Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXXIII.
To Mr. P——.
London, June 12, 1755.
Dear Nat.,
I THINK every thing is now procured that was in the memorandums. I would have sent the children’s cloaths, &c. but they could not be got ready; you will therefore have them by another opportunity. I am glad to hear by your last, that the children go on well in their learning. Let this encourage you to go on, and who knows, but by and by they may learn Christ? Such power belongs only unto God. I am quite satisfied in your present employ, and doubt not (if you are cloathed with humility, as I trust you will be) but God will bless and delight to honour you. To have our own mother’s children angry with and despise us, if sanctified, is a good preservative against self-love, and self-complacency: it puts us more upon the watch, and drives us nearer to God. This be your happy lot! As for your affair with Mr. C——, I can only say, you have my leave to act as you think best. —Shew thy will, O God, and give power to perform it! To A—— W—— and his wife, I have allowed twenty pounds per annum, till they have a place, or get into business. God knows, I can little afford it; but I can as yet trust on him, who feedeth the ravens, and hath promised to supply all my wants. O that the Lord of all Lords may keep you all at Bethesda of one heart and one mind, and give you to send me such news, as may gladden my frequently burdened (though I hope disinterested) mind; and cause me to go on with more chearfulness and joy! Thanks be to God, my feeble labours on this side the water, are owned and succeeded. People seem to be as lively as ever. I hope the time will come, when Bethesda also shall blossom like a rose. We wait for thy salvation O Lord; make no long tarrying our Lord and our God! My dear Nat. farewel. Feed Christ’s lambs, and he will feast thy soul.—Look upon his work as its own wages, and he will richly repay thee for all thy care. I charge you, and all, to continue wrestling in prayer for me, as being, dear Nat.
Your assured friend and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.