G. W.
LETTER DXVII.
To Mr. H——.
London, May 21, 1743.
My very dear faithful Friend and Brother,
AFTER watching, and praying, and striving some days for direction and assistance, I now sit down to write you a letter; though I know not well what to say or do. The concern I have felt for you, and my dear family, has had an effect on my body, and increased that weakness, which the season of the year, my constant labours, and continual care upon various accounts, have brought upon me. In the midst of all, my soul I trust grows, and is kept happy in the blessed Jesus. His strength is daily made perfect in my weakness, and I am made more than conqueror through his love. I am somewhat concerned, that scarce any of my letters have reached your hands. I was glad, however, to find, that you had received one dated in May last. Since that, I hope you have received more. I rejoice that our loving Saviour has not permitted you to want. You are his family, and he would not detain me from you, had not he determined to provide for you in my absence. I fear I have been sinfully impatient to come over. I think, I could be sold a slave to serve at the gallies, rather than you and my dear Orphan-family should want. Sometimes my wicked heart has said, “if I know I should have staid so long, I would not have come over to England at all.” But God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. It is best to be kept at his feet, waiting to know what he would have us to do. By and by we shall know all; ’till then, let us wait patiently; against hope may we believe in hope, and being strong in faith give glory to God. After I have fought the Lord’s battles in Moor-fields these holidays, I think to take a tour into Cornwall and Wales, and perhaps, to Ireland. I have sometimes thought I am detained on purpose to go there. I wonder not at your silence. You may well expect me; but I must not mention it, lest my impatient heart should again say, “Lord, why wilt thou not let me go?” My first fellow-traveller, scarce a day passes without my speaking of, and often praying for you. Old love has revived long since in my soul. I am persuaded, our Lord will reward you even in this life, for your fidelity to unworthy me. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” While I am writing the fire kindles, and I almost forget my bodily weakness. The Lord be with you. I hear the Spaniards intend a second invasion; but those words still follow and comfort me, “The enemies which you have seen, you shall see no more for ever.” You are the Lord’s family; he will take care of you; fear them not. I have many things to impart, when I see you face to face. ’Till then the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and grant that you and yours may increase with all the increase of God. In bonds of an eternal friendship, with greater affection than words can well express, I subscribe myself,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.