_To Mr. G――――, and to all in conference._
_The Downs, on board the Friendship,
September 19, 1769._
_Dearly beloved in the LORD_,
THOUGH absent in body, I am present with you in spirit. Not want of
love, but of leisure, prevented my holding a conference with you before
my embarkation. My hands and heart were full. Ere long, we shall go no
more out. In the mean while, may you all be pillars in the house of our
GOD! You are engaged in a good cause, and in a branch of the Redeemer’s
work, which hath, and I am persuaded will prosper more and more. What a
mercy, that fresh instruments are raised up, to preach to poor sinners
the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. I hope that the sound of his
blessed feet hath been heard behind young Mr. _D――――_; he seems to come
out in the first, old, itinerant methodistical way. No way like this.
Light and life must go together. Principles and power, principles and
power conjointly, alone can satisfy my dear tabernacle hearers souls.
Though dying, I should live, when I find that they and you stand fast
in the LORD, and go on, and are terrible like an army with banners.
This be your happy lot! Whatever becomes of ill and hell-deserving me,
may you increase with all the increase of GOD! Most cordial love awaits
Mr. _C――――_, Mr. _B――――_, Mr. _D――――_, Mr. _I――――_, or as many of them
as are in town. May all be helped, to give one and the same mighty
gospel all-powerful blast, till _Jericho_’s towering walls fall down
before them. Outward troubles, I am persuaded, await us. But in JESUS
we shall have peace. To his never-failing mercy I commend you and yours,
and all your near and dear connections. Brethren, pray for us; I know
you do. The Redeemer, in answer to your prayers, deals bountifully with
us. I am comforted on every side. Never less alone, than when alone
with my GOD. My anchor is cast within the veil. Though detained in the
Downs, I hope we are sailing towards our eternal haven. Still help us
forwards, and pray us back. Once more, GOD bless you all! GOD bless the
dear tabernacle society, bands and classes, and all that come to hear a
preached gospel under that despised yet highly honoured roof. I am sure
you will add, and GOD bless him, who from his inmost soul subscribes
himself,
Less than the least of all,
_G. W._