Plymouth, December 4, 1762.
HOW was I disappointed, two Mondays, of seeing and conversing with my very dear Mr. S——! London, London, how dost thou weigh this mortal body down! If it be no odds, I would visit my dear friend again on a Wednesday. Perhaps on that day I may not be so fatigued. I feel in preaching, what you do in business. However, I must not complain. Once a day, I can manage quite well. Bristol was a refreshing place indeed. Congregations were very large, and a most gracious gale of divine influences attended the word preached. Being under a positive promise to come here before I left England, I embraced this opportunity. Through mercy, I preached last night, and find no hurt this morning. Many young people, I hear, are under great awakenings. May such hostilities never cease! O to begin to begin to wage an eternal war with the devil, the world, and the flesh. Still continue to help me, dear Sir, with your prayers. I would fain die sword in hand. You will not blame me for this ambition. I believe you are pretty much tinctured this way yourself. The Captain of our salvation approves of it. That in all your spiritual battles, He may be your shield and exceeding great reward, is the hearty prayer of, my invaluable friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER MCCLXXIV.
To Mrs. Elizabeth W——d.
Plymouth, December 5, 1762.
YOU did very wrong, in not letting me know of your mother’s necessities. She was a widow indeed. But now she is above the reach of every thing. O for patience to wait till we are sent for to that place, where the weary are at rest! I am weary of the world, of the church, and of myself. But Jesus will not leave us in the latter stages of our road. Blessed be his name, we have had pleasant seasons at Bristol, and two good gales here. I cannot get up to London till near Christmas-day. As affairs are circumstanced, every thing there tends to weigh me down. O that patience may have its perfect work! Let me always know your wants. It is your own fault if you lack any thing, whilst I have a farthing. You and your friend must prepare a great entertainment; for I intend dining with you when I come to town. Ere long we shall sit down and eat bread in our heavenly Father’s kingdom. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! I know who joins in saying, Amen! with, my dear old faithful friend and servant,
Yours, &c. for Christ’s sake,