Letter CIII
To Mr. S.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Rejoice that GOD sent you so opportunely to Monmouth: I find every day that two are better than one. GOD suffers his dear children to fall into little miscarriages, that the eye may not say to the hand, “I have no need of thee;” or again, the head to the foot, “I have no need of thee.” We must be helps to each other on this side eternity. Nothing gives me more comfort, next to the assurance of the eternal continuance of GOD ’s love, than the pleasing reflection of having so many christian friends to watch with my soul. I wish they would smite me friendly, and reprove me oftner than they do; I would force my proud heart to thank them. But I am amazed at your coming off so triumphantly. Surely the devil is asleep, or rather that roaring lion thinks to break out upon us with double fury hereafter. It often shames me, when I read St. Paul’s account of his sufferings, to think in how few particulars I can as yet sympathize with him. It as often makes me long to be like him, and yet I fear how I shall act when put to the trial. This, however, is my comfort, “JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.” He saw me from all eternity; he gave me being; he called me in time; he has freely justified me through faith in his blood; he has in part sanctified me by his spirit; he will preserve me underneath his everlasting arms, till time shall be no more. Oh the blessedness of these evangelical truths! These are indeed gospel; they are glad tidings of great joy to all that have ears to hear. These, bring the creature out of himself. These, make him to hang upon the promises, and cause his obedience to flow from a principle of love. They are meat indeed, and drink indeed unto my soul. I am persuaded they are so likewise to you and dear Mrs. S――――. I hope she is yet in the land of the living, and that she, yourself, and your son, are daily preparing for eternity. I pray GOD sanctify your whole spirits, souls, and bodies, and reward you for all kindnesses shewn to, dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CIV
To the Rev. Mr. T.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dear Sir,
SHALL I promise and not perform? GOD forbid. When I saw you first at Cardiff, it rejoiced my heart to hear what GOD had done for your soul. You was then under some displeasure of your rector, if I mistake not, for speaking the truth as it is in JESUS. Ere now, I hope dear Mr. T. has had the honour of being quite thrust out. Rejoice, my dear brother, and be exceeding glad, for thus was our LORD and SAVIOUR served before you. Naked therefore follow a naked CHRIST. Freely you have received, freely give. If you preach the gospel, you shall live of the gospel. Though you go out without scrip or shoe, yet shall you lack nothing. Rather than you shall want, ravens, those birds of prey, shall be commanded to feed you. It is a blessed thing to live upon GOD. Did ever any trust in him and was forsaken? No; search the generations of old, climb up into heaven if you can, and all with one consent will declare,
_The LORD their pasture did prepare, And fed them with a shepherd’s care._
I, though hell-deserving, am a living witness of his good providence; having nothing, I possess all things; he has fed me with the kidneys of wheat, and commanded some one or another to sustain me whithersoever I was sent on his errand. JESUS is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. If we go forth in the spirit of the first apostles, we shall meet with apostolical success. And never was there more occasion for the revival of such a primitive spirit. Alas, the life, the power of religion is almost lost amongst us. Stir up then, dear Sir, the gift of GOD, which is in you. Be instant in season and out of season. Debase man and exalt JESUS. Self-righteousness overturn, overturn. The people of Wales, the common people at least, will receive you gladly. The LORD shall fight all battles for you here, and reward you with a crown that never fadeth hereafter. If I have but the lowest place in your affections, it will abundantly satisfy
Your most affectionate brother,
G. W.
Letter CV
To Mr. M.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dearest Sir,
EVER since you opened your heart so freely in the garden, you have been much upon my heart. Though absent from, yet I have been present with you. I am acquainted in some measure with the strugglings of a soul just awakening into new life. I know too many have stifled their convictions, and therefore am importunate on your behalf. I hope you have taken my advice, and laid the ax to the root of the tree. Oh pray for a new heart and a new spirit, and then all old things will subside and give way of themselves. The strong man armed must go out when the stronger than he, even the spirit of GOD, comes to take possession of your soul. What therefore have you to do, dear Sir, but to throw yourself as a poor sinner at the feet of the holy JESUS? You need not doubt his holding out the golden sceptre to you. Whosoever cometh to him by faith, he will in no-wise cast out. He calls, he draws you: what is it for, but to assure you he will make you happy? Come then, dear Sir, weary and heavy laden as you are, the LORD your righteousness shall give you rest: He shall refresh you with a multitude of peace, and cause you to rejoice in his salvation; there is nothing too hard for the LORD CHRIST. He can draw your mind from the creature, he can fix it upon himself; he can enable you to live above the world, whilst you are in it; he can translate you to heaven, when he has taken you away from earth. As the LORD JESUS can, so that he may do all these things for your soul, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CVI
To the Rev. Mr. H.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dearest Sir,
IT often concerned me, when in London, that I could not enjoy more of your company. Your conversation was always seasoned with grace, and such as became the gospel of CHRIST. Your great kindness, in publicly praying for me, can never be sufficiently acknowledged. The thought almost makes me to weep for joy. Surely the LORD will not let me miscarry, since he has stirred up the choicest of his servants to intercede in my behalf. The searcher of all hearts alone knows, what agonies my poor soul has undergone since my retirement from the world. The remembrance of my past sins has overwhelmed my soul, and caused tears to be my meat day and night. Indeed I have mourned as one mourneth for a first born: But I looked to him whom I have pierced. I was enabled to see the freeness and riches of his grace, the infiniteness and eternity of his love, and my soul received comfort. Oh the excellency of the doctrine of election, and of the saints final perseverance, to those who are truly sealed by the spirit of promise! I am persuaded, till a man comes to believe and feel these important truths, he cannot come out of himself; but when convinced of these, and assured of the application of them to his own heart, he then walks by faith indeed, not in himself, but in the Son of GOD, who died and gave himself for him. Love, not fear, constrains him to obedience. The promises of GOD are all Yea and Amen to his soul. Supported by these convictions, in about a twelvemonth, GOD willing, I intend returning to England, and to begin my testimony afresh. I trust I shall not be ashamed to declare the whole counsel of GOD. Satan, no doubt, and his emissaries, will endeavour to block up my way; but the saints of GOD are praying for me on earth, and the holy JESUS is interceding in heaven. Why should I not go forth and offer his everlasting and perfect righteousness to all that shall be brought to believe on him? Satan suggests even whilst I am writing, “How canst thou speak, seeing thou art such a sinner?” But therefore will I speak, because I can say, by happy experience, that JESUS CHRIST will have mercy on the chief of sinners; for among such you may truly rank
Your unworthy brother, and unprofitable fellow-labourer, in our dear LORD’s vineyard,
G. W.
Letter CVII
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mrs. D.,
TEN thousand blessings light upon you and yours! The LORD reward you ten thousand-fold for receiving me and my friends into your house. The LORD shower down his heavenly manna, and feed you with the bread of life for those comfortable meals we have had of your providing since we came on board. We have not been slack to pray for you; my heart is now full of a sense of your kindnesses. I know not when to begin and when to leave off adoring the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST for these and all other of his love-tokens: He is the father of mercies, and the GOD of all comfort; he hath comforted me in all my tribulation, and, I am assured, will still comfort me in whatsoever I am to do or suffer for his name’s sake. You, dear Mrs. D. can subscribe to this truth, that GOD is a God of all comfort. You have been comforted on every side; you have been filled as it were with new wine; you have tasted that the LORD is gracious, and yet the best wine is and will be always reserved till the last. The LORD’s compassions fail not; they are, they will be renewed to you every morning; and though, through much tribulation, you, as well others, must enter into glory, yet you will find GOD to be your comforter in all tribulation. GOD has made you a joyful mother of christian children; remember the mother in the Maccabees; and, if ever your children are called to suffering, beg of GOD that you may stand by and encourage them to die for CHRIST. Oh that would be a spectacle indeed! A spectacle worthy of men and angels! I pray GOD to arm you with this mind, and then you will find that GOD’s rod as well as his staff will comfort you; nay, though you pass through the valley of the shadow of death, yet shall the Holy Spirit refresh you; your heart shall stand fast, and be stedfast in the LORD. Oh, my dear Madam, my heart is enlarged towards you: I pray GOD to fill you with all his divine fulness, and make you daily more and more meet to be an inheritor among the saints in light. With much love I have wrote to dear Mr. D. Oh pray him not to be angry with
Your most affectionate friend and brother,
G. W.
Letter CVIII
To Mr. N.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Honoured Sir,
BE not displeased at the contents of this; if I was not persuaded that love to your soul, and my duty towards GOD, moved me to write, I should be silent. When last at Gloucester, I heard you was highly offended at my meetings in the fields, and at the same time countenanced and encouraged the acting of plays in the Boothall. This I thought highly unbecoming the character of a christian magistrate, whose peculiar business it is to be a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well. This made me to speak against those proceedings in my sermons. This is the occasion of my troubling you with a letter. I cannot think I have delivered my soul, unless, with all meekness and humility, I exhort you henceforward not to promote or so much as any way countenance the stage-players. In our common law they are stiled sturdy beggars. As a minister of the king, upon that account it is your duty to put a stop to them: As a disciple and minister of JESUS CHRIST, the king of kings, you are obliged, honoured Sir, to exert your authority in suppressing them. It is notorious that such meetings are the nurseries of debauchery; they are the pest of our nation, and the bane of true christianity: To be present at, or in the least to contribute towards their support, is therefore a great sin; but to countenance them by our authority, and let them act by our permission, what is this but becoming public patrons for vice and immorality? It is not only sinning ourselves, but it is taking pleasure in the sins of others. This the apostle accounted the highest pitch of heathenish wickedness. Honoured Sir, pray be not offended: These are not the words of a madman; no, they are the words of truth and soberness, and words which our LORD will approve of, when I stand with you before him in judgment. However men may now put wrong names to things, and call that an innocent amusement, which has no other tendency but to corrupt and debauch the heart, yet then, Sir, we shall see all things clearly; then shall you know that it was my duty to write as I have done, and will confess before men and angels that you had an humble and affectionate warning given you, by, honoured Sir,
Your very humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CIX
To Mr. Thomas P.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Sir,
THOUGH unknown to you in person, yet as you was pleased to think me worthy of the care of your dear son, I think it my duty to acquaint you of his welfare. I bless GOD that he came with me. He is diligent and pious, and I trust will be a comfort to you in your declining years: His mind seems settled and composed, and by reading and following the bible, he is partaker of that peace which the world cannot give. His dear and honoured father is much upon his heart. How would it rejoice him to hear that you also was become a christian indeed? Be not offended, dear Sir, at my expressing myself thus. Assure yourself that christianity is something more than a name and a bare outward profession. Morality of itself, dear Sir, will never carry us to heaven; no, JESUS CHRIST is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no being happy without a lively faith in him, wrought in the heart by the blessed spirit of GOD. This faith transforms the whole man, delivers him from the tyranny of his passions, and makes him entirely a new creature. This is the reason why it is foolishness to the world. Your son’s case in this respect was not singular. As soon as ever we commence christians, we commence fools for CHRIST’s sake. Every truly religious man must be deemed a madman. Forgive this freedom, dear Sir; whilst I am writing, I find a love for your soul arising in my heart, and methinks I could do any thing to bring your grey hairs with comfort to the grave. Dear Sir, there is mercy with CHRIST even for those who come in at the eleventh hour. CHRIST came to save poor sinners; he came to save you, dear Sir, if you lay hold on him by a living faith. That GOD may give you this faith, and thereby make you happy in time and to eternity, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CX
To the Rev. Mr. R. D.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Think I am a little in your debt; if not, love and gratitude call upon me to send you a line. Man appoints, but GOD disappoints: His providence called me away, before I could possibly see Cornwall. In about a twelvemonth I purpose returning. Who knows but then I may be enabled to perform my promise? The whole world is now my parish. Wheresoever my master calls me, I am ready to go and preach his everlasting gospel. My only grief is, that I can do no more for CHRIST; for I am sure I ought to love and do much, having had so much forgiven; not that I expect in the least to be justified by any or all the works I either can or shall do: No, the LORD CHRIST is my righteousness, my whole and perfect righteousness; but then I would shew forth my faith, I would declare to the world the sincerity of my love, by always abounding in the works of my LORD. Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be never weary in well-doing. The devil and his servants will shoot sore at me that I may fall; but this consideration comforts and supports me, “The LORD is my helper;” he has, he does, he will deliver. I am persuaded you feel his gracious presence, and the influences of his blessed spirit, whenever you go forth to speak in his name. May a double portion of his spirit and precious anointings descend upon your soul! May you be filled with all his fulness, and be enabled thereby to turn many to righteousness here, and so shine as the firmament of heaven for ever hereafter! Oh that a place at some saints feet may be assigned to, dear Sir,
Your weak though affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXI
To the Rev. Mr. B.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dear Sir,
YOU have been too kind, and I have been too ungrateful. Business would not permit me to have so much private conversation with you as I ought. Success I fear elated my mind. I did not behave towards you, and other ministers of CHRIST, with that humility which became me. I freely confess my fault; I own myself to be but a novice. Your charity, dear Sir, will excite you to pray that I may not through pride fall into the condemnation of the devil. Dear Sir, shall I come out into the world again or not? Must I venture myself once more among fire-brands, arrows, and death? Methinks I hear you reply, “Yes, if you come forth in the strength of the LORD GOD, and make mention of his righteousness only.” It is my desire so to do. I would have JESUS all in all. Like a pure chrystal, I would transmit all the light he poureth upon me. Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be thus minded, and then, GOD willing, in about a twelvemonth, I intend visiting the Bristol brethren once again. In the mean while, I hope the LORD will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit, and work upon me mightily in the inner-man, for otherwise his blessings will prove curses to me. He has been pleased to dig and dung round me, during my retirement; he has shewn me something of the treachery of my own heart, and more and more convinced me that I am the chief of sinners. Oh that my heart may shew forth the eternity and sovereignty of his love! for never surely was there a greater instance of it than myself. Happy are those that are brought to an experimental knowledge of these mysteries of the kingdom of GOD. Many of your charge have been, I believe; I pray GOD to increase the number of your spiritual children more and more, and to add daily to the church such as shall be saved. My cordial respects attend your fellow-labourers, and all who are so kind as to ask for me; as fast as opportunity permits, they may expect to hear from, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
