Very dear Mr. S——,

I Am ashamed to think that your last kind letter has lain by so long unanswered; but journeying, preaching, and a multiplicity of other business has prevented me. I shall not carry on the debate; only I must thank you for receiving my letter in so friendly a manner, and entreat you, though a host of enemies are behind, and a whole sea of troubles before you, to go forwards. That was the command the great Jehovah gave to his servant Moses, when under very pressing circumstances, so that he knew not what to do. The Lord’s impressing and affecting persons under your exhortation, is a token for good. It is good to be led on step by step into whatever plan providence intends to call us. “He that believeth doth not make haste.” Our business is to follow, and improve the light we have, and that is the way to get more. You know who hath said, “to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.” May this promise be fulfilled in your heart! But why does my friend write so about assurance, or think he is too sinful to expect such a favour? Have you learnt Christ no better yet? Who more sinful than Paul or the jaylor, Zaccheus or Magdalene? and who more assured of their salvation? My dear Mr. S——, do not think so hardly of the glorious Redeemer. Draw near to him with boldness, though the greatest of sinners, and urge that as an argument, why he should give you the greatest and most abiding assurance of his everlasting love. This is the only argument I can use in respect to my own soul. Fear not, dear Sir, though clouds return after the rain; ere long I trust the glorious and ever-blessed spirit will not, as to his comforts, be like a way-faring man, tarrying only for a night, but come and make a continued abode in your heart. The language of my soul for you is, “Come Lord Jesus, come quickly!” May I expect an answer to this in London. Thither I am now going from the west, where I have been for about a month, and through grace have seen that the seed sown just before my embarking last for America, has sprung up and produced fruit unto God. To him be all the glory. The impressions made upon some of the great ones do remain. Good Lady H—— sends me good news. Be pleased to remember me as usual to doctor D—— and Mr. H——, and believe me to be, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXLI.

To the Rev. Mr. H——.

Bristol, March 1, 1749.

Reverend and dear Sir,

I Am much obliged to you for your last kind letter. It was so agreeable, that I sent it to good Lady H——. Her Ladyship writes me word “that it was a letter after her own heart.” She loves a Catholic spirit, and I trust you are not deceived in your thoughts concerning me in this respect. If I know any thing of my desperately wicked and deceitful heart, I truly love all that love the glorious Emmanuel, and though I cannot depart from the principles which I believe are clearly revealed in the book of God, yet I can chearfully associate with those that differ from me, if I have reason to think they are united to our common head. This induced me to call upon good Mr. L——, whose books many years ago were blessed to my soul, when the work that is now spreading, was then only in embryo. I am just come from the west, where I have had the pleasure of seeing the seed sown just before I last embarked for America, sprung up and bearing much fruit. All glory be to Him who alone giveth the increase. I have also had two letters from some honourable women, who I trust have received the grace of God in truth; and Lady H——n writes me word, that “the prospect of doing good at my return to London is very encouraging.” Thither I am now bound. I go with fear and trembling, knowing how difficult it is to speak to the great, so as to win them to Jesus Christ. I sometimes am ready to say, “Lord, I pray thee have me excused, and send by whom thou wilt send.” But divine grace is sufficient for me. I can do all things through Christ strengthening me. My dear brother, fail not to pray for me, that I may hold on and hold out to the end, and in prosperity and adversity press forward with an even, chearful, meek and lowly mind towards the mark, for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. I am glad to hear that doctor S—— goes on so well. I guess he will not be suffered long to halt. It is no matter how soon all worldly shackles are knocked off, and persons set at liberty (supposing they have a proper call) to range for God. I find there is no hopes of compromising matters. Nobody can be ordained that is a Methodist. Well! the time may come, when many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word. They come last; but then many of them come together. I know you will say, Amen! let me hear from you shortly again. You shall have as quick returns as can be given you by, my dear brother,