Newark upon Treat.
Dearly beloved in the Lord,I HAVE preached three times in this place, and am to preach here this night also, being Tuesday. I have received, first, a letter, and then two messengers to invite me to Gainsborough, but I would not comply. I am to go to-morrow to preach at Retford, twenty miles below this place. I did then intend to steer my course for York, and for Helmsley Blackmoor, which is beyond York; but this is all frustrated by many pressing invitations to Nottingham, and to the regions beyond that. You would stand astonished to see .the troops from all quarters that come to hear; not flying troops, but principally invalids, the poor, buffetted, tempted, and tried; these come by shoals, and some of them from upwards of thirty miles. I stand astonished to see how God has blessed my books, and how many are alarmed, awakened, undeceived, and enlightened by them.
I do believe that was the Lord to make me a bishop at large, that I should preach and be followed throughout the nation. God has been so kind as to stand by me, support and furnish me every time that I have stood up; and to see how they flock to hear would surprize you: the Lord give me a good dowry.
The corn all the way that I came, of every kind, is the finest I ever saw: it has been very showery here for these three days past. The poor souls here have collected ten pounds for me, and intended to get more, but I told them I would take nothing of them, which surprised them, for they are very poor; the rich shall supply me. Tender many thanks to – – for her kindness in sending me my book of peculiar treasure. The Lord reward all her kindnesses, for in how many things she has administered to me thou knowest very well; she has been a succourer of me and of many. Forget her and the old half-way house, I hope I never shall.
My soul is on the wing at the work, believing that it will he the most successful and advantageous journey that I ever took. All that attend me here once hated me, but God makes my enemies stink who have preached against me, and me a sweet savour. Dear souls, adieu! but no more Doctor in the Cabin till the pay, the bounty, and the prize-money is spent. Shall follow this with my prayers, and remain,
Ever yours in Him,
W. H.
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