Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/73

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come off triumphantly.—The hour of suffering is not yet come. God prepare us all for it! I expect to suffer for my blessed master's name sake. But, wherefore do I fear? My master will pray for me.—Dear Sir, adieu. I know you not in person. Perhaps I may never see your face in the flesh. However, I shall see you in heaven, and then you shall see how sincerely I now subscribe myself,

Your unworthy brother and fellow-servant in Christ,
G. W.

LETTER LXIII. On board the Elizabeth, Gravesend, August 14, 1739.


Dear Madam,

I cannot think of your favours, and yet forbear writing a letter of thanks. I cannot think of your parting tears, and not inform you, how sincerely I pray God to comfort and refresh your soul.—Oh Madam, your kindness to such a dead dog as I am, quite surprizes me. How much more ought you and I, and all mankind, to adore the unspeakable goodness of our heavenly Father, who has so loved the world, as to give his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Dear Madam, never rest till you have a lively faith in Christ Jesus. God has put into your heart good desires after it. Continue instant in prayer; apply to Jesus Christ, as a poor sinner, and yet a little while, and dear Mrs. —— shall be a christian indeed. Hasten O Lord, that blessed time. Oh let thy kingdom come, in full power, into this thy handmaiden's heart! Innumerable temptations surround you, to make you take up your rest here. But, I hope, Madam, you will be upon your guard, and let nothing be thought of, or done, by you, which may any way tend to indulge the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Simplicity is the very spirit of the gospel; therefore, the more we learn Christ, the more regardless we shall be of worldly vanities. God of his infinite mercy make you a widow indeed! You see, Madam, how freely I have wrote to you. It is because I value your welfare.—It is the best return that can be made, for all favours conferred on, Madam,

Your most obliged friend and servant in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.