My very dear Sir,
I CAME here a fortnight ago, very low indeed; but by preaching about thirty times, blessed be God, I am a good deal better. Multitudes, of all ranks, flock twice every day. A divine influence attends the word, and though sown in so much weakness, I trust it will meet with a divine increase. On Tuesday next, I thought to have moved; but as it is race week, and my health is improving, friends advise me to stay, to stir them up to run with patience the race which is set before us. O that my sluggish soul may be quickened, and I may begin to press forwards, for the prize of my high calling! I doubt not but this will find my dear friend upon the wing for heaven. That you and yours may mount higher and higher like an eagle, till you fly into the bosom of a waiting God, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Edinburgh, August 24, 1758.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
AFTER long meditation and earnest prayer, I cannot come to any determination about my journey to Glasgow. For these four months last past, I have been brought so exceeding low in my body, that I was in hopes every sermon I preached would waft me to my wish’d-for home. Scotland, I hoped, would finish my warfare; but it hath rather driven me back to sea again. By force I have been detained here this race week; but if I come to Glasgow, I shall be detained in Scotland a fortnight longer, which will greatly hinder me in my English work. However, I will continue to look up; and by Saturday’s post my dear Gaius may expect a positive answer. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! I am much obliged to you and other dear Glasgow friends for taking notice of such a worthless creature. All I can say is, that I am less than the least of all, but for Christ’s sake, reverend and very dear Sir,