_To Mr. B――――._
_Oundle, in Northamptonshire, Sept. 15, 1749._
_My very dear Mr. B――――_,
THOUGH I have not written to you, yet I know of no one in _America_,
for whom I have a more real and abiding esteem. The account of your
temporal affairs, which I received from my wife, gave me great concern.
I often wish it was in my power to assist you; but as it is not, all
I can do is to pray for you, and exhort you to look up to Him, who
has engaged, that all things shall work together for good to those who
love him in sincerity. This, I am persuaded, may be said of you; and
therefore, dear Sir, be of good courage. These light afflictions are
but for a moment, and are intended to work out a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory. Thanks be to GOD, all the hell we are to
have, is on this side the grave; there is none for believers beyond
it: and even in the midst of our deepest temporal misery, we may enjoy
an antepast of heaven. This you know by experience. Thanks be to GOD
for this unspeakable gift in and through CHRIST JESUS our LORD. Though
faint, my dear friend, yet still pursue. Yonder stands the blessed
JESUS with a crown in his hand, ready to put on the conqueror’s head.
Let this animate you, for you shall certainly reap in due time, if you
faint not. I could write much, but am surrounded with business from
many quarters. Blessed be GOD, my hands are full of work, though I
stand amazed that the Redeemer does not lay me aside. But his grace
is free. I commend you and your dear yoke-fellow to his never failing
mercy, and begging a continued interest in your prayers, subscribe
myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._