G. W.
Letter CXII
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mrs. F.,
I Have now time to answer your last letter. It gave me much satisfaction. I rejoice that you begin to know yourself. If possible, satan will make us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. I can tell this by fatal experience. It is not sudden flashes of joy, but having the humility of CHRIST JESUS, that must denominate us christians. If we hate reproof, we are so far from being true followers of the Lamb of GOD, that in the opinion of the wisest of men, we are brutish. I love you and your dear husband in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. Under GOD, I begot you both through the gospel. I therefore think it my bounden duty, from time to time, more particularly to watch over your precious souls. Never account me your enemy for speaking the truth. Tell me of my faults in your turn. I will pray GOD to give me an hearing ear and an obedient heart. But how do our brethren after their late dispersion? I heard they had in part recovered themselves. Ere now, I trust, they have resumed their courage, and stand stedfast as a wall of brass. If you were all to be carried to prison the next moment, I think you should not decline your christian fellowship and society meetings. My brethren, in this respect, I beseech you to obey GOD rather than man. Happy are you, if you patiently suffer in such a cause. Our LORD will stand by you; he will fight all your battles, and make you more than conquerors through his love. My heart would say more; but other letters must be wrote. Salute all the brethren by name, and accept this as a token of your not being forgotten by
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXIII
To the Rev. Mr. S.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Reverend and dear Sir,
THE favours received at Hertford, from you and your dear flock, are not yet out of my mind: They were exceeding endearing, and deserve my utmost acknowledgments. Had providence permitted, I should have paid you another visit; but GOD’s thoughts are not as our thoughts: However, in about a twelvemonth, by his leave, I hope to return amongst you once more. Oh! that I may come in the blessing of the gospel of peace! The doctrines I have already preached come with double evidence upon my mind day by day. I am more and more convinced that they are the truths of GOD; they agree with the written word, and the experience of all the saints in all ages: Nothing more confirms me in the belief of them, than the opposition that is made against them by natural men. Election, free grace, free justification without any regard to works foreseen, are such paradoxes to carnal minds, that they cannot away with them. This is the wisdom of GOD, which is foolishness with man, and which, the LORD being my helper, I intend to exalt and contend for more and more; not with carnal weapons, that be far from me, but with the sword of the spirit, the word of GOD: No sword like that. Dear Sir, pray for me that I may rightly divide the word of truth, and give to each his portion in due season. The LORD has been exceeding gracious to me since I saw you last. Oh let your songs be of him, and praise him for all his wonderful works. As I am enabled I remember you and yours. Many, when I was with them, were mourning; ere now I hope they are comforted. He is faithful who has promised, who also will do it. If they hunger and thirst after CHRIST ’s righteousness, verily they shall know that it is imputed to them. That you and your whole charge may be filled with all the fulness of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Your’s most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CXIV
To Mr. Wm. D――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. My Dear Brother,
YOUR last brought glad tidings. I endeavour to give thanks for you with my whole heart. I trust GOD has enabled you to take the advice you gave me, and that you have been kept from idolatry. Oh my dear brother, let us watch and pray, that we may not be led into temptation. The spirit is willing in both; but the flesh, mine in particular, is exceeding weak. Blessed be GOD for sending me on ship-board. He has given me to see something of that mystery of iniquity, which was in my heart. I have loathed and abhorred my own self. Tears have been my meat day and night; but glory be to GOD, who has lately assured me of a victory through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. At present my heart is quite free. You will see what I have written to those of your household. I pray the LORD to send you and many more such labourers into his harvest. I intend resigning the parsonage of Savannah. ♦The Orphan House I can take care of, supposing I should be kept at a distance; besides, when I have resigned the parish, I shall be more at liberty to take a tour round America, if GOD should ever call me to such a work. However, I determine nothing, I wait on the LORD. I am persuaded he will shew what is his will: though my heart is as yet perverse, in time I hope to drink deeper into his spirit. How earnestly do I desire to be dissolved, that I may be with CHRIST! Sometimes my weak body gives me hopes, that I shall not be long in the flesh; but then, the strength that is communicated to me, and the consideration, that I have but just begun my testimony, fills me with fears, lest I should live to be greyheaded. But I endeavour to resign myself wholly to GOD. I desire his will may be done in me, by me, and upon me. If the LORD preserves me from falling into sin, and dishonouring his holy name, let him do what seemeth him good with
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
♦ ‘Th’ replaced with ‘The’
Letter CXV
To Madam C――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Madam,
TO be made good by the righteousness and spirit of JESUS CHRIST, is a distinguishing blessing. To be made good, and yet to be great and rich in this world’s goods, is still more extraordinary. Blessed be GOD, who has thus highly favoured you. I trust he hath given you that faith, which enables you to overcome the world, and emboldens you to confess both our LORD and his servants, in the midst of a wicked and adulterous generation. Once indeed I feared you had been offended. Dear Mr. M―――― soon convinced me of my error. Yourself, Madam, amply satisfied me before I left London, that you were not ashamed of the gospel and ministers of CHRIST. May the LORD enable you more and more to set your face as a flint, and entirely to live above the fear of man. If the work goes on in England, a trying time will come. I pray GOD, the same spirit may be found in all that profess the LORD JESUS, as was in the primitive saints, confessors and martyrs. Further opposition then will not hurt, but highly profit the church. The chaff will be winnowed from the wheat, and they that are approved be made manifest. As for my own part, I expect nothing but afflictions and bonds. The spirit, as well as the doctrine of popery, prevails much in many protestants hearts; they already breathe out threatnings. What wonder, if when in their power, they should breathe out slaughters also? This is my comfort, the doctrines I have taught are the doctrines of scripture, the doctrines of our own and of other reformed churches. If I suffer for preaching them, so be it. “Thou shalt answer for me, O LORD my GOD!” I rejoice in the prospect of it, and beseech thee, my dear redeemer, to strengthen me in a suffering hour. You, dear Madam, and the rest of my friends, will not be wanting in praying for
Your most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CXVI
To Mr. D――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Sir,
GRATITUDE and love call upon me to write a letter of acknowledgment for favours received when lately at ――――. The LORD remember them at that day! You have confessed his servants before men, he has promised to confess such, before his angels in heaven. The principles which I maintain, are purely scriptural, and every way agreeable to the church of England articles. What I have been chiefly concerned about is, lest any should rest in the bare speculative knowledge, and not experience the power of them in their own hearts.――What avails it, Sir, if I am a patron for the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST in behalf of another, if at the same time I am self-righteous myself? I am thus jealous, I trust with a godly jealousy, because I see so many self-deceivers among my acquaintance. There is one in particular (whom I love, and for whom I most heartily pray) who approves of my doctrine, and hath heard it preached many years past, but I could never hear him tell of his experiences, or of what GOD has done for his soul. He hath excellent good desires and intentions, but I think he wants something more: LORD, for thy infinite mercy’s sake, grant he may know himself even as he is known! I need not tell Mr. D――――, who this dear friend is――you are intimately acquainted with him, you love him as you do your own heart; you are never out of his company. Oh, dear Sir, be not angry. Methinks I hear you, by this time, making an application, and saying, “Then I am the man.” True, dear Sir, I confess you are. But love, love for your better part, your soul, your precious soul, this love constrains me to use this freedom. You are more noble than to take it ill at my hands; I could not bear even to suspect that you deceived yourself, dear Sir, and not tell you such a suspicion was in my heart. That GOD may powerfully convince you of self-righteousness, and cloath you with the righteousness of his dear Son; that he may fill you with his grace, and thereby fit you for, and at last translate you to, his glory, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate friend and humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CXVII
To a Servant.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
WHEN I was at Mr. ――――, I fear I did not ask you often enough what GOD had done for your soul. I write this to beg your pardon. Want of time was the cause. I believe CHRIST hath manifested himself to your soul. Shew it, I entreat you, by labouring to adorn his gospel in all things. A meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of GOD of great price. You are happy in a place. I hope you know and are thankful for it. Take heed that you serve with singleness of heart, as unto CHRIST. Go when you are bid to go, come when you are bid to come; when commanded to do this, do it with all your might. Bear with the perverseness of others. Remember how silent Mary was, when her sister Martha peevishly said, “LORD, carest thou not that my sister has left me to serve alone?” My unfeigned love attends all the Martha’s and Mary’s of your acquaintance. I pray they may in all things walk as women professing godliness. To hear of your progress in the gospel, would much please
Your Sincere friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXVIII
To the Rev. Mr. ――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Rev. and dear Sir,
THE many favours I have received at your hands, are still deeply impressed upon my heart; as I have often said, so I say again, I hope they will never be forgotten by me so long as I live. But, reverend Sir, I have observed some particulars in your principles and conduct, which I must confess have given me much concern, and of which, from love and gratitude, I think myself obliged to inform you. ―――― I believe, dear Sir, you have often been inwardly offended at me, because you suspected, I thought you to be no true christian. Your suspicions were not groundless. I cannot yet think, that a thorough work of conversion was ever wrought upon your soul. I fear you deny, that “JESUS CHRIST is truly and properly GOD.” I infer this, from your not reading the Nicene Creed, and your palliating that text I once urged to prove it. “I and my Father are one.” I doubt also, your owning “Original Sin.” This I gather from your wondering I should touch on such a point, when I preached my sermon on justification by JESUS CHRIST. Besides, the sad definition you once gave of religion in a letter to your brother ――――; the stranger also which you seemed to be to the “devil’s temptations,” when I conversed with you; and your supposing, that conversion was to be wrought in the soul by moral persuasion; all these put together, dear Sir, convince me, that you were never yet truly and effectually born again of GOD. Besides, Reverend Sir, does your going weekly to a club, where the company play at cards, and sit up late at night, does this, dear Sir, agree with your holy vocation, either as a christian or a minister? Be not offended, Rev. Sir, at this plainness of speech. I have forborne a long while; love and gratitude would not suffer me to forbear any longer. I wish I had no occasion to write in this manner. I believe you so ingenuous as not to be angry with me. I pray GOD to quell all resentment in your heart, and send you his holy spirit to guide you into all truth. Your brother’s eyes are now in some measure opened: he is convinced of the perfect righteousness wrought out for him by JESUS CHRIST, and ere now I hope hath received faith to apply it to his heart. This is the doctrine of the church of England. Unless you hold this and other evangelical principles, how, dear Sir, is it consistent with sincerity to eat her bread? With humility, respect, and love, do I offer these things to your consideration――Be pleased to weigh them in a proper balance, and reflect from what principle they are wrote, and I am persuaded you will not be offended at, reverend and dear Sir,
♦Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
♦ ‘You’ replaced with ‘Your’
Letter CXIX
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mr. S――――,
I Love an Israelite indeed, I love a catholic spirit destitute of guile; you I am persuaded are thus minded. The LORD hath highly favoured you: he hath given you a meek and quiet spirit. My heart hath been knit to you, ever since GOD first brought us together. Oh pray, that what I admire in another, I may imitate myself, and have the graces of JESUS CHRIST stamped upon my heart. It fills me with confusion, whenever I consider how far I am from his likeness. Alas! What would become of me, was I to be saved by any thing within myself. Blessed be GOD, the LORD JESUS is my whole righteousness. By virtue of that I know I am justified, I believe I shall be sanctified, and am assured I shall be everlastingly redeemed: for GOD loved me with an everlasting love. Oh, dear Sir, the prospect of an hereafter fills my soul with comfort. Then shall I have enough of your company, and of the other children of GOD. The LORD give me patience to wait till my blessed change cometh. He often gives me such foretastes of the glory to be revealed in us, that I want to leap my seventy years. But in a degree, I may say with my blessed master, “I have a cup to drink of, and a baptism to be baptized with.” Dear Mr. S―――― will see me humbled, I believe, as much as once exalted; I look for “Away with him, away with him,” every day. Then, I trust, I shall begin in earnest to be a disciple of JESUS CHRIST. Even in such an hour, I believe dear Mr. S―――― will dare own
His affectionate though most unworthy friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXX
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Sir,
TO think, that you should be engaged publickly to pray for me, hath often given me much satisfaction, and now excites me to send you this letter of thanks: help me still, help me, dear Sir, by your prayers. They will be a means of lifting up my hands when they hang down, and of strengthning my feeble knees. Though in all things we do not, yet in essentials we both think and speak the same things. I wish all names among the saints of GOD were swallowed up in that one of Christian.――I long for professors to leave off placing religion in saying “I am a Churchman,” “I am a Dissenter.” My language to such is, “Are you of CHRIST? If so, I love you with all my heart:” for this reason chiefly, dear Sir, my heart is drawn out towards you. On this account, though so long in CHRIST before me, I make bold to call you brother, and to wish you GOD speed: blessed be his name, you have little reason to cry out; “My leanness, my leanness.” Many gracious souls are among your flock, they love to be fed with the sincere milk of the word. I hope they will be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the LORD JESUS. I often think of them with pleasure; pray salute them most affectionately in my name, and exhort them to entreat the LORD that I may make full proof of my ministry. In about a twelvemonth, GOD willing, I intend returning to England; I wish it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. I think you are happy in the acquaintance of Mr. B―――― S――――. I trust he will be as good as he is great, and after he is made perfect through manifold temptations and trials, sit down with you, and all the other spirits of just men made perfect, in heaven. This is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow labourer in our LORD’s vineyard,
G. W.
Letter CXXI
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. My dear Brother,
YOU cannot conceive how often you have been upon my thoughts, since I saw you. Eternity itself I hope will not diminish, but more and more increase that love, which I bear you from my heart. Your stature reminds me of little Zaccheus: he that called him, I am persuaded hath called you: Have you not heard him say to your soul, “I am your salvation?” If so, fear not, thou art a son of David. Let worldly affairs be ever so bad, he that has given you his own dear Son, will make you more than conqueror in all things. Still dare to own our dear LORD before men. It is no scandal for a follower of JESUS CHRIST to be poor. Our LORD was poor before us――So that we are rich in faith and good works, it is not much ♦matter if we are not rich in this world’s goods. Having CHRIST, though we have nothing else, we possess all things. However, since godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come, I would advise you to plead the promises for temporal blessings. In the name of JESUS, many a sweet morsel and opportune supply, have I fetched in from GOD by this means. That is the way I live, and hope shall continue so to live till death is swallowed up in victory. Death――what a comfortable word is that for a believer! CHRIST hath taken the sting of it away; henceforward it is no longer a king of terrors, but a welcome messenger to conduct the saints to glory. My dear brother, let us comfort one another with these things. We are not to live here always; our inheritance is above. When CHRIST who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. Why then should we value these light afflictions, which are but for a moment? No, let us patiently bear our cross, since we are so shortly to wear a crown. Oh the riches of free, distinguishing grace! Why were you and I taken into favor? “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” O! my friend, my brother, let us for ever extol free grace! However others exalt man and debase GOD, let us exalt GOD and debase man. Let JESUS CHRIST have all the glory: for he is the author, carrier on, and finisher of our faith. He hath begun it in time, he shall compleat it in eternity.――My brother, I have been so expanded whilst writing, that I must refer you to other friends, to know how graciously GOD hath dealt with
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘mater’ replaced with ‘matter’
Letter CXXII
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mr. W.,
I Long to be in heaven, chiefly to see GOD even as he is; next, that I may have my soul satisfied with the blissful communion of saints. There I hope to see you and your wife, and to shew how sincerely I love you both in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. My heart has went along with my hand, when I used to stretch it out to you in the field. I only wanted more time to converse with you. Oh my dear brother, let us keep ourselves in the love of GOD through faith in CHRIST JESUS, and then, yet a little while we shall meet in glory. As faith is the beginning, so faith is the end of the christian course. Let us keep this grace in continual exercise, and we may bid death and hell defiance. Faith makes us more than conquerors over all; I speak thus to you, because I hope you and dear Mrs. ―――― have been in some measure made partakers of this free gift of GOD. I pray GOD to increase it more and more, till it be swallowed up in the fruition of our supreme good. Perhaps our faith may be put to the trial ere it be long; I expect nothing but sufferings. Oh pray that I may be faithful unto the end, and that a crown of life may be given to
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXIII
To Mr. H.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. My dear Brother,
THE christian love I bear to both your sister and you, excites me to send you a line. Providence prevented your sailing with us; but as we have drank into the same spirit, I hope brotherly love will continue and increase between us, to all eternity. I have often wrestled in prayer for you since we have been on board. Your sister has watered those prayers with her tears, and I trust the LORD was entreated of us. Our voyage has been highly profitable to our souls. I can never be thankful enough for this sweet retreat. My dear brother, how do you find your heart? Mine is like Ezekiel’s temple, the farther I search into it, the greater abominations I discover; but there is a fountain opened for sin and all uncleanness. There, my dear brother, we may both wash and be made clean. The LORD hath already vouchsafed us some assurances of his love. Oh let us continually keep faith in exercise, till it be entirely swallowed up in the boundless ocean of the beatific vision. That GOD may daily renew you by his spirit, and more and more fit you for the happiness which awaits you above, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate though weak brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXIV
To Mrs. ――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. My Dear Friend,
SHALL I have any leisure time and not write you a line of thanks for your works of faith and labours of love? GOD forbid. I know not your name, but I neither forget your house, nor favours. The LORD reward you a thousand fold! I only fear that you have my person too much in admiration. If you look to the instrument less, and to GOD more, it will be better. By the grace of GOD alone, I am what I am. If any good hath been done to you or others, it was not I, but the grace of GOD that was in me. Oh, not unto me, not unto me, but unto GOD’s name be all the glory. I pray GOD to make you partaker of the same grace; for I would not have you an hearer only, I would have you a doer also. Surely you are more noble and wise, than to deceive your own soul. And yet it is but too notorious, that numbers rest in the outward form, and are strangers to the inward power of godliness in their hearts. Do not you so learn CHRIST. Beg of GOD that you may feel his spirit working mightily in your soul, and witnessing with your spirit that you are a child of GOD. I could go on, but other letters must be wrote――Pray tender my love to all that dined with me at your house; exhort them to keep close by faith to CHRIST, and to pray to and give him thanks in my behalf; for he hath dealt most graciously with
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXV
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mrs. ――――,
STILL I must repeat my former request. Be not angry because I did not visit you oftener. I love, I honour you the more for being of low degree. You are thereby rendered more conformable to our dear and common LORD. His business alone prevented my seeing you so often as I would. However, though absent, I rejoice that our Saviour has dealt so lovingly with you. As afflictions have abounded, consolations have much more abounded. I am persuaded, you can affirm that GOD is the father of all mercies, and the GOD of all comforts. Has he not comforted you my dear sister in all your tribulation? He that hath, and does, will still deliver you. Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Shortly I suppose the earthly house of this your tabernacle will be dissolved: fear not, you shall then be cloathed upon with your house which is from heaven. Oh pray that such honour may be also conferred on
Your unworthy brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXVI
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739. Dear Mr. C――――,
I Cannot forget your frequent attendance on my ministry when last at London. I am pressed in spirit to write you a line, to exhort you to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. You have learned the truth as it is in JESUS. You have been taught it of GOD. Electing love hath snatched you as a brand out of the fire, and you have followed our LORD without the camp, bearing his reproach. The LORD’s tabernacle has lately been pitched in the fields. Ere long it may be driven into the wilderness. I hope you will follow it even there. The divine presence, I am persuaded, will accompany it. Hath not your heart often burnt within you when the Scriptures have been opening to you, though not under a church roof? GOD is not confined to places. Wherever his people are, he will find and visit them. Our LORD (oh stupendous love!) has been pleased to sail with us. I have tasted both of his rod and staff; each has given me unspeakable comfort. My dear brother, help me to praise him. Who so great, so good a GOD, as our GOD? In about a twelve-month I hope to see you again. Oh pray for me, my dear brother, that I may meanwhile be let further into the mysteries of godliness, “GOD manifest in the flesh.” As yet, I find I am but a child, and a meer novice. But this is my comfort, “The LORD who has begun will carry on the good work,” till I am grown a strong man in CHRIST JESUS. I long to know more of his love, I hunger and thirst after the teachings of his blessed spirit. You, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded. Still press on and faint not. Yet a little while and you shall enter into perfect joy with
Your affectionate brother in our dear LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CXXVII
New-York, Nov. 16, 1739. Reverend Sir,
SEEING a passage in your letter to Mr. P―――― concerning me, I find my heart immediately set to send you a line. I love to be acquainted with the true and old servants of JESUS CHRIST, because I delight to sit at their feet and receive instruction from them. You said right, reverend Sir, when you said “I was but a young divine.” Indeed I am a novice in the things of GOD. I can only say, that I desire to know the whole will of GOD, that I may communicate it to others. CHRIST is so good a master, that I would have all men drawn after him. He is pleased to let me experience daily teachings of his blessed spirit, and to show me the riches, freeness, and eternal duration of his love.――But as yet I only see men as trees walking. Oh pray, reverend Sir, that the LORD would again touch me, and enable me to see all things clearly. I desire it only for the good of his church. Reverend Sir, into what a lethargy is the christian world fallen! Foolish and wise virgins are all slumbering and sleeping. It is high time for all that love the LORD JESUS to lift up their voices like trumpets, and to give warning of the bridegroom’s coming; many I hope are already alarmed.――Philadelphia people receive the gospel gladly. Here, indeed, has been some little opposition, and therefore I hope success will be given to the word, and what has been done in England, the journal sent with this will inform you. Oh reverend Sir, I beseech you give thanks for me with your whole heart. Entreat the LORD that I may be kept humble and dependent upon our dear LORD JESUS. GOD willing, in about seven months I hope to see New England in my return to Europe. An effectual door is there opened, and no wonder that there are many adversaries. Shortly I expect to suffer for my dear master. May I not deny him in that hour! If you would please to favour me with a line, I should be glad to continue this correspondence, and acquaint you from time to time how the work of GOD goes on. Mr. N―――― will convey any thing you shall send. May the LORD richly reward both him and you, for your love to
The most unprofitable of all his servants,
G. W.
Letter CXXVIII
New York, Nov. 16, 1739. Rev. Sir,
MR. N――――, and the report of your sincere love for our dear LORD JESUS, embolden me to write this. I rejoice for the great things GOD has done for many souls in Northampton. I hope, GOD willing, to come and see them in a few months. The journal sent with this, will shew you what the LORD is about to do in Europe. Now is the gathering time. A winnowing time will shortly succeed. Persecution and the power of religion will always keep pace. Our LORD ’s word begins to be glorified in America. Many hearts gladly receive it. Oh Rev. Sir, it grieves me to see people, every where ready to perish for lack of knowledge. I care not what I suffer, so that some may be brought home to CHRIST. I am but a stripling, but the LORD chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong. I should rejoice to be instructed by you. Mr. N―――― will convey a letter to me――May the GOD of all grace give you all peace and joy in believing! May he increase you more and more, both you and your children! May you every day be feasted, and built up with fresh anointings of his blessed spirit! And by your fervent prayers, may you be enabled to hold up the hands of, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother, fellow labourer and servant in our dear LORD,
G. W.
Letter CXXIX
New York, Nov. 16, 1739. Hon. Mother,
LAST night GOD brought me hither in health and safety. I must not omit informing you of it. Here is likely to be some opposition, and consequently a likelihood that some good will be done. New friends are raised up every day whithersoever we go; the people of Philadelphia have used me most courteously, and many I believe have been pricked to the heart. GOD willing, I leave this place next Monday, and in about a fortnight think to set out for Virginia by land. In about a twelvemonth, I propose returning to England; expect then to have the happiness of seeing me suffer for my master’s sake. Oh that GOD may enable you to rejoice in it! If you have the spirit of CHRIST you will rejoice, if not, you will be sorrowful. Oh my honoured mother, my soul is in distress for you: Flee, flee I beseech you to JESUS CHRIST by faith. Lay hold on Him, and do not let Him go. GOD hath given you convictions. Arise, arise, and never rest till they end in a sound conversion. Dare to deny yourself. My honoured mother, I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, dare to take up your cross and follow CHRIST.
