Letter CCCCXXVI
To Mr. D―――― A――――, in London.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1742. Dear Friend,
I Arrived here last Saturday evening from the West, where I preached all the last week: as, twice on Monday at Paisley, six miles from Glasgow; on the Tuesday and Wednesday, three times each day, at Irvine, 16 miles from thence; on Thursday, twice at Mearns, fifteen miles from that; on Friday, three times at ♦Cumbernauld; and on Saturday, twice at Falkirk, in my way to Edinburgh. In every place there was the greatest commotion among the people as was ever known. Their mourning in most of the places, was like the mourning for a first-born. The auditories were very large, and the work of GOD seems to be spreading more and more. Last sabbath-day I preached twice in the park, and once in the church, and twice every day since. A number of seats and shades, in the form of an amphitheatre, have been erected in the park, where the auditory sit in a beautiful order. I have received very agreeable news from my family abroad.――I purpose going to Cambuslang to-morrow, in order to assist at the communion; and shall preach at various places westward before I return here. I intend to embark for America as soon as possible after I leave Scotland. Thus you see, my dear brother, how I have been employed. O give thanks to our blessed Saviour, for his great unparalleled goodness to a most unworthy worm. Indeed I have seen and felt such things, as I never saw and felt before. I never was enabled to preach so powerfully as whilst I have been in the West. I hear that brother C―――― is in the country, and that you exhort in the society. May the LORD open your mouth, and cause your lips to shew forth his praise! Let us talk of his loving-kindness all the day long. GOD gives me faith for my poor orphans. Help me with your prayers. GOD will supply all my wants. Glory be to his name, I am kept from doubting. My brother, I love you dearly. You have been a close and faithful brother. May the LORD bless you and yours. Adieu! Pray fail not of writing as particular as may be, to,
Most affectionately yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
♦ ‘Cambernauld’ replaced with ‘Cumbernauld’
Letter CCCCXXVII
To Mr. H――――, at the Orphan-house.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1742. My very dear friend, faithful steward, and brother in CHRIST,
LAST Monday I received an agreeable packet of letters from you. I think they are dated in October and December last. They rejoiced our hearts. As soon as I read yours, my wife said, let us give thanks and pray. Accordingly we kneeled down, and had very near access to the Father of Mercies on your behalf. At night, after our coming home, we did the same. Our common LORD enabled us to wrestle in faith. We all felt our hearts drawn mightily towards you. I could wish for wings to fly unto you. I long to thank you in person, for your faithfulness to your poor unworthy, but most affectionate friend. My dear brother, GOD is still doing greater things for me than ever. The awakening here in Scotland is unspeakable. The congregations in the West, are just like those which you and I saw at Foggs-Manor, in Pensylvania. GOD seems to awaken scores together. I never was enabled to preach so before. O that I may lie low at the feet of my dear Redeemer! to whose image I am studying to be more conformed every day. Your letter to dear brother A―――― pleased us very much. I have desired him to print it. I paid a three hundred pound bill drawn upon me by Mr. N――――, as well as Mr. B――――’s: whether you include that in the eleven thousand pounds, I know not. However, blessed be GOD, if it were eleven thousand more I hope I should be kept from doubting. At present, I am looking up to our great Housholder for fresh supplies; which I believe he will give me, and which I will send to you as soon as possible. I hope to see you soon, and to thank you in particular for your faithfulness to me. My friend and brother, you shall in no wise lose your reward. I believe GOD will take Georgia into his own hands. Its affairs have lately been before the House of Commons. Mr. Ste―――― was reprimanded for his abuse of the trustees; the use of rum was granted, but the use of slaves denied. Let us stand still, be instant in prayer, and we shall certainly see the salvation of GOD. I am yet made to hope against hope, in behalf of poor Georgia. The LORD strengthen your weak body, and continually comfort your soul. That you may be filled with all the fulness of GOD, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. H――――,
Yours eternally in the strictest bonds of gospel love,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXVIII
To Mrs. Whitefield.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1742. My dear Love,
SINCE I wrote the last, I have seen such things as I never beheld before. Yesterday morning I preached at Glasgow to a very large congregation. At noon I came to Cambuslang, the place which GOD hath so much honoured. I preached at two, to a vast body of people, and at six in the evening, and again at nine at night. Such a commotion surely never was heard of, especially at eleven at night. It far out-did all that I ever saw in America. For about an hour and a half there was such weeping, so many falling into deep distress, and expressing it various ways, as is inexpressible. The people seem to be slain by scores. They are carried off, and come into the house like soldiers wounded in, and carried off a field of battle. Their cries and agonies are exceedingly affecting. Mr. M―――― preached after I had ended, till past one in the morning, and then could scarce persuade them to depart. All night in the fields, might be heard the voice of prayer and praise. Some young ladies were found by a gentlewoman praising GOD at break of day. She went and joined with them. The LORD is indeed much with me. I have preached twice to-day already, and am to preach twice, perhaps three times more. The commotions increase. To-morrow, and on sabbath-day, I shall preach at Calder; on Monday, here again; and on Tuesday at Kilsyth, and then, GOD willing, at Glasgow. I am persuaded the work will spread more and more. My kindest respects to all. Accept of the same from, my dear love,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXIX
To the Reverend Mr. W――――, of Dundee.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
YOUR letter gave me some little concern, I thought it breathed much of a sectarian spirit; to which I hoped dear Mr. W―――― was quite averse. Methinks you seem, dear Sir, not satisfied, unless I declare myself a Presbyterian, and openly renounce the church of England. GOD knows that I have been faithful in bearing a testimony against what I think is corrupt in that church. I have shewn my freedom in communicating with the church of Scotland, and in baptizing children their own way. I can go no further. As for what you mention about the Quakers, I know not what particular exceptionable passages there were in my sermons, in which I mentioned them. That some good souls are among the Quakers, I doubt not.――For such I have charity, because our LORD hath given to them his spirit.――Though I am a strenuous defender of the righteousness of CHRIST, and utterly detest Arminian principles, yet I know that GOD gave me the Holy Ghost, before I was clear in either as to head-knowledge: and therefore, dear Sir, I am the more moderate to people who are not clear, supposing I see the divine image stamped upon their hearts. Mr. W――――, Mr. L――――, &c. I take to be holy men of GOD, though they think far widely from me, and from each other in some particular branches of doctrine. Dear Sir, be not offended at my plain speaking. I find but few of a truly catholic spirit. Most are catholic till they bring persons over to their own party, and there they would fetter them. I have not so learned CHRIST. I desire to act as GOD acts. I shall approve, and join with all who are good in every sect, and cast a mantle of love over all that are bad, so far as is consistent with a good conscience. This I can do without temporizing; nay I should defile my conscience if I did otherwise. As for my answer to Mr. M――――, dear Sir, it is very satisfying to my own soul. Morning and evening retirement is certainly exceeding good; but if through weakness of body, or frequency of preaching, I cannot go to GOD in my usual set times, I think my spirit is not in bondage. It is not for me to tell how often I use secret prayer; if I did not use it, nay, if in one sense I did not pray without ceasing, it would be difficult for me to keep up that frame of soul, which by the divine blessing I daily enjoy. If the work of GOD prospers, and your hands become more full, you will then, dear Sir, know better what I mean. But enough of this. GOD knows my heart, I would do every thing I possibly could, to satisfy all men, and give a reason of the hope that is in me with meekness and fear; but I cannot satisfy all that are waiting for an occasion to find fault: our LORD could not; I therefore despair of doing it. However, dear Sir, I take what you have said in very good part: only I think you are too solicitous to clear up my character to captious and prejudiced men. Let my master speak for me. Blessed be GOD, he will, so long as I simply throw myself into his almighty arms. I am glad the work goes on with you. Glory be to GOD, we have seen glorious things in the West. My tender love to all that are pleased to remember me. When I shall come your way, I know not. On Friday, GOD willing, I go to Cambuslang, where I expect to see great days of the son of man. That GOD may bless you abundantly more and more, and cause your latter end greatly to increase, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXX
To the Reverend Mr. A――――, in Dublin.
Glasgow, July 12, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
ON Saturday I received your very kind letter, and being just now returned from Cambuslang, I snatch a few moments to acknowledge it. I have long since waited for a call to Ireland. In such an important step, I care not to proceed without great caution. When I find the cloud of divine providence moving your way, I trust the language of my heart will be, LORD, I come to do or suffer thy will! In the mean while, I will watch unto prayer. I doubt not but you, reverend and dear Sir, will help me herein. I thank you most heartily, for being jealous over me. I believe it is with a godly jealousy. I wish I was more jealous over myself. But blessed be GOD, this I can say in the midst of the honours wherewith the glorious Emmanuel hath honoured me, “Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy name be all the glory.” Dear Sir, I think I am the worst of the sons of men. Yet I dare not deny what the blessed JESUS hath done for my sinful soul. He is pleased (O infinitely condescending GOD!) to honour me still more and more. Saturday last I came to Cambuslang, and I think I never saw such things before. The work seems to be spreading. O that it may reach and overspread poor Ireland also! All things are possible with GOD. Now the LORD is watering so many other places, I pray he may not leave that intirely destitute and dry.――O for faith to expect great, and very great things from GOD! He does not love to disappoint people of their hope. Dear Sir, my heart is now enlarged with a sense of the freeness and fulness of the Redeemer’s loving-kindness. You, dear Sir, are an old weather beaten soldier. You are ripened for glory, and are ready to sing your _Nunc dimittis_¹.――I am just about to begin to be a soldier. But, blessed be GOD, I shall follow soon. The hopes of bringing more souls to JESUS CHRIST, is the only consideration that can reconcile me to life. For this cause I can willingly stay long from my wish’d-for home, my wished-for JESUS. But whither am I going? I forget myself when writing of JESUS . His love fills my soul, O free grace! Surely I shall sing the loudest in heaven; but I must have done; nature calls for rest. Depending on the continuance of your prayers, and with my hearty salutation to all that love the blessed JESUS, I subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though younger and most unworthy brother and servant in the gospel of GOD’s dear Son,
G. W.
¹ Now lettest thou thy servant, &c.
Letter CCCCXXXI
To Mr. J―――― C――――, in London.
New-Kilpatrick, July 15, 1742. My dear Brother,
OF all my fellow-labourers letters, I think yours come the sweetest to my soul. You do not forget the rock from whence you was hewn, and therefore the LORD will honour you more and more. Though I have so small a degree of humility myself, I can see and admire it in others. It is the queen of graces. O beg of the exalted JESUS to make me humble. Indeed I have need of humility, for I am honoured more and more. What I have sent you already, does not near come up to what I have seen since. Last Thursday night, and Friday morning, there was such a shock in Edinburgh as I never felt before. O what a melting and weeping was there! I have heard blessed effects of it since. All glory be to GOD through CHRIST. On Friday night I came to Cambuslang, to assist at the blessed sacrament. On Saturday I preached to above twenty thousand people. In my prayer the power of GOD came down and was greatly felt. In my two sermons, there was yet more power. On sabbath day, scarce ever was such a sight seen in Scotland. There were undoubtedly upwards of twenty thousand people. Two tents were set up, and the holy sacrament was administered in the fields. When I began to serve a table, the power of GOD was felt by numbers; but the people crouded so upon me, that I was obliged to desist and go to preach at one of the tents, whilst the ministers served the rest of the tables. GOD was with them, and with his people. There was preaching all day by one or another, and in the evening, when the sacrament was over, at the request of the ministers I preached to the whole congregation. I preached about an hour and a half. Surely it was a time much to be remembered. On Monday morning, I preached again to near as many; but such an universal stir I never saw before. The motion fled as swift as lightning from one end of the auditory to another. You might have seen thousands bathed in tears. Some at the same time wringing their hands, others almost swooning, and others crying out, and mourning over a pierced Saviour. But I must not attempt to describe it. In the afternoon, the concern again was very great. Much prayer had been previously put up to the LORD. All night in different companies, you might have heard persons praying to, and praising GOD. The children of GOD came from all quarters. It was like the passover in Josiah’s time. We are to have another in about two or three months, if the LORD will. One Mr. W――――, a minister, who has great popular gifts, was as well as others much owned and helped at this time. On Tuesday morning I preached at Glasgow, (it was a most glorious time) and in the afternoon twice at Inchannon. The LORD gave a blow to many. Yesterday morning I preached there again, and here twice. Every time there was a great stir, especially at this place. A great company of awakened souls is within the compass of twenty miles, and the work seems to be spreading apace. I am exceedingly strengthened, O unmerited mercy! both in soul and body, and cannot now do well without preaching three times a day. The LORD gives me great confidence about the Orphan-house, and assures me that he will provide for me and mine. O help me to thank him. Call upon all to bless his holy name. I know you will not be slack to praise him. I rejoice, my dear brother, to find that you enjoy so much of GOD. May he fill you with all his fulness. The trials you meet with, will only make you a more able minister of the New Testament. I am of your mind with respect to ――――. He will not prosper. The LORD hates sectarian zeal. Dear brother, adieu. Expect to hear every opportunity from
Yours most affectionately and eternally in the blessed JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXII
To the Reverend Mr. R――――, in London.
Inchannon, July 21, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
I Heartily rejoice that the LORD is blessing and owning you. Go on, dear Sir, go on, and you will certainly find the glorious Emmanuel will be with you more and more. It is observable, that there is but one thing in scripture, that we are commanded to do out of season, preaching. Be instant therefore, dear Sir, in season and out of season. The LORD will stand by you and strengthen you, and deliver you from wicked and unreasonable men. You will find the blessedness of the cross, and the spirit of CHRIST and of glory to rest upon your soul. The Messrs. E―――― and their adherents, would you think it, have appointed a publick fast to humble themselves, among other things, for my being received in Scotland, and for the delusion, as they term it, at Cambuslang, and other places; and all this, because I would not consent to preach only for them, till I had light into, and could take the solemn league and covenant.――But to what lengths may prejudice carry even good men?――From giving way to the first risings of bigotry and a party spirit, good LORD deliver us!
Your most affectionate brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXIII
To Mr. M―――― A――――, at Morpeth.
Edinburgh, July 26, 1742. Dear Sir,
I Just now received and read your letter. It much affected me. It bespeaks the language of an uneasy restless heart. In reading it, I thought of the great Austin, who used, when he prayed against lust, secretly to wish that his prayer might not be answered, and yet he made a most eminent saint, and shone in the church as a star of the first magnitude. I likewise thought how our Saviour would receive you, if here on earth; even as he received and answered the poor woman taken in adultery.――I am sure he would say, “Neither do I condemn thee.” Another text offers itself, “I will heal their backslidings, and love them freely.” GOD does not say, I will heal thy backsliding for any certain term of years, but I will heal thy backslidings in general. Dear Sir, if you have been a backslider these fifty years, nay, was it possible for you to have been a backslider a thousand years, yet if with hearty repentance and true faith you turn unto him, he will abundantly pardon you. O dear Sir, if any one had need to despair of mercy, I had; but JESUS has washed me in his blood, and I know that my Redeemer liveth. Your temptations, and atheism, and hard thoughts of GOD, do not surprize me. Dear Sir, what else can be expected from a heart desperately wicked, and deceitful above all things? Dear Sir, let all this drive you to the fountain which is open for sin and all uncleanness. I once, in your circumstances, thought CHRIST was hard-hearted; but now I find, nay have long since found, that his heart is full of love. Take courage, dear Sir; draw near to the Lamb of GOD that taketh away the sin of the world. Return, thou wandering prodigal, thy heavenly father is running to meet thee.――Come back, thou fluttering dove, JESUS is ready to take thee into the ark. May GOD bless this to you! If he does, I will bless his name. I am a vile sinner, and have need to lie low before him, whom I have pierced by my transgression and unprofitableness, times without number. In his blood and righteousness I find perpetual refuge. Many in these parts are flying to him. May you, Sir, add to the happy number. You are but a sinner, and JESUS died for sinners. Come and welcome to JESUS CHRIST. I expect to remain in Scotland a few months, and hope to be your way, if the LORD direct. If your way should be directed hither, I should be glad to see you; if not, you are welcome to write to me. As my multiplicity of affairs will admit, you shall be answered by, dear Sir,
Your truly affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXIV
To the Reverend Mr. McL――――.
