Rosindale (Lancashire), June 14, 1750.
Very dear Sir,
EVER since that I heard your journey into the country was deferred, I have been impatient to write you a line. Till now, I cannot say I have had a proper opportunity. Travelling, and preaching twice a day, as I generally do, is almost too much for my frail tabernacle. But he is faithful who hath promised, “That as our day is, so our strength shall be.” Though faint, I am yet pursuing, and, glory be to God, hitherto I have had a most delightful and successful circuit. I suppose you have heard of my reception at Northampton and Ashby, and of that people’s unkind treatment of good Lady H——. At Nottingham I lodged with Mr. S——, and in that place and several others found great success. In Yorkshire the work hath advanced most. In about a week’s time, within the compass of twenty miles, I preached, I believe, to above six thousand souls. This last week I have been beating up for recruits in and about Manchester, and I trust some have listed. Mrs. G—— behaves like a good soldier; and if I am not mistaken, her husband will follow her good example. I am now going towards Kendal, then to Whitehaven, and it may be to Scotland. I know you will pray, that the hand of the Lord may be with me. That is all in all! I hope this will find my dear friend quite busy for his God, even his God in Christ. We have not a moment to be idle here; the Judge is before the door. I want to have my lamp trimmed, and my loins girt, and to be always habitually and actually ready to meet the blessed Bridegroom. Then do we begin to live like ourselves, and to act like those who are redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and made kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion now and for evermore. My dear Sir, my cold heart is warmed when I think of this. O why am I not a flame of fire? Why am I not all life, all love, all humility, all zeal? O my naughty heart! May Jesus sprinkle it afresh with his precious blood, and help me this morning to begin to hunt for souls. Though aged, I wish you may be employed in the same work before you die. But future things belong to God. I must now bid you adieu. My cordial love and respects await Mrs. C——, Mr. G——, and all enquiring friends. Continue to pray for, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLIII.
To Lady H——n.
Newby-Cote, June 16, 1750.
Honoured Madam,