I am, honoured mother, your ever dutiful though unworthy son,
G. W.
Letter CXXX
To the Rev. Mr. P――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Rev. and dear Sir,
I HAVE been much concerned since I saw you, lest I behaved not with that humility toward you, which is due from a babe to a father in CHRIST: but you know, reverend Sir, how difficult it is to meet with success, and not be puffed up with it, and therefore if any such thing was discernible in my conduct, oh pity me, and pray to the LORD to heal my pride. All I can say is, that I desire to learn of JESUS CHRIST to be meek and lowly in heart; but my corruptions are so strong, and my employ so dangerous, that sometimes I am afraid. But wherefore do I fear? He that hath given me himself, will he not freely give me all things? By his help then I am resolved to ask till I receive, to seek till I find, and to knock till I know myself. Blessed be GOD, I have had a sweet retirement to search out my spirit and bewail the infirmities of my public ministrations. Alas! who can hope to be justified by his works? My preaching, praying, &c. are only splendida peccata. The blood of CHRIST applied to my soul by a living faith, is the only thing that can render them acceptable. This is the doctrine which you, reverend Sir, have been enabled to preach, and for which no doubt you have suffered reproach: But you are now almost at your journey’s end. Yet a little while, and you shall enter into your Master’s joy. In the mean while the LORD, I am persuaded, will keep you as the apple of his eye. He will not forsake you when you are grey-headed, and your strength faileth you. The moment you are ripe for our common Master, he shall translate you to glory; I præ, sequar. I am a child; I must be tutored and made meet by sufferings to be a partaker of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light: But I am persuaded GOD will for CHRIST’s sake finally save, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXXI
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Brother J.,
INDEED I love you. Why? Because I hope you are an Israelite indeed; and one of those babes to whom it has been our LORD’s good pleasure to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD. It is special; it is a distinguishing gift. Be humble, dear James, be humble. Talk little, and think much. A wise man will guide his words with discretion. Be zealous for your dear Master. Let a zeal for his honour even eat you up; but then beg of GOD that it may be according to knowledge. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made you free, and be not again entangled with a yoke of bondage. Join not one of your works with your faith, in order to justify you before GOD: And if GOD gives you a spirit of prayer and supplication, fear not to pray as the spirit gives you utterance. Man may deride, but CHRIST will approve and accept you. Dear James, you see I do not forget you. I hope your little society increases, and that the LORD will always be adding to it such as shall be saved. Salute them all most kindly in my name. Exhort them to continue in the grace of GOD, and to pray for, dear James,
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXXII
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mrs. S.,
HAS the LORD yet heard your prayer? Often have I heard you say, “Oh! that I had received the faith!” As often, to the best of my knowledge, have I said, “Amen.” Ere now, I hope our common Master has fulfilled all your petitions, and given you your heart’s desire. If not, what hinders? Our LORD doth not want power, for he is Almighty; he does not want a will, for he invites you to come unto him. Search your heart, and see what is the reason the King of glory does not enter in. Is it too full of the world? Renounce it. Do you not ask often enough? Resolve to ask oftener. Do you look too much to some who say they have received faith, but do not bring forth good fruit? Henceforward look only to GOD and your own soul. Or do you not know the reason? Ask our LORD to shew you, and indeed he will; for he hath promised to fulfil the desires of them that fear him. Your Cousin can assure you of this. Oh follow him, as he does CHRIST, and you will be as happy as your heart can wish. Dear Mrs. S――――, I am, with all possible thanks for past favours,
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXXIII
To Mrs. Martha B.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. My dear Sister,
I Call you not Martha, but MARY, for I hope you have chosen the better part, which shall not be taken from you: And yet not so properly may you be said to chuse, as the LORD to have chosen you; for we love GOD, because he first loved us. I can trace my conversion through its several steps, but cannot find one step I first took towards GOD. I have been a backslider from my very infancy. Had not GOD called after me, and by his spirit said unto me, as unto Adam, “Where art thou? Into what a dreadful condition hast thou plunged thyself?” I should have fled from him (if possible) for ever. I am persuaded you, my dear Sister, can readily say the same; for otherwise how can we truly value our LORD’s redeeming blood? How can we relish the doctrine of GOD’s free grace, and our being freely justified by faith which is in CHRIST JESUS? Oh let us beg of GOD to teach us these divine truths more and more, (for he alone can teach them) and let us lay out ourselves to teach them to others. You are happy in being in fellowship with some, who I hope will be ready, if need be, to seal these truths with their blood. Be humble, my dear Sister, be humble; and cease not to pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXXIV
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mrs. H.,
RACHEL brings me glad tidings: She tells me the LORD hath touched your heart by the power of his word, and that your relations have threatened to cast you out for our LORD’s sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. If you endure to the end, and naked follow a naked CHRIST, great shall be your reward in heaven. There is no being a christian without enduring contempt; no being happy hereafter, without suffering reproach here. The world can only love its own. As they hate GOD, so they must hate those that are desirous to be like him: But be not dismayed; CHRIST’s strength shall be magnified in your weakness: A living faith will support you under all. When your father and mother forsake you, the LORD will take you up. The greatest foes you will find to be those of your own heart. Subdue these, and outward crosses will affect you but little. To conquer yourself will be a laborious task; but if you believe, JESUS CHRIST shall even do this for you. Get out of yourself, rely wholly on, and be a co-worker with him, and he shall be to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Rachel greatly wishes this, but not more sincerely than
Your friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXXV
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mr. P.,
WHAT a divine sympathy and attraction is there between all those who by one spirit are made members of that mystical body, whereof JESUS CHRIST is the head! I loved your departed wife, now with GOD. I love your daughter, and the church in your house, in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. Blessed be GOD that his love is so far shed abroad in our hearts, as to cause us to love one another, though we a little differ as to externals: For my part, I hate to mention them. My one sole question is, Are you a christian? Are you sealed by CHRIST’s spirit to the day of redemption? Are you hungering and thirsting after the perfect, everlasting righteousness of JESUS CHRIST? If so, you are my brother, my sister, and mother. I desire to love you as myself. This is my temper; I am persuaded it is your’s. Why otherwise did you so gladly receive me into your house? The LORD reward you and the rest of your christian brethren. Indeed I am present with you in spirit, and wish you good luck in the name of the LORD. O be not slack to praise him in my behalf; for I have experienced some rich anointings of his holy spirit, and have been made to see more into the wonders of redeeming love. Did I know more of your names, I would write to more. This is my comfort, I trust our names are written in the book of life. Yet a little while, and we shall sit down together in the kingdom of our Father. A place, though on a lower form, is, I humbly hope, prepared for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXXVI
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mr. H.,
IF I remember, you used to express a great value for my person and doctrine, otherwise why should you desire a line from such a wretch as I am? When I look into myself, and consider how poor and miserable, and blind and naked my soul is, I wonder that any one should pay me the least regard. But what shall we say? GOD will have mercy upon whom he will have mercy. I am entirely indebted to free grace for all I have, am, or shall be. You also, I trust, dear Sir, are ready to subscribe to this; for what have we but what we have received? What should we have been had GOD left us to ourselves? Oh let a sense of this free, distinguishing love constrain us to obedience: A christian needs no other motive. That is a true gospel-faith which works by love. I often think it almost presumption to think of rewards in a future state; my Master amply rewards me in this: But present mercies are only earnests of future favours. Be not therefore, dear Sir, weary of well-doing, for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not. The LORD hath multiplied his favours towards me since I saw you last. We have had a long but pleasant and profitable voyage. Oh sing praises unto our GOD in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXXVII
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mrs. A.,
THESE words of the psalmist, “Let us rejoice in the strength of our salvation,” often come with great power and comfort upon my soul. You and I need take much notice of them: For otherwise how often should we have fallen away from GOD since our first looking Zion-wards? But the LORD as he loves us freely, so he will heal our backslidings. He neither will let us fall into sin or error, so as finally to destroy our souls. GOD forbid this should encourage us in sin. It is only intended to support us in danger, and to strengthen us under temptations. Since there is such infinite mercy with GOD, it is a cogent reason why he should be loved and feared; but not why he should be disobeyed: And since GOD has lately led you out of delusion, be more watchful over yourself, my dear Sister, to follow those who truly shew you the way of salvation.――To hear of your standing stedfast in the LORD, will highly delight
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXXXVIII
To the Rev. Mr. R. E.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Rev. and Dear Sir,
THE cordial and tender love which I bear you, will not permit me to neglect any opportunity of sending to you. I bless the LORD from my soul, for raising you and several other burning and shining lights to appear for him in this midnight of the church. My heart has been much warmed during my voyage, by reading some of your sermons, especially that preached before the associate presbytery. I long more and more to hear the rise and progress of your proceedings, and how far you would willingly carry the reformation of the church of Scotland. There are some expressions which I suppose will be interpreted to your disadvantage, both by your domestic and foreign enemies. I should be glad to know who are those martyrs to which you refer, and of what nature those covenants were which you mention in your sermon. My ignorance of the constitution of the Scotch church is the cause of my writing after this manner. I should be obliged to you, if you would be pleased to recommend to me some useful books, especially such which open the holy sacrament; for in GOD’s law is my delight. Boston’s fourfold State of Man I like exceedingly. Under GOD it has been of much service to my soul. I believe I agree with you and him in the essential truths of christianity. I bless GOD, his spirit has convinced me of our eternal election by the Father through the Son, of our free justification through faith in his blood, of our sanctification as the consequence of that, and of our final perseverance and glorification as the result of all. These I am persuaded GOD has joined together; these, neither men nor devils shall ever be able to put asunder. My only scruple at present is, “Whether you approve of taking the sword in defence of your religious rights?” One of our English bishops I remember, when I was with him, called you Cameronians. They, I think, took up arms, which I think to be contrary to the spirit of JESUS CHRIST and his apostles. Some few passages in your sermon before the presbytery, I thought were a little suspicious of favouring that principle. I pray GOD your next may inform me that I am mistaken: For when zeal carries us to such a length, I think it ceases to be zeal according to knowledge. Dearest Sir, be not angry at my writing thus freely. I love, I honour you in the bowels, and for the sake of JESUS CHRIST, from my soul. I wish you good luck in all your pious undertakings. I pray GOD to prosper the works of your hands, and to make you a noble instrument in bringing many sons to glory. Pray send an immediate answer, directed as usual, and care will be taken to have it remitted to, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate brother, friend, fellow-labourer, and obliged servant,
G. W.
Letter CXXXIX
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Brother,
IT is much upon my heart to send you a line. Although you are not with me, yet as GOD was pleased to touch you by my unworthy ministry, I love you with a peculiar love. Business prevented my writing to you when in Yorkshire. I was sorry to hear that Brother J―――― had reason to blame your conduct. My dear brother, be not offended, if in the meekness and gentleness of CHRIST, I exhort you to be sober-minded. Follow after, but do not run before the blessed Spirit; if you do, although you may benefit others, and GOD may over-rule every thing for your good, yet you will certainly destroy the peace of your own soul. GOD has been pleased to call you by his grace, and to give you joy in the Holy Ghost: But, my brother, I hope it will be more settled and substantial, and joined with meekness and humility of heart. A joy which is the result of inward trials, and flowing from a long experience of the buffeting of satan. Such a joy will make you apt and fit to teach, and keep you from being puffed up above measure. It will exalt, at the same time as it humbles your soul. The LORD direct my dear brother in all things: I wish all his servants were prophets; but let every one be rightly persuaded of his call to public teaching. It is dangerous to touch the ark, though it be falling, without a commission from above. But no more. I am
Your most affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXL
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mr. B.,
YOUR kind present of flour has been of singular use to me and my family; I pray GOD, in return, to feed you with that bread which cometh down from heaven. You are one of my first and choicest friends. You have not been ashamed to own me, or to attend on my ministry. It will wonderfully rejoice me, to see you exalted at our LORD’s right-hand in a future state. The way you know. JESUS CHRIST is the way, the truth, and the life. Through faith in his blood shall you have free access into the holy of holies. I hope dear Mr. B. is not in the number of those, who want to make a Saviour of their own works, and thereby deny the LORD, who has so dearly bought them with his precious blood: No, I am persuaded you are more noble. Mr. B―――― has not so learnt CHRIST. He is willing, I trust, to ascribe his salvation to GOD’s free grace, and to let JESUS CHRIST be all in all. I hope your brother, and those young men you brought with you out of Spittlefields, are likewise thus minded. Though absent, yet I do not forget them. O exhort them from me, to save themselves from this untoward generation. My dear friend, do you go before them, and let them learn of you how to walk with GOD. It is a difficult thing to be a christian indeed. Numbers are Pharisees, and do not know it. I pray GOD you may be delivered from them, and be made experimentally to know that no one can call JESUS CHRIST “his LORD,” till he has really received the Holy Ghost. I could dwell on this, but other business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself, dear Mr. B――――,
Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXLI
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Reverend Sir,
I AM not willing to go on shore till I have performed my promise, and sent you a line. I heartily wish I could write something which might advance the glory of GOD and the good of his church. As we both profess ourselves ministers of the gospel, these two things ought to be our chief and only concern, and more especially at this time, when men seek their own and not the things of the LORD JESUS. Oh, dear Sir, the care of souls I find to be a matter of the greatest importance. You have a great number committed to your charge. What a dreadful thing will it be for any of them to perish through your neglect? And yet I fear, Sir, you do not walk worthy of the holy vocation wherewith you are called. It is no good report that I hear of you in common life. Your practice contradicts your doctrine, and what good can you do, if every one of your parishioners, whilst you are preaching, may reply, “Physician heal thyself?” Besides, Sir, how can you preach CHRIST to others, when you are a stranger to his power yourself? It is next to impossible. I make no apology for this plainness of speech. Simplicity becomes embassadors of CHRIST. I am, reverend Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXLII
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Dear Mr. G.,
INDEED I love you, though it was so long before I came to see you. Want of time, not of respect, was the cause. GOD is my judge how earnestly I long after your salvation, and how willingly I would spend and be spent in order to promote it. Oh how closely does true faith in JESUS CHRIST our head, knit all his members in love to one another; what a divine harmony and attraction is there between them, when they have drank into and been made partakers of one and the same spirit? How does the love of GOD dilate and enlarge their hearts! How do all little distinctions about externals fall away, and every other name is swallowed up in the name of JESUS CHRIST? This, my dear brother, is that catholic spirit, which will cement all denominations of sincere professors together. This is the spirit of which free distinguishing grace has made you a partaker, and which I pray GOD we both may partake of every day more and more. He is faithful who has promised, who also will do it. I find it is not in vain that we have believed in JESUS. He is GOD, and his work is perfect; his love is like himself unchangeable; his gifts and callings are without repentance, and therefore, though I am but a babe in CHRIST, yet I am persuaded I shall see you crowned with glory. Then, my dear brother, we shall have time enough together. Then, there will be no parting, no fear of falling; but we shall drink eternally of those pleasures which flow from GOD’s right hand for evermore. Supported with this hope, what hinders but I may come once again, when the LORD permits, and offer CHRIST’s everlasting righteousness to poor perishing sinners. The devil and his servants will rage horribly, and perhaps cast me into prison, nay, put me to death: But if you will come and visit me, by the help of my GOD, I will preach to you even there; for I am not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST. I have felt it to be the power of GOD unto my salvation. Oh, my brother, the fire kindles whilst I am writing; but I must have done. Pray salute those dear souls that I spoke to at your house, and all other friends. Entreat them to pray and give thanks for me; and assure them they are not forgotten by
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXLIII
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739. Mr. H――――,
AS you stand so nearly related to your daughter, who is with me, though I am unknown to you in person, yet I make bold to send you a line to inform you of her welfare. I find she did not confer much with you about her intended voyage; but I hope both you and her will have great reason to rejoice in the end. GOD has been pleased to visit her with some illness, but now she is perfectly recovered. What is best of all, I hope her soul prospers, and is fitting more day by day for the enjoyment of GOD. This was the chief end of her going abroad, and give me leave to tell you, this is the chief thing you ought, and must pursue at home. But why do I say at home? A christian hath no home but heaven. He is a stranger and pilgrim while here on earth. I hope you know better, Mr. H――――, than to think you was born to drive a team, or plough a piece of ground. These things must be done, but then they should be done in subordination to the care of your better part, the soul. Your daughter tells me, you are now grey headed. Take heed, dear Mr. H――――, to make your calling and election sure. Rest not in outward things. Do not flatter yourself that you are a christian, because you go to church, and do no one any harm. Nothing but a living faith in CHRIST JESUS our dear LORD, can qualify you for eternal life. Without this, GOD will be to us a consuming fire; and unless we are born again, and made new creatures in CHRIST, we never shall enter into the kingdom of GOD. If you know not what I mean by these terms, you may depend upon it, you are a stranger to this new-birth, and consequently in a state of death: but you need not fear; even at the eleventh hour CHRIST will accept you, if you come to him by faith. He hath shewn mercy to your son and daughter. Why may he not shew mercy to their father also? Whosoever cometh to him, he will in no-wise cast out. Haste then, dear Sir, out of your spiritual Sodom. Linger not. Nothing will more rejoice your dear children, than to see you brought to an experimental knowledge of the truth, that you may be saved. For their sakes, you are particularly remembered by
Your unknown but sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXLIV
To the Rev. Mr. P――――.
Upper Marlborough (Mary Land) Dec. 8, 1739. Rev. and dear Sir,
TILL now, I have neither had leisure nor freedom to answer your kind letter. Blessed be GOD, who has opened the hearts of some of his people at New York to receive the word. May he enable you to water what his own right hand hath planted, and grant to your labours a divine increase! Indeed I wish you good luck in the name of the LORD. I wish all his servants were prophets. Oh that he would be pleased to send forth experimental labourers into his harvest:――for I fear amongst you, as well as in other places, there are many who are well versed in the doctrines of grace, having learned them at the university, but notwithstanding are heart-hypocrites, and enemies to the power of godliness.――Dear Sir, I use this freedom, because I love simplicity. I confess I am but a child in grace, as well as years. Pardon this freedom, for out of the fulness and sincerity of my heart my pen writeth.――I thank your son and dear Mr. S―――― for what they did on my account. Alas, I fear they think too highly of me. Oh dear Sir, entreat the GOD of all grace to give me humility, so shall success not prove my ruin. My most cordial respects and hearty thanks attend dear Mrs. P――――, I pray GOD in all things to make her a help meet for you――As fast as I can snatch a few moments from public business, more New York friends may expect to hear from me――A sense of their favours is still upon my heart――I would willingly remember them, whenever I go in and out before the LORD. Mr. N――――’s letter, and my next journal, will acquaint you, how the LORD JESUS has been getting himself the victory, since I left New York――There has been such little opposition, that I have been tempted almost to cry out, “Satan, why sleepest thou?” But GOD pities my weakness. Oh, dear Sir, thank him in my behalf, for indeed he deals most lovingly with, Rev. Sir,
Your most unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
G. W.
Letter CXLV
Upper Marlborough, Dec. 8, 1739. Dear Sir,
I Cannot defer writing to dear Mr. N―――― any longer.――This afternoon GOD brought us hither. Some are solicitous for my staying here to-morrow. As it seems to be a call from providence, I have complied with their request. Oh that I may be enabled to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and to speak with the demonstration of the spirit and with power. These parts are in a dead sleep. At Anapolis, I preached twice, and spoke home to some ladies concerning the vanity of their false politeness. But alas, they are wedded to their Quadrille and Ombre. The minister of the place was under convictions――He wept twice, and earnestly begged my prayers. He will not frighten people I believe with harsh doctrine,――he loves to prophesy smooth things.――GOD blessed the word wonderfully at Philadelphia. I have great reason to think many are brought home to GOD. When I return, it will then be seen, who has received the word into an honest and good heart. By the divine assistance, I propose revisiting Philadelphia, New York, and to go as far as Boston, and so return to Georgia, before I take shipping again for England――The LORD direct my going in his way! About May you may expect to see me. My dear friend, pray that I may so improve the time of my absence, that at my return my progress may be made known to all men. It shames me to see what little proficiency I have made in the school of CHRIST. If I do not begin to press forwards, how shall I appear before my blessed LORD? I feel myself to be the chief of sinners; surely never was a greater instance of redeeming distinguishing love. GOD forbid that I should glory in any thing but free grace: had not GOD plucked me as a brand out of the fire, I had now either been given over to a reprobate mind, or cast into a place of torment. Oh help me, help me, dearest Mr. N――――, help me to be thankful, and accept my thanks, though late, for all favours received when at New York. Indeed I love you in the bowels of our dear LORD JESUS. Salute your dear wife my kind hostess: exhort her to be severely kind to her little boy.――My most cordial respects attend all who ask after me. Entreat them to continue their prayers, dearest Mr. N――――, for
Your weak, but affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXLVI
To Mr. B――――.
