Lord. Though faint, my dear friend, yet still pursue. Yonder stands the blessed Jesus with a crown in his hand, ready to put on the conqueror's head. Let this animate you, for you shall certainly reap in due time, if you faint not. I could write much, but am surrounded with business from many quarters. Blessed be God, my hands are full of work, though I stand amazed that the Redeemer does not lay me aside. But his grace is free. I commend you and your dear yoke-fellow to his never failing mercy, and begging a continued interest in your prayers, subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXVII. To the Rev. Mr. H.
Binnington, Sept. 17, 1749.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
IF you was uneasy that my last lay by you unanswered, I am sure I have been, it may be, much more so, ever since yours came to hand. Upon reading it, I felt all the springs of sympathy move as it were at once. Glad would I have been of the wings of a dove, to have fled to, and condoled with my suffering friend. Perhaps I have heard from what corner your cross comes. It is a very near one indeed.—A saying of Mr. B hath often comforted me; "I would often have nestled, but God always put a thorn in my nest." Is not this suffered, my dear brother, think you, to prick you out, and to compel you as it were to appear for the Lord Jesus Christ? Preaching is my grand Catholicon under all domestic, as well as other trials. Methinks the voice of providence now is, "Who is on the Lord's side?"—I fear Dr. S has done you hurt, and kept you in shackles too, too long. For Christ's sake, my dear Mr. H, exhort him, now he hath taken the gown, to play the man, and let the world see that not worldly motives, but God's glory and a love for souls, have sent him into the ministry. Though when I conversed with him he was exceeding weak, yet as I trust there is sincerity at the bottom, I hope he will turn
