on it, the fire kindles. Brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you. The Lord strengthen you, and give you to pray for
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant
for Christ's sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXXVII. To Mr. X Y.
Dear Sir, London, Jan. 15, 1751.
YOUR letter came safe to hand. I pray God enable me to answer it agreeable to his will. Your call to enter into the ministry, seems to be pretty clear, and if your health would permit you to be a tutor, and courage be given you to act like a good soldier of Jesus Christ, you might do unspeakable good in residing at college. If a person's health will not admit of such a residence, I think by the laws of God and man, his absence may be dispensed with. Originally, Fellows were appointed to reside; but there is no general rule without an exception. Particular circumstances can only determine particular cases. Mr. W I know hath been dispensed with many years:—and though I cannot say I have approved of this part of his conduct, yet as he is called elsewhere, and applies the college income to good purposes, I suppose he thinks he acts an honest and christian part. As for the difficulties you seem to place before you, I can only say, "Nil desperandum Christo duce." Every new scene brings its new temptations; but faith in the Son of God, will make us more than conquerors over all. His love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is the best director and support in all circumstances whatsoever. For want of an establishment in this, and through the prevalency of an hypocondraical disorder, you seem to have particular scruples about particular things. It is what all persons, entering on the divine life, are more or less exposed to. "Meditation, prayer, reading, and temptation, (says holy Luther) make a minister." Your levity of spirit, and fickleness of temper, are your greatest diseases. These are to be watched and prayed against, and by divine grace will be overcome. Look up, therefore, dear Sir, to the blessed Jesus. Out of weakness he can and will make you
