_To Mr. J――――._
_London, Dec. 4, 1742._
IF my dear brother _J――――_ took it kind, that I called at his house,
I am sure I took it much kinder that he was pleased to send unworthy
me so kind a letter. It has so affected me, that I have been praying
before my Saviour for you; and though nature calls for rest, I
cannot obey it, before I have written to my dear Mr. _J――――_. Vile,
unfaithful as I am, my Master lets me have my hands full of work. From
morning ’till midnight I am employed, and, glory be to rich grace,
I am carried through the duties of each day with chearfulness, and
almost uninterrupted tranquility. Our society is large, but in good
order, and we make improvements daily. My Master gives us much of his
gracious presence, both in our public and private administrations.
In our love-feasts, JESUS comes and says, “Peace be unto you.” In
our great congregation, he gives poor sinners to look, and mourn, and
live. In _Scotland_ the work was very extraordinary. In _Wales_ the
word runs and is glorified much. In _Gloucestershire_, _Wiltshire_,
and _Bristol_, our LORD gets himself the victory in many hearts. In
_Newcastle_, our brother _W――――_’s are blessed much, and I heartily
rejoice to hear that our dear Saviour is so much among you. If I know
any thing of this my desperately wicked heart, I am dead to parties,
and freed from the pain, which on that account once disturbed the
peace of my soul. Indeed, JESUS has taken many things from me, and
made me to experience, that in him there is plenteous redemption.
About _January_, I purpose, GOD willing, to embark for _Georgia_. My
dear family hath been wonderfully preserved. As the Orphan-house was
built by faith, I trust the gates of hell shall never prevail against
it. Methinks I hear my dear Mr. _J――――_ say, Amen. I most cordially
salute your dear Lady, dear brother _S――――_, and all the brethren.
I saw our dear _S――――_ before he went. I intended having some sweet
fellowship with the church in _Yorkshire_, but was prevented by riding
post. If dear brother _H――――_, or _D――――_, or any of the brethren,
have any thing to say to a poor sinner, I should be glad to hear from
them. Let this provoke you, my dear brother, to send me another letter.
I’ll redeem time from sleep, rather than it should not be answered by,
my dear Mr. _J――――_,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy, sinful
and younger brother in JESUS CHRIST,
_G. W._