This is the best return I can make for all kindnesses shewn to, dear Sir,
Your affectionate, obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCXXXV. To Mrs. D.
Everards-Ferry, Oct. 16, 1747.
Dear Mrs. D,
AS it is uncertain whether I shall ever see you again in this vale of tears, I cannot help expressing my gratitude for kindnesses received, by sending you a few lines.—And what shall I say? Why, that I trust you at length see, that what the world calls an innocent, harmless, decent, sober life, will not be sufficient to carry us to heaven. Such a life I suppose you have led, and assure yourself, you will find it an hard work to give up such a life in point of dependence, and to come as a poor, ill and hell deserving wretch, to be washed in the blood and cloathed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Nature will struggle, and a reasoning infidelity will stand at the door of your heart, lest Jesus Christ's spirit should enter in and make you happy. But all things are possible with God. Apply to him therefore, dear Madam, and beg him to let you see that your heart is desperately wicked, and deceitful above all things. Strengthen your husband's hands; be as a goad in his side, if you see him inclined (though I trust you will not) to forget what he hath lately felt and been convinced of. And O that you may be an happy instrument of converting your two daughters! It is sweet when all of one house are agreed to worship the Lord Jesus in spirit and in truth. That you and yours may be all such worshippers, is the earnest prayer of, dear Madam,
Your real friend, and willing
servant for Christ's sake,
G. W.
