_To Mrs. S――――, at New-York._
_Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1747._
SHALL I promise and not perform? GOD forbid. I must then drop a line to
my afflicted friend. How is your little one? Is it yet languishing? Is
it quite emaciated and panting for breath? Or is it gone into the world
of spirits? Whatever be your answer, I am ready to reply, Remember your
father _Abraham_; how chearfully did he offer up his dear _Isaac_, his
son, whom he loved? How kindly did the LORD take it at his hands? Go
thou and do likewise. If JESUS hath restored it to you, nurse it for
him; pray to him continually for grace to order it aright, and learn
how soon GOD may imbitter the dearest comforts to us. Happy, happy they,
who can lean on and trust in JESUS, whilst they are going through this
howling wilderness, this world of woe. I trust you are one of these
happy ones. O free grace! Sovereign, electing, distinguishing love! You
will join with me in saying, “Why me, LORD, why me?” I could enlarge.
Whilst I am writing, the fire kindles; but my Master’s business calls
me away. He is with me here. Remember the Pilgrims. My dear yoke-fellow
is gone forward; perhaps I may follow this week. I desire to be
remembered in the kindest manner to dear Mr. _S―――― P――――_, wife, and
all friends. I thank them and you a thousand times for all favours, and
am, dear Mrs. _S――――_,
Your affectionate and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._