I HOPE an all-wise Redeemer is teaching us to be content to be buried ourselves, and to bury our friends alive. This is a hard but important lesson. Lord Jesus, make us great proficients in the school of thy cross! I have not preached a single sermon for some weeks. Last Sunday I spoke a little; but I feel its effects ever since. Father, thy will be done! Blessed be his name for giving you a little reviving in your bondage. Perhaps that is all we are to expect on this side eternity. But there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief! Glory be to his great name, that some good was done at Plymouth. The news drove me to my knees, and stirred up an ambition to be employed again. I know you and Sarah will say, Amen, and Amen! I hope your Isaac will be spared; if not, Aaron-like, may you hold your peace! I have met with changes. My two old servants are married and gone. Mr. E—— hath preached for me some time. As yet the congregations are kept up. Mr. A—— and M—— are very poorly. All are hastening home apace. Accept hearty love to your whole self, and all dear friends who are so kind as to enquire after, my very dear Timothy,
Yours, &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCLIII.
To Mr. D——.
Leeds, October 24, 1761.
My very dear Mr. D——,
WHAT sudden changes here! O that my great change was come! Happy Polhill: Bethesda’s loss is thy gain. “Be ye also ready,” is the call of this awful providence. The Lord furnish survivors with double strength! I thank you for the accounts. I see you are running in arrears. Some way or other I trust they will be discharged. But I would have the family reduced as low as can be. I think that the keeping of those who are grown up, hurts them and increases my expence. I have little comfort in many that I have assisted. But our reward of grace is with the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! As you are most conversant in figures, you will be pleased to continue in your usual way; and as you go on in harmony, I trust you will do quite well. A sea voyage seems more necessary to me now than ever. I know now what nervous disorders are. Blessed be God that they were contracted in his service. I do not repent my embarking in Christ’s cause. He seeth all your disinterested toil in that new world. “Well done, ye good and faithful servants,” shall be the salutation given to you all. My hearty blessing and love to all. That great may be your happiness on earth, and infinitely great your reward in heaven, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Mr. D——,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,