Edinburgh, July 28, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH this, I suppose, you will receive several young ones, who I think have acted wrong in leaving their respective employs under parents and masters to go after me. Be pleased to examine them, and send them home. The LORD was with me at Falkirk, and is pleased to work by me here. O free grace! I am persuaded I shall have more power, since dear Mr. G―――― hath printed such a bitter pamphlet. Now I begin to be a disciple of JESUS CHRIST, I rejoice and am exceeding glad. The archers shot sore at me that I might fall, but the LORD is, and the LORD will be my helper. At present I can add no more; but beg the continuance of your prayers for me and mine. We all join in hearty salutation to you and your whole houshold. I am, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant, and brother in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXV
To Mr. D―――― A――――, in London.
Edinburgh, July 30, 1742. Dear Brother A――――,
WHAT is the meaning I hear no oftner from you? It always gives me great pleasure to hear of your welfare. I write to you as often as possible. At present I am somewhat indisposed in body; but, glory be to GOD, the joy of the LORD is in my soul. I feel a blessing I cannot express.
July 31.
So far I wrote yesterday, but was obliged through illness to leave off.――Notwithstanding, in the pulpit the LORD out of weakness makes me to wax strong, and causes me to triumph more and more. One of the associate presbytery has published the most virulent pamphlet I ever saw, ascribing all that has been done here, and even in New-England, &c. to the influence of the devil. O how prejudice will blind the eyes even of good men. Last night some of my friends thought I was going off; but how did JESUS fill my heart! To-day I am, as they call it, much better; next post, if able, I will send you some more news. My health will not permit me to enlarge now. In less than a month, we are to have another sacrament at Cambuslang, a thing not practised before in Scotland. I entreat all to pray in an especial manner for a blessing at that time. Our blessed master is exceeding good to us. O help me to praise him for the signal unmerited mercies conferred on, dear brother A――――,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXVI
To Mr. H―――― B――――, in South-Carolina.
August 6, 1742. Dear Mr. B――――,
I Have just been walking with a nobleman in his fine house, and likewise talking with him about the house not made with hands, of which you and I are heirs. Blessed be GOD, who has given us the earnest of an inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified. This you shall surely in a very little time be a possessor of, notwithstanding of late satan has bruised your heel. That cunning, cruel archer has shot sorely at you, that you might fall, but the LORD has been, and the LORD will be your helper. Even this shall work together for good to your own and many other souls. Our Saviour would never have given satan leave to have sifted you, had he not prayed for you, and intended to bring great good out of it. If it makes you more like a little child, and your friends and acquaintance more watchful and self-diffident, it will be very well. O dear Sir, I see every day plainer and plainer that I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, and yet I can do all things through JESUS CHRIST strengthening me. What GOD has lately done for me and his church, is unspeakable. Ere long I hope to tell you face to face. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me in your prayers and praises. Accept my hearty thanks for all favours conferr’d on my orphan family. Be pleased to remember me in the kindest and most cordial manner, to all your dear relations, and believe me to be, dear Mr. B――――,
Your most obliged affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXVII
To Mr. R―――― S――――.
Strath-martin, August 10, 1742. Dear brother Robert,
I Can never let a letter of yours lie long unanswered. The love I bear to you and yours is unfeigned, and I continually remember you before the LORD. His word runs and is much glorified in these parts. I trust it also makes advances in your soul. How is it with you, my dear brother R――――? Do you grow in grace? Is the world more under your feet than usual? Do you find a real, solid, abiding rest in JESUS CHRIST? Or is it only transitory and superficial? It is a very uncommon thing to be rooted and grounded in the love of JESUS. I find persons may have the idea, but are far from having the real substance. To say, “I am a poor sinner,” and to be a poor sinner indeed, are two different things. Methinks I hear my dear man say, and so they are. Well then, let us go to JESUS, and he will make us poor and yet free. Blessed be his name, I feel the power of his precious, life-giving, all-atoning blood more and more every day. I was happy when at London. I am ten times happier now. The LORD hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. How is my dear Peter? Is his heart yet established and settled upon the rock? Or is the dove only fluttering about the door of the ark? If so, may the dear Redeemer reach out his almighty and extended arm, and take him in! Dear B―――― I hope grows, because he seems to see more of his heart. We shall certainly bear fruit upwards, in proportion as we take root downwards. May the eternal spirit breathe upon this letter, and bless it to your soul! O my brother, keep close to JESUS. Do not be content, unless you feel a sensible growth in your soul. Accept my hearty love from,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXVIII
To P――――, at London.
Strath-martin, August 10, 1742. Dear P――――,
THE great trouble which I gave you when at London, and the readiness you shewed in waiting upon a poor unworthy minister of CHRIST, hath made me often to pray for you, and also to hope, that in time you would be brought to love the LORD JESUS himself. I trust that time is now come, and that the glorious Emmanuel hath at length captivated and taken full possession of your heart. Will you give me leave to ask a few friendly questions? Has religion sunk out of your head into your heart? You was civilized when I was at London: Are you yet really converted? Your affections were now and then raised towards,――are they now centered in and fixed on the LORD JESUS? If you can answer these questions in the affirmative, I pronounce you a wise virgin, even wise to eternal salvation; blessed art thou among women. If not, I do not despair of you. JESUS can change the heart. JESUS can make of a proud pharisee, a poor sinner. Let you and I then, dear P――――, apply to the Redeemer’s blood. He can wash us as white as snow. I feel his power every day more and more, and so do those with me. May we go on from strength to strength, till grace be swallowed up in glory. We see great days of the son of man in Scotland. May the kingdom of GOD come with full power over all the earth! The LORD be with you. Accept this as a token of unfeigned love, from
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXXXIX
To Mr. B――――, at the Orphan-house.
Cambuslang, August 17, 1742.
AND has my dear brother B―――― got the start of me? What, put into prison before me? I wish you joy, my dear brother, with all my heart. Had I been at Savannah, surely I would gladly have come (and if there had been need) gladly have washed your feet. I doubt not but your imprisonment was for CHRIST’s sake. I am persuaded, the letter from your friend that doubted, was the sorest stab of all; but all is intended to draw us from the creature, even from the new creature, and bring us nearer to the Creator, GOD blessed for evermore. Paul’s friends deserted, and no doubt judged him. “All they in Asia forsook me,” says he; and again, “At my first trial no man stood by me;” and what follows? but “the LORD stood by me:” and will he not, dear brother, also stand by you? I cannot help believing but that Georgia will yet be a glorious colony. The counsel of GOD shall stand. He surely put it into my heart to build the Orphan-house. He certainly brought you to Georgia to superintend it. He will bless you and yours. I join in blessing GOD with you, and in admiring how he has spread a table for my dear family in that wilderness. But what shall we say? The LORD loves to encourage faith; and since his honour is so much concerned, I am sure he will vindicate it, and never suffer his enemies to say thus of us, “There, there, so would we have it.” I am kept from the least doubting; and GOD only knows how many prayers of faith I have put up for you. I have often wished as it were for the wings of a dove, that I might fly unto you, and take you one by one into my unworthy arms, and weep over you with tears of love. Blessed be GOD, the time draws near apace. I am just now about to publish a further account of the Orphan-house, and hope shortly to collect some more money towards its support. I am blessed with far greater success than ever, and satan roars louder. You will see by what I here send, how the archers of different classes shoot at me; but the LORD (for ever adored be his never-failing love) causes my bow to abide in strength, and enables me to triumph in every place. The comforts and success the LORD gives to me, is unspeakable. Last LORD’s day, I believe there were here thirty thousand people, and above two thousand five hundred communicants. The work spreads, and I believe will yet spread. My bodily strength is daily renewed, and I mount on the wings of faith and love like an eagle. I can only cry Grace! grace! My dear brother, I feel every day more and more, that I am a poor, very poor sinner. I often wonder why JESUS suffers me to live, much more to speak for him. But he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy. O free grace! Oh unparalleled love of an infinitely condescending GOD! Whilst I am musing, the fire kindles. Surely we shall have a happy meeting in Georgia. My Master will, I trust, come along with me. Otherwise, may I not go up hence. In the mean while, I pray him to quicken and revive your dear souls, and fill you as with new wine. Thus he deals with me and mine daily. I am retired for a day, on purpose to write letters. The LORD bless them to your dear souls, whom I love in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I wish you had told me who stood by at Savannah and brought you refreshment. Greet them, and give them particular thanks in my name. My heart is full; I know not how to stop. But I must write to the trustees, and to others. I heard nothing of the affair, till I received your letter last week. A word or two of yours to Mr. O――――, I think a little too harsh; but Paul spoke once a little too harsh to the high-priest. Our JESUS will overlook this; and reward you for your imprisonment by and by. Adieu! my dear man, adieu! Forget not,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXL
To the Honourable Trustees for Georgia.
Cambuslang, Aug. 17, 1742. Honoured Gentlemen,
SOME letters, which I received last week from Georgia, occasion my troubling you with this, which I doubt not will meet with a candid reception at your hands. I find that Mr. H―――― and Mr. B―――― have been taken up by a warrant, and were imprisoned above a week, for a thing which, I believe, none of you, honoured gentlemen, will judge cognizable by the civil magistrate. It seems that Mr. B――――, in a private conversation with Mr. O――――, (who, I suppose, is the present minister of Savannah) told him, “He was no ‘christian’; that he wondered at the impudence of young men in subscribing articles they did not believe; and that he should think it his duty to warn his friends not to hear him.” I acknowledge that such language was too harsh; but Mr. H――――, who did not say near so much, was linked in the same prosecution, and imprisoned with him. Mr. J――――, who was then at Frederica, being informed of it, declared such a procedure to be illegal; and his Excellency General Oglethorp, desired my friends to lay the matter before the board of the Honourable Trustees. I being now upon the spot, they have sent to me a very particular account of what has passed; which, if you please, honoured gentlemen, I will transmit unto you, or, when I come to London, will wait upon you in person. I find also, that my friends were denied a copy of the proceedings of the court: in which, I am persuaded the honourable gentlemen to whom I am writing, will think they have been wronged. My friends require no satisfaction, but only desire such a proceeding may be animadverted upon; knowing that otherwise it will be a great discouragement to people’s settling in Georgia. I am sorry also to inform you, honoured gentlemen, that five very small children, (Swiss or Dutch) whose parents lately died in their passage from England, have had their goods sold at Vendue, and are bound out till the age of twenty-one years. This I think directly contrary to the grant given me by you, honoured gentlemen; for thereby I was impowered to take as many orphans into the house as my fund would admit of. The magistrates, I understand, have also been at the Orphan-house, and claim a power to take away the children when they please, whether the children chuse it, or complain of ill-treatment, or not. This grieves some of the children, and makes others of them insolent, who are hereby taught, that they have a power to go away when they will. This, honoured gentlemen, must be very discouraging to those who are entrusted with their education; and who, I am persuaded, aim at nothing but the glory of GOD, the welfare of the colony, and the salvation of the children’s souls. I suppose that the magistrates (I mean Mr. P―――― and Mr. T――――) have taken such a liberty from the instructions which were sent, honoured gentlemen, from you some time ago. But Mr. J―――― has told them, they have misunderstood you; and his Excellency General Oglethorp I find has wrote to you, honoured gentlemen, about it. By the accounts I have, our plantation thrives well; and Mr. H―――― hopes we shall do with white servants alone. I do assure you, honoured gentlemen, I will do all I can, with the most disinterested views, to promote the good of Georgia: only I beg the management of the Orphan-house, and orphans, may be secured to me and my successors for ever; and that the magistrates be not suffered to disturb us, when there is no ground of complaint. They acknowledged, when at the Orphan-house last, that the children were taken good care of, both as to their bodies and souls; and will it not then, honoured gentlemen, tend much to the welfare of the colony, that the Orphan-house should meet with all possible encouragement. His Excellency General Oglethorp has informed my friend Mr. H――――, that, if I desired it, he thought you would grant me a greater tract of land, which I should be obliged to give away in a certain term of years, and that we might have our own magistrates, as have the people of Ebenezer. Whether I shall desire such a favour, I know not; but, if I should, I desire to know, what you, honoured gentlemen, would say to it. Many have applied to me to settle in Georgia; hitherto I could give them no encouragement. I wish I may be enabled to give them a great deal for the future. Indeed, honoured gentlemen, I do not desire to find fault. I doubt not but you have been prejudiced both against me and my friends. The event will shew what friends we are to Georgia. The Orphan-house will certainly be of great utility to the colony; and the children educated therein, I trust, will be the glory of the society to which they belong. They are bred up to industry, as well as to other things; and are taught to fear GOD, and honour the king. I am glad to hear that you have lately sent over a gentleman who (I suppose) will do justice. I think I desire nothing else; and heartily pray GOD to bless him, and you, honoured gentlemen, and all that are concerned in the management of Georgia affairs. I hope to be in town in about two months; in the mean while, I would beg the favour of a line by your secretary; and also entreat you, honoured gentlemen, to write to the magistrates of Savannah, to let the Orphan-house managers alone. If I or my friends should happen to say or do any thing amiss, I assure you, honoured gentlemen, you shall have all possible satisfaction given you by them, and also by, honoured gentlemen,
Your very humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLI
To Mr. H――――, in Georgia.
Cambuslang, Aug. 17, 1742. My very dear Friend and Brother,
WITH a great deal of pleasure I received your letters dated May 14th, 26th, 29th, and June 1st. Blessed be GOD! for all his goodness, in providing for my dear family in that wilderness, by such various unexpected ways. It caused my heart to leap for joy. I find you have been wrongfully imprisoned. I should have been glad (if time had permitted) that you had wrote me word, how it has been with your soul under such a circumstance. I hope the spirit of CHRIST and of glory rested upon you. Glad should I have been to have sung and prayed with you; but my hour is not yet come. I have just now wrote to the trustees, and intend waiting upon them as soon as I come to London. I am persuaded the LORD will influence their hearts to do us justice. I am glad you wrote so properly to the General, and that GOD hath given you favour in his sight. “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes his very enemies to be at peace with him.” I intend sending him and Mr. Jones a letter of thanks. I owe Mr. S―――― only about ninety pounds, and about a hundred and fifty more in all, upon the Orphan-house account in England. I am just publishing a further account, which I am persuaded the LORD will bless. I would not have you to undertake any business you do not like. I think the LORD has fitted you for your present station. Professor Franck held it dangerous to change persons frequently, who were entrusted with the care of the orphans. I am of your opinion as to hiring servants.――It is impossible to tell you, my dear man, what I have seen, heard, and felt since I came last to Scotland. The glorious Emmanuel rides daily on in the chariot of his gospel, from conquering and to conquer. The congregations are just like that at Fogg-Manor.――I am opposed on all sides. Dear Mr. E――――’s people have lately kept a fast upon my account. The kirk presbyters also, now they see the Seceders splitting, notwithstanding I have been instrumental in GOD’s hands, in some degree, in stopping the secession, begin to call some of their ministers to account for employing me: but who can stand before envy? In the midst of all, my dear Master keeps me leaning upon himself, and causes me to walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost from morning to night. I wish time would have allowed you to have wrote a little about his love, and to have abounded more in thanks for the opportune supplies which he sent you. But I am sure that my dear Mr. H―――― is not wanting in either of these. I think that I see you grow in grace. I assure you, you are dearer to me than ever. My wife readily excuses your not writing, knowing what it is to be in a hurry of business. O pray that we may have a prosperous voyage to you, by the will of GOD. By this time I suppose you are a father. May GOD teach you and your wife how to order the child! I have much to say to you both, when I see you. My dear old friend, and first fellow-traveller, GOD has yet great blessings in store for us. He will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he with-hold from them that lead a godly life. Methinks I am conversing with you now. May GOD give us a happy meeting! He will, he will! For the present I must bid my dear man good night. I stole this day from public preaching, to dispatch my private affairs. All join in hearty love to, and prayers for you. Accept of the same in the most tender manner, from, my dear Mr. H――――,
Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant till death,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLII
To his Excellency General Oglethorp.
