ As they represent Christ, they ought to be in that frame and temper of mind, in which Christ would be, if he in his own person were speaking. Knowing the terrors of the Lord, we persuade men. O my dear friend, our trifling with the souls of men about eternal concerns, is shameful—is most exceedingly sinful; it is beyond measure shocking! May God convince us of it, and make us able ministers.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 397.

Mind the Work

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to a young clergyman, October 15, 1812:

Our time is short, and souls are hastening to eternity. We have not a moment to be idle, if we are in our right senses. Mind the work more than the income; and drive on with all your might.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 391.

Speaking and Thinking of Christ

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to Mr. and Mrs. John Walker, of Chester, England (no date):

I am glad that it is my employment through life to speak of Him to helpless sinners. I am glad that others can speak better of Him than I can. But He is infinitely beyond what any of us can think or speak; and we ought to be ashamed of ourselves when we speak with the most light and warmth of Him. The more we know of Him, the less we shall think of our knowledge of Him, and the more we shall long to grow in the knowledge of Him.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 330.

The Source of Afflictions

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to Miss Wright (no date):

When [the Lord] afflicts, it is not willingly, that is, not from any injustice or cruelty in his nature; no, infinitely far from it. Afflictions proceed from his goodness; and they are ordered by perfect wisdom and the greatest tenderness.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 302.

Let Us Be Active Here

A selection from a letter by Thomas Charles, to a young clergyman, March 23, 1808:

Avoid indulgence, sloth and idleness. Let every portion of your time be usefully and conscientiously spent. Our time is short, and life is uncertain… We have eternity to rest; let us be active here.

Thomas Charles’ Spiritual Counsels: Selected from his Letters and Papers, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1836, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1993, p. 390.