_To Mr. W――――._
_Gloucester, Feb. 2, 1742._ _Dear Mr. W――――_,
I Thank you for your kind letter. It should have been answered sooner, had an opportunity offered. I bless GOD for you, who carries on in your soul the spiritual building. I doubt not but the top-stone will yet be brought out, and the builders be made with shouting to cry, “Grace! Grace!” I should think it was not of GOD, if the work was not opposed.――What difficulties did _Nehemiah_ go through in building the wall? But fear not, the LORD is with you. He built not for man, but for the LORD. By his leave, I propose bringing a school-master and mistress with me. When I shall embark, I know not. The calls here are so loud and numerous, and so few labourers sent forth to act in a popular way, that I think it my duty not to leave _England_ yet. GOD is pleased to work by my ministry more and more. My soul is refreshed, and my body strengthened and renewed day by day. In _Scotland_ there is a very great awakening; and also in _London_, _Bristol_, _Wiltshire_, and _Gloucestershire_. But, notwithstanding all this, my _American_ friends are by no means forgotten. I continually pray for them. The LORD, in his due time, will send me to you. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me in the tenderest manner to all that love the glorious Redeemer. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon them and you: so prays, dear Mr. _W――――_,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,