To Mr. C—— W——.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.
My dear Friend,
I Have read and pondered upon your kind letter with some degree of solemnity of spirit. In the same frame I would now sit down to answer it. And what shall I say? Really I can scarce tell. The connection between you and your brother, hath been so close and continued, and your attachment to him so necessary to keep up his interest, that I would not willingly for the world do or say any thing that may separate such friends. I cannot help thinking, but he is still jealous of me and my proceedings; but, I thank God, I am quite easy about it. Having the testimony of a good conscience, that I have a disinterested view to promote the common salvation only, I can leave all to him, who I am assured will in the end speak for me, and make my righteousness as clear as the light, and my just dealing as the noon-day. I more and more find, that he who believeth doth not make haste; and that if we will have patience, we shall find that every plant, which our heavenly Father hath not planted, however it may seem to have taken very deep root, shall be plucked up. As I wrote to good Lady H——n, so I write to you, dear Sir.—I bless God for my stripping seasons. I have seen an end of all perfection, and expect it only in him, where I am sure to find it, even in the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. He knows how I love and honour you, and your brother, and how often I have preferred your interest to my own. This, by the grace of God, I shall still continue to do. My reward is with the Lord. If he approves, it is enough. More might be said, were we face to face. When this will be, I cannot tell. Several things, especially our design of building a new tabernacle, which I hope will succeed, detain me in town this Winter. God only knows what course I am to steer in the Spring. I would be a blank;—let my heavenly Father fill it up as seemeth him good. I am glad you are with our elect Lady; she will shine indeed in heaven as a common friend. O how amiable is a truly catholic spirit! Lord, make us all partakers of it more and more! I beg the continuance of your prayers: I need them much. God willing, you shall have mine in return. That you and yours may increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest request of, my dear friend,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCL.
To Lady H——n.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.