_To Mr. W――――._
_Bristol, Feb. 15, 1750._
_My dear Mr. W――――_,
WHAT shall I say? Really I can scarce tell what to say, because I have been so long silent to my dear _New-England_ friends. But indeed were they to know my circumstances, they would pity me; for my hands have been continually so full of work, and my removes from place to place so frequent, that I often had scarce time to eat bread. However, I must now break through all restraints, and snatch a few moments to inform my dear Mr. _W――――_, that I can set up my _Ebenezer_, and say, “Hitherto hath my GOD helped me.” Words cannot well express how bountifully he has been pleased to deal with me. The prospect of doing good in my native country, is more and more promising every day. Last fall, the LORD of the harvest was pleased to give us a most delightful seed-time in many places in the _North_ of _England_;――in _Lancashire_, _Cheshire_, _Yorkshire_, _Nottingham_, _Newcastle_, &c. the word of the LORD ran and was glorified, and I hear of fruit remaining in every place. At _London_ this Winter, the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle, and since I have been in the country, we have had delightful seasons. I am now going _Westward_, and in about two months time purpose going to _Scotland_ and _Ireland_, and then shall embark for my dear _America_ once more. My health is much restored to me, and I only want an humble and thankful heart. O my dear friend, what cannot GOD do? Ought I not to spend and be spent for the good of souls? Ought I not to be always upon the full stretch for Him, who was stretched upon the accursed tree for me? Yes, the LORD being my helper, I will now begin to be in earnest. And O that I may hear that a prayer-hearing GOD has revived his work in dear _New-England_! You must let this serve as an historical letter, to be read to my dear friends. I would write to many, but indeed I have not time. I long as much to see them, as they can do to see me. I begin to count the days, and to say to the months, “Fly fast away, that I may once more spread the gospel net in dear _America_.” But my time and seasons are in thy hands, O LORD; do with me as seemeth good in thy sight, only let me love thee, and continue faithful unto death! You will remember me to my honoured friends and brethren in the ministry, and to all others as they come in your way. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon you all, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, _G. W._