_To the Reverend Mr. M――――._
_London, November 3, 1757._
YOUR kind letter was very acceptable. Ere now, I trust, the Redeemer
hath given you the prospect of the barren wilderness being turned in
a fruitful field. Never fear; JESUS will delight to honour you. Every
clergyman’s name is Legion. Two more are lately ordained.
Satan letts and men object,
Yet the thing they thwart, effect.
Thoughts are vain against the LORD,
All subserves his standing word;
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.
You need not remind me of praying for the noble pair: surely they
are not to be prisoners another Winter. The kingdom of GOD suffereth
violence, and really if we would take it by force, we must do violence
to our softest passions, and be content to be esteemed unkind by those
whose idols we once were. This is hard work; but, Abba, Father, all
things are possible with thee! Blessed be GOD for putting it into your
heart to ask the pulpit for a week-day sermon. Are we not commanded to
be instant in season and out of season? If dear Mrs. _M――――_ will take
my word for it, I will be answerable for your health. The joy resulting
from doing good, will be a continual feast. GOD knows how long our
time of working may last. This order undoes us. As affairs now stand,
we must be disorderly or useless. O for more labourers. I am told
thousands went away last _Sunday_ evening from _Tottenham-Court_, for
want of room. Every day produces fresh accounts of good being done, and
at this end of the town the word runs and is glorified more and more.
Last _Friday_ we had a most solemn fast: I preached thrice; thousands
attended, and I humbly hope our prayers entered the ears of the LORD
of Sabaoth. More bad news from _America_ about our fleet: GOD humble
and reform us, for his infinite mercy’s sake! Go on, my dear Sir, and
tell a sinful nation, that sin and unbelief is the accursed thing which
prevents success. Thus at least we shall deliver our own souls, and
be free from the blood of all men. But I forget: I suppose you are
preparing for the pulpit: I dare not detain you. My best respects await
Mrs. _M――――_: your mother is well. That you may return to _London_ in
all the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of CHRIST, is and shall
be the prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._