Dear Madam, London, July 23, 1739.
YOUR letter filled me with joy and with pity. Pity, to see you tempted, joy, to find you are thought worthy of enduring temptation. Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But be not afraid, Jesus Christ is praying for you, and your faith shall not fail. Your master hath been in the wilderness before you, and knows by experience, how to succour those that are tempted. Lift up then the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. Infidel books have poisoned your understanding, and rivetted great pride therein. Strong temptations are necessary to mortify that pride, and to teach you that lowliness of heart, which our Lord calls all that are weary and heavy laden to learn of him. Look up then to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He will send you help in every time of need. Indeed he will never leave you, nor forsake you. Follow him as the poor Syrophœnician woman did, and though he may now turn away his face seemingly for a while, yet he will always support you inwardly by a living faith, and shortly give you the spirit of adoption, whereby you will be enabled to cry, "Abba, Father." I speak this by happy experience. I have mourned, but now I am comforted. I have gone through the spirit of bondage, and, for ever be adored God's free grace, he has given me the spirit of adoption. And that you also will have this in God's due time and way, is the firm belief of
Your unworthy brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER LI.
Dear Mr. H London, July 23, 1739.
I Wish you joy of your new-born son. Oh that it may be made a real child of God. I purpose, God willing, to stand to my promise, either in person, or by proxy. I know not yet, how providence will be pleased to dispose of me. I have written to the Lords of the Admiralty for a licence. Saturday evening next, I hope you will see Mr. Charles Wesley. He intends to preach at Gloucester, Raindwick, &c.
