But do you go on as you are able to bear it. Opposition shall follow you; without it, be as prudent as you will, your sincerity towards God and love for souls cannot be evidenced. Self, love of praise, and love of the world, must come down. Our Lord always does this, by way of sufferings inward or outward,
or rather by both. One Mr. L of Gloucestershire, whom Mr. H knows, though he has begun to preach Christ but lately, yet is already warned to leave his cure. Our Lord will provide for him. He is a new creature indeed. I do not blame you for your conduct towards Mrs. D. She is a good woman, and I believe thirsts for the Redeemer's glory. I wish she would not write so much. And what shall I say more? I hope you have had enough from me now. My very dear Sir, when am I to hear that you are a preacher of Christ crucified? I long for the time, and earnestly pray that you may be freed from worldly hopes and worldly fears: for till then, I cannot believe a man, let his other accomplishments be ever so great, will be much owned and blessed by the great head of the church. I should be glad to know what my Lord of Exeter said. I thank the Lord of all Lords for giving you so much encouragement. Let this excite you to press forwards, and never fear what man or devils say of, or can do unto you. Dear, very dear Sir, my heart is enlarged towards you. I thank you, for remembering an unworthy worm before him who is the great high-priest and blessed apostle of our profession. As he enables, I shall return the favour, being, for his great name's sake, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
LETTER DCCXVIII. To the Rev. Mr. H.
London, December 18, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I am not personally acquainted with you, yet I owe you much love. Thanks be to our great high Priest for giving you such light and heat, and enabling you to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of redeeming love. Earth and hell will be up in arms against you; your own mother's children will soon be angry with
