_To Mr. J―――― S――――._
_Northampton, September 1, 1755._
AND did my dear Mr. _S――――_ direct a letter and not send me one line at
a venture? Well, I thank him even for the direction, as well as for all
other unmerited favours. O that it was in my power to shew my gratitude
in a substantial manner! This is my comfort, GOD is a prayer-hearing,
promise-keeping GOD. He will not fail those, who have confessed him or
his ministers before men.――It may be, before men they shall be rewarded.
Certain it is, they shall be confessed by JESUS CHRIST in the presence
of men and angels in the kingdom of heaven. This, ere long, will
be your happiness. Methinks I long for the day; but am ashamed I do
no more for JESUS, who yet continues to employ me. Every where the
fields are white ready unto harvest. At _London_, _Bristol_, _Bath_,
in _Gloucestershire_, at _Norwich_, _Bury_, _Braintree_, and yesterday
twice here, we had blessed seasons. I am now going into _Yorkshire_,
and it may be to _Ireland_. If there should be a bloody war, GOD only
knows when I shall see my dear _New-England_. Thither I find a strong
attraction. O for good news from the northern forces! I suppose death
must come first before life.――This is always the method of Providence.
LORD, help us to pray and not faint! Happy they who have got a JESUS
to fly to: he is our refuge from every storm. Your whole self and all
enquiring friends do I most earnestly commend to his never-failing
mercy, as being, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._