Oundle, in Northamptonshire, Sept. 15, 1749.
My very dear Mr. B——,
THOUGH I have not written to you, yet I know of no one in America, for whom I have a more real and abiding esteem. The account of your temporal affairs, which I received from my wife, gave me great concern. I often wish it was in my power to assist you; but as it is not, all I can do is to pray for you, and exhort you to look up to Him, who has engaged, that all things shall work together for good to those who love him in sincerity. This, I am persuaded, may be said of you; and therefore, dear Sir, be of good courage. These light afflictions are but for a moment, and are intended to work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Thanks be to God, all the hell we are to have, is on this side the grave; there is none for believers beyond it: and even in the midst of our deepest temporal misery, we may enjoy an antepast of heaven. This you know by experience. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift in and through Christ Jesus our Lord. Though faint, my dear friend, yet still pursue. Yonder stands the blessed Jesus with a crown in his hand, ready to put on the conqueror’s head. Let this animate you, for you shall certainly reap in due time, if you faint not. I could write much, but am surrounded with business from many quarters. Blessed be God, my hands are full of work, though I stand amazed that the Redeemer does not lay me aside. But his grace is free. I commend you and your dear yoke-fellow to his never failing mercy, and begging a continued interest in your prayers, subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXVII.
To the Rev. Mr. H——.
Binnington, Sept. 17, 1749.
Rev. and very dear Sir,