_To Mr. S――――._
_Oulney, (Northamptonshire) Sept. 4, 1748._
_Very dear Sir_,
IT was a pleasing surprize to me last week, to receive a letter dated
in _July_ from my dear, very dear friend Mr. _S――――_ of _New-England_.
I left town yesterday, but having an immediate opportunity of sending,
by way of _Philadelphia_, I now sit down to write your answer. Poor
_New-England_! I pity and pray for thee from my inmost soul. May GOD
arise, and scatter thy enemies! may those that hate thee be made to
flee before thee! I am afraid the scene will be yet darker. But you
know it is always darkest before day-break. It has been so in _England_.
Matters, as to religion, were come to almost an extremity. The enemy
had indeed broken in upon us like a flood. The spirit of the LORD is
now lifting up a standard. The prospect of the success of the gospel,
I think, was never more promising. In the church, tabernacle, and
fields, congregations have been great, and perhaps as great power as
ever hath accompanied the word. A door is also opening for the mighty
and noble. I have preached four times to several of the nobility at
good Lady _H――――_’s. All behaved exceeding well, and I suppose in the
winter opportunities of preaching to them will be frequent. May the
LORD prepare me for whatever he has prepared for me! As for returning
to _America_, if I live, I believe there’s no doubt of it. I intend
keeping myself free from societies, and therefore I hope to see you
again next year. But future things belong to GOD. I thank you and dear
Mr. _R――――_ for your kind invitation. May the LORD direct to what is
best! I hope you will continue to write. Pray read, seal and send the
inclosed. You will communicate so much of this letter as may be proper.
O dear Sir, pray for me, that the glorious _Emmanuel_ may give me
humility, and lead me on from conquering to conquer. You must remember
me to dear Mrs. _S――――_ and all in the kindest manner, and entreat them
to continue their prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours as usual,
_G. W._