Sometimes, indeed, God withdraws on purpose to wean us from sensible devotion, and to take us off from seeking any self-complacence in our duties. If this be the case of you and your friends, you are patiently to tarry the Lord's leisure, and to continue striving with all your might till he is pleased to lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon you. You must seek Jesus though it be sorrowing, and then, after three days, you will find him; for the Lord will not always be chiding, neither keepeth he his anger for ever. That God may daily renew you in the spirit of your mind, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your assured friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXCVII. To Mr. W W, in London.
Dear W Savannah, June 11, 1740.
I Am sorry to hear, that you and your masters cannot agree; but this I know, supposing the case to be as you represent it, you must notwithstanding "be obedient, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward."—Rough usage will do you good, if you are sincere; God sees the pride and stubbornness of your heart, and therefore sends you these trials to beat it down: I find the benefit of crosses. What should I do without them? Dear brother S would write to you, I believe, but is much engaged.—We love one another in the bowels of Jesus Christ. O, dear W. keep close to God, and see you are that inwardly, which you would be esteemed outwardly.—Rest in nothing short of a sound and thorough conversion. That God may bless you, and all the brethren, with all spiritual blessings, is the hearty prayer of
Your assured friend and servant,
G. W.
