_To Mr. P――――._
_London, June 12, 1755._
_Dear Nat._,
I THINK every thing is now procured that was in the memorandums. I
would have sent the children’s cloaths, &c. but they could not be got
ready; you will therefore have them by another opportunity. I am glad
to hear by your last, that the children go on well in their learning.
Let this encourage you to go on, and who knows, but by and by they may
learn CHRIST? Such power belongs only unto GOD. I am quite satisfied
in your present employ, and doubt not (if you are cloathed with
humility, as I trust you will be) but GOD will bless and delight to
honour you. To have our own mother’s children angry with and despise
us, _if sanctified_, is a good preservative against self-love, and
self-complacency: it puts us more upon the watch, and drives us nearer
to GOD. This be your happy lot! As for your affair with Mr. _C――――_,
I can only say, you have my leave to act as you think best.――Shew thy
will, O GOD, and give power to perform it! To _A―――― W――――_ and his
wife, I have allowed twenty pounds _per annum_, till they have a place,
or get into business. GOD knows, I can little afford it; but I can
as yet trust on him, who feedeth the ravens, and hath promised to
supply all my wants. O that the LORD of all Lords may keep you all at
_Bethesda_ of one heart and one mind, and give you to send me such news,
as may gladden my frequently burdened (though I hope disinterested)
mind; and cause me to go on with more chearfulness and joy! Thanks
be to GOD, my feeble labours on this side the water, are owned and
succeeded. People seem to be as lively as ever. I hope the time will
come, when _Bethesda_ also shall blossom like a rose. We wait for thy
salvation O LORD; make no long tarrying our LORD and our GOD! My dear
_Nat._ farewel. Feed CHRIST’s lambs, and he will feast thy soul.――Look
upon his work as its own wages, and he will richly repay thee for all
thy care. I charge you, and all, to continue wrestling in prayer for me,
as being, dear _Nat._
Your assured friend and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._