A fairer, a diviner guest,
Now claims possession of my breast.
I do not wonder to hear of your being under trials; you are to be made perfect by them. Right-hand and right-eye corruptions are not so easily cut off, or plucked out; but this must be done. Not one Agag, however beautiful, and importunate for life, must be spared: the sword of the spirit must be lifted up, and as an enemy to the Lord of life and glory, he must be hewn to pieces. Jesus, the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, cannot away with idols:—And why? Because they rob us of our peace, estrange us from our God, and unfit us for the enjoyment of that better world, where I hope to see you encircled in the arms of redeeming love. Flee therefore, dear Sir, flee, I intreat you, youthful lusts. Jesus will give you wings and feet, and after all reward you, as though you fled in a strength of your own. O often, often contemplate, and dwell upon his dying for you. This will sweetly constrain you to be willing even to die for him, and powerfully constrain you to be ready to every good word and work. O that I may take this advice myself! You must pray that I may; a trial is at hand. In about three weeks I am bound for America.—A multiplicity of business lies before me; but to convince you that your correspondence is not troublesome, I snatch a few minutes to send you these lines, from, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant for Christ’s sake.
G. W.
LETTER MXXV.
To Lady H——n.
London, February 14, 1754.
Honoured Madam,