Brighthelmstone, September 26, 1763

The presence of dear Jesus be with my dear friend — that presence which turns darkness into light, sin into righteousness, misery into heaven. What can you want if he be with you? He has such a miraculous virtue, that he can turn your weakness into strength, your mourning into joy, your death into life; so that there is not in you any evil effect of sin, but his almighty grace can make it work under him for his glory and for your good. Oh! may his presence be with you as long as you are in this state of weakness, and mourning, and death. Sweet Jesus keep you; nay, I know he will. His tender, loving heart loves to the end. Oh, my friend, what a Saviour is he! Oh, how I love him! He knows I do; and yet I am ashamed to think how far below his deserts. By and by I shall do better, when you and I meet before his throne; then, then — But 1 stop.

Wmild he worthy my acceptance?

The worth of it does not come before me, but what my Master expects of me. His will must be my rule; and it has been a long time as plain to me as that two and two make four. I am stationed by myself. I am alone in London; and while he keeps me there I dare not move, as, when he has a mind to remove me, my way will be as plain from London as it is now to abide in it. If I hearkened to self, and wanted to run away from the cross, I know of no place so snug as; but would you have me such a coward as to fly, and such an one to stand by me — one who has kept me in many battles, and one who, I trust, will presently make me more than conqueror?

I have not time to answer your letter in other points. Only be assured of my prayers (such as they are) for your reading the Bible. Remember again, Christ is the sum and substance of it all. May his Spirit breathe upon it as you read, and lead you beyond the letter to the life-giving sense!

I have great faith about. You will

be taken care of; do not doubt it. The government is on Christ’s shoulders, and he does all things well. Leave it to him. But he does use means; therefore pray write as soon as you have fixed on a proper person.

My kind love to dear Mr.. I wish him

as happy as my Master can make him, and then he will be one of the happiest men in this world. Our friends with you have my hearty good wishes for their better acquaintance with the precious Lord Jesus, and more faith to get more out of his fullness. To him I commend you all, and your present case at

; and am, with my wife’s respects, for

his sake, your friend and servant,

W. R.