My dear Mr. B——,
YOUR last kind letter came to hand, only a few days before I left London. Business prevented my answering it then: accept a few lines from hence. They leave me on my way to Scotland. Thither the cloud seemed to move, and I purpose to call on you, God willing, in my return to London. Could you meet me at Leeds? I have thoughts of coming that way back. I have written to Mr. S——, and as I expect to see him, you need say nothing about the books. I wrote also to Mr. G——. A short interview will settle every thing. Do not let my friend be so solicitously anxious about persons or things. “The Lord reigneth,” was the answer that Luther sent to over-careful Melancthon. Never fear.—Our Lord knows how to over-rule all for good. So that his work goes on, let you and I be content to be forgotten, nay to be trodden under foot, and slighted by our own spiritual children and friends. This is bitter, but wholsome physic. The all-wise physician I trust will make us drink it, till every evil, fretful, and uneasy temper be purged out of us. Let us then, my dear man, chearfully take the cup out of his blessed hands, and leave all to Him. A word to the wise is enough. I must not enlarge. How goes on brother W——b? I hope he does not preach in a controversial way; I suppose I shall see him in the North. My stay in Scotland will be about a month. You may direct for me at Edinburgh. I hope that a door is opened at Leicester and Lutterworth for field-preaching. We have had glorious seasons in Gloucestershire and London. O for a good gate in the North! It is harvest time.—All hands to work. My love to Mrs. B—— and all that love Christ, whether they think in all things as I do or not. I send Mr. ——ly my cordial respects, and beg you to accept the same from, my dear Mr. B——,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXIX.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I left London, and in my way to Scotland I preached twice at Lutterworth.—The auditories were very numerous, and very quiet; but at Leicester some turnips were thrown at me during the first sermon; at the second all was hushed, and I hear since that good was done. Some of Ashby society came thither to hear me. At Aberford I called on Lady Margaret, who behaved very friendly, and enquired much after your Ladyship’s welfare. At Newcastle I was, as it were, arrested to stay. [♦]I preached four times, and indeed a whole shower of divine blessings descended from heaven on the great congregations. I came hither last Wednesday was sevennight, and have preached twice a day in the open air, to very large and polite auditories. Abundance of the better sort constantly attend. Next Tuesday I thought to move, but they have prevailed upon me to stay a little longer. I hope the great God will give me a useful journey back again to London. I design keeping from thence as long as I can, before I go into my Winter quarters. Alas, how little is to be done even in the Summer season! One had need work whilst it is day; the night comes on a pace, when no man can work. I need not tell your Ladyship of this, who are always employed for your God. O that the rich and great would learn to copy after your example! Surely all your Ladyship’s efforts will not be lost upon them! My heart’s desire and continual prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may be long continued, and find your rod budding and blossoming more and more every day. Hoping to send your Ladyship more good news in my next, and commending my poor unworthy self to your Ladyship’s prayers, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,