_To Mr. R―――― W――――._
_Haverford-west, July 25, 1752._
_Dear Sir_,
I Love and honour you too much, to have let yours lie so long
unanswered, had not travelling and preaching prevented me. This is the
only quiet day that I have had for a long season. At _London_, the work
seemed to be as it were but just beginning. At _Bristol_ we had blessed
seasons indeed, and in _Wales_ the fields are white, ready unto harvest.
Had I not been pre-engaged in these parts, I should certainly have
come, and mounted my despised throne. I love state too well, especially
in _Scotland_, not to take it upon me as often as possible. I think
sometimes, that it is almost a pity one cannot have more bodies and
more souls. They should all run about, and be employed for JESUS.
What an honour to be employed in doing or suffering for him? Happy Mr.
_G――――_; I fancy he must preach quite well now. I dare say, you had no
hand in casting him out; GOD forgive those that had. In heaven there
will be none of this stuff. Thanks be to GOD, the church is militant
only here below. The LORD help us to fight the good fight of Faith,
till we lay hold on life eternal! Dear Mr. _H――――_ hath taken up his
weapons again; he is now Rector of a parish, and preaches twice every
Lord’s day. I thank you and yours, for your kind invitation of us to
your pleasant villa; had I wings I could fly thither to talk of JESUS,
and sing an hymn, but the cloud seems to move westward, and I fear my
visit to beloved _Scotland_ must be deferred till next spring. May the
LORD enable me to fill up every hour, every moment with duty! I believe
dear Mr. _R――――_ had a narrow escape the other day: if with you, pray
remember me to him and his, in the kindest manner. I most heartily
salute all enquiring friends, beseeching you all, for JESUS CHRIST’s
sake, never to cease praying for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._