_To the Old Mrs. B――――._
_London, Dec. 14, 1749._
_Dear Madam_,
IF this finds you in the land of the living, or rather this land of
the dying, it comes to assure you that your dear letter and the other
letters received from your dear family, gave me great satisfaction.
Blessed be GOD, even the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for
wounding and healing. This is his way. He wounds, in order to heal,
and in the midst of judgment remembers mercy. Surely he is good in
holding your soul in life, and being so much a staff to you in your old
age. He has been a promise-keeping GOD. He has not forsaken you when
grey-headed, and when your natural strength must necessarily begin to
fail you. Though it is cruel to hope you will be kept out of heaven
so long, yet who knows, but I may see you, dear Madam, on this side
eternity. GOD willing, I purpose to embark some time next year without
fail. The infinitely condescending Redeemer vouchsafes to crown my
labours with great success; but in the midst of all, _America_, dear
_America_, is not forgotten by me. Your family is peculiarly dear. I
look upon you as my mother, and on your children as my brethren and
sisters. I have lately been in _Yorkshire_, where I saw a widow, whose
husband lately died in triumph, and who has five sons and one daughter
all walking in the love of GOD. Let this strengthen your faith, dear
Madam, and encourage you to hope that you shall still see the travail
of the Redeemer’s soul in the salvation of all your children, and be
satisfied. The LORD’s Spirit seems still to be striving with them;
and I trust he will not let them go, till they are enabled to give him
spirit, soul, and body to be sanctified throughout. My poor prayers
shall not be wanting. We often think and talk of you. My wife, with
me, sends you and yours a thousand thanks for all your kindnesses. We
are both pretty well, and have the satisfaction of seeing the glory of
the LORD manifested in the great congregation. O what a blessed master
is JESUS CHRIST. I am just now come to my thirty-fifth year of age. I
blush and am confounded, when I think for what little purpose I have
lived. It is time now to begin to do something for Him, who has done
and suffered so much for me. I beg, dear Madam, you will pray for me
while life lasts. I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all
saints; but for CHRIST’s sake under manifold obligations to, and am,
dear Madam,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and ready servant,
_G. W._