_To Mrs. S――――, at New-York._
_Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1747._
SHALL I promise and not perform? GOD forbid. I must then drop a line to my afflicted friend. How is your little one? Is it yet languishing? Is it quite emaciated and panting for breath? Or is it gone into the world of spirits? Whatever be your answer, I am ready to reply, Remember your father _Abraham_; how chearfully did he offer up his dear _Isaac_, his son, whom he loved? How kindly did the LORD take it at his hands? Go thou and do likewise. If JESUS hath restored it to you, nurse it for him; pray to him continually for grace to order it aright, and learn how soon GOD may imbitter the dearest comforts to us. Happy, happy they, who can lean on and trust in JESUS, whilst they are going through this howling wilderness, this world of woe. I trust you are one of these happy ones. O free grace! Sovereign, electing, distinguishing love! You will join with me in saying, “Why me, LORD, why me?” I could enlarge. Whilst I am writing, the fire kindles; but my Master’s business calls me away. He is with me here. Remember the Pilgrims. My dear yoke-fellow is gone forward; perhaps I may follow this week. I desire to be remembered in the kindest manner to dear Mr. _S―――― P――――_, wife, and all friends. I thank them and you a thousand times for all favours, and am, dear Mrs. _S――――_,
Your affectionate and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, _G. W._