Letter CCIX
To Mr. I. R――――.
Charles-Town, July 18, 1740. My Dear Friend,
I Thank you for going with friend E―――― and B―――― to Nazareth. May GOD bless you, and cause great good to come to that place! GOD seems to be carrying on as great a work in Charles-Town, comparatively speaking, as in Philadelphia. Surely our LORD intends to set the world in a flame. O that the holy fire of his divine love was kindled in every heart! Be pleased to read what I have sent to Mr. N――――. If you please you may print that extract, which I sent from my journal: GOD willing, I hope to be at New England by the beginning of September, and to be refreshed with your and my dear friend’s letters. Indeed, I love you all in the bowels of my dear LORD JESUS. Do not let us forsake him. Let us not be ashamed of him, though we live in a crooked and perverse generation. I thank my dear friends for their zeal in building a house;¹ but desire it may not have any particular name, or be put to any particular use, till my return to Philadelphia. I wish them good luck in the name of the LORD. Last night I appeared a third time in a public court; but they not accepting my Recusatio judicis, I appealed home; so that now I have free liberty to embark when providence pleaseth. O my dear friend, think of a bleeding, dying LORD. Keep close to him, and exhort all friends to pray and give thanks for
Your assured friend and servant,
G. W.
¹ This is now the college at Philadelphia.
Letter CCX
To Mr. G―――― L――――.
Charles-Town, July 18, 1740. Dear Brother L――――,
GOD will work, and who shall hinder? The sacrament hath been refused to me, and I have appeared thrice in open court, before the commissary and some of his clergy; but our LORD rides on, from conquering to conquer. Many, I believe, are really pricked to the heart. The commissary’s detaining me here, has much tended to the furtherance of the gospel. I put in my exceptions against his sitting as my judge, and they were repelled; so that I have appealed home, and all other proceedings here are stopped. By this means I shall have liberty to preach the gospel without further interruption, and my call to England will be more clear. The enclosed paper will shew you what is doing in Philadelphia. Private letters received from thence last night and this morning, have much refreshed my heart. Many souls are flocking to the LORD JESUS. I need not exhort you to praise the LORD. You may advertise what paragraphs you think proper, only add that Philadelphia people are building a house for me to preach in, 106 feet long and 74 feet wide. The LORD is bringing mighty things to pass. I am surprizingly strengthened to bear the heat and burden of every day. My dear LORD never leaves nor forsakes me, but works by my unworthy ministry more and more. O that I was humble! O that I was a little, little child! I know not how soon I may be called to England. The inhabitants here are wondrous kind. They attend morning and evening most chearfully on my preaching. We often see the stately steps of our dear LORD in his sanctuary. I am more than happy. I am amazed at the divine goodness. LORD, I abhor myself in dust and ashes! See the wonders of the LORD; help us to praise him. Excuse me to all my dear friends. For this fortnight past I have not wrote a word of my journal. My sermons, &c. are bought off exceedingly, northward. O pray that an humble child-like spirit may be given to
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXI
To the Reverend Mr. D――――.
Savannah, August 15, 1740. My dear Brother D――――,
OUR dear LORD (after being pleased to bring me low by bodily sickness) now gives me liberty to write to you. Whilst I am writing, I find my heart united with yours. I hope we have both drank into the same spirit, and are both instances of the same sovereign, distinguishing, everlasting love. O let us extol it! O let us improve daily! And since GOD sees fit that we shall not die, but live, let us lay ourselves out to declare the works of the LORD. I am ashamed of my past unfruitfulness. Had others received the stock, that hath been intrusted to me, how would they have improved it? Indeed I am an unprofitable servant. In the righteousness of JESUS my LORD, is my only refuge. Well may GOD afflict me; I richly deserve it; and when he brings me low, nothing grieves me so much, as to think that I should be so froward as to oblige the GOD of love to strike me with his rod. But oh the goodness of the LORD! His rod, as well as staff, do comfort and build up my soul. I would not but be tried for ten thousand worlds. Blessed be GOD, I am enabled to clasp the cross, and desire to glory in nothing more. Dear brother, help me with your prayers. Our victorious JESUS makes his power to be known; many have I seen struck quite down by the power of the word. The holy Ghost hath often come like a mighty rushing wind. Satan has desired to sift us as wheat. But our LORD still shews me, that the orphan-house will go on and flourish. It is often a great weight upon my soul; but through your and my dear friends prayers, the LORD I am persuaded will still support it.
Yours eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXII
To Mr. N――――, in New York.
Savannah, Aug. 15, 1740. My dear Brother,
YOUR letter rejoiced my heart. May our dear lord’s kingdom be advanced more and more every day! O that I may meet you at New-England! Blessed be GOD that Mr. M―――― is yet alive. Salute him from me; I hope to see him before I die, and so be taught the way of GOD more perfectly. I thank you for your kind hints; I have always paid great deference to dear Mr. N――――’s judgment: indeed I love him in the bowels of JESUS. GOD has been pleased to bring me low, for some time, by inward weakness, and faintness of spirits. The first strength that is given me to write, I make use of in writing to you. The LORD is purging me, that I may bring forth more fruit. I long to die, not that I may be rid of crosses, but that I may be with CHRIST. He draws me more and more to him every day. I have had many close domestic trials of late. But these words, “David strengthened himself in the LORD his GOD,” came with sweet power to my soul. I find, the nearer I come to CHRIST, the closer my trials are. I have been sometimes through weakness kept from preaching; but when I have spoken, the word has come with power. I have reason to think, that three persons who came to see the orphan-house, have been effectually called by our LORD JESUS. I have now some Carolina visitors in my house; two of them, I believe, are coming truly to JESUS.――The word runs like lightning in Charles-Town. A serious lively Baptist minister, named Tilly, is here also; he has preached often for me, and last Sunday received the sacrament in our way.――O bigotry, thou art tumbling down a-pace! Blessed be GOD.――Next week, GOD willing, I embark for Charles-Town, shall stay there a few days, and from thence purpose going to New-England. GOD wonderfully provides for my orphans.――I am kept from every degree of doubting; nay, the LORD fills me daily with a full assurance of faith. He chastens and corrects me, but it is all in love. O help me to praise him, and thereby add to the obligations already laid on, dear Mr. N――――,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCXIII
To Mrs. L――――.
Charles-Town, Aug. 22, 1740. Honoured Mother,
ALTHOUGH I had not the pleasure of receiving one line, either from your dear self, or from any other of my beloved friends; yet my heart was rejoiced just now by a sailor, who told me, that he saw and conversed with you the twenty-ninth of May last. I thank you for the salutation sent to me by him. Indeed I thank you from my very heart: for I feel myself unworthy of your notice. Every day I love and honour you more and more; and when you come to judgment, GOD will shew you how many tears I have shed in secret for you and my dear sister. O let them not be in vain! Honoured Mother, fly to JESUS.――Behold, with open arms, yonder he stands, ready to embrace you, if you feel your misery, and are willing to come to him to find rest. May the great GOD, who only can govern the wills and affections of sinful men, make you willing in the day of his power! Yesterday GOD brought me hither again. In a few days, I hope to embark for New-England; thence, GOD willing, you may expect another letter. For near six weeks past I have been under great weakness of body; but notwithstanding have been enabled sometimes to preach with great power. I am now somewhat better, but, without a miracle, cannot think of being long below. Indeed, honoured Mother, I every day long to be dissolved and to be with CHRIST. Pray tell Mr. W――――, that Mr. H――――, and I―――― B――――, with one or two more of their relations, I believe, are effectually called of GOD. We had much power at Savannah. GOD hath sent me some family trials; but all things are working for good. I am, honoured Mother,
Your ever dutiful son,
G. W.
Letter CCXIV
To the Reverend Mr. J―――― W――――.
Charles-Town, Aug. 25, 1740. Dear and Honoured Sir,
LAST night I had the pleasure of receiving an extract of your journal.――This morning I took a walk and read it. I pray GOD to give it his blessing. Many things I trust will prove beneficial, especially the account of yourself. Only, give me leave with all humility to exhort you not to be strenuous in opposing the doctrines of election and final perseverance, when, by your own confession, “you have not the witness of the spirit within yourself,” and consequently are not a proper judge. I remember dear brother E―――― told me one day, that “he was convinced of the perseverance of the saints.” I told him, you was not. He replied, but he will be convinced when he hath got the spirit himself. I am assured, GOD has now for some years given me this living witness in my soul. I cannot say, I have since indulged any doubts (at least for no considerable time) about the forgiveness of my sins; nay, I can scarce say, that I ever doubted at all. When I have been nearest death, my evidences have been the clearest. I can say, I have been on the borders of Canaan, and do every day, nay, almost every moment, long for the appearing of our LORD JESUS CHRIST; not to evade sufferings, but with a single desire to see his blessed face. I feel his blessed spirit daily filling my soul and body, as plain as I feel the air which I breathe, or the food I eat.――Perhaps the doctrines of election and of final perseverance hath been abused, (and what doctrine has not,) but notwithstanding, it is children’s bread, and ought not in my opinion to be with-held from them, supposing it is always mentioned with proper cautions against the abuse. Dear and Honoured Sir, I write not this to enter into disputation. I hope, at this time, I feel something of the meekness and gentleness of CHRIST. I cannot bear the thoughts of opposing you: but how can I avoid it, if you go about (as your brother C―――― once said) to drive John Calvin out of Bristol. Alas, I never read any thing that Calvin wrote; my doctrines I had from CHRIST and his apostles; I was taught them of GOD; and as GOD was pleased to send me out first, and to enlighten me first, so I think he still continues to do it. My business seems to be chiefly in planting; if GOD send you to water, I praise his name.――I wish you a thousand-fold increase. I find, by young W――――’s letter, there is disputing among you about election, and perfection.――I pray GOD to put a stop to it, for what good end will it answer?――I wish I knew your principles fully; did you write oftner, and more frankly, it might have a better effect than silence and reserve. I have lately had many domestic trials, and that about points of doctrine, not by myself, but from others in my absence. I daily wait upon GOD, depending on his promise, that all things, even this, shall work together for my good. Many in Charles-Town, I believe, are called of GOD. You may now find a christian, without searching the town as with a candle. Mr. G―――― is less furious, at least in public. He hath expended all his strength, and finds he cannot prevail. Adieu, Honoured Sir, Adieu! My health is better, since I last left Charles Town, and am now freed from domestic cares. With almost tears of love to you, and the brethren, do I subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXV
To Mrs. J―――― L――――, in Bristol.
Charles-Town, Aug. 26, 1740. Dear J――――,
I Hope you and your little society go on and prosper. I hear there are divisions among you. Avoid them if possible. The doctrines of election, and of final perseverance, I hold as well as you.――But then, they are not to be contended for with heat and passion. Such a proceeding will only prejudice the cause you would defend. Pray shew this to your other friends.――Exhort them to avoid all clamour, and evil speaking, and with meekness receive the ingrafted word which is able to save your soul. GOD has begun a great work here, and in other parts of America; but yet, I believe, I shall shortly have a call to England. O pray it may be the divine will, that I may have a prosperous journey; and that you may see me grown in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST.――With tenderest love to all, I am
Your affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXVI
_To the Right Reverend Father in GOD, Edmund Lord Bishop of London_.
On board the Savannah, bound from Charles-Town to Boston, September ――, 1740. My Lord,
ALTHOUGH your Lordship has been pleased to caution the people against running into those extremes, to which your Lordship apprehended my doctrine would lead men; yet I am persuaded that will not any way influence your Lordship, as to the contents of this letter. The one single point which it contains, is this query, “Whether the commissary of South-Carolina has power given him from your Lordship, to exercise any judicial authority against me, or any other clergyman, who doth not belong to his province?” The reason of my putting this question, I suppose your Lordship will be apprized of, before this reaches your Lordship’s hands. I have been lately cited to appear in an ecclesiastical court, erected by the Reverend Mr. G――――, for not reading the common prayer in the meeting-house, which I was obliged to preach in at Charles-Town, (unless I would be silent) because the commissary would not let me have the use of his church. I appeared, and have appealed, according to law, to four of his majesty’s commissioners for reviewing appeals, to know, whether the commissary ought not to have accepted a Recusatio judicis, which I lodged in court. This, I suppose, they will determine. I only desire your Lordship’s explicit opinion and determination, whether Mr. G――――, (supposing he hath power over his own clergy,) has authority to erect such a court to arraign me, who belong to the province of Georgia. The bearer hereof will give me your Lordship’s answer. In favouring me with which, your Lordship will oblige, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXVII
To Mr. P――――.
Boston, Sept. 19, 1740. My dear Brother,
I Have just now read your kind letter. Blessed be the LORD, for imparting somewhat of his divine presence to your soul. O may he fill you brimful, and enable you so to preach, that all your adversaries may not be able to gainsay or resist. Never fear undertaking to preach without notes; remember the promise, “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” By my master’s leave, I propose to preach with you, and dear brother W――――. I am a worm and no man: I deserve to be the outcast of the people. On Sunday I arrived at Rhode-Island. Our LORD called some. Yesterday I came hither, to-day I preached. May the LORD give a divine increase to the seed sown! A great work is carrying on at Charles-Town. The spirit of GOD is moving in different parts of the world. O my dear, dear brother, let us up and be doing, and the LORD will be with us. The world is lying in the wicked one. May GOD make you instrumental to deliver thousands from his cursed slavery! With difficulty I redeem time to write this. Brother B――――, and B――――, are with me. I will endeavour to give you notice of my coming. In the mean while, cease not praying for
Your weak and unworthy brother,
G. W.
Letter CCXVIII
To Mr. N――――, at New-York.
Boston, Sept. 23, 1740. My dear Brother,
HITHER GOD brought me on Thursday evening: I preached once on Friday, and twice every day since. The power of the LORD advances sweetly. Our LORD, I believe, will revive his work in the midst of the years; he enables me to preach plainly. Some ministers, I hope, will be quickened, as well as people. They attend, and are exceeding civil, as also the governor. I wrote to you from Rhode Island; I shall call there, as I come to you. On Monday, GOD willing, I shall set out to see Mr. M――――, and on Monday fortnight hope to go to Northampton. All the packets of letters came safe. GOD bless my dear, dear Brother N―――― for his great care. Friends from England write strange things; GOD, I believe, calls me thither. Mr. W―――― and the M――――s, I think, are sadly erroneous in some points of doctrine. When I see you, I will communicate many particulars; now, I have scarce time to write this. Our dear LORD sweetly fills me with his presence. My heaven is begun indeed. I feast on the fatted calf. The LORD strengthens me mightily in the inner man. I find a few souls left in Sardis that have not defiled their garments. Excuse me to Mr. P――――; I have not time to answer his kind letter! Adieu; I hope to be with you in about five weeks.――I pray for dear Brother T――――, that he may espouse more souls to the LORD JESUS CHRIST.――My hearty love to all.
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCXIX
To Mr. A――――.
Boston, Sept. 23, 1740. My dear Brother A――――,
I Thank you for your letter: May the LORD enable me to send you an answer of peace. Sinless perfection, I think, is unattainable in this life. Shew me a man that could ever justly say, “I am perfect.” It is enough if we can say so, when we bow down our heads and give up the ghost. Indwelling sin remains till death, even in the regenerate, as the article of the church expresses it.――There is no man that liveth and sinneth not in thought, word, and deed: However, to affirm such a thing as perfection, and to deny final perseverance, what an absurdity is this? To be incapable of sinning, and capable of being finally damned, is a contradiction in terms. From such doctrine may I ever turn away! Labour, dear Mr. A. to be holy, even as GOD is holy; but do not look for complete perfection here below. What is this, but in effect to vacate the righteousness of CHRIST? I hear many amongst you who begun in the spirit, are now ending in the flesh. CHRIST hath freely justified them, i. e. entitled them to all his merits, and yet they must do so and so to keep themselves in a justified state. Alas, this is sorry divinity; I have not so learned CHRIST. No, his gifts and callings are without repentance. Whom he loves, he loves to the end. Work I will, but not to keep myself in a justified state. My LORD hath secured that; but I will work to shew my gratitude for his putting me into a justified state. O that all would study the covenant of grace. Dear Mr. A. I feel that I love you, and I find myself carried out to write in this manner. My LORD blesses me with all spiritual blessings; he causes me to rejoice in his salvation. I pray him to carry on his work in London, and to keep his church from errors; but there must be a sifting as well as a gathering time. It is meet that such offences should come. All shall work together for good to those who are called after GOD’s purpose: They shall finally be saved. This much comforts, dear Brother A――――,
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXX
To H. H. in Wales.
Boston, Sept. 24, 1740.
AND is dear Brother H. H. yet alive in body and soul? Blessed be GOD, who causes those that wait on him to renew their strength. I rejoice in your success: May you mount with wings like eagles, walk and not be weary, run and not be faint! You shall not be taken or hurt, till the appointed hour is come. I hope your conversation was blessed to dear Mr. W. O that the LORD may batter down his free-will, and compel him to own his sovereignty and everlasting love! Some of F―――― Lane society, I fear, are running into sad errors; but this happens for our trial, especially mine. Those that before, I suppose, would have plucked out their eyes for me, now I suspect, I shall see very shy, and avoiding me. This is my comfort, the LORD is a never-failing friend; his truth will make its way in spite of all carnal reasoning. O pray for me that I may have the spirit of judgment and a sound mind. My coming to England will try my fidelity to my Master: Nothing but his strength can enable me to hear all contradictions with meekness, and to preach with love his everlasting truths. O that all would study the covenant of grace! The more I look into it, the more is my soul delighted. Dear Brother H. adieu. My dear friend J. S. sits by and cordially salutes you. I hope you have received my letters. I expect to hear from you by dear Brother S. GOD is working powerfully in America. He fills me with his presence, and causes me to go on my way rejoicing. Grace! grace! I greet all most affectionately, and am, dear Brother H.
Yours eternally,
G. W.
Letter CCXXI
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Boston, Sept. 25, 1740. Honoured Sir,
THIS is sent in answer to your letter dated March 25.――I think, I have for some time known what it is to have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. These, I believe, are the privileges of the sons of GOD: But I cannot say I am free from indwelling sin; no, I find a law in my members warring against the law of my mind: This makes me to cry out, even now, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” I thank GOD, our LORD JESUS CHRIST will. I cannot see wherein the heterodoxy of the article of our church doth consist, which says, “That this corruption remains even in the regenerate;” and if that after conversion we cannot sin in thought, word or deed, I do not know why our LORD taught us to pray to our heavenly Father, “Forgive us our trespasses.” I am sorry, honoured Sir, to hear by many letters, that you seem to own a sinless perfection in this life attainable. I think I cannot answer you better, than a venerable old minister in these parts answered a Quaker. “Bring me a man that hath really arrived to this, and I will pay his expences, let him come from where he will.” I know not what you may think, I do not expect to say indwelling sin is finished and destroyed in me, till I bow down my head and give up the ghost. There must be some Amalekites left in the Israelites land, to keep his soul in action, to keep him humble, and to drive him continually to JESUS CHRIST for pardon and forgiveness. I know many abuse this doctrine, and perhaps wilfully indulge sin, or do not aspire after holiness, because no man is perfect in this life. But what of that? must I therefore assert doctrines contrary to the gospel? GOD forbid. Whether the seventh to the Romans, is applicable to a converted person (as many very eminent saints have thought) is not at all to the purpose: There are other passages of scripture, which plainly shew that sinless perfection is not attainable here below. Such as these, “There is no man that liveth and sinneth not.” “In many things we offend all.” And I know no sin except the sin against the Holy Ghost, of which a child of GOD may not be guilty, if GOD should withdraw his grace.
