_To Mr. A――――._
_Lisbon, March 29, 1754._
_Very dear Friend_,
INDEED you have lost the seeing and hearing of many strange, but to a
truly enlightened soul, instructive things. I thank GOD for sending me
here; I know your heart hath been here also; but all is well.――What is,
is best. I hope you go on comfortably at home, whilst I, unworthy, ill
and hell-deserving I, am travelling for the same LORD JESUS abroad. He
doth not leave me comfortless,――he doth not leave me alone;
His presence doth my pains beguile,
And makes me tho’ alone to smile.
O the happiness of seeing and enjoying all in GOD, even a GOD in
CHRIST! Such happiness they only can know, who being separated from all
that is near and dear unto them, can wrap themselves in Him, in whose
presence there is life, and at whose right hand there are pleasures
for evermore. This be my happy lot, during my present exile state!
O my dear tabernacle friends, my dear never to be forgotten hearers,
into what a fair ground is your lot cast! What a goodly heritage hath
the LORD of all Lords vouchsafed you! I remember my promise, I think of
your hours of meeting, and though absent in body, am, notwithstanding,
present in spirit, and live in hopes of hearing of your stedfastness
and joy in GOD our Saviour. Bless him, O bless him from your inmost
souls, that you have been taught the way to him, without the help of
fictitious saints. Thank him night and day, that to you, even to you
are committed the lively oracles of GOD. Adore him continually for
giving you to hear them preached with power, and pity and pray for
those, who are forbid the use of this sacred depositum, and are led
blindfold day by day, by crafty and designing men. May you see and
improve your privileges! Much, very much indeed is given you. Of you,
therefore, GOD and man may justly require the more: accept this in love.
Continue to pray for me and my fatherless pilgrim charge. Blessed be
GOD they are all well. I write this from a merchant’s house, whom the
LORD of all lords hath inclined to receive me; let him not be forgotten.
In a short time we expect to move. Still my request is, “If thy
presence go not with me. LORD JESUS, send me not even from hence!” I
wish you all, dear friends, much, very much of it. I intend to write to
as many as I can, and I beg them and you to accept this as a token of
love unfeigned, from, my very dear _T――――_,
Theirs and yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._