Upper Marlborough, Dec. 8, 1739. Dear Sir,
GRATITUDE obliges me to send you a letter of thanks for your last kind present, and all other favours; but the love of our LORD JESUS CHRIST constrains me to write to you, exhorting you earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. I humbly hope the LORD has been pleased to bless my coming in these parts to many, and amongst them to you also. It rejoiced me to find dear Mr. B―――― was convinced that I preached the truth as it is in JESUS. It pleased me exceedingly, to find how his eyes were opened to see the direct contrariety there is, between the spirit of CHRIST and the spirit of the world. What has my dear friend now to do, but to prosecute these convictions, and never rest till they end in a sound conversion. GOD has given you richly all things to enjoy. Be persuaded henceforward not to be so cumbered about the many trifles of this life, as to neglect the one thing needful, Dare, Sir, to be singularly good, Oh dare to let your light shine before men――Be not ashamed of CHRIST and his gospel. Come out from your carnal acquaintance, and live as becomes a true follower of our LORD JESUS. Dear Mr. B――――, I hope will join with you. GOD’s spirit has been and is now striving with his heart. I pray GOD to make this the accepted time, and cause it to be the day of his salvation. How will it fill me with joy at my return to Philadelphia, to see dear Mr. B―――― and some other excellent well-meaning people, whom I love, become despised followers of the Lamb of GOD. If my prayers may be any ways assisting, as GOD shall enable me you may depend on them――Our dear friend B―――― can inform you what GOD has done for us, since we saw you. One favour more I beg of you; give thanks as well as pray for
Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXLVII
To Captain B――――.
Williamsburgh, (Virginia) Dec. 15, 1739.
HITHER GOD brought us last night; I trust the same gracious being, by his good providence, has conducted you safe to Philadelphia. I cannot say, I have met with so much as even an almost christian, since I parted from you, till I came to Colonel Whiting’s――There, GOD put in my way a planter, that is seeking to know the way of GOD more perfectly――He is now with us, and I hope our conversation will be blessed unto him. Oh dear Mr. B――――, strive, I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, strive to enter in at the strait gate. GOD of late has loudly called you――Take heed that neither the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, nor the pride of life prevail on you to lie down in a carnal security again. I am confident you will be most heartily despised, if you are a real christian; but dear Mr. B――――’s resolution will be built on a better foundation, than to let a little breath blow it down. In CHRIST is your strength; look up to him day by day, and as your day is, so shall your strength be. I fear and pray for you. GOD only knows, how often you have been upon my heart. We have not failed interceding for you at the throne of grace. I shall be much mistaken, if Mr. B―――― does not prove a christian indeed. About May I propose, GOD willing, to be with you again. Then I shall rejoice to sit and hear you tell what GOD has done for your soul――Be not afraid of conviction. Be not afraid of inward feelings. Now pray to the LORD JESUS, to lay the ax of mortification to the root of your heart. Make thorough work with it. Do not spare yourself in the least.――Now is the accepted time, and that it may be the day of salvation, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mr. B――――,
Your obliged affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXLVIII
To the Rev. Mr. G―――― T――――.
Williamsburgh, Dec. 15, 1739. My dear Brother,
BE not angry because you have not heard from me. Indeed I love and honour you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. You are seldom out of my thoughts; but till now I have not had liberty given me, to send you a line――I trust the work goes on gloriously in your parts. The hand of the LORD brought wondrous things to pass, before we left Pensilvania; but in these parts satan seems to lead people captive at his will. The distance of the plantations prevents people’s assembling themselves together.――Here are no great towns, as in other provinces, and the commonalty is made up of Negroes and convicts, and if they pretend to serve GOD, their masters, Pharaoh like, cry out, “Ye are idle, ye are idle.” Last night I read the affecting account of your brother John; let me die, O LORD, the death of that righteous man, and let my future state be like his! O my dear friend, my brother, entreat the LORD that I may grow in grace, and pick up the fragments of my time, that not a moment of it may be lost. Teach me, oh teach me the way of GOD more perfectly. Rebuke, reprove, exhort me with all authority――I feel I am but a babe in CHRIST. I long to know more of the holy JESUS. He has manifested himself to my soul, both in a way of humiliation and exaltation. Since I saw you, both his rod and staff have comforted me. At present, he makes me young and lively as an eagle; I only wish I was more worthy to subscribe myself
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXLIX
To Mrs. C.
Newton, Cape Fear, Dec. 28, 1739. My dear Sister in CHRIST,
JUST now we have been singing the hymn, which we sung at Broad-oak; and as I generally do at such seasons, I thought of that happy time wherein we sung it in your great hall. It was a time much to be remembered, an anticipation, I believe, of that blessed time when we all shall meet to sing the song of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem――For the adoption of the spirit, if truly received, is the earnest of our promised inheritance. We are sealed thereby to the day of redemption, and therefore may give both men and devils the challenge to separate us, if they can, from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD――I am verily persuaded, that since I left you, all things have worked together for your good. As I am travelling, often does my soul think both of you and yours, and out of the fulness of my heart, do I often pour forth this or such like petitions, “Dearest LORD, be for ever gracious to the houshold of ――――!” My conscience hath smote me frequently, for not writing you a longer letter. I send this to ask pardon, and to assure you how often you and your daughters are upon my heart, when I go in and out before the LORD――I long to hear how the LORD JESUS hath magnified his strength in your weakness. It would fill a volume to tell his goodness and truth; and my base ingratitude sometimes comes with such conviction upon my heart, that I can scarce forbear getting off my horse, and humbling myself in the way side. Indeed, I am the chief of sinners, and yet overflowing hath the LORD JESUS been in his love. You will hear more soon by the journal which will be sent. Dear Mrs. C――――, my love to all.
Your affectionate though unworthy brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CL
Savannah, Jan. 16, 1740. Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH much pleasure (tho’ not till last week) I received your kind affectionate letter. I thank you for it with all my soul, and pray GOD to reward you for this, and all other your works of faith and labours of love. You may depend on my not being prejudiced against you or your brethren, by any evil report. They only endear you to me more and more; and were your enemies to represent you as black as hell, I should think you were the more glorious in the sight of heaven. Your sweet criticisms and remarks upon my journal and sermons, were exceeding acceptable, and very just. I assure you, dear Sir, I am fully convinced of the doctrine of election, free justification, and final perseverance. My observations on the Quakers, were only intended for those particular persons with whom I then conversed. The tenets of the quakers in general, about justification, I take to be false and unscriptural. Your adversaries need take no advantage against you, by any thing I have written; for I think it every minister’s duty to declare against the corruptions of that church to which they belong, and not to look upon those as true members of their communion, who deny its publick constitutions. This is your case in Scotland, and ours in England. I see no other way for us to act at present, than to go on preaching the truth as it is in JESUS; and then if our brethren cast us out, GOD will direct us to take that course which is most conducive to his glory, and his people’s good. I think I have but one objection against your proceedings; “Your insisting only on presbyterian government, exclusive of all other ways of worshipping GOD.” Will not this, dear Sir, necessarily lead you (whenever you get the upper-hand) to oppose and persecute all that differ from you in their church government, or outward way of worshipping GOD? Our dear brother and fellow-labourer Mr. G―――― T―――― thinks this will be the consequence, and said he would write to you about it. As for my own part, (though I profess myself a minister of the church of England) I am of a catholic spirit; and if I see a man who loves the LORD JESUS in sincerity, I am not very solicitous to what outward communion he belongs. The kingdom of GOD, I think, does not consist in any such thing. These are my sentiments, dear Sir, and I write them out of love――I am ashamed (because only a babe in CHRIST) to pretend as it were to direct; but true friendship needs no apology. GOD is doing great things in America. My journal, which I send over with this, will shew you what he has done already. Your welfare is much upon my heart, and as I am enabled, I make mention of you in my prayers. Affairs of the Orphan-house go on well. Some few, even here, love the LORD JESUS. Oh, dear Sir, pray for us, and especially for
Your weak unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLI
Savannah, Jan. 22, 1740. My Hon. Friend and Brother in CHRIST,
YOUR last letter quite confounded me. What am I, that I should be thus highly favoured! I can only say, that “Less than the least of all GOD’s mercies,” shall be my motto still. I have experienced many inward trials, since I saw you last. But I find they work continually for my good. I rejoice in what our dear LORD JESUS has done for your soul. May a double portion of his blessed spirit rest upon you; may our glorious ever-blessed Emanuel cause all his glory to pass before you, and may you be filled with all the fulness of GOD! Since my arrival here, I have received a sweet endearing instructive letter from Mr. Ralph E――――; I have answered it, and told him you promised to write about the necessity of a catholic spirit. Dr. C―――― also has favoured me with a loving epistle. I have received and read his sermons since I saw you: they are acute and pointed, but I think not searching enough by many degrees――My dear brother, I love writers that go to the bottom――GOD willing, I hope to be with you at the synod――But what think you? I am sometimes doubting, whether I shall have sufficient matter given me to preach upon. Methinks I hear you say, “O thou of little faith! wherefore dost thou doubt? As thy day is, so shall thy strength be.” Michael and the dragon, I hear, are carrying on war most bravely in England. I really believe we shall not die, till we see the kingdom of GOD come with power. The affairs of the orphan-house are in great forwardness. I have much to say; but time and business will not permit. Blessed be GOD, eternity is at hand, and then we shall have time enough. I have read some of your books to my great profit. I want to be taught the way of GOD more perfectly all the day long. My tenderest respects await the brethren; my dear fellow-travellers salute you――You are often remembered both by them, and
Your affectionate though very weak and unworthy brother, servant and fellow-labourer in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLII
To the Rev. Mr. C.
Savannah, Jan. 24, 1740 Rev. and dear Sir,
I Received your kind, though undeserving letter, and now snatch a few moments from my other avocations, in order to send you a short answer. May GOD who knits the elect in one communion and fellowship, sanctify our friendship and correspondence to the stirring up each other to love and to good works!――It pleased me to find you breathe so catholic a spirit.――O that bigotry and party zeal were not so much as once named amongst us, as becometh saints! Since CHRIST is not divided in himself, why should christians be divided one amongst another? Bigotry, I am sure, can never be the fruit of that wisdom which cometh from above.――No, it is earthly, sensual, and devilish. When I come to New England I shall endeavour to recommend an universal charity amongst all the true members of CHRIST’s mystical body. Perhaps therefore, the fields may be the most unexceptionable place to preach in. You and your brethren, I am persuaded, will follow our LORD even without the camp, and rejoice to bear his sacred reproach. Assist me, dear Sir, in your prayers, that my coming may be in the fulness of the gospel of peace――I shall come only with my sling and with my stone.――If the LORD shall be pleased so to direct me, that I may strike some self-righteous Goliahs to the heart, I know you will rejoice with, Rev. and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in the love of our dear LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLIII
To Mr. W. D.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. My dear Brother in CHRIST,
BLESSED be GOD, for the good report I hear of your zeal for our dear Emanuel. Go on, I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS; go on, and I am persuaded the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in your hands. If I am thrown aside as a broken vessel, so I see you and others stirred up to carry on our dear LORD ’s kingdom, if my heart does not deceive me, I shall rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. GOD blesses the affairs of the orphan-house. The work is large, but we have omnipotence for our support.――I believe I shall take in near fifty children. GOD lets me see every day, that he orders my goings. He visits me with inward trials; but if I had not such thorns in the flesh, what would become of me? Fear not to speak the truth; if driven out of England, here is a noble range for you in America. At present I am restrained; but I could not rest, without letting you have a line from
Your most affectionate friend brother, and servant,
G. W.
Letter CLIV
To Mrs. D.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. Dear Madam,
I Rejoice to hear that you are likely to be cast out of your mother’s Will only for following CHRIST. This may be only the beginning of temptations. GOD, I believe, out of love will try you to the uttermost. You have drank deep of heavenly comforts; you must pledge our LORD in his cup of sufferings. Those who saw him on mount Tabor afterwards were with him in the garden. But fear not――The LORD is with you――Neither men nor devils shall hurt you. The sweet communion we have had with GOD, and through him with one another, often comforts my soul. Who knows, but that time may be again repeated? Indeed, I want words as well as time to express with what thankfulness I desire to subscribe myself, dear madam,
Your unworthy brother and obliged servant in our common LORD,
G. W.
Letter CLV
To Captain M.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. Dear Sir,
I Rejoice to hear of your good health, and take this opportunity of sending you Mr. Law’s and Mr. Haliburton’s life; which I pray GOD to sanctify to your benefit and comfort. I hope you will watch over your heart, and take care to keep up those convictions, which GOD once put into your soul. I am afraid of Mr. B. The world, the world I fear has got hold of him. Dear Captain M――――, I trust, will not desert his Master.――I am sure he would die, rather than prove false to an earthly prince.――Oh let him not desert his dear Redeemer’s colours. Dear Sir, beg of GOD to root out of your heart a desire for that honour which cometh of man. Till dead to the world you will not be alive to GOD. Honour, falsely so called, has destroyed millions. That you may be never carried away with, or ruined by it, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your’s, &c.
G. W.
Letter CLVI
To the Rev. Mr. W. T.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. My dear and honoured Brother,
BLESSED be GOD, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servants.――I am abased to think what our all-gracious Redeemer hath done by my unworthy hands, and rejoice to hear that he is working by your’s. Oh that you may experience fresh anointings and teaching from above! O that you may be strengthened by GOD’s mighty power in the inner man, and pull down satan’s strong-holds daily. GOD willing, I hope to be with you at the Synod. I find as yet I scarce know any thing; but if I give out of my little stock, I trust the LORD will increase it, as he did the little lad’s loaves and fishes. My journal, which I have sent to Philadelphia, will tell you what GOD has done in Maryland and Virginia. A foundation of great things I believe is laying here. Oh pray that a sense of his own littleness, may be given to
Your affectionate, though unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLVII
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. My dear Sister,
I Rejoice to hear that you are enabled to see not only the freeness but eternal duration of GOD’s grace. Till the sinner is convinced of this, I am persuaded he can neither work from a principle of true love, nor give JESUS CHRIST the honour due unto his name. He must always be making his salvation to depend partly at least on his own doings; “If I do so and so, JESUS CHRIST will give me his grace:” But can any believer who knows himself, help confessing, that after he had received grace, he should have finally fallen from it, had the continuance of it depended on his own will? Indeed, my dear Sister, nothing so much comforts my own soul as the thought that GOD will never leave me nor forsake me; if he does, it must be for my unworthiness: But on that account it cannot be; for he never chose me on account of my unworthiness. He loved me freely, he prevented me by his grace; he chose me from eternity, he called me in time, and I am persuaded will keep me till time shall be no more.――This consideration makes my faith to work by love. Now, I can live not barely upon my frames, which notwithstanding are blessed things, but on the promises. Now, I can go on my way rejoicing, and, amidst all dejections, lift up my head in prospect of a certain and exceeding weight of glory. Though I fall, I know I shall rise again; for he that is brought truly to believe on JESUS CHRIST, his faith shall never die. The LORD JESUS will not suffer to be lost the purchase of his blood. He knew for whom he died, and neither men nor devils shall ever pluck them out of his hands. Such as have been taught most of GOD, I find, are thus minded. And I am persuaded were the effects of our LORD’s redemption to depend on a man’s own compliance, or was the continuance of GOD’s grace to depend solely on man’s improvement, JESUS CHRIST would have died in vain. Adam could not stand in paradise when left to his own free-will, how then can we? No, blessed be GOD, our salvation is put into better hands than our own. JESUS CHRIST has purchased not only wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification, but also eternal redemption for us. Let this thought, my dear Sister, lift up our hands when they hang down, and strengthen our feeble knees; GOD’s gifts and callings are without repentance. There is no condemnation to them that are truly in CHRIST JESUS. And I write thus peremptorily to you, because I find now you are able to bear it.――Blessed be GOD! my dear Sister, flesh and blood has not revealed this unto you. I hope ere long our brethren will lay all carnal reasoning aside, and see and preach the truth in this respect, as it is in JESUS. My kindest love to your sister.――What I write to one, I write to both. The LORD direct your going in his way, and cause you to continue instant in prayer for
Your weak brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLVIII
To Mrs. Elizabeth W――――.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. My dear Sister,
I Have been just reading over your letter, and felt a sweet sympathy with the writer. Oh that it may increase till we are filled with all the fulness of GOD! Some passages in your letter were dangerous to my soul. Whenever you see any growth of grace, pray that I may grow in humility in particular. Oh that I was lowly in heart! Honour and dishonour, good report and evil report would then be alike, and prove a furtherance to me in my christian cause.――I believe the time is shortly coming in which I am to endure something for my LORD and Master; then will I cry out, Who is on the LORD’s side? Nothing supports me under a prospect of a trying time, so much as a sense of GOD’s everlasting love. I am persuaded, that neither men nor devils shall ever pluck me out of his Almighty hands. Let this support you, my dear Sister, in your change of life. Wherever you are, I am confident you will have reason to say, “Surely GOD is in this place.” That you may wax stronger and stronger, and ripen daily for glory, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate brother and servant in our dear Emanuel,
G. W.
Letter CLIX
To Mr. J. N.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740. Dear Sir,
I Hope you will excuse my not answering your kind letter sooner.――The many avocations that at present surround me, prevented it. I rejoice to hear that our LORD JESUS is getting himself the victory in the hearts of poor sinners. I hope many will now rejoice in his salvation. One good sign is, that he has employed the meanest, as well as vilest wretch, that he ever yet sent forth.――When I hear that any good is done by my unworthy hands, it almost makes me to blush.――Oh that I could humble myself in the dust, that the LORD alone may be exalted in his strength. I purpose to revisit New-York at the appointed time. You told me, “Our LORD has not sent me into his vineyard at my own charge.” Indeed, I always find he furnishes me with things convenient: Nay, he is often so abundant in goodness and truth, that I am obliged to cry out in holy admiration, “My LORD and my GOD!” Dear Sir, help me to be thankful. Blessed be GOD, the Orphan-house affairs succeed well. Many souls will be redeemed by it from temporal, and I trust, from eternal bondage. I have taken in upwards of twenty children already, and I take in more daily.――I am building a large house, have many servants, and a good stock of cattle. It will cost much money.――But our LORD will see to that. My friends at New-York will assist me when I come amongst them. Oh that my coming may be in the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of peace! I am persuaded, you will not be wanting in your prayers on behalf of, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLX
To Mrs. Elizabeth D――――.
Savannah, Feb. 1, 1740. My dear Sister in CHRIST,
I Generally observe that whom the LORD loves, for the most part he keeps from preferment.――Your grandmother cannot do any more than she is permitted. It is GOD’s free grace alone, that has made the difference between us and others. Oh that we were duly sensible of electing love! Indeed it must necessarily constrain us to obedience. I am glad you like Boehm. His works are truly evangelical, and afford sweet nourishment to the new-born soul. The nearer we come to GOD, the better we shall relish searching books. It is an evident sign of a false heart, when it is unwilling to be probed. Blessed be GOD, you are not thus minded. I trust the LORD JESUS has apprehended you, and will henceforward never let you go. O that I may hear of your growth in grace, and of your zeal for the LORD OF HOSTS.――You do well to go about doing good; your Master did so before you. Dare, dear Miss, to follow his good example, and never fear the revilings of men. Set your face as a flint against all the adversaries of our LORD; for shortly you shall tread all your enemies under feet. I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS our Saviour, to keep up a close walk and communion with GOD. Nothing else can preserve you from idols; and you know when once the soul is off its watch, the devil makes sad ravages in it. There is nothing I dread more than having my heart drawn away by earthly objects.――When that time comes, it will be over with me indeed; I must then bid adieu to zeal and fervency of spirit, and in effect, bid the LORD JESUS to depart from me. For alas, what room can there be for GOD, when a rival hath taken possession of the heart? Oh my dear Sister, pray that no such evil may befal me. My blood runs cold at the very thought thereof. I cannot, indeed; I cannot away with it. In a multiplicity of business, have I wrote you these lines. I thank you for your kind letter, and hope I shall always retain a grateful sense of the many favours I have received from your dear family. My kindest respects attend your sister; I long to hear of her being brought into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD. How does your father? Oh that he may have a well-grounded interest in CHRIST! How does my dear brother Charles? I pray GOD to fill him with all joy and peace in believing. And how does your little sister? Dearest Redeemer, keep her unspotted from the world! My heart is now full. Writing quickens me. I could almost drop a tear, and wish myself, for a moment or two, in England. But hush, nature: GOD here pours down his blessings on
Your sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXI
To the Rev. Mr. D. R.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740. My reverend and dear Brother,
I Received your kind letter just on my arrival at this place.――My journal, which I suppose you will have read ere this reaches Wales, can best inform you what GOD hath done for my own and other people’s souls.――Even here, he is pleased to be with and assist us. The Orphan- house goes on bravely. I believe I shall take in near fifty children before I return to England. He that feedeth the young ravens which call upon him, will not suffer them to want.――I rejoice to hear that the LORD JESUS is so publicly confessed among your countrymen.――If the LORD is pleased to send me, I shall gladly take a tour into Wales.――In this time of retirement, I expect many inward conflicts. How otherwise shall I be prepared for future mercies? Experience of GOD’s work upon our own souls, is the best qualification to preach it effectually to others. In about two months I take another tour round America. The gospel, I believe, will come with power in these parts. I expect to suffer in the flesh for what hath been done already: But what have we to do with the consequences of performing our duty? Leave them to GOD. Oh, my dear brother, pray for me that my faith fail not, and then I care not what persecution befals
Your weak unworthy brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXII
To Mr. H. H.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740. My dear Brother,
WILL this find you in prison or not? Your last letter (which I received upon my arrival here) gave me some expectations that ere long you would be both in prison and bonds. By and by, I shall follow perhaps.――The LORD sanctify all his dispensations to us, and make us not only willing to be bound, but even to die for the sake of our dear Master. When I read how my letters, &c. are blessed to your comfort, it quite confounds me. Oh the free-grace of CHRIST JESUS our LORD! My dear Brother, let us continue instant in season and out of season.――Let us continually preach up free-grace, though we die for it; we cannot lose our lives in a better cause. As I am enabled, I remember you at the throne of grace; in general I sigh out my prayers.――But the spirit, I trust, makes intercession for me with groanings that cannot be uttered.
