Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/491

 just been writing to your honoured lady. I think she grows in grace. May you and yours be filled with all the fulness of ! In about six weeks, willing, I purpose to embark for Georgia. Our has wonderfully appeared for my poor orphans. I am yet in arrears for them, but my knows how to supply all my wants. I am enabled to cast all my care upon him, believing that he careth for me. I hope to have the favour of another letter before I embark. In the mean while, I beg the continuance of your prayers, and am, honoured Sir, Your most affectionate, though very unworthy brother, and servant in our glorious head, G. W.     LETTER CCCCXCVII. To Lady Jane H C.

Honoured Madam,     London, Dec. 23, 1742.

HOW are we obliged to your Ladyship? Had I time I would endeavour to tell you; but this is my comfort, when I have not time to write, I have a heart given me to pray for my dear friends, and you, Honoured Madam, have a constant share in my poor petitions. I find by yours to my wife, that you complain of darkness. Ere now, I hope the day-star hath again risen in your heart, and you have been made to rejoice with exceeding great joy. Our will not leave you comfortless; he will send the Holy Ghost to comfort you. The time of singing of birds shall come. Our will not be always chiding.—This is only to shew you more of your heart, and make you what you long to be, a very poor sinner. Our hearts, Honoured Madam, are so desperately wicked, deceitful above all things, that without repeated instances of feeling our helplessness and misery, we should forget ourselves, and run away from the feet of our and Saviour. He therefore, in love, empties before he fills; humbles before he exalts. At least, he is pleased to deal thus with me. I thank him for it, from my inmost soul: for was it not so, his mercies would destroy us. He helps me also to praise him. When I discover a new corruption, I am as thankful as a centinel keeping watch in a garrison, would be at spying a straggling enemy come near him. I stand