'till then, let us wait patiently; against hope may we believe in hope, and being strong in faith give glory to God. After
I have fought the Lord's battles in Moor-fields these holidays, I think to take a tour into Cornwall and Wales, and perhaps, to Ireland. I have sometimes thought I am detained on purpose to go there. I wonder not at your silence. You may well expect me; but I must not mention it, lest my impatient heart should again say, "Lord, why wilt thou not let me go?" My first fellow-traveller, scarce a day passes without my speaking of, and often praying for you. Old love has revived long since in my soul. I am persuaded, our Lord will reward you even in this life, for your fidelity to unworthy me. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might." While I am writing the fire kindles, and I almost forget my bodily weakness. The Lord be with you. I hear the Spaniards intend a second invasion; but those words still follow and comfort me, "The enemies which you have seen, you shall see no more for ever." You are the Lord's family; he will take care of you; fear them not. I have many things to impart, when I see you face to face. 'Till then the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and grant that you and yours may increase with all the increase of God. In bonds of an eternal friendship, with greater affection than words can well express, I subscribe myself,
Ever, ever yours, G. W.
LETTER DXVIII. To Mr. B.
London, May 21, 1743.
My very dear Brother B,
LITTLE did I think, when I parted from you at Bethesda, that I should be writing to you at this time in London. But God's ways are in the great waters, and his footsteps are not known. I have essayed to come to you more than once, or twice; but I believe I can say, "the spirit suffered me not." In thought I am with you daily; when I shall come in person, our Saviour only knows: perhaps, at an hour which neither you nor I think of. You will see what I have wrote
