LETTER MCCCLI.
To Mr. and Mrs. D——n.
London, March 4, 1767.
My very dear Friends,
THANK God that you have been so providentially detained on your side the water. Indeed you would find it hard to live here. I would fain have you see Bethesda put on its college dress. That hour, I humbly hope, is now not very far off. What if we should have one more interview here below? Happy Mrs. S——k, that is fled to her mansions above. Blessed be God, that there are mansions prepared for us also!
O glorious King,
Us thither bring
To see thy face.
He will, he will, he will. He is faithful who hath promised; he also will do it. May faith and patience have their perfect work! Adieu, for the present. My feeble hands are full of work. The shout of the King of kings is yet amongst us, and hath been all the last Winter. Grace! grace! To this almighty, never-failing grace, I most humbly commit you; and with repeated thanks for your steady, disinterested services, beg leave to subscribe myself, my very dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus of Nazareth,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Norwich, April 11, 1767.
My dear Friend,
STILL I serve a God whose mercy endureth for ever. Mr. D——n received us most gladly. As sweet a gospel excursion as at any time. The Cambridge interview, I trust, was of God. I met, within three miles of Norwich, with another clergyman of the establishment, who promises well. He heard me last night. It was a night of power: a large congregation. It will be too large, I fear, to-morrow, though the place will hold some thousands. I expect to preach twice in my way to town, which I hope to reach by Thursday evening. But I fear my Spring and Summer inward fever is returning. If so, my large intended plan of operations will be much contracted. But future things belong to Him who orders all things well. Remember me before his throne. Salute dear Mr. H——y, D——s, and E——s (if come to town) and all enquiring friends, and accept the same for your whole self, from, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLIII.
To the Same.
Rodborough, May 13, 1767.
My dear Friend,
MY new horse failed the first night; but, through mercy, we got here yesterday about seven in the evening. I was regaled with the company of some simple-hearted, first-rate old Methodists, of near thirty years standing. God willing, I am to preach to-morrow morning, and to have a general sacrament on Friday evening. Perhaps I may move after Sunday towards Wales; but must be obliged, I fear, to take post-horses. I care not, so that I can ride post to heaven. Hearty love to all that are posting thither, hoping myself to arrive first. This tabernacle often groans under the weight of my feeble labours. O when shall I be uncloathed! When, O my God, shall I be cloathed upon! But I am a coward, and want to be housed before the storm. It is nearer and nearer. Happy they who have fled to Christ for refuge! I could enlarge, but have only time to send you my most unfeigned thanks and most cordial love, as being, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLIV.
To Mrs. M——h.
Gloucester, May 20, 1767.
Dear Mrs. M——h,
AND is the right hand at last cut off? How long, how painful the operation! How aukward, how uneasy ♦to be without it! But hush, nature: it is the Lord’s doing. His own right arm shall bring salvation; his presence shall alleviate the pain. Perhaps the loss of the hand, even of such a right hand, may, through the powerful influences of the blessed Spirit, give strength to their feet, and quicken them in their motion heavenward. The right hand of the Lord can, and I trust will bring this mighty thing to pass. Only say, “Abba, Father, be it unto me even as thou wilt;” the answer will be, “This is my will, even thy sanctification.” But,
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.
Want of time forbids enlarging. I hope your daughter will be now a wise virgin indeed. We have had good seasons at Rodborough. I have been out twice in the fields. Lady H——n hath been wonderfully delighted. She and her company lay at Rodborough house. Dear Mr. A——s is going to be married to a good christian nurse. He is sickly in body, but healthy in soul. That you may enjoy a thriving soul in a healthy body, earnestly prays, dear Mrs. M——h,
Your sympathizing friend and servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLV.
To Mr. and Mrs. S——n.
Gloucester, May 21, 1767.
My very dear Friends,
SURELY your many favours demand a speedy return of thanks. They are all put down in his book, who is not so unrighteous as to forget any work of faith, or labour that proceedeth of love. This is the principle from which, I am persuaded, you act: and a blessed principle it is. It comes from above, and leads to above. Had I more of this, and bodily strength proportionable, how would I wing my way! How would I preach for my God! How would I
Strive to sing as loud as they,
Who shine above in brighter day!
