_To Mr. H――――, at Gloucester._
_London, Aug. 20, 1743._
_My dear Mr. H――――_,
HOW wonderfully does our all-wise Redeemer order things for the trial
of his children! Alas! alas! how apt are they to judge, censure, and be
needlessly prejudiced against each other. Being weak in body, and under
great concern of mind upon several accounts, I desired dear Mr. _G――――_
to acquaint you, that in our last association we agreed not to separate
from the established church, but go on in our usual way. Indeed, the
motion to separate, was only made by a very few of more contracted
principles. By far the greater part most strenuously opposed it, and
with good reason; for as we enjoy such great liberty under the mild
and gentle government of his present Majesty king _George_, we think
we can do him, our country, and the cause of GOD, more service in
ranging up and down, preaching repentance towards GOD and faith in our
LORD JESUS, to those multitudes who would neither come into church or
meeting, but who are led by curiosity to follow us into the fields.
However disorderly this may seem to bigots of every denomination, yet
it is a way to which GOD has affixed his seal for many years past,
and therefore we have no reason to turn to the right hand or to the
left, but to press forwards and to do our utmost towards enlarging the
kingdom of our LORD JESUS; not doubting, but when we come to stand at
his bar, we shall be received with as equal an _Euge-bone_ as those,
who thro’ prejudice, or want of better information, censure us as going
beyond our line. That this may be our happy case, you will join in
praying with
Yours, &c.
_G. W._