I suppose you will be acquainted with particulars by some of my dear friends from Scotland. In all probability I shall go to Scotland again in the Spring; and, in the latter end of the year, I propose embarking for America. But future things belong to God. Thanks be to his great name, I am willing to go any where, so that I may but glorify the dear Redeemer. Ere this reaches you, doubtless you will have heard of his giving me favour in the sight of Lady H——n, a Lady as good as she is great. Two or three among the great, I trust have been made the happy subjects of redeeming love. I have heard lately also of the conversion of two or three clergymen; there is likewise a great awakening in Ireland, and in Wales the work goes on. Upon the whole, I believe the gospel is getting ground, and next spring, when it is proper to range about and preach in the fields, I hope to see yet greater things. I repeat my old request, reverend and dear brother, “Pray for us.” I continually pray for you, and the people committed to your charge. I wish you and yours an increase of blessings, and beg leave to subscribe myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCXI.
To the Rev. Mr. L——.
London, Nov. 19, 1748.
My very dear Brother,
WORDS cannot well express what I felt when your welcome letter came to hand. It drew me to my knees; it made me shed tears of joy, and with two or three of my dear friends I was enabled to wrestle for you at the throne of grace. Blessed, for ever blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for opening your eyes, and giving you such an experimental and soul-ravishing knowledge of the doctrine of grace. No wonder that people take notice of you. I hope the fame thereof, as it hath reached heaven, will also be spread abroad upon the earth, and thro’ the thanksgivings of thousands redound to the glory of God. I think it a happiness, that you are surrounded with many souls that have indeed tasted that the Lord is gracious, and consequently will be fed with the sincere milk of the word, now communicated to them, under God, by you. Now, my dear friend will you begin to live, now will you begin to preach indeed. Go on in the name of Jesus, and as Paul did, so shall you, “increase with all the increase of God.” Glad shall I be to give you all the assistance that lies in my power. Henry on the Scriptures will now suit your taste, and Jenks upon the Righteousness of Christ might do you immediate service. Flavel’s Sermons would be food for you, and Boston upon the Covenant, and his fourfold State, I believe would delight you. Bishop Hall’s Contemplations are excellent, Bishop Hopkins and Beveridge will do for you, and indeed almost all the writers a century ago. The doctrines you now preach are no new doctrines; you are now got into the good old way. May the Lord keep and succeed you in it, ever more and more. I believe he will. I could say more, but I expect another letter from you before I come down. Lady H—— is rejoiced to hear of you. I read part of your letter to her last night before I preached. Some of the great ones hear the gospel gladly. That you may be made a very great blessing to thousands and ten thousands, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Mr. L——,
Ever yours,