_To W. S. Esq._
_Reedy Island, May 19, 1740._
_My dear Brother_,
I Know very well what it is to part from a friend which is as one’s
own soul; and therefore could in some measure sympathize with you
in what you felt when parting from me. The good LORD sanctify my
friendship to you, and grant we may go hand in hand to heaven. One
of the inclosed papers will shew you the event of what you inserted
(unknown to me) in the News. However, be not disheartened; GOD
shall make even this to work together for your good. The war between
_Michael_ and the dragon has much increased. Mr. _C――――_ has preached
most of his people away from him. He lashed me most bravely the
_Sunday_ before I came away. Mr. _A――――_ also preaches against me. Mr.
_C――――_ did not come to take his leave of me; and Mr. _J――――_ is very
inveterate. Now I believe our LORD’s kingdom will come with power.
At _New-York_ the word ran. Twice or thrice our LORD appeared for
us in a most glorious manner. Mr. _T――――_ and his brethren glow with
divine warmth; and I have conversed with one of the ministers of _Long
Island_, whom GOD has lately sent forth: he is a sweet zealous soul.
Last week, at _Nottingham_ and Mr. _B――――_’s, how did GOD manifest
his glory! We had about twelve thousand hearers; and such a melting,
such a crying, (they say) was scarcely ever seen. Blessed be GOD,
the devil’s children begin to throw off the mask. I want to draw the
lingering battle on. At _Philadelphia_ affairs go on better and better;
only Satan now begins to throw many into fits. I have generally
preached twice and rode near thirty miles a-day since you left me.
The LORD hath been my support, and has often so melted me with a sense
of his free, sovereign, and everlasting love, that some thought I was
giving up the ghost. Oh never let go your sense of GOD’s sovereign,
everlasting love! It is food to my poor soul. Was it not for that,
surely I must sink under the prospect of the labours and sufferings
that are before me. My dear brother, What is the LORD doing in these
parts? I believe the work will go on better here than in _England_.
We are more united in our principles, and do not print one against
another. Pray observe the hint given to _Captain G――――_, and let the
LORD order for me as it shall seem good in his sight. We are now at
_Reedy Island_ waiting for a wind. I heard of a ship going to _Dublin_,
and could not lose the opportunity of writing to my dear brother
_S――――_. I need not remind you to hasten over as fast as possible――Our
LORD has taught you not to stay by the way――I have rebuked Mr. _C――――_
sharply, and I trust have gotten some gracious souls on board――The
LORD is with me; I am somewhat better as to bodily health, but I live
chiefly on inward supplies from above. My master never fails me. Oh
exhort all to fall in love with JESUS, and to pray for,
Ever yours in the best bonds,
_G. W._