Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/487

 Sir, in respect to preaching, was salutary and good, and if I may speak any thing of myself, is what I keep close to. I am remarked for my evangelical preaching, and comforting the mourners of Zion. I am never so much in my element, as when I preach free grace to the chief of sinners. As to the gentleman you mention, I do not remember I ever conversed with such a person. I believe there can scarce an instance be given of any one sent to Bedlam by my sermons. But I rejoice in this, and all other calumnies that are cast upon me. All hail reproach, welcome pain, Only thy terrors,, restrain. I must have some thorn in the flesh, to serve as a poise to the great honour my Master is pleased to put upon me. In Scotland, my reception was extraordinary. It was almost wholly amongst the people and clergy of the kirk, with many of the highest rank. I was very intimate with several persons of quality, who I trust have been awakened to a true sense of the divine life, and enabled to count all things but dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of their. My chief opposition was from the dear Mr. Es and the associate presbytery. They first invited me to Scotland; but finding I would preach for the ministers of the established church, as well as for them, they spoke all manner of evil against me falsly, and imputed all the work in Scotland and New-England to the agency of the evil spirit. I pitied, prayed for, and loved them, and do so still. O, reverend Sir, what thanks shall I give to my for carrying me through so many trying dispensations? I know you will help me to adore and praise him. I am much blessed here. We have many gracious souls. Ere long I must leave them. I have not the least thought of seeing Worcester. Glad shall I be to kiss your aged hands; but I shall see you in glory. Begging the continuance of your prayers, and with all possible thanks for all favours, I subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir, Your most obliged and affectionate friend and younger brother and servant in, G. W.