_To Mr. I――――._
_London, Dec. 21, 1742._
_My very dear Brother_,
WHEN your letters come, I find great freedom to send immediate answers.
A proof this, I trust, that our Saviour intends our brotherly love not
only to continue, but increase. This day I dined with old Mr. _F――――_,
and was kindly entertained by him and his wife. I then remembered what
sweet counsel we had there taken together, and rejoiced in the happy
prospect of our being ere long for ever together with our blessed and
glorious LORD. My brother, what has our Saviour done for us since that
time? What is he doing for us now? what did he do ere time began? what
will he do when time shall be no more? O how sweet is it to be melted
down with a sense of redeeming love! It is this must strike the rock,
and break the bars of unbelief asunder. O! to be kept always low
at the feet of JESUS! It is right, my brother, always to insist on
poverty of spirit, and emptying the creature of self. I heartily join
with you in your petition for yourself and unworthy me. I know what a
dreadful thing it is, to carry much sail without proper ballast, and
to rejoice in a false liberty. Joy floating upon the surface of an
unmortified heart, is but of short continuance. It puffs up, but doth
not edify. I thank our Saviour that he is shewing us here more of our
hearts, and more of his love. I doubt not but he deals so with you. I
heartily greet your dear houshold, and your societies, and return my
love to Mr. _S――――_. I have heard him mentioned by lady _F―――― G――――_.
If our Saviour gives me leave, I would gladly come to _Yorkshire_.
But I think the cloud points strongly towards _Georgia_. He hath taken
wonderful care of the sheep left in yonder wilderness, and interposed
mightily in their behalf. I know you will thank him for it. I have had
a loving conference with dear Mr. _B――――_, and have received a sweet
gospel-letter from dear Mr. _H――――_. With this I send to him, you, and
yours, and all the brethren, most hearty love, and am, my very dear
brother,
Ever yours in CHRIST,
_G. W._