Whatever you may think of David, the scripture says, “He was a man after GOD’s own heart;” yet how did he fall? And if you will not permit Peter to have been converted when he denied his Master; what will you say to St. Paul? Did not he sin, do you think, (at least were not his passions irregular, and what is that but sin) when he spoke to the High Priest, and called him whited wall? Besides, dear Sir, what a fond conceit is it to cry up perfection, and yet cry down the doctrine of final perseverance? But this, and many other absurdities you will run into, because you will not own Election: And you will not own Election, because you cannot own it without believing the doctrine of Reprobation. What then is there in reprobation so horrid? I see no blasphemy in holding that doctrine, if rightly explained. If GOD might have passed by all, he may pass by some. Judge whether it is not a greater blasphemy to say, “CHRIST died for souls now in hell.” Surely, dear Sir, you do not believe there will be a general gaol delivery of damned souls hereafter. O that you would study the covenant of grace! O that you were truly convinced of sin, and brought to the foot of sovereign grace! Elisha Cole on GOD’s sovereignty, and Veritas Redux, written by Doctor Edwards, are well worth your reading. But I have done; if you think so meanly of Bunyan, and the Puritan writers, I do not wonder that you think me wrong. I find your sermon has had its expected success; it hath set the nation a disputing; you will have enough to do now to answer pamphlets; two I have already seen. O that you would be more cautious in casting lots! O that you would not be too rash and precipitant! If you go on thus, honoured Sir, how can I concur with you? It is impossible; I must speak what I know.――Thus I write out of the fulness of my heart: I feel myself to be a vile sinner.――I look to CHRIST; I mourn because I have pierced him. Honoured Sir, pray for me. The LORD be with your dear soul. About Spring you may expect to see,
Ever, ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXII
To Mr. G―――― L――――.
Boston, Sept. 26, 1740. My dear Friend and Brother,
I Wrote to you about a month ago from Charles-Town.――Since I came here I have received two letters from you. May the great GOD of heaven and earth bless your dear soul for thus assisting his poor unworthy servant: A sense of my ingratitude almost melts me into a flood of tears.――Indeed I am the very chief of sinners.――O the love, the sovereign, distinguishing, everlasting love of GOD my Saviour! Praise him, praise him, dear Mr. L――――, with all your soul.――I hope nothing will cause a division between me and Messrs. W――――s: But I must speak what I know, and confute error wheresoever I find it. About Spring I hope to come over if the LORD will.――Be pleased to inform my friends, that last Sunday was sevennight I arrived at Rhode-Island, where I preached and read prayers in the church on Monday and Tuesday to very large and affected auditories.――On Wednesday I preached at Bristol, in my way to Boston.――On Thursday night I got there, and on Friday preached, and have preached once or twice every day since.――Almost all the ministers, and vast bodies of people, have been continually pressing to hear the word of GOD, sometimes in the fields, and sometimes in the meeting-houses. My health is much restored by the coolness of the air.――I intend staying about a month in these parts, then to go to Philadelphia by land, from thence to Georgia by water, and I hope to embark for England the beginning of the Spring.――You see by this, dear friend, how our LORD works by my unworthy hands. Ministers and people, I believe, will be much quickened.――I hope your dear soul prospers. For CHRIST’s sake avoid disputing; study your heart and the scriptures; get nearer and nearer to CHRIST, he will lead you into all truth. My most tender love to all; if opportunity any way offers, every letter received shall be answered by, dear dear Mr. L――――,
The meanest of all your christian friends,
G. W.
Letter CCXXIII
To Mr. I――――.
Boston, Sept. 26, 1740. My dear Brother, I――――,
I Thank you for your kind letter. It is the first I have received from you since I left England.――I bless GOD the work goes on in Yorkshire.――May our glorious, sin-forgiving LORD bless you and your spiritual children more and more! I find, our friends are got into deputing one with another.――O that the GOD of peace may put a stop to it! I wish many may not be building on a false foundation, and rest in a false peace. They own free justification, and yet seem to think, that their continuance in a justified state depends on their doings, and their wills.――This, I think, is establishing a righteousness of our own. My dear brother, if we search the scriptures, we shall find that the word justified implies not only pardon of sin, but also all its consequences.――“Thus (says Saint Paul) those whom he justified, them he also glorified;” so that if a man was once justified, he remains so to all eternity.――Here lies the anchor of all my hopes.――Our LORD having once loved me, he will love me to the end.――This fills me with joy unspeakable and full of glory.――I now walk by faith.――I work not to keep myself in a justified state, (for men or devils can never pluck me out of CHRIST’s hands,) but to express my love and gratitude for what JESUS hath done for my soul. This, I think, is what the apostle calls “faith working by love.” My dear brother, my heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that we may all think and speak the same things.――For, if we are divided among ourselves, what an advantage will satan get over us? Let us love one another, excite all to come to CHRIST without exception, and our LORD will shew us, who are his. The work of GOD goes on exceedingly in America. The LORD is pleased to manifest himself unto my soul more and more. I am a naughty, stubborn child; but my dear LORD will have mercy because he will have mercy. It is owing to his distinguishing love that I am not hardened. Here is, and I believe will be a great quickning in these parts.――The cloud seems to be moving. Perhaps in the Spring we may meet face to face. With difficulty I get time to write this, but I must answer dear Brother I――――’s letter.――May the LORD JESUS be continually with your spirit, and make your soul brimful of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. I love you in the bowels of the crucified Lamb. May he unite us more and more intimately to his dear self, and to one another. Salute all that love him in sincerity.――Brethren, pray for us.――That you may be kept by GOD’s power to eternal salvation, is the prayer of
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and poor weak servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXIV
To Mr. W―――― D――――.
Boston, September 28, 1740. Dear Brother W――――,
I Thank you for your kind letter from Osset; I wish it was written with more life. I fear you are turning almost to a spirit of bondage: but it is good for you to be sifted, to make an experienced minister of JESUS CHRIST. I could not but smile, to find you wink at the decency of my dress. Alas! my brother, I have known long since what it is to be in that state you are (in my opinion) about to enter into. I myself thought once that christianity required me to go nasty. I neglected myself as much as you would have me, for above a twelvemonth: but when GOD gave me the spirit of adoption, I then dressed decently, as you call it, out of principle: and I am more and more convinced, that the LORD would have me act, in that respect, as I do. But I am almost ashamed to mention any such thing: rather let us talk and write of the love of JESUS; “Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith JESUS CHRIST hath made us free, and not be again entangled in a yoke of bondage.” GOD only knows whether you have done right in leaving the university, or in declining to exhort. If you do not preach till you are perfectly free from all sin, I believe you will never preach again. I could never hear of such a minister or christian yet. My dear brother, I speak freely to you, because I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. He sent his disciples to preach before they were perfect; nay, when they were weak in grace. Exercise the talents you have, and that is the way to get more. Thus has GOD dealt with me for these seven years. “To him that hath, shall be given.” Many of our friends talk against election: a good reason may be given. I believe they have never taken pains to search into the true state of the case. What if some abuse that doctrine; is it therefore false? No; by no means. I am persuaded, if any of our friends would examine their experiences, they would find that JESUS CHRIST freely prevented them by his grace; that he compelled them to come in; and that it is not owing to themselves, but to the will and promise of GOD, that they are now kept in a state of grace. But I will say no more. My dear brother, I love you. May the LORD lead you into all truth. Our dear Master is doing wonders among us. Praise him lustily, and with a good courage. Adieu. Dear J―――― S―――― salutes you and the brethren, as does
Yours affectionately,
G. W.
Letter CCXXV
To the Rev. Mr. Z―――― M――――.
Boston, Sept. 28, 1740. Reverend and dear Brother,
I Received――I felt your letter. Surely there is a sympathy between souls that have drank into the same spirit. GOD willing, I purpose to come and see you; and will endeavour to send you timely notice: but oh do not expect too great things from me; for if you do, who knows but my LORD may desert me; and then what am I? Excuse the brevity of this. So many persons come to me under convictions, and for advice, that I have scarce time to eat bread. Wonderful things are doing here. The word runs like lightning. Dagon daily falls before the ark. I know you will, in spirit, pray that a due sense of his own vileness may be continually given to
Your affectionate, though unworthy, brother and servant in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
Letter CCXXVI
To Mr. W――――, at Bristol.
Boston, Sept. 28, 1740. Dear Brother W――――,
WHAT mean you by disputing in all your letters? May GOD give you to know yourself, and then you will not plead for absolute perfection; or call the doctrine of election a “doctrine of devils.” My dear brother, take heed; see you are in CHRIST a new creature. Beware of a false peace: strive to enter in at the strait gate; and give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Remember you are but a babe in CHRIST, if so much. Be humble, talk little, think and pray much. Let GOD teach you, and he will lead you into all truth. I love you heartily: I pray you may be kept from error, both in principle and practice. Salute all the brethren. If you must dispute, stay till you are master of your subject; otherwise you will hurt the cause you would defend. Study to adorn the gospel of our LORD in all things; and forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXXVII
To Mr. G―――― L――――.
Boston, October 9, 1740. My dear Brother L――――,
I Write to you again by this ship, though I have scarce time to write a line. GOD works by me, I think, more than ever. I am quite well in bodily health. Ministers as well as people are stirred up, and the government is exceeding civil. In short, GOD is doing greater things than can be expressed. Oh exhort all to pray, and to give thanks for me with their whole hearts. The bearer brings the authentic copy of my appeal; I sent you another copy before from Carolina. Be pleased to keep this I have now sent, till you hear of my coming to England: if I come in the Spring, I will lodge it myself; if not, be pleased to lodge it for me, and I will pay all expences. O dear brother L――――, what a scene of labours and sufferings lies before me! My dear JESUS will make me more than conqueror over all: he strengthens and comforts, he converses with me by night and by day: he gives me all peace and joy in believing. I pray GOD to keep our dear brother S―――― and others from a false stillness. I am sorry to hear such errors are risen amongst the brethren. Adieu; the LORD be with your spirit. I have already collected upwards of four hundred pounds sterling for the Orphan-house. GOD shews me that America must be my place for action. Once more adieu. Cease not to pray for,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCXXVIII
To Mr. J―――― H――――.
Newhaven, Oct. 24, 1740. My very dear Friend and Brother,
YOUR letter, just now brought to me by dear brother N――――, gave me great comfort. With fear and trembling, ever since the late disputations, have I opened letters sent from Savannah, but blessed be GOD, our dear LORD is with my dear friend H――――. Blessed be GOD, my family dwell together in unity. The GOD of love fill you with all peace and joy in believing. I hope a supply for your then present wants, came to you soon after you sent your letters: since that, I have sent from Boston 100 l. sterling; next week I hope to send again from New-York, and before Christmas I trust I shall see you face to face. Wonderful things GOD does for me. I am enabled to preach and travel better than ever. There has been joy in heaven, I believe, over many souls repenting. There are some hopes of dear, dear brother N――――’s coming with me. Mr. B――――, one of the young ministers of Long Island, with his wife, accompanies me also; and another settled christian, who holds and experiences the truth as it is in JESUS. O that all my family may be thus minded! I suppose by this time you know how matters are determined for me, if Mr. C―――― is arrived. GOD keeps me in suspense: suspense did I say? Blessed be his holy name, I am quite easy: I am persuaded he will chuse for me a daughter of Abraham. I know not but it may be the divine will that you should abide in Georgia, whilst I go to England. Be resigned: see if GOD does not bring all things about for your good: there is but little comfort to be expected in England. I find I must, if I am faithful, oppose the errors of many who, I believe, fear GOD: O that I may do it with meekness and wisdom. Methinks I now long to be with you all at Savannah. Pray for my speedy passage. I am glad GOD is scourging out the children of Belial: you have often heard me say GOD would do so. Never fear; a remnant will be left, which shall take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards, and yet fill the land. My dear brother, adieu: I am called away. I love you more solidly than ever. Dear J―――― S――――, Mr. F――――, and P――――, love you too: we travel very comfortably: thousands of prayers are continually put up for me and mine. My love to all, without exception. Feed the lambs, study the purity of their hearts, and thereby rejoice the soul of
Yours most affectionately and eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXXIX
To Mr. J―――― W――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740. Dear and honoured Sir,
I Received your’s, dated March 11, this afternoon. Oh that we were of one mind: for I am yet persuaded you greatly err. You have set a mark you will never arrive at, till you come to glory. I think few enjoy such continued manifestations of GOD’s presence as I do, and have done, for some years; but I dare not pretend to say I shall be absolutely perfect. O, dear Sir, many of GOD’s children are grieved at your principles; O that GOD may give you a sight of his free, sovereign, and electing love! But no more of this: why will you compel me to write thus? why will you dispute? I am willing to go with you to prison, and to death; but I am not willing to oppose you. My heart is now much affected: indeed I love and honour you. Dear, dear Sir, study the covenant of grace, that you may be consistent with yourself: hasten O LORD, the blessed time! I fancy I shall embark for England about Spring; but am not yet determined. GOD shews me his goodness plenteously every day. I dwell in CHRIST, and CHRIST in me: glory be to sovereign grace. I seem to have a new body, and the LORD JESUS greatly enriches my soul. O I am a poor sinner! but our LORD frequently manifests himself in such a manner, that it throws me into an agony which my body is almost too weak to bear. Honoured Sir, adieu. O build up, but do not lead into error, the souls once committed to the charge of
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant, in the loving JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXXX
To Mr. H―――― H――――, in Wales.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740. My very dear Brother H――――,
I Wrote to you from Boston. Your letter, written near a twelvemonth ago, came to my hand this afternoon. My soul is knit to you: we both speak and think the same things. The LORD be with your spirit. JESUS manifests forth his glory daily in these parts. Though I am such a vile, worthless, ungrateful wretch, yet the LORD fills me out of his divine fulness day by day. His word is like a fire, and a hammer: last week I saw many quite struck down. Our LORD is working upon little children. America, ere long, will be famous for christians. Surely the candlestick will shortly be removed from England. Little did I think, when Mr. E―――― J―――― wrote, that I should preach in all the chief places of America: but that is now done; glory be to rich, free, and sovereign grace! Perhaps about Spring I may embark for my native country: the LORD vouchsafe us a happy meeting. O Wales, thou art dear to my soul! My love to all the brethren. Dear brother H――――, I pray GOD you may prosper, even as your soul prospers. Expect another journal shortly: but wait till we come to glory, fully to see and hear what GOD hath done for
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXI
To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., in Boston.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740.
THOUGH late, I now snatch a few moments to send your excellency my acknowledgments for all honours received at Boston: they are much upon my heart. I pray GOD to reward your excellency a thousand-fold.
Great things hath the glorious Emmanuel done for me and his people on the way: the word has been attended with much power. Surely our LORD intends to set America in a flame. This week Mr. G―――― T―――― purposes to set out for Boston, in order to blow up the divine fire lately kindled there. I recommend him to your excellency as a solid, judicious, and zealous minister of the LORD JESUS CHRIST: he will be ready to preach daily: I suppose his brethren will readily open their doors: may the LORD at the same time open the people’s hearts, that they may diligently attend to the things that shall be spoken. Dear Mr. R―――― grows in grace: I left him at Brunswick, full of gratitude for his late journey. I am persuaded it was of GOD. I hope he will be instrumental in quickening both ministers and people. He is worthy of your excellency’s particular regard: under GOD he may need it. I expect he will soon be reviled and persecuted for his blessed Master’s sake: may the LORD enable him to rejoice and be exceeding glad. Dear Sir, the welfare of dear Boston people, especially the welfare of your own soul, lies upon me night and day. I remember your tears: I remember your excellency’s words, “Mr. Whitefield, pray that I may hunger and thirst after righteousness.” O how did these words rejoice me! for I thought your excellency wanted a more clear view of your own vileness, and of the all-sufficiency of JESUS CHRIST; I mean a more clear, experimental view: for what is all head-knowledge without that of the heart? it only settles people more upon their lees. May GOD give you to see and to follow the simplicity of the blessed JESUS. Whilst you are in the world, may you not be of it: may you be dead to magnificence, and alive to nothing but what leads you directly to your GOD.
Honoured Sir, I make no apology for this freedom: your excellency bid me not spare rulers; no, not the chief of them. Indeed I long after your salvation; O that I could do any thing to promote it! If my prayers, or any thing within my power may be instrumental thereunto, your excellency may command, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency’s obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXII
To Mr. M――――, at London.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1740. My dear Brother,
STILL my LORD shews me greater things. At New-York the Holy Ghost came down like a mighty rushing wind. At Baskenridge still a greater awakening among young and old. One that received CHRIST cried out, “He is come! He is come!” &c. The poor creature was wrapped up in the LORD JESUS: and both there and at New-York my soul was taken almost out of the body. At Newark the LORD worked wonderfully amongst some young men; and here at Philadelphia the word runs very swiftly. This afternoon, how beautiful did the LORD appear in his sanctuary! I would cry out, “How amiable are thy dwellings, thou LORD of hosts!” In several places, almost as large as Northampton, are many faithful labourers. We all think and speak the same things: O that it was so at London! The LORD enables me to confute error wherever I see it. Pray for me, that I may be made faithful to my LORD and Master: he is dearer to me every day: he will have mercy, because he will have mercy. See brother L――――’s letter. Another journal comes out shortly. My hearty love to all. Stand fast in the faith: quit yourselves like men: be strong. Above all, give thanks to GOD; and pray in behalf of, dear Mr. M――――,
Your most affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXIII
To Mr. G―――― L――――.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1740. Dear Brother L――――,
I Wrote to you last week from New-York. You may give friends this brief account of me: On last Saturday evening I arrived at this place, having preached at Staten Island, Newark, Baskenridge, New Brunswick, and Trenton, in my way hither from New York. A wonderful presence of GOD was observable at New-York, Baskenridge, and Newark. I preached here twice yesterday, and also to-day, in a large house built by the people since I was here last. It is an hundred feet long, and seventy feet wide; and is intended for a school, as well as a place for public worship. The walls are brick, and the roof is now almost ready to be put up. GOD hath remarkably appeared in the carrying on the building; and the holy spirit hath sweetly moved on the hearers souls every time I preached in it. I intend, GOD willing, to stay here this, and to embark for Georgia the latter end of next week; and propose, GOD willing, to return to England for a short time, in the Spring.
The LORD highly favours me; I am more sick of myself, and more in love with CHRIST daily: he is a dear, dear Master: Oh that all would love him with all their hearts! Adieu: it is late. The LORD be with your spirit.
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXIV
To the Rev. Mr. D――――, at New Brunswick.
Salem, Nov. 20, 1740. My very dear Brother,
EXCESS of business, not a want of love, prevented my writing to you from Philadelphia. I feel that I love you in the bowels of the dear JESUS, our ever blessed and glorious Emmanuel: he hath done great things for me since you left us. Yesterday at Cohansie the spirit of the LORD moved over the whole congregation: what reason have we to be thankful for the great things we both see and hear! My dear brother, indeed I desire to lie in the dust. O how good is my LORD to me! thoughts cannot conceive, or words express it! I long to be in glory, that I may praise him as I would. I rejoice to hear that the LORD is with you. Shortly, I believe, you will evangelize. All friends kindly salute you. Adieu. In great haste, I am
Your very affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXV
To Mr. J―――― H――――.
