_To Mr. S――――._
_Darlington, September 21, 1758._
_My very dear Friend_,
SURELY it is an age since I had the pleasure of writing to you last.
I was then appointed by Providence to stay at _Edinburgh_ the race
week: since then, I have been at _Glasgow_, and returned to _Edinburgh_
again. At both places my health grew better, and I was enabled to
preach always twice, and sometimes thrice a day, to very large and
affected auditories. The partings from both places were very cutting.
In heaven all this will be over. In my way to _Newcastle_ I preached
twice; and thrice in and about that place. Yesterday I hope some gospel
seed fell on good ground at _Durham_ and _Bishop-Aukland_. I am now in
my way to _Yarm_, and hope to be next Lord’s-day at _Leeds_. GOD only
knows where will be my next remove: I fear not to glory. I am put out
to sea again. If to take some fresh prizes, I shall rejoice. LORD, what
am I! a worthless worm, the chief of sinners, and less than the least
of all saints. And yet what wonders is GOD doing day by day! The fields
are white ready unto harvest: nothing is wanting but labourers. LORD
JESUS, thrust more out for thine infinite mercy’s sake! You have had
victorious scenes at _London_. O that GOD’s goodness may lead us to
a national repentance! Without this, I fear our rejoicing will only
be like the crackling of a few thorns under a pot. However, GOD is
a prayer-hearing GOD. Thousands and tens of thousands, I trust, are
besieging the throne of grace. I am persuaded you are always busy this
way. May you be a prince with GOD, and prevail more and more! I hope
this will find your whole self, and only daughter, enjoying thriving
souls in healthy bodies. That you may increase in every respect with
all the increase of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
under innumerable obligations,
Yours, &c. in our glorious _Emmanuel_,
_G. W._