_To Mrs. M――――._
_Newcastle, March 13, 1763._
_Dear Mrs. M――――_,
IT hath given me concern, since I left town, that through bodily
weakness, multiplicity of business, and pain of parting, I forgot to
answer your request about your deceased son. If not too late, something
like this may be inserted:
“Near this place lies interred, _William Middleditch_, aged
twelve years, a desirable promising child; but an all-wise GOD
thought proper to remove him ――――, 1762. His surviving parents
desire to subscribe to the divine will, and to say, The LORD
gave, and the LORD hath taken away: blessed be the name of the
LORD.”
Ere long somebody will be writing an epitaph for our tombs. Change of
place doth not change my sentiments. “Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly,”
is the constant language of my heart. This leaves me thus far advanced
towards _Scotland_, where just such a ship as I want awaits me. How
good is JESUS! Fain would I sing,
LORD, obediently I go,
Gladly leaving all below.
I am sorry to find by the papers that Mr. _B――――_ is taken up. To take
no notice would be the best method. A prison or outward punishment is
but a poor cure for enthusiasm, or a disordered understanding. It may
increase but not extinguish such an _ignis fatuus_. LORD JESUS, give us
all a right judgment in all things! Farewell. Brethren, pray for us. We
have had pleasant seasons at _Everton_, _Leeds_, _Aberford_, _Kippax_,
and here. Tender love to all that are so kind as to enquire after
a worthless worm. That you may be so supplied as not to miss me one
moment, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. _M――――_,
Your sincere friend and ready servant in our common LORD,
_G. W._