_To the Rev. Mr. M――――._
_Portsmouth, May 11, 1749._
_Rev. and very dear Sir_,
IT concerns me much, that one whom I so much honour, and so dearly
love in the bowels of JESUS, should hear so seldom from me. Twice
have I endeavoured to answer your last kind letter, but have been
prevented, by want of health, a multiplicity of business, and frequent
removes from place to place. About three weeks ago I was sent for up
to _London_ to see my wife, but she is not yet arrived. However, it has
been over-ruled to the bringing me here, where I have been preaching
every day for this week past, to very large and attentive auditories,
who come to hear with great eagerness. I hear of many that are brought
under convictions, prejudices seem to be universally removed, and a
people that but a week ago were speaking all manner of evil against me,
are now very desirous of my staying longer amongst them to preach the
everlasting gospel. What cannot GOD do? After I remove hence, I purpose,
GOD willing, to take a tour into _Wales_, where Mr. _H――――_ tells me
the work is upon the advance. We have lately renewed our connection,
and whether I stay in _England_ or go abroad, he and some more have
agreed, in the strength of the LORD, to continue preaching at the
Tabernacle and elsewhere as formerly. At _London_, matters have
advanced successfully. Real good has certainly been done among the
Rich, and the Poor receive the gospel with as much gladness as ever.
My outward embarrassments are much lessened, and I hope ere long to be
able to say, “I owe no man any thing but love.” Many doors are open,
and I have thoughts, if possible, of seeing _Scotland_ this year.
But at present I am in a strait, and continually saying, “LORD, what
wouldest thou have me to do?” Sometimes I think I must either drop my
_English_ or _American_ work; but our LORD knows best how to dispose of
me. I would be as clay in his hands, and ready to go whithersoever he
is pleased to call me. I should be glad to hear of a revival at _C――――_;
but, dear Sir, you have already seen such things as are seldom seen
above once in a century. I am afraid that some good men’s calculations
about the latter-day glory are premature, and that it is not so near
at hand as some imagine. This is our comfort, a thousand years in the
LORD’s sight are but as one day. He that comes, will come, and will not
tarry. Take courage, my dear Mr. _M――――_; look up, and go on your way
rejoicing. You will remember me most kindly to your dear yoke-fellow,
_Nathaniel_, little _R――――_, and the young student in your house, and
all dear friends. Indeed I do not forget though I cannot write to you.
GOD will not forget your works of faith, and the many favours conferred
on, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._