I Am yet of opinion, there is mercy and love laid up for you in the heart of the blessed Jesus. You look backward, instead of forward. You look into yourself, instead of looking up to Him, who is mighty and willing to save. O that you may have strength to go to him just as you are! You would then be delivered from your bondage. The case of the poor Syrophœnician woman may give you comfort. How did the Lamb of God seem as it were to turn lion? How did he seem to turn a deaf ear to her complaints? And yet heard and loved her all the while. Why may not you believe? He will yet say to you, “Be it unto you even as thou wilt.” I fear some tell you, that it is well to doubt. Indeed they are mistaken. Dear Miss, expect great things from Jesus Christ. “He is able to do abundantly for you above what you can ask or think.” His name, his nature is Love. Fear not; be not faithless, but believing. Wait, and you shall yet see the salvation of God. In Jesus there is plenteous redemption. That you may feel the full power of his blood, prays, dear Miss,
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCVI.
To Mr. W——, in Bristol.
London, April 6, 1742.
My dear, yea very dear Brother,
YOU must needs think, that your kind letter gave me no small pleasure. Glory be to God for that rich love wherewith he hath loved you! Surely Jesus Christ will be now exceeding precious to your dear soul. What does he now require of you, but to walk humbly, closely, and with a child-like simplicity before him? He hath followed you, as well as prevented you with his mercies, and would suffer nothing to take you out of his hands. Satan hath desired you, satan has sifted you as wheat; but Jesus, that friend of sinners, hath prayed for you, and therefore your faith hath not failed. The Lord hath looked upon my dear Samuel. Methinks I see him weeping tears of love, and saying, “Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth now.”
I doubt not but many will reproach you for your past backsliding, and question your future stability. Let all serve to humble you in the dust, and drive you to the loving Jesus for refuge. “In him,” surely shall my dear friend say, “I have righteousness and strength.” Look up to him, and you shall be delivered from, nay, made more than conqueror over every temptation. He will fight your battles for you, and crown you when you have done. Dear Mr. W——, the love of Jesus now swallows up my soul. I see him more and more lovely every day. In Jesus there is plenteous redemption. He came, that we might have life, nay that we might have it more abundantly. O what a blessing is it to be redeemed from a vain conversation, and from this present evil world. O that every poor sinner felt it! Then would his children agree in one, and divisions would be at an end. Blessed be our Lord, there is a greater prospect of union than ever. It is what my soul longs after, and labours for. It is a great pity that poor pilgrims should fall out in their way to heaven; but this will be, till we get more of the divine spirit. Pray we therefore for a great effusion of the Holy Ghost. Blessed be God, we feel the Holy Ghost daily in our congregations. It surprizes me to see what a company of settled, solid christians are amongst us. The work goes on daily. This morning, how did Jesus pierce and melt poor sinners hearts? Amazing accounts are brought from abroad.—Fresh awakenings in many places at home. Does not your soul long to tell sinners, Jesus is Love. I am glad to hear you are so active. Go on in the strength of the triumphing Lamb. My heart is warm. Welcome home again, my dear friend, welcome to Jesus your Lord and your God. Pray write often, dear Mr. W——, to