_Bethesda, Dec. 24, 1746._
_My dear Brother_,
I Must not let your kind letter which I received a few days ago lie
long unanswered. And now what shall I say? why that I would have you
comfort yourself with this promise, “That all things shall work (nay
_do_ work) for good to those that love GOD.”――Blessed be GOD for that
little, that great word ALL.――Could we always act faith upon that,
nothing could move us.――It is this promise that makes me now to
rejoice in the midst of all the tribulations that has befallen my dear
_Tabernacle_ friends.――For ere long you shall sing,
_――――――――O happy Rod!_
_That brought us nearer to our GOD!_
Courage, therefore, my brother, courage.――The LORD will yet uphold you
with his right hand.――Only live near to JESUS, and let the language of
your heart be, “LORD, _let me know myself and thee!_” All trials are
sent for these two ends, that we may be better acquainted with the dear
LORD JESUS, and with our own wicked hearts.――That you may increase in
this knowledge more and more, is the earnest prayer of
Your affectionate friend, and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._
_P. S._ My dear wife joins in sending hearty salutations to all.――I
must refer you to other letters for news.