_To Mrs. C――――._
_Leeds, October 24, 1761._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
I AM still in this dying world, but frequently tempted to wish the
report of my death had been true, since my disorder keeps me from my
old delightful work of preaching. But JESUS can teach us to exercise
our passive as well as active graces. Fain would I say, “Thy will be
done!” I am now riding for my health; but I think a voyage would brace
me up. I impute my present disorder, in a great measure, to the want of
my usual sea voyages. Blessed be GOD, for supporting me so well under
the news of dear Mr. _Polhill_’s sudden translation. In that respect, I
rather envy than pity him; to be carried to heaven in an instant; from
a ship’s cabin into _Abraham_’s bosom; O what a blessing! GOD sanctify
and make up the loss! But we shall find few _Polhills_. Blessed be
GOD, that I have faithful ones left behind. I repose in you the utmost
confidence, and hope the LORD will give you double strength, and
vouchsafe us all a speedy and happy meeting. I know who adds a hearty
_Amen_. I wish _G――――r_ and _A―――― W――――_ were put out. Keeping such
great boys is expensive, and there is nothing to be expected by my
coming over. I hope my nephew will take the boy that comes over; if not,
he must be received at _Bethesda_. Surely GOD will yet provide for that
house of mercy. But I can at present bear very little of outward cares.
Writing these few letters, I fear, will hurt me: but I could not help
venturing. The LORD bless and reward you, my dear Mrs. _C――――_, for
all your labours of love! I commend you and your dear charge to his
never-failing mercy, and am, with ten thousand thanks for all favours,
Yours most affectionately for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._