_To Mr. S――――._
_Oulney, (Northamptonshire) Sept. 4, 1748._
_Very dear Sir_,
IT was a pleasing surprize to me last week, to receive a letter dated in _July_ from my dear, very dear friend Mr. _S――――_ of _New-England_. I left town yesterday, but having an immediate opportunity of sending, by way of _Philadelphia_, I now sit down to write your answer. Poor _New-England_! I pity and pray for thee from my inmost soul. May GOD arise, and scatter thy enemies! may those that hate thee be made to flee before thee! I am afraid the scene will be yet darker. But you know it is always darkest before day-break. It has been so in _England_. Matters, as to religion, were come to almost an extremity. The enemy had indeed broken in upon us like a flood. The spirit of the LORD is now lifting up a standard. The prospect of the success of the gospel, I think, was never more promising. In the church, tabernacle, and fields, congregations have been great, and perhaps as great power as ever hath accompanied the word. A door is also opening for the mighty and noble. I have preached four times to several of the nobility at good Lady _H――――_’s. All behaved exceeding well, and I suppose in the winter opportunities of preaching to them will be frequent. May the LORD prepare me for whatever he has prepared for me! As for returning to _America_, if I live, I believe there’s no doubt of it. I intend keeping myself free from societies, and therefore I hope to see you again next year. But future things belong to GOD. I thank you and dear Mr. _R――――_ for your kind invitation. May the LORD direct to what is best! I hope you will continue to write. Pray read, seal and send the inclosed. You will communicate so much of this letter as may be proper. O dear Sir, pray for me, that the glorious _Emmanuel_ may give me humility, and lead me on from conquering to conquer. You must remember me to dear Mrs. _S――――_ and all in the kindest manner, and entreat them to continue their prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours as usual, _G. W._