_Gloucester, June 28, 1736._
_Dear Mrs. H._,
ACCORDING to my promise I am now seated to write you a farewell letter.
For providence seems to demand my presence at _Oxford_ immediately,
and therefore I propose being there, GOD willing, on _Monday_ night.
But first let me return dear Mrs. _H._ my heartiest thanks for all
past kindnesses, and assure her, that my incessant prayers shall
never be wanting, that GOD may not forget her labour of love, in that
she has so plentifully administered to me his unworthy servant, and
yet does minister. To-morrow I am to preach at _Crypt_, but believe
I shall displease some, being determined to speak against their
assemblies. But I must tell them the truth, or otherwise I shall not
be a faithful minister of CHRIST. Had providence so ordered, I should
have been glad to have given you the cup of blessing; but since that
favour is denied to me, I am resigned. However, I hope I shall not be
unmindful of you, when I come near your place, nor be wanting in my
prayers, that GOD would mercifully supply the want of outward means to
you, by the operation of his Holy Spirit. I suppose you are, by this
time, pretty well reconciled to _Worcester_, and that providence has
shewn you that we may serve GOD acceptably in any place. Yes, Madam,
let but our hearts be upright towards him, and by faith united to our
dear LORD JESUS, we shall find that wherever we are, he will be with
us, and we shall be with him. So far I had written on _Saturday_ night;
but being detained here in expectation of seeing my brother _James_,
(who has not as yet been so good as his word) I believe I can now
acquaint you that I must set out on _Wednesday_ morning. I preached
yesterday at _Crypt_, and was mercifully supported and assisted,
for which great blessing, I hope you will return hearty thanks in my
behalf. I trust Miss _James_ continues her former earnest desires to
be renewed in the spirit of her mind; for nothing will do but that.
Indeed we may flatter ourselves, that we may go to heaven without
undergoing the pangs of the new birth; but we shall certainly find
ourselves desperately mistaken in the end. For till we are changed,
till we are made meet for, we cannot in the nature of the thing be
partakers of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light. Let
us therefore never cease praying and striving, till we find this
blessed change wrought in us, and thereby we ourselves brought off
from relying on any or all outward ordinances for salvation. Our good
bishop _Benson_ was pleased to give me another present of five guineas,
a great supply for one who has not a guinea in the world. May the
great Bishop of souls amply reward both him and you, for all favours
conferred on
Your sincere friend and humble servant,
_G. W._