Cambuslang, Aug. 18, 1742. Honoured Sir,
I Most heartily thank you for being so kind to my family in Georgia, and for espousing my friends cause when I think they were apparently wronged. In a letter, I yesterday laid the case before the honourable trustees, not doubting but they will preserve us from oppression, and from persecution in all its shapes. I think we have only the glory of GOD, and the good of the colony at heart. Prejudices may be raised against us by evil reports and misrepresentations; but your Excellency is more noble than to hearken to insinuations, which are not supported by evident matters of fact. I am sure GOD will bless you for defending the cause of the fatherless, and espousing the cause of injured innocence. My friends, I trust, will at all times readily acknowledge any thing they may either say or do wrong; and, if I know any thing of my own heart, I would not offend any one causelessly and wilfully, for the world. In a few months I hope to see Georgia. In the mean while, I beg your Excellency to accept these few lines of thanks from, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLIII
To Thomas J――――, Esq., in Georgia.
Cambuslang, Aug. 18, 1742. Dear Mr. J――――,
WITH this I send you my repeated thanks for your great kindness to my dear family. The Father of Mercies and the GOD of all Consolations will plentifully reward you for such well-doing. In a few months I hope to thank you in person. GOD hath done, and is still doing greater things for me than I am able to express. Indeed many souls have been born again, both in England and Scotland, since I left you at Georgia. I desire to cast my crown at the feet of JESUS, and to cry Grace! grace! Dear Sir, what a charming word is that? I am sure I can freely own, that all my salvation is of grace, unmerited, distinguishing, electing grace! If I could be saved by my own righteousness, I had rather be saved by the righteousness of CHRIST; because that way of salvation brings most glory to our glorious GOD. I doubt not but Mr. J―――― is like-minded. May he be so more and more, and daily feel the full power of the Redeemer’s blood! Be pleased to remember me to all that are pleased to enquire after unworthy me, who am, dear Sir,
Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLIV
To Mrs. B――――, at the Orphan-house.
Cambuslang, Aug. 18, 1742. Dear Sister B――――,
HAS the LORD called for your dear lambs? If so, I trust you have been enabled to say, “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away: blessed be the name of the LORD.” I am glad to find you was so well reconciled to your dear husband’s imprisonment. It is sweet when wives are strengthened to encourage their husbands in a suffering hour. Then are they helps meet for them indeed. You do well, my dear Sister, to lament the vileness of your heart. I find more and more that my heart is desperately wicked. But, blessed be GOD, I have a fountain to go and wash in every moment, even the blessed fountain of the Mediator’s blood. There I can have free access; there I can wash, and daily be made clean. Indeed, my dear sister, without dissimulation, I am a poor, very poor sinner; but I am rich in JESUS, and rejoice in his great salvation from day to day. I long to see you and my dear family, to acquaint you what GOD hath done for my soul: and yet he is still doing more and more. He does, he will delight to honour me. I thank you for the great respect you pay me for his great name’s sake. I will endeavour not to be behind with you, and the rest of my dear friends, in humility and love. I am, my dear sister, most sincerely,
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLV
To Mr. B――――.
Cambuslang, Aug. 18, 1742. Dear Mr. B――――,
I Think there is a mystery in the LORD’s dealing with you and your brother. Surely he would never suffer you to be thus tempted, did he not intend to honour you by and by. What our Saviour does to us now we know not; it is enough that he hath assured us we shall know hereafter. I rejoice to hear that you have so many christian negroes. I hope they are only the first-fruits of a more glorious harvest. Though the work may be at a stop for a while, fear not; JESUS will revive his own work in his own time. Notwithstanding our blunders, imprudence, and the opposition of enemies from without, yet the counsel of the LORD shall stand, and he will set his king upon his holy hill of Zion. The Mediator’s kingdom makes glorious advances here. I cannot tell you the hundredth part. I verily believe we shall see greater things abroad. I know you pray that I may have a prosperous journey to you, by the will of GOD. I expect to embark for Georgia in a few months. In the mean while, you shall not be forgotten by, dear Mr. B――――,
Your most affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLVI
To Mrs. T――――, in South-Carolina.
Cambuslang, Aug. 18, 1742. My dear Friend,
I Am glad to hear by your sister, that you are become a despised follower of the lowly JESUS.――O glorious character! I am persuaded you had rather have that title truly applied to you, than to be empress of the universe. I long to see you, and to hear you tell what a happy change you feel. How does dear Mr. T――――? Is he yet truly broken, and going hand in hand with you to heaven? Happy pair!――I know, by sweet experience, the comforts you enjoy. Death itself shall not part you. I hope, nothing that has happened to dear Mr. B―――― will prove a stumbling block to your soul. Such things must be glory to him, that has said “all things shall work together for good.” My dear friends, what a mystery is the christian life? Happy those, who are acquainted with it. That it may be revealed more and more in your hearts, is the earnest prayer of, dear friends,
Your most affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLVII
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
Cambuslang, Aug. 26, 1742. My very dear Brother,
GLAD was I last night to receive a letter from your hands. I love your simple honest heart, and earnestly pray the dear Redeemer to give you a true, lasting, abiding rest in himself. Blessed be his name, I think I can say, through free grace, that I am in a measure entered into it, and know what it is by happy experience, to pass from glory to glory every day. My dear brother, I am opposed on every side; the archers shoot sore at me that I may fall, but the LORD is my helper. He causes my bow to abide in strength, and makes me more than conqueror through his love. The account sent with this, will shew you how often I have been enabled to preach; but with what efficacy and success, pen cannot describe. The glorious Redeemer seems to be advancing from congregation to congregation, carrying all before him. The Messrs. E――――’s people have kept a fast for me, and give out, that all the work now in Scotland is only delusion, and by the agency of the devil. O, my dear brother, to what great lengths in bigotry and prejudice may good men run? Blessed be GOD, I can see the differences between GOD’s children, and yet love them from my heart. What you said about poor Wales, affected me. I laid upon my face this day, and for some time pleaded with groans unutterable, for direction in that, and several other matters of great consequence. I fear my dear brother thinks too highly of me. Indeed, I feel myself to be a poor sinner, and yet I am rich in CHRIST, and lean upon his bosom from morning to night; nay, all the night long. By his grace alone I am what I am; and if he is pleased to honour me so far, I should be glad to help the brethren in Wales. I am sorry to hear there has been such divisions. But dividing times generally precede settling times. Upon the receipt of your last, I wrote to Mr. O――――. Last night I received his answer. He speaks very honourably of you, but thinks that you are too censorious, in condemning a whole society for the faults of but some, and too bigotted also to your own way. My dear brother will excuse this. I would not deal so freely, or take such liberty, did I not believe you would take it kindly. My brother, my soul loves you. Dear Miss Nancy wrote me word you was at my house, (I rejoiced) and that you prayed heartily for unworthy me. The LORD reward, and fill you with all joy and peace in believing! Our LORD is sovereign in his dealing with his dear children. I walk in much liberty. O free grace! Your being so exercised with inward conflicts, helps you to search hypocrites. But glory be to our heavenly Father, there is a glorious rest awaits us, and all the children of GOD. I think I feel a foretaste of it now; nay, I believe I feel the thing itself in a degree, and when I speak of it, I speak what I know. O infinitely condescending GOD! My brother, my heart is full. The LORD JESUS bless you, and fill your dear soul with all his fulness! So prays, with his whole heart,
Your most affectionate though most unworthy brother, and willing servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLVIII
To Mrs. L――――, in Bristol.
Cambuslang, Aug. 26, 1742. Honoured Mother,
I Rejoice to hear that you have been so long under my roof. Blessed be GOD, that I have a house for my honoured mother to come to. You are heartily welcome to any thing my house affords, as long as you please. I am of the same mind now, as formerly. If need was, indeed these hands should administer to your necessities. I had rather want myself than you should. I shall be highly pleased when I come to Bristol, and find you sitting in your youngest son’s house. O that I may sit with you, in the house not made with hands eternal in the heavens! Ere long, your doom, honoured mother, will be fixed. You must shortly go hence, and be no more seen. Your only daughter, I trust, is now in the paradise of GOD. Methinks I hear her say, “Mother, come up hither.” JESUS, I am sure, calls you in his word. May his spirit enable you to say, “LORD, lo I come!” My honoured mother, I am happier and happier every day. JESUS makes me exceeding happy in himself. I hope by Winter to be at Bristol. If any enquire after me, please to tell them, I am well both in body and soul, and desire them to help me to praise free and sovereign grace. O that my dear, my very honoured mother may be made an everlasting monument of it! How does my heart burn with love and duty to you? gladly would I wash your aged feet, and lean upon your neck, and weep and pray ’till I could pray no more. With this I send you a thousand dutiful salutations, and ten thousand hearty and most humble thanks for all the pains you underwent in conceiving, bringing forth, nursing, and bringing up, honoured mother,
Your most unworthy, though most dutiful son, ’till death,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXLIX
To Mr. A――――, in London.
Cambuslang, Aug. 27, 1742. My very dear Brother A――――,
THIS day fortnight I came to this place, to assist at the sacramental occasion with several worthy ministers of the church of Scotland. Such a passover has not been heard of. The voice of prayer and praise was heard all night. It was supposed, that between 30 and 40,000 people were assembled, and 3000 communicated. There were three tents. The ministers were enlarged, and great grace was among the people. I preached once on Saturday, once on the LORD’s Day morning, served five tables, and preached about ten at night to a great number in the Church-yard. Though it rained much, there was a great awakening. On Monday at seven in the morning, the Reverend Mr. Webster preached, and there was a very great commotion, and also in the third sermon when I preached, a very great and serious concern was visible through the whole solemnity. The LORD’s people went home much refreshed. On Thursday I preached twice at Greenock; on Friday three times at Kilbride, and again on Saturday once, and twice at Stevenson; on Sunday four times at Irvine. On Monday once at Irvine, and three times at Kilmarnock; on Tuesday once at Kilmarnock, and four times at Stewarton; on Wednesday once at Stewarton, and twice at the Mearnes; and yesterday twice at this place. I never preached with so much apparent success before. At Greenock, Irvine, Kilbride, Kilmarnock, and Stewarton, the concern was great: at the three last very extraordinary. The work seems to spread more and more. O, my friend, pray and give praise in behalf of the most unworthy wretch that was ever employed in the dear Redeemer’s service. I speak this from my inmost soul. I must cry out continually, “Why me LORD, why me?” My dear brother A――――, I love you dearly in the bowels of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I think I could live with you always. The LORD, I think, hath given you a meek and teachable disposition. O what is it to be as little children! I am glad to find, you so hunger and thirst after a continual abiding rest in GOD. Assure yourself, the LORD will fill and satisfy your soul. He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it. Wait, and thou shalt see and feel the salvation of GOD. I think I have seen it more for some days past, than in any journey before. Our Saviour loves to let us see yet greater things. O for a large heart to receive all the fulness of GOD! I rejoice to hear that the LORD is with you at the Tabernacle. May his glory appear, and shine in it more and more! I believe it will: I believe GOD will bless your school. Our LORD’s Disciples are generally too much in a hurry; at least I am. They are not content to wait. “He that believeth, doth not make haste.” O for a passive, tender, truly broken, child-like heart! that we could watch in reality, and from moment to moment hear the cry of every Christian, with every call from GOD, whether by his providence or spirit. It is said, that GOD brought and kept Abraham at his feet. O that we were always there, waiting for divine direction! Blessed be his name, I am for the most part at the feet of JESUS, and indeed he graciously teaches me moment after moment. I have many things before me now. I know brother A―――― will help me by his prayers. Blessed be GOD, our heaven is begun here.
Your truly affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCL
To Mr. S―――― C――――, in Deptford.
Glasgow, Sept. 2, 1742. My very dear Brother C――――,
I Am just now come from the pulpit, wherein I have experienced much of the Redeemer’s power, and seen his stately outgoings in the sanctuary. My brother, the cry of my heart is, “and will GOD indeed dwell with such a wretch as I am.” Methinks a voice echo’s from above, “I have dwelt in thee, I do dwell in thee, I will dwell in thee for evermore.” My heart replies, “LORD, I believe and worship.”
_A heart that no desire can move, But still to adore, believe, and love._
This, my dear brother, is the present, and indeed continual bent of my soul, which I trust prospers. I feel myself to grow more poor inwardly; I see, I am but a learner in the school of CHRIST, and my dear Master teaches me new lessons every day. About a week ago, I think he did more for me than ever I saw before. Glory be to GOD, that he is so much with you at London. I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice. I am amazed when I hear, as I do almost every day, of some fresh persons wrought upon by my unworthy ministry. This humbles me very much, and brings me very low at the feet of the ever-loving JESUS. I dare not deny that I am one of his chosen; but I am jealous for myself and for those about me, lest we should grieve the holy Spirit, and oblige him to withdraw for our ingratitude, unfruitfulness, pride, selfishness, and insensibility of the blessings we enjoy. Last night I went to sleep quite angry, but chiefly with myself.――I saw that I had received much, and did so little for my GOD, and CHRIST, that I could feelingly smite upon my breast, lay my head upon my pillow, and close my eyes with these words, “GOD be merciful to me a sinner?” And to-day, what have I seen and felt, yea what do I now feel? My soul is swallowed up in GOD. His presence is filling my soul, and renewing my bodily strength. Here is free grace, my dear brother. Was you here, I think I could now warm your heart with a lecture upon the unparalleled love of JESUS; but time is short: blessed be GOD, an eternity is before me, but “eternity too short to utter all his praise.” I think I love you and yours unfeignedly, and rejoice that you enjoy sweet fellowship together. Glory be to GOD, that you have gotten many living stones. Trust the great Redeemer, the all-wise contriver and perfecter of his spiritual temple, to put them together. I have been faulty in looking too much to foreign help, and despising that which GOD had given me. When our LORD was to feed the multitude, he would not create new bread, but multiplied the loaves that were already at hand. “Ye need not send them away, give ye them to eat,” said he: so say I to my dear brethren at the tabernacle. “Work with the materials you have.” In doing the work, GOD will teach you how to do it.――Experience will grow up with the work itself. Thus GOD hath dealt with me, and so he continues to deal. May his blessed spirit guide you all into all truth, and give you a right judgment in all things! I love to see the little child in others, though I see so little of it in my unworthy self. But I must not exceed; other business demands my attention. Write to me often about the state of the church. Mr. E――――’s people rather run greater and greater lengths in misguided zeal. Our love to all. I intreat a continuance of your prayers, because the archers are shooting from every quarter at, dear brother C――――,
Your poor weak brother in the kingdom and patience of JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLI
To Brother T――――, in London.
