To Mr. G——.
London, February 19, 1753.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I HAVE two of your kind letters lying by me unanswered.—I am not usually so dilatory, but business and bodily weakness have prevented me. At present, I have a cold and fever upon me, but I preach on, hoping one day or another to die in my work. One Mr. Steward, a dear minister of Christ, that began to be popular in the church, entered into his rest last week. I saw him just before he expired. Methinks I hear him say, “Love Christ more, and serve him better.” O that I may do so in earnest! For indeed my obligations increase continually. We have had a blessed winter. Many have been added to our flock.—Next week I intend, God willing, to lay the first brick of our new tabernacle. I am now looking up for direction about my removal.—Which are the best seasons for the north? I should be glad to know speedily. Have you the first account you wrote of your conversion? Or have you leisure to draw up a short narrative of the rise and progress of the work of God in your parts? A dear christian minister in Scotland, is about to publish two volumes, relative to the late awakenings in various places. Such things should be transmitted to posterity; in heaven all will be known. Thanks be to God that there is such a rest remaining for his dear people. I am too impatient to get at it. But who can help longing to see Jesus? What but a hope and prospect of furthering his glorious gospel, can reconcile us to this aceldama, this wide howling wilderness? If we had not our beloved to lean on, what should we do? Go on, my dear Sir, in his strength; I wish you much, yea very much prosperity. The Lord bless you, and all the dear souls in your parts, with all spiritual blessings. I am glad you have received the books. [♦]I am now publishing two more sermons, and a small collection of hymns for public worship. Benedictus benedicat et benedicentur. I commend you and all to his never-failing mercy, and myself to your continual prayers, as being, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
[♦] duplicate word “I” removed
LETTER DCCCCLXVIII.
To C—— W——.