_To Miss R――――._
_On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741._
_Dear Miss_,
A Few hours ago I came on board. To shew that you are in my mind, I
employ some of my first leisure time in answering your letter. The
condition you are in now, ought not to make you think that JESUS
CHRIST has cast you off, and that it will be presumption in you to
believe on him. The LORD is now shewing you, that you are poor, and
miserable, and blind, and naked, and such only are the persons that
think they want his almighty aid. I fear you look too much into
yourself, and from thence are discouraged. Whereas you should look
directly to CHRIST, and come to him in all your blood. You will always
fly from him, as long as you count him your enemy. But do not think
so hardly of him; JESUS is the sinner’s friend. O how doth his bowels
yearn towards you! Are you made willing to be made whole? CHRIST
invites and commands you to come to him; venture then upon him. If you
never have believed yet, it is time for you to believe _now_. “LORD,
give me faith!” for faith is the free gift of GOD . What if your heart
be hard, JESUS can soften it. What if you have yet no marks of your
election? surely you dare not say, “You are not elected,” or that
CHRIST hath not died for you, even for you. It is, indeed, a bad
thing to have only notions in the head, and no solid experience in
the heart. But it is a good thing to be convinced of this. Blessed be
GOD, who hath given you to bewail it. Look upon this as a token for
good.――Trust not to means; when they are taken from you, CHRIST can and
will work without them. The LORD may bring you help in a way, and at a
time you know not of. Your extremity shall be GOD’s opportunity. If
the LORD vouchsafes to bless this letter in the least degree to your
comfort, it will much rejoice the heart of, dear Miss,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._