G. W.
LETTER MCCLIV.
To Mrs. C——.
Leeds, October 24, 1761.
Dear Mrs. C——,
I AM still in this dying world, but frequently tempted to wish the report of my death had been true, since my disorder keeps me from my old delightful work of preaching. But Jesus can teach us to exercise our passive as well as active graces. Fain would I say, “Thy will be done!” I am now riding for my health; but I think a voyage would brace me up. I impute my present disorder, in a great measure, to the want of my usual sea voyages. Blessed be God, for supporting me so well under the news of dear Mr. Polhill’s sudden translation. In that respect, I rather envy than pity him; to be carried to heaven in an instant; from a ship’s cabin into Abraham’s bosom; O what a blessing! God sanctify and make up the loss! But we shall find few Polhills. Blessed be God, that I have faithful ones left behind. I repose in you the utmost confidence, and hope the Lord will give you double strength, and vouchsafe us all a speedy and happy meeting. I know who adds a hearty Amen. I wish G——r and A—— W—— were put out. Keeping such great boys is expensive, and there is nothing to be expected by my coming over. I hope my nephew will take the boy that comes over; if not, he must be received at Bethesda. Surely God will yet provide for that house of mercy. But I can at present bear very little of outward cares. Writing these few letters, I fear, will hurt me: but I could not help venturing. The Lord bless and reward you, my dear Mrs. C——, for all your labours of love! I commend you and your dear charge to his never-failing mercy, and am, with ten thousand thanks for all favours,
Yours most affectionately for Christ’s sake,
G. W.