Bohemia, (Maryland) Nov. 24, 1740. My very dear Brother,
I Rejoice to hear that you are married: I salute your wife and my sister in CHRIST: may you love one another, as CHRIST and his church. I have lately conversed closely with P―――― B――――: alas! we differ widely in many respects; therefore, to avoid disputation and jealousies on both sides, it is best to carry on the work of GOD apart. The divisions among the brethren sometimes grieve, but do not surprize me. How can it be otherwise, when teachers do not think and speak the same things? GOD grant we may keep up a cordial undissembled love towards each other, notwithstanding our different opinions. O how do I long for heaven! Surely, there will be no divisions, no strife there, but who shall sing with most affection to the Lamb that sitteth upon the throne. Dear James, there I hope to meet thee; for the dear JESUS, I believe, hath locked thee fast in his almighty arms. Lean thou on his sacred bosom night and day; keep close to him, and be what I long to be, a little child. Adieu. I am ready to weep tears of love. My dear brother, I should be glad to wash any of the brethren’s feet: indeed I am now willing to be the servant of all. The more the LORD honours me, the more I feel my unworthiness. I am sometimes sick of love, and often, often sick of self. O that GOD should have mercy on such a sinner! Help me, dear James, to praise my Saviour. A glorious church is raising in America. The LORD mightily reveals his arm. It would please you to see his outgoings, his stately steps in the great congregation. I only want fellow-labourers. I look to JESUS for this, and for every thing. I desire you to print nothing against your conscience: only do not immediately censure every thing that may not seem clear to you: our LORD may guide me, even into things which as yet you may not see into. The day of judgment will discover all. Adieu.
Ever, ever yours in our blessed Emmanuel,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXVI
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Bohemia (Maryland) Nov. 24, 1740. Dear and Hon. Sir,
LAST night brother G―――― brought me your two kind letters. O that there may be harmony, and very intimate union between us! Yet it cannot be, since you hold universal Redemption. But no more of this. Perhaps, in Spring, we may see each other face to face. This evening, GOD willing, I propose to embark for Georgia. Wonderful things our LORD brings to pass, in these parts, every day. Here is a close opposition from some of the Presbyterian Clergy. The seed of the serpent is the same in all, of whatever communion. I expect much more opposition every hour. The devil rages in London. He begins now to triumph indeed. The children of GOD are disunited among themselves. The king of the church shall yet over-rule all things for good. My dear brother, for CHRIST’s sake avoid all disputation. Do not oblige me to preach against you; I had rather die. Be gentle towards the ――――. They will get great advantage over you, if they discover any irregular warmth in your temper. I cannot for my soul unite with the Moravian Brethren. Honoured Sir, Adieu!
Yours eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXVII
Saint George’s (Pensylvania) Nov. 24, 1740. Dear Brother T――――,
GOD has revived his own work in Philadelphia. His glory filled the great house. The affairs belonging thereto, I believe, are well settled. We have had precious times at Cohansi, Salem, Fogs-mannor, Nottingham, Whiteclay, Creek and Bohemia. Brother G―――― is come from England very opportunely. Brother S―――― comes about Christmas. The brethren I think do grow, though sadly divided. But our LORD will order all for good.――Upon several accounts, I think it best to embark for England as soon as possible in the Spring. O pray for me, that I may not by any means grieve the children of GOD. I hope the weather is warm enough for you. I trust our LORD has warmed and filled your dear soul. Your brother Charles is with me. My dear fellow travellers salute you and our dear brother R――――. My love to all that love the LORD JESUS. The war goes on bravely between Michael and the Dragon. Our dear LORD (O condescending love!) is wonderous kind to your poor, weak, unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXVIII
Reedy-Island, Nov. 26, 1740. Dear Mr. F――――,
I Thank you for your letter.――You may print my life, as you desire. GOD willing, I shall correct my two volumes of sermons, and send them the very first opportunity.――Pray write to me by every ship, that goes shortly to Charles-Town.――――
I shall embark for England, GOD willing, about February.――I desire I may hear from you there also, as often as possible. I have prefaced Jenks, and Presumptuous sinners detected. Mr. Bradford has the last, because he said he was to print it. You may have it of him.――The Ornaments of the daughter of Sion, you may have hereafter. Dear Sir, Adieu. I do not despair of your seeing the reasonableness of christianity. Apply to GOD; be willing to do the divine will, and you shall know it. I have heard from Mr. S――――; all is well. To-day several friends have taken leave of me at this place, waiting for a fair wind in order to embark for Georgia. I think I have been on shore 73 days, and have been enabled to travel upwards of 800 miles, and to preach 170 times, besides very frequent exhortations at private houses. I have collected, in goods and money, upwards of 700 l. sterling, for the Orphan-house; blessed be GOD! Great and visible are the fruits of my late, as well as former feeble labours, and people in general seem more eager after the word than ever. O the love of GOD to
Your unworthy friend,
G. W.
Letter CCXXXIX
To Mr. N. in New-York.
Charles-Town, Dec. 10, 1740. My very dear Brother,
IN eight days, the LORD brought us hither. We arrived last night, when the Redeemer vouchsafed so to fill me with his divine consolations, that I could scarce sleep. I have been preaching this morning on the fire that happened of late from these words, Isa. i. 9. “Except the LORD of HOSTS had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as ♦Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” I am now determined to see England as soon as possible. I have had much of GOD’s presence in our passage hither from Philadelphia, and have many precious letters to send you. O follow me with your prayers. I leave Charles-Town, GOD willing, to-night, in order to hasten to their relief, and shall go in the same sloop which brought me here, to my beloved Georgia. As soon as possible, I will send you a long letter. In the mean while, accept of my love from, dear Mr. N――――,
Your very affectionate friend and brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘Sodam’ replaced with ‘Sodom’
Letter CCXL
To Mr. G―――― C――――.
On board the Savannah for Georgia, Dec. 11, 1740. Dear Brother C――――,
YOUR late letters, especially that which you sent me by way of Charles-Town, made me smile.――I was glad to find that you had not so far thrown off all outward things, as to resolve not to write to any one; and I thought I knew the frame of your heart, as though I was within you. My dear, dear George C――――, I love you tenderly in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and therefore would not have you be deceived. Alas, why do you pervert this text of scripture, “Be still, and know that I am the LORD,” as if it was designed to keep a christian from striving, or meant a stillness of body, or waiting upon GOD only in silence? The expression is taken out of the 46th Psalm, where GOD’s fury against the heathen is described in the most lively colours; and then lest his people should complain of the severity of his dispensations, GOD commands them to be still, “not to murmur or repine, knowing that he was the LORD, and might do what seemed him good.” Thus Tate and Brady in their translations explain it, and this is the true and genuine meaning of that sentence. It hath no reference to stillness in prayer, or stillness of body. Dear brother, I speak to you plainly, because I love you. I think I know what it is to wait upon the LORD in silence, and to feel the spirit of GOD making intercession for me with groanings which cannot be uttered. Often have I been at such times filled as it were with the fulness of GOD, and I do now daily carry on a communion with the most high GOD and the ever-blessed JESUS. But all this I fear is contrary to the false stillness, you and some others seem to have fallen into. I was just in the same case some years ago at Oxford, when I declined writing, reading, and such like exercises, because I would be still. The LORD convinced me; I pray he may also convince you of this delusion. Dear George, consider how contrary your maxim is to our Saviour’s. You say, “Be still.” He says, “Strive.” As in an agony, “Strive that you may enter in at the strait gate.” Indeed, my dear man, I pity you, knowing you have but a weak judgment, though a well-meaning heart. You once thought that you was born again; then, you found it was only an elapse of the Holy Ghost. You used to say, you wished you could believe from experience in the doctrine of election; now, you find as yet no evidence within yourself that you are a real christian. You take too much refuge, I fear, in the doctrine of universal redemption. It is the finest doctrine in the world to cause a soul to be falsely still, and to say Peace, Peace, when there is no peace. You seem to insist upon sinless perfection, and to think a man hath no real salvation till he literally cannot commit sin. From whose experience do you write this? Not from your own, dear George; for I much question, if ever your heart was truly broken or had a saving closure with CHRIST. You seem to mention Peter Bochler as an instance; but alas, though he has been washed in the blood of the Lamb, so as to be justified from all his sins, yet like me his feet want washing still, and will, till he bows down his head and gives up the ghost. I have conversed with him intimately. Take heed, brother, of having any thing too much in admiration, or of thinking you must necessarily find CHRIST at such and such a place. You have been at M――――. I believe you have seen many dear children of GOD; but have you returned home with CHRIST in your heart? Your letters do not speak much improvement in the school of CHRIST. If GOD loves you, he will let you see the vanity of your present imaginations, and bring you to see that salvation is not of him that willeth, or of him that runneth, but of GOD that sheweth mercy. Dear George, be not given to change; be not too fond of new things. “To the law and to the testimony,” and see what CHRIST and his apostles have spoken. I speak this out of love, and not in reference to myself. If GOD blesses another ministry to your soul, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. But if I see you fall into errors, do not be angry if I tell you the truth. If you are, I will notwithstanding love and pray for you. That errors are crept in among you, I think is too plain: but I suspend my judgment till the Spring, when, GOD willing, I hope to be in London. In the mean while pray for me, that I may with joy bear to be deserted by those, who once were blessed and awakened by my ministry, and to whom I am a spiritual father, though they may have many instructors. Dear George, may the LORD be with you. He only knows how dear you are to my heart. It is near midnight; but it was much upon my heart to write you this letter. That GOD may sanctify it to your edification and comfort, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXLI
To the Rev. Mr. C――――.
Good-Hope (South-Carolina) Jan. 1, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
I am now going to Charles-Town, in order to embark for England; the cloud of GOD’s providence seems to be moving that way; I have enjoyed much of the divine presence since I left Boston, and have had a comfortable Christmas with my dear family at Georgia. At my return, I found my Orphan-houshold removed from Savannah to Bethesda, and great improvements made during the time of my absence. The great house will be finished, GOD willing, so as to be habitable, in about two months. It would have been finished so far by this time, if the Spaniards had not taken a schooner loaded with bricks and other provisions to a considerable value; but GOD about the same time stirred up the heart of a planter in South-Carolina, lately brought home at the orphan-house to GOD, to send my family some rice and beef. At other times, when they have wanted food, the Indians have brought plenty of venison. GOD, every day, more and more convinces us that this work is of him. His power has been made known, especially among the young ones. I bless GOD, I have settled my family to my great satisfaction, and verily believe I shall live to see great things come from the Orphan-house. GOD works upon the hearts of the labourers. One woman hath had a glorious discovery of CHRIST made to her heart: last week, two or three men where brought into heart-distress, and another young man that came to see us, was made so sick of sin, as to feel the want of, and to enquire after the great and all-powerful physician of souls. My family, I think, consists now of 89 persons. Next year my expences will be contracted much; but at present, I am in debt about 500 l. sterling. However, I know in whom I have believed, ONE who is able to pay it. My public accounts will be published as soon as I arrive at London, with a prospect of the Orphan-house, and other little houses and gardens annexed unto it. I am now at the house of one Mr. Jonathan B――――, who, I trust, with his brother Mr. H―――― B――――, and another young man, lately a player in New-York, are settled by a living faith in JESUS CHRIST. The latter, I intend for the ministry. Mr. H―――― B――――’s wife died not long since, rejoicing in GOD her Saviour. Several others also in these parts are grown in grace, and Mr. C――――’s ministry hath been much blessed.――Satan hath been sowing tares in old England. Oh that Boston ministers and people may pray for me! Indeed, I love them in the bowels of the blessed JESUS. Vale! longum etsi spero non in æternum, vale. That CHRIST’s kingdom may flourish in your heart, and that you may greatly promote it in the souls of others, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate unworthy fellow-servant, in our common LORD,
G. W.
LETTER ♦CCXLII.
To the Rev. Mr. C――――.
Charles-Town, Jan. 12, 1741. Dear and Reverend Sir,
LAST Saturday I was taken up for being concerned in correcting the inclosed printed letter, written by Mr. H―――― B――――n, whose conversion you have an account of in the other letter sent herewith. I think it may be for GOD’s glory to have them all printed in Boston. I am bound over to appear next sessions, as well as Mr. B――――. He, I believe, for libelling the king, and I for libelling the clergy, in saying they break the Canons daily. I think, dear Sir, these are earnests of what I must expect to meet with in my native country. Opposition, as yet, seems to be only like a cloud rising out of the sea, no bigger than a man’s hand. Perhaps it will gather to a great body, and break upon the church of GOD. Our LORD will be our refuge in every storm. He is much with my soul, and fills me abundantly, I could almost say superabundantly, with his presence. We have seen precious times. One person had a glorious discovery of CHRIST about two days ago. I expect my family will be like the burning bush. I find I am in debt for them upwards of six hundred pounds: but the LORD will provide.――My most tender love awaits all that love him. I am to appear at the sessions by an attorney. Dear Sir, remember,
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘CXLII’ replaced with ‘CCXLII’
Letter CCXLIII
To the Rev. Mr. C――――, at Rhode Island.
Charles-Town, Jan. 16, 1741. Reverend and Dear Sir,
I Snatch a few moments to write you a line before I embark for England. Blessed be GOD, you are near your desired haven. Yet a little while, and you shall safely arrive in Abraham’s bosom. I præ, sequar, esti non passibus equis.――Great things GOD is doing daily. The kingdom of heaven (I hope) is at hand. I am bound over to appear at the sessions here, by my attorney, for libelling the clergy, because I corrected the letter inclosed. A scene of suffering lies before me, but wherefore should I fear? Our LORD strengthens me mightily in the inner man. We have had much of his presence in our assemblies. But I must have done. Dear and Reverend Sir, adieu. I scarce expect to see you again in the flesh; but this is my comfort, I shall see and rejoice with you above. There, I will sit and tell you what GOD hath done for
Your unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXLIV
To the Rev. Mr. C――――, in Boston.
Charles-Town, Jan. 16, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I have packed up two letters for you already, yet I cannot refrain from sending you a third. Just now I was favoured with yours dated last December 1. Indeed, it gave me much comfort, and endeared the writer of it to me more and more. Sir, why am I thus highly favoured! I now wish to sink exceeding low, and cry out, Grace, grace! O the love of GOD! The sovereignty of CHRIST! The unchangeable loving-kindness of our heavenly Father! Excuse me, dear Mr. C――――; my heart is full. I want for all men to love the LORD JESUS. It greatly rejoices me, to hear so many are coming to him. He is a loving tender master. He attends to my minutest wants, and surprizingly helps me in every emergency. I thank dear Mr. C――――, for the kind token of his love. Good measure pressed down and running over, may GOD return into your bosom! You will be pleased to correct the press. I am filled with comfort to hear of the conduct of the dear governor, &c. I cannot but think our LORD will let his word run, and be abundantly glorified in America. Boston people are much upon my heart. The memory of their forefathers is precious to my soul. May you live to see the spirit of scriptural Puritanism universally prevail! I hope you will write every opportunity. If I am in prison, it will make me arise at midnight to sing praises to GOD, to hear that Boston people are alive to CHRIST. At present, my heart is full of peace and joy. We have had solemn meetings. I am much strengthened on every side; but I must not say more. Time is short. Dear Mr. C――――, adieu. May the LORD be with you and yours. I could now drop a tear of love.――My love to all.
I am yours &c.
G. W.
Letter CCXLV
To Mr. W―――― D――――, at Boston.
On board the Minerva, for England, Jan. 17, 1741. Dear Sir,
MR. P―――― hath just brought me your kind letter. Blessed be GOD, that his word runs and is glorified in Boston. Surely, dear Sir, I shall never forget that people; indeed, they are very near and dear unto my soul. May those of your own household, in particular, be not only convicted but converted; may the dear JESUS fill you with all peace and joy in believing, and enable you to pray for, dear Sir,
Yours in the blessed JESUS,
G. W.
P. S. Excuse great haste; our ship is just under sail. My dear companions kindly salute you and yours.
Letter CCXLVI
To Mr. Wm. G――――.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 8, 1741. in latitude 35, 24 N. My dear brother,
SEE how soon I write to you, and from thence infer how I love you. Whether it proceeds from the pride and naughtiness of my heart, I cannot tell; but, I frankly confess, I love to see persons humble, kind, and courteous to those, whom GOD hath made their spiritual fathers. I believe it is well pleasing to GOD, and very amiable in the sight of all good men. Your christian grateful behaviour to me in this respect, hath much endeared you to me. GOD only knows how I love you. I bear you upon my heart, and often secretly sigh out before the LORD,――“O let my dear brother G―――― live before thee.” This is the desire of my soul for you. I cannot wish you a better thing. Yet a little while, and we shall be together again. But, before that time, I expect to suffer great things. The LORD is able to deliver me out of all. I have just now experienced his divine assistance in composing a sermon. This is the sixth which he has enabled me to finish, since I have been on board. O my dear brother, love a precious CHRIST, and shew it by adorning his gospel in all things. He has highly favoured you, indeed he hath. If you and I are not eminently holy, if you and I think any thing too much to be done for the LORD, we are of all men the most ungrateful. O the love of CHRIST! I feel it, I feel it. GOD now sheds it abroad in my heart. May it abundantly also be shed on you by the Holy Ghost. Write to me if in prison, my friends will bring it to me there. GOD will hear me for you even in a dungeon. Methinks I see you weep; but weep not for me, unless it be before the LORD, and then I care not how soon you retire, and pour out your prayers in behalf of, dear Mr. G――――,
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXLVII
To Mrs. L――――, at Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 11, 1741. Dear Mrs. L――――,
YOU was upon the mount when I left Charles-Town; I hope you have not thrown yourself down. Keep close to CHRIST, and cast not off your first love. Remember what GOD has done for your soul. Forget not the glorious discovery JESUS CHRIST has made of himself to your heart; and though a cloud should overshadow you, let not Satan make you doubt of your being a child of GOD. O Mrs. L――――, how holy ought you to be in all manner of conversation and godliness! Why are you taken? Why are you in the arms of everlasting love? Methinks I hear you cry out, Grace! grace! And well you may; for indeed you are saved by grace. The free grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you now and for ever more. Blessed be GOD, I experience much of it in the ship. I hope divine grace moves me to send you this small letter. If GOD blesses it to your soul, put up a short prayer for
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXLVIII
To Mrs. W――――, at James-Island.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 11, 1741. Dear Madam,
MY heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that you may be saved. I hope you will find, it is not impossible for you to be born again when you are old. GOD forbid. Though at the eleventh hour, I trust our LORD will meet you, and cause you, whenever you depart, with good old Simeon, to depart in peace. I heartily thank you, madam, for all favours conferred on me and mine. We have not forgotten you on board. I do not forget to mention you in my secret prayers. May GOD reveal his dear Son in your soul, and fill you with all peace and joy in believing! O what a staff will this be to you in your old age! How pleasantly then will you walk by your vault, and say, “There shall I lay my weary bones ere long.” I hope you do not startle at the thoughts of death. Believe in CHRIST. Get a saving interest in his blood, and then you may cry out, “O death, where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory?” Blessed be GOD, the prospect of death is pleasing to my soul. I would not live here always: I want to be gone. That you and I, whenever our appointed time is come, may live with CHRIST, is the earnest prayer of, madam,
Your obliged friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXLIX
On board the Minerva, Feb. 12, 1741. Dear Mrs. T.,
MUST I pray for you in the language of Martha and Mary, saying, “LORD, she whom thou lovest is sick!” Or hath he who touched Peter’s wife’s mother, rebuked the illness that was coming upon you, when I saw you last, and caused it to leave you? But, however the LORD has dealt with you, I hope he hath been glorified in and by you. I heard he had by his word and spirit spoken to your soul, and given you satisfaction, that he had loved you with an everlasting love. I rejoice in it from my soul. The LORD increase your comforts daily, and shew you all his glory. Dear Mrs. T――――, think often of your departed sister. Follow her as she did CHRIST; and then shortly, where she is you shall be also. O the happiness she now enjoys! It is too dazzling for mortal eyes. I want to leap my seventy years, and fly away to GOD. Well, it will not be long. Dear Mrs. T――――, let us patiently tarry till our change come. Our LORD will carry us safe through time, and waft us triumphantly into eternity. The love of CHRIST constrained me to write these lines; accept them for his sake, from
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCL
To Mr. H――――, at Port-Royal, South-Carolina.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Dear Mr. H.,
THE love of CHRIST constrains me to write you a line, though as yet no further than the western islands. I trust the LORD hath called you by name, and enabled you to say “Speak LORD, for thy servant heareth.” Who knows but he may call you yet further, even to minister before him? Whether it be so or not, make it your daily study to prepare your heart to serve the LORD in any station. To be a doorkeeper in the house of GOD, is a glorious post. Surely, you and I may sing of mercy and electing love. How often have we acted a part for the devil? The remembrance of it is grievous unto me. Let us both now labour daily to act a part for GOD. He heaps kindnesses on me every hour. We have hitherto had a wonderful pleasant passage. I hope it is in some measure owing to your prayers. Let this encourage you to pray again. Our GOD is a GOD hearing prayer. I write now, lest excess of business should prevent my writing in England. The LORD is girding me for the battle, and strengthening me mightily in the inner man. “O give thanks unto the LORD of all Lords, because his mercy endureth for ever.” You will not fail writing to
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLI
To the Reverend Mr. C――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. My dear Brother,
THE LORD hath been with me, and is now with me in an especial manner. I have been enabled to prepare nine discourses for the press. My body waxes stronger, and last night the great GOD in a glorious manner filled and overshadowed my soul. I am panting after the compleat holiness of JESUS my LORD. I have various scenes of action lying before me, and am waiting upon the LORD my GOD for direction. He assures me that he will be with me. He saith unto me, “Fear not, speak out, no one shall set upon thee to hurt thee.” Dear Mr. C――――, GOD’s goodness quite surprizes me. I cannot express myself better, than in a stanza or two of Erskine in his Paraphrase upon Solomon’s song.
