_To Dr. R――――._
_London, July 22, 1748._
_Honoured Sir_,
LOVE and gratitude constrain me to send you a few lines. They come
to inform you, that a sense of the almost innumerable favours you
was pleased to confer on me, when under your tuition, is yet deeply
engraven upon the tables of my heart. That GOD, whom I endeavour to
serve in the gospel of his dear Son, will richly reward you in that day.
By his assistance, I still continue to preach the everlasting gospel
in various places; and, I trust, not without some abiding good effect.
Indeed, last year I was in hopes I should have been translated to those
blissful regions, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the
weary be at rest. But it seems, I am not yet to die, but live. O that
it may be to declare the works of the LORD! I think his glory is the
main principle of my acting. I want to bring souls, not to a party,
much less to lead them from the established church, but to a sense of
their undone condition by nature, and to true faith in JESUS CHRIST,
which will be evidenced by a holy life, and an universal, chearful
obedience to all the commands of GOD. In this, honoured Sir, however
you may judge of the means and method of my proceeding, I am persuaded
you wish me success. Your’s, both in respect to this life and another,
I have much at heart. That the great shepherd and bishop of souls may
assist you in the oversight of all under your care, and in the future
state receive you with an _Euge bone_, in the presence of applauding
angels, and spirits of just men made perfect, is the earnest prayer of,
honoured Sir,
Your most unworthy, though dutiful pupil, and very humble
servant,
_G. W._