AT length I have a little leisure. I must improve it, by writing a letter to your Ladyship. The many favours conferred on me, loudly called for a more speedy acknowledgment; but hitherto, business for my Master has prevented. Dear Mrs. C——’s letter will inform your Ladyship that I have altered my state; I trust for the better; for I think my soul is more intimately united to Jesus Christ than ever. I would humbly hope your Ladyship can say so too; for there is no happiness till we can feel an union of soul with God. That, and that only, as your Ladyship has often heard me assert, is true and undefiled religion. Your own experience will best convince you of the truth thereof. Your Ladyship enjoys great advantages, and glorious means of making progress in spiritual things. You are rich in this world’s goods; may God make you rich in faith and good works! My Master will not forget the kindness you have shewn to one of the least of his servants. It gives me comfort to think, what sweet freedom of spirit I have enjoyed, when opening the scriptures in your Ladyship’s house. Surely God was with us of a truth. The savour of it is not yet gone off my own soul, nor, I hope, from your Ladyship’s also. Since I left Edinburgh, I have put up many hearty prayers for you and your family. The Lord make it an houshold of faith, and make you perfect, entire, lacking nothing! The glorious Emmanuel seems to be repairing the breaches of his tabernacle, which were fallen down. In Wales we had much of the divine presence. The people there are so hungry after the word, that they are resolved not to leave wrestling with the Most High, till he shall be pleased to send me thither. O that God may incline your Ladyship to intercede in my behalf! for I long to be humble, and to lie low as a very poor sinner at the Redeemer’s feet. I think I can say, he brings me nearer and nearer to himself daily; and I will not rest, till I am moulded into the image of my bleeding Lord. I pray God that your Ladyship may be content with no degrees of holiness; but may be daily pressing forward, till you arrive at the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Mr. S—— desires to join with me in sending our most affectionate respects and thanks to your Ladyship and all friends. Our particular respects await dear Mr. McV——. I trust he will yet live to see glorious days of the Son of Man. Surely Christ is getting himself the victory. May he long reign king in your soul, and reward you a thousand-fold for every token of love shewn to, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXIII.
To the Right Honourable the Earl of L——.
Bristol, Nov. 24, 1741.
My Lord,
MY heart longs to send you another letter. I wish, above all things, that your soul may prosper. I had an extraordinary power given me to pray for you lately in Wales. God gave me to wrestle, and I think an assurance that I should prevail. I am looking out for an answer. Your Lordship’s next letter, I hope, will afford me matter for rejoicing in your behalf. Your Lordship is now entered on the field of battle: you are engaged in a cruel, but a glorious warfare. Go on; though faint, yet still pursue: nil desperandum, Christo duce, auspice Christo. My prayer for your Lordship is this:
Give him a will, give him the pow’r,