I have not had much enlargement in preaching, since I have been here; but my heart is often weighed down, and torn to pieces with a sense of my desperately wicked and deceitful heart. I can subscribe to what you say, “Was GOD to leave me to myself, I should be eminent for, and a ring-leader in sin.” I sometimes think my heart is more vicious and perverse than any one’s; and yet JESUS CHRIST will come and dwell in me.――Methinks I hear you say, “Glory be to free grace: All praise be given to electing love.”――Let all that love the LORD JESUS say, Amen! Pray write to me as often as possible.――GOD, I believe, is laying a foundation for great things in Georgia. I am building a large house, and taking in many children. Wrestle with GOD in behalf of, Brother,
Your’s eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXIII
To Mr. H――――.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740.
HOW is it with your heart? I hope the LORD JESUS leads you on from conquering to conquer, and gets himself the victory every day. I cannot but think that hereafter great things will be done in America. GOD seems to have given some earnests of it already. My next journal will acquaint you what they are. It often pleases me, to reflect how CHRIST’s kingdom is securely carried on in spite of men and devils, and that too by the weakest instruments in different parts of the world. Surely we shall unite at last, and that glorious time will come, when, with one heart and with one voice, we shall sing praises to him who sitteth upon the throne for ever. A glorious epiphany, I trust, will shortly be made in the hearts of many souls. My dearest Brother, let us do or suffer any thing, so we may be made instruments of beginning and carrying on so divine a work. As for my own part, I often stand astonished at the riches of free distinguishing grace, and I often feel myself so great a sinner, that I am tempted to think, nothing can be blessed which comes from such unhallowed hands and lips; but yet the LORD is with me, and attended his word with mighty power on Christmas day. Pray remember me to all friends. I expect you will receive the letters I sent from Philadelphia, ere this comes to hand. I depend on seeing your journal, and hope you will accept of my most cordial love from, dearest Brother,
Your’s eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXIV
To Mr. H. G.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740. My dear Brother,
WHAT shall I say to your kind letter? I bless the LORD for awakening you to see the necessity of trusting in a better righteousness than your own, and I adore him for making use of so mean an instrument as I am. It is a plain proof that the power is not of man, but of GOD alone. Labour, dear Sir, to keep up these convictions in your heart. Now GOD has called you, take care of lying down again.――Be always trimming your lamp, as though you were in expectation every moment to meet the heavenly Bridegroom.――Search more and more into the corruption of your heart, and never rest till GOD’s spirit witnesseth with your spirit, that you are a child of GOD. Let the deadness of those around you, excite your zeal. See that you are a burning and a shining light in the midst of such a crooked and perverse generation.――And let a sense of GOD’s distinguishing love to you above others, excite you to distinguish yourself by your obedience; still remembering that the LORD JESUS is our whole and everlasting righteousness. That we both may be found in him, is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXV
To the Rev. Mr. J――――.
Savannah, Feb. 29, 1740. Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH great pleasure I answer your kind letter, and earnestly pray that GOD would be pleased to sanctify our correspondence. It rejoices my soul, when I find a clergyman that loves our LORD JESUS in sincerity. It is with regret that I speak against any of the sacred function; but when their preaching and walk are directly contrary to the gospel of our LORD JESUS, I cannot but speak to them, as well as to the laity. To the best of my knowledge, I preach the truth as it is in JESUS, and simply aim at bringing souls to him. Blessed be his free grace for the success he hath been pleased to give me. Not unto me, not unto me, but unto his holy name be all the glory! Daily I am convinced, that GOD’s hand is not shortened――He blesses me here as well as elsewhere. The Orphan-house is in great forwardness. I feed near an hundred mouths daily, and am assured I serve a GOD who will supply all our wants. It would rejoice me to see you at Savannah, if your business will permit.――I can now provide things convenient for your reception.――In about six weeks I propose, GOD willing, to go northward.――If you can, pray favour me with your company before that time.――My friends will rejoice to hear and see you.――They join with me in affectionate respects to yourself and Mrs. J――――. I have sent you a few little tracts, and long for opportunities to convince you, reverend and dear Sir, how sincerely I subscribe myself
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in our dear LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXVI
To Captain H. M.
Savannah, March 2, 1740. Dear Sir,
WITH pleasure I received your kind letter last night, and immediately prayed, that GOD would never leave you before he had finished the good work begun in your heart. He has given you a rational, I hope ere long, he will give you a spiritual conviction of sin and of CHRIST. When that comes, all opposition will fall before it. The world will be as nothing in your eyes, and you will act like a soldier of JESUS CHRIST. Indeed, dear Sir, I travail as it were in birth, till JESUS CHRIST be thoroughly formed within you. If I do not forget my promise, I do not forget your favours.――I make mention of you in my prayers. Linger not, dear Sir, but haste out of your spiritual Sodom. Flee, flee to JESUS CHRIST, whose sacred blood has made an atonement for sinners. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness, and chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of GOD, than to enjoy any thing which this world may afford, for a season. Accept the sermons I have herewith sent, and believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXVII
To Mr. James S――――.
March 2, 1740. Dear Mr. S.,
BLESSED be GOD, that you are yet alive as to your body; blessed be GOD, that some sparks of divine light are yet discernible in your soul. Indeed, I have been frequently distressed for you and your companions, lest satan, through the corruption of your hearts, and the deceitfulness of worldly business, should get an advantage over you. Oh watch, my dear friend, watch unto prayer; keep close to GOD through a living faith in his dear Son; forget not your first love; forget not a bleeding GOD; forget not that time, when your soul was about to take its last flight. O that I may meet you in triumph at the last day! Providence thwarts my seeing you. Adieu; write as often as you can. You have my prayers, and as a token of my love, be pleased to accept this letter and the books sent with it, from
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXVIII
To the Hon. J. W.
Savannah, March 10, 1740. Honoured Sir,
YESTERDAY, after public worship, I received with pleasure your kind letter, and was immediately ready to cry out, Why do so many of my LORD’s servants take notice of such a dead dog as I am. Surely sovereign, rich, and free grace was never exalted more than in the mercy shewn to me, who am in truth the unworthiest of the sons of men.――Honoured Sir, it rejoices me to hear that there are so many at New England, who love the LORD JESUS in sincerity, and dare to shine as lights in the world amongst a crooked and perverse generation.――I wish they may be all Aquila’s and Priscilla’s to me, and teach me the way of GOD more perfectly; for I long to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Oh he is a sweet master; even here do I feel his blessed influences, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.――He is often with us in the midst of his sanctuary, and much succeeds the Orphan-house.――I have digged low, and intend to build it high, because I have a great GOD to pay the charges. I have about thirty-six children which I maintain and cloath, and have upwards of forty persons more who are employed in the work. The plantation is in great forwardness.――Many families are kept here by my employing them, and I hope to see many a youth bred up for GOD; for I design to breed up for the ministry, all that at any time I shall perceive to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and endued with suitable natural abilities. The work, I am persuaded, is of GOD, and I know he will raise up instruments to support it. Let him chuse whom seemeth him good.――In about three months, GOD willing, I hope to be near, or at New England. I thank you from my soul, honoured Sir, for your kind invitation; but, I believe, am pre-engaged to one Mr. S――――d. The LORD reward both him, and all others who receive me in his name! I have not yet received the books, which you was pleased to send me, because they are sent to the southward, but I expect them daily, and doubt not of their being profitable. I know not how to express my gratitude for your great condescension in writing to me, but that I may always behave so as not to be ashamed of subscribing myself
Your obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXIX
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Savannah, March 26, 1740. Honoured Sir,
SINCE I returned here, I received your letter and journal.――I thank you for both, and shall wait almost with impatience to see a continuance of your account of what GOD is doing or has done amongst you――He knows my heart, I rejoice in whatever GOD has done by your hands. I, præ, sequar, etsi non passibus equis.
I could now send a particular answer to your last; but, my honoured friend and brother, for once hearken to a child, who is willing to wash your feet. I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS our LORD, if you would have my love confirmed towards you; write no more to me about misrepresentations wherein we differ. To the best of my knowledge at present, no sin has dominion over me, yet I feel the strugglings of indwelling sin day by day; I can therefore by no means come into your interpretation of the passage mentioned in the letter, and as explained in your preface to Mr. Halyburton――The doctrine of election, and the final perseverance of those that are truly in CHRIST, I am ten thousand times more convinced of, if possible, than when I saw you last――You think otherwise: why then should we dispute, when there is no probability of convincing? Will it not in the end destroy brotherly love, and insensibly take from us that cordial union and sweetness of soul, which I pray GOD may always subsist between us? How glad would the enemies of the LORD be to see us divided? How many would rejoice, should I join and make a party against you? And in one word, how would the cause of our common master every way suffer by our raising disputes about particular points of doctrines? Honoured Sir, let us offer salvation freely to all by the blood of JESUS; and whatever light GOD has communicated to us, let us freely communicate to others. I have lately read the life of Luther, and think it in no wise to his honour, that the last part of his life was so much taken up in disputing with Zuinglius and others; who in all probability equally loved the LORD JESUS, notwithstanding they might differ from him in other points. Let this, dear Sir, be a caution to us, I hope it will to me; for by the blessing of GOD, provoke me to it as much as you please, I do not think ever to enter the lists of controversy with you on the points wherein we differ. Only I pray to GOD, that the more you judge me, the more I may love you, and learn to desire no ones approbation, but that of my LORD and master JESUS CHRIST.――Ere this reaches you, I suppose you will hear of my late excursion to Charles Town. A great work I believe is begun there. Enclosed I have sent you Mr. Garden’s letters――They will serve to convince you, more and more, of the necessity you lie under to be instant in season and out of season. Oh, dear honoured Sir, I wish you as much success as your own heart can wish. Was you here, I would weep over you with tears of love, and tell you what great things GOD hath done for my soul, since we parted last. Indeed and indeed, I often and heartily pray for your success in the gospel: May your inward strength and outward sphere increase day by day! May GOD use you as a choice and singular instrument of promoting his glory on earth, and may I see you crowned with an eternal and exceeding weight of glory in the world to come! This is the hearty desire of, honoured Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXX
To Mr. W.
Savannah, March 26, 1740.
AND how does dear Mr. Wal――? His letter lies by me, and I now am inclined to answer it. My dear brother, how do you feel your heart? Is it grown sick of original and actual sin? Is it grown sick of unbelief and self-righteousness? Is it closely united to the holy JESUS? Do you feed on him in your heart by faith? And do you receive of his fulness day by day? I ask these questions, because I want to see you write of the inward life, and to hear you talk of your having a feeling possession of your GOD. For he that believeth aright, hath the witness within himself. How do the brethren? I hope there is no more saying “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” but that you are only desirous of being one in CHRIST. I pray for, though distant from you. I believe I am preparing a place for many. Our work goes on bravely. I have near forty little ones now in my house. Some of them I trust will be effectually wrought upon, and made christians indeed. We all live in love and unity, and most I hope are seeking after JESUS CHRIST. He is pleased from time to time to manifest himself to my soul, and to shew me how unworthy I am of the least mercy. Shortly I shall go northward, to preach the gospel and collect fresh contributions for my orphans. GOD has given me an earnest of what he will do in America, by the large collection that was made at Charles Town――I live every day in expectation of hearing from my London friends. My brother, the captain, refreshed my soul with glad tidings and letters from Bristol. GOD gave me great comfort and satisfaction in conversing with him, and I hope he will be a christian indeed. Adieu. All salute you and the brethren.
I am yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXXI
To the Rev. Mr. B. I.
Savannah, March, 28, 1740.
HOW glad should I be of a letter from dear brother I――――? When shall my soul be refreshed, with hearing that the work of the LORD prospers in his hand? I suppose before now you have received my letters, and seen my journal, and I believe GOD is yet preparing great things for us. Many at Charles-town, lately were brought to see their want of JESUS CHRIST――Next week, GOD willing, I purpose going to Philadelphia, and then perhaps may see England the latter end of this year, or beginning of the next. The orphan-house goes on bravely. I have forty children to maintain, besides workmen and assistants――The great housholder of the world does, and will I am persuaded richly provide for us all. The colony itself is in a very declining way. But our extremity is GOD’s opportunity――Our brethren I trust go forwards in the spiritual life. I have often great inward trials――Pray that I may be kept in all changes, and seeming chances of this mortal life. I believe it to be GOD’s will that I should marry. One, who may be looked upon as a superior, is absolutely necessary for the due management of affairs. However, I pray GOD, that I may not have a wife, till I can live as though I had none――You may communicate this to some of our intimates; for I would call CHRIST and his disciples to the marriage. If I am deluded, pray that GOD would reveal it to
Your most affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXXII
To Mr. and Mrs. D.
On board the Savannah, bound to Philadelphia from Georgia, April 4, 1740. My dear friends,
SINCE I wrote last, we have buried our Sister L――――. Rachel I left at Philadelphia, and sister T―――― seems to be in a declining state; so that sister A―――― alone is like to be left of all the women which came over with me from England. I find by experience, that a mistress is absolutely necessary for the due management of my increasing family, and to take off some of that care, which at present lies upon me. Besides, I shall in all probability, at my next return from England, bring more women with me: and I find, unless they are all truly gracious (or indeed if they are) without a superior, matters cannot be carried on as becometh the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. It hath been therefore much impressed upon my heart, that I should marry, in order to have a help meet for me in the work whereunto our dear LORD JESUS hath called me. This comes (like Abraham’s servant to Rebekah’s relations) to know whether you think your daughter, Miss E――――, is a proper person to engage in such an undertaking? If so; whether you will be pleased to give me leave to propose marriage unto her? You need not be afraid of sending me a refusal. For, I bless GOD, if I know any thing of my own heart, I am free from that foolish passion, which the world calls LOVE. I write, only because I believe it is the will of GOD, that I should alter my state; but your denial will fully convince me, that your daughter is not the person appointed by GOD for me. He knows my heart; I would not marry but for him, and in him, for ten thousand worlds.――But I have sometimes thought Miss E―――― would be my help-mate; for she has often been impressed upon my heart. I should think myself safer in your family, because so many of you love the LORD JESUS, and consequently would be more watchful over my precious and immortal soul. After strong crying and tears at the throne of grace for direction, and after unspeakable troubles with my own heart, I write this. Be pleased to spread the letter before the LORD; and if you think this motion to be of him, be pleased to deliver the inclosed to your daughter――If not, say nothing, only let me know you disapprove of it, and that shall satisfy, dear Sir and Madam,
Your obliged friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXIII
To Miss E――――.
On board the Savannah, April 4th, 1740.
