_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,