_To Mr. G――――._
_London, February 19, 1753._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
I HAVE two of your kind letters lying by me unanswered.――I am not
usually so dilatory, but business and bodily weakness have prevented
me. At present, I have a cold and fever upon me, but I preach on,
hoping one day or another to die in my work. One Mr. _Steward_, a dear
minister of CHRIST, that began to be popular in the church, entered
into his rest last week. I saw him just before he expired. Methinks I
hear him say, “Love CHRIST more, and serve him better.” O that I may do
so in earnest! For indeed my obligations increase continually. We have
had a blessed winter. Many have been added to our flock.――Next week I
intend, GOD willing, to lay the first brick of our new tabernacle. I
am now looking up for direction about my removal.――Which are the best
seasons for the north? I should be glad to know speedily. Have you
the first account you wrote of your conversion? Or have you leisure to
draw up a short narrative of the rise and progress of the work of GOD
in your parts? A dear christian minister in _Scotland_, is about to
publish two volumes, relative to the late awakenings in various places.
Such things should be transmitted to posterity; in heaven all will
be known. Thanks be to GOD that there is such a rest remaining for
his dear people. I am too impatient to get at it. But who can help
longing to see JESUS? What but a hope and prospect of furthering his
glorious gospel, can reconcile us to this _aceldama_, this wide howling
wilderness? If we had not our beloved to lean on, what should we do?
Go on, my dear Sir, in his strength; I wish you much, yea very much
prosperity. The LORD bless you, and all the dear souls in your parts,
with all spiritual blessings. I am glad you have received the books.
♦I am now publishing two more sermons, and a small collection of hymns
for public worship. _Benedictus benedicat et benedicentur._ I commend
you and all to his never-failing mercy, and myself to your continual
prayers, as being, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._
♦ duplicate word “I” removed