Canterbury, Nov. 20, 1750.
My dear Mr. S——,
BY that time yours reached London, I suppose my last will have reached Dublin, and find you on the full stretch for him, who was stretched upon the cross for you and me. As far as I can judge of the circumstances you related to me, settling as you propose, will not hinder, but rather further you in your present work. Only beware of nestling. If you do, and God loves you (as I believe he does) you shall have thorns enough put into your nest. O that I may be enabled, even to the end, to evidence, that nothing but a pure disinterested love to Christ and souls, caused me to begin, go on, and hold out, in pursuing the present work of God! I have seen so many that once bid exceedingly fair, and afterwards, Demas like, preferred the world to Christ, that I cannot be too jealous over myself, or others whom I profess to love. This is my motive in writing to you, love, even love unfeigned; love for Christ’s sake, and the good of souls. O let no one take away your crown. If you marry, let it be in the Lord, and for the Lord, and then the Lord will give it his blessing. Only remember this, marry when or whom you will, expect trouble in the flesh. But I spare you. Seven years hence, if we should live and meet, we can talk better of these things. In the mean while, let us go on leaning on our Beloved. He, and He alone, can keep us unspotted from the world. Does the work prosper among you? It increases here. At Canterbury I find several souls are awakened. God willing, I leave it to-morrow. You must pray for me, and exhort all to continue their prayers also. I expect, one day or another, to see some glorious days in Ireland. I am called away.—For the present, adieu.
Yours most affectionately in our blessed Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXXI.
To Mr. T——.
London, Nov. 30, 1750.
My dear Mr. T——,