_To Dear A――――._
_Birmingham, October 13, 1753._
“HAVING loved his own, he loved them unto the end,” says the beloved
disciple, concerning JESUS CHRIST. I would copy after this great
exemplar, and have my love like his, steady and disinterested. Thus
you have found, and I trust always will find my love to you. Works
speak better than words. I am reposing the utmost confidence in you and
yours. You are going to assist in a house, built in answer to millions
of prayers, and which I doubt not, will prove a blessing to many that
are now unborn. Look upon it in this light; think of the honour GOD
is conferring upon you; then you will launch into the deep with a
holy confidence, and when arrived at your wished for port, will behave
with humility, disinterestedness, integrity and diligence. You need
not ask any prayers, they will follow after you, though you should
even fly upon the wings of the wind. I have pawned my word for your
good behaviour in every respect, and hope to have my most sanguine
expectations answered. Get but humility, and all will be well. I am
satisfied about your passage and your room. You will remember, that
GOD is about your bed, as well as your other paths, and take care to
behave accordingly. To be a christian husband is no small matter. How
much fresh grace is now necessary for your new state of life! Your
sufficiency lives only in CHRIST. To his never-failing mercy do I
commend you, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself, dear
_A――――_,
Your affectionate and ready friend,
_G. W._