_To the Right Honourable the ――――._
_Thales, near Reading, Feb. 23, 1742._
AND does the dear ―――― know assuredly that JESUS hath died for him?
Sing, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! I would join with angels and
archangels in singing “Glory to GOD on high.” Welcome, my ――――, into
the world of new creatures. You are infinitely more happy than those
who have lately been preferred, and kissed his Majesty’s hand. JESUS
hath holden out his golden scepter, and given you a patent for eternal
life. Methinks I hear your ―――― now saying, “I account the reproach of
CHRIST, of more value than all the riches of _Egypt_.”
_Be gone, vain world, my heart resign,
For I can be no longer thine;
A nobler, a diviner guest,
Hath took possession of my breast._
Well may your ―――― say, “you have been in a dream.” When GOD first
shewed me that I must be a new creature, I awaked as it were, into
a new world. I stood quite amazed. I was astonished to think, what a
deep sleep the world around me was in. Thought I, O that I was made
instrumental to some of them! The LORD heard my prayer. He has sent
me to awaken the dear man I am now writing to. Not unto me, O GOD,
not unto me, but to thy free grace and rich mercy be all the glory!
With your Lordship’s letter to-day, came several others from different
parts, all with glad tidings of great joy. O that I was humble and
thankful! Why me, LORD, why me? Surely I will join with your ―――― in
saying, not because I chose GOD, but GOD (O infinitely ♦condescending
majesty!) did chuse me. What shall we render to the glorious
_Emmanuel_? Methinks I hear your ―――― saying, “Behold, LORD,
henceforward I look upon myself as a steward, and not as a proprietor
of thy manifold gifts; I will live no longer to myself, but to
him that died for me.” Amen, LORD JESUS, amen and amen! Be pleased
to excuse the defects of this, being written upon the road. I am
now going to _London_. There has been a great awakening lately in
_Gloucestershire_. I rejoice to hear that the lady ―――― is so well
disposed. May a church be always in your ―――― house; and every one of
your ―――― family be made a living member of the houshold of faith! No
greater thing can be desired in your behalf by, my ――――,
Your ―――― most obedient humble servant,
_G. W._
♦ ‘conscending’ replaced with ‘condescending’