_To Mr. G――――._
_Gloucester, November 16, 1753._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
YOUR kind letter I received, and would have answered it during my
stay in _London_ (which was only a few days) but really I was almost
killed with a multiplicity of business. The journals also I would have
sent immediately, but knew not how.――My wife promised me to embrace
the first opportunity that offered, and I hope ere long they will
come safe to hand. As for my pointing out particular passages, it is
impracticable; I have neither leisure nor inclination so to do. At
present, my doings and writings appear to me in so mean a light, that
I think they deserve no other treatment than to be buried in eternal
oblivion. “Behold, I am vile, I am vile,” is all that I can say to GOD
or man. And yet, amazing love! vile as I am, the high and lofty One
that inhabiteth eternity, still delights to honour me, by owning and
succeeding my poor feeble labours. Great things were done in and about
_Newcastle_; but far greater did we see afterwards in _Yorkshire_,
_Lancashire_, &c. Since that, I have been another tour, and have
preached at _Liverpool_, _Chester_, _Coventry_, _Birmingham_, _Dudley_,
_Wednesbury_, _Kidderminster_, _Northampton_, _Bedford_, &c. &c. Ere
now I suppose Mr. _B―――― P――――_ hath informed you, what apostolical
treatment we met with at _Nantwich_. LORD, what am I, that I should be
accounted worthy to suffer reproach for thy great name sake? At present
I am in my native country, where the LORD of all Lords hath vouchsafed
to give us several precious meetings. After a few days sojourning here,
I am bound for _Bristol_ and _Plymouth_, and in about three weeks, I
purpose to betake myself to my winter quarters. Blessed be GOD, I have
had good news from _Georgia_. O that we all may at length safely arrive
in _Abraham_’s harbour! From thence we shall never put to sea again.
My dear Sir, in the mean while, let us pray for each other. CHRIST
is in our ship, and therefore it will not sink. I commend you and
yours, and all my other never to be forgotten _Glasgow_ friends, to his
never-failing protection, and beg them, for CHRIST’s sake, to always
remember to pray for, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._