then, dear Madam, be content to have little or much of the company of Christ's people, as your heavenly father shall judge most convenient. Heaven is before you, time is flying on eagles wings. Eternity, an happy eternity awaits you when time shall be no more. O that it would approach faster to me! But why so hasty, O my soul! In heaven thou canst not deny thyself for Jesus Christ! Dear Madam, pray for me, that my will may be swallowed up in the will of God. That it may be so with you, is the hearty prayer of, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCXXIX. To Mr. P.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 6, 1747.
Dear Mr. P,
OUR affectionate parting is not yet out of my remembrance. Since that, I hope you have been diligent, and ere now have got an evidence that we shall not be parted hereafter. O for assurance! It is indeed the anchor of the soul. It keeps it steady in the midst of storms. Dear Sir, press after it, as you value your present as well as eternal welfare. Tell the Lord Jesus, you cannot do without it. I once thought dear Mr. P would be one of the first-rate christians in New-England. What hath hindered you? Whatever it be, whether a right hand or a right eye, may the Lord Jesus take it away! Will you say Amen heartily? You will excuse this freedom. I always write so to those I love. Pray remember me to your mother, wife, and all friends. Tell them I am here, hunting after sinners in North-Carolina woods. It is pleasant work, though my body is weak and crazy. After a short fermentation in the grave, it will be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. The thought of this rejoices my soul, and makes me long to leap my seventy years. O pray for me, that I may have patience to tarry the Lord's leisure. I commit you to his care. I charge