I.
_What wonders LORD dost thou perform, That stoopest thus so low, To put thy beauty on a worm, And then commend it so._
II.
_What, dost thou praise a native black? I blush to find it true; O lend me words to render back The praise to whom ’tis due._
I hope my love will find acceptance with all your flock who know me, and who love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. I have often comforted myself and companions with this saying, “Now Mr. C―――― and our other friends are praying for us.” At the receipt of this, turn your prayers into praises, and then turn your praises again into prayers, in behalf of, dear Mr. C――――,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
LETTER ♦CCLII.
To Mr. H. B.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. My dear brother in CHRIST,
BEFORE this is brought to your hands, I suppose you will have been arraigned before the Chief Justice. I am persuaded our LORD will plead on your behalf, and strengthen you with his mighty power in the inner man. The greater progress you make in the divine life, the more you will discover of the enmity that is in the seed of the serpent. It bruised our master’s heel; it will also bruise ours. Here is our comfort, GOD who cannot lie, hath told us, that “we shall bruise his head.” In the strength of this promise, I can give men and devils the challenge. Whole legions are ready to beset me. By the help of my GOD, I shall triumph over all.――I hope we shall grow in grace before we meet again. You and I have weak crazy tabernacles; I hope you rejoice in the prospect of putting them off shortly; blessed be GOD, I do.――Dear Sir, get acquainted more and more with electing love; study the covenant of redemption, and see how GOD loved you with an everlasting love. This will cause you to glory only in the LORD, and to pass through the valley of the shadow of death, with a full assurance of faith; knowing that CHRIST hath engaged to lodge you safe in eternal glory. Thither your dear wife is gone before us; I often think of, I could almost say envy her; but perhaps that is wrong. Yet a little while, and our precious LORD shall take both you, and
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘CLII’ replaced with ‘CCLII’
Letter CCLIII
To Mr. B――――, at Port-Royal.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Dear Mr. B.,
I Hope you will never forget that day, hour, or moment, wherein GOD met you at Savannah. If you have in some measure, do so no more. “Awake thou that sleepest, and CHRIST shall give thee light.” Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. No man can serve two masters. Use the world, but let it be as though you used it not. The fashion of this world will soon, very soon, fade away. Dear Mr. B――――, I am persuaded, will not be offended at this plain dealing. He knows I love him. GOD knows it also. With much affection, I subscribe myself
Your friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCLIV
To Mrs. B.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Dear Mrs. B.,
WHEN you read that JESUS loved Lazarus, Mary, and their sister Martha, do you not make a particular application to your own family? I think our LORD has been equally kind to your houshold. Walk as becometh members of the houshold of faith. I hope you have had full satisfaction about your state, and know assuredly that CHRIST is your Saviour. If not, be not discouraged; go on the way of duty, is the way of safety. By-and-by your soul shall magnify the LORD, and your spirit rejoice in GOD your Saviour. This is the hearty desire of, dear Mrs. B――――,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLV
To Mr. J―――― B――――.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Dear Mr. B――――,
YOUR name, Jonathan, puts me in mind of a good old testament worthy. Follow him in his faith, and dare to scale the wall of the Philistines. Be not afraid, though already bound over as a libeller; shortly you shall shine in the kingdom of your Father; I say, your Father; for GOD is your GOD, and will be your guide and guard unto death. Does not this astonish you? Do not you feel your heart melt? Are you not ready to cry out, “Why me, LORD?” The oftener you repeat such language the better. I love to see a soul lie in the dust under a sense of electing love; you and yours have been highly favoured. May GOD give you all grace to walk worthy of the holy vocation wherewith you are called. I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Though not present, yet I fain would converse with you. O that I may see you grown in grace! Remember me to your wife. The LORD be with you both: He hath been, he is now with me. You are often upon my heart. GOD reward you for your kindness to the Orphans. Do not slack your hands towards them. Our bountiful master will richly reward you. Go on steadily in the use of, but do not trust in ordinances. You know what I mean. Be steady and bold, yet meek and catholic in your conversation and practice; and if GOD hath influenced you by my ministry, give him the glory, and for CHRIST’s sake pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLVI
To Mr. B――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Dear Mr. B.,
I Think of you often, indeed I do, I long to hear that complete salvation is come to your soul. I say complete salvation, for my dear friend knows that reformation is not conversion. O that you may experience a life hid with CHRIST in GOD! Some who seemingly put their hands to the plough, have already shamefully looked back; will Mr. B. also go away? Methinks I hear him say, “Whether shall I go? JESUS CHRIST alone hath the words of eternal life.” True, JESUS alone is the way, the truth and the life; flee, flee to him, my dear friend; with arms he stands ready to embrace, and will save you to the uttermost. Remember, my friend, the vows of the LORD are upon you. These hands reached out to you the sacred symbols of his precious body and blood. These eyes saw you eat and drink of his bread and his wine. O do not betray, but manfully stand up for the LORD JESUS. You was once bold for satan, be now bold for your CHRIST. His love excites me to write to, and pray for you. Your wife also I intreat the LORD to bless, together with your children. My friends join me in hearty wishes for your welfare. I am, dear Mr. B――――,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLVII
To the Rev. Mr. D――――, at Edinburgh.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
IF I mistake not, Mr. M. informed me, that you was entered into the ministry; I pray GOD to enable you to make full proof of it. O dear Sir, how holy ought we to be, who are called to stand before the LORD. ――When I consider the greatness of the office and my own unworthiness, I am sometimes quite abashed. This promise, “Lo I am with you always,” is my daily support. Blessed be GOD, I find it fulfilled in my soul. A great work is begun in America, at Georgia, South-Carolina, New-York, Philadelphia, and New-England. GOD has confirmed the word by spiritual miracles and signs. You will see what I have wrote to dear Mr. T――――. Your assistance in respect to the Orphan-house will be very acceptable. I am several hundreds of pounds in debt on that account. The GOD whom I serve is able to discharge it. You have heard of the liberality of the New-England people; dear Mr. D―――― GOD’s goodness astonishes me. What! can I think any thing too much to do, or to suffer for so dear a Master? I was lately bound over at Charles-Town in South-Carolina, for libelling the clergy. The libel, falsely so called, I shall soon send you after my arrival. Thus opposition is coming on gradually: pray that the LORD may cover me with all his armour. I am a weak defenceless creature in myself; JESUS alone is my strength and my Redeemer. I write this on board, that you may know, you are not forgotten; no, tho’ I never saw you in the flesh, you are much beloved by, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in our dear LORD’s vineyard,
G. W.
Letter CCLVIII
To the Rev. Mr. T――――, at Edisto.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Dear Mr. T.,
PROVIDENCE prevented my coming to see you at Edisto,――however, I must not omit writing to you now. How is it with your heart? I hope you are not nimis uxorius; take heed, my dear B――――, take heed. Time is short. It remains that those who have wives, be as tho’ they had none. Let nothing intercept, or interrupt your communion with the bridegroom of the church. I hope you do not feel such damps of soul, as you used to complain of. May the LORD of glory dispel every black cloud, and cause you continually to rejoice in his salvation. You have strong passions. The LORD JESUS is stronger: In his strength may you subdue them, till you are meek as a lamb, and are become a very little child. I write thus, because I pray for you most heartily.――Deal with me in the same manner; and now, dear brother, farewel. The LORD be with you. He is pleased to refresh my soul, and give me the prospect of a short passage. I commend myself and affairs to the prayers of your flock, and I earnestly recommend you to the GOD of all grace. That he may bless you and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mr. T.――――,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCLIX
To Mrs. B――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Dear Mrs. B.,
I Am much obliged to you many ways. The LORD reward you a thousand-fold. Your prayers are heard. GOD is carrying us upon the wings of the wind. The angel of the covenant accompanies us in the way. The present season is a time of refreshing to my soul. I hope it will be a profitable voyage. I think I see more into the wickedness of my own heart, and the unsearchable riches of the LORD JESUS, who hath redeemed me by his precious blood. I believe you can say so: Why do you shake your head? Woman, why doubtest thou? Has not the LORD visited your soul? Have you not heard him say in his word, applied by his spirit, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love?” And do you think GOD would tell you so, if it was not so? Away therefore with all desponding fears; come boldly, with a full assurance of faith, and draw water plentifully out of the wells of salvation. O that all were comforted, as I am now comforted of GOD. I would not eat my spiritual morsels alone. I hope, a letter from you will acquaint me, how good the LORD has been to your soul. I have no greater joy, than to hear that my christian friends walk in the truth. The LORD be with you. Remember me to your father and sisters. That you all may be true members of the houshold of faith, prays
Your affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCLX
To Mr. B. and his wife at Bethesda.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Dear brother B――――,
WHEN I left Charles-Town, the LORD seemed to give me a full assurance, that we should have a speedy passage.――We have hitherto had scarce any contrary winds, and are now very near the Western Islands. We had one storm the first week, but almost ever since have been favoured with weather as well as wind. O that you would call the family together, and praise the LORD for the mercies conferred on us the unworthiest of the sons of men! I do not know that I have failed praying for you one day, since I have been out. I long to hear what the LORD hath done for your souls. What say you? Do you live in love? Do you strive together with me in your prayers? Are any of the Orphan Lambs bleating after their great Shepherd? Is your mouth opened? Is your heart enlarged? Is your soul swallowed up in GOD? Does Bethesda answer its name? Is it, indeed, an house of mercy? These questions, I hope to have answer’d in the affirmative. If you ask, how it is with my soul? Blessed be GOD, I can reply, “Very well.” The LORD gives me a feeling possession of himself. I have been enabled to compose nine discourses for the press. GOD willing, you shall hear from me often. I write this, that I may be ready, if I should hear of any ship coming your way immediately upon my arrival; receive it as a token of my love, which GOD knows is unfeigned, from
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXI
To Mr. J. B――――, Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Dear Mr. B――――,
I Think I owe you a letter; I believe you love me in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I hope our love is reciprocal. How can it be otherwise with those, who have drank of the same spirit? I long for that happy time, when we shall be swallowed up in the vision and full fruition of the glorious Godhead. The bunch of grapes makes me long to eat of the full clusters in the heavenly Canaan. The first-fruits make me pant after the full harvest. Perhaps you may go and partake of it first, and drink new wine before me in the kingdom of our Father; I hope I shall not stay long after you, if not called before. My soul is sick of love. Nothing can satisfy it, but the full sight and enjoyment of CHRIST. He now visits my soul, and causes it mightily to rejoice in his salvation. How lovingly he hath dealt with me in other respects, letters sent to other friends can best inform you. Haste, read, hear, and join with them in giving thanks and praying for
Your affectionate friend and brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXII
To Mrs. S――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Dear Mrs. S――――,
MY soul is now in an heavenly frame, swallowed up in GOD, and melted down by the love of my dear LORD JESUS. It is almost too big to speak. I will give it vent by writing to you. Our master hath been exceeding gracious, and has shewn me several tokens for good, which I desired of him in secret prayer. Last night, I think I received as full satisfaction as I could desire, in respect to my marriage. I believe what I have done, is of GOD; tho’ I know not when my heart was more disengaged from earthly thoughts than now. I only desire, that the dear JESUS may be glorified in me, whether it be by life or by death. I depend on your sending me a particular account of affairs at Charles-Town. I have wrote to many; you will hear how my letters are received. I shall be glad to hear how it is with your own soul. I beseech you to live near to CHRIST, and to keep up a holy walk with GOD. Be inward with GOD in your duties. Trust and hang on GOD, even when he hides himself from you. He will be your guide unto death. Hunger and thirst daily after the righteousness of CHRIST. Be content with no degree of sanctification. Be always crying out, “LORD, let me know more of myself and of thee; O let me receive grace for grace of thy dear Son.” This, at present, is the full desire of my soul. I am persuaded the LORD will satisfy it. GOD is love; we cannot think too highly of him; we cannot expect too great things to be done by him. His right hand, I believe, will bring mighty things to pass. I am now entering on a scene of trials. The LORD hath sent me on the seas to prepare me for them. Not that I depend on any stock of grace already received, I would look to CHRIST continually. But whither am I running? I forget myself. I almost fancy, I am talking with you. I have only room to acquaint you, that dear J―――― S―――― sits by me, and cordially salutes you, with
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXIII
To the Rev. Mr. S――――, Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
YOU have been very kind to me in many respects; but I have been ungrateful to you, and infinitely more so to my gracious GOD. I have not failed frequently to bemoan my unworthiness. Since I have been on board, the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping, and now fills my soul with all peace and joy in believing. I have been much assisted in composing sermons for the press. At present my soul is closely adverting to GOD, who, I believe, will bring me safe to glory. My bodily strength is much renewed. In short, I am comforted on every side. Dear Sir, praise the LORD in my behalf. O let us magnify his name together. I hope you feel what it is to have fellowship with the Father and the Son, and experience the influences of the Holy Ghost, in delivering your blessed master’s message. I salute Mr. P―――― and your whole church. My request is, “Brethren, pray and give thanks for us.”――When you write to New-England, pray remember me to all friends in the kindest manner. That country, and the people, lie very near my heart. I hope to be favoured with a line from you ere I return from England. Great perils there await me; but JESUS CHRIST will send his angel, and roll away every stone of difficulty. In his strength alone is my trust, and for his sake and in his name, I subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCLXIV
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Bethesda.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 18, 1741. My dear Friend and Brother,
YESTERDAY we humbled ourselves before GOD, and by prayer and fasting sought for a blessing, and direction in all our affairs. I wish I had kept family fasts at Savannah. Suppose you had one monthly at Bethesda? You will see, by dear Brother B――――’s letter, the frame of my mind. Since that, I have been a little in the valley, but the LORD is my comforter. I hope I grow in grace, and in the knowledge of myself, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. My heart is much united to Messrs. W――――s, tho’ we differ in some particulars. May GOD make us of one mind, as well as heart. I shall make all possible haste back, and remit money to you as often as I can. Mr. P―――― tells me, his brother is to send you upwards of a hundred pounds, and I suppose other supplies will be sent from the Northward. I have also wrote to Charles-Town. I am persuaded GOD will not let you want. I would not have any thing left undone, that is necessary for the family’s comfortable subsistence. The LORD is our Shepherd, therefore we shall not lack. I shall long to hear how the blessed JESUS deals with you. He is wonderfully gracious unto me, and hath made this voyage profitable to my soul. O my friend, my friend, the LORD be with you. My love is firm to you at the bottom, tho’ sometimes it hath ebbed and flowed; in heaven it will not be so. On earth it is needful it should; otherwise, how should we learn to cease from man? But I am a worm and no man, and deserve to be the outcast of all people. My eyes are now ready to gush out with water. O the sovereign love of CHRIST in chusing me! My dear friend, let us study to be holy even as he is holy, and walk even as he also walked. Let these be your daily questions, “Am I more like CHRIST? Am I more meek and patient? Does my practice correspond with my knowledge, and am I a light to enlighten and enflame all that are around me?” I could say more, but I think to write again when I get on shore. GOD bless you and yours. I suppose you have heard that Mr. P―――― sails with
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXV
To Mr. S―――― W――――, at Bristol.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 20, 1741.
AND does my friend W―――― look again towards GOD? Never did the Father with greater joy receive the returning prodigal, than I shall embrace you in these unworthy arms, if you are alive to GOD. I trust your late tepidity will now make you more fervent in spirit. I pray GOD to give you a settlement in CHRIST, that you may be rooted and grounded in love. My brother, the captain, gave me a particular account of your soul. I hope he will yet appear for GOD; will you also appear with him? Why should you strive to please a pleasure-taking world? Why should you keep in league with the apparent enemies of GOD? But no more of this. Let old things pass away, let all things become new. I believe GOD suffered you to fall, because you thought more highly of yourself than you ought to think. My love to all. I feel a great union of soul with Mr. W――――; we differ in principles, but I hope the LORD will make us of one mind. You must not be surprized, if I publish an answer to Mr. John W――――’s sermon, entitled, Free Grace. It is wrote in much love and meekness. Adieu for the present. Give thanks on my behalf. The LORD hath dealt wonderously kind with, dear Mr. W――――,
Yours eternally in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXVI
To Mr. T―――― S――――, in London.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 20, 1741. My dear Brother,
I Have kept your letter by me till now, that I might answer it on my voyage. It speaks the language of a perplexed heart, and plainly shews me, that satan loves to keep us in bondage. My dear Brother, I think you have done wrong in holding your peace. I am sure you once felt that freedom of soul, which you are a stranger to now. The way of duty is the way of safety. Whatever you may say to the contrary, unless you will give the lie to your own experiences, you must confess, that you have indeed tasted of the good word of life. You should, therefore, have went forwards, and not have turned back again, and thereby plunged yourself into darkness; darkness that may be felt. Alas, you have too eagerly embraced principles (I fear) contrary to the gospel of CHRIST. You are aiming at a false voluntary humility, and are returning back to the flesh pots of Egypt. I know my words will have but little force with some, but I must deliver my soul. GOD was once pleased to work upon you by my ministry, and therefore I am more solicitous for your welfare. I know the advice you would give me is, “be still.” I hope I am, so far as really to know the LORD; but yet I will strive, yet will I walk in all the ordinances of GOD, and go on from strength to strength till I come to appear before him in his heavenly Zion. I write this, out of the fulness of my heart. Indeed I love you, and the brethren; I am willing to be the servant of you all. I am less than the least. However, I dare not embrace tenets that are not agreeable to the form of sound words. Let me see you as soon as may be after my arrival, and in the mean while accept of hearty love, from
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXVII
To Mrs. A. D.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 20, 1741. My dear Sister,
MY conscience almost reproaches me, that I have not wrote to you often, nor full enough; accept this as an acknowledgement of my fault. I am sorry for it. We are now about a thousand miles off England. I hope this will provoke you to send me a letter immediately after my arrival. I find Luther’s observation to be true: “Times of reformation are times of confusion;” as yet the churches in America are quiet, but I expect a sifting time ere long. My family in Georgia was once sadly shaken, but now, blessed be GOD, it is settled, and, I hope, established in the doctrines of grace. Your name is precious among them. I wish you would send them a long letter. Your book on walking with GOD has been blessed to one Mr. B――――, and others in South-Carolina. It hath also been serviceable to a dear friend now with me, as also to myself. I cannot well tell you what great things are doing abroad. I have a scene of sufferings lying before me; I expect shortly to cry out with the spouse, “Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me, my mother’s children were angry with me.” My LORD’s command, now, I believe, is, “Take the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes.”――Help me by your prayers. It is an ease thus to unbosom one’s self to a friend, and an instance of my confidence in you. O, my dear Sister, I am less than the least of all saints, I am the chief of sinners, and yet JESUS loves me, and sheds his love abroad in my heart abundantly by the Holy Ghost. I have been much assisted in composing some gospel sermons, which I intend for the press. I have sought the LORD by prayer and fasting, and he assures me, that he will be with me. Whom then should I fear? Hitherto we have had an extraordinary passage, praise the LORD. Herewith I send you a letter from one of the children which GOD has given me: He will rejoice to receive a line from you. If possible, I hope, tho’ you are in the decline of life, to see you face to face before I leave England. I should be glad to hear how you are as to worldly circumstances; if I can help you in any degree, freely command
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXVIII
To T―――― K――――, at London.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 20, 1741. My dear Brother K――――,
I Received your kind letter at Savannah, and though I hope to see you face to face soon after you receive this, yet love to your dear soul constrains me to write you an answer before I come on shore.
