_To the Same._
_Oxon, April 2, 1736._
_Dearest Sir_,
WHAT a comfort is it for christian friends to relate to each other the
loving-kindness of the LORD? O let his praises be ever in our mouths,
that we may be telling of his salvation from day to day. O _dear Sir_,
I heartily join with you in the delightful duty of thanksgiving. I
hope that you will have every day more and more experimental proofs of
that intercourse which is carried on between GOD in heaven, and saints
on earth.
I must now inform you, that the person, who under GOD has given me the
annuity, is _Sir John Philips_ of London. The occasion of it was as
follows. Upon my coming up, two or three of our trusty friends were
called from us, and being solicitous to keep up our society here,
the gentleman to whom you sent the book, wrote to _Sir John Philips_
and proposed me (alas! how unfit) as a proper person to stay here and
encourage our friends in fighting the good fight of faith. Accordingly
he immediately offered me an annuity of twenty pounds. To shew his
disinterestedness, he has promised me _that_, whether I continue
here or not; and if I resolve to stay at _Oxon_, he’ll give me thirty
pounds a year. If that will not do, I may have more; so that you see,
my dear friend, what a critical point it is. All that we have to do is
to pray, and watch Providence between this and _June_, when I propose,
GOD willing, to enter into orders, and then no doubt my call will be
clear. What makes me to think that this is a call from GOD is, that
it will be convenient for taking my degree, and improving me in my
studies. Whether it be or no, GOD only knows; Father, therefore into
thy hands I commend my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O LORD thou
GOD of truth. I approve greatly of your reading HENRY. GOD works by
him here greatly, and may the LORD prosper it in your hands. Good dear
Sir, never leave off watching, reading, praying, striving, till you
experimentally find CHRIST JESUS formed within you. In a particular
manner, my dear friend, watch against all temptations to sloth. When
you receive the sacrament, earnestly endeavour to be inwardly bettered
by it the week following. Live every day as holily as you can. Be
frequent in self-examination morning and evening. Pray earnestly
from your heart. Wrestle with GOD, beg him to hasten the new birth.
Moreover be careful, diligent in your calling, labour hard with your
own hands, that you may have to give to him that needeth. And labour
not so much for the meat that perisheth, as to neglect pursuing that
which endureth to eternal life. O _Mr. H._ my bowels are enlarged
towards you. Believe me to be your sincere, tho’ unworthy friend,
_G. W._