G. W.
LETTER DCCCCLXXXVIII.
To Mr. B—— S——.
Newcastle, August 13, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
MY rout is now fixed. After having preached here and hereabouts three times each day, I am to leave this place on Thursday, to be at Stockton on Sunday, at Osmotherly on Monday noon, lie at Topcliff, and reach York, God willing, by way of Burrough-bridge, on Tuesday next, and then come forwards to Leeds. I trust that our meeting will be like that of Jonathan and David. Only sometimes I must change names; where it is said “David exceeded,” there I will be David, and you Jonathan. Where Jonathan exceeds, there I will be Jonathan and you David. But more of this hereafter.—I must now tell you good news. I could not finish this letter last night, it is now Tuesday morning. But surely heaven came down amongst us, under the last evening preaching: it was almost too much for my body. O that the prison door was set open, and the bird suffered to fly out of the cage! Then would I fly to heaven, and upon one of the boughs of free grace sing the praises of redeeming love for ever and for ever. Till then, may we be employed in singing here on earth! But I must away to Horsey to preach, from whence I am to return to preach again in the evening. Thrice a day tries me, but in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. If you hear of a mob’s being raised by my preaching at Glasgow, assure all your friends that there was none, but Satan owes me a grudge for speaking against the playhouse. Particulars expect when we meet. In the mean while, give my tender love to all, and forget not to pray for, my dear friend.
Yours in our precious Christ,
G. W.