_To Mr. J―――― B――――._
_Exon, Feb. 22, 1750._
_My dear Mr. B――――_,
I Received your kind letter a few days ago at _Bristol_, and
embrace this first opportunity of answering it. In _London_ I was so
continually busied with a multiplicity of avocations, that I could not
possibly write to you from thence. However, it has pleased him, whose
mercy endureth for ever, to give me and his dear people a very pleasant
and warm Winter; and I trust much real good hath been done to precious
and immortal souls. Just before I left town, I preached four or five
times in Mr. _W――――_’s chapel, and administred the sacrament twice or
thrice. Congregations were very large, and the Redeemer caused much of
his glory to pass before us. At _Bristol_, and in _Gloucestershire_,
we have had delightful seasons. At the former I saw and dined with Mr.
_C―――― W――――y_, who talked about my preaching in their new room. I said
but little, having, as the Searcher of hearts knows, to the best of my
knowledge, no view to head or gather a party, but only to preach CHRIST
crucified to all. In this I am blessed, in this I find unspeakable
freedom, and to this, the necessity I lie under of labouring on both
sides the water, evidently calls me. I am now going _Westward_. Some
time in _April_ I purpose, GOD willing, to visit your parts again in
my way to _Scotland_, and then we can talk over many things. I think
it is high time that all reasonings _pro_ and _con_ about what is past,
should be buried in utter oblivion. But I fear――――However, this is
my comfort――“The LORD reigneth.” Our business is to be guileless, and
to go forwards, looking continually to that JESUS, in whose cause we
are embarked. He will order all things well. I cannot do any thing at
present for _W―――― D――――_. I tried my utmost for Mr. _C――――_. If he
turns out bad, woe be to him, after such providential interpositions.
I have no intimate correspondence with Mr. _S――――_, but hear by Mr.
_B――――_, that he is blest in the parts round about him. I see that
he and all young preachers need the Apostle’s caution, to “Take heed,
lest being puffed up with pride, they fall into the condemnation of
the devil.”――And this I know, that no one will stand long in this work,
unless he is disinterested, and looks for nothing but poverty, disgrace,
and death. Whosoever is willing thus to lose his life shall find it;
and, on the contrary, whosoever by sinister ends or practices seeks to
save his life, the same (mark the end) shall lose it. For the present
adieu! The LORD be with you and yours! Be pleased to remember me to all
as they come in your way. Direct as usual; and cease not to pray for,
dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._