_To the same._
_Gloucester, June 27, 1743._
FULL of divine consolations, and at the same time, I trust, deeply
sensible of my own vileness, I have just arose from the throne of grace,
where I have been laying yours, my own, and the affairs of the whole
church, before our common Father and our GOD. He was pleased to give
me sweet access, and to assure me, that if he gave me his presence, he
would freely give me all things; but I must wait his time and season,
because that will be better for me. I have therefore just now put
my soul, as a blank, into the hands of JESUS CHRIST my Redeemer, and
desired him to write upon it what he pleases. I know it will be his
own image. Methinks I hear you say, Amen. I know you do from your
heart; for I believe you love me in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, as I
do you, GOD knoweth. Our Saviour, by his wise providence has prevented
our receiving each others letters so soon as we expected. I preached
_Tuesday_ last in the evening at _Bristol_, and on _Wednesday_ twice;
and once at _Kingswood_.――On _Thursday_ in the morning I preached
there also, and afterwards went to _Bath_, where I was most cordially
received by Mr. _C――――_, and one Dr. _H――――_, a christian physician,
and Lady _C――――_. Here our Saviour gave me fresh hints, that if I would
stand still and wait his time and way, he would make even my enemies
to be at peace with me. I returned in the evening to _Bristol_, and
preached. I think it was this day the news came of his Majesty’s
fighting, and coming off conqueror. I had observed for some time past,
when praying for him, whether I would or not, out came this petition,
“LORD, cover thou his head in the day of battle.” Tho’ even while I was
praying, I wondered why I prayed so, not knowing that he was gone to
_Germany_ to fight. This gave me fresh confidence towards GOD. I spent
almost the whole day on _Friday_ in retirement, and prayer. My house
was made a Bethel to me indeed, the very gate of heaven. _Saturday_ I
preached again, and found in the day-time our Saviour had blessed my
endeavours to some souls. About three in the afternoon we set out for
_Wiltshire_. On _Sunday_ I preached at _Brinkworth_, on these words:
“Thy Maker is thy husband.” It was a day of espousals I believe to
many. GOD was with us of a truth. After sermon, I rode to _Longley_,
in company with many dear children of GOD, who attended me both on
horseback and on foot. We sung, and looked like persons that had been
at a spiritual wedding. The LORD helped me in preaching there also.
All was quiet. In the evening I preached at _Tetherton_, and a blessed
time it was. We rode like as the children of _Israel_ passing through
the enemies country. Afterwards we set out for _Hampton_, and reached
there about midnight. After having travelled about thirty miles, I yet
preached thrice. This morning I arose like a giant refreshed with wine,
and came hither about eleven. I found my mother recovered from her
illness, and my own soul filled and blessed in CHRIST. O grace! how
sweet is it? I am glad you are thirsting after an abiding in GOD, after
greater degrees of knowledge, both of yourself, and of JESUS CHRIST,
whom to know is life eternal. In order to this, you must expect many
trials, and well it is to be under the discipline of so tender a
Master. I know you will pray to the LORD to make and keep me humble.
I recommend you to his care, and wish you all the blessings of the
everlasting covenant, from
Yours,
_G. W._