YOUR not answering my two last sooner, gave me pain; sorrows are lessened, and joys become greater by being communicated. It is so with an earthly friend, much more so with the friend of sinners.
Our sorrows and our tears we pour,
Into the bosom of our God.
He bottles them all up, and will not suffer one of them to fall to the ground unregarded. I hope that these trials, which, like Job’s messengers, come one upon the back of another, by being sanctified, will make your soul as a watered garden. You know who hath said, “They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.” O blessed religion, that shews us the holy art of gaining by our losses, and rising by our falls! Was it in my power, this letter should enclose something that would stop every temporal gap; but I am not rich at present. Poor, yet endeavouring to make many rich, I would have my motto still! Thanks be to God, at our lowest estate we can draw on the bank of heaven. A believer never hath a bill protested there. “My God (says the Apostle Paul) shall supply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” Away, and endorse it afresh, and send it directly away post on the wings of prayer. Never fear any trial that sends you to your knees; You must then needs go forward whether you know it or not. I would enlarge, but weakness prevents. I have been in the furnace; I hope it is intended to prepare me for fresh success. The awakening at London seems to be quite new. Adieu, adieu. I am called away.
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCXIV.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
London, January 22, 1756.