_To Mr. L――――._
_London, Nov. 22, 1749._
_Very dear Sir_,
I Received your kind letter on _Monday_ last, and to shew you how
willing I am to carry on a correspondence, I take the very first
opportunity of answering it. Yours found me just returned out of
_Yorkshire_, _Lancashire_, &c. Since you heard of me last, I have been
at _Sheffield_ and _Nottingham_, and found the fields every where white
ready unto harvest. I believe my particular province is, to go about
and preach the gospel to all. My being obliged to keep up a large
correspondence in _America_, and the necessity I am under of going
thither myself, entirely prevents my taking care of any societies.
Whether it will ever be my lot to come over to _Ireland_, I cannot say.
I have some thought of being there next Spring; but I would not intrude
on any one’s labours. The world is large, and blessed be GOD, there is
a range and work sufficient for all. As for my manner of preaching, I
believe, was you to hear me, you would find it calculated to serve all,
but intended at least to offend none. I profess to be of a catholic
spirit; I am a debtor to all; I have no party to be at the head of,
and through GOD’s grace, I will have none; but as much as in me lies
strengthen the hands of all, of every denomination, that preach JESUS
CHRIST in sincerity. In this spirit I hope my dear Mr. _L――――_ will
find me, should he ever see me in _Ireland_; but whether I shall go
there or to _America_ in the Spring, is not yet determined. Future
things belong to Him whose I am, and whom I desire to serve to my dying
day, in the gospel of his dear Son. I earnestly beg an interest in
your prayers, and in the prayers of all that love the LORD JESUS in
sincerity. Pray how do the poor people at _Cork_? Lady _H――――_ writes
this concerning them. “I hope the poor persecuted people in _Cork_ will
be helped, and I should be glad if you could write in my name to any of
them, and inform them that I would have written myself, but I know not
how to direct. You may give them my kind assurance of serving them upon
any occasion, and a hint that I believe they will meet with no more
of the like rough usage.” Thus far my good Lady. I have informed her
Ladyship, that I should write to you, who I am persuaded will gladly
and in a prudent manner communicate this to all concerned. And now,
my dear Sir, have I not returned you a long letter? I love you, though
I know you not, and the more so because I hear you breathe a catholic
spirit. May the LORD increase it in your and all his children’s hearts!
I must now add no more, but subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._