_To Mr. G. H._
_Oxon, July 18, 1734._
_Dear Sir_,
HAVING heard the melancholy news of your brother’s death, I could
not help sending you a line, to let you know how much I am concerned.
Indeed, I cannot say, I am so much grieved on his account, as for
that sorrow, which the loss of so valuable a youth must necessarily
occasion to all his relations. No! I rather envy him his blessed
condition. He, unquestionably is divinely blessed, whilst we are
still left behind to wrestle with unruly passions, and by a continued
looking unto JESUS and running in our christian race, to press forward
to that high prize, of which he, _dear Youth_, is now in full fruition.
These are my true sentiments about his death; I leave you to judge
then, whether I had need be concerned on his account; and surely was
it to be put to your choice, whether so religious a young man should
live or die, no one could be so cruel, as to wish to detain him from
his wished-for glory. Be not then too much concerned at his death, but
let us rather learn that important lesson, which his whole life taught
us: “That there is nothing comparable to an early piety.” I thought
to have spent many agreeable hours with him in christian and edifying
conversation, when I came to _Gloucester_; but he is gone to more
agreeable company, and long before now has joined the heavenly choir.
I shall only add, that as your brother imitated our blessed SAVIOUR
in his life, so I pray GOD, he may resemble him in his death, and
be a means, like his beloved Redeemer, of reconciling all former
animosities, which is the hearty wish of, dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and humble servant,
_G. W._