Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/357

 greater things than ever. My dear friend, salute all most tenderly in my name; I am exceedingly engaged, or each of them should hear particularly from,

Ever, ever yours in , G. W.    LETTER CCCLXXVII. To the Right Honourable Lord R.

My Lord,     Gloucester, Dec. 19, 1741.

THIS comes to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's kind letter, dated November 9th. Business has prevented my answering it sooner. The is yet pleased to deal bountifully with me. In England, as well as Scotland, the Redeemer is riding on from conquering to conquer. About Spring I hope to see Scotland again, and then, if possible, I will come as far as your Lordship's house. I have lately been at Bristol, and London, and have had the pleasure of seeing the church walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. I have preached here twice every day, for some days last past. The greatly countenances my administrations, and gives me constant peace and uninterrupted joy in believing. This is what, I trust, our glorious Emmanuel will confer upon your Lordship. wills that our joy should be full; but we entangle ourselves with the world, we indulge ourselves in sensual pleasures, we trifle away our time in what the world calls innocent diversions, and thereby we grieve the spirit of, and lose the comforts we should otherwise enjoy, from a close walk and communion with. Most complain of a deadness and leanness in their souls; what is it owing to? Not to, but to ourselves. We leave, and then leaves us. Not that we can keep ourselves by our own faithfulness; but notwithstanding, we must be faithful, and workers together with. I know not why I am led to write thus to your Lordship, but nothing else occurs to my mind at present. I am athirst for holiness myself, and long to see others athirst also. O my ! I see such beauty and transcendent excellencies in, that I long to have his whole mind and image stamped upon my soul. Nothing can satisfy me, but the highest degrees of sanctification and in