Blessed be God, we have reason to praise him whose mercy endureth for ever. I have preached twice in the open air: thousands and thousands attended. I am going to preach here this morning in my native city. On Sunday I hope to take to Rodborough wood again. Good Lady H——n, &c. were wonderfully delighted. They honoured dear Mr. A——s’s house with their presence. He is but poorly, and wants a nurse. Perhaps before next Sunday he may be married to a simple-hearted, plain, good creature, that hath waited upon him and the preachers near twenty years. She hath no fortune, but is one who, I think, will take care of, and be obedient to him for Christ’s sake. You may let Betty W——d see the contents of this, upon condition that you with her cease not to pray for, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Gloucester, May 25, 1767.
My dear Friend,
I AM just setting out in a post-chaise for Haverford-west; and have, therefore, drawn upon you in favour of Mr. ——, for twenty pounds. This is expensive. But it is for one, who hath promised not to send us a warfare on our own charges. We had a most blessed season yesterday. Thousands and thousands, I trust, heard, saw, and felt. Mr. Adams preached in the evening on, “The Lord is my portion, therefore will I trust in him.” A good text for a new-married man. I have advised him to preach next on these words, “The Lord’s portion is his people:” he is now here. I expected a line. Be pleased to direct to Haverford-west. I beseech you follow me with your prayers. O that the Lord may be my strength. O that he may quicken my tardy pace, and make me all alive for his glorious interest! I could enlarge, but must away. My tender love awaits you and yours. The Lord Jesus bless you, and fill you with all his fulness. Thus prays, my dear steady friend,
Yours in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Haverford-west, May 31, 1767.
My dear dear Friend,
YOUR spiritual mind medley was very agreeable. I could wish for a second dose, but know not what direction to give about sending it. My rout is not yet fixed. I am just come from my field throne. Thousands and thousands attended by eight in the morning. Life and light seemed to fly all around. On Tuesday, God willing, I am to preach at Woodstock; on Friday, at Pembroke; here again next Sunday by eight, and then for England. I wish dear Mr. H——y present, to see the people:—but,—and there are so many other buts in the way, that I would not press him. Mr. D——s is returned in safety. I hope Mr. B——dge will not miss of his expected preferment. Joab’s hand is in the G——h scheme. Rooms are not so lofty or large, prospects not so pleasant, bedsteads not so easy, in these parts, as in some places in or near London, but all good enough for young and old pilgrims that have got good breath. Tender love to all. Let all join in prayer for us. I have been pushing on dear sick Mr. D——s, to go out and preach six miles off. He is gone finely mounted, and I am persuaded will return in high spirits. Who knows, who knows but preaching may be our grand catholicon again? This is the good methodistical, thirty year old medicine. That you may live to see it revived, and tried a thousand and a thousand times over, is the hearty prayer of, my dear dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLVIII.
To Mr. and Mrs. D——n.
Haverford-west, June 1, 1767.
My very dear Friends,
YOU will be so kind as to shew all manner of Bethesda civilities to the bearer, Mr. Edward E——n. I trust, he hath been truly moved by the Holy Ghost, to enter into the ministry. With him I hoped to have sent the charter, or rather brought it; but the hour is not yet come. You will be glad to hear, that I have strength to preach in the fields. They are yet white ready unto harvest. Hoping to put forth the gospel sickle again in my beloved America, and wishing you all to increase with all the increase of God, with ten thousand thanks for all your works of faith, and labours of unfeigned love, I hasten to subscribe myself, my very dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLIX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Gloucester, June 10, 1767.
