G. W.
LETTER MXCVIII.
To Mr. J—— S——.
Northampton, September 1, 1755.
AND did my dear Mr. S—— direct a letter and not send me one line at a venture? Well, I thank him even for the direction, as well as for all other unmerited favours. O that it was in my power to shew my gratitude in a substantial manner! This is my comfort, God is a prayer-hearing, promise-keeping God. He will not fail those, who have confessed him or his ministers before men.—It may be, before men they shall be rewarded. Certain it is, they shall be confessed by Jesus Christ in the presence of men and angels in the kingdom of heaven. This, ere long, will be your happiness. Methinks I long for the day; but am ashamed I do no more for Jesus, who yet continues to employ me. Every where the fields are white ready unto harvest. At London, Bristol, Bath, in Gloucestershire, at Norwich, Bury, Braintree, and yesterday twice here, we had blessed seasons. I am now going into Yorkshire, and it may be to Ireland. If there should be a bloody war, God only knows when I shall see my dear New-England. Thither I find a strong attraction. O for good news from the northern forces! I suppose death must come first before life.—This is always the method of Providence. Lord, help us to pray and not faint! Happy they who have got a Jesus to fly to: he is our refuge from every storm. Your whole self and all enquiring friends do I most earnestly commend to his never-failing mercy, as being, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.