_To Mr. B―――― S――――._
_Newcastle, August 13, 1753._
_My very dear Friend_,
MY rout is now fixed. After having preached here and hereabouts three
times each day, I am to leave this place on _Thursday_, to be at
_Stockton_ on _Sunday_, at _Osmotherly_ on _Monday_ noon, lie at
_Topcliff_, and reach _York_, GOD willing, by way of _Burrough-bridge_,
on _Tuesday_ next, and then come forwards to _Leeds_. I trust that our
meeting will be like that of _Jonathan_ and _David_. Only sometimes I
must change names; where it is said “_David_ exceeded,” there I will
be _David_, and you _Jonathan_. Where _Jonathan_ exceeds, there I will
be _Jonathan_ and you _David_. But more of this hereafter.――I must now
tell you good news. I could not finish this letter last night, it is
now _Tuesday_ morning. But surely heaven came down amongst us, under
the last evening preaching: it was almost too much for my body. O that
the prison door was set open, and the bird suffered to fly out of the
cage! Then would I fly to heaven, and upon one of the boughs of free
grace sing the praises of redeeming love for ever and for ever. Till
then, may we be employed in singing here on earth! But I must away to
_Horsey_ to preach, from whence I am to return to preach again in the
evening. Thrice a day tries me, but in the LORD have I righteousness
and strength. If you hear of a mob’s being raised by my preaching at
_Glasgow_, assure all your friends that there was none, but Satan owes
me a grudge for speaking against the playhouse. Particulars expect when
we meet. In the mean while, give my tender love to all, and forget not
to pray for, my dear friend.
Yours in our precious CHRIST,
_G. W._