I Am concerned to find by your last, dated November 4th, that the letter I sent you from Scotland did not come to hand. But providence over-ruleth all things; even this shall work for good. I wonder not, if the Lord has given you more zeal, that you meet with more opposition. However, I would not have you rash, or over hasty in leaving the Isle of Man. Wait, continue instant in prayer, and you shall see the salvation of God. I have not heard from my family abroad for some time, and cannot give you any determinate answer about your going to Georgia, because I know not how their affairs stand. God will yet shew you what he would have you to do. Even so Lord Jesus, Amen and Amen! Our glorious Emmanuel blessed me exceedingly after we parted from Scotland, and blesses me in like manner, now he has brought me to England. Vile, ungrateful as I am, he vouchsafes to give me much of his presence, and keeps me under the shadow of his wings. Let his goodness to me, encourage you to hope and trust in him. Remember, dear Sir, Jesus came to make poor sinners happy, and to give them victory over their lusts and passions. Plead his promises, be much in secret prayer, and never give God rest, ’till your soul is filled with all his fulness. That the Lord may hasten that blessed time, wherein his kingdom shall come with full power into your dear soul, is the earnest prayer of, Rev. and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXIX.
To Mr. B——, at Bethesda.
London, Nov. 19, 1742.
BLESSED, blessed be God, the packet is not gone; so that I have just time to tell you, I received your kind, very kind letter, though I have not time to read it thoroughly, least I should miss this opportunity. God only knows how I sympathize with you and my dear family. Though I have no money to pay Mr. Jones, &c. yet, if I can take up two or three hundred pounds upon my own account, I will come over, God willing, the very first opportunity. The time of your fasting, I hope is now near over, and the days of your mourning ended. Remember the burning bush; it was on fire, but not consumed. Surely some great good is to come out of the Orphan-house. Blessed be God, for strengthening you to stay with my dear family. Ten thousand blessings descend upon your soul! I wish dear brother G—— joy. I am much obliged to my dear friend and faithful steward. Next ship, I hope to answer his letters distinctly. O my dear man, I do not forget any of you. God, and not my own will, has kept me on this side the water so long. But surely you must judge me sometimes. You need not make any apology for moving; it is what I wished you might do. Your care and tenderness towards me, makes me long to embrace and weep over you one by one. Forget you! no, no; I think I could rather die for you. My brother, my dear brother, go on. Surely God is with us. Great things are to come out of Georgia. Remember Abraham, how did he sojourn in the land of Promise, as in a strange land? The Lord increase your faith. My tenderest love, and ten thousand thanks, to dear Mr. J——s. God will bless him for helping you. The Lord Jesus be with you all.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.