I find, since my departure, the brethren have fallen into errors. Dear Brother K―――― will not be offended, if I say, “He, I fear, is one of them;” for his letter bewrayeth him. My dear Brother, you say, “You have been striving a long, long while, but to very little purpose, &c.” By this, I suppose, you have left off the means, and fallen into stillness; expecting now, that JESUS CHRIST will so work upon your heart, that you shall not feel the least stirring of indwelling corruption in your soul; in short, that you shall be completely perfect: This was pretty near my case about six years ago, and now I see why GOD suffered me thus to be tempted, “that I might be more capable of succouring my brethren, now they are tempted.” My dear Brother, let us reason together. “You have been striving (you say) a long while, but to very little purpose.” And what then? must you be therefore still, and strive no more? GOD forbid: No, you are yet to wait at the pool. “Constantly attend on ordinances;” and who knows but by-and-by the loving Saviour may pass by and visit your soul. Have you not, in some degree at least, felt his divine power in the use of the means? Why should not that encourage you to expect more in the same way? But you say, “I find all that is of self is sin.” And do you expect ever to do any thing, or to offer up to GOD one sacrifice, without a mixture of sin in it? If you do, indeed you are building a spiritual Babel. My dear Brother, even our most holy thoughts are tinctured with sin, and want the atonement of the Mediator; and therefore, if you leave off striving, because “whatever is of self is sin,” you must never attempt to do any duty whatsoever again. Your stillness hath as much a mixture of self in it, as your striving, and if you proceed in this manner, you must become a professed Quietist. Six weeks did satan keep me under this delusion, but the LORD helped me in the hour of extremity: May he also help my dear Brother K――――! Another error you seem to be fallen into is, “that a man cannot be a christian, at least that he is a very weak one, so long as he finds corruption stirring in his heart.” If I was to urge the seventh to the Romans, you would say, St. Paul only speaks of a man under first-awakenings, and not of a converted man; but my dear Brother, did you ever know a man, that was not really converted, delight in the law of GOD after the inner man? And yet such an one the Apostle speaks of in the latter part of that chapter. Be not deceived, we are to be holy as CHRIST is holy; we are to receive grace for grace; every grace that is in the blessed JESUS, is to be transplanted into our hearts; we are to be delivered from the power, but not from the indwelling and being of sin in this life. Hereafter, we are to be presented blameless, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. If you labour after any other perfection here, you will labour in vain. St. Paul had attained no other, when he wrote to the Philippians, and to the other churches: But my dear Brother K―――― seems to think, “I did wrong in writing to Mr. H―――― to know his sentiments upon several texts of scripture, and in sending for several of Calvin’s books.” And why, my dear Brother, was this wrong? Why you say, “you think it is contrary to St. Paul in his Epistles, when he says, he would not speak other men’s words;” but St. Paul says no such thing: The place you aim at, I believe, is 2 Cor. x. 16. “And not to boast in another man’s line, of things made ready to our hand.” My dear Brother, examine the context, and you will find the Apostle means no more than that he would not enter into other men’s labours, as ver. 15. He would not preach where churches were already settled, but go where the gospel had not been delivered. This, and this only, is the meaning of the passage, which dear mistaken Mr. K―――― has wrongly quoted. My dear Brother, did not St. Paul bid Timothy to give himself to reading? What, if the Holy Spirit is to lead us into all truth, does not the Holy Spirit make use of, and lead us by the means? Has he not indited the scriptures? Has he not helped holy men to explain those scriptures? And why may I not, in a due subordination to the Holy Spirit, make use of those men’s writings? Has not my dear Brother K―――― bought sermons? And why then does “He make use of other men’s words?” O, my dear brother, you are in the wilderness; GOD bring you safe out of it.
I suppose, because the Dissenters oppose some of your new principles, you term them enemies; but, my dear Brother, though there are many Christless talkers, and hypocritical formalists among the Dissenters, as no doubt there are some such in the purest church under heaven; yet many of them hold and practice the truth as it is in JESUS. But I have done. Count me not your enemy, because I tell you the truth. I expect that great numbers will look shy on me, for thus opposing what I think to be error. Thus the Galatians treated St. Paul; but I must be tried every way. I could add a thousand kind things, but I hope you shortly will have a personal interview with
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXIX
To Mrs. J―――― F――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 25, 1741. My very dear Friend,
I Know you will rejoice at the receipt of this: You have abundant reason; the LORD hath been wonderous kind. We are now flying on the wings of the wind, and if it continues, we hope to be at Cowes the beginning of next week. Your kind presents were of great service to my crazy body. The woman passenger has been serviceable in making us bread; and in short, GOD has wonderfully ordered all things for our great conveniency and comfort. O that my dear friends at Charles-Town, may hereby be excited to thankfulness on our behalf. I have frequently prayed for you both with my friends, and when in secret before the LORD. Indeed you are seldom out of mind. Dear Mrs. F――――, I believe GOD sent you to invite me to your house, and I believe the LORD will plentifully reward both of you, for all your works of faith and labours of love. I think henceforward I must call you Mary, and your husband, I hope, will be truly stiled James the servant of the LORD. I trust you will both serve the LORD CHRIST, and give yourselves up to the guidance of his blessed word and providences day by day. It is a glorious privilege to be led by the spirit of GOD. I think I have felt, and do feel, at this time, his sacred influences upon my soul. My body is but weak, though better by much than when I left Charles-Town; however, my soul hath confidence in GOD. The archers will shoot sorely at me that I may fall; but GOD will cause my bow to abide in strength, and my arms shall be strengthened by the hands of the mighty GOD of Jacob. I need not ask for a continuance of your prayers, nor you for mine. I hope we shall be always present with each other in spirit, at the throne of grace. My dear friend, adieu: All with me salute you. Write often to
Your unworthy guest, but truly affectionate servant, friend, and brother in the LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCLXX
To Mrs. F――――, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 25, 1741.
I Hope dear Mrs. F―――― will not be offended with these few lines; they are written with a sincere desire to promote your welfare. I want to see you entirely dead to the world, and alive to GOD. You have been often convinced under the word; may it sink deep into your heart. GOD, by the late fire, hath shewn you the vanity of all things here below; henceforward set your affections on things above. You are old, and at the head of a great family; you have sealed your promise to lead a holy life, more than once, by receiving the symbols of the blessed body and blood of CHRIST.
_Henceforth let no profane delight Divide your consecrated soul; But give it CHRIST, who has the right, As Lord and Master of the whole._
Be not ashamed to own you have vowed never to dance again: Dear Mrs. F――――, fear not contempt. What is it? only a little breath. Rest not in duties; rest not in outward partial reformation.――He that is in CHRIST, is a new creature. That old things may pass away, and all things become new in your heart, is the hearty prayer of, Madam,
Your sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXI
To the Rev. Mr. C――――, in Boston.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 26, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
ACCEPT a few lines from one, who desires feelingly to stile himself, less than the least of all. I hope you received my packet from Charles-Town: What happened to me there, was only an earnest of future trials. GOD hath blessed the reading of the prophecy of the prophet Jeremiah to my soul; as also the history of Joseph, and hath let me see more into the covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son: I am more and more in love with the good old Puritans; I am pleased at the thoughts of sitting down hereafter with the venerable Cotton, Norton, Elliot, and that great cloud of witnesses, which first crossed the Western ocean for the sake of the gospel, and faith once delivered to the saints. At present, my soul is so filled, that I can scarce proceed. Dear Sir, GOD is with me of a truth; he now gives me a feeling possession of himself: I bless his holy name for sending me to sea; it is profitable both for soul and body. I find the Psalmist’s words to be true, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.” O that I may walk humbly with my GOD! The language of my soul is this:
_Correct me when I go astray, And lead me in thy perfect way._
And now, dear Mr. C――――, I have in some measure unbosomed my heart. What shall I say more? Pray for me both in public and private; give thanks, as well as pray, especially for the mercies of this voyage. Dear Sir, adieu till I come on shore, which I hope will be very speedily, being now in soundings; then you shall hear again, GOD willing, from
Your truly affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXII
To Mr. J―――― H――――.
London, March 25, 1741. My dear Sir,
I Wrote to you immediately on my coming on shore. We arrived at Falmouth last Wednesday was sevennight, and got here the Sunday following.――Blessed be GOD, we had a summer’s passage. Many of our friends, I find, are sadly divided, and, as far as I am able to judge, have been sadly misled. Congregations at Moorfields, and Kennington Common, on Sunday, were as large as usual.――On the following week days, quite contrary: Twenty thousand dwindled down to two or three hundred. It has been a trying time with me. A large orphan family, consisting of near a hundred, to be maintained, about four thousand miles off, without the least fund, and in the dearest part of his Majesty’s dominions; also, above a thousand pounds in debt for them, and not worth twenty pounds in the world of my own, and threatened to be arrested for three hundred and fifty pounds, drawn for in favour of the Orphan house, by my late dear deceased friend and fellow-traveller Mr. S――――. My Bookseller, who, I believe, has got some hundreds by me, being drawn away by the M――――ns, refuses to print for me; and many, very many of my spiritual children, who, at my last departure from England, would have plucked out their own eyes to have given to me, are so prejudiced by the dear Messrs. W.’s dressing up the doctrine of Election in such horrible colours, that they will neither hear, see, nor give me the least assistance: Yea, some of them send threatening letters, that GOD will speedily destroy me. As for the people of the world, they are so imbittered by my injudicious, and too severe expressions against Archbishop Tillotson, and the Author of the old Duty of Man, that they fly from me as from a viper; and what is most cutting of all, I am now constrained, on account of our differing in principles, publicly to separate from my dear, dear old friends Messrs. J―――― and C―――― W――――y, whom I still love as my own soul: But, through infinite mercy, I am enabled to strengthen myself in the LORD my GOD. I am cast down but not destroyed, perplexed but not in despair. A few days ago, in reading Beza’s Life of Calvin, these words were much pressed upon me, “Calvin is turned out of Geneva, but, behold a new church arises!”――JESUS, the ever loving, altogether lovely JESUS, pities and comforts me. My friends are erecting a place, which I have called a Tabernacle, for morning’s exposition. I have not, nor can I as yet, make any collections; but let us not fear.――Our heavenly Father, with whom the fatherless find mercy, will yet provide; let us only seek first the kingdom of GOD, and his righteousness, and all other necessary things shall be added unto us. In about a fortnight, though I scarce know an oak from a hickery, or one kind of land from another, I am subpœna’d to appear before parliament, to give an account of the condition of the province of Georgia, when I left it. This, I suppose, is occasioned by the party, which hath been so inveterate against the honourable the trustees, whom they accuse of misemploying the public monies. The event, which undoubtedly will be in favour of the trust, you may know hereafter. In the mean while, believe me to be
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXIII
To Mr. J―――― C――――.
London, March 25, 1741. My very dear Brother,
HASTEN hither with all speed, and then we shall see what GOD intends to do for and by us. It is a trying time now in the church.――The LORD give us a due mixture of the lamb and lion. Some that have been led astray, begin to recover. The LORD make way for his own truths. My love to the Colliers, and all friends. Many, I suppose, will be shy. I am become a monster even to several who were wrought upon by my ministry; but it must needs be that offences should come: otherwise, how should I learn to cease from man? Adieu; excuse brevity――Hasten, and speak face to face with
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXIV
To Mr. H――――.
London, April 10, 1741. My very dear Friend,
I Ordered Mr. H―――― to send you some sermons and accounts, some time ago: I suppose he has done it. I have been at the Parliament-house; the Georgia affair was adjourned. The gentlemen seemed apprehensive that my account of the colony, would have too much weight. It was somewhat of a trial to be in the House. I then remembered what the Apostle said, “We are become a spectacle to men and to angels.” My appeal will come to nothing, I believe. I have waited upon the Speaker; he received me kindly. I cannot yet determine when I shall see you. If you fear, I hope you will pray for me. The LORD blesses my ministry. Salute dear Mrs. H――――: I will write to her next; but you two are one. The LORD be with you both. At present I am weak in body, and therefore must beg leave to subscribe myself
Yours, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCLXXV
To Mr. S―――― M――――, at London.
Bristol, April 27, 1741. My dear Friend and Brother,
ON Tuesday, April 22d, I left London, and preached on Wednesday and Thursday morning at Newbury, to large congregations. On Friday evening I preached at Bristol, and have continued to do so twice every day to great and affected auditories. I received your kind letter, and thank you for it. I rejoice in the good news from New-England. Last night, I rejoiced much in seeing a soul wonderfully exult in GOD, just at the borders of death. Great manifestations of the divine presence have attended my sermons. Praise the LORD O my soul! I am glad to find Mr. S―――― goes on well. Pray give my love to brother G――――. My body is sometimes weak, but my soul rejoices in GOD my Saviour. I know not, whether I shall come so soon as proposed to London. I find it necessary, through the increase of awakened souls, to get a society-room built adjoining to our new tabernacle. I pray GOD to fill it with his glory, and beg leave to subscribe myself, dear Mr. M――――, Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXVI
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
Bristol, April 28, 1741. My dear Brother,
BLESSED be GOD for knitting us together in love. May it continue, and increase till consummated in eternity! The LORD JESUS direct you. It is now a trying time with the church. Our LORD is now chiefly wounded in the house of his friends. The LORD keep us both from a party spirit on one hand, and from too much rashness and positiveness on the other. I speak thus, because you seem offended that some affirm, “That there is no such thing as dominion over indwelling sin, nor rest from working for life wholly.” Now this is certainly true in one sense. We shall never have such a dominion over indwelling sin, as entirely to be delivered from the stirring of it; and the greatest saint cannot be assured, but some time or other for his humiliation, or punishment for unfaithfulness, GOD may permit it to break out into some actual breach of his law, and in a gross way too. Let us not be high-minded, but fear. It is equally true, that we shall not rest wholly from working for life. For whilst there is any part of us unregenerate, that part will be always leading us to the old covenant. Luther often complained of the propensity of his heart this way. If we know ourselves, we shall find it to be so with us; but I suppose you have been tinctured with the doctrine of sinless perfection. No wonder therefore you write thus. May GOD give you a right judgment in all things, and enable you rightly to divide the word of truth! As for assurance, I cannot but think, all who are truly converted must know that there was a time in which they closed with CHRIST: But then, as so many have died only with an humble hope, and have been even under doubts and fears, though they could not but be looked upon as christians; I am less positive than once I was, lest haply I should condemn some of GOD’s dear children. The farther we go in the spiritual life, the more cool and rational shall we be, and yet more truly zealous. I speak this by experience. Dear brother H―――― will not be angry with me. I hope, and believe, you pray for me. The LORD JESUS carries me on. Many have been convinced at London. I preach here twice daily, to large congregations, with great power. The LORD, I believe, will yet bring mighty things to pass. I am, dear H――――,
Your most affectionate brother in our dear LORD JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXVII
To the Rev. Mr. S――――.
Bristol, May 1, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
I Am glad to hear by brother M――――, that the LORD is with you. May you increase with all the increase of GOD. The more we do, the more we may do for the dear LORD JESUS. He strengthens me here mightily.――I am enabled to speak here with great power, rather greater than when at London. My congregations are as large as usual, and they go refreshed away. This is the LORD’s doings; may all that is within us praise his holy name! Exhort the dear London people to pray for us. The LORD be with you all. Dear Sir, pray for
Your affectionate brother and unworthy fellow-labourer in our LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXVIII
To Mr. S――――, at Worcester.
Gloucester, May 5, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH this, I send you my answer to brother Wesley’s sermon, and my account of the Orphan-house. I have seen your letter to Mr. N――――, and thank you for espousing the cause of a poor despised minister of JESUS CHRIST. I hope as I make advances in the spiritual life, I shall show my zeal more and more tempered with true christian knowledge and prudence. I would willingly have none of my wild fire mingled with the sacred fire that comes down from GOD’s altar. I desire not only to do things for GOD, but to do them in the best manner. I am a poor unworthy sinner, and yet, (O sovereign grace!) the LORD works by me day by day. At Bristol, error is in a great measure put a stop to. The LORD manifested himself in the great congregation there, and doth likewise here. Last night, we saw and felt his power. I have had the pleasure of seeing dear Mr. P――――, and I long for that time when I shall see you, Reverend Sir, and all the chosen of GOD in the kingdom of heaven. But I desire to wait till my change shall come. Dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me. I have prayed for you often. I am a weak sinful worm. As such pray remember, Reverend Sir,
Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXIX
To Mr. Wm. W――――, at Edinburgh.
Bristol, May 16, 1741. Dear Sir,
I Received both your kind letters, and with this send you my hearty thanks for them. I also thank you for your kind invitation of me to Scotland. GOD only knows when I can come.――All I can say at present is, I will come when the LORD permits. Sad tares have been sown here. It will require some time to pluck them up. The doctrines of the gospel are sadly run down, and most monstrous errors propagated. They assert, “That the very in-being of sin must be taken out of us, or otherwise we are not new creatures.” O dear Sir, exhort all to pray for me, that I may be faithful to my LORD, and yet kept gentle in my temper. At present, our dear LORD causes me to triumph in every place. His gospel gets ground, and his power is manifested among us day by day. The fields are white, every where ready unto harvest. Our LORD I trust will gather his wheat into his heavenly garners. My kind respects attend Mr. M―――― and Mr. D――――. Had I time I would write a long letter to each. But I am interrupted. However, I am glad to snatch a few moments to beg a continuance of your prayers for a poor unworthy worm, and to assure you that I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXX
To Mr. E―――― E――――, at Sterling.
