_To Mr. L――――._
_London, Jan. 13, 1751._
_Dear Mr. L――――_,
BEFORE I had the pleasure of your letter, I had heard some particulars
of the late commotion at _Canterbury_. Ere now I hope you have been
directed to the choice of such means, as may, under GOD, open the door
wider than ever for preaching the everlasting gospel in your parts.
Satan has done at _Canterbury_ as he always does elsewhere; I mean,
he has overshot his mark. Such proceedings are too violent to hold
long. Exhort, therefore, my dear Sir, your fellow-soldiers, to quit
themselves like men, and be strong. Put ye on the whole armour of GOD;
and always remember, that through much tribulation we must enter into
glory. Now is the time for you to prove the strength of JESUS to be
yours. Your way to fight, is upon your knees. That weapon _all-prayer_
will do wonders. The devil has lost some servants, and he is afraid of
losing more. Therefore he rallies his forces as _Pharaoh_ harnessed his
chariots, and wants to bring you back to _Egypt_. Your business is to
go on. Though _Pharaoh_ is behind, and a red-sea before you,――ere long
you shall pass through the one, and see the other totally destroyed.
In patience possess ye your souls. GOD is able to bring the counsel of
every _Achitophel_ to nought. You know in whom you have believed. He
never did, he never will, he never can fail those that put their trust
in him. Think of those farewel words, which he spake in the days of his
flesh to his dear disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; in the
world ye shall have tribulation:――But I have overcome the world.” That
is enough to raise every drooping heart. He hath overcome for us; he
will overcome in us, and ere long call us to reign with him for ever
in glory. O blessed hope! Whilst I am musing on it, the fire kindles.
Brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you. The LORD strengthen you,
and give you to pray for
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._