My very dear Friend,
BLESSED be God, I am got on this side the Welsh mountains! Blessed be God, I have been on the other side. What a scene last Sunday! What a cry for more of the bread of life! But I was quite worn down. Blessed be God, I am now better than could be expected. To-morrow evening, God willing, my wife shall know what rout. I hope all are well. I expect dear Mr. H——y is gone, therefore I do not write to him. How it shall please the Lord to deal with me in my next remove, you shall hear. I count it my privilege to let you know all good news, because I know it puts gladness into your heart. It is food, it is physic, it is every thing to a soul that lives near to Jesus. O when shall I begin to live to Him, as I would! I want to be a flame of fire. I know, my very dear Sir, you will pray for me. I can never forget you or yours. I am, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLX.
London, July 21, 1767.
My dear Sir,
I HOPE, ere this comes to hand, you will have taken your second degree. A good degree indeed: to be a preacher, a young preacher, a mobbed, perhaps a stoned preacher—O what an honour! How many prayers will you get when I read your letter at Tabernacle; and the prayers of so many dear children of God will do you no hurt, I assure you. When we are fighting with Amalek below, it is good to have a Joshua praying for us above. Jesus is our Joshua, Jesus is our intercessor; he liveth, he ever liveth to make intercession, especially for his young soldiers. Yonder, yonder he sits: whilst praying he reaches out a crown: at this distance you may see written in capital letters, Vincenti dabo. All a gift, a free gift, though purchased by his precious blood. Tell churchmen, tell meetingers, tell the wounded, tell all of this: tell them when you are young; you may not live to be old: tell them whilst you are an under graduate; you may be dead, buried, glorified, before you take a college degree: tell those who would have you spare yourself, that time is short, that eternity is endless, that the Judge is before the door: but I can no more,—the thought overwhelms: but with what? with joy, joy unspeakable and full of glory. Good night! I long to hear particulars from ——. If you send me word that young —— is there, I will answer his letter that hath lain by me some time. My poor prayers await you all. God bless you! God bless you!
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXI.
London, August 6, 1767.
My dear Sir,
IT is late; but I must answer your request. The inclosed made me pity, smile, and rejoice: smile at the writer’s worn-out sarcasms, pity his ignorance, and rejoice that you are thus called to be a martyr, a living martyr for our common Lord. Fear not, only go forwards; you know Jesus, and by preaching will know more. To him that hath shall be given.
For this let men despise your name,
You’ll shun no cross, you’ll fear no shame.
All hail reproach!
If you write with all deference, let him know that Jesus hath revealed himself not only to you by his word, but in you by his spirit: that you look upon those whom he is pleased to term deluded and fanatics, as the excellent ones upon the earth; and that you choose rather to suffer reproach with them, than to enjoy all the pleasures of sense, and all the preferments in the world. But why do I dictate? I trust you to the teachings of that Jesus who hath said, “It shall be given you in that hour what you shall say.” Where doth this —— live? What is the —— he mentions? God grant it may be a nursery for what he calls fanatics so long as one stone is left upon another. One letter more I imagine will rid you of further trouble from this quarter; expect then attacks from another: but look to Jesus; he will make you more than conqueror. I thank thee, holy Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight. Why me, Lord? why me? A sense of this distinguishing love will make you laugh at all that men or devils can say of or do unto you. Good night. I must away and pray for you. To-morrow Mr. ——, &c. breakfast with me. God bless you! Be of good courage: give no way, no not for a moment.
Ever yours, &c. &c. in an almighty Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXII.
To Mr. A——s.
London, August 14, 1767.
My very dear Tommy,
I AM sorry to hear you have been sick. This hath been my case. Blessed be God, I am better. Who knows but I may be strengthened to take a trip to Scotland. This itch after itinerating, I hope will never be cured till we come to heaven. Though laymen occupy both the pulpits, at Tottenham-Court chapel and tabernacle, congregations increase. “Not by might or by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord.” No weapon formed against Sion, shall or can prosper. Our Thursday morning six o’clock tabernacle lecture is crouded. I am looking for, and putting together old letters. Have you any dated January or February 1743? Could you send to Mr. E——s of Ebly, and enquire how Mrs. L——e may be directed to? Her husband had many letters from me. How are dear Mrs. R——ts, and Mrs. A——re? I never forget them in the midst of all my loves. I hope you are surrounded with warm friends, a most kind and affectionate nurse, and what is all in all, an infinitely compassionate never-failing Jesus. To his unchangeable love I most earnestly commend your whole self, and all dear never to be forgotten friends. How is poor Mr. C——e? What an hospital is the church! Blessed be God, there are no incurables in it however. Ere long, we shall be where the inhabitants shall no more say, “I am sick.” Hallelujah. I am, my very dear Tommy,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in Him,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXIII.