Bristol, May 16, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Owe you much love. Only want of time, prevents my writing to you oftner. This morning I received a kind ♦letter from your brother Ralph, who thinks it best for me wholly to join the associate presbytery, if it should please GOD to send me into Scotland. This I cannot altogether come into. I come only as an occasional preacher, to preach the simple gospel to all that are willing to hear me, of whatever denomination. It will be wrong in me to join in a reformation as to church government, any further than I have light given me from above. If I am quite neuter as to that in my preaching, I cannot see how it can hinder or retard any design you may have on foot. My business seems to be, to evangelize, to be a Presbyter at large. When I shall be sent into your parts I know not. I write this, that there may not be the least misunderstanding between us. I love and honour the associate Presbytery in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. With this I send them my due respects, and most humbly beg their prayers. But let them not be offended, if in all things I cannot immediately fall in with them. Let them leave me to GOD. Whatever light he is pleased to give me, I hope I shall be faithful to it. Our dear and precious master still carries me on. GOD enables me to fight my way through. The gospel doctrines, I believe, will yet prevail. I feel a divine power attending my ministrations. I preach twice daily, and am invited to many places. I believe the LORD intends to keep me on this side the water for some time. Blessed be GOD, all places are alike to me. O dear Sir, pray for me.――I am a poor unworthy worm. I love you tenderly, but am almost ashamed to subscribe myself
Your brother in the best of bonds,
G. W.
♦ ‘lettter’ replaced with ‘letter’
Letter CCLXXXI
To D―――― A――――, in London.
Bristol, May 16, 1741.
I Am glad to receive a line once again from dear brother A――――. I rejoice that GOD lets you see more and more into the corruptions of your heart. The more perfect you are, the more will you see and bewail your imperfections in thought, word, and deed; the more will you be made to sing, “In the LORD alone, and not in myself, have I compleat righteousness and strength.” The doctrine of electing love, is precious to my soul. I am enabled to speak of it feelingly to others. My soul is kept in peace and sweetness. Our LORD’s cause needs not noise and rashness. I desire that none of my wild-fire may be mixed with the pure fire of holy zeal coming from GOD’s altar. I think it my duty to wait, to go on simply in preaching the everlasting gospel, and I believe we shall yet see the salvation of GOD. Methinks, the cloud begins to break off your mind; I pray GOD to keep you from extremes. Brother H―――― is more and more enlightned; but withal, more and more quickened every day. He finds there is no such thing as sinless perfection, and yet is pressing after holiness of heart and life rather more than ever. May GOD make my dear brother A―――― thus minded! For indeed I love him in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. We have had frequently sweet communion with GOD, and one another. I should have rejoiced to have conversed with you at Bristol. This is my comfort, yet a little while and we shall converse in the kingdom of heaven, for ever and ever. My soul is waiting for this salvation. I know not when I shall go to Axminster. When I do, you shall have timely notice. GOD blesses my ministry, wherever he sends me. I am invited to fresh places daily. Dear Mr. A――――, I, even worthless I, subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately in the loving JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXII
To Mr. I―――― C――――.
Bristol, May 18, 1741. Dear Brother C――――,
I Received your letter this morning, and am just setting out for Wiltshire. The LORD hath been much with us. Yesterday I preached three times. At every sermon, a sweet melting was observed in the congregation. Last night I gave your sister the sacrament; she is recovering. I afterwards, administered the sacrament at Mr. T――――’s, and had a love feast. JESUS was in the midst of us. I know not but I may come towards London next week. I wonder not at your heaviness.――Before every increase of your work, you must expect some trials. Humblings are necessary for your spirit, and mine. I return my love to all. I must away. Brother H―――― rejoices in spirit, and joins with me, who am,
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXIII
To the Rev. Mr. J.
Bristol, May 23, 1741. My dear Brother,
I Bless GOD for making any thing of mine useful to your soul. May the blessed JESUS breathe upon you day by day, and make you eminently useful to the church of GOD. I think you write with a kind of prophetic spirit. The LORD only knows how he will be pleased to dispose of me. Great afflictions I am sure of having, and a sudden death, blessed be GOD, will not be terrible. I know that my redeemer liveth. I every day long to see him, that I may be free from the remainder of sin, and enjoy him without interruption for evermore. I desire patiently to wait, till my blessed change shall come. The LORD hath been with me here. There is a great awakening in Wiltshire, and the work is most wonderfully carried on in New-England. I hope to send you a letter, shortly, that will rejoice your heart. I leave Bristol, and go through Wiltshire to London next Monday.――I then purpose going to Staffordshire, and then through Wales to Scotland. A wider door than ever is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel. I have now only time to beg your prayers, and to assure you that I am
Your most affectionate though weak and unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXIV
To Mr. I―――― R――――, at Philadelphia.
Bristol, May 23, 1741. Dear I――――,
I Rejoice to find, that you see, feel, and bewail, the plague of your heart. May the LORD shew it you more and more! It will excite your love to the dear LORD JESUS more fervently.――I return my love to your sister. I thought ere now she had been with JESUS. I believe, she has the grace of GOD in truth, and therefore our LORD will make her conqueror over all. I am glad to hear of the success of the gospel in Boston. It is a gathering time there, but a winnowing time with us here. All is ordered for the good of the church, by CHRIST JESUS: Let us, my dear brother, keep close to him in this and every trying time. We shall find but few, very few, true followers of the Lamb of GOD. May you and I be in the happy number! GOD is pleased to give success to the word preached. Though I am opposed much, JESUS is my strength. The LORD will enable me to fight his battles. My love to Peggy, and all that love JESUS. Forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXV
To Mr. T――――.
Bristol, May 23, 1741. Dear Sir,
I Am glad to receive a letter from you. I was fearful, lest I had done something to offend you. I thank you and the other gentlemen for their kind invitation of me to Scotland. I believe it will be near three months before I can see Edinburgh. On Monday I set out for London: then I purpose, GOD willing, to go into Essex, and then to return through Bristol and Wales in my way to you. I intreat all the brethren to pray for me, that I may come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of CHRIST. I am a poor, weak, unworthy worm. GOD hath been with me here, and in Gloucestershire. In Wiltshire there is a great awakening. Abroad in New-England the work goes on wonderfully. O dear Sir, never was such a weak wretch sent on such an important errand. I have many trials of various kinds. JESUS supports me; JESUS makes me more than conqueror. He is a dear and a tender master. Dear Sir, help me to praise him. I will write to all the gentlemen that wrote to me, if I can any way redeem time. In the mean while, be pleased to remember me to them in the kindest manner, and believe me to be
Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXVI
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Savannah.
London, June 1, 1741. My very dear Friend and Brother,
I Received a short letter from you, but it was dated in January last.――I have sent several to Georgia, and lately also a parcel of things for the children. GOD appears much in our congregations. We seldom or never have a dry meeting. As to outward things, I never was more embarrassed; but my consolations are equivalent. Praise the LORD, O my soul! I am apprehensive of no opposition from the government. I have waited on the Speaker. He treated me kindly, and assured me that there would be no persecution in this king’s reign: they know I am loyal from principle, but I believe I shall yet be greatly humbled. The story of Joseph in the prison, and David in his troubles before he came to the throne, has been much and comfortably pressed upon my soul. I hope you enjoy peace! May the LORD bless you and the whole household. I am sometimes enabled to pray with great faith for you all. The LORD will yet provide. I am to preach thrice to day. It is now past five in the morning. I am going to the tabernacle lately erected for a morning lecture. We have sweet meetings, blessed be GOD! In the bowels of our common JESUS, I subscribe myself
Yours eternally,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXVII
To Mr. I. C――――, at Bristol.
London, June 3, 1741.
I Have enjoyed the especial presence of GOD ever since I came to London. I preach three times daily. The LORD is remarkably with me. Congregations increase. I am going to have a society-room joined to the tabernacle. The LORD is really on our side.――O let us be meek and quiet! O let us wait, and we shall see the salvation of GOD. I preach daily at Deptford. Our dear master helps me to preach and pray with great power. Your ministry hath been blessed. Let us both give all the glory to everlasting Love. Salute the dear brethren. Remember me most kindly to all in Wine-street.
Ever yours in the blessed JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCLXXXVIII
To Mr. R―――― E――――.
London, June 4, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Have now a little time to myself. I must improve it and answer your kind letter. Blessed be GOD, for enabling me to write any thing, that may be of service to his church, and of comfort to your soul. Glory be to our dear and common LORD, his cause here succeeds. Truth gets ground. The LORD strengthens me mightily. His power is manifested in our congregations. Conversion work is going on apace among us. I am not yet determined, about the exact time of coming to Scotland: but I believe, I shall be with you in about three months. I can’t but think the associate presbytery, are a little too hard upon me. If I am neuter as to the ♦particular reformation of church government till I have further light, it will be enough. I come simply to preach the gospel, and to be received only as an occasional itinerant preacher by all, and not to enter into any particular connection whatever. The LORD, I hope, will order my goings in his ways. I desire to hear frequently from you. I have need of your prayers. My trials are great, my comforts far greater. I am a poor worm, and yet JESUS delights to honour me. We are likely to have settled societies in several places. JESUS rides on from conquering to conquer. I am, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy fellow-labourer and affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘parcular’ replaced with ‘particular’
Letter CCLXXXIX
London, June 6, 1741. My Brother H―――― H――――,
I Do assure you, that my heart is as your heart. I am quite sick of Christless consenters. They talk, and that is all. I (like you) am heartily despised by most of them. I am resolved to open against their luke-warmness, and worldly-mindedness. May GOD open my mouth wide when I come to Wales. Outward enemies are now more quiet. Enemies within the church, carnal professors, and self-righteous Pharisees, most try us. Let us not fear, JESUS CHRIST will give us the victory over all. GOD mightily strengthens me. Our congregations are very large and solemn. I never had greater freedom in preaching. GOD enables me to cast all my care upon him, with a full assurance that he careth for me. You need not fear my believing any reports to your disadvantage. I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I was not in the least offended, when B―――― H―――― wrote me word that “you thought in some things I did not act as a little child.” The more open you are with me the better. If nature and pride rise in my heart, I will go to JESUS, abhor myself, and pray for my dear reprovers. All that I can say is, that I desire to be a very little child. All things are possible with JESUS CHRIST. He is wonderfully kind to me. Truth, I believe, will prevail. I want to see you face to face. Satan does not love that CHRIST’s ministers should come together. I wish you could come up immediately, and stay at London whilst I am in the country: or rather go and preach at B――――l, Gloucester, and Wiltshire, for about a fortnight, and then come up to London. This, I believe, will be best. About that time, GOD willing, I shall return from Essex, and then we can consult what is best to be done for the cause of our dear master. O JESUS is love! I am glad to hear brother Rowl――d is with you. Go on in the strength of our dear LORD, and you shall see satan like lightning fall from heaven. Times are not yet dark enough for the dawning of a thorough reformation. At even-tide GOD speaks. My love to all that follow JESUS CHRIST with an unfeigned simplicity. May the LORD hide your precious soul under the shadow of his almighty wings! Cease not to pray for
Yours eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXC
To the Rev. Mr. D――――, at Dedham in Essex.
London, June 6, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
MULTIPLICITY of business has prevented my answering your kind letter. However, I have often borne you upon my heart before the LORD. Your case, methinks, is somewhat like that man of GOD, J. Bunyan’s. He was often so depressed with a sense of sin in the pulpit, that he has been tempted to hold his peace. This has been my case also both in public and in private. I find the best way is to press forward, and to look up to JESUS CHRIST. He is faithful to his promises. I write but short, having but little time, and because I hope soon to see you in Essex. I pray GOD to clear up your evidences, and give you no rest till he fills you with a full assurance of faith. Our LORD rides on triumphantly here. He enables me to go on from conquering to conquer. I am a poor weak unworthy worm. As such, be pleased to remember, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in the gospel,
G. W.
Letter CCXCI
To Mrs. R――――.
London, June 6, 1741. Dear Mrs. R.,
I Have been much hindred in answering your letter. Perhaps you have expected too much comfort from man. That comfort is alone lasting, which comes from GOD. I know not your experiences, and therefore cannot so well judge of your case: however, I would have you press forward, and labour after a full assurance of faith. Judge not yourself by others joys and comforts. Look not too much upon the happiness you think others may enjoy. This may lead you to repine and murmur against GOD. Look to yourself, and to CHRIST. Remember, you deserve nothing, and therefore he does you no wrong. Remember also, that he is full of love, and therefore in his own due time will manifest himself to your soul. That you may patiently tarry the LORD’s leisure, and be blessed with abundance of peace, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mrs. R――――,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXCII
To Mr. K――――.
London, June 8, 1741. Dear Sir,
I Like your last letter best. There is one thing you still lack, “to be convinced of unbelief.” By faith, and not by works, are you to be justified in the sight of GOD. Make use of the means. You must take care that you do not rest in them. You must not think any thing you can do, will in the least recommend you to the favour of GOD; and yet you must strive, as if you were to be saved by your striving. The only cause of our acceptance with GOD lies at the feet of sovereign mercy, through CHRIST. Entreat the LORD to give you faith, and who knows but he may have mercy upon you. Remember you are a poor sinner, and deserve nothing. That GOD may reveal his dear Son in you, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCXCIII
To Mr. J―――― C――――, at Kingswood.
London, June 8, 1741. My dear Brother,
HOW sweetly does providence order all things for us! Just before yours came, I was resolved to send you 20 l. to begin the society-room at Kingswood. Mrs. C―――― gives it, and I believe will make it up fifty. This gentlewoman hath been made happily instrumental in relieving me out of my late distress. You know how I was threatened to be arrested, soon after my arrival, for above three hundred pounds, due on account of the Orphan-house in Georgia, and I do not know but a writ was actually taken out. This drove me to my knees. GOD gave me to wrestle, with strong cryings and many tears, both before and after I went to rest――I could plead with him that it was not for myself but his poor. The example of Professor Frank encouraged me to pray, tho’ I found he ventured only week by week; but my situation in such a foreign climate constrained me to run upon larger arrears.――GOD was pleased to give me an answer of peace. Having as I thought a full assurance of immediate help from some quarter or another, I went to sleep most comfortably. Early the next morning a friend came to me to enquire, if I knew where a gentlewoman of his acquaintance might put out three or four hundred pounds. I replied, let her lend it to me, and in a few months, GOD willing, she shall have it again.――Upon being acquainted with my circumstances, she most chearfully sent me the sum I wanted, and thus my enemies were disappointed of their hope. Praise the LORD, O my soul!――But to return. I would have you lay the foundation immediately, but take care of building too large or too handsome. Notwithstanding my present embarrassments, who knows, but it may be in my power to discharge my Orphan-house debt, and make collections here for Kingswood-school too? When I could get no assistance at all from my old friends and spiritual (prejudiced) children, and was almost quite pennyless, and left to sit alone like a sparrow upon the house-top, a serious person, whom I never saw or ♦heard of, came the other day and put a guinea into my hand. At receiving it, something as it were said to me, “Cannot that GOD who sent this person to give thee this guinea, make it up fifteen hundred?” As I told a friend immediately, to whom I ran down, so I shall tell you; I doubt not but this will be the case. My debt is all for GOD, and contracted in providing for the fatherless and widow. As to the work here, though perhaps I may be blamed by some for venturing so far, blessed be GOD, it goes on sweetly. All things happen for the furtherance of the gospel. I have wrote brother S―――― to let you have twenty pounds.
Yours eternally in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
♦ ‘heared’ replaced with ‘heard’
Letter CCXCIV
To the Rev. Mr. S――――, at Charles-Town.
London, June 9, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
I Wrote you a few lines lately from Bristol. Since that, I have had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you; for which I thank you heartily. What Mr. P―――― brings with him, will inform you how affairs stand here. Blessed be GOD, the word runs and is glorified. The heat of the battle is now, I hope, pretty well over. GOD is pleased to give me great power, and to strengthen me both in body and soul. Our congregations are large and awful. We generally see and feel much of the divine presence in the sanctuary. Many are pricked to the heart. I have three truly experienced young men that joined me. Affairs being somewhat settled here, I am going a long journey of several months, thro’ several counties in England, Wales, and Scotland. The door was never opened wider for my preaching the everlasting gospel. I am glad to hear by Mrs. S――――, &c. of your faithfulness to our common LORD.――O, dear Sir, what are we that we are called out to speak in his great name! Let us never fear suffering for owning his eternal truths.――The witnesses cannot be slain ’till they have finished their testimony. At present here is no great fear of opposition from the men in power; tho’ I hear the House of Lords intend to give a hearing to my appeal. However it be, I am easy. The LORD JESUS over-rules every thing for the good of his church. I suppose I cannot come over to you ’till about next Spring. In the mean while, tho’ absent in body, I am present with you in spirit, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Your very affectionate, but unknown brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXCV
To Mr. J―――― P――――, in Georgia.
London, June 9, 1741. Dear brother P――――,
I Am sorry to hear you are still in darkness. Let the little light you have, make you hold up your head, and think not of changing your station without a proper call. We are apt to place our happiness in places, and often think we do not please GOD, because we do not please ourselves. But I find the fault is in the heart, not the place. Wait, therefore, my dear brother, still patiently upon the LORD. Who knows, but by and by JESUS CHRIST may lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon your soul? Why should you doubt it? My dear brother, CHRIST is love. He tries, but yet supports me; nay, makes me more than conqueror thro’ his love. You will hear by other letters, how it goes with the church in England. She is shaken, but it is only that she may be the more settled. My love to your wife. I hope you find her an help-meet for you. May the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, bless, preserve, and keep you. May you both walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and be edified; and may GOD give you hearts to remember
Your affectionate friend, and brother, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXCVI
To the Rev. Mr. F――――, at Southampton.
London, June 13, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
JUST now I received your kind letter, and the generous benefaction of you and your friends for the Orphan-house. It came very opportunely, and strengthens my faith in the blessed JESUS. I find he will help me by ways I know not. O, dear Sir, the love of GOD to such an unworthy worm quite amazes me. Surely, if I did not stand up for free distinguishing grace, the very stones would cry out against me. Blessed be our glorious Emmanuel, the gospel runs and is glorified. A wonderful power attends the word preached. Every day, I believe, some or other are pricked to the heart. I have also glad tidings from abroad. In New-England there is an extraordinary work of GOD. I hope the dear JESUS will set the whole world in a flame. Dear Sir, help me with your prayers. The archers shoot sore at me that I may fall, but the LORD is my helper. I hope my thanks will find acceptance with your other friends, who joined in helping my poor Orphans. Good measure pressed down and running over, may the LORD return into your bosoms. Dear Sir, I pray GOD to make you a flaming fire, and fill you with a holy burning zeal for promoting our dear Redeemer’s kingdom. I find but few truly zealous. The love of too, too many is waxed cold. I thank you, dear Sir, for encouraging me, and beg leave to subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCXCVII
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
London, June 13, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Received your kind letter. You do not know, and therefore think too highly of me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. Providence is pleased to prevent my leaving London on Monday next. I must necessarily defer my journey to Hertfordshire and Essex, till the Monday following.――I approve of the circuit you have fixed, but I chuse to preach at each place twice. Dear Sir, I most heartily thank you for promising me your assistance in respect to the orphans. I am persuaded our LORD will be well pleased. He gives me great encouragement. We daily feel and see his presence in the great congregation. I hear glorious news from abroad: New-England is in a holy flame. O that we at home, may be stirred up to spend ourselves, and be spent, for the good of souls! Dear Sir, pray that such a mind may be given to
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCXCVIII
To the Rev. Mr. S――――, at Worcester.
London, June 13, 1741. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Thank you heartily for your last kind letter: As you are so aged and infirm, I take it as an especial favour, that you are pleased to write to me. You need make no apology, reverend Sir, for your plain dealing: I love those best, who deal most sincerely with me. Whatever errors I have been, or shall be guilty of in my ministry, I hope the LORD will shew me, and give me grace to amend. This is the language of my heart;
_Correct me when I go astray, And lead me in the perfect way._
I also thank you, dear Sir, for your kind benefaction. My arrears upon the Orphan-house are yet large; but I hope ere long the LORD will enable me to pay them all. At present, I am kept from doubting. Unworthy as I am, JESUS CHRIST is yet with me, and is pleased daily to strengthen me both in soul and body. My ministry (for ever adored be sovereign grace) is attended with a continual power. I am shortly going a large circuit, perhaps as far as Scotland. Dear Sir, let your prayers follow after me.――I am a poor, weak, unworthy worm; as such be pleased to remember, reverend and dear Sir,
Your obedient, though unworthy brother and servant in our common LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCXCIX
To Mr. J―――― C――――, at Bristol.