BE not surprised at the contents of this:――The letter sent to your honoured father and mother will acquaint you with the reasons. Do you think, you could undergo the fatigues, that must necessarily attend being joined to one, who is every day liable to be called out to suffer for the sake of JESUS CHRIST? Can you bear to leave your father and kindred’s house, and to trust on him, (who feedeth the young ravens that call upon him) for your own and childrens support, supposing it should please him to bless you with any? Can you undertake to help a husband in the charge of a family, consisting perhaps of a hundred persons? Can you bear the inclemencies of the air both as to cold and heat in a foreign climate? Can you, when you have an husband, be as though you had none, and willingly part with him, even for a long season, when his LORD and master shall call him forth to preach the gospel, and command him to leave you behind? If after seeking to GOD for direction, and searching your heart, you can say, “I can do all those things through CHRIST strengthening me,” what if you and I were joined together in the LORD, and you came with me at my return from England, to be a help meet for me in the management of the orphan-house? I have great reason to believe it is the divine will that I should alter my condition, and have often thought you was the person appointed for me. I shall still wait on GOD for direction, and heartily intreat him, that if this motion be not of him, it may come to nought.――I write thus plainly, because, I trust, I write not from any other principles but the love of GOD.――I shall make it my business to call on the LORD JESUS, and would advise you to consult both him and your friends――For in order to attain a blessing, we should call both the LORD JESUS and his disciples to the marriage――I much like the manner of Isaac’s marrying with Rebekah, and think no marriage can succeed well, unless both parties concerned are like-minded with Tobias and his wife――I think I can call the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to witness that I desire “to take you my sister to wife, not for lust, but uprightly;” and therefore I hope he will mercifully ordain, if it be his blessed will we should be joined together, that we may walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did, in all the ordinances of the LORD blameless. I make no great profession to you, because I believe you think me sincere. The passionate expressions which carnal courtiers use, I think, ought to be avoided by those that would marry in the LORD. I can only promise, by the help of GOD, “to keep my matrimonial vow, and to do what I can towards helping you forward in the great work of your salvation.” If you think marriage will be any way prejudicial to your better part, be so kind as to send me a denial. I would not be a snare to you for the world. You need not be afraid of speaking your mind. I trust, I love you only for GOD, and desire to be joined to you only by his command, and for his sake. With fear and much trembling I write, and shall patiently tarry the LORD’s leisure, till he is pleased to incline you, dear Miss E――――, to send an answer to
Your affectionate brother, friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXIV
To Mr. H――――.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
IT is now full time to answer your letter. You acknowledge me the first instrument, under GOD (for ever adored be the riches of his free grace) of awakening you to the divine life: and shall not I endeavour to quicken and inflame the heavenly spark infused into your soul? GOD forbid! Oh that my power was equal to my will! How should my dear brother H―――― glow with divine love, and lean by faith on the bosom of his dearest Redeemer! But I trust ere now you have indeed received the Holy Ghost, and know what it is to feast on a crucified JESUS. Does he not, my dear brother, often manifest himself sweetly to your panting soul? Does he not often teach you the hidden things of the kingdom of GOD? Does he not tell you that he loves you, and will suffer nothing to pluck you out of his almighty hand? Thus often is he pleased to manifest himself to me: and who then dares despair? No; I can assure the worst, the chief of sinners, that JESUS CHRIST came to save them. My dear brother, here are glad tidings of great joy! The fire kindles whilst I am musing. Oh let us call all to come and see Him, who has forgiven us all the sins that ever we committed. Is not this the CHRIST? Adieu. My hearty and dearest love to all. Fail not writing to
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXXV
To Mr. C――――.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740. My dear Brother,
YOU, as well as your dear associates, are much upon my heart. I long to hear that you are advanced in grace, and grown in the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS your LORD. I say your Lord; for I hope, ere now, you can appropriate CHRIST to yourself, and, without the least diffidence or doubt, cry out assuredly, “My LORD and my GOD.” When the soul says this, then, but not till then, is it truly married to the dear LORD JESUS; then are we true children of the bridegroom, and are real partakers of the supper of the Lamb. This, this is faith: this is believing; not with the head; not in notion only; but with the heart, indeed and in truth. The soul now puts its amen, and sets the seal to GOD’s everlasting promises; it now soars upwards towards heavenly things, and feels continually the invisible realities of another world. Though sometimes overshadowed by a cloud, yet still it knows that its Redeemer liveth, and justifieth the ungodly. It cannot doubt of his favour, though sometimes he is pleased to withdraw his sensible presence. The root of the matter is twisted round every faculty of the soul, which daily is supported with this assurance, that CHRIST can no more forsake the soul he loves, than he can forsake himself. Oh my dear brother, I find myself much carried out to write of that divine life, that divine mystery of godliness, the hidden kingdom of GOD in the heart. If any thing I can say, or do, or write, may be any way serviceable to dear Mr. C――――, it will much rejoice
His most unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXVI
To Mr. I―――― B――――.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740. My dear, dear Friend,
I Remember your words that day I took my leave of you, with Dr. John S――――, at London. I have not forgotten you, therefore do I now write a line to my dear Mr. B――――. May the Holy Ghost come upon him, and the power of the Highest overshadow him; and may our glorious Redeemer never cease striving with him, till he hath a witness within himself that he is a true child of GOD. Oh, when will you answer the character of your name-sake and forefather Isaac! When, like him, will my dear friend give himself up a whole burnt-offering unto the LORD! May I hear that you have recovered your first love, and are, as formerly, zealous of good works! I think I never yet really doubted of your return. If prayers to GOD, if entreaties to him, can bring my dear friend back, he shall not be led away captive by the world; he shall, he shall be a Christian indeed. I long to see you, and till then shall wrestle with strong cryings and many tears with my dear LORD JESUS, in your behalf. I feel, I feel CHRIST’s love; I can no more doubt of my interest in him, than I can of the shining of the sun at noon day. He fills, he sweetens and gladdens my soul; he loves me freely: he will bring me to behold his glory. I think I could now bid to men and devils defiance. Who is he that condemneth? It is CHRIST that justifies, who even now sitteth in heaven to make intercession for me. You see, my dear friend, I am upon the mount. I know not how to stop. It is true, I must come down; but it is only that I may go up again, and take a view of the heavenly Canaan. I am now near the port whither we are bound: yet a little while, and I shall be in heaven; and shall I not meet my dear I―――― there? GOD forbid! No, no; I cannot bear the thought of it. Away, my dear, dear brother, to JESUS CHRIST. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness: look, look unto him by faith, and be saved. Call your dear wife to look also. Help, oh help her in the great work of her salvation; and breed up your dear child in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Adieu. My heart is full. With sincerity I subscribe myself
Your’s most affectionately in our dearest, dearest LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXXVII
To Mr. N――――.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740. My Dear Brother,
I Have been a few days returned from Charles-Town, where our dear LORD JESUS, I trust, has begun a glorious work. Many came to me under convictions, and were made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” The people were exceeding desirous of my return amongst them. If I call there, as I come northward, it may prevent my being at New-York so soon as was proposed. The LORD direct my going in his way. A Fosterian Preacher lost ground there. I think you are not much to be blamed for going out of church; but perhaps it might be better, on another such occasion, to hear the whole discourse, and then go and converse with the preacher upon it; otherwise a man may say, you are angry, and could not judge, because you did not hear all. Praise is more dangerous than contempt: but when our LORD’s honour can be promoted by the display of our graces, we need not fear. His grace will be sufficient for us. I know not what person it is that you would not have me be so open to, unless it be Mr. ――――. I had rather be too open than too reserved. Simplicity much becomes the Israel of GOD. A few days past, with full assurance of faith, I laid the first brick of our great house: Jeremiah bought land when the people were leading into captivity. My family daily increase, and, blessed be GOD, as yet I am kept from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of the Germans in America are holy souls, and deserve the character they bear. They keep up a close walk with GOD, and are remarkable for their sweetness and simplicity of behaviour. They talk little, and think much. Most of them, I believe, are Lutherans. But where there is the image of my dear Master, there are my affections drawn. This is the catholic spirit you breathe after: the LORD, I am persuaded, will give it to your soul. All that people do say of me, affects me but little; because I know worse of myself than they can say concerning me. My heart is desperately wicked. Was GOD to leave me, I should be a remarkable sinner. But redeeming love, I believe, will not let us go. Oh! dear Mr. N. pray, and give thanks for me. I daily taste that the LORD is gracious. All things go on well. My dear brethren salute you, as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXVIII
To Mr. S――――.
Willingtown, (Pensylvania) April 14, 1740.
READ where I am, and judge whether or not I am a stranger and pilgrim upon earth. Yesterday, after a short passage of ten days, did GOD bring us from Georgia to New-Castle: there I preached twice. To-day I shall preach here, and in the evening hope to reach Philadelphia. People are much alarmed already; and great things, I find, GOD has been pleased to do, by what he enabled me to deliver when last here. Two ministers have been convinced of their formal state, notwithstanding they held and preached the doctrines of grace. One plainly told the congregation he had been deceiving himself and them, and could not preach any more, but desired the people to pray with him. Another is as a flame of fire, and hath been much owned of GOD. An opposer reading my sermon, in order to convince them I did not preach as Mr. T――――, was much disappointed; for power went along with the sermon, GOD’s spirit fell on the people, and formal opposers went affrighted away. It is unknown what a glorious stir here is in the province. Many, very many, I believe, of late have been brought savingly to believe on the LORD JESUS. The work much increases, and here is employment for many months: but I must return shortly to Savannah. A primitive spirit revives; and many, I hope, will be brought to live stedfast in the apostles doctrine, in fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayer. Perhaps dear Mr. S―――― may be one of them. Pray how does that young man do? Is he deeply humbled, and closely united to the dear LORD JESUS? Does he feel himself a poor sinner, and daily experience the outgoing and incoming of the blessed spirit in the sanctuary of his heart? Blessed be GOD, I do: even whilst I am writing I feel his power. I am persuaded I shall be more than conqueror over every evil, through my Redeemer’s love. Oh! my dear friend, keep close to the dear LORD JESUS! Do not go without his leading, and then you are safe, though in the midst of devils. Adieu.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CLXXIX
To Madam C――――.
New Brunswick, April 27, 1740. Madam,
ALL things go on well in America――nay, better than I dare ask, or could think. Our LORD’s kingdom comes with power. It is amazing to see how GOD is present in our assemblies: I refer you to dear brother S―――― for particulars. My animal spirits are exhausted, but I am filled within. Nature would sometimes cry out, “Spare thyself;” but when I am offering JESUS to poor sinners, I cannot forbear exerting all my powers. Oh that I had a thousand lives! my dear LORD JESUS should have them all. I long to be out of the body, that I may love and serve him as I would: but I must suffer before I can reign with him. That you and I may never deny our LORD, is the earnest prayer of, Madam,
Your obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXXX
To Mr. M――――.
New Brunswick, April 28, 1740.
BLESSED be GOD, I can send you glad tidings of great joy. Our LORD JESUS is getting himself the victory in these parts. The Orphan-house affairs go forward beyond expectation. I have upwards of forty children in my house at Savannah, near seventy persons in family, and upwards of an hundred people to provide for every day. As yet we want for nothing. The great housholder of mankind gives us all things richly to enjoy, and, I am persuaded, will provide for us whilst we trust in him. I had rather live by faith, and depend on GOD for the support of my great, and yet increasing family, than to have the largest visible fund in the universe. About five weeks ago the LORD stirred up the Charles-Town people to contribute upwards of seventy pounds sterling towards the support of my little ones. A glorious work was also begun in the hearts of the inhabitants; and many were brought to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” A fortnight ago, after a short passage of ten days, I landed in Pensylvania, and have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing, that my poor endeavours for promoting CHRIST’s kingdom, when there last, were not altogether vain in the LORD. I cannot well tell you how many have come unto me, labouring under the deepest convictions, and seemingly desirous of finding rest in JESUS CHRIST. Several have, I humbly hope, actually received him into their hearts by faith, and have not only righteousness and peace, but also joy in the Holy Ghost. In short, the word hath run and been much glorified; and many Negroes also are in a fair way of being brought home to GOD. I daily receive fresh and most importunate invitations to preach in all the adjacent countries. GOD is pleased togive a great blessing to my printed Sermons: they are now in the hands of thousands in these parts, and are a means, under GOD, of enlightening and building up many in their most holy faith. Since such an effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, you will not be surprized if I acquaint you there are many adversaries. The Clergy, I find, are greatly offended at me. The commissary of Philadelphia, having got a little stronger party than when I was there last, has thrown off the mask, denied me the pulpit, and last Sunday preached up an historical faith, and justification by works. But people only flock the more to me. The power of GOD is more visible than ever in our assemblies; and more than ever before are convinced that I preach the doctrine of JESUS CHRIST. Some few bigotted self-righteous Quakers also, now begin to spit out a little of the serpent: they cannot bear the doctrine of original sin, or of imputed righteousness as the cause of our acceptance with GOD. One calls original sin “original nonsense;” and several have been to me, under the apprehension of being thrust out, for owning and confessing what I take to be the truth as it is in JESUS. GOD has now brought me to New Brunswick, where I am blessed with the conversation of Mr. G―――― T――――. Indeed he is a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, and GOD is pleased in a wonderful manner to own both him and his brethren. The congregations where they have preached have been surprizingly convicted and melted down. They are unwearied in doing good, and go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor sinners to come in. Yesterday also I heard of two ministers in Long Island, near New-York, who had large communications from GOD, and have been instrumental in bringing many souls to CHRIST. I could add more; but I must away: the people are waiting for a spiritual meal. They fly to the doctrine as doves to the windows, and I trust the LORD is now reviving his work in the midst of the years. With great difficulty I have redeemed time to send you these few lines. I hope you and the rest of my dear friends continue to pray for me: for I believe never was so weak a wretch sent on such an important errand. But when I am weak, then am I strong. My bodily strength, by frequent journeying and continued speaking, sometimes fails me; but the LORD quickens and strengthens me by his mighty power. The more I am opposed, the more joy I feel; and the first fruits of GOD’s spirit, which he hath imparted to my soul, are so sweet, that I almost with impatience wait till I reap a full harvest in the fruition of my GOD. Continue, I beseech you, to intercede for me; and rest satisfied that both you and my other English friends are always remembered by
Yours,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXI
To W. S. Esq.
Reedy Island, May 19, 1740. My dear Brother,
I Know very well what it is to part from a friend which is as one’s own soul; and therefore could in some measure sympathize with you in what you felt when parting from me. The good LORD sanctify my friendship to you, and grant we may go hand in hand to heaven. One of the inclosed papers will shew you the event of what you inserted (unknown to me) in the News. However, be not disheartened; GOD shall make even this to work together for your good. The war between Michael and the dragon has much increased. Mr. C―――― has preached most of his people away from him. He lashed me most bravely the Sunday before I came away. Mr. A―――― also preaches against me. Mr. C―――― did not come to take his leave of me; and Mr. J―――― is very inveterate. Now I believe our LORD’s kingdom will come with power. At New-York the word ran. Twice or thrice our LORD appeared for us in a most glorious manner. Mr. T―――― and his brethren glow with divine warmth; and I have conversed with one of the ministers of Long Island, whom GOD has lately sent forth: he is a sweet zealous soul. Last week, at Nottingham and Mr. B――――’s, how did GOD manifest his glory! We had about twelve thousand hearers; and such a melting, such a crying, (they say) was scarcely ever seen. Blessed be GOD, the devil’s children begin to throw off the mask. I want to draw the lingering battle on. At Philadelphia affairs go on better and better; only Satan now begins to throw many into fits. I have generally preached twice and rode near thirty miles a-day since you left me. The LORD hath been my support, and has often so melted me with a sense of his free, sovereign, and everlasting love, that some thought I was giving up the ghost. Oh never let go your sense of GOD’s sovereign, everlasting love! It is food to my poor soul. Was it not for that, surely I must sink under the prospect of the labours and sufferings that are before me. My dear brother, What is the LORD doing in these parts? I believe the work will go on better here than in England. We are more united in our principles, and do not print one against another. Pray observe the hint given to Captain G――――, and let the LORD order for me as it shall seem good in his sight. We are now at Reedy Island waiting for a wind. I heard of a ship going to Dublin, and could not lose the opportunity of writing to my dear brother S――――. I need not remind you to hasten over as fast as possible――Our LORD has taught you not to stay by the way――I have rebuked Mr. C―――― sharply, and I trust have gotten some gracious souls on board――The LORD is with me; I am somewhat better as to bodily health, but I live chiefly on inward supplies from above. My master never fails me. Oh exhort all to fall in love with JESUS, and to pray for,
Ever yours in the best bonds,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXII
To Mr. M――――, an Indian Trader.
Reedy Island, May 19, 1740. Dear Mr. M――――,
I Received your letter, and have been reading part of your journal. I think it your bounden duty to go amongst the Indians again, not as a minister, but as a private christian, whose duty it is, when converted himself, to strengthen his brethren. An effectual door, I would hope, is opening amongst some of the heathen. I remember, when it was first impressed upon me, that I should go to Georgia, this promise came with such power as never will be forgotten, and that too, long before I had any outward call――“I have made thee the head of the heathen.”――I speak this for your encouragement, but desire you would not mention it to others. Who knows but that time may be now near at hand?――However that be, it is plain GOD calls you, and I wish you good success in the name of the LORD. Be sure you keep a close walk with GOD.――Be much in prayer, and prepare for the greatest hardships. Your greatest perils will be amongst your own countrymen. The heathens will be stirred up by them, as the Gentiles were by the Jews; but the LORD JESUS will make you more than conqueror over all. The word of the LORD will make its own way. Beg of GOD to give you true notions of our free justification by faith in JESUS CHRIST. Bring your Indian hearers to believe, before you talk of baptism, or the supper of the LORD. Otherwise they will catch at a shadow, and neglect the substance. Improve the leisure you now enjoy, and see that you feel the truths you speak. Feed on this promise, “It shall be given you in that hour what you shall say.” Your circumstances call for a fulfilling of it――Tell them what GOD has been doing here, and how happy JESUS CHRIST will make them. Be sure tell them, tell them, that true faith is not merely in the head, but in the heart, and that it will certainly be productive of good works. Frequently meditate on GOD’s free love to yourself, and that will best qualify you to speak of it affectionately to others. I could say more, but time will not permit. Pray for me. All with me salute you. My poor petitions you may depend on, as the LORD shall enable me. My love to all, and believe me to be
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXIII
To the Allegany Indians.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740. My Dear Brethren,
FOR so I call you, because you, and I, and all, have one common father, ONE GOD, in whom we live, move and have our beings. We all came at first out of the dust of the earth. For after GOD made the sun, moon, stars, and every thing you see, he also made a creature called man, and breathed into him the breath of life; he then became a living soul. He could not only walk and speak, but he could also think, and reason, and was full of goodness, peace, and joy. This man, this happy creature GOD placed in a garden, which his own right hand had planted. He then cast him into a deep sleep, and out of one of his ribs made what we call a woman, that she might be his wife. Their names were Adam and Eve. With these, GOD made an agreement that they should eat of every tree of that garden, except one; but if they ate the fruit of that particular tree, they should die; they should return to the dust from whence they were taken, lose the comforts they enjoyed in their souls, and be unhappy for ever in another world. But if they did not eat this fruit, none of these things should come upon them. A being, which we call the devil, (and who for his pride had been cast out of heaven) envying their happiness, tempted them to eat the forbidden fruit. They consented, they ate, they died. Their bodies became mortal, their souls were deprived of the presence and love of GOD; and unless a way was found out to make satisfaction for what they had done, they must have been lost for ever. These were our parents, and GOD made this agreement with us their children, as well as with them. For they acted in our name, as a king acts in the name of his people, or a father in the name of a child――What therefore befel them, befel us. We died in them; and come into this world poor and miserable, blind and naked, as they were, when they had eaten of the forbidden tree. Hence it is, that we are given to lust, anger, envy, hatred, pride, and malice, and all those troublesome passions which you all must feel in your own hearts, and cannot but see even in the hearts of your children. If then, you only look into yourselves, you must confess these things are so. But GOD hath given us a book, wherein he assures us of the truth of all this:――And we know that book came from GOD, because none but GOD could tell us the things therein contained. And I speak first of this, because ’till you feel and believe this, you cannot come to the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST; and without the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST you cannot be saved. For after our first parents, Adam and Eve, had taken the forbidden fruit, and with all their children, thereafter to be born, became guilty before GOD, GOD out of his own free love sent his only begotten Son into the world, to die, and so to make an atonement for the sin of fallen man, and also to obey the law, which man had broken; so that though fallen man had no righteousness of his own, yet upon believing in GOD’s Son, he should find a perfect righteousness in him. This Son is called JESUS, “A Saviour,” because he was to save us from the guilt and power of our sins. He was truly GOD, and therefore could satisfy; he was truly man, and therefore could obey and suffer in our stead. He was GOD and man in one person, that GOD and man might be happy together again. My dear brethren, (for so I must call you, though I never saw you) these are strange things. But if you are willing to learn, the holy spirit shall teach you. For JESUS CHRIST by dying, and obeying GOD’s law, hath bought for us the holy spirit, who shall change your corrupt natures, and fit you for happiness hereafter with the ever-blessed GOD, if you do but believe in your hearts.――Thousands of white people only believe in their heads, and therefore are no more christians than those who never heard of JESUS CHRIST at all. They call CHRIST, “Lord, Lord,” but they do not live as JESUS CHRIST hath commanded. No, they curse and swear, they break the sabbath, they get drunk, they play, they whore, they commit adultery, and have taught many poor Indians to do these abominable things as well as themselves. Do not you therefore learn of them. For true christians are sober, chaste and holy. They will not get drunk, they will not play the whore, they will not cheat, lie, curse or swear; but they will bless and praise GOD, keep the sabbath, and do all the good they can; for thus JESUS CHRIST, their LORD and master, lived when he was here on earth. I say, when he was here on earth; for after he died, he rose again, and went up into heaven from whence he came, and there he sits praying for all that shall believe on Him to the end of the world. For as the world had a beginning, so it also will have an end. And JESUS CHRIST will come again in the clouds to judge all mankind; and then he that hath believed in CHRIST, and hath shewn forth his faith by his works, shall be saved; and he that hath not believed in CHRIST, shall be damned for ever, and be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone. But before he comes, he hath promised that the heathen shall be brought to believe on him, and therefore I write this letter to you. I would come myself, and preach the glad tidings of salvation among you, as the bearer of this could interpret for me; but my other business will not permit. I am a minister of the same JESUS, and once was as ignorant of Him comparatively as you may be. I once lived like other people; but the LORD JESUS hath brought me to believe on Him, and I now do so no more. I once was full of envy, hatred, malice, and such like cursed tempers; but now I have love, and peace, and joy. And because JESUS CHRIST hath shewn such mercy to me, I desire that all others should be made as happy, nay happier than I am myself.――Hearken therefore now to the voice of the LORD. Pray to GOD that you may feel yourselves poor, miserable sinners, and come by a living faith to JESUS CHRIST. Then he will pardon you of all your sins, make you holy by his spirit here, and take you into everlasting happiness hereafter. Your traders, some of them at least, will tell you, that you must be miserable, if you will be christians. But these know nothing of JESUS CHRIST; for they are ungodly men, walking after their own wicked lusts. Whosoever will follow JESUS CHRIST, though happy in himself, must be looked upon as a fool by others. The spirit of the world, and the spirit of JESUS are quite contrary one to the other; and therefore if you will live godly in Him, you must suffer persecution; you must have all manner of evil spoken against you falsely, and be called madmen and fools; but let not that daunt you, or make you afraid. There is a world to come, there is a judgment-day, and then JESUS CHRIST shall crown all those with glory, who have suffered for his name’s sake. Once more, therefore, hearken to the voice of the LORD. For the LORD JESUS died for you, as well as for the white men among you, and that you might be taught the gospel; but they have made you worse than you were before, and therefore shall receive the greater damnation. He who brings this, no doubt, will be despised amongst them, because he will, I hope, neither get drunk, nor curse, nor swear.――But I trust the LORD will strengthen him, and cause him to shew many of you the true way of salvation――I shall not fail to pray for him, and for you; for though I know you not, yet if I could thereby save your precious souls, I think I could die for your sake. May the LORD JESUS bless you, and bring you out of darkness into his marvellous light, for his infinite mercy’s sake. This is the prayer of, dear brethren,
Your soul’s well-wisher and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXIV
To the Rev. Mr. I――――, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740. My dear Brother,
STILL our LORD is with me both in the ship and on the shore. Adore him for his free grace. Sailors, I believe, are coming to JESUS. One or two of our crew are under convictions. The LORD does not keep me here for nothing. I desire to learn of winds and storms to obey Him. I pray daily for your success. May the LORD make you a happy instrument of bringing many sons to glory. Your weakness need not discourage you. The LORD is pleased to make use of me. He strengthens me mightily in the inner man. Oh grace, grace! “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. I need not exhort you to feed the flock of GOD; he has purchased them with his own blood. Oh admit of a mixed communion. I think the glory of GOD requires this at your hands. May the LORD give you a right understanding in all things, and enable you to remember
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in our dear LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXV
To Mr. M――――, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740. Dear Mr. M.,
AS the LORD is pleased to detain me here by contrary winds, why should I not send you a line? You have stood up for the truths of GOD, and, I trust, will not be ashamed of our LORD and his gospel. I expect a great falling away amongst those that followed me: But I hope dear Mr. M. will continue stedfast and unmoveable to the last. The only way, is to keep a constant eye to CHRIST, to go forth in his strength, and never to rest till you feel his blessed truths copied and transcribed on your heart. You have often heard me exclaim against resting on a head-knowledge. You are a man of strong passions, and sprightly imagination, and therefore (I know you will not be affronted) you will make either a great saint, or an accomplished ――――. I believe the former, though, as a friend, I remind you of, and caution you against the latter. You love to be dealt plainly with. Oh, dear Sir, I feel that I love you, and have a real concern for you and your houshold.――What would I give to see your daughters become wise virgins, and fallen in love with the blessed JESUS. How amiable would they then appear! But before this can be done, all pertness, and lightness of spirit, must be taken away, and they must not only leave off dancing, but be made new creatures. How is your son? Pray tell him it is time for him to come home. The fatted calf waits for him. I could say more; but time will not permit. Dear Sir, pray for me. Indeed I will endeavour to return the favour; many are waiting for, and would rejoice at my halting; but the LORD is my helper. He is with me in my little cabin, and gives me a feeling possession of his blessed spirit. May the LORD enrich you with a great measure of it, and fill you with all his fulness! Methinks I see you lifting up your eyes, and saying, Amen.――And so saith, dear Mr. M.
