_To Mr. T――――._
_Plymouth, July 26, 1744._
_My dear Friend_,
ACCEPT some few hasty lines from one, who, properly speaking, may at
present be stiled a prisoner at large. I am still here waiting for the
promised convoy, and as I humbly hope, really waiting for the convoy of
death to carry me to _Abraham_’s bosom. Could you think it? I have been
preaching a confirmation sermon. Do you ask me where? In a Quaker’s
field. As I saw thousands flocked to the church to have the Bishop’s
hands imposed upon them, I thought it not improper to let them have
a word of exhortation suitable to the occasion. I have also made an
elopement to _Kingsbridge_, where I preached to many thousands a few
days ago. It was really a most solemn occasion. A calling, inviting,
persuasive gift was vouchsafed me. The hearts of the auditory seemed
to be bowed as the heart of one man. Many tears were shed; but I was
obliged to ride off as soon as my discourse was ended, and to return
hither in the night. But blessed be God, our night was as it were
turned into day. I was accompanied by several old and new converts, and
we conversed in some degree, as became persons who ought to be employed
every hour and every moment in trimming their lamps to be ready for
the midnight cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh!” As I am at present in
this unsettled state, continually engaged in preaching, and in talking
privately with many, very many awakened souls, you and my other friends
must be content with receiving short, but I hope truly loving letters,
from
Yours, &c.
_G. W._