_To Mr. E――――._
_London, November 8, 1753._
_Dear Mr. E――――_,
MAN appoints, but it is GOD’s prerogative to disappoint, when disappointments are necessary for our good. But how hard is it to believe this? How apt are we in our haste to say, all these things are against us! But what says Doctor _Watts_?
Where reason fails with all her pow’rs, There faith prevails and love adores.――――
Come then, my dear Sir, and chearfully give up your _Isaac_ for GOD. He will be better to you than a thousand creatures.
Leave to his sovereign sway, To choose and to command; So shalt thou wond’ring own his way: How wise! how strong his hand!
Far above thy thoughts, His counsel shall appear, When fully he the work hath wrought, That caus’d thy needless fear.
Ere now, I trust, the storm is blown over, and that the Redeemer hath made you happy in himself. His love is unchangeable; this rock of ages can never fail you. Build upon him, and you are quite safe. I could enlarge, but time fails. Be pleased to remember us to all, and believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and servant in our common LORD,