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXVI
To Mr. R――――, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740. Dear R.,
LET nothing said to you in my absence affect you. GOD has lately delivered you out of one snare; take heed how you fall into another. If you watch unto prayer, who knows but GOD may bless your endeavours amongst the poor negro women and children? I could not wish you more happily situated.――My love to all the society.――Exhort them not to rest in good desires. Shew them, O shew them the necessity of being deeply wounded, before they can be capable of healing by JESUS CHRIST. Bid them to beware of a light behaviour, and light company. Both do grieve the blessed spirit of GOD. Take heed, take heed of those accursed snares. I could say more, but time will not permit. My love to the Negro Peggy, and all her black sisters. Bid them to pray for me. May the blood of JESUS wash away all the pollutions of their sin-sick souls! What if they were put into a society by themselves, and you, or some white woman, meet with them? The good LORD direct and bless you in all things.――This is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXVII
To Mr. E――――.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740.
GOD only knows when the wind will favour our removal hence; I desire patiently to tarry the LORD’s leisure, and to wait the moving of the cloud of his providence. However, in the mean while I send you a line amongst my other friends. GOD, I believe, hath struck you to the heart, and shewn you the rottenness of that foundation whereon you was once building. O keep close to our dear LORD JESUS, and never fear what men or devils can say of, or do unto you. I am persuaded you must be buffeted.――You must be persecuted, if you will live godly in CHRIST JESUS. Let this be your comfort, when the world forsakes you, the LORD whom you serve, shall take you up. I pray for you, and my other dear Philadelphia friends daily. The LORD be with you all. Adieu. You would do well to publish, “that all who have not been baptized already, and shall appear to be prepared for it, I will, by GOD’s leave, baptize, at my return to Philadelphia.” O that all who followed me were baptized with the Holy Ghost! But there must be a falling away.――Dear Mr. E――――, I trust, will not desert his LORD. Trust in his, and not in your own strength, and you shall be safe. Once more farewel. All with me salute you. The people on shore wait for me. Remember me in your prayers as
Your affectionate servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXVIII
To the Members of a Society at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740. My dear Friends,
AS the LORD, for wise reasons, detains me here, I cannot but send you a line as a token of my unfeigned concern for the welfare of your better part. I must confess, that the account many of you gave of your experiences, was not so satisfactory as I could wish; but I hope you will none of you rest in good desires, or think you are christians, because you have followed after me. I thank you, GOD knows my heart, I thank you for all expressions of your love: But I beseech you to remember, that the kingdom of GOD does not consist in word, but in power. Keeping company with GOD’s people, does not give you a title to the privileges of GOD’s children. It may increase, but not extenuate your condemnation, if you are not sound in heart, and truly converted to our dear LORD JESUS CHRIST. I am persuaded you will not be offended at this plain dealing. GOD has been pleased to work upon you by my unworthy ministry. I would therefore watch over you for good, and warn you against those snares which await all the true followers of the Lamb of GOD. At my next return, I hope I shall see you are that inwardly, which you would be esteemed outwardly. The searcher of hearts knows I long for your salvation. My dear friends, adieu. Pray for me. Be humble, be strong in the LORD and in the power of his might. A fiery trial awaits you. There is no being a christian without giving up all for CHRIST. We must all have the spirit of martyrdom, though we may not all die martyrs.――That the LORD may keep you by his power unto salvation, and make you more than conquerors through his love, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CLXXXIX
To Mr. A―――― S――――, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740. Dear Mr. S.,
I Desire that you and your wife would accept of these few farewel lines as a token of my love. My heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that you both may be saved.――Your wife was mourning when I saw her last. The LORD JESUS prepare her thereby for true, solid, and lasting comfort! The more we are humbled, the more will the glorious Emmanuel exalt us; but we must wait his time. JESUS is love, and never corrects us but for our own good. I find it is always thus with me. I am a stubborn, ungrateful, disobedient child, and often oblige him to strike me severely; but love, I find, holds the rod, and therefore his rod, as well as his staff comforts me. Farewel; the LORD be with you both!――John S―――― and all friends salute you. We live and walk in love. My tenderest respects await all that truly follow the Lamb. I beseech you forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXC
To Mr. G―――― L――――, in London.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740.
“ON Thursday last, in the evening, the Rev. Mr. Whitefield went on board at New-Castle, in order to sail to Georgia, after having been on shore thirty-three days, and travelled some hundreds of miles, and preached fifty-eight times in the provinces of New-Jersey, New-York, and Pensylvania.――His congregations consisted sometimes of four, sometimes of five, sometimes of eight, twelve, fifteen, and once at Philadelphia, of twenty thousand people. He had gotten near five hundred pounds sterling, in money and provisions, for the Orphan-house at Georgia. Great and visible effects followed his preaching, almost wheresoever he went, especially in Philadelphia. There was never such a general awakening, and concern for the things of GOD known in America before. He intended to visit New-England soon after his arrival at Georgia, and to come by land as far as Philadelphia, at the latter end of the year.”
The above Advertisement may suffice for the present, ’till I have an opportunity of sending you my journal. That will shew you wonderful things. I suppose ere this reaches you, our dear brothers, S―――― and G――――, will be arrived: I have sent a packet of letters to them, by the way of Dublin. I am now waiting for a fair wind, and can say the LORD is with me of a truth. Several ships are lying by us, and the captains and their companies come to our ship to prayers. Sailors weep: It is unknown how many are under conviction. I long to hear what is doing in England. The embargoes, I suppose, prevent your sending; however my heart is with you. I do not forget you. I hope there is a door opening among the Allegany Indians. I have read M――――’s journal, and have wrote both to him and them. We have been near a week at Reedy Island: I have preached there five times. The captains and their crews come constantly to public worship on shore, and to private prayer in our sloop. We have some with us that love our dear LORD JESUS in sincerity. My heart is exceedingly drawn towards Savannah; but the LORD’s time is the best. The LORD JESUS bless you all, and reward you for all kindnesses shewn to his unworthy servant, but
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXCI
To W―――― S――――, Esq., in London.
Lewis-Town, (Pensylvania) May 24, 1740. My dear Friend and Brother,
MY will is much to go to Georgia, but my dear LORD JESUS is pleased to cross me. For ever blessed be his great and glorious name. Just now the LORD hath brought me hither. Your letter pleased me. I hope our LORD is now beginning to answer my prayers, and that my dear Brother S―――― is about to know himself. You know I have often told you, that you ought to suspect your experiences. You have mistaken, in my opinion, preparation, for conversion itself. Your nine years round of duties, were no effects of the new-birth at all. How could they be? when you did not know you was to be born again, before you heard Mr. C―――― W―――― expound the seventh chapter of the Romans: Then, but not till then did you begin to be enlightened, and illumination and conversion are two different things. All my great trials were consequent on this. Not that GOD’s way of dealing with me, ought to be a rule for others: But I think your case and mine somewhat parallel.――Those that have been most humbled, I find, always make the most solid, useful christians. It stands with reason: The more a man is emptied of himself, the more room is there made for the spirit of GOD to dwell in him.――Your caution to dear Mr. H. was very good. Openness is the best preservative of spiritual friendship. I would behave so, that no one might be afraid to consult me; but if people will not open their hearts, let them not blame me; I cannot speak, where I perceive a shyness, and where I see persons are afraid of me. I am sure they must harbour some ungenerous suspicions or other against me, and how then can there be a harmony of soul. My dear brother, my friend, now I have told you my heart: Be not angry, I am just ready to weep.――Indeed, I am willing to wash your feet, and to acknowledge all favours under GOD that I have received from you. Be stable, be willing to consult others that have trod in the spiritual road before you; do not mistake working for life, for working from life. Watch unto prayer, and do not be carried away by every wind of doctrine. How could you not see through L―――― of German-Town? But I must not chide, but love. Much I owe you; have patience with me and I will endeavour to pay you. I shall long to see you at Savannah. Once more, my dear friend and brother, adieu. My heart is much melted down. GOD continually fills me with himself. O give thanks for, dear Sir,
Your brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXCII
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Cape-Lopen, May 24, 1740. Honoured Sir,
I Cannot entertain prejudices against your conduct and principles any longer, without informing you. The more I examine the writings of the most experienced men, and the experiences of the most established christians, the more I differ from your notion about not committing sin, and your denying the doctrines of election, and final perseverance of the saints. I dread coming to England, unless you are resolved to oppose these truths with less warmth, than when I was there last. I dread your coming over to America; because the work of GOD is carried on here (and that in a most glorious manner) by doctrines quite opposite to those you hold. Here are thousands of GOD’s children, who will not be persuaded out of the privileges purchased for them by the blood of JESUS. Here are many worthy experienced ministers, who would oppose your principles to the utmost. GOD direct me what to do! Sometimes I think it best to stay here, where we all think and speak the same thing: The work goes on without divisions, and with more success, because all employed in it are of one mind. I write not this, honoured Sir, from heat of spirit, but out of love. At present, I think you are entirely inconsistent with yourself, and therefore do not blame me, if I do not approve of all that you say. GOD himself, I find, teaches my friends the doctrine of election. Sister H―――― hath lately been convinced of it; and, if I mistake not, dear and honoured Mr. W―――― hereafter will be convinced also. From my soul I wish you abundant success in the name of the LORD. I long to hear of your being made a spiritual father to thousands. Perhaps I may never see you again, ’till we meet in judgment; then, if not before, you will know, that sovereign, distinguishing, irresistible grace brought you to heaven. Then will you know, that GOD loved you with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving-kindness did he draw you. Honoured Sir, farewel. My prayers constantly attend both you and your labours. I neglect no opportunity of writing. My next journal will acquaint you with new and surprizing wonders. The LORD fills me both in body and soul. I am supported under the prospect of present and impending trials, with an assurance of GOD’s loving me to the end; yea, even to all eternity. Ere this reaches you, I suppose you will hear of my intention to marry. I am quite as free as a child: If it be GOD’s will, I beseech him to prevent it. I would not be hindered in my dear LORD’s business for the world. I am now waiting for a fair wind. GOD blesses the Orphan-house. Do not be angry with, but pray for, honoured Sir,
Your unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXCIII
To Mr. S――――, in Charles-Town.
Savannah, June 7, 1740. Dear Sir,
BEFORE I knew you by name, my heart was uncommonly affected towards you. Whenever I saw you at church, I enquired concerning you, and to my great but pleasing surprize, when I came to your house, found you was the man I was enquiring after. Your letter gives me still hopes, that our dear LORD JESUS is about to awaken you from a carnal security in which you have long lain. He is now calling you, dear, dear Sir. I beseech you, by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS our Saviour, take heed that you do not lie down again. If you will be a follower of the Lamb of GOD, you must prepare your soul for manifold temptations; you must become the song of the drunkard, and have all manner of evil spoken against you falsely for CHRIST’s sake: But let none of these things move you, dear Sir. Dare, I beseech you, to be singularly good.――Be not ashamed of your glory.――Learn a lesson of boldness even from the devil’s children. How resolute, how daring are they in their master’s cause? Why should not we be equally courageous in the cause of JESUS CHRIST? O Sir, I feel a concern for the welfare of your better part. GOD hath vouchsafed you some convictions; do not rest in them. Catch not too greedily at comfort. Beg of GOD that you may be thoroughly wounded, before you desire to be made whole; otherwise you will go but half way, and be only an unstable, double-minded man at last. GOD forbid that dear Mr. S―――― should ever settle in such a dangerous state! Ere long I hope to see you in Charles-Town, and then I shall have an opportunity of enquiring more particularly into the state of your soul. I came home but two days ago, and therefore could not answer your letter before. If I can be serviceable to you in any respect, be pleased to command, dear Sir,
Your assured friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXCIV
To Mr. J―――― H――――, in London.
Savannah, June 7, 1740. My dear, dear Brother,
WITH great comfort I received your long wished-for letter. It warmed my heart, and knit my soul to you much more than ever. Whenever I see the child-like simplicity and love of JESUS, it quite melts me down. Let all former misunderstandings between me and your friends be entirely forgotten. I always pitied your parents, and most earnestly prayed for them and you. Blessed be GOD that you are come home. You are now, I believe, as I always did believe, in your proper station. May GOD give you a settled habit of devotion, and so fill you with his spirit, that whilst you are working for GOD on earth, you may be like those blessed angels, who, though ministring to us, yet do always behold the face of our Father who is in heaven. My dear brother, let the love of JESUS constrain you to love him with all your soul. A sense of his divine love now melts down my heart, and draws tears from my eyes. O what wonderful things is GOD doing in America! Savannah also, my dear Savannah, especially my little orphans, now begin to feel the love of JESUS CHRIST. I arrived here but about two days ago, in an hour quite unexpected by my friends. How did we weep over one another for joy! Perhaps I may never feel the like again, till I meet with the sons of GOD in glory: But oh what a scene was to be seen last night in the congregation! How did the stately steps of our glorious Emmanuel appear! His glory shone with exceeding brightness. The power seemed to be coming on all the day. My soul has been much carried out in behalf of this place, and now the LORD is about to answer my prayer. T―――― D―――― was yesterday in a glorious agony. I prayed with three of the girls before I went to church, and their hearts were ready to break: I prayed also, with strong cryings and tears, with my other dear friends, and GOD was much with us then; but when we came to church, oh what was to be seen, and heard, and felt there! The power of the LORD came as it were upon all. Most of the children, both boys and girls, cried bitterly, and most of the congregation were drowned in tears, and mourned as a woman mourneth for her first-born. Expence of spirits made my body weak, but my soul still wrestled earnestly with GOD. When I came home, I lay upon my bed; but seeing the children and people come home crying, I went to prayer again, and a greater power than ever still attended it. O how was my soul carried out, and how did the Holy Ghost fill the room! At last I thought proper to dismiss them; but it would have charmed your heart to hear the little ones in different parts of the house praying, and begging of JESUS to take full possession of their hearts. The same power continues to-day: For near two hours, four or five of the girls have been before the LORD weeping most bitterly, and under such agonies, as gives me hope our LORD will soon send them deliverance. I have not yet talked with the boys, who also have been under great concern, and one especially in great agonies. I believe two or three will be truly gracious. I have brought with me a Latin master, and on Monday laid a foundation in the name of our dear JESUS for an university in Georgia. GOD blesses me (O free and sovereign grace) in every thing I undertake. Our Orphan-house comes under better regulations every day, and I am persuaded, in the end, will produce some true followers of JESUS CHRIST. I am now looking for fresh attacks from the enemy, after such inroads. He has been busy since my departure, but the LORD hath vouchsafed to rebuke and disappoint him. My dear brother, may the LORD be with you! For CHRIST’s sake desire dear Brother W―――― to avoid disputing with me. I think I had rather die, than to see a division between us; and yet, how can we walk together, if we oppose each other? Adieu. Dear James, with much tenderness I subscribe myself
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CXCV
To T―――― T――――, Esq., in London.
Savannah, June 7, 1740. My dear Friend and Brother,
I Wrote to you very lately; but your kind letter is now before me, and I cannot forbear answering it: Blessed be GOD, that you still look upon me as your friend. May the friend of all, unite us in the best bonds, and bring us to himself at last! I long to see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven. I have now such large incomes from above, and such precious communications from our dear LORD JESUS, that my body sometimes can scarcely sustain them. Our dear Brother H――――’s letter (which I desire you may see) will shew you what a work is begun at Savannah. I am in great hopes, that six or seven boys and girls are really coming to JESUS CHRIST. Dear Brother H――――n sojourns with us. I love him, and all the brethren, in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I am now looking for some strong attacks from satan. The LORD comforts me on every side, and lets me see my desire in the salvation of many souls. O, dear Mr. T――――, forget not
Your weak unworthy friend and brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXCVI
To Mr. M――――.
Savannah, June 11, 1740. Dear Mr. M――――,
I Am not uneasy, but rather joyful, to find GOD lets you see more and more into the misery of your depraved nature. I pray GOD, these convictions may still increase, and that you may not fall short of a saving union with JESUS CHRIST. I am concerned to find you have lost a sense of your first love.――Take heed, my dear friend, and wrestle with your dear LORD, till he lets you see the root of bitterness that must certainly be in some corner of your heart. Perhaps you have not renounced the world and your own righteousness, and then no wonder our LORD doth not manifest himself to your soul. Sometimes, indeed, GOD withdraws on purpose to wean us from sensible devotion, and to take us off from seeking any self-complacence in our duties. If this be the case of you and your friends, you are patiently to tarry the LORD’s leisure, and to continue striving with all your might till he is pleased to lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon you. You must seek JESUS though it be sorrowing, and then, after three days, you will find him; for the LORD will not always be chiding, neither keepeth he his anger for ever. That GOD may daily renew you in the spirit of your mind, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your assured friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CXCVII
To Mr. W―――― W――――, in London.
