_To Mr. S――――._
_London, January 1, 1756._
_My very dear Friend_,
YOUR not answering my two last sooner, gave me pain; sorrows are
lessened, and joys become greater by being communicated. It is so with
an earthly friend, much more so with the friend of sinners.
Our sorrows and our tears we pour,
Into the bosom of our GOD.
He bottles them all up, and will not suffer one of them to fall to
the ground unregarded. I hope that these trials, which, like _Job_’s
messengers, come one upon the back of another, by being sanctified,
will make your soul as a watered garden. You know who hath said, “They
that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.” O blessed religion, that shews
us the holy art of gaining by our losses, and rising by our falls!
Was it in my power, this letter should enclose something that would
stop every temporal gap; but I am not rich at present. Poor, yet
endeavouring to make many rich, I would have my motto still! Thanks
be to GOD, at our lowest estate we can draw on the bank of heaven. A
believer never hath a bill protested there. “My GOD (says the Apostle
_Paul_) shall supply all your need according to his riches in CHRIST
JESUS.” Away, and endorse it afresh, and send it directly away post on
the wings of prayer. Never fear any trial that sends you to your knees;
You must then needs go forward whether you know it or not. I would
enlarge, but weakness prevents. I have been in the furnace; I hope it
is intended to prepare me for fresh success. The awakening at _London_
seems to be quite new. Adieu, adieu. I am called away.
Ever yours, &c.
_G. W._