LETTER CCCCVI.
To Mr. W, in Bristol.
London, April 6, 1742.
My dear, yea very dear Brother,
YOU must needs think, that your kind letter gave me no small pleasure. Glory be to God for that rich love wherewith he hath loved you! Surely Jesus Christ will be now exceeding precious to your dear soul. What does he now require of you, but to walk humbly, closely, and with a child-like simplicity before him? He hath followed you, as well as prevented you with his mercies, and would suffer nothing to take you out of his hands. Satan hath desired you, satan has sifted you as wheat; but Jesus, that friend of sinners, hath prayed for you, and therefore your faith hath not failed. The Lord hath looked upon my dear Samuel. Methinks I see him weeping tears of love, and saying, "Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth now."
I doubt not but many will reproach you for your past backsliding, and question your future stability. Let all serve to humble you in the dust, and drive you to the loving Jesus for refuge. "In him," surely shall my dear friend say, "I have righteousness and strength." Look up to him, and you shall be delivered from, nay, made more than conqueror over every temptation. He will fight your battles for you, and crown you when you have done. Dear Mr. W, the love of Jesus now swallows up my soul. I see him more and more lovely every day. In Jesus there is plenteous redemption. He came, that we might have life, nay that we might have it more abundantly. O what a blessing is it to be redeemed from a vain conversation, and from this present evil world. O that every poor sinner felt it! Then would his children agree in one, and divisions would be at an end. Blessed be our Lord, there is a greater prospect of union than ever. It is what my soul longs after, and labours for. It is a great pity that poor pilgrims should fall out in their way to heaven; but this will be, till we get more of the divine spirit. Pray we therefore for a great effusion of the Holy Ghost. Blessed be God,