Glasgow, September 4, 1742. My dear Brother,
I Hope this letter will find you, where your last left you, at the feet of the meek and lowly JESUS. My dear brother, it is a delightful situation: Mary found it so. O true poverty of spirit, what a rare, yet what a precious thing it is! The foundation of it, is a deep, abiding knowledge of the corruption of the heart, and its desperate wickedness. I find more and more the necessity of leaning upon my beloved, whilst travelling through the wilderness of this world. I find I am yet but learning in the school of CHRIST, and scarce know any thing as I ought to know. I often blush at a sense of my unfruitfulness, ingratitude, &c. and yet am made continually to rejoice in his great salvation. My brother, press on and faint not; though faint, yet still pursue. When your father and mother forsake you, the LORD will take you up. I do not wonder at your father’s opposition. His letter bespeaks him to be a man of a very bad spirit. I thought proper to burn it. My brother, pray for him, and beg of JESUS that you may behave with all meekness, humility and love. I would enlarge, but time is short, and much of my dear Master’s business is lying before me. For the present, adieu! My kind love to all. May the LORD keep you unspotted from the world. You shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb. We see wond’rous things here. Pray and give thanks for
Your affectionate friend, and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLII
To Mr. B――――, in London.
Glasgow, Sept. 4, 1742. My dear Brother B――――,
I Embrace a few moments to answer your kind letter. Not want of love but leisure prevented my doing it before; yet I have not forgotten you in my prayers. Your case hath been upon my heart. I pray GOD you may be enabled, at this time especially, to plead the promise of temporal blessings. Remember, my dear brother, you can call GOD, your GOD and Father: if so, your GOD will supply all your wants. These words were so pressed upon my soul once when in extremity, that I hope I shall never forget them: “Be careful for nothing, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto GOD.” I have for these eight or nine years past, had no visible settled fund, but fetched in all temporal supplies by pleading the promises. My GOD never failed me, he never will. This morning I have been lecturing upon Elisha’s multiplying the widow’s oil. The LORD GOD of Elisha is yet living. O that you may have faith to apply to him. O that you may be willing to be made poor. My brother, I find freedom in writing to you. Blessed be GOD, who hath made any thing that I have spoken of use to your soul. Tell your wife, she must take my advice, and pray with you. She sins, I think, in omitting it. I rejoice to hear that the LORD is with you at the tabernacle. May he be with you more and more! My brother, GOD is doing wonders here indeed. Every day he shews us great things. Yesterday, and the day before, how did he display his power? I am lost when I think of it. O that GOD should ever dwell with such an ill and hell-deserving wretch as I am! Amazing! Thy mercies, O GOD, they humble me. Adieu.
Your unworthy and affectionate friend and brother,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLIII
To Mr. J―――― N――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 13, 1742. My very dear brother N――――,
I Have just been writing to our dear brother G―――― T――――, and now sit down to write to you. Both your letters came to me at the same time, and had I not been used to trials of that nature, would have affected me much. Dear Mr. T―――― speaks many things, that I know are too true of the Moravian Brethren; but his spirit seems to be too much heated, and I fear some of his own wild-fire is mixed with that sacred fire of zeal, which comes from GOD. My dear brother, I want to be more like unto GOD, who sees and corrects all things that are amiss, and yet continues unmoved in his own nature. I want to be more like unto JESUS, GOD blessed for evermore! who sees all the quarrels and heart-risings of his children one amongst another, and yet bears with, and loves them still. My heart doth not reproach me, for my kindness and friendship with those that differ from me. I think I have been led by the word and spirit of GOD into this part of my conduct; but I confess that I am jealous, and trust with a godly jealousy, over many who talk and write of the Lamb, and who mimic some particular persons in their outward way of behaviour, but yet are not truly poor in spirit. They act too much like me, who at my first setting out imitated the outward shew of humility in Monsieur Dezenly, before I got true simplicity of heart. Indeed, I have too little of it now. But, blessed be GOD by his free grace, I am what I am. I think I can say I am made unfeignedly happy in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and can discover in some measure between a false and disguised holiness. Glory be to the Redeemer’s name, I walk in light and liberty, and am enabled to rejoice in the LORD always. Though I can say to corruption, “Thou art my sister,” yet I can with a full assurance of faith at all times say, “GOD is my father, and all is mine, because I am CHRIST’s.” My dear, very dear host and brother, I pray GOD that you and I may more experience the glorious liberty of the children of GOD: a liberty not from the in-being, but from the reigning power and dominion of sin. JESUS came to make us kings, as well as priests, and it is our privilege to reign upon the earth. We that believe, do enter into rest. Faith is of an all-conquering nature, and causes us to trample sin, death, and hell under our feet. My dear brother, I experience more, unspeakably more of the Redeemer’s power, than when I saw you last. My happiness increases daily, and I am persuaded will increase, ’till grace is swallowed up in glory. My principles as to the fundamentals of the gospel are just the same as yours. I cannot renounce those precious truths, that I have felt the power of, and which were taught me not of man but of GOD. At the same time, I would love all that love JESUS, though they differ from me in some points. The angels love all the true worshippers of JESUS every where, and why should not we? If our brethren will quarrel with us, let us not quarrel with them. O my dear brother, I pray our dear Redeemer to give you meekness to those, who may not see so far as you do. I entreat you, my dear brother, to overcome their evil with your good. Zeal for GOD may excite others to oppose you, as well as you to oppose them; therefore bear with and love them. This will shew you to be a disciple indeed, and to have that mind, which was in CHRIST JESUS. O that we grew up into his divine likeness, and were indeed conformed to our great Exemplar! How truly simple and void of guilt should we be! Our brother, I fear, has not dealt uprightly with me. At first he called me a servant of GOD, and then a blasphemer and deceiver, and said, I should be in a miserable condition. Pray tell P―――― of it, and acquaint him at the same time, that I grow happier and happier in the Lamb every day, and more and more honoured by the great Head and King of the Church. O simplicity! whether art thou fled?――In a short time I hope to embark for Georgia, and then, GOD willing, I shall see you face to face. Wonderful things have been doing here; things unspeakable and full of glory. The confusions abroad are no greater than what I expected to hear of. Just such a scene hath been at home; but the glorious Emmanuel will over-rule all for good. Why have you not written to my poor family in Georgia? I am persuaded great things will come from the orphan-house. O remember, my dear brother, to exercise catholic love in all its branches. I love and long much to see you. I shall write, GOD willing, to Mr. W――――. I find his spirit is also imbittered. May the LORD sweeten all your hearts! With hearty thanks for all favours, I am, my very dear brother,
Most affectionately yours in the glorious JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLIV
To Mr. E――――, in Philadelphia.
Edinburgh, Sept. 14, 1742. My very dear Brother,
YOUR kind letter came to hand a few days ago, and I rejoice to hear that you are now happy. I wish you may be really settled and rooted and grounded in love, and no longer so tossed about as you have been in times past. I find many talk and boast of rest, of which I fear they have not yet got a feeling possession. There is as much difference between these two, as between a shadow and the substance. Far be it from me, to think thus of you, my dear brother. No, I believe our Saviour has really loved and washed you in his blood, and redeemed you unto GOD, that you might be a king and priest, and reign upon the earth. There is plenteous redemption in the blood of JESUS. He came, not only that we might have life, but that we might have it more abundantly. He that believeth on JESUS, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. They that believe enter into rest. O glorious redemption! O glorious liberty of the children of GOD! Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed; they, who having not seen, yet have loved JESUS, and do rejoice with joy unspeakable, even with joy that is full of glory. Blessed be GOD, that you feel more of this than you did a twelvemonth ago. In a year’s time, you will be ashamed to think what a dwarf you are now. A believer is to pass from glory to glory. It is ignorance and pride that makes us think we have already attained. The more we are acquainted with JESUS, the more we shall be acquainted with our own hearts, and grow more truly poor in spirit every day. Indeed, my dear brother, I am a thousand times happier than when you saw me. JESUS hath saved me from many corruptions, and is every day transforming me more and more into his own likeness. I cannot rest, unless I feel a sensible growth in my soul, and find that I get more of the true artless simplicity that was in JESUS. Blessed be GOD for that fulness which is in CHRIST, out of which we are all to receive grace for grace. Many, many souls have lately been drawing out of this fulness. I am amazed at his love to me! O free grace! O sovereign, distinguishing, unmerited love!――I think you did well in receiving some particular persons into your house. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,” says the Apostle. I cannot think it is right, to be so far carried away with an orthodox scheme, as to neglect acts of love to the members of CHRIST’s body. Give me leave, my dear brother, to behave with all meekness toward those, who may not be so well affected toward such whom you love. If you do not take care, and keep close to the blessed JESUS, your spirit may be imbittered, and you may yet insensibly sink into bigotry. Some of our English friends, I am sure, have done so. It is a blessed thing to be kept free. JESUS can do this for you, my dear brother, and I am persuaded he will. In the love of a crucified JESUS,
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLV
To Mr. M――――, at Cambuslang.
Edinburgh, Sept. 15, 1742. Rev. and dear Brother,
YOUR kind letter I received this morning. I wonder you can love me, for I feel myself more unworthy every day; and yet, dear Sir, the King of Kings still delights to honour me. At Cumbernauld, and Torphichen, the LORD was with me. I was much led to discourse upon walking with GOD, and had a sweet opening upon those words, “And Enoch walked with GOD, &c.” Since I have been at Edinburgh, the LORD has much blessed me, and given me some fresh teachings from his blessed spirit. I believe hundreds are fed day by day. O dear Sir, help me to adore free grace. May GOD reward you for all kindnesses shewn to me and mine! Indeed, dear Sir, I have scarce patience with myself. I can do so little in the day for GOD, that when I go to bed at night, I am quite ashamed. I trust I shall begin to do something now. Dear Sir, help me, help me by your prayers, that I may stir up the gift of GOD that is in me. I shall not easily forget you; fear not, the LORD will yet be with you. I have sent to Messrs. O―――― and L――――. I fear I cannot reach either of their places; but, GOD willing, I purpose to come home once more to Cambuslang, and then must take a long, long farewel. Blessed be GOD, we shall meet by and by, never to part any more. Then, dear Sir, our warfare will be accomplished, and the archers will shoot at us no more. My soul glows with love whilst I am writing. Sometimes I am enabled to look within the veil, and to take a view of the promised land. I am nothing, but CHRIST is my all. For the present, adieu! Dear Sir, adieu! My love to Robert, surnamed Nathaniel. All with me dearly love him. O join with him in praying, and giving thanks for us, especially, dear Mr. M――――, for
Your weak, unworthy, though happy brother and servant in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLVI
To Mr. F――――, in Pensylvania.
Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1742. My dear Brother F――――,
I Received your two kind letters, dated June the 1st and 6th, and can only say, CHRIST is king in Zion, and orders all things well. I think you cannot have a scene of greater confusion among you, than there has been in England. But blessed be GOD, matters are brought to a better issue, and though we cannot agree in principles, yet we agree in love, Tho’, as you know, I am clear in the truths of the gospel, yet I find that principles of themselves, without the spirit of GOD, will not unite any set of men whatever; and where the spirit of GOD is in any great degree, there will be union of heart, though there may be difference in sentiments. This I have learnt, my dear brother, by happy experience, and find great freedom and peace in my soul thereby. This makes me to love many, though I cannot agree with them in some of their principles. I dare not look upon them as wilful deceivers, but as persons who hazard their lives for the sake of the gospel.――Mr. W―――― I think is wrong in somethings, and Mr. L―――― wrong also; yet I believe that both Mr. L―――― and Mr. W――――, and others, with whom we do not agree in all things, will shine bright in glory. It is best therefore for a gospel-minister, simply and powerfully to preach those truths he has been taught of GOD, and to meddle as little as possible with those who are children of GOD, though they should differ in many things. This would keep the heart sweet, and at the same time not betray the truths of JESUS. I have tried both the disputing, and the quiet way, and find the latter far preferable to the former. I have not given way to the Moravian Brethren, or Mr. W――y, or to any, whom I thought in an error, no not for an hour. But I think it best not to dispute, when there is no probability of convincing. I pray you, for CHRIST’s sake, to take heed lest your spirit should be imbittered, when you are speaking or writing for GOD. This will give your adversaries advantage over you, and make people think your passion is the effect of your principles. Since I have been in England this time, Calvin’s example has been very much pressed upon me. You know how Luther abused him. As we are of Calvinistical principles, I trust we shall in this respect imitate Calvin’s practice, and shew all meekness to those who may oppose. My dear brother, you will not be offended at my using this freedom. I am a poor creature, unworthy to advise you; but I simply tell you a little of my own experience. May the LORD give you, and all that stand up for the doctrines of the gospel, a right judgment in all things! For JESUS CHRIST’s sake, as much as in you lies, put a stop to disputing. It imbitters the spirit, ruffles the soul, and hinders it from hearing the small still voice of the Holy Ghost. May you be filled with all joy and peace in believing! GOD has been very gracious to me here. Wonderful things have been done in Scotland. When I shall come to you, I cannot as yet determine. I hope to embark in a few months. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me to all that love the glorious Emmanuel, and accept this in tenderest love from, my very dear brother,
Your most affectionate though most unworthy brother and servant in the kingdom and patience of JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLVII
To Mr. H――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 24, 1742. My most endeared Friend and Brother,
YOUR short letter, dated July the 14th, I received two days ago, to my great satisfaction. I am glad my dear family is removed to Mr. B――――, and rejoice, that our glorious GOD had raised him and his brother up, to be such friends in time of need. Our all-wise Saviour saw this, and therefore sent them to be converted at the Orphan-house. O LORD, thou art fearful in praises, glorious in holiness, doing wonders! I trust this will find you, my dear friends, and my dear lambs, happily settled at Bethesda. I cannot think, GOD will give you over into the enemies hands, or that he will suffer the enemy to abide in Georgia for any considerable time. My thoughts have been variously exercised, but my heart kept stedfast and joyful in the LORD of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever. The kings taking Lot, and Abraham recovering him out of their hands, hath been much pressed upon my heart. Abraham’s going into the land of Canaan, and being driven out by a grievous famine soon after he came there, has also been applied to my soul. And those words of Moses, “These enemies which you see, you shall see them no more,” have fallen with great warmth, and wait upon me. These things put together, keep my mind humbly depending upon GOD, in a full assurance that some great and good event for the kingdom of JESUS will ere long be brought about. I am supported in a peculiar manner, and kept from staggering through unbelief.――With this, I send you a continuation of the Orphan-house account, which I printed to satisfy the public, and to promote future collections. The news about the Spaniards, perhaps may strike a damp upon the collection at this time; but even this shall work for good. GOD has a wheel within a wheel. O, my dear brother, how do I long to be with you! You need not say, “if possible now come over,” for I have long wished for the wings of a dove to fly to Georgia. I yet owe upwards of two hundred and fifty pounds in England, upon the Orphan-house account, and have nothing towards it. How is the world mistaken about my circumstances: worth nothing myself, embarrassed for others, and yet looked upon to flow in riches? Our extremity is GOD’s opportunity. O faith, thou hast an all-conquering power! Surely, my dear man, you and the rest of you will grow now in this time of trial. Fear not, neither be dismayed: the LORD your GOD will fight for you. I put my trust in him, and through his mercy I shall not miscarry. He still strengthens me to go on from conquering to conquer. I pray for you, I think and dream of you almost continually. I long, I long to be with you, and methinks could willingly be found at the head of you kneeling and praying, though a Spaniard’s sword should be put to my throat. But alas! I know not how I should behave, if put to the trial: only we have a promise, “that as our day is, so our strength shall be.” I would gladly write to you all, but being so variously employed, having the superintendency of so many souls and so many spiritual affairs, in many different places, I feel a little of what St. Paul says, when he wrote these words, “besides that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” What am I? LORD, I adore and worship! I hope ere now you have had letters from brother G―――― and Philadelphia friends. Some there, are suspicious that I am joined with the Moravian Brethren, but indeed I am not. My principles are still the same; only as I believe many of them love the LORD JESUS, I would love and be friendly to them, as I would be to all others, who I think bear the image of our common Master, notwithstanding some of my principles differ from theirs, and are as far distant as the East is from the West. Glory be to GOD, for keeping me stedfast to those truths, which himself and not man hath taught me. I feel the power of them more and more every day, and am continually made happier and happier in the righteousness of the glorious Redeemer. O free, sovereign, distinguishing, electing, everlasting, infinitely condescending love! it quite amazes me. The thoughts of this love carry me above every thing. My dear friend, the Spaniards cannot rob us of this, nor can men, or devils. It is immutable and eternal as GOD himself. May the meditation on this, lead us nearer and nearer to GOD in CHRIST, that we may every day, every hour, every moment be more and more conformed to his blessed image, and ripen more and more for eternal glory. But I must have done. Adieu! my dear man, adieu! I am ready to weep tears of love. Humbly hoping, that I shall shortly hear of the spiritual and temporal welfare of you all, I subscribe myself, with the utmost sincerity and affection,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLVIII
To the Reverend Dr. C――――, in Boston.
