_London, July 24, 1739._
_Honoured Sir_,
THOUGH but a child in grace, and a novice in the things of GOD, yet
I could not escape this opportunity of shewing you, how dear you are
to my soul. Though unknown in person, yet you have long since been
known to me in spirit. I hoped to have seen you ere I left _London_.
I hasted up to town hoping to have some spiritual gift imparted to
me by that means, but I was not worthy of it, I was not prepared for
such a blessing.――You went before I came. A great work of GOD is doing
here. The LORD JESUS gets himself the victory every day; free grace
compels poor sinners to come in. Our brother ―――― can inform you of
particulars. As for my own soul, GOD mightily strengthens me in the
inward man, and gives me often such foretastes of his love, that I
am almost continually wishing to be dissolved, that I may be with
CHRIST.――But I am only beginning to begin to be a christian.――I
must suffer also, as well as do for my dear Master. Perhaps a
storm is gathering. I believe GOD will permit it to fall on my head
first.――This comes then, honoured Sir, to desire your prayers, that
none of those things may move me; and that I may not count even my
life dear unto me, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the
ministry which I have received of the LORD JESUS. Though I die for him,
yet, I beseech you, honoured Sir, to pray that I may not in any way
deny him. But what am I doing? I fear, honoured Sir, I am too free.
A sense of your humility and love for the blessed JESUS makes me thus
open. How should I rejoice, if you would honour me with a line.――I
am young, and therefore a word of exhortation and advice, would much
profit, honoured Sir,
Your very humble servant, in our dear LORD JESUS,
_G. W._