London, August 26, 1767.
My dear Sir,
MR. —— hath just now been with me, and shewed me your letter, expecting also a sight of mine. But my letters are brought late, and to-morrow I go to preach at Lady F——y S——y’s. I therefore, though quite ill, must send you a few lines now. Go to Jesus; learn to pray of the threatened apostles, viz. “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings, &c. &c.” I am afraid they will only threaten. If an expulsion should be permitted, it will take place, I believe, only for a little time, and soon be repented of. Thousands of prayers were put up for you last Monday, at tabernacle letter-day. The verses were these:
Give him thy strength, O God of pow’r,
Then let men rage and devils roar;
Thy faithful witness he shall be;
’Tis fix’d, he can do all through Thee.
Adieu.—
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXIV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Leeds, September 11, 1767.
My very dear Friend,
THROUGH the tender mercies of our God, we arrived here last night about six o’clock. In the way, I was enabled to preach both at Northampton and Sheffield. Good seasons! The Americans were gone the day before I arrived at the last place; I missed them by coming through Chesterfield instead of Mansfield. All for the best. God willing, I stay here over Sunday; perhaps longer. I have seen Mr. T—— G——; he seems poorly. Happy they who work for Jesus while it is day! The night of sickness cometh, when no man can work. Lord, help me to begin to begin! I have seen but few yet, having desired that no company might come the last night; by that means I got a little rest, and have now time to write these few lines. O for heaven! Come Lord Jesus, come quickly! In my next you will know where to direct. In the mean while, be pleased to remember me to all at tabernacle, and all enquiring friends, and accept of love unfeigned, from, my dear old steady friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Newcastle, September 20, 1767.
My dear very dear Friend,
PREACHING and travelling prevent writing. Through unmerited mercy, I am well. Upon the maturest deliberation, after earnest prayer, and for several peculiar reasons, which you shall know hereafter, I decline going to Scotland this fall. I have now a blessed methodist field street-preaching plan before me. This afternoon in the Castle-Garth, to-morrow for Sunderland, next day at Mr. R——’s mother’s door, then to Yarm, &c. &c. You may venture to direct for me at Mr. William Shent’s, peruke-maker, at Leeds, though I hope to find a letter when I come there, and to hear all is well. But send me no bad news, unless absolutely necessary. Let me enjoy myself in my delightful itineracy. It is good, both for my body and soul. I have been enabled to preach in the street, at several places, and hope to go to Gesborough, Whitby, Scarborough, New Malton, York, Leeds, Liverpool, Chester, Manchester, &c. &c. You shall know particulars as we go on. Do not forget the society sermon. If it could be deferred till the beginning of November, I might preach. If not, drop it. Tender love to all friends. Golden seasons, golden seasons! Grace, grace! I hope to write to the tabernacle next post. Cease not to pray for,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Thirsk, September 28, 1767.
My dear Friend,
NEVER was I so long a stranger to London affairs before. But being detained here, by the persuasion of friends, an express is gone to fetch what letters may have been sent to Leeds. I want to know the determination about the society sermon, and what part of the paragraph is true, about the commitment of several persons for a certain robbery. I hope that death will not be the consequence to any of the criminals. Father, convict and convert them, for thy infinite mercy’s sake! I should be glad to ramble till their trial was over. I trust there will be no necessity of my appearing in person. To-morrow, God willing, as he earnestly desires to see me, I go to Doctor C——’s. Where the next remove will be, I know not. Be pleased to direct to Leeds. My body feels much fatigue in travelling; comforts in the soul over-balance. Every stage, more and more convinces me, that old methodism is the thing. Hallelujah! Come Lord, come! Tender love to all. Is dear Mr. H——y come out of Wales? An answer to this, and every question, is requested by, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXVII.
