_To the Rev. Mr. I――――._
_London, May 6, 1743._
_My dear Brother_,
YOUR very kind letter I had not the pleasure of receiving ’till
yesterday. It was very acceptable, and knits my heart closer to you
than ever. I love your honest soul, and long for that time, when the
disciples of CHRIST of different sects shall be joined in far closer
fellowship one with another. Our divisions have grieved my heart.
I heartily approve of the meeting of the chief labourers together.
The free grace of the ever-blessed JESUS melts me down. He has been
exceeding kind to me of late, and shewn me that, vile as I am, he will
not lay me aside. I am just returned from a circuit of about 400 miles.
I have been as far as _Haverfordwest_, and was enabled to preach with
great power. Thousands and tens of thousands flocked to hear the word,
and the souls of GOD’s children were much refreshed. I have been also
at two associations in _Wales_. The work begins now to shew itself.
Many are taking root downward, and bearing fruit upward. Ere long I
trust they will fill the land. I am glad the LORD hath opened fresh
doors for you, my dear brother. The rams horns are sounding about
_Jericho_; surely the towering walls will at length fall down. But we
must have patience. He that believeth, doth not make haste. The rams
horns must go round seven times. Our divisions in _England_ have the
worst aspect, while they are now united in _Wales_: but even this shall
work for good, and cause the Redeemer’s glory to shine more conspicuous.
This is my comfort; “The government is upon his shoulders,” and he is
a “wonderful counsellor.”
_And whatso’er thou wilt,_
_Thou dost, thou King of Kings!_
_What thy unerring wisdom plans_
_Thy power to being brings._
But where am I running? Pardon me. I am writing to my dear Mr. _I――――_.
I rejoice in the expectation of seeing you in town. I hope to be in
town at that time, and to enjoy some of our former happy seasons. In
the mean while, I salute you from my inmost soul, and desire, as often
as opportunity offers, a close correspondence may be kept up between
you, and, my dear brother,
Your most affectionate unworthy brother and servant,
_G. W._