_London, August 6, 1767._
_My dear Sir_,
IT is late; but I must answer your request. The inclosed made me pity,
smile, and rejoice: smile at the writer’s worn-out sarcasms, pity
his ignorance, and rejoice that you are thus called to be a martyr, a
living martyr for our common LORD. Fear not, only go forwards; you know
JESUS, and by preaching will know more. To him that hath shall be given.
For this let men despise your name,
You’ll shun no cross, you’ll fear no shame.
All hail reproach!
If you write _with all deference_, let him know that JESUS hath
revealed himself not only _to_ you by his word, but _in_ you by his
spirit: that you look upon those whom he is pleased to term _deluded_
and _fanatics_, as the excellent ones upon the earth; and that you
choose rather to suffer reproach with them, than to enjoy all the
pleasures of sense, and all the preferments in the world. But why do I
dictate? I trust you to the teachings of that JESUS who hath said, “It
shall be given you in that hour what you shall say.” Where doth this
―――― live? What is the ―――― he mentions? GOD grant it may be a nursery
for what he calls _fanatics_ so long as one stone is left upon another.
One letter more I imagine will rid you of further trouble from this
quarter; expect then attacks from another: but look to JESUS; he will
make you more than conqueror. I thank thee, holy Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,
and revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good
in thy sight. Why me, LORD? why me? A sense of this distinguishing love
will make you laugh at all that men or devils can say of or do unto
you. Good night. I must away and pray for you. To-morrow Mr. ――――, &c.
breakfast with me. GOD bless you! Be of good courage: give no way, no
not for a moment.
Ever yours, &c. &c. in an almighty JESUS,
_G. W._