_To the Reverend Mr. D――――._
_London, July 23, 1748._
_My very Dear Mr. D――――,_
GLAD was I, yea very glad to receive one more letter from such a
valuable and dearly beloved friend and brother. I have often enquired
after you since my arrival, and only multiplicity of business prevented
your hearing from me. Glory be to the blessed JESUS, for supporting and
carrying you through so many difficulties that necessarily attend the
pastoral office. I find more and more, my dear Sir, that experience is
only to be learned in the school of tribulation; and as we undergo the
sufferings mentioned in the scriptures, so far and no farther do we
understand the scriptures themselves. O that patience may have its
perfect work, and we may be enabled to the end of our days to sanctify
the LORD GOD in our hearts! As for poor _Scotland_, what shall I say?
Our LORD’s words must be fulfilled, “The first shall be last, and the
last first.” Awakening times are always like the Spring. Many blossoms
appear, and perhaps but little solid fruit is produced after all. O
that the Lord of the harvest, if I am to see _Scotland_ again, may send
me to call some backsliders to return. Glory be to GOD, affairs are
taking a happy turn here. Old love, and old power, seem to be reviving
among us. I preach to multitudes daily. Many are already brought
under new awakenings. On _Monday_ next I set out, GOD willing, for
_Gloucester_, and intend returning in about three weeks.――How glad
shall I then be to see Mr. _D――――_. My dear yoke-fellow would rejoice
to do so too; but I left her abroad in the tent.――Perhaps she may come
over soon. Pray remember her, and, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._