Hertford, July 1, 1741. My dear Brother,
THE LORD has been with me greatly, ever since I left London.――I have been enabled to preach twice every day, and to ride several miles. The congregations have been every where very large. GOD’s presence has accompanied the word. People’s hearts have been enlarged. Within these few days, we have collected near a hundred pounds for the poor orphans. Numbers of souls, I believe, are under convictions. In some places we have had near ten thousand hearers. Invitations are so pressing, that I purpose going another circuit to Bedford, and to preach in the counties round about for near a fortnight, and then return to London. I hope the LORD is with you; I am somewhat weak in body, but sweet and comfortable in my soul. Dear J―――― joins with me in love to you and all. Pray for,
Yours in the best bonds,
G. W.
Letter CCC
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Savannah.
Colchester, July 12, 1741. My very dear Friend and Brother,
I Have not heard from you since you wrote last January. I have been a circuit into Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. I have been enabled to preach twice daily, and to ride several miles. Congregations have been surprisingly large; the word is attended with power, and the alarm in the country rather greater than ever. Contributions arise and increase. You are all much upon my heart. GOD will yet provide for you. I write this in great haste. GOD gives me much of his presence. I am more and more convinced, that evangelizing is my proper business at present. GOD gives me great access every where. The LORD be with you all, Amen and Amen! To the best of my knowledge, I have neglected no opportunity of writing. I am
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
LETTER [CCC.]
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at London.
Coggeshall, July 13, 1741.
I Received your letter at Bury; but cannot think matters are quite ripe, or you duly qualified for settling a church. GOD lets me see more and more, that I must evangelize. I find you are for settling: do as GOD shall direct, I am easy. I only wish you may find settled persons to be your assistants. Without this, a church cannot be rightly ordered. I have no freedom, but in going about to all denominations. I cannot join with any one, so as to be fixed in any particular place. Every one hath his proper gift. Field-preaching is my plan: In this I am carried as on eagles wings. GOD makes way for me every where. The work of the LORD increases. I am comforted night and day. O free grace to such an hell-deserving sinner! I pray GOD to give you a right judgment in all things. I am, dear brother H――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCI
To Mrs. D――――, at Gransden.
London, July 17, 1741. My dear Sister,
I Bless GOD that I saw you at Gransden. The LORD was with us, and has been with me the remaining part of my journey. We shall yet see greater things than these. Wonderful things from abroad. The inclosed will shew you, how desirous my family is of corresponding with you. Pray write to my dear little orphans, boys and girls. GOD, I hear, hath been working powerfully upon their hearts. I would have you also write to Mr. J―――― B――――, a converted planter; to Mrs. B――――, his kinswoman, who has lately received the assurance of faith; to Mr. C――――, a dear baptist minister; to Mrs. S――――, who is carried on the wings of faith and love; and to my dear Mr. H――――, who is Superintendant of the Orphan-house affairs. You will excuse this freedom. I am willing your usefulness should be as extensive as may be. May the LORD bless you ever, more and more. I expect to go to Scotland shortly. A ship will soon sail towards Georgia. Write soon, dear Mrs. D――――, to
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCII
To Mr. G―――― H――――, in Gloucester.
London, July 18, 1741. My dear Friend,
GOD has mightily blessed my journey in the country. Thousands, and ten thousands, have flocked to hear the word. It was attended with power, and near a hundred and eighty pounds were collected for the Orphan-house. I know you will give thanks on my behalf. On Thursday morning, GOD willing, I hope to embark for Scotland: I am persuaded the LORD calls me thither. Invitations, both from the Seceders, and others that do not secede from the Kirk, are very strong. I should be glad of a line next post. It is now near eleven at night. I hope my friends will accept my thanks for their kind benefactions to the dear orphans, and with their prayers follow, dear Mr. H――――,
Ever yours in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCIII
To Mr. B―――― S――――.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741. Dear Sir,
THOUGH I have but little time, yet I must redeem a little to answer your kind letter. GOD is doing great things, both at home and abroad. The inclosed will in some measure inform you. Every day our LORD appears for us in the great congregations. Weak as I am in myself, the LORD is my strength. O, dear Sir, I am a worm and no man; I deserve to be the outcast of the people, and yet the LORD delights to honour me. Free, free grace! I long to be above, that I may praise GOD as I desire. In about two days I hope to embark for Scotland. I will come and visit you when providence permits. In the mean while, I beg that you will pray that the glorious JESUS would bless all my poor endeavours to promote his glory! My love to all that love the dear Emmanuel. In his great name, I subscribe myself
Your affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCIV
To Mr. G―――― H――――, at Gloucester.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741. My very dear Friend,
I Thought to have embarked this morning for Scotland, but am likely to be detained a day or two. I must therefore send you a line. Wonderful things is the LORD doing for me. In the country I meet with surprising success. In London I see such things that I never saw in England before. A mighty power almost continually accompanies the word. The LORD JESUS is pleased to strengthen me very much in the inner man. O, my dear friend, give thanks for, and pray that I may walk humbly with my GOD. The LORD be with you and yours. I hope both you and dear Mrs. H―――― do keep close to GOD. My love to all that love the dear LORD JESUS. GOD willing, you shall have a line from Scotland. Wonderful news is come from abroad, which will ere long rejoice your heart, and cause you to give thanks in behalf of, my dear Mr. H――――,
Ever yours in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCV
To Mr. T――――, at Colchester.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741. Dear Sir,
PROVIDENCE detaining me one day more, I snatch a few moments to answer your kind letter, and to return Mr. A―――― thanks for his kind present. How good is the blessed JESUS to me the chief of sinners! He takes care both of my body and soul. His power has attended me lately, more than ever it did before in England. GOD’s right hand is bringing mighty things to pass. I earnestly intreat our LORD, that you may live above the world, and be dead to all things here below. Dear Sir, there is nothing like a life of faith. It is a glorious thing to be able to say, “Not I live, but CHRIST liveth in me.” Then, are we christians indeed, when we come to live on the invisible realities of another world. This, and this only, is true and undefiled religion. May GOD make you a lively partaker thereof. I hope my kind respects will find acceptance with Messrs. V――――, D――――, J――――, and all friends. Fail not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCVI
To Mr. B――――.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741. My very dear B――――,
TO-MORROW, GOD willing, I embark for Scotland, and hope to redeem time abroad to answer my dear lambs letters: They rejoiced me exceedingly. What I have done with yours, the inclosed will shew. Pray be particular in your accounts. Much good has been done by those sent already. You cannot tell how many hearty prayers are put up for you all, daily. May they enter into the ears of the LORD of Sabaoth! The work is beginning afresh in England. The Holy Ghost descends in a glorious manner, amidst the congregation. Weak, unworthy as I am, JESUS CHRIST works in and by me. O sovereign free grace! I have sent the letter to Mrs. D――――. I have lately seen her. Her conversation is as weighty as her letters. You will receive more from her, I hope, before it be long. I believe you are where GOD would have you to be. I despair not of seeing your mouth opened remarkably for GOD. O that the dear JESUS may bless you, and the whole houshold! I should rejoice to see you, but GOD, I believe, will detain me here the Winter. Mr. P――――’s brother is to pay for the use of the Orphan-house seventy-five pounds. Shortly I hope to send you fresh supplies. In the mean while I assure you all, that you are constantly upon my heart. My head pains me; good night. The LORD be with you all. Expect to hear again very speedily from, dear Brother B――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCVII
To Mr. I―――― B――――, at South-Carolina.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741. Dear Mr. B――――,
WITH much pleasure I received your kind letter. Blessed be GOD, even the Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who I trust hath begotten you, and called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. What an honour is it, that we should be counted worthy to suffer the least degree of reproach for his great name sake? I am ashamed to think how little I do, or suffer for him. O free grace! sovereign and electing love! how sweet to the soul, who really feels the power of it! May we walk worthy of that holy vocation wherewith we are called! I hear your brother is dead; happy soul! you and I shall go and see him by and by. I thank you heartily for your kindness to the dear orphans. I am sure GOD will amply repay you. The LORD be with you and yours. I must away to the ship bound for Scotland. I will answer dear Mrs. B――――’s letter, when I get on board. Adieu. O pray for
Ever yours in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCVIII
To Mr. I―――― F――――, at Charles-Town.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741. Dear Mr. F――――,
I Rejoice to hear the LORD is carrying on a good work in your soul. I hope you will not think all is done, because you have been baptized and received into full communion. I know too too many that “make a CHRIST of their adult baptism,” and rest in that, instead of the righteousness of the blessed JESUS. GOD forbid that you should so learn CHRIST. O my dear friend, seek after a settlement in our dear LORD, so that you may experience that life which is hid with CHRIST in GOD. Dear Mrs. F――――, I thank you heartily for your kind letter. It rejoices my soul to hear, that you and Mr. F―――― are going on hand in hand to heaven. This is the sacred end of marriage; to be helpers of each other in the great things of GOD. I am not yet entered into that state. I am looking up to CHRIST, and shall wait his direction. The gospel runs, and is glorified. The work is beginning a fresh in England. Never was my preaching attended with so great power on this side the water. Our LORD pours his comforts into my soul, and rejoices me with the glad news I hear from your parts. May you all increase and multiply in every good word and work. My most tender love to all. As fast as possibly I can, each shall hear from, my dear friends,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCIX
To Mr. H――――, at Georgia.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741. My very dear Friend and Brother,
BEFORE the boat comes to take me down to the ship, I would write you a line or two. I greatly rejoice to hear that you live in love. But I shall not be surprised, if, after this remarkable work of the spirit, you meet with some trials. But fear not: we are all in the Mediator’s hands. I find all things work together for my good, and so I am sure you will. My dear friends, I know you sympathize with me.――Indeed, I also do with you. My dear, dear family, you are continually upon my heart. I redeem a moment or two as often as I can to write to you. GOD only knows how I love and long after you in the bowels of the ever-blessed JESUS. O may you lean on his bosom, and may his banner over you be love. Adieu! for the present. I must soon away to the ship. I have ordered hats and shoes for the children, and intend sending brother H――――’s order and other things, with some cash, very shortly. But the arrears hang on me yet. My LORD bears my burden; may he bear all yours for you! I am persuaded he will. With great tenderness I subscribe myself, dear Mr. H――――,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCX
To Mrs. S――――, at Charles-Town.
In a boat going to Gravesend, July 24, 1741. Dear Mrs. S――――,
I Am now in a boat, in order to embark for Scotland. I have the conveniency of writing upon a trunk, and therefore cannot be easy without sending you a line. I rejoice to hear that you are carried upon the wings of love. Methinks I see you sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with great delight, and exalting his free grace in plucking you as a brand out of the fire. O when shall we go to heaven, that we may praise GOD for what he hath done for our poor souls! The LORD is better to me than ever. Conviction, and conversion, both in town and country, are beginning again. The divine presence is much manifested in our assemblies. Blessed be the LORD, who is also working with you. The spiritual prosperity of the orphan family, rejoices my heart. GOD will ere long, I believe, make a separation between the precious and the vile. Poor Mr. G――――, Commissary G――――d, and Chief Justice W――――, bitter, bitter, though unsuccessful persecutors, what will become of you? O that GOD may grant them repentance unto life! What reason have you and I, dear Mrs. S――――, to exalt rich distinguishing grace! ’Tis that alone hath made the difference. I believe I need not remind you to pray, dear Mrs. S――――, for
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCXI
To Serjeant B――――, at Gibraltar.
On board the Mary and Ann, bound from London to Leith, July 25, 1741. Dear Mr. B――――,
I Am glad to hear that you are yet alive, and what is more, I trust you are alive to GOD. Perhaps I may never see you again on this side eternity. O that we may approve ourselves good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST! How bright will our crown be then, at that last great day! I find there is nothing like being valiant for the truth. JESUS CHRIST is a glorious captain. He makes me more than conqueror through his love. I have seen great things, within these few months. I should have answered you sooner, but could not get time till now: I am embarked for Scotland. I hope you take particular care to beat down self-righteousness, and exalt the LORD JESUS alone in your hearts. I find, the only happiness is to lie down as a poor sinner at the feet of the once crucified, but now exalted Lamb of GOD, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. I rejoice to hear, that some even at Gibraltar still dare to own a too too much neglected Saviour. Blessed be GOD, the governor is so favourable to you. This is a great motive to love and thankfulness. The work of GOD still goes on in England, and other parts. O for that glorious period, when the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the seas! That our dear LORD may every day reign as king in all your souls, is the prayer of, dear Serjeant,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXII
To Miss R――――.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear Miss,
A Few hours ago I came on board. To shew that you are in my mind, I employ some of my first leisure time in answering your letter. The condition you are in now, ought not to make you think that JESUS CHRIST has cast you off, and that it will be presumption in you to believe on him. The LORD is now shewing you, that you are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked, and such only are the persons that think they want his almighty aid. I fear you look too much into yourself, and from thence are discouraged. Whereas you should look directly to CHRIST, and come to him in all your blood. You will always fly from him, as long as you count him your enemy. But do not think so hardly of him; JESUS is the sinner’s friend. O how doth his bowels yearn towards you! Are you made willing to be made whole? CHRIST invites and commands you to come to him; venture then upon him. If you never have believed yet, it is time for you to believe now. “LORD, give me faith!” for faith is the free gift of GOD . What if your heart be hard, JESUS can soften it. What if you have yet no marks of your election? surely you dare not say, “You are not elected,” or that CHRIST hath not died for you, even for you. It is, indeed, a bad thing to have only notions in the head, and no solid experience in the heart. But it is a good thing to be convinced of this. Blessed be GOD, who hath given you to bewail it. Look upon this as a token for good.――Trust not to means; when they are taken from you, CHRIST can and will work without them. The LORD may bring you help in a way, and at a time you know not of. Your extremity shall be GOD’s opportunity. If the LORD vouchsafes to bless this letter in the least degree to your comfort, it will much rejoice the heart of, dear Miss,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXIII
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. My dear Brother,
WITH much pleasure I have again read over your kind letter. GOD is a GOD hearing prayer. My dear brother H―――― is awakened out of sleep. Help me men, help me angels, to praise GOD in his behalf! My dear brother, I pray GOD you may never lie down again. CHRIST is now giving you light; walk and rejoice in that light. Keep close, keep close, my dear man, and let nothing steal away your poor heart from the blessed JESUS. Give it all to him, give it to him, hard, earthly, sensual, devilish, as it is. He will wash it in his precious blood. Do not tie him down to any degree of conviction. So that he brings you home, let him do it in that way he shall think best. What a loving Saviour have you to deal with! You cannot conceive how kind he is, even to me every day. I feel and see his power more and more. He seems to be beginning his work afresh in England, and it gladdens my heart to hear he is among you at Bethesda. O do nothing to grieve the blessed spirit! Let your conversation be such in all things, as becomes the gospel of the blessed JESUS. Have the greatest regard for the little lambs. Do nothing that may prove a stumbling block to their precious souls. Warm yourself by talking to them. Be not one moment idle. Redeem your precious time; for you know not when your LORD may come. My brother, my heart is full of love to thee.――May you be a beloved physician! Beloved of the LORD, beloved of the LORD’s people, and a continual comfort to
Your most unworthy, though truly affectionate brother, and servant in the dear JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCXIV
To Mr. Wm. G――――.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. My dear Brother G――――,
YOUR kind letter I have just been reading over a second time. It gave me comfort; but the high stile extorted a smile or two from me. I believe you have been reading over Mrs. D――――’s letters. You wanted to imitate her way of writing, but fail for want of her experience. It is a good thing not to go out of our depth. Methinks I see you look down and blush; but look up again immediately to JESUS CHRIST: He knows whereof we are made, and remembers we are but dust. Indeed I write to my dear man out of much love. Blessed be GOD, that all things are carried on with such decency and order. I pray GOD that you may so live, that all who come to see you may say, “Surely GOD is in this place.” Your prayers in my behalf are heard. I am quickened, and strengthened mightily both in soul and body: controversial points are ended, and the LORD JESUS CHRIST triumphs gloriously. I find my heart often drawn towards Bethesda. I hope I shall yet meet you again in the flesh, and embrace you one by one in my unworthy arms. In the mean time, I commit you to the bosom of JESUS. May you lean upon his breast, and sit under his shadow with great delight! May you be truly simple, truly childlike, and every way conformable to our great exemplar the spotless Lamb. I long for that time, when we shall sit down at his marriage supper: though I have the lowest place, it will suffice, dear brother G――――,
Your affectionate brother, friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXV
To Mr. J―――― S――――, at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear John,
YOUR case puts me in mind of that passage, where we are told that our LORD looked upon Peter. Surely, he has looked upon and prayed for you, otherwise how would Satan have sifted you? But see what comfort another passage may afford you, “Go tell my brethren and Peter.” Poor, weeping, penitent Peter must in no wise be forgotten. “Go tell them that I am risen.” Here are glad tidings of great joy to a disconsolate soul. May GOD apply it to your’s in particular. Dear John, may you learn from hence to stab your dear Saviour no more. I wonder not that you are in darkness. GOD will surely visit your offences with a rod, and your backslidings with some spiritual scourge. That is enough to keep us from sinning, though we know that his loving-kindness he will not utterly take from us, nor suffer his truth to fail. How dearly did David pay for his stolen sweets? What anguish has your poor soul felt, since I left you. Blessed be GOD, that he has awakened you out of sleep. O free grace! I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice. That you may never provoke GOD to leave you to yourself, is the earnest prayer of, dear John,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCXVI
To Rebekah B――――, an Orphan at the Orphan-house.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear Bekky,
AND is the LORD still striving with you? O then admire his patience, and give him your whole heart. I had no other end in bringing you to Bethesda, but that you might be brought to JESUS. I hope you will yet find it a house of mercy to your soul. Take heed of resting in conviction. You know by experience how sadly it wears off. You may well wonder, that GOD has not sent you to hell long ago. I pray GOD, that his goodness may lead you to repentance, and that you may walk before the LORD in all well-pleasing, so long as you live. What sweet opportunities do you enjoy! How freely may you go into the woods, and pour out your heart before the dear JESUS. How early was Samuel acquainted with the LORD, and why should not you be acquainted with him? Unless you are, you can never be at peace. Come then, my dear lamb, and wander no longer; return to the shepherd and bishop of your soul. Behold, he shed his blood for you, and will carry you to heaven, rejoicing over you to all eternity. Away to him then in all your blood, just as you are; and when you are near to GOD, forget not
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXVII
To Elizabeth G――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear Betty,
I Am glad you begin to feel the hardness of your heart, and your utter inability to pray. I pray GOD you may in all things see your helplessness, that you may come as a poor helpless nothing to JESUS CHRIST, and take him for your all in all. I wonder not that satan endeavours to terrify your soul. You know how he tore the young child in the Gospel, whilst he was coming to JESUS CHRIST. Your convictions at present seem to arise from a fear of hell; but before you receive this, I hope the LORD JESUS will have sealed your pardon, and have said, “Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.” O Betty, why has GOD singled you out? Why was you brought to Bethesda? Away when you read this, and bless GOD for it, and devote yourself again and again to that LORD, who has bought you with his precious blood. Having much forgiven you, love much. Lie down in the dust, and be continually looking to the rock from whence you are hewn. To hear that you, and my dear family, love the LORD JESUS in sincerity, will much rejoice the heart of
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXVIII
To Mary A――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear Molly,
UPON reading your letter, I put up this prayer, “LORD lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon her soul.” You once had joy. I found it puffed you up. I pray GOD to humble you by your present darkness. You may now see what a poor wretch you are, how proud, how earthly, how sensual, how devilish; and yet, stupendous love! JESUS CHRIST will still receive you. Your loving Saviour opens his arms, and invites you to throw the whole of your load upon him. I am persuaded he will receive you: go to him then, and confess that you have sinned. He will receive you; for what says the scripture? “Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved.” Surely Molly A―――― is included here. The dear JESUS is all love. He has brought you to a house of mercy. Out of love, keep his commandments, and love all that are around you. Be willing to be the servant of all, and from gratitude to GOD study to be a comfort to
