_To Mr. S――――._
_Exeter, Feb. 27, 1749._
_Very dear Mr. S――――_,
I Am ashamed to think that your last kind letter has lain by so long
unanswered; but journeying, preaching, and a multiplicity of other
business has prevented me. I shall not carry on the debate; only I must
thank you for receiving my letter in so friendly a manner, and entreat
you, though a host of enemies are behind, and a whole sea of troubles
before you, to go forwards. That was the command the great JEHOVAH gave
to his servant _Moses_, when under very pressing circumstances, so that
he knew not what to do. The LORD’s impressing and affecting persons
under your exhortation, is a token for good. It is good to be led on
step by step into whatever plan providence intends to call us. “He
that believeth doth not make haste.” Our business is to follow, and
improve the light we have, and that is the way to get more. You know
who hath said, “to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance.” May this promise be fulfilled in your heart! But why does
my friend write so about assurance, or think he is too sinful to expect
such a favour? Have you learnt CHRIST no better yet? Who more sinful
than _Paul_ or the jaylor, _Zaccheus_ or _Magdalene_? and who more
assured of their salvation? My dear Mr. _S――――_, do not think so hardly
of the glorious Redeemer. Draw near to him with boldness, though the
greatest of sinners, and urge that as an argument, why he should give
you the greatest and most abiding assurance of his everlasting love.
This is the only argument I can use in respect to my own soul. Fear
not, dear Sir, though clouds return after the rain; ere long I trust
the glorious and ever-blessed spirit will not, as to his comforts, be
like a way-faring man, tarrying only for a night, but come and make
a continued abode in your heart. The language of my soul for you is,
“Come LORD JESUS, come quickly!” May I expect an answer to this in
_London_. Thither I am now going from the west, where I have been for
about a month, and through grace have seen that the seed sown just
before my embarking last for _America_, has sprung up and produced
fruit unto GOD. To him be all the glory. The impressions made upon some
of the great ones do remain. Good Lady _H――――_ sends me good news. Be
pleased to remember me as usual to doctor _D――――_ and Mr. _H――――_, and
believe me to be, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._