To Mr. and Mrs. S——n.
Leeds, September 30, 1767.
My dear Friends,
GRACE, mercy and peace, be multiplied upon you and yours, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our Lord! Our God! Glorious words, glorious thought, glorious feeling, glorious experience! Enough to make us rejoice with joy unspeakable; even with a joy that is full of glory.
O glorious King,
Us thither bring,
To kiss thy feet.
O to be instrumental in bringing some with us! This excursion, I trust, will be over-ruled for that blessed purpose. I have been enabled to go forth into the highways and hedges, into the lanes and streets, of the towns and cities. Good old work, good old seasons! Help, help to praise Him, whose mercy endureth for ever! Get honest Betty W——d to join in putting up a word for her poor old master, but for Jesus Christ’s sake, my dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Leeds, October 1, 1767.
My dear Friend,
YOUR letter to Mr. Shent reached me yesterday at Thirsk, and hastened me hither. That from A—— B——, I almost impatiently wait for. Blessed be God, that matters go on so well in town. It is the same to the Lord, to save by few as by many. Not by might or by power, but by his spirit, all things are to be brought about. By his divine permission, I purpose preaching the society sermon. It may be on the Wednesday or Thursday before the 31st of this month. I purpose being in town the 22d or 23d. But why should not the sermon be preached at tabernacle? Is not the feast to be kept at that end of the town? Are not the major part of the society dissenters? Is there not to be a collection? Excuse haste; my tender love to all. You may yet direct to Leeds. Captain Scot preaches this evening. Cease not to pray for one, who doth not deserve the rank of a common soldier in Christ’s army. His name is, “Less than the least of all,” but
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXIX.
To Mrs. H——.
Leeds, October 3, 1767.
My good Shunamite,
JUST as your letter came, I was taking pen in hand, to send you a few lines. What a mercy, when good news comes from town and country! And what news so good, as that of the word of the Lord Jesus running and being glorified? This hath been the case with the worthless, but willing pilgrim. Every where the sound of his blessed Master’s feet hath been heard behind him. Field and street preaching hath rather bettered, than hurt his bodily health. But as the weather begins to break, he must look towards winter quarters. This makes it impracticable for him to go to Madly. It is too far distant. May Jesus support the suffering martyr. He will, he will!
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For He hath felt the same.
I know this will find you a living martyr; a witness of the truths and life of Jesus; the only preparative for dying a martyr. That whether you live, you may live unto the Lord, or whether you die, you may die unto the Lord, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. H——e,
Yours, &c. &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXX.
To Mr. W——y.
Huthersfield, October 6, 1767.
My dear Mr. W——y,
HOW is death scattering his arrows all around us! even into our houses. Perhaps, ere now, your dear yoke-fellow, as well as dear Mr. Langworthy, and Mr. Wright’s mother, are laid in the silent grave. Surely, the call to us is loud, yea very loud. Its language is quite articulate. “Watch and pray, for ye know not at what day or hour the Son of man cometh.” What is this world? nothing, less than nothing. What is the other world? An eternity; an eternity of endless misery or endless bliss. Lord Jesus, quicken our, at least my tardy pace! I see more and more, that we have no time to trifle, to be light, foolish, or worldly minded. A fever, a burning fever may come with a commission to burn up our bodies. It spares neither Duke nor Prince. Happy they, whom it finds burned up with the fever of divine love. That living and dying, this may be your happy lot and frame, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. W——y,
Your real friend and servant in the glorious Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXI.
To Mr. A——s.
London, October 12, 1767.
