_To Mr. E―――― P――――._
_London, December 17, 1753._
_Dear Sir_,
I DOUBT not but the receipt of this will fill you with surprize; yet
I hope it will be a pleasing one. Last night after preaching, your
son, who hath been lately confined, came to me and gave me a particular
detail of his seemingly unhappy circumstances.――The narration affected
me, and I asked him to stay supper; the company then with me I thought
was what he wanted.――The consequence was, that he went home rejoicing
in GOD; temptations subsided. I cannot help thinking, but that if he
conversed with proper persons who knew his case, he might yet come
forth as gold tried in the fire. His experience is somewhat uncommon,
and perhaps when sufficiently humbled, the glorious Redeemer may exalt
him. Satan hath certainly desired to have him to sift him as wheat;
but I verily believe JESUS hath prayed for him, and therefore his faith
shall not fail. As I know what unspeakable concern, tender parents must
necessarily undergo for a child in such a way, I could not help sending
a few lines to you. If the glorious _Emmanuel_, whose love constrains
me to write, should vouchsafe to bless them to the consolation of you
and yours, it would much rejoice, dear Sir,
Your sympathizing though unknown friend,
and servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._