Oulney, (Northamptonshire) Sept. 4, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
IT was a pleasing surprize to me last week, to receive a letter dated in July from my dear, very dear friend Mr. S—— of New-England. I left town yesterday, but having an immediate opportunity of sending, by way of Philadelphia, I now sit down to write your answer. Poor New-England! I pity and pray for thee from my inmost soul. May God arise, and scatter thy enemies! may those that hate thee be made to flee before thee! I am afraid the scene will be yet darker. But you know it is always darkest before day-break. It has been so in England. Matters, as to religion, were come to almost an extremity. The enemy had indeed broken in upon us like a flood. The spirit of the Lord is now lifting up a standard. The prospect of the success of the gospel, I think, was never more promising. In the church, tabernacle, and fields, congregations have been great, and perhaps as great power as ever hath accompanied the word. A door is also opening for the mighty and noble. I have preached four times to several of the nobility at good Lady H——’s. All behaved exceeding well, and I suppose in the winter opportunities of preaching to them will be frequent. May the Lord prepare me for whatever he has prepared for me! As for returning to America, if I live, I believe there’s no doubt of it. I intend keeping myself free from societies, and therefore I hope to see you again next year. But future things belong to God. I thank you and dear Mr. R—— for your kind invitation. May the Lord direct to what is best! I hope you will continue to write. Pray read, seal and send the inclosed. You will communicate so much of this letter as may be proper. O dear Sir, pray for me, that the glorious Emmanuel may give me humility, and lead me on from conquering to conquer. You must remember me to dear Mrs. S—— and all in the kindest manner, and entreat them to continue their prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours as usual,
G. W.
LETTER DCLXXV.
To Mr. R——.
Oulney, Sept. 4, 1748.
Very dear Sir,