_To Mr. S――――._
_Northampton, October 10, 1753._
_My very dear Sir_,
IT is now near eleven at night, and I am to ride beyond _Coventry_
to-morrow: but I cannot close my eyes without sending you a short
account of my week’s work. On _Saturday_ last, I preached at _Oulney_,
and had a blessed season. On the Lord’s day we had two glorious
opportunities in this place, where the congregations were much larger
than before. On _Monday_ I went to _Oxen_ near _Harborough_; it was
their feast-day, but if I mistake not, some of their feasting was
spoiled. In the evening I preached at _Bosworth_; the congregation was
large as well as that at _Oxen_, and the power as great. About nine at
night I got to _Kettering_, where I preached the next morning to many
souls; the Redeemer gave us a spiritual breakfast. About five in the
evening I reached _Bedford_, and preached in the _Green_ last night,
and this morning. This afternoon we had another blessed season at
_Oulney_, and this evening I sojourn here, in order to set out for
_Birmingham_ to-morrow. A new scene of usefulness hath opened this week.
O that nothing may retard me in my pilgrim life! It is worse than death
to me, to be stopt in that. You, my dear Sir, are called to trade, I
to travel for my GOD. Whilst trading, you are in effect travelling and
preaching to thousands; for you greatly strengthen my hands in the LORD.
Great shall be your reward in heaven. O what a bountiful master do we
serve! I am loath to go to sleep, and yet this vile body stands in need
of it. My dear, very dear Sir, good night. GOD bless you and yours. I
pray for your dear yoke-fellow, and little maid, incessantly. As you
learnt long ago to look through and above unworthiness, I must still
beg you to increase my obligations, by following with your prayers.
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._