_To ――――._
_London, August 26, 1755._
_My dear Friends_,
I RECEIVED both your kind letters, and likewise one from Mr. _W――――_,
and last night a long one from Mr. _C――――_; but alas! I have no time
for controversy. To their own Master they must both either stand or
fall. All I can say in your present circumstances, is, “that you had
best make a trial, and let matters for a while stand as they are.” I
have sent letters, if possible, to prevent the spreading, at least the
_publishing_ any further tales. In the mean while, my dear friends, do
you strengthen yourselves in the LORD your GOD. The cause is his; you
honestly, I believe, embarked in it for his great name’s sake, and he
will help you out of all. When I see Mr. _R――――r_, I shall speak to him
again. But to-morrow I must away to the northward. Follow me, I entreat
you, with your prayers, and assure yourselves, that you and yours, and
the dear people of _Norwich_, will not be forgotten by me. If ever the
Redeemer, in his good providence, should bring me thither again, I can
then converse with Mr. _W――――_ and _C――――_ face to face;――but I beg to
be excused from writing, when I think by so doing I can do no service.
The LORD cloathe us all with humility, and give us all true simplicity
and godly sincerity! Then we need fear nothing. Blessed be his name,
we have golden seasons here. Blessed be his name, if any good was done
by my poor feeble labours in your city. To Him, who delights to shew
himself strong in behalf of those who are of an upright heart, be all
the glory. If I know any thing of myself, I want to supplant none, but
to strengthen the hands of all that preach and live CHRIST JESUS. In
his great name, and with repeated thanks for all favours, I subscribe
myself, my very dear friends,
Yours most affectionately,
_G. W._