I have been lately cited to appear in an ecclesiastical court,
erected by the Reverend Mr. G, for not reading the common prayer in the meeting-house, which I was obliged to preach in at Charles-Town, (unless I would be silent) because the commissary would not let me have the use of his church. I appeared, and have appealed, according to law, to four of his majesty's commissioners for reviewing appeals, to know, whether the commissary ought not to have accepted a Recusatio judicis, which I lodged in court. This, I suppose, they will determine. I only desire your Lordship's explicit opinion and determination, whether Mr. G, (supposing he hath power over his own clergy,) has authority to erect such a court to arraign me, who belong to the province of Georgia. The bearer hereof will give me your Lordship's answer. In favouring me with which, your Lordship will oblige, my Lord,
Your Lordship's obedient son and servant, G. W.
LETTER CCXVII. To Mr. P.
My dear Brother, Boston, Sept. 19, 1740.
I have just now read your kind letter. Blessed be the Lord, for imparting somewhat of his divine presence to your soul. O may he fill you brimful, and enable you so to preach, that all your adversaries may not be able to gainsay or resist. Never fear undertaking to preach without notes; remember the promise, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world." By my master's leave, I propose to preach with you, and dear brother W. I am a worm and no man: I deserve to be the outcast of the people. On Sunday I arrived at Rhode-Island. Our Lord called some. Yesterday I came hither, to-day I preached. May the Lord give a divine increase to the seed sown! A great work is carrying on at Charles-Town. The spirit of God is moving in different parts of the world. O my dear, dear brother, let us up and be doing, and the Lord will be with us. The world is lying in the wicked one. May God make you instrumental to deliver thousands from his cursed slavery! With difficulty I redeem time to write this. Brother B, and B, are
