and your friendsFor in order to attain a blessing, we should call both the Lord Jesus and his disciples to the marriage—I
much like the manner of Isaac's marrying with Rebekah, and think no marriage can succeed well, unless both parties concerned are like-minded with Tobias and his wife—I think I can call the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to witness that I desire "to take you my sister to wife, not for lust, but uprightly;" and therefore I hope he will mercifully ordain, if it be his blessed will we should be joined together, that we may walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did, in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless. I make no great profession to you, because I believe you think me sincere. The passionate expressions which carnal courtiers use, I think, ought to be avoided by those that would marry in the Lord. I can only promise, by the help of God, "to keep my matrimonial vow, and to do what I can towards helping you forward in the great work of your salvation." If you think marriage will be any way prejudicial to your better part, be so kind as to send me a denial. I would not be a snare to you for the world. You need not be afraid of speaking your mind. I trust, I love you only for God, and desire to be joined to you only by his command, and for his sake. With fear and much trembling I write, and shall patiently tarry the Lord's leisure, till he is pleased to incline you, dear Miss E, to send an answer to
Your affectionate brother, friend and servant in Christ, G. W.
LETTER CLXXIV. To Mr. H.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
IT is now full time to answer your letter. You acknowledge me the first instrument, under God (for ever adored be the riches of his free grace) of awakening you to the divine life: and shall not I endeavour to quicken and inflame the heavenly spark infused into your soul? God forbid! Oh that my power was equal to my will! How should my dear brother H glow with divine love, and lean by faith on the bosom of his dearest Redeemer! But I trust ere now you have indeed received the Holy Ghost, and know what it is to feast on a
