_To Mr. W.――――._
_London, January 5, 1754._
_My dear Mr. W――――_,
YOUR letter much affected as well as surprized me.――I may say of it as Dr. _G――――_ says of the Apostle _Paul_’s epistle to the _Ephesians_, “It smelt of the prison.” Surely GOD’s thoughts are not as our thoughts, neither are his ways as our ways. How amazingly does he over-rule all things, for the spiritual and eternal good of those who love him in sincerity! Through his gracious and never-failing care, out of the eater cometh forth meat, and out of the strongest trial cometh forth unspeakable, spiritual sweetness. If this be the effect of affliction, then may the believer boldly say,
_All hail reproach, and welcome pain!_
Surely you may sing,
―――― O happy rod, Which brought me nearer to my GOD.
Now will you prove the strength of JESUS to be yours, now, will you find that your very enemies shall be at peace with you; ravens shall feed you, and the bread which you cast upon the waters many days ago, shall now happily be found. I sympathize most sincerely with your dear yoke-fellow, and parent. Blessed be GOD, we have a rich Saviour to go to.――A Saviour, who though infinitely rich in himself, yet for our sakes became poor. Rejoice then, my dear friend, for having an opportunity of being conformed to him. And whether your affliction be brought on you by any imprudent conduct, or by the immediate hand of GOD, cast not off I pray you your confidence in CHRIST. He is a compassionate high-priest. Perhaps this year, if we should live to the fall, we may have an opportunity of conversing about him face to face. In the mean while, let us pray for each other, and wait for that blessed time, when we shall be afflicted and tossed no more. I meet with my share of trials; but with thankfulness would I set up my _Ebenezer_; for hitherto my GOD hath helped me. Glory be to his great name, his word runs and is glorified more and more. The wilderness in various places blossoms like a rose. May the LORD revive his work in your parts! Mr. _D――――_ and Mr. _T――――_ have supped with me twice. I hope they will meet with wished-for success. My wife joins in sending love and cordial respects to your whole self, your mother, sister, and all that love the glorious JESUS in sincerity. That you all may increase with all the increase of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, my dear Mr. _W――――_,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,