Edinburgh, Sept. 24, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
TO my great and abundant satisfaction, I received your long wished for letter of June 3. It was late at night ere it came to hand; but I could not go to rest without reading it. I read, and rejoiced, and prayed for the writer with my whole heart. O reverend and dear Sir, GOD only knows how closely I am knit to the dear ministers and people of New-England. They are ever upon my heart, and it rejoiced me to find I was not forgotten (unworthy as I am) by them. Dear Sir, I am glad to hear that the work still goes on; be not surprized, if you are forsaken. Paul was served so, and when I came to England most of my old friends and spiritual children were exceedingly prejudiced against me. Our great high-priest sees these trials to be necessary for us, to try our faith, and teach us to cease from man. I hope they have produced this blessed effect in some measure upon my soul. There seems to be such a scene in Philadelphia, as we have had in old England. I have wrote to Mr. T――――. He in a late letter thinks me too charitable; but my conscience doth not reproach me for that. My principles are still the same. I embrace the calvinistical scheme, not because Calvin, but JESUS CHRIST, I think, has taught it to me. I go on preaching the cross and power of the Redeemer, and desire to say as little as possible about others, lest thereby I should divert people’s minds from the simplicity of the gospel. I have often found that opposing, instead of hurting, makes erroneous people become more considerable. This made me wish, that the Boston ministers would not take up so much time in speaking against the Exhorters. It will only set the people the more upon following after them; but I cannot well judge at such a distance, and indeed I find I am such a poor creature, that I scarce know any thing yet, as I ought to know. At the same time, I will not deny what I have received; no, this would be dishonouring my dear Saviour. He makes me daily more and more happy in himself, and I continually rejoice in his great salvation. At present he supports me in an uncommon manner, and the news of the Spaniards attacking Georgia affects me no otherwise, than to increase my faith and confidence in him, whom I am sure careth for me and mine. O dear Sir, what a glorious thing is divine faith! May you have much of it, and feel the power of it more and more every day! With repeated salutations and returns of love, I once more subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, younger brother, and servant in the glorious gospel of the ever blessed JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLIX
To Jonathan B――――, Esq., in New-England.
Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1742. Honoured Sir,
I Rejoiced to hear by the reverend and dear Dr. C――――, that you are retired from the world, full of piety and devotion. I congratulate you, honoured Sir, upon your happy change, and pray that you may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. Exceedingly engaged as I am, I could not but send a line to you, because I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I remember your command; I have you upon my heart, and pray the glorious Emmanuel to do more abundantly for you and yours, than you are able to ask or think. It is impossible to tell you what the LORD hath done for unworthy me. Honoured Sir, I feel a bliss I cannot express. My happiness in JESUS increases daily. I am only ashamed of my unfruitfulness, and the little I do for GOD. Indeed, honoured Sir, I could wish for a thousand lives. My JESUS should have them all. Methinks I hear you say, “thus it is with me.” Hail then happy man! All generations shall call you blessed. Honoured Sir, my soul is full in the midst of many trials. O what a glorious redemption hath JESUS purchased for us! Indeed it is a plenteous redemption. By the power of his death we are enabled to tread sin, death, and satan under our feet. This is the present frame of my soul. O free grace! unsearchable riches! The brightness of it dazzles the eyes of my faith. LORD, I adore and worship in the temple of my heart! Honoured Sir, be pleased to accept these few lines from a heart overflowing with love to GOD, and for his great name sake to you. With most humble respects, and affectionate returns of gratitude for all favours, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLX
To Mr. E――――, in Philadelphia.
Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1742. My very dear Brother E――――,
SINCE I wrote last, your other kind letter, dated July 24, came to hand, by which I find matters at Philadelphia are much the same as when you wrote before. I pray GOD to give me wisdom, and a right understanding, to judge of those different jarring accounts that are sent me. As far as I am able to determine, I think some who have the truths of GOD on their side, defend themselves with too great a mixture of their own spirit, and by this means perhaps some persons may be prejudiced even against truth itself. This is one rock, I pray GOD, my dear brother, to keep your soul from splitting against. Again, I think the M――――n Brethren shew a better and milder spirit in the general; but many of their principles deviate as far from the truths of JESUS CHRIST, as the east is from the west, or the north from the south. I wish you may not have gone a step too far. It was unjust for Mr. B――――’s brother to be denied preaching in the new building. Shall I commend Mr. B―――― for this? I commend him not. The brethren should have some other place to preach in, and not make that house a Babel. I cannot give up truth for them, or for any other under heaven. I find they are as weak and fallible as those whom they judge not to have drank so deeply of the spirit of CHRIST; and therefore, my dear man, though we love all, we must be upon our guard, and follow not man’s teaching, but the teaching of the Holy Ghost. Though principles are not to be rested in, yet it is a good thing to have a clear head as well as a clean heart. Some people make nothing of principles; but why are they so zealous in propagating their own? I think, my dear brother, I am a happy sinner, and have really entered into an abiding rest in GOD, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST; but yet the stirrings of corruption I expect in some degree or other, till I breathe my last. This I hope is all that dear Mr. T―――― insists on. My dear brother, love the brotherhood, but do not give up the truths of GOD; and when you are brought off from idolizing one creature, take care you do not insensibly fall into idolizing another. Do not think that all things the most refined christian in the world does, is right; or that all principles are wrong, because some that hold them are too imbittered in their spirits. It is hard for good men, when the truths of GOD are opposed, to keep their temper, especially at the first attack. Nothing but the all-conquering blood of the dear Redeemer can destroy the wild-fire in the heart. You will see what I have wrote to the dear Trustees. I hope our loving Saviour will incline you to comply with my advice. I believe it is from him, and will much tend to the prosperity of Zion. That, I trust, we have all at heart. I pray GOD we may be enabled so to act, as to do nothing to obstruct it, but bear and forbear with one another in love, and give way in some things to promote the common good. You see, my dear man, how freely I write to you. It is out of the fulness of my heart. I hope you and I shall be happily surprized, in finding each other better than we expected. GOD forbid that we should live one hour without growing more like the blessed Lamb of GOD. I am too credibly informed, that some make it their business to prejudice my friends against me. Such wisdom cometh not from above. They are as the false apostles, of whom Saint Paul spoke, “They would exclude us, that you might affect them.” But glory be to free grace! I can repose myself in JESUS, and am happy in him. However I may be dealt with by man, blessed be his name, I am now happy in the midst of various trials, even beyond expression. I only add, through grace I have laid the foundation; let others beware how they build thereon. Adieu, my dear brother. I am, with cordial respects and affection,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXI
To the Reverend Mr. E―――― J――――, in Wales.
Edinburgh, Oct. 6, 1742. My very dear Brother,
YESTERDAY your kind and profitable letter came to hand. My dear wife being embarked, I opened, read, and now snatch a few moments to answer it. I took your hints upon Jacob’s ladder, and preached upon it with freedom yesterday in the afternoon. I trust some will be induced to begin to climb, and others be stirred to climb faster; at least I shall myself for one, for indeed I am ashamed I have mounted no higher yet. Blessed be GOD, I am ascended so far as to have the world almost out of my sight, and I see my dear master standing at the top reaching out his hand, ready to receive me up into heaven. Indeed, my dear brother, the LORD hath dealt most bountifully with me; he gives me to rejoice in all his dispensations towards me. It well becometh GOD’s children to give thanks for all things that befal them, since it is GOD ’s will concerning them. I am taught more and more every day to live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved and gave himself for me. GOD keeps me, and brings me where I would desire to be, at his feet, waiting his will, and watching the motions of his blessed spirit, word, and providence. Here I find safety and refuge amidst the various storms of opposition and reproach which I daily meet with. GOD is on my side, I will not fear what men nor devils can say of, or do unto me. The dear Messrs. E――――s have dressed me in very black colours.――Mr. G――――’s pamphlet will shew you how black. Dear men, I pity them. Writing I fear will be in vain. Surely they must grieve the holy spirit much. O for a mind divested of all sects and names and parties! I think it is my one simple aim to promote the kingdom of JESUS, without partiality and without hypocrisy, indefinitely amongst all. I care not if the name of George Whitefield be banished out of the world, so that JESUS be exalted in it. Glory be to his great name, we have seen much of his power and greatness in Scotland. The work in the west still goes on and increases. Last sabbath-day, and Monday, very great things, greater than ever, were seen at Kilsyth. There is a great awakening also at Muthel, and many living stones building up in Edinburgh. I preach twice every day with great power, and walk in liberty and love. At the same time I see and feel my vileness, and take the blessed JESUS to be my righteousness and all. I purpose, GOD willing, to go through Newcastle and Yorkshire to England. Ireland I believe must be left till another circuit. In about three weeks, I purpose, GOD willing, to leave Scotland, and hope to spend a month ere long in Wales. My dear and honoured brother, I hope the LORD will give you an heart to pray for me, for indeed I am a very poor sinner, and many are waiting for my halting; but JESUS is able and willing to make me stand. I have been much strengthened, since the Spaniards have invaded Georgia. I think I am like the ark surrounded on all sides with waves, but through free rich grace am enabled to swim above all. Ere long, I shall rest on mount Zion in the arms of my beloved JESUS. Here is love would make me drop a tear, and set my pen a writing quicker, but other business calls for me. Dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me, and remember me to your dear wife, and all the followers of the Lamb. Pray write to Mr. McC―――― immediately, and send as often as you can, dear Mr. J――――, to
Your weak, unworthy, but truly affectionate brother and servant, in the kingdom and patience of JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXII
To Colonel G――――.
Edinburgh, October 7, 1742. Honoured Sir,
THOUGH I never had the pleasure of seeing you, yet I have often prayed for you, and can assure you I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I hope you will not be offended with me, for troubling you with this. Your honoured lady tells me, you will not. Love, I am persuaded, inclines me to write, and I doubt not but you will receive it in the same spirit. Dear Sir, I rejoice to hear that you are a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, and that you delight to fight the Redeemer’s battles. May you be covered with all his armours and filled with all his fulness! I have the pleasure often to go without the camp, and to bear a little of his sacred reproach, and I prefer it to all the treasures in the world. Weak as I am, my JESUS makes me more than conqueror through his love. He has brought mighty things to pass here, and gotten himself the victory in many hearts. I trust, there is not a day passes but some poor creature or another is plucked as a brand out of the burning. I wish I could hear GOD was more in the camp. Blessed be his name for raising you up, honoured Sir, to lift a standard for him. May you be endued with the meekness of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and a large portion of the blessed spirit of CHRIST! I hope, honoured Sir, you will now and then remember me a poor sinner, and speak a word for me to the King of kings and LORD of lords, that I may not turn my head in the day of battle, but rather die for, than deny him in any wise. Neither you nor yours are forgotten by me. Indeed I am a poor creature, but happy, very happy in the once crucified, but now exalted JESUS. For his sake, and in his great name, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your affectionate humble servant, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXIII
To the Reverend Mr. J―――― W――――.
Edinburgh, October 11, 1742. Reverend and dear Sir,
ABOUT ten days ago, I sent you a packet by my dear wife, which I hope you will have received ere this comes to hand. Yesterday morning I had your kind letter dated October 5. In answer to the first part of it, I say, “Let old things pass away, and all things become new.” I can heartily say, “Amen” to the latter part of it. “Let the king live for ever, and controversy die.” It has died with me long ago. I shall be glad to see the extract of your journal. Be pleased to send it immediately, under cover, to Mr. E――――, member of parliament in Edinburgh. I shall not leave Scotland in less than three weeks. Before yours came, I had engaged to go through Newcastle in my way to London. I rejoice to hear the LORD has blessed your dear brother’s labours. I am enabled to preach twice daily with great power, and find I walk in light and liberty continually. Like the ark, I am surrounded on all sides, but enabled to swim triumphantly over all. O free grace! I thank you, dear Sir, for praying for me, and thank our common LORD for putting it in your heart so to do. I have been upon my knees praying for you and yours. O that nothing but love, lowliness, and simplicity may be among us. It grieves me to see what a sad spirit prevails among Mr. E――――’s people. Father, forgive them! I trust you will remember my poor orphans. GOD gives me strong faith for them, though no news yet of the Spaniards leaving Georgia. Yesterday morning a dear little hospital girl went off in triumph. The work is still increasing in Scotland, especially at Kilsyth. Surely we shall see great things ere long. Dear friend, my soul is on fire. O let us not fall out in the way! Let us bear with, and forbear one another in love. GOD be praised for giving you such a mind. My kind love to all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. In much haste, and with great thanks for your last letter, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though younger brother, in the gospel of our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXIV
To Mrs. Ann D――――, in Huntingdonshire.
Edinburgh, October 13, 1742. My very dear Sister,
WITH great pleasure I received your kind letters. They increased that love, which I had before to the writer of them. I redeem a few moments to return you an answer to them, and am ashamed to think how I put you off; but I see you consider my circumstances, and love to our dear JESUS inclines you to excuse me. Blessed be GOD, I can still send you an account of the increase of Emmanuel’s kingdom. I preach always twice, sometimes three or four times in a day. The people are more eager than ever, and much solid work is done for GOD. My strength is daily renewed. Still I desire to cry, grace! grace! I am fondled exceedingly, I scarce have any damp. My soul continually magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in GOD my Saviour. I know you will help me to praise him. I collected last week 128 l. for my poor orphans. I have sent you an account of them. You will continue writing to, and praying for my dear family. I hope to see you before I embark. By this, you will receive a line from one Mr. R――――, an humble walker with GOD, and Mr. T――――, a bookseller, who I believe loves the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Pray answer them. I would have your correspondence enlarged, and therefore I set other people writing to you, though I cannot write so much myself. My dear sister, adieu. The LORD be with you, and yours. I am now in a lady’s family, whom GOD has blessed.――We have several such here. With great sincerity and affection, I subscribe myself,
Ever yours, in yours and mine,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXV
To Mr. T――――, in Edinburgh.
Glasgow, October 20, 1742. Dear Mr. T――――,
YOUR letter much refreshed me. Thanks be to GOD, for putting it into your heart to write to unworthy me. The blessed JESUS hath been the author of our friendship, and therefore it will be blessed. I rejoice much, that the LORD is with you and your ministers. May you all increase with all the increase of GOD! O that the societies may remember to pray and give thanks on my behalf. Dear Mr. T――――, what deliverances hath the LORD wrought for me? Before the news came of the Spaniards leaving Georgia, the words came to my mind, that were pressed on me in the park with great power: “These enemies which you have now seen, you shall see no more.” What a life is a life of faith? I know I am reckoned enthusiastic, even by many christian friends, in respect to my Orphan-house; but “he that believeth, doth not make haste.” I find we must be tried by friends, as well as by foes. All is intended to bring us nearer to the friend of all. I hope I improved my interest in him just now, for you and yours, and for all Edinburgh friends. As soon as we had perused the letters, we kneeled down, and prayed, and gave thanks. Good news came from London, I hope, next post, to hear that our dear friends have got safe thither. O what reason have I to be thankful! Help me still, my dear Mr. T――――, to praise the LORD. I hope to be with you next week. In the mean time pray for, and if leisure permit, drop a line to, dear Mr. T――――,
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXVI
To Mr. J―――― T――――, in Edinburgh.
