_To Mr. B――――._
_Bristol, May 21, 1756._
_My dear Mr. B――――_,
THE first part of your letter made me smile: for what? Because I was
glad to find you had such an enlarged heart, and at the same time
imagined, that I could build two houses at a time. If the top-stone of
one is brought forth, I shall think we have reason to shout unto it,
Grace! grace! This I hope will be the happy lot of you and your young
fellow-soldiers, in respect to your spiritual building. Remember, war
is proclaimed; the sword is unsheathed; the devil, the world, and the
flesh will dispute every inch of ground, and you must fight or die.
Angels stand by to see the combat, and JESUS stands ready to make you
more than conquerors through his love. Provoke then one another, but
let it be to love and to good works. Take heed of a trifling spirit
when together. It will hurt you, and by degrees rob you of true and
holy joy. I thank you for remembering unworthy me. I am called to
travel, you to trade for JESUS. Last week, I trust, was a good week.
The Lord of the harvest is pleased to smile upon us here. I hope to be
in town at the appointed time. I hope that dear Mr. _J――――_ prospers
every day. Pray remember me to him, and your single circle, in the most
tender manner, and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._