My very dear Tommy,
GOOD-morrow. This comes to enquire how you and yours do? I am just returned from my northern circuit. It hath been pleasant, and I trust profitable. Praise the Lord, O our souls! Every where the fields have been white ready unto harvest. I am become a downright street and field preacher. I wish the city, and want of riding, may not hurt me. No nestling, no nestling on this side Jordan. Heaven is the believer’s only resting place. There we shall not be disturbed. I do not know but Mr. Winter will get there soon. At present he is very ill. But he that bringeth down to the grave, can bring up again. You and I know this by repeated experience. But we shall not always put out to sea again and again. Hallelujah. Come Lord, come! How is Mr. C——m? Is he near the haven, or kept back by cross winds? Write me an answer to all the above interrogatories; especially to those concerning yourself. Tender love to all. Mr. Wright joins in sending cordial respects. Mr. J——s hath been much blessed here. That the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may bless you and yours evermore, heartily prays, my very dear Tommy,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXII.
London, October 23, 1767.
My dear Sir,
BY your brother Peter’s letter, the hour of expulsion is not yet come. Surely they will not be so imprudent, or act so contrary to the laws of English liberty. I long to know what statutes they say you have broken, what concessions have been made. Your diocesan will make a strict enquiry. I wish you could recollect all circumstances; the rise and progress of the present contest; with all the various pleadings, threats, conferences, pro and con. The issue of the trial you may leave to the Judge; he is always the injured prisoners friend. If confined to college, this will be a good exercise for you. You may lodge it in court, as a proof whether you understand to write plain English, or sound, practical, experimental divinity. This can do you no harm; it may do good. Do therefore set about it. I know one who will readily revile and correct, if necessary. The Lord Jesus be with your spirits! You see how I write, out of the fulness of my heart. Sick suffering soldiers must be attended. If ever so busy, for the sake of the glorious Captain of our salvation, you shall receive a line by way of answer from, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
P. S. I shall send the original to your Fidus Achates, in ——, but I shall keep a copy. Who knows? Sauls may yet become Pauls.
LETTER MCCCLXXIII.
To Mr. A——s.
London, October 24, 1767.
My very dear Tommy,
WAS not Mrs. J——s very near her time, and her husband consequently thereby detained in town, you would herewith receive a mandamus to come up to court. The first vacancy you may depend upon. In the mean while, may the country all round about ring of, “Come to Jesus, come to Jesus.” Worthy Sir Charles H——m hath received a call indeed. He slept in Jesus about a fortnight ago, near the Spa, in Germany. Happy translation! We must follow by and by. Some ascend, some descend the heavenly ladder. All will, ere long, sit down with Him, who stands at the top to receive poor pilgrims. Hallelujah! Hosanna! Good morning to you and yours. Hearty love to all. I wish I knew where Mrs. R——s sojourns. I would send her an invitation, or wait upon her in person. Wait, wait; we shall certainly see the salvation of God. But Isaacs must be sacrificed, before they can be received from the dead. Thus faith is tried. Thus the believer is prepared for a “now know I that thou lovest me.” Adieu! I must away. My very dear Tommy,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXIV.
To Mr. C——.
London, October 24, 1767.
My dear Sir,
SUPPOSING you made this addition to the motto of your coat of arms, Nemo me impune lacessit? He that toucheth God’s people, toucheth the apple of God’s eye. That is a very tender part. I am glad your diocesan is expected soon. I have no suspicion of his beating a retreat. “To arms, to arms,” must be the watch word now. It was the constancy of the three children, (the three heroes) that confounded their enemies. The company of the Son of man is never so sweet, as when he walks with us in the fiery furnace, never so glorious, as when he is seen keeping his honest Daniels company in a den of lions. You have therefore your answers ready, “We are not careful about this matter; we will not bow down to the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar hath set up; the God whom we serve is able to deliver us.” If you do not like these examples, take Peter and John. Suppose dear —— to be John, and —— to be Peter. You know how the high-priests addressed them, you know their answer. By their answer, by their boldness, they took notice that they had been with Jesus. Nothing, nothing can stand before an honest truly Israelitish heart. But this is enough for a sick-bed lecture. I would only add, that those who endeavour to entangle Christ’s followers in their talk, will in the end be entangled themselves. Good-morning to you all. Remember the watch word. Stand out your full time in guard-hours, send word at about what distance the enemy keeps, or how near he approaches, or what further feint attacks he makes, and, God willing, you shall hear again from,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in our Lord, God almighty,
G. W.