London, Nov. 6, 1742. Dear Mr. T――――,
ABOUT five this evening, our ever blessed JESUS brought us hither, and gave us a happy meeting with our dear friends. How good is JESUS to the chief of sinners! He solaced my soul all the way, and gave his angels charge concerning us, otherwise we must have been frequently hurt in our ways: but he heard the prayers of his people. I am persuaded he gave them a spirit of supplication in our behalf. I felt it, I feel it now, and long to preach again. My dear friend, remember us in the dearest manner to all. I hope to write to several on Monday next. How sweet is rest after fatigue! How sweet will heaven be, when our journey is ended. Forgive the brevity of this.
Ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXVII
To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Bethesda.
London, Nov. 12, 1742. My dearest Friend and Brother in a crucified JESUS,
HOW do I long to come over to see you, and the rest of my dear family? How do I long to hear how it is with your dear souls, and that you are returned to Bethesda in safety! The cloud seems now to be moving toward America. I trust I shall be with you in a few months. Wonderful great things did the LORD perform for me and his people in Scotland. The concern expressed at my departure, was really unspeakable. O my dear, my very dear brother, the love of GOD to such an unworthy wretch quite amazes me. I rode post, and came here in rather less than five days from Edinburgh on Saturday last, and here seems to be a new awakening. We have been obliged to enlarge the tabernacle. The LORD’s glory does indeed appear in it. Dear brother H―――― has been sent with a sweet searching commission. Brother C―――― is much blest in Wiltshire. The word runs and is glorified in Wales, and GOD is raising some fresh witnesses of the power of his dear Son’s blood in Gloucestershire. Blessed are the eyes that see the things that we see. GOD doth greatly countenance us indeed. O free grace! O electing love! The collections in Scotland were large. At Edinburgh, I collected 128 l. at one time, and 44 l. at another; at Glasgow about 128 l. with private donations. I think we got about 300 l. in all. Blessed be GOD, I owe nothing now in England on the Orphan-house account; what is due is abroad. I think since I have been in England, we have got near 1500 l. The LORD will raise up what we want further; glory be to his name. He keeps my faith from failing, and upholds me with his right hand, and makes me happier in himself every day. My wife lies now very weak. She was tossed for ten days in her voyage from Scotland: The ship was in imminent danger, but the LORD gave her much of his presence, and I trust she will be ready shortly for another voyage. She heartily and most lovingly greets you all, as does in haste,
Ever, ever yours, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXVIII
To Lady Frances G――――.
London, Nov. 13, 1742. Honoured Madam,
MINDFUL of my promise, which I made before I left Edinburgh, I now steal a few moments to send your Ladyship a letter of thanks, and which I trust will find you sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with great delight. It rejoiced me when I heard that our infinitely condescending GOD had blessed my unworthy ministry, to recover your Ladyship from a state of darkness and spiritual desertion. Glory, glory be to rich, free and sovereign grace! I trust your Ladyship will now be kept in the love of GOD, and no idol interpose between the Redeemer and your soul. I hope the dear Colonel is now in his proper place, and that you can think of him without anxiety or distracting care. This is that freedom, wherewith JESUS CHRIST makes us free. To love all things in him, and for him, and to love him above all. Thus we have peace and joy. Whenever we deviate from it, we fall into darkness and distress of soul. I pray GOD your Ladyship may be thus kept, and enabled to rejoice in GOD all the day long. For ever adored be free grace. I have enjoyed much freedom of soul since I left Edinburgh. Very good was my master to us on the road, and still better to me now I am in London. We have blessed seasons. O who can express the loving-kindness of the LORD, or show forth all his praise! We beg your prayers; and wishing you and your honoured Colonel all manner of prosperity, I beg leave to subscribe myself, with unfeigned thanks for all past favours, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXIX
To Miss S――――.
London, Nov. 13, 1742.
AS I have been writing to the honourable lady Frances, I am willing to inclose a line to you. I trust it will find you walking by faith, and trampling upon the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. This is the happiness which JESUS CHRIST has purchased for poor sinners. This is that better part, which I hope you have been enabled to choose, and in which, I trust, through grace you will be enabled to persevere even to the end. Dear Miss, if this be the case, well will it be with you, and happy, exceedingly happy shall you be. Methinks I hear you say, “I feel my happiness begun.” Keep close, Dear Miss, keep close to the lovely JESUS, and you will find it increase day by day. Many, many temptations and difficulties you will meet with; but fear not; look unto JESUS, and he will make you more than conqueror through his love. Never rest without looking up to him, in and for every thing you stand in need of. He will richly supply all your wants. I speak this by happy experience. Many blessings have I received since I came hither. O help me to praise our prayer-hearing GOD.
Your most affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXX
To the Honourable Lady Jane H――――, in Edinburgh.
London, Nov. 13, 1742. Honoured Madam,
IT is with some regret, that I look back upon my not writing to you, when I was at Glasgow. I resolved ever since, to send your Ladyship a line as soon as possible, after I reached London. Being now somewhat settled, I attempt in the divine strength to put my design in execution. And now, honoured Madam, what shall I say? I hope this will find you a very poor sinner, and sitting at JESU’s feet. With pleasure I have often thought your Ladyship has been made willing to become truly, inly poor, and to feel the full power of the Redeemer’s precious blood. If I mistake not, your soul is athirst for GOD, yea to be filled with all the fulness of GOD. Go on, dear Madam, for GOD shall satisfy all your desires: He has promised, and he will perform. I find my happiness in JESUS increasing daily, and that there is no end of his goodness. Greatly did he strengthen me on the road; greatly has he blessed me since I came hither. I believe your Ladyship will hear shortly from Mr. H――――. He is a dear soul indeed, and left London on Thursday morning last, full of simplicity and love. The work goes on bravely in Wales, and elsewhere. Surely it is the midnight cry; Surely the bridegroom is coming. Methinks I hear your Ladyship say, “Then I will make ready to go forth to meet him.” That you may be always ready to obey the most sudden call, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXI
To Miss N――――’s.
London, Nov. 13, 1742. Dear young Ladies,
THIS week I wrote a few lines to your honoured mamma. I now snatch a few moments to send a line to you. And why? Because I love you both in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and wish above all things, that your dear souls may prosper. I saw a happy alteration in you for the better, whilst I was at Edinburgh, and my constant prayer is, that you might still go on from strength to strength. Here seems to be a new awakening. We had a glorious fast-day indeed. I trust you had the same at Edinburgh. I am sure we prayed heartily, it might be so. O Edinburgh! Edinburgh! I think I shall never forget thee. Surely many can say, “Our fellowship has been with the Father and with the Son.” And now though absent, we may have fellowship together in and through the eternal Spirit. Thus it is with me, and thus it is, I believe, with my dear wife. She most heartily joins with me in saluting your most honoured mamma, as well as yourselves. Wishing that your lamps may be always trimmed, and your loins always girded, and that you may be continually in readiness to meet the heavenly bridegroom; I subscribe myself, dear young ladies,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXII
To ――――.
London, Nov. 15, 1742. My Lord,
IT has given me some concern, that I could not write to your Lordship before I left E――――. My departure from thence was very sudden, and it was but a few days before that I heard of your Lordship’s illness. However, I have not been unmindful of your Lordship, and I trust, in answer to prayer, our LORD has rebuked your fever, and that this will find you risen and ministring unto him. O, my Lord, I think I can say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted;” for had it not been so, I should have gone astray. How apt are we when in health, to follow JESUS afar off, and sink into tepidity and a laodicean spirit? May this sickness be sanctified to the purging of your Lordship’s soul, and be a means of drawing you nearer to GOD! Our glorious High-priest still continues to load me with his benefits. He dealt most tenderly with me on the road, and blesses me much here. I am now in my winter quarters, preparing for a fresh campaign. Happy they that fight under the Redeemer’s banner! That your Lordship may be always fighting the good fight of faith, and at length lay hold on eternal life, is the earnest prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient and obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXIII
To Mr. S――――, of Bristol.
London, Nov. 15, 1742. My dear Brother S――――,
I Gave thanks on your behalf, when I read your letters; being encouraged thereby to hope, that JESUS CHRIST is indeed about to take full possession of your soul. A proper season this to enter into the marriage state, an union representing the mystical union between JESUS CHRIST and his Church. My brother, you cannot think of it with too much solemnity. It is a matter of great importance, in which the future comfort of your life much depends. I would advise you to read over the matrimonial office, and turn it into a prayer. As for outward affairs, I think it quite proper to have them settled, as I am a minister of JESUS CHRIST, and ought therefore to be freed as much as may be from all worldly incumbrances. Be pleased to draw out your account, and when the captain comes, desire him to draw out his, that receipts may pass on both sides. I shall pay Mr. N―――― as desired. I am glad you are so friendly with Mr. W――――. I trust we shall learn more and more to love one another.
Yours most affectionately in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXIV
To the Bishop of Bangor.
London, Nov. 17, 1742. My Lord,
THE inclosed was sent by a young man, who was coming up to London, and was in his way as far as Ludlow, on purpose to wait on your Lordship about the contents of it. If your Lordship pleases, I will wait upon your Lordship for your Lordship’s answer. The character your Lordship has for candour and moderation, makes me believe, your Lordship will not favour any persecuting proceedings against those that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. If your Lordship thinks proper to speak with me, upon the least intimation, you shall be attended by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXV
To Mr. J――――, of Toven in Wales.
London, Nov. 18, 1742. My dear Brother,
HOW sweetly does the blessed JESUS guide the meek in his way! I believe your turning back from Ludlow was of GOD. Dear brother H―――― was about that time going into Wales, and the LORD sending me hither (unworthy as I am) to transact affairs for you. I have seen your letter to Mr. L――――, and likewise that from brother C――――, to the bishop of Bangor. I am just now sending it to him, with a letter from myself, desiring leave to wait upon his Lordship. What the event will be, our LORD only knows. This, however, we know, “All things shall work together for good to those that love GOD;” and the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church of JESUS CHRIST. What you have met with, is no more than might be expected long ago. There has been a hook in the Leviathan’s jaws, or otherwise our mouths had been stopped long before this time. I had once the honour of being publickly arraigned, for not reading the Common Prayer in a Meeting-house. At another time, I was taken up by a warrant for correcting a letter wherein were these words, “Shall our Clergy break the Canons.” The prosecutions were unjust, but there is our glory. I remember when Socrates was about to suffer, his friends grieved, that he suffered unjustly. What, says he, would you have me suffer justly? If we are buffetted for our faults, and take it patiently, says a greater than Socrates, we are not to glory; “but if we are reproached for CHRIST, and suffer as Christians, happy are we.” I think our present sufferings are for him. Surely the spirit of CHRIST and of glory will rest upon you. However, I trust this storm will soon blow over. If possible, let an open separation from the church be avoided. Mr. H―――― can tell you more by word of mouth. I trust the glorious JESUS has sent him amongst you, in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. He is a dear soul. I am persuaded you are dear to him: I find you are dear to me, though I never saw you. It is enough, that we have drank into one spirit. This creates an indissoluble union. Pray remember my kind love to dear brother C――――. I wish him joy with all my heart; but would not have him deny that exhorting is preaching. The Chancellor will be too many for him; for to be sure, exhorting is at least one part of preaching. Granting this, he has warrant enough, notwithstanding, from scripture, to tell others what GOD has done for his soul, and to bid them come and see and believe in a precious CHRIST. O that word! How sweet is it to my soul? It is like ointment poured forth. Had I time, I could tell you much of his love. He has been exceeding good to me in Scotland: He is still so to me here. Vile, base, ungrateful as I am, he lets me lean on his bosom night and day. My dear brother, help me to praise him, and engage all the brethren’s prayers in behalf of one, less than the least of all saints, but
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXVI
To the Reverend Dr. C――――, in Boston.
London, Nov. 18, 1742. Rev. and dear Sir,
GLAD was I to receive another letter from you, before I sent off my packets. I thank our loving LORD, for granting me the continuance of his ministers affections. I hope this, and all his other mercies, will lead me nearer and nearer to himself the fountain of all mercies. Surely the friends of JESUS pray in my behalf; for I am still strengthened more than ever, and enabled to rejoice in his goodness all the day long. The confusion at New-England has given me concern; but our LORD will over-rule all for good. I was sorry to hear of Mr. D――――’s imprisonment; and to be imprisoned for an unguarded expression, I think is too, too severe, and not for the honour of Boston at all. Had I been in his place, I should have accepted bail. When I shall come to Boston, the LORD JESUS only knows. I believe it will not be long. I find I shall come in perilous times; but that all-gracious Saviour, who has helped me hitherto, will guide me by his council, and give me a true scriptural zeal. This is what I desire all my friends to beg in my behalf. How hard is it to keep in the true narrow path, when speaking for the LORD JESUS? GOD preserve me, and all his ministers, from defending his truths and cause in our own, or under the influence of a false spirit! It destroys the very cause we would defend. As yet, in Scotland there have been but few of the disorders complained of amongst you. But as the work increases, I suppose the enemies stratagems will increase also. This is my comfort, JESUS reigns. The gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against his church. I have had a late instance of his power and goodness, in driving the Spaniards out of Georgia. I hear they are gone. I hope the Orphans are now at Bethesda in peace. The continuation of my account, I have sent with this, and a parcel of my sermons. Be pleased to dispose of them, as you shall think proper. I salute all my Reverend brethren that preach JESUS CHRIST in sincerity. I wish them prosperity with all my heart, and pray for them every day, Reverend Sir, my soul is now filled with a sense of redeeming love. O why me, LORD, why me? Even so my Saviour, for so it seemed good in thy sight! But I can write no more, having much business on my hands. We go on well here. Our LORD blesses us much. I am, with much affection, Rev. Sir,
Your most unworthy and younger brother in the gospel of JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXVII
To Mr. J―――― E――――.
London, Nov. 18, 1742. Dear Sir,
YOUR letter pleased me much. As soon as I read it, I kneeled down, prayed, and gave thanks on your behalf. How faithful is he that hath said, “I will never leave thee, or forsake thee.” Surely the LORD intends to honour you, in making you an instrument in bringing many sons to glory. I hope he will bless your first public essays to serve the interest of his great name, and enable you to go on from strength to strength. I cannot think you will be long without a feeling possession of your GOD. Shortly, I trust, you will be touched with a coal from the heavenly altar, and be made to say, “LORD send me.” I think our Saviour has given you great knowledge in the scriptures. May you be kept close to and be daily taught of him. My prayer for you is,
_Take his poor heart, and let it be For ever clos’d to all but thee._
I think you may study conveniently in Scotland; but in this and every thing else, I pray the LORD JESUS to direct and guide your soul. I most heartily love you, and wish you prosperity in the name of the LORD. Our blessed Saviour has been exceeding kind, since I have been here. I go on my way rejoicing, and am strengthened day by day. That you may abundantly experience the same, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXVIII
To Mr. M――――, Isle of Man.