Savannah, June 11, 1740. Dear W――――,
I Am sorry to hear, that you and your masters cannot agree; but this I know, supposing the case to be as you represent it, you must notwithstanding “be obedient, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.”――Rough usage will do you good, if you are sincere; GOD sees the pride and stubbornness of your heart, and therefore sends you these trials to beat it down: I find the benefit of crosses. What should I do without them? Dear brother S―――― would write to you, I believe, but is much engaged.――We love one another in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. O, dear W. keep close to GOD, and see you are that inwardly, which you would be esteemed outwardly.――Rest in nothing short of a sound and thorough conversion. That GOD may bless you, and all the brethren, with all spiritual blessings, is the hearty prayer of
Your assured friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CXCVIII
To the Rev. Mr. J―――― B――――, at New-York.
Savannah, June 13, 1740. Reverend and dear Brother,
I Have just been reading the three letters you sent some time ago to our dear brother N――――, and find my heart much inclined to write you a line. Whatever others may do, yet I am far from judging you on account of GOD’s dealings with your soul. I rather rejoice in them, having myself been blessed with many experiences of the like nature. But, my dear brother, if GOD works upon us in an extraordinary manner, we must prepare for temptation, even from our christian brethren.
Most judge of others from what has passed within themselves; and many of the dear children of GOD are too apt to confine GOD to this or that particular way of acting; whereas he is a sovereign agent: his sacred spirit bloweth when, and where, and how it listeth; and when an uncommon work is to be done, no doubt he will work upon his chosen instruments in an uncommon manner. What the event of the present general awakening will be, I know not. I desire to follow my dear LORD blindfold, whithersoever he is pleased to lead me; and to do just so much, and no more, as his providence points out to me. Wonderful things have been done ever since my arrival at Savannah: Such an awakening among little children, I never saw before. Our dear brother N――――’s letter will acquaint you with particulars. O my dear brother, how ought such manifestations of GOD’s glory, to quicken our souls, and excite us to lay out ourselves more and more in the service of the best of Masters, JESUS CHRIST! Every day he fills me with himself, and sometimes brings me even upon the confines of eternity. Methinks I often stand upon Mount Pisgah, and take a view of the heavenly Canaan, and then long to be gathered to my people: but, my dear brother, both you and I must suffer, and that great things, before we enter into glory. My work is scarce begun; my trials are yet to come. What is a little scourge of the tongue? What is a thrusting out of the synagogues? The time of temptation will be, when we are thrust into an inner prison, and feel the iron entering even into our souls. Then, perhaps, even GOD’s people may be permitted to forsake us for a while, and none but the LORD JESUS to stand by us. “But if thou, O dearest Redeemer! wilt strengthen me in the inner man, let enemies plunge me into a fiery furnace, or throw me into a den of lions.” My dear brother, my heart is enlarged towards you: though I never saw, yet I love you most tenderly. How does dear brother D――――? Does he yet walk in the light of GOD’s countenance? Pray salute him lovingly in my name. In the fall, I hope to see you in Long Island, and to be somewhat filled with your company. In the mean while, let us all keep a close walk with JESUS; and be pleased, in an especial manner, to remember
Your unworthy, though affectionate brother, fellow-labourer, and servant in our common LORD,
G. W.
Letter CXCIX
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Savannah, June 25, 1740. My honoured Friend and Brother,
I Thank you for, and heartily say amen to all the petitions you have put up in my behalf. I want to be as my Master would have me; I mean, meek and lowly in heart. Dear Sir, bear with me a little longer; pray for me with great earnestness; and who knows but my GOD may give me to abhor myself in dust and ashes! He that hath given us his Son, will he not with him freely give us all things? For CHRIST’s sake, if possible, dear Sir, never speak against election in your sermons: no one can say that I ever mentioned it in public discourses, whatever my private sentiments may be. For CHRIST’s sake, let us not be divided amongst ourselves: nothing will so much prevent a division as your being silent on this head. I should have rejoiced at the sight of your Journal. I long to sing a hymn of praise for what GOD has done for your soul. I am glad to hear that you speak up for an attendance on the means of grace, and do not encourage persons who run (I am persuaded) before they are called. The work of GOD will suffer much by such imprudence. I trust you will still persist in field-preaching. Others are strangers to our call. I know infinite good hath been done by it already, and greater good will yet be done thereby every day: but we must be judged of our brethren. May GOD bless you more and more every day, and cause you to triumph in every place. Next Monday, GOD willing, I go to Charles-Town. My family is well regulated; but I want some more gracious assistants. I have near an hundred and thirty to maintain daily, without any fund. The LORD gives me a full undisturbed confidence in his power and goodness. Dear Sir, adieu. I can write no more; my heart is full. I want to be a little child. O continue to pray for
Your most unworthy, but affectionate brother and servant in our dear LORD JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CC
To Mr. J―――― H――――.
Savannah, June 25, 1740. Dearest J――――,
EVERY letter you write, knits my heart more and more to you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. Your last I received on Saturday. GOD had been preparing me for it, by a week’s intimation upon my heart, and by an inexpressible agony in my soul just before it came to hand. Blessed be GOD that our friends preach up poverty of spirit, for that is the only foundation whereon to build solid abiding comfort. The stony ground received the word with joy; but how did those hearers stand in a day of temptation? They fell away; for it is very possible that the heart may have much joy floating on the top of it, and yet be as hard as the nether millstone. Hence it is that so many, who boast of rest in their flashes of joy, are self-willed, impatient of reproof, despisers of others in a mourning state, and wise in their own conceits: whereas the believer, that hath been with his LORD in the wilderness, and has a truly broken and contrite heart, though his joy may not be so extravagant, yet it is substantial. Such a soul hangs upon GOD; thinks before he speaks; and is continually hearkening for what the LORD will say to him, by the small still voice of his spirit. This is the state I want all our friends to arrive at. I cannot see how they can, with assurance, talk of their enjoying solid fellowship with the Father, and his dear Son CHRIST JESUS. I shall not be surprized if many, who seemingly began in the spirit, do end in the flesh, and turn persecutors of the doctrines and disciples of JESUS CHRIST. How can they possibly stand, who never felt themselves condemned criminals? who were never truly burthened with a sense not only of their actual, but original sin, especially that damning sin of unbelief? who were never brought to see and heartily confess, that after they had done all, GOD might, notwithstanding, deny them mercy; and that it is owing merely to his sovereign love in CHRIST JESUS our LORD, that they can have any hopes of being delivered from the wrath to come? It is for preaching in this manner that I like Mess. T――――s. They wound deep before they heal; they know that there is no promise made but to him that believeth; and therefore they are careful not to comfort over much those that are convicted. I fear I have been too incautious in this respect, and have often given comfort too soon. The LORD pardon me for what is past, and teach me more rightly to divide the word of truth for the future. Dearest J――――, pardon this freedom; I am constrained to write in this manner. I thank you most heartily for your historical letter. Fail not writing to me often. Dearest J――――, help me by your prayers: for CHRIST’s sake help me. Our LORD is yet with us. I hear different accounts of things; but I pray for all, and suspend my judgment till you see
Your affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCI
To Mrs. E―――― C――――.
Savannah, June 25, 1740. My dear Sister,
YOUR letter afforded me much inward pleasure. Surely it bespeaks the writer not to be far from the kingdom of GOD. You was then waiting for our LORD’s salvation: ere now, I trust, CHRIST hath manifested his glory, filled you with his blessed spirit, and thereby sealed you to the day of redemption. ’Tis good to be long in an humbled state: it is the best preparation for solid, lasting comfort. Blessed are they that mourn most, for they shall be the most comforted: not that we are violently to keep ourselves in such a state; but when GOD’s hand lies heavy upon us, we are patiently to tarry the LORD’s leisure, till he reveals himself to our souls. I was a mourner a long while; but, glory be to GOD! I have for some years been almost continually comforted; at least kept from doubting of my interest in JESUS CHRIST. I can with an humble boldness cry out, “My LORD and my GOD!” He daily manifests himself to my soul, and causes me to feel my dependance on his free grace and sovereign love. This is the kingdom of GOD within us. O, my dear sister, what would I give, were all the world partakers of this unspeakable gift! I long, I burn with an ardent zeal after the salvation of my dear brethren, who are dead in trespasses and sins. Poor souls! Why am I taken, and they left? O the sovereign, free, unmerited, distinguishing love of my and your JESUS! My dear sister, let us love him, let us obey him; let us suffer for him with a chearful heart! His love will sweeten every cup, though never so bitter. Let us pledge him willingly, and continue faithful even unto death. A scene of sufferings lies before us. Who knows but we may wade to our Saviour through a sea of blood? I expect (O pray that I may be strengthened if called to it) to die for his great name’s sake. ’Twill be sweet to wear a martyr’s crown. Dear Madam, adieu. I remember GOD’s goodness to us at Broad-Oaks. I pray for you and yours. I trust your daughters keep close to JESUS. Salute them kindly in my name. Read my Journal, and give hearty thanks for
Your unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCII
To the Rev. Mr. S――――, in London.
Savannah, June 26, 1740. Rev. and dear Sir,
AND is one of the priests also obedient to the word? Blessed be GOD, the Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hath translated you from darkness to light; from the power of Satan to the service of the ever-living GOD. Now know I, that our glorious Emmanuel has not commanded us to pray in vain. Surely we shall never taste of death, till we see our dear LORD’s kingdom coming with greater power. He seems to be thrusting out more labourers into his harvest. Glory be to his free grace that you are one of the happy number. O dear Sir, rejoice and be exceeding glad; and let the love of JESUS constrain you to go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor sinners to come in. Some (even that are true lovers of the Lamb) may say “this is not proceeding with a zeal according to knowledge:” but I am persuaded, when the power of religion revives, the gospel must be propagated in the same manner as it was first established, “itinerant preaching.” Go on, dear Sir, go on, and follow your glorious Master without the camp, bearing his sacred reproach. Never fear the scourge of the tongue, or the threatnings that are daily breathed out against the LORD, and against his CHRIST. Suffer we must, I believe, and that great things. Our LORD, by his providence, begins to shew it. Ere long, perhaps, we may sing in a prison, and have our feet set fast in the stocks. But faith in JESUS turns a prison into a palace, and makes a bed of flames become a bed of down. Let us be faithful to-day, and our LORD will support us to-morrow. O dear Sir, though I know you not, yet my heart is enlarged towards you, and I make mention of your name in my prayers. I pray GOD to give you strength to bear the heat and burden of every day, and to enable you to preach with such wisdom, that all your adversaries may not be able to gainsay or resist. Blessed be his holy name, I drink deep of his love every moment. A greater power than ever attends my poor labours; and several of my own houshold, both boys and girls, I really believe, are coming savingly to JESUS CHRIST. I am now about to go to Charles-Town; a work of GOD is begun there. Who knows but I may see my dear brother S―――― in America? But future things belong to GOD; to his grace and love I commend you. Keep close to your dear JESUS, and pray that a child-like, humble spirit, may be given to
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer
G. W.
Letter CCIII
To Wm. S――――, Esq., in London.
Savannah, June 26, 1740. My dear Brother S――――,
I Sent you a packet of letters from Charles-Town, the middle of this month. Since that time, I have received many agreeable letters from England; but find from Blendon letters that Miss E―――― D―――― is in a seeking state only. Surely that will not do; I would have one that is full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Just now I have been weeping, and much carried out in prayer before the LORD. My poor family gives me more concern than every thing else put together. I want a gracious woman that is dead to every thing but JESUS, and is qualified to govern children, and direct persons of her own sex. Such a one would help, and not retard me in my dear LORD’s work. I wait upon the LORD every moment; I hang upon my JESUS: and he is so infinitely condescending, that he daily grants me fresh tokens of his love, and assures me that he will not permit me to fall by the hands of a woman. I am almost tempted to wish I had never undertook the orphan-house. At other times, I am willing to contrive matters so that I may not marry: but I am always checked; and looking back upon the workings of my heart in this affair, I am more and more convinced that it is of GOD; and therefore know he will order affairs for me, as will best promote his own glory. So that my dear LORD’s honour does not suffer, I care not what trouble in the flesh I undergo. His glory, to the best of my knowledge, is my only aim, in my thoughts, words, and actions. My dearest brother, adieu. By this time, I trust, you are near England. Dear brother S―――― goes with me to Charles-Town. Brother B―――― keeps house in my absence. Take heed that the people you bring believe on JESUS. Expect to hear shortly again from
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCIV
To Mr. W―――― D――――.
Savannah, June 28, 1740. My dear Brother,
I Thank you for your kind letters and friendly cautions; and trust shall always reckon those my choicest friends, who, in simplicity and meekness, tell me the corruptions of my heart. It is that faithfulness which hath endeared J―――― S―――― to me. I think I never was obliged to any one so much before: for that reason also I find my heart knit to you. O my dear brother, still continue faithful to my soul: do not hate me in your heart; in any wise reprove me. Exhort all my dear brethren to forgive my past (I fear) too imperious carriage; and let them pray that I may know myself to be what I really am, less than the least of them all. I have abundant reason to bless GOD for sending me abroad. I cannot say I have improved my retirement as I ought; but I can say it hath been highly beneficial to my soul. I have a garden near at hand, where I go particularly to meet and talk with my GOD, at the cool of every day. I often sit in silence, offering my soul as so much clay, to be stamped just as my heavenly potter pleases: and whilst I am musing, I am often filled as it were with the fulness of GOD. I am frequently at Calvary, and frequently on Mount Tabor; but always assured of my LORD’s everlasting love. O continue to pray for me, that I may know myself even as I am known. I want to have a proper mixture of the lion and the lamb, of the serpent and the dove. I do not despair of attaining it. JESUS is love; JESUS willeth my perfection; JESUS hath died for me; JESUS can deny me nothing. He hath given me himself; will he not then freely give me all things besides? I wait for thy compleat salvation, O LORD! My dear brother, my heart is now enlarged. Your prayer is answered. The whole Godhead now fills my soul. O grace, grace! O Jesu, Jesu! was ever love like thine! LORD, I abhor myself in dust and ashes. O that I could praise thee! that I could love thee as I ought! My dear brother, I hear you have been zealous for the LORD your GOD since my departure. You have done well: you never can be zealous for a better master: but why, silent? why withdrawn? Did you go before you was called or qualified? If so, you have done right: but I suspend my judgment; for I find there is no judging at a distance. I only pray GOD that you may always feel yourself a very poor sinner, and find refuge in the wounds and blood of the Lamb. I rejoice to hear the work of GOD goes on, and heartily wish you may not be divided among yourselves. Our dear LORD is with us here: I only want a few more gracious, solid assistants. The LORD will send them in his due time to
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCV
To J―――― B――――.
Good Hope, (South-Carolina) July 2, 1740.
My dear Brother B――――,
IS it true, that one night whilst you was expounding, you told your hearers, from your own experience, that “they could not go on without throwing aside the means of grace?” or words to that purpose? If so, I pity you; for you are not only misled yourself, but are also misguiding others. But this is no more than I expected. I think you begun to teach too soon, and before you had a commission given you from above. Brother J―――― was of the same opinion, before I left England. For that reason, I would not take you to Georgia. Blessed be GOD, I have no such over-forward spirits there. My dear B――――, I write in love. For CHRIST’s sake try your spirit: I fear you was never yet truly humbled. I know you have had joy; but I always thought it was joy floating on the surface of an unmortified heart. From such a joy, good LORD deliver us! O that you had been in the wilderness a little longer! then you might have been an experienced teacher; but I fear you are now only a novice. May the LORD keep you from falling into the condemnation of the devil. I write not this to damp, but to regulate your spirit; if you are humble, you will take it kind. GOD knows, I wish all the LORD’s servants were prophets; but I would not have my Master’s work suffer by a too heady way of proceeding. Why should you dishonour him by acting above your sphere; whereas you might honour him by acting in it. Every one is not fit to be a public expounder. To build up awakened sinners in private, is what is more wanted at present than young unexperienced preachers. But I have done; I fear I have offended my brother: forgive me this wrong. As GOD was pleased first to work upon you by my ministry, you must always expect to be watched over by
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCVI
Charles-Town, July 11, 1740. Dear Mr. R――――,
YOUR letter much rejoiced me. O that you may still follow on, till you truly know the LORD! I shall be glad to have you for a scribe, if you are well instructed in the things which belong to the kingdom of heaven. Keep close, my dear friend, keep close to the dear Mr. T――――s: under GOD, they will build you up in your most holy faith. It gladdens my heart to hear of their success in the LORD. The LORD increase them more and more, and multiply the number of their spiritual children! I suppose brother G――――’s letter informed you what a speedy passage the LORD gave us, and how we were received at Georgia. Surely I shall never see the like again, till I meet the sons of GOD in glory. Praise the LORD, O my soul! my dear friend, help me to praise the LORD. I have been here above a week. The LORD hath been pleased to work on many hearts. On Sunday the commissary denied me the sacrament; but my dear Master fed me, notwithstanding, with the bread which cometh down from heaven. Persecution seems to be coming on more and more. My dear friend, see that you are rooted and grounded in love and faith; or how will you stand fast in a dying hour? With difficulty I write this before morning service. I preach generally, in town or country, twice a-day. The heat is great; but the LORD enables me to bear the burden of it. Next month, GOD willing, I go to New-England, and hope to see Philadelphia in November. On Tuesday next I am cited to appear before the commissary and his court in a judicial way: the event I leave to my dear LORD JESUS. O dear Mr. R――――, let not the cross keep you from JESUS. If we suffer, we shall reign with him. Salute your honoured mother in my name, and all that love our dear LORD in sincerity, from, dear Mr. R――――,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCVII
To Mr. J―――― R――――.
Charles-Town, July 15, 1740. Dear J――――,
MAY you answer your name, be freely gracious, and filled with as much love as he was, who leaned on the sacred bosom of our dear Redeemer. I believe GOD has begun; if so, GOD will carry on the good work in your heart. It is the LORD’s doing. Not unto me, not unto me; but to free, rich, distinguishing, sovereign grace, be all the glory! The wearing off, or forgetting your convictions formerly, ought to make you more jealous of yourself now. The more you see the enmity of the heart, the better: you cannot then avoid abhorring yourself in dust and ashes. I rejoice you have been at Neshamini. I can say of Mr. T―――― and their brethren, as David did of Goliah’s sword, “None like them.” I am glad you and my friend R―――― are acquainted. O see that you keep one another warm, and be zealous for the LORD your GOD. I wonder not at your master’s insinuations. Indeed, dear J――――, you must be tried thoroughly, if you would approve yourself to the glorious Emmanuel. Exhort all to die for him, rather than deny him in any wise. I find my suffering time at hand: but my dear LORD comforts me with his gracious and refreshing presence. A good work is carrying on here: let my dear friends help it forwards by their prayers. My love to all at the society; and accept of the same from
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCVIII
To Mr. B――――, in Pensylvania.
Charles-Town, July 18, 1740. My dear Brother,
PRAISE the LORD, O my soul! Our glorious Emmanuel seems to have girt his sword upon his thigh, and to be riding on from conquering to conquer. He gets himself the victory in Philadelphia. He is getting himself the victory in Charles-Town also. Indeed a glorious work is begun, and carrying on here. Many souls are awakened to a sense of the divine life.――The alteration in the people since I came here at first, is surprizing. I preach twice a day, generally, either in town or in the villages around. The commissary shoots out his arrows, even bitter words. He hath denied me the sacrament, and cited me to appear before him and his court; I was obliged to appeal home. O my dear brother, pray that I may be humble and of a child-like spirit. Every day GOD shews me fresh instances of his love. Here are some faithful ministers amongst the baptists. One of them, Mr. C――――, has wrote to you; pray answer him. Some time next month I hope to be at New England, and to return to you according to promise. Be pleased to salute the brethren in my name. Indeed I honour and love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. O that I was worthy of your acquaintance! But I am not. All that I can say is, that I will endeavour to approve myself
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.