_To Mr. L――――._
_London, Jan. 27, 1750._
_Very dear Sir_,
I Received your kind letter, and am glad to find the storm is a little
abated at _Cork_. I always thought it was too hot to hold long. I
see by Mr. _H――――_ that suffering grace is always given for suffering
times. If they have honoured him so far as to give him some lashes,
for preaching the everlasting gospel, I shall rejoice. Such an instance
of persecution, I am persuaded will stir up the resentment of persons
in power on this side the water. I beg for the dear people’s sake, you
would continue your accounts. They direct me in my prayers, and excite
also the prayers of others. On _Monday_, GOD willing, your letter
shall be read, and in the strength of JESUS CHRIST, we will besiege
the throne of grace once more, in our dear brethrens behalf. Surely we
shall prevail. Neither will I stop, but use all endeavours to extricate
our friends out of their troubles. Inclosed you have a letter to the
Judge. You may send or deliver it as you think proper. I hope you
will wait on Lord _H――――_, and let me hear what he says. The Duke
was spoke to, and last post I wrote to Lady _H――――_ for the memorial,
which if sent, shall be put into the hands of some that are very near
his Majesty. Some honourable women are much your friends; JESUS makes
them so, and when his people are distressed, if needful, a thousand
_Esthers_ shall be raised up. What are all these mountains in the
sight of our great _Zerubabel_? Let him but speak the word, and they
shall become a plain. I am glad my dear Mr. _L――――_’s hopes begin
to brighten. O for faith to look through every cloud! Ere long the
sun of righteousness will shine upon us, and not one cloud be seen to
intercept his blessed rays. I trust I can say, that we have lately felt
many of his benign influences warming our souls, and the prospect of
future usefulness increases daily. O for humility! O for gratitude and
love! I have now preached three times in Mr. _W――――_’s chapel, and each
time the LORD was with us of a truth. Next week I leave town for about
five weeks, but if you write, your letters will be sent to me. In the
spring, I am apt to believe the cloud will move towards _Ireland_; but
future things belong to him, before whom things past, present, and to
come, are one _eternal Now_. Mr. _C――――_ is much obliged to you for
your kindness to his friend. He writes word, that you are a father to
him. The LORD will reward you for all your works of faith, and labours
which proceed from love. Perhaps it may do no harm, to let some know
that application has been made, and is making to several in power here,
and that they all express great resentment at the _Cork_ proceedings. I
find their afflictions are my own, and I pray GOD when they have gotten
rest, they may not grow lukewarm, but like the churches of old, walk
in the comforts of the Holy Ghost and be edified. O for that rest which
remains for the people of GOD! It is just at hand. We have a blessed
foretaste of it here: We shall have a full fruition in the Redeemer’s
kingdom hereafter. I wait for thy salvation, O LORD! I can now only add
my most cordial salutations, and beg the continuance of your prayers
for, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed I AM,
_G. W._