London, Nov. 19, 1742. Rev. and dear Sir,
I Am concerned to find by your last, dated November 4th, that the letter I sent you from Scotland did not come to hand. But providence over-ruleth all things; even this shall work for good. I wonder not, if the LORD has given you more zeal, that you meet with more opposition. However, I would not have you rash, or over hasty in leaving the Isle of Man. Wait, continue instant in prayer, and you shall see the salvation of GOD. I have not heard from my family abroad for some time, and cannot give you any determinate answer about your going to Georgia, because I know not how their affairs stand. GOD will yet shew you what he would have you to do. Even so LORD JESUS, Amen and Amen! Our glorious Emmanuel blessed me exceedingly after we parted from Scotland, and blesses me in like manner, now he has brought me to England. Vile, ungrateful as I am, he vouchsafes to give me much of his presence, and keeps me under the shadow of his wings. Let his goodness to me, encourage you to hope and trust in him. Remember, dear Sir, JESUS came to make poor sinners happy, and to give them victory over their lusts and passions. Plead his promises, be much in secret prayer, and never give GOD rest, ’till your soul is filled with all his fulness. That the LORD may hasten that blessed time, wherein his kingdom shall come with full power into your dear soul, is the earnest prayer of, Rev. and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXIX
To Mr. B――――, at Bethesda.
London, Nov. 19, 1742.
BLESSED, blessed be GOD, the packet is not gone; so that I have just time to tell you, I received your kind, very kind letter, though I have not time to read it thoroughly, least I should miss this opportunity. GOD only knows how I sympathize with you and my dear family. Though I have no money to pay Mr. Jones, &c. yet, if I can take up two or three hundred pounds upon my own account, I will come over, GOD willing, the very first opportunity. The time of your fasting, I hope is now near over, and the days of your mourning ended. Remember the burning bush; it was on fire, but not consumed. Surely some great good is to come out of the Orphan-house. Blessed be GOD, for strengthening you to stay with my dear family. Ten thousand blessings descend upon your soul! I wish dear brother G―――― joy. I am much obliged to my dear friend and faithful steward. Next ship, I hope to answer his letters distinctly. O my dear man, I do not forget any of you. GOD, and not my own will, has kept me on this side the water so long. But surely you must judge me sometimes. You need not make any apology for moving; it is what I wished you might do. Your care and tenderness towards me, makes me long to embrace and weep over you one by one. Forget you! no, no; I think I could rather die for you. My brother, my dear brother, go on. Surely GOD is with us. Great things are to come out of Georgia. Remember Abraham, how did he sojourn in the land of Promise, as in a strange land? The LORD increase your faith. My tenderest love, and ten thousand thanks, to dear Mr. J――――s. GOD will bless him for helping you. The LORD JESUS be with you all.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXX
To the Bishop of Bangor.
London, Nov. 19, 1742. My Lord,
THIS evening I received your Lordship’s kind letter. I humbly thank your Lordship for it. It confirmed me in the character given me of your Lordship’s spirit. I verily believe your Lordship abhors every thing that has a tendency to persecution, and yet, in my humble opinion, if Mr. C―――― is not somewhat redressed, he is persecuted indeed. That your Lordship may know his spirit, and the spirit of the person who came as far as Ludlow on the business, I have sent your Lordship a letter from each, which was written some time ago to Mr. H―――― H――――. In them your Lordship will see their whole hearts. I verily believe they would rather die than wilfully speak or write a falshood. My Lord, the whole of the matter seems to be this: In Wales they have little fellowship meetings, where some well-meaning people meet together, simply to tell what GOD has done for their souls. In some of these meetings, I believe Mr. C―――― used to tell his experience, and to invite his companions to come and be happy in JESUS CHRIST. He is therefore indicted as holding a conventicle; and this I find is the case of one, if not two more. Now, my Lord, these persons thus indicted, as far as I can judge, are loyal subjects to his Majesty, and true friends to, and attendants upon the Church of England service. You will see by these letters, how unwilling they are to leave her; and yet, if all those acts, which were made against persons meeting together to plot against Church and State, were put in execution against them, what must they do? They must be obliged to declare themselves Dissenters. I assure your Lordship, it is a critical time in Wales. Hundreds, if not thousands, will go in a body from the Church, if such proceedings are countenanced. I lately wrote them a letter, dissuading them from separating from the Church, and I write thus freely to your Lordship, because of the excellent spirit of moderation discernible in your Lordship, and because I would not have (to use your Lordship’s own expression) “such a fire kindled in, or from your (Lordship’s) diocese.” I would beg the favour of your Lordship to return me the inclosed, because I have not kept copies. I send them to your Lordship just as they are, that your Lordship may see the whole affair, and censure what is exceptionable. I really believe the writers will thank your Lordship for it. I ask pardon for taking up so much of your Lordship’s time, but I thought your Lordship would desire to have all possible information, that you might be better capable of judging. I pray the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls to direct your Lordship in this, and every other affair that comes before you, and that you may be saluted at the great day with an Euge bone, is the hearty and fervent prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXI
To Mr. C――――.
London, Nov. 20, 1742. My dear Brother C――――,
I Catch a few moments to give you an account of my agency. Your letter I sent to the Bishop of Bangor, inclosed in one from myself. His answer you have transcribed in this. That he might not be imposed upon by the Chancellor’s representing of things, I last night sent his Lordship another long letter, with that which you wrote to dear brother H―――― some time ago. As the Bishop seems to be a man of a moderate spirit, I trust this storm will blow over. In the mean while, let us wait upon the LORD, commit the cause into his hands who judgeth righteously, and pray, that we may be “as wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Glad shall I be to serve you, my dear brother, in this, or any other affair, for advancing our glorious Mediator’s kingdom. Let this be our comfort, the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against it. Let us go on then, and never fear what men or devils can say of, or do unto us. I suppose this is the language of your heart,
_The love of CHRIST doth me constrain To seek the wand’ring souls of men: All hail reproach, and welcome pain, Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain._
And if so, surely the spirit of CHRIST and of glory will rest upon you. Our dear brother C―――― is sadly used in Wiltshire. The compassionate Redeemer of souls pities my weakness, and suffers very little disturbance to be made. We have sweet times, and, vile as I am, JESUS is pleased to keep me near him. I hope this will find your dear soul sitting under his shadow with great delight. I know you not in the flesh, but hope to see you before I embark. Letters call me loudly to Georgia. My dear family are returned to their Bethesda in safety. O help me, my dear brother, to praise the LORD. Salute all the brethren in behalf of
Yours most affectionately, &c.
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXII
To Mr. V――――, Secretary to the Trustees of Georgia.
London, Nov. 20, 1742. Dear Sir,
GOD willing, I intend waiting upon the honourable Trustees at the time appointed. Yesterday I received a packet of letters from my friends at the Orphan-house. I find they are returned in safety to Bethesda, and give a noble account of the General’s conduct. Blessed be GOD, for enabling him to repel the enemy; but now another distress is come upon poor Georgia. A violent sickness rages and has taken off many. My letters say, the Orphan-house surgeon had 50 under his hands. This, I trust, will more and more convince the Honourable Trustees, of the benefit the Orphan-house is and will be to the Colony. I hear, that Mr. O――――, the minister of Savannah, is dead. I know one Mr. M――――, a clergyman in the Isle of Man, who would go over and supply his place, if he was applied to. The Bishop of Sodor and Man I believe will give him a recommendation. You may acquaint the Honourable Trustees with this, and let me know their answer. I hope in about two months to embark for Georgia. I find GOD has given my family a good crop; but the hands are sick, so they cannot speedily carry it in. What condition the Orphan-house was in lately, the inclosed will shew. Be pleased to let the Honourable Trustees have a sight of it, and believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXIII
To Mr. C――――.
London, Nov. 20, 1742. My very dear Brother,
THE first part of your letter did not surprize me at all, though it made me look up to the LORD for you. I believed you would be down in the valley of humiliation soon; but fear not, it is only that you may be exalted the more. I trust, this will find you mounting on wings like an eagle, walking, yet not weary; running, yet not faint. GOD has, does, and will remarkably appear for you. Doubtless, you are his servant and minister. He therefore that touches you, touches the apple of GOD’s eye. Poor Wiltshire people! I pity them. If I knew their Bishop, I would apply to him on their behalf. I wrote to the Bishop of Bangor for our brethren in Wales, and have received a very favourable answer. The wrath of man shall turn to GOD’s praise, and the remainder of it he will restrain. How wonderfully has he appeared in all ages for his church and people! My dear family abroad has been marvellously preserved. Blessed be GOD, they are returned to Bethesda in peace. We have sweet seasons daily, and I am carried in the arms of love. My Master careth for me, and seems to order my goings in his way. O help me to praise him. I think you are never forgotten by, my dear C――――,
Your most affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXIV
To Mr. J―――― E――――.
London, Nov. 23, 1742. Dear Sir,
HOW gently does the LORD deal with his followers? “As a father pitieth his own children, so is the LORD merciful to them that fear him.” Now your father is a little uneasy, your grandfather is more favourable. The LORD will never suffer you to be tempted above what you will be enabled to bear. He will make a way for you to escape. I am glad you have determined to study at E――――. Two things, I would earnestly recommend to your constant study, the book of GOD, and your own heart. These two, well understood, will make you an able minister of the New Testament. In what manner you shall be hereafter employed, I would have you be indifferent about. “Take no thought for the morrow.” Let the LORD send you, when and where he will send you. In the mean while, do as much for GOD in a private way as you can. “Exercise thyself unto godliness,” and walk so humbly, that all may know our LORD has chosen you to be a gospel prophet. I rejoice, that the work is still going on. Blessed be GOD, we have good times here. I am kept in great liberty. Be pleased to desire all to accept of hearty love from, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXV
To the Earl of ――――.
London, Nov. 23, 1742. My Lord,
SINCE I wrote to your Lordship, I have received a comfortable packet of letters from Georgia, giving me an account of my family’s safe return to their Bethesda. The deliverance of Georgia from the Spaniards, one of my friends writes me, is such as cannot be parralleled, but by some few instances out of the Old Testament. I find that the Spaniards had cast lots, and determined to give no quarter. They intended to attack Carolina, but wanting water they put into Georgia, and so would take that Colony in their way. But “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.” Providence ruleth all things. They were wonderfully repelled and sent away, before our ships were seen. Surely GOD remembered the prayers of the poor orphans, and the earnest cries which have been put up on their behalf. I find they now live at a smaller expence. They hunt and shoot for a good part of their food. Their crop gives them a considerable quantity of peas, potatoes, &c. and they kill some of their own stock. There has been a great sickness at Savannah. Some of the labourers have been taken off, but none of the children, as I hear, have died as yet. I hope this will find your Lordship perfectly recovered, and your honoured consort, Lady ――――, and all your Lordship’s family, rejoicing in GOD. He is pleased to give me much of his love, and to bless me every day. Several of our friends in Wales have been unjustly excommunicated. I have sent two letters, and have received kind answers from the Bishop of Bangor. Perilous times, perhaps, are coming on; but this is my comfort, “the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church of CHRIST.” Hoping for a line from your Lordship, if it be not too much trouble, I subscribe myself, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXVI
To Miss W――――.
London, November 23, 1742. My dear Miss W――――,
YOUR letter affected me much, and if it had not been for business, I should have answered it ere now. It is the hardest thing in the world to keep the creature in his proper place. We are apt to esteem the ministers of JESUS either too much or too little. One while, we could pluck out our eyes to give them; at another time, run into a contrary extreme, and not pay them that respect which is their due for their Master’s sake. The love that a child of GOD feels for its spiritual father, is certainly unspeakable. O how can I but love him, who under GOD has brought me from darkness into light! Methinks I hear dear Miss W―――― say, “how indeed!” But here is danger, lest the affections should be too much entangled, and we unwilling to give up the beloved object to our GOD. This, I suppose, is dear Miss W――――’s case, and I can say,
_I know how sore this trial is, For I have felt the same._
O what have I suffered in parting from spiritual friends, especially such as were my Isaac’s! But CHRIST’s grace has been sufficient for me, and so it will be for you. I have prayed for you, and hope by this time dear Miss W―――― can say, my spiritual Father keeps his proper place, and I walk in liberty and the love of GOD. Indeed, my dear Miss, no one but the searcher of hearts knows, what a real concern I have for your eternal welfare. I verily believe I shall see you sitting at the right hand of your Redeemer. Surely he has captivated and stolen your heart away. I hope nothing will divert you from him; but with a single eye to his glory, you will go through good report and evil report, ’till you come to the blessed place, where the wicked will cease from troubling, and your weary soul enjoy an everlasting rest. Glad shall I be to hear from you every opportunity. Ere long I must away. Pray our Saviour to help me under all my difficulties, but at the same time help me to praise him: for amidst all my various circumstances, I am kept joying in GOD, and made more than conqueror through his love. We have had blessed times since my arrival here.
Your most affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXVII
To the Bishop of Bangor.
London, Nov. 23, 1742. My Lord,
I Humbly thank your Lordship for your Lordship’s second kind letter. Your Lordship shall have Mr. C――――’s letter whenever your Lordship pleases to demand it. I sent it for no other purpose, than to let your Lordship into the affair as far as lay in my power. I am quite willing your Lordship should hear both sides. I doubt not but your Lordship will do justice. The candour and moderation which breathe in your Lordship’s letters, and your condescension in writing to me, incline me to take the freedom of begging your Lordship’s acceptance of my last volume of sermons, and the Orphan-house accounts, from, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obliged, obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXVIII
To Professor Frank, in Germany.
London, Nov. 24, 1742. Rev. Sir,
LONG have I designed writing to you, but something or another has always prevented me. However, I can now defer it no longer. For though I never saw you in the flesh, yet I love and highly esteem you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and wish you much prosperity in the work of the LORD. Your honoured father’s memory is very precious to me. His account of the Orphan-house hath, under GOD, been a great support and encouragement to me in a like undertaking. How it prospers, the account sent with this will inform you. Only it will be proper to observe, that since the publication of the last, there have been upwards of 300 l. collected. I am yet about 400 l. in arrears. But I know in whom I have believed, for the carrying on of that building. Hitherto it has answered its motto, and has been like the burning bush on fire, but not consumed. The Colony’s late deliverance from the Spaniards was very extraordinary. I cannot but think the LORD intends yet to do great things for Georgia. How is it with the Saltzburghers? I have not heard. Sometime ago I sent them over twenty pounds, and wish it was in my power to send them more. About January, GOD willing, I intend to embark. In the mean while, I should be glad to know, Rev. Sir, how it is with your Orphan-house? and whether you have any commands to Georgia? I suppose you have heard of the work of GOD in Scotland. Indeed the word has run and been glorified, and JESUS has gotten himself the victory in many hearts. In England also he is pleased to bless us. Here are many close followers of the blessed Lamb of GOD, and though there is a difference of opinion between me and Mr. W――――, yet JESUS pities us and blesses us all. I long for that time, “when the watchmen shall all see eye to eye; when the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the lion eat straw like the ox, and the people of GOD learn war and jangle no more.” Hasten that time, O glorious Emmanuel, and let thy kingdom come!――Rev. Sir, whilst I am writing, the fire of love kindles in my heart. I am amazed, to think the blessed JESUS should employ such an unworthy wretch as I am: But thy grace is free, for, O my GOD, it found me out. The love you bear to the lovely JESUS, I am persuaded will excite you to pray for me. Glad should I be of a line from you, and the Rev. Mr. Ulspurgher; but I deserve no regard for not writing to you both. But you know how to forgive, for GOD for CHRIST’s sake hath forgiven you. Hoping therefore for a line from you by the hands of the Rev. Mr. Z――――, I subscribe myself, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, tho’ unworthy younger brother and servant in the kingdom and patience of the blessed JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCLXXXIX
To Mr. P――――, of Newbury.
