Dear Sir,
I Thank you for your kind letter, which I have not had an opportunity of answering until now. I rejoice that so much gospel seed has been sown in Yorkshire, and that so much hath sprung up and brought forth fruit. No wonder that the enemy has been busy to sow tares of various kinds amongst it. This always was, and, in all probability, will always be the case, till time shall be no more. Happy they! who are enabled to distinguish truth from error, and who, amongst the different sentiments of Christ’s disciples, maintain a catholic love for all. Your letter bespeaks you to be thus minded. This is what I would aim at, because it is the glory of a christian, and a temper of mind which sweetly prepares us for the communion of saints in heaven. Be pleased, therefore, to give my love to all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. If any of my poor writings have been blessed to any, let Christ have the glory, and me your prayers. I want them much. I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints; but, I trust, am willing to spend and be spent for souls. The beginning of next month, I have thoughts of being your way. If it is best, providence will direct my course thither. In the mean while, and at all other seasons, whether I come or not, I recommend myself to your prayers, as being, though unknown, yet, for Jesus Christ’s sake,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXI.
To Captain W——.
Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
I Do not love to be long out of Bristol without writing to you. I want to know how it is with you after the loss of my noble patroness, and whether dear Mr. H—— goes on. I have been preaching as usual in the West, and for some days past have been comforted and refreshed in a peculiar manner. Last night I heard that the Bishop had published a second pamphlet, of half-a-crown price, with a preface to me. Have you seen it, or do you think it worth answering? He told a clergyman some time ago, that he might expect a second part. He said, “My answer was honest; that I had recanted many things, but that I went on in my usual way still.” God forbid I should do otherwise. I am informed, that upon threatening to pull Mr. T——’s gown off, he threw it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and so withdrew. Upon which the Bishop sent for him in, and soothed him. Particulars I expect to hear on Tuesday at Biddiford, where I hope to see Mr. T——; and to-morrow se’nnight, God willing, I intend to preach at Exeter, in my way to London. I hope you find retirement blessed to you. Whether retired, or in public life, that you may be entirely devoted to the most adorable Redeemer, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear brother,