I Am glad to receive a line once again from dear brother A——. I rejoice that God lets you see more and more into the corruptions of your heart. The more perfect you are, the more will you see and bewail your imperfections in thought, word, and deed; the more will you be made to sing, “In the Lord alone, and not in myself, have I compleat righteousness and strength.” The doctrine of electing love, is precious to my soul. I am enabled to speak of it feelingly to others. My soul is kept in peace and sweetness. Our Lord’s cause needs not noise and rashness. I desire that none of my wild-fire may be mixed with the pure fire of holy zeal coming from God’s altar. I think it my duty to wait, to go on simply in preaching the everlasting gospel, and I believe we shall yet see the salvation of God. Methinks, the cloud begins to break off your mind; I pray God to keep you from extremes. Brother H—— is more and more enlightned; but withal, more and more quickened every day. He finds there is no such thing as sinless perfection, and yet is pressing after holiness of heart and life rather more than ever. May God make my dear brother A—— thus minded! For indeed I love him in the bowels of Jesus Christ. We have had frequently sweet communion with God, and one another. I should have rejoiced to have conversed with you at Bristol. This is my comfort, yet a little while and we shall converse in the kingdom of heaven, for ever and ever. My soul is waiting for this salvation. I know not when I shall go to Axminster. When I do, you shall have timely notice. God blesses my ministry, wherever he sends me. I am invited to fresh places daily. Dear Mr. A——, I, even worthless I, subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately in the loving Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXII.
To Mr. I—— C——.
Bristol, May 18, 1741.
Dear Brother C——,
I Received your letter this morning, and am just setting out for Wiltshire. The Lord hath been much with us. Yesterday I preached three times. At every sermon, a sweet melting was observed in the congregation. Last night I gave your sister the sacrament; she is recovering. I afterwards, administered the sacrament at Mr. T——’s, and had a love feast. Jesus was in the midst of us. I know not but I may come towards London next week. I wonder not at your heaviness.—Before every increase of your work, you must expect some trials. Humblings are necessary for your spirit, and mine. I return my love to all. I must away. Brother H—— rejoices in spirit, and joins with me, who am,
Ever yours in Christ,