_Stroude, November 27, 1753._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
YOUR letter came to my hands at _Wrexham_, but being upon the road I
could not answer it. What said GOD to _Abraham_, “Fear not; I will be
thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Now is your time to approve
yourself his daughter.――My heart’s desire and prayer to the LORD of
all Lords is, that you may be strong in faith, and thereby give glory
to GOD.――I am much obliged to those who dissuade you from going.――I
find most love to be friends till they begin to have their _Isaacs_
demanded.――Let them have but a little patience: perhaps I may embark
myself.――If they do not think it a privilege to go for CHRIST over the
waters, I do.――This, even this is the language of my heart,
LORD, obediently I’ll go,
Gladly leaving all below;
Only Thou my leader be,
And I still will follow Thee.
O for a pilgrim heart! This I believe GOD hath given you, and I do not
fear repenting the confidence I have reposed in you.――That the LORD may
make you a mother in _Israel_, and bless you in taking care of his dear
lambs, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mrs. _C――――_,
Your most assured friend and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._
_P. S._ We have had blessed seasons in the country: the LORD has been
with us of a truth. Grace! grace!