_To Mr. W.――――._
_London, January 5, 1754._
_My dear Mr. W――――_,
YOUR letter much affected as well as surprized me.――I may say of it as
Dr. _G――――_ says of the Apostle _Paul_’s epistle to the _Ephesians_,
“It smelt of the prison.” Surely GOD’s thoughts are not as our thoughts,
neither are his ways as our ways. How amazingly does he over-rule all
things, for the spiritual and eternal good of those who love him in
sincerity! Through his gracious and never-failing care, out of the
eater cometh forth meat, and out of the strongest trial cometh forth
unspeakable, spiritual sweetness. If this be the effect of affliction,
then may the believer boldly say,
_All hail reproach, and welcome pain!_
Surely you may sing,
―――― O happy rod,
Which brought me nearer to my GOD.
Now will you prove the strength of JESUS to be yours, now, will you
find that your very enemies shall be at peace with you; ravens shall
feed you, and the bread which you cast upon the waters many days ago,
shall now happily be found. I sympathize most sincerely with your
dear yoke-fellow, and parent. Blessed be GOD, we have a rich Saviour
to go to.――A Saviour, who though infinitely rich in himself, yet for
our sakes became poor. Rejoice then, my dear friend, for having an
opportunity of being conformed to him. And whether your affliction
be brought on you by any imprudent conduct, or by the immediate hand
of GOD, cast not off I pray you your confidence in CHRIST. He is a
compassionate high-priest. Perhaps this year, if we should live to
the fall, we may have an opportunity of conversing about him face
to face. In the mean while, let us pray for each other, and wait for
that blessed time, when we shall be afflicted and tossed no more. I
meet with my share of trials; but with thankfulness would I set up my
_Ebenezer_; for hitherto my GOD hath helped me. Glory be to his great
name, his word runs and is glorified more and more. The wilderness in
various places blossoms like a rose. May the LORD revive his work in
your parts! Mr. _D――――_ and Mr. _T――――_ have supped with me twice. I
hope they will meet with wished-for success. My wife joins in sending
love and cordial respects to your whole self, your mother, sister,
and all that love the glorious JESUS in sincerity. That you all may
increase with all the increase of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, my
dear Mr. _W――――_,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._