PREACHING and travelling prevent writing. Through unmerited mercy, I am well. Upon the maturest deliberation, after earnest prayer, and for several peculiar reasons, which you shall know hereafter, I decline going to Scotland this fall. I have now a blessed methodist field street-preaching plan before me. This afternoon in the Castle-Garth, to-morrow for Sunderland, next day at Mr. R——’s mother’s door, then to Yarm, &c. &c. You may venture to direct for me at Mr. William Shent’s, peruke-maker, at Leeds, though I hope to find a letter when I come there, and to hear all is well. But send me no bad news, unless absolutely necessary. Let me enjoy myself in my delightful itineracy. It is good, both for my body and soul. I have been enabled to preach in the street, at several places, and hope to go to Gesborough, Whitby, Scarborough, New Malton, York, Leeds, Liverpool, Chester, Manchester, &c. &c. You shall know particulars as we go on. Do not forget the society sermon. If it could be deferred till the beginning of November, I might preach. If not, drop it. Tender love to all friends. Golden seasons, golden seasons! Grace, grace! I hope to write to the tabernacle next post. Cease not to pray for,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Thirsk, September 28, 1767.
My dear Friend,
NEVER was I so long a stranger to London affairs before. But being detained here, by the persuasion of friends, an express is gone to fetch what letters may have been sent to Leeds. I want to know the determination about the society sermon, and what part of the paragraph is true, about the commitment of several persons for a certain robbery. I hope that death will not be the consequence to any of the criminals. Father, convict and convert them, for thy infinite mercy’s sake! I should be glad to ramble till their trial was over. I trust there will be no necessity of my appearing in person. To-morrow, God willing, as he earnestly desires to see me, I go to Doctor C——’s. Where the next remove will be, I know not. Be pleased to direct to Leeds. My body feels much fatigue in travelling; comforts in the soul over-balance. Every stage, more and more convinces me, that old methodism is the thing. Hallelujah! Come Lord, come! Tender love to all. Is dear Mr. H——y come out of Wales? An answer to this, and every question, is requested by, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,