Pray desire Mr. Cole and our other dear friends to appoint places. Matters go on most bravely here. I think people are ten times more affected than ever. The audiences full and numerous, and they give their mites for the orphan house with a chearful and ready heart. Have you heard how I preached upon the stage among the cudgel players at Basingstoke, and got a blow? Both I and my companions were also turned out of our inn, and in danger of being beaten heartily. Blessed be God! My sermon comes out on Wednesday. Heartiest love to dear Mrs. H. That Jesus Christ may be fully formed in both your hearts, is the prayer of,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER LII.
Honoured Sir, London, July 24, 1739.
THOUGH but a child in grace, and a novice in the things of God, yet I could not escape this opportunity of shewing you, how dear you are to my soul. Though unknown in person, yet you have long since been known to me in spirit. I hoped to have seen you ere I left London. I hasted up to town hoping to have some spiritual gift imparted to me by that means, but I was not worthy of it, I was not prepared for such a blessing.—You went before I came. A great work of God is doing here. The Lord Jesus gets himself the victory every day; free grace compels poor sinners to come in. Our brother can inform you of particulars. As for my own soul, God mightily strengthens me in the inward man, and gives me often such foretastes of his love, that I am almost continually wishing to be dissolved, that I may be with Christ.—But I am only beginning to begin to be a christian.—I must suffer also, as well as do for my dear Master. Perhaps a storm is gathering. I believe God will permit it to fall on my head first.—This comes then, honoured Sir, to desire your prayers, that none of those things may move me; and that I may not count even my life dear unto me, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus. Though I die for him, yet, I beseech you, honoured Sir, to pray that I may not in any way deny him. But what
