_To the Rev. Mr. G―――― T――――._
_Gloucester, Feb. 2, 1742._
_Reverend and dear Brother_,
I Have longed for some time to send you a line, and have wondered that
I have heard no oftener from you; but as I know my own circumstances,
I can the more easily guess how it is with you. GOD has been very good
to me since my arrival. I found when I came at first, I had all my
work to begin again. Brother _W――――_ had so prejudiced the people
against me, that those who were my spiritual children would not so
much as come and see me; nay they have gone by me whilst preaching
in _Moor-fields_, and stopped their ears. This I find in some measure
hath been your case, and GOD wisely permits this, to teach us to
cease from man. _Paul_’s Epistles to the _Galatians_ much comforted
me. Besides, I was embarrassed with brother _Seward_’s death. He died
without making any provision for me, and I was at the same time much
indebted for the Orphan-house.――But all this was to humble and prepare
me for future blessings. The LORD hath enabled me, blessed be his
name, to keep steady to my principles and usual practice. A new and
numerous church has been raised at _London_. In _Essex_, the LORD
was wonderfully with me. Every where the congregations increase. In
_Bristol_ GOD enabled me to fight my way through. We have hired a
large hall, and have expounded there twice a day. In _Scotland_, the
work, for its beginning, is rather greater than at _New-England_. I
hear continually of the seed sown increasing, and springing up. GOD
willing, I purpose paying _Scotland_ another visit. I have lately
been at _Bristol_, and both there, and here, and also at _London_,
the word runs and is glorified. Through the tender mercies of our GOD,
I have been carried as on eagles wings through a variety of outward
and inward trials. The greatness of which none knows but GOD and my
own soul. About eleven weeks ago I married, in the fear of GOD, one
who was a widow, of about thirty-six years of age, and has been a
housekeeper for many years; neither rich in fortune, nor beautiful as
to her person, but, I believe, a true child of GOD, and would not, I
think, attempt to hinder me in his work for the world. In that respect,
I am just the same as before marriage. I hope GOD will never suffer
me to say, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” I am
glad that matters are settling so amicably at _Philadelphia_. What a
pity is it, that we should fall out in the way to heaven! I would do
any thing except defiling my conscience, and giving up what I think
is truth, to prevent it. The associate brethren are much to be blamed;
I never met with such narrow spirits. I do not forget you, or your
brethren, or the churches in your parts. The LORD be with you. He
is pleased to shew me more and more of my own heart, and day by day
refreshes my soul. My body is weak as usual; but JESUS is my strength.
Help me to praise him. Pray send a line to, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though most unworthy brother
and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._