spirit of Christ, who will keep close to you, when all other comforts fail; will make you happy here, and unspeakably happy hereafter.—Never fear the contempt you will meet with; yet a little while, and they that call you fool, will call themselves so, and curse that worldly wisdom, which tempted them to evade the cross of Christ. Strange! that any one should let a little reproach deprive them of an eternal crown! Lord, what is man! How blind as to the knowledge of his true interest! How backward in the pursuit of his eternal good! O, dear Mr. , let us not be of the number of those, who desire the honour that cometh of man; but be content with that which cometh from God. In a short time, we shall have praise enough. Heaven will echo with the applause that shall be given to the true followers of the Lamb, and then you will see how sincerely I was, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER XXXVII. To Mrs. H.
Dear Mrs. H. At Sea, April 14, 1738.
THOUGH through excess of business, and the shortness of the time, that was allotted me, I wrote but a few lines to you from Gibraltar, yet, what hinders, but that I may send you a longer letter now? It's true we are now near a thousand miles from Georgia; but as I shall have an opportunity of sending immediately on our arrival, I chuse to take time by the forelock, and embrace the first opportunity of acknowledging my obligations to dear Mrs. H. and her husband; for whom I pray without ceasing. Your past favours are seldom out of my mind; I plead them daily before God in prayer, and hope, if it is ever in my power, I shall imitate the example of pious David in yesterday evening's first lesson, and requite my friends, particularly dear Mrs. H. and her spouse, for the kindnesses they have shewn me. However, supposing this should not happen, they will in no-wise lose their reward. But I know you do not care I should dwell on this. You want to be informed, how God has dealt with me since I left Gibraltar? Exceeding graciously indeed. He has com-
