Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/488

 LETTER CCCCXCIV.

To Mr. D, of Edinburgh.

London, Dec. 18, 1742.

My very dear Friend and Brother,

LAST night, just before your kind letter came to hand, I had been lying on my face before our compassionate High-Priest, telling him what great expences lay before me for his great Name sake. I wanted 300l. to pay for the Orphans, and much to pay for my own necessary expences, which he, by his providence, brought upon me. Your letter came as an answer to my prayer. It humbled, at the same time that it elated my soul, and greatly strengthened my faith. Surely the is on my side, and the Orphan-house will stand unconsumed in fire. The enemies, and even many friends of speak against it; but this is all to bring me nearer to the blessed, and to convince me that our extremity is 's opportunity. My dear man, will abundantly bless you for helping me at this juncture. I can find but few, who think it a favour to do any thing for , and love to help a friend to the very last. O, dear Sir, was you here, I could weep over you, and thank you most heartily. Last night I was enabled to intercede for you very much. will hear my prayer, and not let my dear friend lose his reward. The 16th of this month was my birth-day. It made me blush to think how much sin I have committed against, and how little good I have done for. As soon as I opened and read your letter, amazed, I cried out, I am the vilest wretch living, and so I think now. I know you will pray for me, and thank our Saviour too. He is very kind to me. Our society goes on well. I am now in my winter-quarters, preparing for a fresh campaign. Though I richly deserve it, yet our infinitely condescending will not lay me aside, until he has performed all his good pleasure in and by me. Wishing you, my dear Sir, all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, and sending you ten thousand thanks for all favours, I subscribe myself,

Your most obliged affectionate friend, brother, and unworthy servant in , G. W.