_To Mr. W――――._
_Bristol, Feb. 15, 1750._
_My dear Mr. W――――_,
WHAT shall I say? Really I can scarce tell what to say, because I have
been so long silent to my dear _New-England_ friends. But indeed were
they to know my circumstances, they would pity me; for my hands have
been continually so full of work, and my removes from place to place
so frequent, that I often had scarce time to eat bread. However, I must
now break through all restraints, and snatch a few moments to inform my
dear Mr. _W――――_, that I can set up my _Ebenezer_, and say, “Hitherto
hath my GOD helped me.” Words cannot well express how bountifully
he has been pleased to deal with me. The prospect of doing good in
my native country, is more and more promising every day. Last fall,
the LORD of the harvest was pleased to give us a most delightful
seed-time in many places in the _North_ of _England_;――in _Lancashire_,
_Cheshire_, _Yorkshire_, _Nottingham_, _Newcastle_, &c. the word
of the LORD ran and was glorified, and I hear of fruit remaining in
every place. At _London_ this Winter, the glory of the LORD filled
the Tabernacle, and since I have been in the country, we have had
delightful seasons. I am now going _Westward_, and in about two months
time purpose going to _Scotland_ and _Ireland_, and then shall embark
for my dear _America_ once more. My health is much restored to me, and
I only want an humble and thankful heart. O my dear friend, what cannot
GOD do? Ought I not to spend and be spent for the good of souls? Ought
I not to be always upon the full stretch for Him, who was stretched
upon the accursed tree for me? Yes, the LORD being my helper, I will
now begin to be in earnest. And O that I may hear that a prayer-hearing
GOD has revived his work in dear _New-England_! You must let this serve
as an historical letter, to be read to my dear friends. I would write
to many, but indeed I have not time. I long as much to see them, as
they can do to see me. I begin to count the days, and to say to the
months, “Fly fast away, that I may once more spread the gospel net
in dear _America_.” But my time and seasons are in thy hands, O LORD;
do with me as seemeth good in thy sight, only let me love thee, and
continue faithful unto death! You will remember me to my honoured
friends and brethren in the ministry, and to all others as they come in
your way. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon you all,
is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._