Chapter CCCXCVII: Letter CCCXCVIII: To the Right Honourable Lady M―――― H――――

_Thales, (near Reading) Feb. 23, 1742._
_Honoured Madam_,

I Am now upon the road to _London_. This morning your acceptable letter came to hand. Though somewhat wearied, I would fain answer it before I retire to rest. Blessed be GOD who causes your Ladyship to be never less alone, than when alone. O Madam, what a comforter is the Holy Ghost? What sweet company is JESUS CHRIST? What a privilege is it to have fellowship with the great Three-One? A world lying in wickedness knows nothing of it. Every thing yields comfort when the blessed Spirit breathes upon it. Even this scribble, from the chief of sinners, from one who is less than the least of all saints, shall again refresh your soul, if JESUS speaks the word. Amazed am I, that GOD should work by my hands. But JESUS is love. He yet delights to honour me. I have lately seen the Redeemer riding in his strength, and getting himself the victory in poor sinners hearts. Letters from abroad inform me of the same. O that our glorious JESUS may set the world in a flame of love! Hasten that time, O blessed JESUS: O let thy kingdom come! I have heard from my dear Orphans to-day. They have been reduced to straits; but the LORD hath stirred up a wealthy friend or two to assist them. The everlasting GOD reward all their benefactors! I find there has been a fresh awakening among them. I am informed, that twelve negroes, belonging to a planter lately converted at the Orphan-house, are savingly brought home to JESUS CHRIST. This will rejoice your Ladyship’s heart. I am glad to hear that the work goes on in _Scotland_. The LORD, I trust, will ripen your soul apace for glory. He hath various ways of perfecting his saints. Methinks I see your Ladyship sitting in your chair, and ravished with the Redeemer’s beauty day by day. Sometimes you are as it were washing his feet with your tears; at other times sitting by faith at his feet, and hearing or reading his word. Sometimes your heart is too big to speak; then again, out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth poureth forth hallelujahs. Sometimes you are lost in wonder; at all times longing to be dissolved and to be with CHRIST; for, when you hear him say, “Rise up, my love, and come away,”

_Your heart would fain outfly the wind,
And leave all earthly loves behind._

This, I trust, is the life your Ladyship lives. This is life indeed. They who live otherwise, are dead whilst they live. They call for our compassion and prayers; for who hath made the difference? Distinguishing grace! O the unsearchable riches of CHRIST? I could speak of him for ever; but it grows late; nature calls for rest.

_O when shall I in endless day,
For ever chase dark sleep away;
And hymns with the celestial quire
Incessant sing, and never tire?_

Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly! The LORD be with your spirit, and abundantly bless both you, Mr. _H――――_, and your child. Indeed I do not forget your Ladyship; your last should not have remained so long unanswered, but it came only to-day into the hands of, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obedient humble servant,

_G. W._

LETTER ♦CCCXCIX.

♦ ‘CCCXCXIX’ replaced with ‘CCCXCIX’

_To Mr. Thomas N――――, at New-York._

_London, Feb. 26, 1742._
_My very dear Brother_,

I Have herewith sent you a parcel. Be pleased to read the letters, and send them as directed. I received your kind letter, dated in _December_, and thank you for all kindnesses shewn to the poor orphans. The LORD JESUS will richly reward you. Before yours came, the LORD had given me an enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom to converse with all his dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk freely with the Messrs. _W――――_’s, though we widely differ in a certain point. Most talk of a catholic spirit; but it is only till they have brought people into the pale of their own church. This is downright sectarianism, not catholicism. How can I act consistently, unless I receive and love all the children of GOD, whom I esteem to be such, of whatever denomination they may be? Why should we dispute when there is no probability of convincing? I think this is not giving up the faith, but fulfilling our LORD’s new command, “Love one another:” and our love is but feigned, unless it produces proper effects. I am persuaded, the more the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts, the more all narrowness of spirit will subside and give way: besides, so far as we are narrow spirited, we are uneasy. Prejudices, jealousies, and suspicions make the soul miserable, so far as they are entertained. But enough of this: my dear brother _N――――_ is of my mind. Only let me give you one caution: Take heed that your getting acquainted with any new set of Christians, does not lead you insensibly to despise others of your old acquaintance. Watch, and deal very tenderly with all; otherwise you will grow reserved and artful, and lose a simple, open, guileless, _Israelitish_ spirit, before you are aware. There needs a close adherence to the motions of the Holy Spirit, and a constant watching over the corruptions of our own hearts, in order that we may walk before GOD as very little children. O that I was a little child indeed! JESUS can make me one. My dear brother, I thank you for your kind invitation. GOD willing, I shall accept it, if ever I see _New-York_. But I think Providence calls me once more to _Scotland_. I have been lately plowing up some fallow ground, and now preach twice every day. The LORD does indeed bless the word, and gives me to rejoice in the felicity of his chosen. Be so kind now and then to drop a line to my dear orphan-family. As opportunity offers, and the LORD gives freedom, you shall hear from, dear brother _N――――_,

Yours most affectionately in JESUS CHRIST,

_G. W._