AND is the Lord still striving with you? O then admire his patience, and give him your whole heart. I had no other end in bringing you to Bethesda, but that you might be brought to Jesus. I hope you will yet find it a house of mercy to your soul. Take heed of resting in conviction. You know by experience how sadly it wears off. You may well wonder, that God has not sent you to hell long ago. I pray God, that his goodness may lead you to repentance, and that you may walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing, so long as you live. What sweet opportunities do you enjoy! How freely may you go into the woods, and pour out your heart before the dear Jesus. How early was Samuel acquainted with the Lord, and why should not you be acquainted with him? Unless you are, you can never be at peace. Come then, my dear lamb, and wander no longer; return to the shepherd and bishop of your soul. Behold, he shed his blood for you, and will carry you to heaven, rejoicing over you to all eternity. Away to him then in all your blood, just as you are; and when you are near to God, forget not
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXVII.
To Elizabeth G——, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear Betty,
I Am glad you begin to feel the hardness of your heart, and your utter inability to pray. I pray God you may in all things see your helplessness, that you may come as a poor helpless nothing to Jesus Christ, and take him for your all in all. I wonder not that satan endeavours to terrify your soul. You know how he tore the young child in the Gospel, whilst he was coming to Jesus Christ. Your convictions at present seem to arise from a fear of hell; but before you receive this, I hope the Lord Jesus will have sealed your pardon, and have said, “Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.” O Betty, why has God singled you out? Why was you brought to Bethesda? Away when you read this, and bless God for it, and devote yourself again and again to that Lord, who has bought you with his precious blood. Having much forgiven you, love much. Lie down in the dust, and be continually looking to the rock from whence you are hewn. To hear that you, and my dear family, love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, will much rejoice the heart of
Your sincere friend,