_To Mrs. C――――._
_London, July 25, 1755._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
I WRITE this from Mr. _C――――_’s, whither I have retired for a little
relaxation, and to get leisure to write a few letters. Your brother is
just gone from me, and would send you his hearty love if he knew of my
writing. _T――――_ is gone to _Plymouth_, and Miss _L――――_ is sick of a
fever (though I hope not dangerously) at _Lewisham_. Mrs. _W――――_, one
of the conference, I buried last _Tuesday_; and am longing for that
happy time when this frail tabernacle shall be also laid in the silent
grave. It hath tottered lately more than ever, and yet the Redeemer
vouchsafes so to comfort me within, that methinks I am not yet to die,
but live and declare the works of the LORD. O that I may begin to begin
to do something for my GOD! I am afraid we are at the eve of a war:
but fear not. _Bethesda_ especially, I believe, will be hid under the
shadow of the Redeemer’s wings. Whilst I have persons there (as I think
is the case now) that act with a single eye, I am persuaded it will be
like the _burning bush_. Pray remember me to all in the kindest manner.
I hope to write when the childrens cloaths are ready. We have blessed
seasons at Tabernacle. I have met with some outward as well as inward
trials; but this is my comfort, “The LORD knoweth the way that I
take. When I am tried I shall come forth like gold.” O that faith and
patience may have their perfect work in this sin-sick soul! Desire dear
_Nat_, Mr. _Dix_, &c. not to be uneasy, because I do not write now;
it is impracticable. Night and day you are all upon my heart, and I
long to hear how you go on. My blessing attends you all, even you and
the children. Surely, was I retired from public work, feeding CHRIST’s
lambs should be my constant employ. But alas! I must be in the front of
the battle. LORD JESUS, magnify thy strength in my weakness, or I shall
deny thee and desert my post! Pray hard all of you, I intreat you, for
me, and let me know all your wants. I will labour night and day to have
them supplied, and will pray the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls to
pay you blessed wages. I know you will be content with such a paymaster.
I commend you all to his never-failing mercy, as being, dear Mrs.
_C――――_,
Your most sincere and cordial friend and
willing servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._