LETTER DCCLXXXVII.
To Mr. N——.
London, Nov. 25, 1749.
Very dear Sir,
FOR some few days I have been returned from my northern rout, in which the glorious Emmanuel gave me to see new wonders every day. It was no small concern to me to turn my back on Scotland, when so near. However it hath been greatly over-ruled for good. I have thereby been called to preach in many fresh places, and, glory be to God, I saw thousands flock to the hearing of the gospel, like doves to the windows. The generous offer made me by yourself and lady, I took exceeding kind, and gladly would I have embraced it, but——Well! what is, is best. “Father, not my will but thine be done.” Perhaps I may see you in the Spring; if not, ere long, dear Sir, we shall meet in heaven. My wife tells me, she answered Lady I——’s letter immediately. In this she joins, sending most grateful acknowledgments and cordial salutations. Blessed be God, we are both well, and surrounded with mercies on every side.—Only ungrateful, ill, and hell-deserving I, want a grateful and an humble heart. I am altogether an unprofitable servant, but our Lord I trust will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit: for by this, and this only, I know our heavenly father is glorified. What I am most afraid of is, lest I should flag in the latter stages of my road. But he that hath loved and helped, will, dear Sir, love and help me to the end. I am persuaded your prayers and the prayers of christian friends will be very serviceable. O that you may be kept alive and warm in this cold declining day! Poor Scotland, I pity thee! I will pray for thy prosperity till I can pray no more! Be pleased to present our joint love and cordial respects to all friends in general, and we entreat you and yours to accept the same in a most particular manner from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.