_To Mr. X―――― Y――――._
_London, Jan. 15, 1751._
_Dear Sir_,
YOUR letter came safe to hand. I pray GOD enable me to answer it
agreeable to his will. Your call to enter into the ministry, seems to
be pretty clear, and if your health would permit you to be a tutor,
and courage be given you to act like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST,
you might do unspeakable good in residing at college. If a person’s
health will not admit of such a residence, I think by the laws of GOD
and man, his absence may be dispensed with. Originally, _Fellows_ were
appointed to reside; but there is no general rule without an exception.
Particular circumstances can only determine particular cases. Mr.
_W――――_ I know hath been dispensed with many years:――and though I
cannot say I have approved of this part of his conduct, yet as he is
called elsewhere, and applies the college income to good purposes,
I suppose he thinks he acts an honest and christian part. As for
the difficulties you seem to place before you, I can only say, “_Nil
desperandum Christo duce._” Every new scene brings its new temptations;
but faith in the Son of GOD, will make us more than conquerors over
all. His love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is the best
director and support in all circumstances whatsoever. For want of an
establishment in this, and through the prevalency of an hypocondraical
disorder, you seem to have particular scruples about particular things.
It is what all persons, entering on the divine life, are more or less
exposed to. “Meditation, prayer, reading, and temptation, (says holy
_Luther_) make a minister.” Your levity of spirit, and fickleness of
temper, are your greatest diseases. These are to be watched and prayed
against, and by divine grace will be overcome. Look up, therefore, dear
Sir, to the blessed JESUS. Out of weakness he can and will make you to
become strong, and turn your lightness of spirit into solid joy. Till
then, be content rather to appear stupid, than by giving way to the
luxuriancy of unsanctified wit, bring guilt upon your soul. Thus, dear
Sir, I have endeavoured to answer your letter; though I must confess,
as you are so near, I had rather converse with you personally. You
may use freedom with me. I rejoice that the glorious JESUS hath in any
degree blessed my poor administrations to you. I need not, therefore,
remind you to give him all the glory, and entreat you to pray for me,
who am the very chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints,
but for CHRIST’s sake, dear Sir,
Your very ready servant,
_G. W._