_To W―――― P――――, Esq._
_Tottenham-Court, June 2, 1766._
WHAT a mercy, that GOD’s elect, knit by the blessed Spirit, (that
common centre of unity) in one communion and fellowship, can, though
absent, be present with each other on earth! What an infinitely greater
mercy, that they are assured they shall meet never to part again in
heaven! This may reconcile them to all interruptions of mutual concern
here below. My cloud seems to point towards _Bristol_ and _Bath_; yours
towards _Brighthelmstone_. All travelling the same road, all engaged
in the same errand. How glad will the truly noble Countess be of the
intended visit! How will the hearts both of the visited and visitors be
made to burn within them! She meets with that, which all fond fathers
and apostolic mothers in _Israel_ must meet with; I mean, rebuffs from
her spiritual children. That _monstrous doctrine of sinless perfection_,
for a while turns some of its deluded votaries into temporary monsters.
Happy they who strive to be holy as he who hath called them is holy,
and yet are continually going out of themselves, and relying only on
the glorious, compleat, imputed righteousness of JESUS CHRIST. This
hath a certain happy pair learned, and received CHRIST. Thus may they
be helped continually to walk in him! They will, they will. The meek,
the humble, hungering and thirsty soul will he guide in his ways. But
what am I doing? writing a parting letter? The LORD bless you and keep
you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto
you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So
wishes, so prays, dear honoured and happy pair,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in an unchangeable JESUS,
_G. W._