======================================================================== LETTER - TO ELNATHAN JUDD by Charles Finney ======================================================================== Summary: Charles Finney encourages Elnathan Judd to maintain the gentle spirit of Jesus and to pray for the wind of the Spirit to sweep away lies and confusion in the church. Topics: "The Power of Prayer", "Unity in the Church" Scripture References: Matthew 5:9, John 17:21, Romans 12:18, 1 Corinthians 1:12-13, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 4:5, Colossians 3:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, James 1:19 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Charles Finney writes to Elnathan Judd, encouraging him to remain steadfast amidst the confusion and turmoil in Oneida County. He emphasizes the importance of prayer over controversy, warning against the divisive spirit that can arise during challenging times. Finney reassures Judd that despite the chaos, God's presence remains constant and that the church should focus on unity and love rather than conflict. He urges the preservation of a gentle spirit, reflecting the character of Jesus, and highlights the ongoing revival efforts in the region. Finney concludes with a call for prayer, believing it to be the key to overcoming the darkness and confusion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [MS Group 70, Box 1.6g, Judd Family Papers, Bernice P. Bishop Museum Library, Honolulu, Hawaii.] Elnathan Judd (1773-1845) was a physician in Paris, NY. Address: Doct. Elnathan Judd. Paris, Oneida co. N. York. Letter: Troy 23 March 1827. Dear Brother Judd. Your kind letter came to hand yesterday. I have heard [of] the transactions in Oneida county - am not surprised much in these days at any thing. My Dear Brother, things seem to us to be carried forward in great confusion. But with the blessed God there is no disorder, no mistake, no confusion, no disappointment. All is well! Dont be dismayed, the ark of God is safe. Be strong, in that county, "acquit yourselves like men". Dont let us be rash, Now is the time to "let our moderation be known". Do all you can Dear brother to keep christians in that county from a controversial spirit. A spirit of party. "I am of Paul, & I of Apollos," To excite this spirit just at this time, is doubtless Satans object, & the occasion is peculiarly favorable for his purpose. Here then, just now, lies our danger. Say to all the friends of Zion, pray & not talk much just now. The times are too perilous, & the church & world in too great a fermentation to say much. 'Tis better to pray, I think, than to speak, when there is so much noise that our voice cant be heard. I would express my gratitude for your remembrance of me at a throne of grace. Things remain here about in statu quo. Revival goes on in the midst [page 2] of opposition from earth & hell. Our Brethren at the east are certainly in great darkness with respect to the state of things here & at the west. The fact is, the smoke has come up from the bottomless pit & filled the & darkened the air - lies have been hatched in hell, & have come up like Locusts upon the face of the earth & filled the land,& are so that they know not what to believe. Let us pray that the wind of the spirit may sweep away this smoke & these lies, & then we shall all come out from und[er] the Cloud & see eye to eye, & love eachother & serve our God better than ever. Let us take care that we do not dash against, & hurt each other in the dark. Satan wants to turn our weapons against each other. O I pray God that I may have no weapons to use in that way. Mr. Beman's affair with Presbytery is going on. You will hear particulars in due time. The effect produced by the letters from the east is here about what I suppose it is there. There are different opinions of course. Hold still, & let us see what God means by this. Say to Brother Waters, I have spent 3 sabbaths at New Lebanon. Revival there has become powerful. His friend Tildens family deeply affected I believe Mr. T. began to indulge some hope before I left. Tall Oaks, & the "Cedars of Lebanon" bow down there, at the foot of our Emanual. [page 3] Love to all our dear [the] friends of Jesus. O do My Dear Doct Judd to preserve in that region the gentle spirit of the blessed Jesus, "who when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he was persecuted, threatened not, who did not strive nor cry nor lift up his voice in the streets". Only cultivate & keep the true spirit of prayer, & all will be well. Give that away, & a blighting curse will follow. In great haste yours fraternally - C. G. Finney. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-finney/letter-to-elnathan-judd/ ========================================================================