London, Nov. 27, 1742. Rev. and dear Sir,
THIS morning I received your sweet and lovely letter. It humbled me before GOD; but I rejoiced, as I had long since publickly recanted all that is exceptionable in that extract. I think I was overseen in publishing it; but this is not the first blunder I have made. My mistakes have been so many, and my imprudence so great, that I have often wondered that the glorious JESUS would employ me in his service. But he has proved his eternal goodness, long-suffering, and love, by bearing with me, and, Rev. and dear Sir, he still delights to honour me. Since I have been in London, he has given me great freedom of soul, and caused his word to come with power. I have news of my family being safe at Georgia. GOD willing, I purpose to embark next January. I most heartily thank you for this last instance of your love, and pray our dear JESUS to reward you for it. Your seeing what a poor, weak, fallible creature I am, I trust will stir you up to be more earnest for me at the throne of grace. Next week I intend sending you a parcel, wherein you will have more particular accounts of the work in Scotland. I hear the gospel flourishes in Gloucestershire and Wales. Dear Mr. C―――― will be sadly missed. But he is in peace, and the residue of the spirit is in the Redeemer’s hands. That you and your dear flock and family may experience a large effusion of it in your dear souls, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, dear and Rev. Sir,
Your most affectionate, tho’ most unworthy brother and servant in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXC
To the Bishop of Sarum.
Nov. 30, 1742. My Lord,
I Beg your Lordship’s pardon for troubling you with this. I believe your Lordship will not be offended, when you know the cause. There is one Mr. C――――, a true lover of JESUS CHRIST, who has been much honoured in bringing many poor sinners in Wiltshire to the knowledge of themselves and of GOD. He is a member of the Church of England, but sadly opposed by the clergy in Wiltshire, as well as by many that will come to hear him preach. In a letter, dated November 16th, from Toxham, he writes thus: “The enemy seems to be more awakened in the villages round about us, than before. The ministers of Bramble, Segery, Langley, and many others, have strictly forbidden the church-wardens and overseers to let any of the C――――’s have any thing out of the parish; and they obey them, and tell the poor, if they cannot stop them from following any other way, they will famish them. Several of the poor, who have great families (to my own knowledge) have already been denied any help, for this reason, because they follow this way. Some of the people have, out of fear, denied they ever came, and others have been made to promise they will come no more; whilst the most part come at the loss of friends and all they have. When the officers threatned some to take away their pay; they answered, if you starve us, we will go, and rather than we will forbear, we will live upon grass like the kine. Surely the cries of the distressed people have already entered into the ears of the LORD of Sabaoth.” In another letter I received from him last night, he writes thus: “I should be glad if you could mention the cruelty of the ministers of Bramble, and Segery, to the Bishop of Sarum; indeed, their doings are inhuman. The cry of the people, because of their oppression, is very great; several suffer amazingly.”――In compliance with my dear friend’s request, I presume to lay the matter, as he represents it, before your Lordship, being persuaded that your Lordship will not favour persecuting practices, or approve of such proceedings to keep people to the Church of England. Should this young man leave the Church, hundreds would leave it with him. But I know that at present he has no such design. If your Lordship pleases to give me leave, I would wait upon your Lordship upon the least notice. Or if your Lordship is pleased to send a line into Wiltshire, to know the truth of the matter, and judge accordingly, it will satisfy, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCI
To Mr. J――――.
London, Dec. 4, 1742.
IF my dear brother J―――― took it kind, that I called at his house, I am sure I took it much kinder that he was pleased to send unworthy me so kind a letter. It has so affected me, that I have been praying before my Saviour for you; and though nature calls for rest, I cannot obey it, before I have written to my dear Mr. J――――. Vile, unfaithful as I am, my Master lets me have my hands full of work. From morning ’till midnight I am employed, and, glory be to rich grace, I am carried through the duties of each day with chearfulness, and almost uninterrupted tranquility. Our society is large, but in good order, and we make improvements daily. My Master gives us much of his gracious presence, both in our public and private administrations. In our love-feasts, JESUS comes and says, “Peace be unto you.” In our great congregation, he gives poor sinners to look, and mourn, and live. In Scotland the work was very extraordinary. In Wales the word runs and is glorified much. In Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Bristol, our LORD gets himself the victory in many hearts. In Newcastle, our brother W――――’s are blessed much, and I heartily rejoice to hear that our dear Saviour is so much among you. If I know any thing of this my desperately wicked heart, I am dead to parties, and freed from the pain, which on that account once disturbed the peace of my soul. Indeed, JESUS has taken many things from me, and made me to experience, that in him there is plenteous redemption. About January, I purpose, GOD willing, to embark for Georgia. My dear family hath been wonderfully preserved. As the Orphan-house was built by faith, I trust the gates of hell shall never prevail against it. Methinks I hear my dear Mr. J―――― say, Amen. I most cordially salute your dear Lady, dear brother S――――, and all the brethren. I saw our dear S―――― before he went. I intended having some sweet fellowship with the church in Yorkshire, but was prevented by riding post. If dear brother H――――, or D――――, or any of the brethren, have any thing to say to a poor sinner, I should be glad to hear from them. Let this provoke you, my dear brother, to send me another letter. I’ll redeem time from sleep, rather than it should not be answered by, my dear Mr. J――――,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy, sinful and younger brother in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCII
To the Bishop of Bristol.
London, Dec. 5, 1742. My Lord,
AS your Lordship was pleased to contribute towards the Orphan-house in Georgia, I think your Lordship has a right to hear how that undertaking succeeds. I have made bold to send your Lordship the accounts of it, which are published. Since the last was printed, I have collected about 300 l. and have heard that my family are all safe at the Orphan-house. I have also taken the freedom of sending your Lordship my last volume of sermons; in accepting of which, your Lordship will much oblige
Your Lordship’s most obedient son and servant,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCIII
To Mr. S――――, at Worcester.
London, Dec. 9, 1742. Rev. and dear Sir,
HOWEVER engaged I may be, I think it my duty to answer your kind letter as soon as possible. It is not fit that my Master’s aged servant should wait long for an answer from a younger brother, especially as I know you write with so much difficulty. I thank you, Rev. Sir, for your plain dealing. It is what pleaseth me well. Indeed, I feel myself a poor, vile, worthless creature, and am glad to receive advice from you, who have been so long in the Redeemer’s service. However ungrateful it may be to the old man, the language of my heart is, “LORD, search me and try me, and whatever secret wickedness lurks in my soul, discover it to me, and give me power over it, that nothing may divert me from that way, which leads me to life everlasting.” Your advice, Rev. Sir, in respect to preaching, was salutary and good, and if I may speak any thing of myself, is what I keep close to. I am remarked for my evangelical preaching, and comforting the mourners of Zion. I am never so much in my element, as when I preach free grace to the chief of sinners. As to the gentleman you mention, I do not remember I ever conversed with such a person. I believe there can scarce an instance be given of any one sent to Bedlam by my sermons. But I rejoice in this, and all other calumnies that are cast upon me.
_All hail reproach, welcome pain, Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain._
I must have some thorn in the flesh, to serve as a poise to the great honour my Master is pleased to put upon me. In Scotland, my reception was extraordinary. It was almost wholly amongst the people and clergy of the kirk, with many of the highest rank. I was very intimate with several persons of quality, who I trust have been awakened to a true sense of the divine life, and enabled to count all things but dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS their LORD. My chief opposition was from the dear Mr. E――――s and the associate presbytery. They first invited me to Scotland; but finding I would preach for the ministers of the established church, as well as for them, they spoke all manner of evil against me falsly, and imputed all the work in Scotland and New-England to the agency of the evil spirit. I pitied, prayed for, and loved them, and do so still. O, reverend Sir, what thanks shall I give to my LORD for carrying me through so many trying dispensations? I know you will help me to adore and praise him. I am much blessed here. We have many gracious souls. Ere long I must leave them. I have not the least thought of seeing Worcester. Glad shall I be to kiss your aged hands; but I shall see you in glory. Begging the continuance of your prayers, and with all possible thanks for all favours, I subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate friend and younger brother and servant in JESUS,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCIV
To Mr. D――――, of Edinburgh.
London, Dec. 18, 1742. My very dear Friend and Brother,
LAST night, just before your kind letter came to hand, I had been lying on my face before our compassionate High-Priest, telling him what great expences lay before me for his great Name sake. I wanted 300 l. to pay for the Orphans, and much to pay for my own necessary expences, which he, by his providence, brought upon me. Your letter came as an answer to my prayer. It humbled, at the same time that it elated my soul, and greatly strengthened my faith. Surely the LORD is on my side, and the Orphan-house will stand unconsumed in fire. The enemies, and even many friends of JESUS speak against it; but this is all to bring me nearer to the blessed JESUS, and to convince me that our extremity is GOD’s opportunity. My dear man, GOD will abundantly bless you for helping me at this juncture. I can find but few, who think it a favour to do any thing for GOD, and love to help a friend to the very last. O, dear Sir, was you here, I could weep over you, and thank you most heartily. Last night I was enabled to intercede for you very much. GOD will hear my prayer, and not let my dear friend lose his reward. The 16th of this month was my birth-day. It made me blush to think how much sin I have committed against, and how little good I have done for GOD. As soon as I opened and read your letter, amazed, I cried out, I am the vilest wretch living, and so I think now. I know you will pray for me, and thank our Saviour too. He is very kind to me. Our society goes on well. I am now in my winter-quarters, preparing for a fresh campaign. Though I richly deserve it, yet our infinitely condescending JESUS will not lay me aside, until he has performed all his good pleasure in and by me. Wishing you, my dear Sir, all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, and sending you ten thousand thanks for all favours, I subscribe myself,
Your most obliged affectionate friend, brother, and unworthy servant in JESUS CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCV
To Mr. I――――.
London, Dec. 21, 1742. My very dear Brother,
WHEN your letters come, I find great freedom to send immediate answers. A proof this, I trust, that our Saviour intends our brotherly love not only to continue, but increase. This day I dined with old Mr. F――――, and was kindly entertained by him and his wife. I then remembered what sweet counsel we had there taken together, and rejoiced in the happy prospect of our being ere long for ever together with our blessed and glorious LORD. My brother, what has our Saviour done for us since that time? What is he doing for us now? what did he do ere time began? what will he do when time shall be no more? O how sweet is it to be melted down with a sense of redeeming love! It is this must strike the rock, and break the bars of unbelief asunder. O! to be kept always low at the feet of JESUS! It is right, my brother, always to insist on poverty of spirit, and emptying the creature of self. I heartily join with you in your petition for yourself and unworthy me. I know what a dreadful thing it is, to carry much sail without proper ballast, and to rejoice in a false liberty. Joy floating upon the surface of an unmortified heart, is but of short continuance. It puffs up, but doth not edify. I thank our Saviour that he is shewing us here more of our hearts, and more of his love. I doubt not but he deals so with you. I heartily greet your dear houshold, and your societies, and return my love to Mr. S――――. I have heard him mentioned by lady F―――― G――――. If our Saviour gives me leave, I would gladly come to Yorkshire. But I think the cloud points strongly towards Georgia. He hath taken wonderful care of the sheep left in yonder wilderness, and interposed mightily in their behalf. I know you will thank him for it. I have had a loving conference with dear Mr. B――――, and have received a sweet gospel-letter from dear Mr. H――――. With this I send to him, you, and yours, and all the brethren, most hearty love, and am, my very dear brother,
Ever yours in CHRIST,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCVI
To the Honourable Colonel G――――.
London, Dec. 21, 1742. Honoured Sir,
YOUR kind letter put me in mind of righteous Lot, whose soul was grieved day by day at the ungodly conversation of the wicked. It was the same with holy David. His eyes, like yours, honoured Sir, gushed out with water because men kept not GOD’s law. Let this be your comfort, honoured Sir, that ere long “the wicked shall cease from troubling you, and your weary soul shall be at rest.” Our Saviour will give you a discharge, when you have fought a few more battles for him. An exceeding and eternal weight of glory is laid up for you, which GOD the righteous judge shall give you at that day. I confess your situation and employment cannot be very agreeable to a disciple of the prince of peace. But persons can better judge for themselves, than strangers can judge for them. However, I cannot say, I would change posts. Indeed, honoured Sir, I think mine is a glorious employ. I am not ashamed of my master, though my master may well be ashamed of me. I know no other reason, why JESUS has put me into the ministry, than because I am the chief of sinners, and therefore fittest to preach free grace to a world lying in the wicked one. Blessed be GOD, he gives much success, and for the generality answers your prayers, by giving me a thriving soul in a healthful body. But O my unfruitfulness! I am often ashamed that I can do no more for that JESUS who hath redeemed me by his own most precious blood. Honoured Sir, the thoughts quite confound me. O that I could lie lower! then should I rise higher. Could I take deeper root downwards, then should I bear more fruit upwards. I want to be poor in spirit. I want to be meek and lowly in heart. I want to have the whole mind that was in CHRIST JESUS. Blessed be his name for what he has given me already. Blessed be his name, that out of his fulness I receive grace for grace. O that my heart was CHRIST’s library! I would not have one thief to lodge in my Redeemer’s temple. “LORD, scourge out every thief,” is the daily language of my heart. The LORD will hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto him. I have just been writing to your honoured lady. I think she grows in grace. May you and yours be filled with all the fulness of GOD! In about six weeks, GOD willing, I purpose to embark for Georgia. Our LORD has wonderfully appeared for my poor orphans. I am yet in arrears for them, but my GOD knows how to supply all my wants. I am enabled to cast all my care upon him, believing that he careth for me. I hope to have the favour of another letter before I embark. In the mean while, I beg the continuance of your prayers, and am, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate, though very unworthy brother, and servant in our glorious head,
G. W.
Letter CCCCXCVII
To Lady Jane H―――― C――――.
London, Dec. 23, 1742. Honoured Madam,
HOW are we obliged to your Ladyship? Had I time I would endeavour to tell you; but this is my comfort, when I have not time to write, I have a heart given me to pray for my dear friends, and you, Honoured Madam, have a constant share in my poor petitions. I find by yours to my wife, that you complain of darkness. Ere now, I hope the day-star hath again risen in your heart, and you have been made to rejoice with exceeding great joy. Our LORD will not leave you comfortless; he will send the Holy Ghost to comfort you. The time of singing of birds shall come. Our LORD will not be always chiding.――This is only to shew you more of your heart, and make you what you long to be, a very poor sinner. Our hearts, Honoured Madam, are so desperately wicked, deceitful above all things, that without repeated instances of feeling our helplessness and misery, we should forget ourselves, and run away from the feet of our LORD and Saviour. He therefore, in love, empties before he fills; humbles before he exalts. At least, he is pleased to deal thus with me. I thank him for it, from my inmost soul: for was it not so, his mercies would destroy us. He helps me also to praise him. When I discover a new corruption, I am as thankful as a centinel keeping watch in a garrison, would be at spying a straggling enemy come near him. I stand not fighting with it myself in my own strength, but run immediately and tell the captain of my salvation. By the sword of his spirit, he soon destroys it, and makes me exceeding happy. This is what I call a simple looking to CHRIST. I know of no other effectual way of keeping the old man down, after he has gotten his deadly blow. Look up then, dear Madam, to a wounded Saviour. Go to him as a little child. Tell him your whole heart. He will hear your lisping, and set your soul at liberty. He is pleased graciously to answer my petitions, and to bless my poor labours. We have many good souls in our society, that are gently coming into the knowledge of themselves. Our Saviour deals most lovingly with us indeed. Last night we had a general love-feast. It was exceeding awful and refreshing. I could have wished for some of my dear Scotland friends. I was enabled to pray for them most fervently. May JESUS bless this letter to your soul! Wishing, above all things, that it may be in health and prosper, and with humble acknowledgments for all favours, I subscribe myself, Honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
The END of the FIRST VOLUME.