_To the Reverend Mr. Z――――._
_Ashby, Oct. 9, 1750._
I Should have written to you long before now, but I waited for the
arrival of Mr. _Habersham_’s ship, in which I expected letters of
consequence. They are now come, and two of the chief I send enclosed in
this, and shall omit saying any thing further, till I have the pleasure
of seeing you, which I hope will be some time next week or the week
after. Immediately after I left you, I have reason to think that the
glorious Redeemer (O infinite condescension!) vouchsafed to make me
instrumental in the conversion of Lady _H――――_’s eldest daughter,
who I hope is gone to rest. I am now at her Ladyship’s house with four
other clergymen, who I believe love and preach CHRIST in sincerity:
but _Ashby_ people reject the kingdom of GOD against themselves. At
_Portsmouth_, _Chatham_, _Gloucestershire_, _Birmingham_, _Wednesbury_,
_Eversham_, _Nottingham_, &c. our infinite High-priest has given
us pleasant seasons. I am now waiting every day for my wife’s being
delivered of her present burden, and hope ere long to rejoice that a
child is born into the world. O that it may be born again and made an
heir of the Redeemer’s kingdom. This is all my desire. Honoured Sir,
you see how freely I open myself unto you. I count it a great privilege
that you allow me this liberty, and I earnestly pray our blessed LORD
to reward you ten thousand fold. He has been pleased frequently to
comfort and encourage my heart this circuit, and in the midst of all,
lets me know he is my GOD. O that he may be my glory! O that I may be
never left to dishonour him! Reverend Sir, for JESUS’s sake continue
to pray for me, who, with grateful acknowledgments for all favours, beg
leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger
brother, and fellow-labourer in the kingdom of CHRIST,
_G. W._