_To the same._
_Gloucester, June 27, 1743._
FULL of divine consolations, and at the same time, I trust, deeply sensible of my own vileness, I have just arose from the throne of grace, where I have been laying yours, my own, and the affairs of the whole church, before our common Father and our GOD. He was pleased to give me sweet access, and to assure me, that if he gave me his presence, he would freely give me all things; but I must wait his time and season, because that will be better for me. I have therefore just now put my soul, as a blank, into the hands of JESUS CHRIST my Redeemer, and desired him to write upon it what he pleases. I know it will be his own image. Methinks I hear you say, Amen. I know you do from your heart; for I believe you love me in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, as I do you, GOD knoweth. Our Saviour, by his wise providence has prevented our receiving each others letters so soon as we expected. I preached _Tuesday_ last in the evening at _Bristol_, and on _Wednesday_ twice; and once at _Kingswood_.――On _Thursday_ in the morning I preached there also, and afterwards went to _Bath_, where I was most cordially received by Mr. _C――――_, and one Dr. _H――――_, a christian physician, and Lady _C――――_. Here our Saviour gave me fresh hints, that if I would stand still and wait his time and way, he would make even my enemies to be at peace with me. I returned in the evening to _Bristol_, and preached. I think it was this day the news came of his Majesty’s fighting, and coming off conqueror. I had observed for some time past, when praying for him, whether I would or not, out came this petition, “LORD, cover thou his head in the day of battle.” Tho’ even while I was praying, I wondered why I prayed so, not knowing that he was gone to _Germany_ to fight. This gave me fresh confidence towards GOD. I spent almost the whole day on _Friday_ in retirement, and prayer. My house was made a Bethel to me indeed, the very gate of heaven. _Saturday_ I preached again, and found in the day-time our Saviour had blessed my endeavours to some souls. About three in the afternoon we set out for _Wiltshire_. On _Sunday_ I preached at _Brinkworth_, on these words: “Thy Maker is thy husband.” It was a day of espousals I believe to many. GOD was with us of a truth. After sermon, I rode to _Longley_, in company with many dear children of GOD, who attended me both on horseback and on foot. We sung, and looked like persons that had been at a spiritual wedding. The LORD helped me in preaching there also. All was quiet. In the evening I preached at _Tetherton_, and a blessed time it was. We rode like as the children of _Israel_ passing through the enemies country. Afterwards we set out for _Hampton_, and reached there about midnight. After having travelled about thirty miles, I yet preached thrice. This morning I arose like a giant refreshed with wine, and came hither about eleven. I found my mother recovered from her illness, and my own soul filled and blessed in CHRIST. O grace! how sweet is it? I am glad you are thirsting after an abiding in GOD, after greater degrees of knowledge, both of yourself, and of JESUS CHRIST, whom to know is life eternal. In order to this, you must expect many trials, and well it is to be under the discipline of so tender a Master. I know you will pray to the LORD to make and keep me humble. I recommend you to his care, and wish you all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, from
Yours, _G. W._