Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/105

. I trust, my labours are not in vain in the . The glorious Emmanuel has given me a pleasant Winter, and I hope is about to cause these southern wildernesses to blossom like a rose. You will follow me with your prayers. My most humble and affectionate respects await your aged father. My love to your nurse, and all York friends. I am Yours most affectionately in, G. W.     LETTER DXCI. To Mrs. B.

Wicoacommoco, (Maryland) May 16, 1747.

Dear Mrs. B,

HEARING by Captain Adams that the glorious Emmanuel holds your soul in life, I cannot help letting you know, past kindnesses are not yet forgotten, and that I wish you much spiritual and temporal prosperity. How does your soul prosper in these hard, dull and afflicting times? Has tribulation produced patience, patience experience, and experience hope; and do you find thereby the love of shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost? Happy then, unspeakably happy are you in being afflicted. With exultation of heart may you sing,

O happy rod! That brought me nearer to my.

I think I can say, it is good to bear the yoke of affliction in youth. It teaches one to keep silence, and weans us from a too great attachment to all sublunary enjoyments. I have a few strokes of my father's rod from time to time, as well as you. But I find that his rod as well as his staff do comfort. I am a naughty child, and want much correction; but he that wounds, heals also, and in glory we shall find, that his loving correction hath made us great. O glory! It is yonder in view; stands at the top of the ladder to receive us into it. Look to him, dear Mrs. B, for surely he is your never-*dying husband.—Death itself shall not, death cannot part him and you. Had I strength equal to my will, I should write much of the Redeemer's everlasting love; but my body is