_To ――――, at Sheerness._
_London, January 18, 1766._
_Dearly Beloved_,
NOT want of love, but of leisure and health, hath occasioned you the
trouble of writing a second letter. And now I am sorry to acquaint you,
that it is not in my power to comply with your request. For want of
more assistance, I am confined in town with the care of two important
posts, when I am only fit to be put into some garrison among the
invalids, to stand by an old gun or two. However, my former ambition
still remains, and through the help of your prayers, who knows but this
feeble arm may yet be strengthened to annoy the enemy? If others are
blessed to do any execution, GOD forbid that I should hinder, though
in all things they follow not with us. Let the LORD send by whom he
will send. So that CHRIST is preached, and true evangelical holiness
promoted, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. GOD keep us all from
flagging in the latter stages of our road! LORD JESUS, quicken my
tardy pace! How little, my LORD and my GOD, have I done for thee, who
hast done and suffered so much for ill and hell-deserving me! Brethren,
pray for us. Ere long we shall meet
Where sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
He is faithful who hath promised, who also will do it. _Amen!
Hallelujah!_ To his never-failing mercy do I commend you, as being,
for his great name’s sake, dearly beloved,
Your affectionate friend and willing servant,
_G. W._