_To Mr. B――――._
_London, May 21, 1743._
_My very dear Brother B――――_,
LITTLE did I think, when I parted from you at _Bethesda_, that I should
be writing to you at this time in _London_. But GOD’s ways are in the
great waters, and his footsteps are not known. I have essayed to come
to you more than once, or twice; but I believe I can say, “the spirit
suffered me not.” In thought I am with you daily; when I shall come in
person, our Saviour only knows: perhaps, at an hour which neither you
nor I think of. You will see what I have wrote (though in much weakness)
to my dear Mr. _H――――_. The present weakness of my body will not suffer
me to enlarge much to you; though, was I to follow the inclination
of my soul, I should fill up many sheets. My dear brother, I love you
unfeignedly in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and heartily thank you for
all your works of faith, and the care you have taken of my dear family.
Surely our LORD sent you to _Bethesda_, and however cloudy the prospect
may have been for some time, I am persuaded a glorious sunshine will
succeed, and you shall yet see the salvation of our GOD. When our LORD
has any thing great to do, he is generally a great while bringing it
about, and many unaccountable dark providences generally intervene.
Thus it was with _Abraham_, _Jacob_, _Joseph_, _Moses_, and all the
eminent men of GOD in the days of old. Thus our LORD is pleased to
deal with me, and my affairs. Many precious promises have been given me
in respect to myself, my dear family, and the church of JESUS CHRIST,
which I am sure will be fulfilled in due time. I long to be with you,
to open our hearts freely, and to tell one another what our good GOD
has done for our souls. Great things has he done for me indeed, and
greater things is he yet doing, and about to do. The work of GOD is
likely to spread far and near, and such are daily added to the church
as shall be saved. I am employed every moment for the best of Masters,
and only lament that I can do no more. For some days, my body has been
much indisposed, but not so as to prevent my preaching. As my day is,
so is my strength; and as afflictions abound, consolations much more
abound. I know that this will lead you to give thanks on my behalf. I
am glad when I hear it goes well with you and yours. I am now like St.
_Paul_, who could have no rest, ’till he sent a brother to the church,
that he might enquire of their affairs, and know how they did. The
person that brings this, loves JESUS in sincerity, and I trust will be
a blessing to the house. I would have him employed among the children,
or as you and the brethren shall think fit. Our Saviour, I hope, will
direct you in every thing. As strength shall permit, I intend writing
to Mr. _J――――_. Blessed be GOD for raising up such dear friends. He
never can or will forsake those that put their trust in him. I hope
it is well with you and yours. I doubt not but your souls prosper.
Mr. _A――――_ writes to his mother, and tells her how you are instant in
season and out of season. Go on, my dear brother, thou man of GOD! and
may the LORD make you a spiritual father to thousands. That the LORD of
all lords may exceedingly bless you, is the earnest prayer of
Yours most affectionately in JESUS,
_G. W._