_To Mr. W――――._
_Gloucester, Feb. 2, 1742._
_Dear Mr. W――――_,
I Thank you for your kind letter. It should have been answered sooner,
had an opportunity offered. I bless GOD for you, who carries on in
your soul the spiritual building. I doubt not but the top-stone will
yet be brought out, and the builders be made with shouting to cry,
“Grace! Grace!” I should think it was not of GOD, if the work was not
opposed.――What difficulties did _Nehemiah_ go through in building the
wall? But fear not, the LORD is with you. He built not for man, but
for the LORD. By his leave, I propose bringing a school-master and
mistress with me. When I shall embark, I know not. The calls here
are so loud and numerous, and so few labourers sent forth to act in a
popular way, that I think it my duty not to leave _England_ yet. GOD
is pleased to work by my ministry more and more. My soul is refreshed,
and my body strengthened and renewed day by day. In _Scotland_
there is a very great awakening; and also in _London_, _Bristol_,
_Wiltshire_, and _Gloucestershire_. But, notwithstanding all this, my
_American_ friends are by no means forgotten. I continually pray for
them. The LORD, in his due time, will send me to you. In the mean time,
be pleased to remember me in the tenderest manner to all that love the
glorious Redeemer. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon them and
you: so prays, dear Mr. _W――――_,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._