_To Mr. E―――― E――――, at Sterling._
_Bristol, May 16, 1741._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
I Owe you much love. Only want of time, prevents my writing to you
oftner. This morning I received a kind ♦letter from your brother
_Ralph_, who thinks it best for me wholly to join the associate
presbytery, if it should please GOD to send me into _Scotland_. This
I cannot altogether come into. I come only as an occasional preacher,
to preach the simple gospel to all that are willing to hear me, of
whatever denomination. It will be wrong in me to join in a reformation
as to church government, any further than I have light given me from
above. If I am quite neuter as to that in my preaching, I cannot
see how it can hinder or retard any design you may have on foot. My
business seems to be, to evangelize, to be a Presbyter at large. When
I shall be sent into your parts I know not. I write this, that there
may not be the least misunderstanding between us. I love and honour
the associate Presbytery in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. With this
I send them my due respects, and most humbly beg their prayers. But
let them not be offended, if in all things I cannot immediately fall
in with them. Let them leave me to GOD. Whatever light he is pleased
to give me, I hope I shall be faithful to it. Our dear and precious
master still carries me on. GOD enables me to fight my way through.
The gospel doctrines, I believe, will yet prevail. I feel a divine
power attending my ministrations. I preach twice daily, and am invited
to many places. I believe the LORD intends to keep me on this side the
water for some time. Blessed be GOD, all places are alike to me. O
dear Sir, pray for me.――I am a poor unworthy worm. I love you tenderly,
but am almost ashamed to subscribe myself
Your brother in the best of bonds,
_G. W._
♦ ‘lettter’ replaced with ‘letter’