WHO would but wish to be in heaven, where we shall enjoy the communion of saints without interruption? Whilst here, how long is it before we can answer each other’s letters? With difficulty I now sit down to answer your last; for these seven or eight days past, I have been deeply engaged in travelling, and preaching thrice a day. Jesus Christ hath made it pleasant to my soul, and comfortably supported my weak body. It being so late in the year, I cannot proceed further northward. However I must write, if it be only to let you know, that my dear Scotch friends are continually upon my heart, and that I most earnestly beg the continuance of their prayers. I am a dwarf,—I am a dwarf,—and that is enough to excite their pity. Alas! alas! Autumn is come, winter is drawing on, and (O my God) how little have I done for thee in the summer. The concern I feel upon this account almost prevents my writing. Adieu, I must retire.—My tender love to Mrs. B——, and all that are so kind as to inquire after me. Exhort them to love, and live near to the ever-loving Jesus, and for his great name’s sake, never to forget, my dear friend,
Their and your affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCIV.
To Mr. ——.
London, October 31, 1755.
My very dear Friend,
LAST night, a never-failing God brought me from the north of England, where I have been enabled to preach twice and thrice a day, to many, many thousands for these two months last past. And yet I cannot die.—Nay they tell me, “I grow fat.” O that I may grow in grace, especially in humility! Then would the Lord delight to honour me. Vile as I am, this he continues to do. Never did I see the word more blessed, or so many thousands run after it with greater greediness. Next to inviting them to Christ, I have always taken care to exhort them to pray for King George, and our dear friends in America. I trust, that thousands are now engaged this way, and whatever dark providences may intervene, I hope to hear they have been more than conquerors.—“Pray continue to write,” I often tell my friend. I often think of him who sent me the glass, before the friend of sinners. God almighty bless you and yours, and all enquiring dear souls, with all spiritual and temporal blessings! I see some are marrying, and others giving in marriage. May the Lord Jesus sanctify every change, till we all come to sit down at the marriage feast of the supper of the Lamb! There I hope ere long to meet you. Fly, fly, Time: hasten, hasten, O wished-for Eternity! Adieu: my tender love to all. I wish dear Mr. T—— a good help-mate, but above all, I wish him much success in espousing poor sinners to the ever adorable Jesus. Once more farewel.
Yours, &c.