_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_My dear Brethren, and worthy fellow-labourers in CHRIST_,
THOUGH I know none of you in person, yet, from the time I heard
of your faith and love towards our dear LORD JESUS, I have been
acquainted with you in spirit, and have constantly mentioned you in my
poor prayers. The good pleasure of the LORD, I find, prospers in your
hands; and I pray GOD increase you more and more, both you and your
children. _Scotland_, like _England_, hath been so much settled upon
it’s lees for some time, that I fear our late days may properly be
called the midnight of the church. Blessed be GOD, the Father of our
LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hath sent forth many of his servants with this
cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” Thousands obey the call, and are
trimming their spiritual lamps, in order to go forth to meet him. I
cannot but think a winnowing time will come after this in-gathering of
souls. O that we may suffer only as christians, and then the spirit of
CHRIST and of glory will rest upon us. In patience possess your souls,
and I will leave my cause to GOD. You, my reverend Brethren, I am
persuaded, are no otherwise minded; may we go on then in the power,
and under the guidance of the LORD of HOSTS. The eternal GOD will be
your perpetual refuge. He that employs, will protect; as your day is,
so shall your strength be. Let not our dear LORD’s lambs perish for
lack of knowledge. “Give ye, give ye them to eat,” methinks, is the
endearing, constraining command of the great Shepherd and Bishop of
souls. And O that a due obedience may be paid to it by me, your
unworthy brother. But I blush almost, when I stile myself your brother;
for I am a child, and all of you are fathers. Oh, strive together with
me in your prayers, that the divine strength may be still magnified
in my weakness. You will intreat the LORD to bless the orphan-house.
I have reason to think, GOD will bring great good out of it. Oh that
I may be prepared for future favours! Oh that pride and self-love may
thoroughly be subdued! Brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of GOD
in CHRIST JESUS, to pray for me, whilst winds and storms are blowing
over me. You are not forgotten by him, who, though the most unworthy
of his LORD’s servants, desires to subscribe himself,
Your affectionate brother, and fellow-pilgrim
and labourer in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._