To Mr. G——.
Bristol, June 27, 1755.
Reverend and dear Sir,
EVER since I received your last kind letter, I have been so perpetually engaged in preaching, travelling, and a multiplicity of other business, that I have not been able to answer it till now. In London the word runs and is glorified, and every day almost we have heard of fresh ministers of our national church being called out, and spirited up to preach the truth as it is in Jesus. This is my first excursion: I came through Gloucestershire, where the fields were white, ready unto harvest. Thrice last Lord’s-day, many many thousands attended on the word preached, and I believe a divine power accompanied it. That is all in all.—People in this place hear as for eternity. Next week I shall travel further westward; but whether I can see Scotland this summer, the Redeemer only knows. But whether absent or present, you, my dear Sir, and my other Scotch friends, have my poor prayers night and day, that your souls and bodies may prosper and be in health. O that God may hear you for unworthy me! I long, I long to do something for Jesus. Glad would I be to serve the church of Christ any way. If you remember, I hinted to you something about getting a Doctor’s degree for President Burr; since that I wrote to the Marquis of L——n. His Lordship writes thus: “The university of Edinburgh desire of me to obtain some account of Mr. Aaron Burr’s literature, or performances: this I hope you will do, and a diploma will be immediately transmitted.” By this post, I shall write what I know of the President, but I would have you and Mr. E—— write also, immediately to the Marquis. Surely he is the most worthy, ingenious, diligent, and truly christian President of his age, now in the world. He hath published something lately to animate our people against the common enemy. I have it at London, and hope you have it with you. If so, be pleased to transmit it to the Marquis. I shall mention it, and so do you, to his Lordship. Adieu, my very dear Sir, adieu. I must away. May the glorious Emmanuel bless and prosper you and yours, and all the dear followers of the Lamb! I cannot forget you, and hope never shall, whilst I have strength to subscribe, what indeed I am, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. in our common Lord.
G. W.
LETTER MLXXXVI.
To the Marquis of L——.
Bristol, June 27, 1755.