_To the Reverend Mr. M――――, junior._
_Dover in Pensylvania, May 9, 1747._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
EVER since I have known and heard of you, the LORD JESUS CHRIST hath
made you peculiarly dear to my soul. Your troubles and soul distresses
have in some measure been my own. I have looked and learned from
your case, that we are indeed but clay in the hands of the heavenly
potter, and that a sovereign GOD may deal with us as it seemeth good
in his sight. “His ways are in the deep waters, and his footsteps are
not known.” What he does to us now, we know not, but we shall know
hereafter. How will you be surprized, dear Sir, in a very short time,
to see that JESUS, whom your soul loves, and who has many a time shed
abroad his love in your heart; how will you be surprized to see him
receive you into glory, and turning your late or present _Egyptian_
darkness into celestial and eternal day? May the compassionate high
priest till then support your sinking spirits, and enable you to cope
with and overcome all those difficulties and temptations, which either
the prevalency of an inveterate melancholy, or the malice of evil
spirits, may make you the subject of! Satan hath desired to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat; but surely JESUS prays for you, though
as it were behind the curtain. Excuse this freedom, reverend Sir;
redeeming love constrains me to write thus. I hope you will receive
it, as it is written, in much love. If you enquire after me, I would
inform you that I am travelling about, and preaching from time to time
among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. I trust,
my labours are not in vain in the LORD. The glorious _Emmanuel_ has
given me a pleasant Winter, and I hope is about to cause these southern
wildernesses to blossom like a rose. You will follow me with your
prayers. My most humble and affectionate respects await your aged
father. My love to your nurse, and all _York_ friends. I am
Yours most affectionately in JESUS CHRIST,
_G. W._