IT is late; but I must answer your request. The inclosed made me pity, smile, and rejoice: smile at the writer’s worn-out sarcasms, pity his ignorance, and rejoice that you are thus called to be a martyr, a living martyr for our common Lord. Fear not, only go forwards; you know Jesus, and by preaching will know more. To him that hath shall be given.
For this let men despise your name,
You’ll shun no cross, you’ll fear no shame.
All hail reproach!
If you write with all deference, let him know that Jesus hath revealed himself not only to you by his word, but in you by his spirit: that you look upon those whom he is pleased to term deluded and fanatics, as the excellent ones upon the earth; and that you choose rather to suffer reproach with them, than to enjoy all the pleasures of sense, and all the preferments in the world. But why do I dictate? I trust you to the teachings of that Jesus who hath said, “It shall be given you in that hour what you shall say.” Where doth this —— live? What is the —— he mentions? God grant it may be a nursery for what he calls fanatics so long as one stone is left upon another. One letter more I imagine will rid you of further trouble from this quarter; expect then attacks from another: but look to Jesus; he will make you more than conqueror. I thank thee, holy Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight. Why me, Lord? why me? A sense of this distinguishing love will make you laugh at all that men or devils can say of or do unto you. Good night. I must away and pray for you. To-morrow Mr. ——, &c. breakfast with me. God bless you! Be of good courage: give no way, no not for a moment.
Ever yours, &c. &c. in an almighty Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXII.
To Mr. A——s.