Northampton, October 10, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
IT is now near eleven at night, and I am to ride beyond Coventry to-morrow: but I cannot close my eyes without sending you a short account of my week’s work. On Saturday last, I preached at Oulney, and had a blessed season. On the Lord’s day we had two glorious opportunities in this place, where the congregations were much larger than before. On Monday I went to Oxen near Harborough; it was their feast-day, but if I mistake not, some of their feasting was spoiled. In the evening I preached at Bosworth; the congregation was large as well as that at Oxen, and the power as great. About nine at night I got to Kettering, where I preached the next morning to many souls; the Redeemer gave us a spiritual breakfast. About five in the evening I reached Bedford, and preached in the Green last night, and this morning. This afternoon we had another blessed season at Oulney, and this evening I sojourn here, in order to set out for Birmingham to-morrow. A new scene of usefulness hath opened this week. O that nothing may retard me in my pilgrim life! It is worse than death to me, to be stopt in that. You, my dear Sir, are called to trade, I to travel for my God. Whilst trading, you are in effect travelling and preaching to thousands; for you greatly strengthen my hands in the Lord. Great shall be your reward in heaven. O what a bountiful master do we serve! I am loath to go to sleep, and yet this vile body stands in need of it. My dear, very dear Sir, good night. God bless you and yours. I pray for your dear yoke-fellow, and little maid, incessantly. As you learnt long ago to look through and above unworthiness, I must still beg you to increase my obligations, by following with your prayers.
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXCV.
To Dear A——.
Birmingham, October 13, 1753.
“HAVING loved his own, he loved them unto the end,” says the beloved disciple, concerning Jesus Christ. I would copy after this great exemplar, and have my love like his, steady and disinterested. Thus you have found, and I trust always will find my love to you. Works speak better than words. I am reposing the utmost confidence in you and yours. You are going to assist in a house, built in answer to millions of prayers, and which I doubt not, will prove a blessing to many that are now unborn. Look upon it in this light; think of the honour God is conferring upon you; then you will launch into the deep with a holy confidence, and when arrived at your wished for port, will behave with humility, disinterestedness, integrity and diligence. You need not ask any prayers, they will follow after you, though you should even fly upon the wings of the wind. I have pawned my word for your good behaviour in every respect, and hope to have my most sanguine expectations answered. Get but humility, and all will be well. I am satisfied about your passage and your room. You will remember, that God is about your bed, as well as your other paths, and take care to behave accordingly. To be a christian husband is no small matter. How much fresh grace is now necessary for your new state of life! Your sufficiency lives only in Christ. To his never-failing mercy do I commend you, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself, dear A——,