LETTER DCCX.
To the Reverend Mr. P.
London, Nov. 19, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IT is a concern to me, that I cannot write to more of my New-England friends than I do; for indeed a multiplicity of business renders a more frequent correspondence impracticable. However, I would willingly send you, dear Sir, a few lines. They are lines of love, and bring you news of my being better in health than I have been for many years last past. Several things have concurred to prove it was the divine will I should return this time to my native country. Matters were in great confusion by reason of Mr. C's going over to the Moravians; but blessed be God, we are now easy at the Tabernacle, and the word falls with weight and power. In Scotland the Lord Jesus was pleased to appear for me; I found no diminution in respect to the number of hearers; and, I believe, (thanks be to free grace) my preaching was more acceptable than ever to God's people, and to those ministers who were pleased formerly to own and encourage me. Some of the opposite party begun a like stir with that which was made in New-England by Dr. C, &c. but I believe it will only make the people more eager to hear, and in the end be productive of great good. Our Lord orders all things well. I never enjoyed more settled peace and joy than now. I trust he has given me to see many things that were wrong, and withal a disposition to confess and amend them. At present, this is the language of my heart:
Correct me when I go astray,
And lead me in the perfect way.
I suppose you will be acquainted with particulars by some of my dear friends from Scotland. In all probability I shall go to Scotland again in the Spring; and, in the latter end of the year, I propose embarking for America. But future things belong to God. Thanks be to his great name, I am willing to go
