_To Professor F――――._
_London, March 5, 1758._
_Most reverend and dear Sir_,
THOUGH I am almost ashamed to put pen to paper, yet the kind mention
(as I hear from good Mr. _Z――――_) you have been pleased to make from
time to time of me, together with the importunities of that venerable
man of GOD, have at length prevailed upon me to trouble you with this
letter. O that an infinitely condescending Redeemer may excite you
thereby, most honoured Sir, to be instant in prayer for one who is
the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. Long,
long before now did I think of entering into my wish’d-for rest. Times
without number hath this tabernacle groaned; but having obtained help
from GOD, I yet continue, in my poor way, to preach to all that are
willing to hear, the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. Through grace
the fields are as yet white, and as ready to harvest as ever. In the
Summer I range, and with a table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my
sounding-board, I am enabled generally thrice a day, to call to many
thousands to come to JESUS that they may have life. In the Winter I
am confined to this metropolis; but to my great mortification, through
continual vomiting, want of rest, and of appetite, I have been reduced
for some time to the short allowance of preaching only once a day,
except _Sundays_, when I generally preach thrice. Thousands attend
every evening at both ends of the town, and on Lord’s-days many, many
go away for want of room. The divine presence is apparently amongst
us, and every week produces fresh instances of the power of converting
grace. Blessed be GOD, we meet with no disturbances in town, and very
seldom in the country: but last year, while I was preaching in the
fields in _Ireland_, a popish mob was so incensed at my preaching the
LORD _our Righteousness_, and praying for our good old King, and the
King of _Prussia_, that they surrounded, stoned, and almost killed me.
But we are immortal till our work is done, and glad should I have been
to have died in such a cause. Mr. _W――――y_ hath societies in _Ireland_
and elsewhere; and though we differ a little in some principles,
yet brotherly love continues. I generally, when itinerating, preach
among his people, as freely as among those who are called our own. In
_London_ several new flaming preachers are come forth; and in various
parts of the kingdom we hear of divers others, who seem determined to
know and preach nothing but JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. Thousands
and thousands are now praying daily for success to the _Prussian_ and
_Hanoverian_ arms. Your fast-days were kept here with great solemnity,
and will be so again, GOD willing, when I know the day. Our _Joshua_’s
are in the field. Many a _Moses_ is gone up into the mount to pray.
_Nil desperandum Christo duce, auspice Christo._ The ark trembles,
but underneath are the everlasting arms of an everlasting GOD. He that
wrought such wonders for the _Prussian_ monarch last year, can repeat
them this. LORD, we believe, help our unbelief! The distresses of
_German_ protestants, we look upon as our own. We have also endeavoured
to give thanks for the great mercy vouchsafed your Orphan-house, and
the protestant cause. LORD JESUS, repeat the occasions, for thine
infinite mercy’s sake! Pardon, pardon, most worthy Sir, the length of
this, and impute it to the encouragement given by the venerable Mr.
_Z――――_ to, most honoured Sir,
Your dutiful son and servant,
_G. W._