_To Mrs. C._
_Newton, Cape Fear, Dec. 28, 1739._
_My dear Sister in CHRIST_,
JUST now we have been singing the hymn, which we sung at _Broad-oak_;
and as I generally do at such seasons, I thought of that happy
time wherein we sung it in your great hall. It was a time much to
be remembered, an anticipation, I believe, of that blessed time
when we all shall meet to sing the song of the Lamb in the heavenly
Jerusalem――For the adoption of the spirit, if truly received, is the
earnest of our promised inheritance. We are sealed thereby to the
day of redemption, and therefore may give both men and devils the
challenge to separate us, if they can, from the love of GOD which is
in CHRIST JESUS our LORD――I am verily persuaded, that since I left
you, all things have worked together for your good. As I am travelling,
often does my soul think both of you and yours, and out of the fulness
of my heart, do I often pour forth this or such like petitions,
“Dearest LORD, be for ever gracious to the houshold of ――――!” My
conscience hath smote me frequently, for not writing you a longer
letter. I send this to ask pardon, and to assure you how often you
and your daughters are upon my heart, when I go in and out before the
LORD――I long to hear how the LORD JESUS hath magnified his strength in
your weakness. It would fill a volume to tell his goodness and truth;
and my base ingratitude sometimes comes with such conviction upon my
heart, that I can scarce forbear getting off my horse, and humbling
myself in the way side. Indeed, I am the chief of sinners, and yet
overflowing hath the LORD JESUS been in his love. You will hear more
soon by the journal which will be sent. Dear _Mrs. C――――_, my love to
all.
Your affectionate though unworthy brother in CHRIST,
_G. W._