_To William B――――._
_On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741._
I Thought your father had sent for you from _Bethesda_; but I hope
your heavenly Father has kept you there to bring you home to himself.
Your deadness has often grieved me. O that I may have reason to sing,
at my return, “_Billy B――――_ was dead, but is alive again; he was lost,
but is found.” You do well to pray to GOD, to search your heart, and
to try your reins; for otherwise your treacherous heart will deceive
you. I would not have you forget what the LORD is doing for you, for
ten thousand worlds. O defer not repentance to a death-bed. It will
be hard to strive with principalities and powers, when you can scarce
turn in your bed. A man, at that time, can hardly bear up under
his bodily infirmities; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Reject,
therefore, such a horrid temptation, with the utmost abhorrence. Be a
worker together with GOD; and now GOD is working in you to will and to
do, see that you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Do not stab your Saviour any more. Dear _Billy_, think on his bitter
agony and bloody sweat, and fly to him, as a Redeemer ready and
willing to receive you. That you may be happy in him here, and with
him hereafter, is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend,
_G. W._