find there is yet oil, if there be yet a vessel, and an empty heart to contain it. Pray that my heart may be emptied of self, and that Jesus may be my all in all. I pray God, that none of us may give in to narrowness of spirit, but look up to Jesus for power over self, in all its shapes. Yesterday I
went to hear Mr. C. The Lord helped him, I believe, in some part of his discourse. I would be free; I would meet more than half way; but we are all too shy. The Lord fill his soul with more of the disinterested love of Jesus. To-night I begin a general monthly meeting to read corresponding letters. Pray give thanks for the success of the gospel in my unworthy hands. It shall be returned, as Jesus shall enable
Yours most affectionately in Christ, G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXVII. To Mrs. K, in London.
My dear Sister, Bristol, Jan. 4, 1742.
THIS morning, in a letter from brother C, I heard that your dear husband was dangerous ill of the small-pox. I was touched with a tender sympathy of your case; I immediately kneeled down, and laid your circumstances before our compassionate high-priest. I doubt not, but he is touched with a feeling of your afflictions, and will give you grace to help in time of need. I hope the language of your heart is this:
Thy gifts, if call'd for, I resign,
Pleas'd to receive, pleas'd to restore;
Gifts are thy work, it shall be mine
The giver only to adore.
I was, before I received the news of your dear hushand's illness, thinking that God's people must meet with uncommon trials. We shall often find God's providences as it were contradicting his promises. Thus it was with Abraham and Jacob, and thus I believe it is in some degree or other with all the children of God; for otherwise, how can faith be exercised? I doubt not but the enemy of souls will now be very busy with you, and break in with his fiery darts upon
