_To Mr. R―――― S――――, in London._
_Bristol, Jan. 2, 1742._
_My dear Brother S――――_,
I Find freedom to answer your kind letter immediately. I thank GOD for
blessing my writing to your poor soul. Your salvation I long, and pray
for. So that souls are built up in their holy faith, let the Redeemer
make use of what instrument he pleases. Brother _Robert_, it is a
blessed thing to have always a Catholic spirit. I am persuaded, JESUS
will give it to me. I am resolved never to rest, ’till self-love,
bigotry, prejudice, and all narrowness of spirit be expelled out of my
soul. Blessed be the Redeemer’s free grace! I see more and more into
the inward recesses of my mind. Dear _Robert_, there is such a thing
as passing from glory to glory. For JESUS CHRIST’s sake, strive to
enter in at the straight gate, and never cease striving ’till you
enter into that rest which awaits the people of GOD. It is a sweet
thing to abide in JESUS’s wounds, and from a feeling possession
of GOD in the heart, to be able to say, “My fellowship is with the
Father and the Son.” It is true we are not to live, or rely on our
frames. The righteousness of JESUS CHRIST alone, and not our doings
or sufferings, can recommend us to the Father. But however, we ought
always to labour to be in a sweet and humble frame, and be watchful
against any thing whatever, that may interrupt our communion with GOD.
Peace and joy should flow in a believer’s soul, like a river. If any
thing should obstruct the passage, he should not rest ’till faith
overflows, and drives it away before him. I know not what others may
say, but thro’ grace I can sing with bishop _Ken_,
_“To my soul it’s hell to be,
But for a moment void of thee.”_
O the fulness that there is in CHRIST! It fills my heart, and out of
the abundance of my heart my pen writeth. Dear _Robert_, may the LORD
bless it to your soul, and that will greatly rejoice
Your most unworthy, though most affectionate friend,
brother and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._