_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Rev. and Dear Sir_,
I Think I may say of you, as the _Samaritans_ did upon another
occasion, I believe you to be a true lover of our dear LORD JESUS.
Not merely because my brother told me so, but because I have it under
his own hand. Your last kind letter has knit my heart most closely to
you. I love those that thunder out the word. The christian world is
in a deep sleep. Nothing but a loud voice can awaken them out of it. I
pray GOD to strengthen you more and more, and cause you to triumph in
every place. Though absent in body, I am present with you in spirit.
It would rejoice me to hear of your success in the LORD. In about a
twelvemonth I purpose, GOD willing, to return to _England_; who knows
but then I may see you face to face, and have some spiritual gift
imparted to my soul? I long to die to myself, and to be alive unto GOD.
Methinks I would be always upon the wing; but alas! I have a body of
sin, which at times makes me cry out, “who shall deliver me?” I thank
GOD, our LORD JESUS CHRIST will deliver. But I never expect intire
freedom, till I bow down my head, and give up the ghost. Every fresh
employ, I find brings with it fresh temptations. GOD always humbles
before he exalts me. Sometimes I speak and write freely, at other
times I am comparatively barren; one while on the mount, another while
overshadowed with a cloud; but blessed be GOD, at all times at peace
with him, and assured that my sins are forgiven. I want to leap my
seventy years; I long to be dissolved, and to be with CHRIST. But I
must be made perfect by sufferings. I expect no other preferment. And
you no doubt will have your share. This is our comfort, if we suffer
we shall also reign with CHRIST; hasten on, O LORD, that blessed time,
when dear Mr. ―――― shall sit down at thy right hand, with all the
spirits of just men made perfect in heaven! where I trust a seat,
though of the lowest class, is prepared for
Your unworthy friend and servant,
_G. W._