Your sincere friend in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXIX
To the Honourable J―――― B――――, Esq.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. Hon. Sir,
WITH much pleasure I received yours by the hands of your son, who offered to do me any service that lay in his power. This, as well as your other past favours, quite surprize, and ought to humble me; for who am I, that I should be thus highly honoured? O sovereign grace! O distinguishing love! If I did not stand up in defence of that, the very stones would cry out against me. Indeed, honoured Sir, your kindness makes me almost to blush, and the love of JESUS quite confounds me. I am lost, I want to sink into nothing whenever I think of CHRIST’s dying for me. I really think, I am the most ungrateful sinner that ever was, and yet the Redeemer follows me with his mercies every day. Unspeakable are the trials wherewith I have been visited since my arrival. But out of all the LORD delivers me. I experience daily much of his divine presence; a wider door than ever is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, and GOD seems to be beginning his work again in Old-England: it adds to my joy, to hear what the LORD is doing amongst you. Blessed, for ever blessed be GOD, for causing such a stirring among the dry bones. I pray the glorious Redeemer, to carry on the good work begun, and to make New-England the joy of the whole earth. I suppose you have heard, honoured Sir, of the remarkable effusion of the spirit among the children of the orphan-house. Surely, JESUS CHRIST is about to bring mighty things to pass. Whilst the kings of the earth are enlarging their dominions, I trust our LORD will usher in his.――I shall not be surprized, if after this great commotion in New-England, I hear that some outward troubles befal them. The removal of you, honoured Sir, from being governor, I take to be no good sign. I hope this has no other effect upon your own heart, than to make you more and more hunger and thirst after that righteousness, which neither men nor devils shall ever be able to take from you. GOD only knows, how often I have prayed, that this affliction may be sanctified unto you. I think, honoured Sir, I cannot forget you and your people. Both are dear, very dear to my soul. I sometimes long to see Boston again, that I may rejoice in what great things the LORD has done; but various circumstances concur to detain me on this side the ocean, all the next Winter. I am now in my passage to Scotland. What the LORD is pleased to do there, your honour may hear in my next. I rejoice, that I am a little retired from the world, and have the opportunity, honoured Sir, of writing to you. How sweet is retirement when CHRIST is present in the heart? Having him, I find I possess all things. Happy they that can wrap themselves in GOD. May you and yours be thus happy! This will enable you, honoured Sir, to rejoice in tribulation, and give thanks for every thing that does befal you. Tho’ the ship is moving, and I am somewhat sick, I know not how to leave off. Indeed, I love and honour you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. That you and yours may be rooted and grounded in his love, and filled with all the fulness of GOD, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXX
To the Reverend Dr. C――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. Rev. and dear Sir,
I Had the pleasure of yours, and have taken the freedom to publish part of it, because I thought our LORD’s cause might be promoted thereby. Glory be to the ever blessed JESUS, for the great work begun in your province. Glory be to his great name, for raising up instruments to carry it on; especially for working so powerfully among the sons of the prophets. A most promising omen this for dear New-England. Reverend Sir, the searcher of hearts only knows, how deeply the welfare of your people is impressed upon my soul. I continually make mention of them in my poor prayers, both public and private, and have not failed to give thanks in their behalf. You seem a little offended, that I did not mention old Mr. W――――s. It was, because by his conversation I could not find he came up to that character which you gave him. Mr. S―――― I truly value, and lately have had reason to think much better of him than formerly, when his experiences to me seemed too superficial; but I am a poor, weak, fallible worm, and therefore my judgment is of little worth. I rejoice to hear that the ministers with you help forward the work of GOD. I find no such enemies to the cross of CHRIST, as those who keep up the form of religion, and are orthodox in their notions, but are ignorant of an experimental acquaintance with JESUS. However, the work of GOD is beginning afresh. I have free access every where, and have been upon the full stretch preaching to large auditories twice a day, for some time past. The LORD is pleased to strengthen me both in body and soul. His presence fills the assemblies, and, I verily believe, we shall yet see glorious days. I have sweet accounts from the Orphans. I thank you, dear Sir, for your care concerning them. I have been in great straits; but the dear JESUS helps me through them all. Help me, dear Sir, help me to praise him. My tender love awaits both you and your people. I am glad to hear, that my kind hostess is recovered. May the LORD strengthen her mightily, and cause her to go down to the grave in peace! I earnestly desire a continuance of your own and people’s prayers in behalf of, reverend Sir,
Your affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXI
To John D――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. My dear child,
I Thank you for your letter: I neither forgot you nor my promise. O that GOD may effectually work upon your heart betimes, for you cannot be good too soon, or too good. The little orphans at Georgia are crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?” And I am glad to hear, that this is the language of some little ones in New-England. If you know any of them, pray give my love to them, and tell them, I pray that JESUS CHRIST may be revealed in their dear hearts. How early was JESUS CHRIST in the Temple, first hearing, and then asking questions? How did he love the little children, how did he take them up in his sacred arms and bless them; and when he was just ascending to the highest heaven, how tenderly did he speak to Peter, and bid him “feed his lambs.” Let all this encourage you to come unto him. He will certainly receive you, tho’ you have been wicked; nay, he will abundantly pardon you. And what comfort will you enjoy, when you know your sins are forgiven you? You will then have a heaven upon earth. In expectation of seeing you a christian indeed, and grown in grace, I subscribe myself
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXII
To the Honourable J―――― W――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. Honoured Sir,
PRESUMING it would not be disagreeable to you, I have taken the liberty to print part of the letter you was so kind as to send me. Surely it will rejoice the hearts of thousands, to hear what good things the LORD is doing in these parts. It has put much gladness into my heart, and caused me to give many thanks in behalf of the people of New-England. How good is our GOD! When things are a little troublesome without, he sends his gospel to comfort his children within. Surely JESUS CHRIST is about to set the world in a flame. He is working powerfully at home; he is working powerfully abroad. I trust he will continue working, ’till the earth be filled with the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. I hope you will yet feel more of this light and life in your own heart, before you go hence, and be comforted with the comforts wherewith I am daily comforted of GOD. Dear Sir, JESUS is a precious Master. He, as it were, dandles me upon his knees. He carries me in his arms, he fights all my battles, and makes me more than conqueror thro’ his love. My work is great, but my supports are greater. He assures me from day to day, that he will never leave me nor forsake me. My infirmities often make me blush, and yet JESUS passes them all by. Dear Sir, think often on the love of CHRIST: think of his dying love; that must give you comfort. I rejoice at this opportunity of writing to you. I thank you for your kind caution. I pray GOD to teach me how to improve it. Help me, dear Sir, with your prayers; and accept of these few lines from, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXIII
To Mr. E―――― D――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. Dear Mr. D――――,
I Am to be blamed for not sending you a line. I am an ungrateful creature; ungrateful to my earthly friends, unspeakably more so to the friend of all. Pardon me this once. GOD willing, you shall have no reason to complain of me any more. If you remember, once in my sermon I said, “O that New-England was full of new creatures!” I hope the LORD in some measure is going to answer that prayer.――It rejoices my heart, to hear that the gospel runs so swiftly, and is so remarkably glorified amongst you. This is the LORD’s doings, and it ought to be marvellous in our eyes. Blessed are the eyes that see the things which we see; blessed are the ears that hear the things which we hear, for many righteous men have desired to see and hear them, and have not. I rejoice also to hear, that there is like to be a church in your house. O, dear Sir, take care that none of you rest, till you have got fast hold of the blessed JESUS. My kind love to dear Mrs. D――――. May CHRIST’s justifying blood be upon you and your children. I return my love to all that are so kind as to remember me. I believe I shall not see you this Winter. The work is very great, and goes on very prosperous in England. However, you are all upon my heart, and the more heartily you pray for me, the sooner shall I be restored unto you. I hope I feel the benefit of your dear people’s prayers; for GOD comforts and strengthens me daily, and carries me on from conquering to conquer. On shore, I have scarce time to write a line; being now on board, I take this opportunity of returning you my hearty thanks for your kind letter, and of assuring you that I am, dear Mr. D――――,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXIV
To the Rev. Mr. R――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741. My dear Brother R――――,
HOW glad was I to receive a letter from your hands, having heard nothing of, or from you particularly, since we parted. What great things has the LORD shewn us since that time. Methinks I hear you say, “and yet I can tell of greater things.” I believe we shall see far greater yet before we die. The work is beginning afresh here. I sometimes think B―――― G―――― must take a voyage over to Old-England. Most of our London ministers too much shun the cross, and do not appear boldly for GOD.――Now the LORD hath worked so powerfully in your college, I have less to say against your joining with Mr. W――――. I am glad to hear you speak plainly and closely. What comfort will this afford you in a dying hour? Go on, my dear brother, go on; venture daily upon CHRIST, go out in his strength, and he will enable you to do wonders. He is with me more and more. I have been sweetly carried thro’ the heat and burden of every day’s labour. JESUS bears all my burdens. JESUS enables me to cast all my cares upon him. O then let us magnify his name together! I am now going to Scotland, knowing not what will befal me. What GOD does, you may expect to hear shortly. In the mean while, let us pray for and write to each other. As iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the letters of a man his friend. Your last I have printed: GOD’s glory called me to it. My dear brother, adieu! Dear Brother S―――― sits by and salutes you. My kind love awaits Mr. W――――, and all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. In hopes of receiving another letter from you shortly, I subscribe myself, dear Mr. R.
Your very affectionate, tho’ very unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXV
To the Students, &c. under convictions at the colleges of Cambridge and New-haven,――in New-England and Connecticut.
Dear Gentlemen,
WITH unspeakable pleasure have I heard, that there seems to be a general concern among you about the things of GOD. It was no small grief to me, that I was obliged to say of your college, that “your light was become darkness;” yet are ye now become light in the LORD. I heartily thank GOD, even the Father of our glorious Redeemer, for sending dear Mr. T―――― among you. What great things may we not now expect to see in New-England, since it has pleased GOD to work so remarkably among the sons of the prophets? Now we may expect a reformation indeed, since it is beginning at the house of GOD. A dead ministry will always make a dead people. Whereas, if ministers are warmed with the love of GOD themselves, they cannot but be instruments of diffusing that love among others. This, this is the best preparation for the work whereunto you are to be called. Learning without piety, will only make you more capable of promoting the kingdom of satan. Henceforward, therefore, I hope you will enter into your studies not to get a parish, nor to be polite preachers, but to be great saints. This, indeed, is the most compendious way to true learning: for an understanding enlightened by the spirit of GOD, is more susceptible of divine truths, and I am certain will prove most useful to mankind. The more holy you are, the more will GOD delight to honour you. He loves to make use of instruments, which are like himself. I hope the good old divinity will now be precious to your souls, and you will think it an honour to tread in the steps of your pious forefathers. They were acquainted with their own hearts.――They knew what it was to be tempted themselves, and therefore from their own experience knew how to succour others. O may you follow them, as they followed CHRIST. Then great, very great will be your reward in heaven. I am sure you can never serve a better Master than JESUS CHRIST, or be engaged in a higher employ than in calling home souls to him. I trust, dear gentlemen, you will not be offended at me for sending you these few lines. I write out of the fulness of my heart. I make mention of you always in my prayers. Forget me not in yours. I am a poor weak worm. I am the chief of sinners, and yet, O stupendous love! the LORD’s work still prospers in my unworthy hands.――Fail not to give thanks, as well as to pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant, in our common LORD,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXVI
To Mr. D――――, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741. Dear Sir,
YOUR’s as well as other letters, which I received from Boston, gave me no small satisfaction. Now, now I live, if poor sinners are flocking for life to the dear LORD JESUS. How may we suppose the angels to be rejoicing over Boston, and other places in New-England! How glad are they to see the lectures frequented as in times of old, and the spirit of your good forefathers reviving among you! Sure it must be delightful to see black and white, young men and maidens, old men and children, praising the name of the LORD. Blessed be GOD, who in this great awakening hath not passed by your house. Fear not, dear Sir: Who knows but the blessed JESUS may yet visit you with the light of his blessed countenance? I rejoice to hear he has been gracious to your wife and daughter. I pray GOD, you may be all built up in our most holy faith, and go on from strength to strength, till you come to appear before the LORD CHRIST in glory. I thank GOD, who hath heard prayer on my behalf. I am strengthened daily both in body and soul, and have reason to think my ministry is blessed more and more. Let GOD’s goodness to me, encourage you to expect great things from our LORD. He is able and willing to do for us more abundantly than we can ask or think. That you and your dear family may daily drink of his divine pleasures, as out of a river, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXVII
To John R――――, an Orphan, at the Orphan-house.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear John,
I Remember you once wanted to go away from Bethesda. Adore the free grace and mercy of that GOD, who has kept you there. I trust, it will prove the saving of your precious and immortal soul. To see oneself lost and condemned by nature, is the first step to conversion. I hope before this time you have found yourself saved by grace: for “by grace alone you are to be saved, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of GOD.” The LORD JESUS hath indeed been knocking at the door of your heart. I trust, now he will break the door open, and give himself admission. Dear John, you may well wonder, that the LORD hath not sent you to hell. I trust, that you feel you deserve it. O that GOD may pluck you as a brand out of the burning. This was my only view in bringing you to Bethesda. This is the only desire of the dear friends who have the rule over you; they watch for your soul, &c. The devil (as you observe) watches to destroy it: and, therefore, my dear boy, away to JESUS CHRIST. He can take away the heart of stone: he can give you an heart of flesh. All things are possible with Him. That GOD may give you grace to take the kingdom of heaven with a holy violence, is the hearty prayer of, dear John,
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXVIII
To James M――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear James,
I Am glad to hear by dear brother B――――’s letters, that your soul has received comfort. I am comforted at the news. May GOD increase it daily, ’till your joy be full. I must think GOD loves you, and that he has begun a good work in your soul. I hope to find at my return that it is carried on, and that you have been pressing forward towards the mark for the prize of your high calling in CHRIST JESUS your saviour. Dear James, I do not forget you. I hope you never will forget the love of CHRIST, who died and hath given himself for you. Does not the very thought of this make you even to weep? Do you not want some private place where to vent your heart? Away then, I will detain you no longer. Retire into the woods. Go look to him whom you have pierced, and with a godly sorrow mourn for your sins, as a woman for her first-born. At the same time, forget not to sigh out a prayer in behalf of, dear James,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXIX
To Thomas Webb, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear Thomas,
HOW inconsistent is the devil! How artfully does he strive to keep poor souls from CHRIST! Sometimes he labours to drive poor souls into despair; sometimes to presumption. These are the two rocks, against which he would fain have poor souls to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. I pray GOD to enable you to steer a middle course.――May you see your misery, and at the same time see your remedy in the cross and wounds of JESUS CHRIST. He calls to all weary heavy laden souls; consequently he calls you. Your coming to him, will be a proof of your election. The devils know nothing of GOD’s decrees. If ever he should tempt you so again, say, “If I do perish, I will perish at the feet of CHRIST.” He is willing to save, to save to the uttermost. He sees, he feels your anguish. He longs to rejoice over you. Venture therefore upon him. Thomas, be not faithless, but believing. CHRIST shall yet shew you his hands and his feet. He is the same now, as he was yesterday, full of love and condescension to self-condemned sinners. That you may experience the full power and efficacy of the Redeemer’s blood, is the ardent prayer of, dear Thomas,
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXX
To William B――――.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741.
I Thought your father had sent for you from Bethesda; but I hope your heavenly Father has kept you there to bring you home to himself. Your deadness has often grieved me. O that I may have reason to sing, at my return, “Billy B―――― was dead, but is alive again; he was lost, but is found.” You do well to pray to GOD, to search your heart, and to try your reins; for otherwise your treacherous heart will deceive you. I would not have you forget what the LORD is doing for you, for ten thousand worlds. O defer not repentance to a death-bed. It will be hard to strive with principalities and powers, when you can scarce turn in your bed. A man, at that time, can hardly bear up under his bodily infirmities; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Reject, therefore, such a horrid temptation, with the utmost abhorrence. Be a worker together with GOD; and now GOD is working in you to will and to do, see that you work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Do not stab your Saviour any more. Dear Billy, think on his bitter agony and bloody sweat, and fly to him, as a Redeemer ready and willing to receive you. That you may be happy in him here, and with him hereafter, is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXXI
To R―――― W――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear Richard,
THE contents of your letter pleased me. I have sometimes thought, if GOD did not convert Richard W――――, he would be one of the most unhappy boys in the world. You have head-knowledge; and unless you are made to see the sinfulness of your heart, it will much increase your condemnation. Blessed be GOD, who yet hath patience with you, and seems to be striving with your soul. I do not wonder that the devil tells you, “it is time to repent when you are a man.” You may well say, it is the devil that tells you so: Such a suggestion cannot come from GOD. Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation! JESUS will even now accept you, vile as you are, and ungrateful as you have been: if you feel your misery, and fly to him for succour, he will accept you. Every conviction cries, “Come, Richard, come to me, that thou mayest have rest.” Let me advise you, as old Eli advised young Samuel: say, “Speak, LORD, for thy servant heareth.”
I am your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXXII
To John F――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear John,
I Willingly fulfil your request, and sit down to write you a line or two. I am glad you begin to see the wickedness of your own heart. You cannot conceive what a mystery of iniquity is hid therein. The more you see it, the more you will find the want of a saviour, and adore GOD for giving his dear Son to die for sinners. There was once a young man, named John, who leaned on the Saviour’s bosom, and was his particular favourite. What if you should be thus highly honoured. Would it not be an amazing instance of love and condescension? And what doth the Saviour do less, for all that feel themselves poor, lost, undone sinners? Nay, does he not do for them infinitely more? Yes, he does. Come to him, therefore, by faith, and he shall embrace you in the arms of his mercy, clothe you with his righteousness, sanctify you by his spirit, guide you by his counsel, and after death receive you up into glory. Look up, then, and never rest till you have it. Conviction is not conversion. But you know who has promised not to quench the smoaking flax, or break the bruised reed. That this promise may be fulfilled in your soul, is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
Letter CCCXXXIII
To L―――― M――――, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741. Dear L―――― M――――,
AND are little boys and girls, at this and that corner of the wood, crying unto the LORD? I hope you, dear L――――, are always among them; and may the LORD hear your prayers, when you cry unto him! Surely he will, if you feel yourselves poor sinners. Never did JESUS reject an humble suppliant. “Suffer (says he) little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Dear L――――, take all possible care to cherish your convictions. GOD has spoken once, yea twice to you, in an extraordinary manner. You are one of the oldest; you ought to go before the rest, and to encourage them to follow the ever-blessed JESUS. Satan will, no doubt, be very busy; and therefore you ought to be busy also. You fight under a good captain, even JESUS CHRIST, who will tread all enemies under your feet. My dear child, redeem your precious time. Fight the good fight of faith; and when you are wrestling with GOD, fail not to pray for
Your sincere friend,
G. W.