_To Mr. L――――._
_London, April 3, 1750._
_Very dear Sir_,
LAST _Friday_ evening I came to town, and would have answered your kind
letters (which I found waiting for me here) last post, had not fatigue
and a multiplicity of business prevented me. Surely the distress of our
suffering friends is great, but he that dwelleth on high is greater.
I have already laid your account before some particular persons,
and shall use all possible means to have our dear friends grievances
redressed. In the interim, let us besiege the throne of grace, and by
earnest prayer engage his assistance, who has promised that the gates
of hell shall never prevail against his Church. As I hear Mr. _John
W――――_ is now in _Ireland_, I suppose he will best answer your question
about “coming out from amongst them.” For my part, I think my business
is to preach the gospel unto all, without setting up any particular
party. The acceptance which the glorious _Emmanuel_ is pleased to give
to me, and the various calls sent, as well as the freedom I find in
complying with them, confirm me more and more that this is my province.
I am just returned from the West, where I have seen the fields every
where white ready unto harvest. Though thousands flock to hear the word
in town, yet I almost think every day lost in which I am not preaching
about the country, now the summer is coming on. GOD only knows whether
I shall reach as far as _Ireland_. Pray continue your accounts. I
cannot help thinking, but that this opposition is a blessed presage
of a future glorious harvest in the kingdom of _Ireland_. Yet a little
while, and he that will come, shall come, and will not tarry. That your
soul may be filled with all the divine fulness, is the hearty prayer of,
dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._