_To the Rev. Mr. R._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_My dear Brother R._,
BEFORE I left _England_, I heard of your progress in _Leicestershire_
and _Nottingham_. I then rejoiced, yea, and I do now rejoice that
GOD hath sent you forth into his vineyard. I wish you all imaginable
success with my whole heart. The next news I hear from _England_, I
suppose, will inform me of your suffering, as well as preaching for
CHRIST. But I am persuaded a prospect of suffering does not damp, but
excite the zeal of my dear fellow-labourer. He lives in a place where
honest _John Bunyan_ was a prisoner of the LORD for twelve years.
And oh, what sweet communion did he enjoy in _Bedford_ gaol! I really
believe a minister will learn more by one month’s confinement, than by
a year’s study. Press on then, my dear Brother, press on and faint not;
speak till you can speak no more. Wait upon the LORD, and you shall
renew your strength. Though sometimes faint, yet still pursue. Up
and be doing, and the LORD be with you. See how the fields are white,
every where ready to harvest. See how our LORD’s sheep are scattered
abroad, having too, too few true shepherds; I beseech you, go on, and
point out to them the Redeemer’s good pastures. Say not, wherewithal
shall I feed them? The great shepherd shall furnish you with food
enough, and to spare. Give of your loaves, and you shall take up of
the fragments that remain. To him that hath, shall be given. Satan
no doubt will resist you; he will bid you, out of a false humility,
to hold your peace; but let my friend speak out boldly as he ought
to speak. The Holy Spirit will give him utterance, and apply the word
to the hearers. If prayers may water the good seed, you may depend on
mine. I remember the dear _Bedford_ people. O let them not forget
Your poor weak brother in CHRIST,
_G. W._