Your affectionate and ready friend,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXCVI.
To Mr. S——.
Nantwich, October 18, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
I am now at an Inn, but cannot go farther, without giving you an account of my last week’s circuit. Since my last, I have been at Birmingham, and several adjacent places. Still fresh work hath been done, and souls fled to the gospel like doves to the windows. At a place near Dudley, called Guarnall, I heard of a whole company awakened by reading my poor sermons. I met with others awakened years ago; and at one place, an old saint said, “this is the old story fifty-five years ago.” Another near as old, said, “I was comforted when you came last, now God hath sent you to me again, and I can go more chearful to heaven.” I have heard of a great reprobate, a notorious persecutor and drunkard, who hath been struck most powerfully. O my dear Sir; what shall you have for helping me in outward things, assisting me by your prayers, and thereby causing me to press forward more chearfully in this delightful work of publishing the everlasting gospel! I am now going to a neighbouring village, after that to Chester, and from thence, purpose to return through Staffordshire. God willing, you shall hear how it goes on, when I come to cross-plough the ground again. In the mean while, be pleased to accept this as a token of my love, gratitude, and respect unfeigned, and after giving my most hearty love to dear Mrs. S—— and your dear little daughter, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Your most unworthy, though most obliged friend, and ready servant in our common Lord,
G. W.