Letter DXCI
To Mrs. B――――.
Wicoacommoco, (Maryland) May 16, 1747.
Dear Mrs. B――――,
HEARING by Captain Adams that the glorious Emmanuel holds your soul in life, I cannot help letting you know, past kindnesses are not yet forgotten, and that I wish you much spiritual and temporal prosperity. How does your soul prosper in these hard, dull and afflicting times? Has tribulation produced patience, patience experience, and experience hope; and do you find thereby the love of GOD shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost? Happy then, unspeakably happy are you in being afflicted. With exultation of heart may you sing,
O happy rod! That brought me nearer to my GOD.
I think I can say, it is good to bear the yoke of affliction in youth. It teaches one to keep silence, and weans us from a too great attachment to all sublunary enjoyments. I have a few strokes of my father’s rod from time to time, as well as you. But I find that his rod as well as his staff do comfort. I am a naughty child, and want much correction; but he that wounds, heals also, and in glory we shall find, that his loving correction hath made us great. O glory! It is yonder in view; JESUS stands at the top of the ladder to receive us into it. Look to him, dear Mrs. B――――, for surely he is your never-dying husband. ――Death itself shall not, death cannot part him and you. Had I strength equal to my will, I should write much of the Redeemer’s everlasting love; but my body is weak through continued journeyings and preaching. However, CHRIST’s strength is in some degree magnified in my weakness, and my preaching is blessed to poor souls. Amazing love! Maryland is yielding converts to the blessed JESUS. The gospel seems to be moving southward. Pray for me, that I may be unwearied in well doing, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he shall be pleased to lead me. Pray remember me in the kindest manner to your aged declining pastor, the other minister who lives about five miles from you, to Mr. J――――, and all my kind nurses, and dear York friends. I find death and sickness have made great havock and alterations among them. May JESUS sanctify all events to the furtherance of his grace, in all their hearts, and give us to meet where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest! I salute you and all, and once more praying that you and yours may be watered by the blessed JESUS every ♦moment, I subscribe myself, dear Mrs. B――――,
Your most affectionate, obliged servant in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
♦ “momoment” replaced with “moment”
Letter DXCII
To the Reverend Mr. J―――― R――――.
Wicoacommoca, May 16, 1747.
CAN souls united in JESUS’s love ever forget one another? It is difficult, though I believe possible, and in dull seasons I fear too common. However, blessed be the Redeemer, I have not yet forgotten my dear Mr. R――――. As a proof it, I send you these few lines by Captain Adams. You see whence they are dated. Methinks I see you rejoice, and ready to say, “And have the Marylanders also received the grace of GOD?” I trust some have indeed received his grace in sincerity. The harvest is promising.――The heat tries my wasting tabernacle, but, through CHRIST strengthening me, I intend persisting till I drop. Since I saw you, the glorious Emmanuel has multiplied my obligations to spend and be spent in his service a thousand-fold. The language of my heart at present is,
A willing and a chearful mind, That life and all things cast behind, Springs forth obedient to thy call; A heart that no desire can move, But still to adore, believe and love, Give me, my CHRIST, my GOD, my all.
O dear Sir, continue to pray for me, that I may not flag in the latter stages of my road. I was in hopes of seeing you this Summer, but am afraid my engagements to preach in North-Carolina next October will prevent me. However, you and the other dear neighbouring ministers are always upon my heart. I pity them in their present distressing circumstances, and pray that they and you may have grace given to endure hardness like good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. Your dear father I hear is discharged from all campaigns.――Ere long, the captain of our salvation will command us home also. The LORD grant that we may die like soldiers, fighting against the devil, the world, and the flesh. How are your dear brothers and son? Pray give my hearty love to them, and to your dear wife, and whole houshold. I salute you all from my dear fellow pilgrim now at Philadelphia; and praying that you may have thousands to be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the great day, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend, brother and willing servant in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DXCIII
To the Reverend Mr. B――――.
Near New-Town, (Maryland) May 21, 1747.
AND how does my dear friend and brother Mr. B―――― after so long a silence? What a pity is it, that the Redeemer’s children cannot more frequently correspond with each other? Blessed be GOD, there is a time coming, when our fellowship with JESUS and one another shall never be interrupted. Now is the time for stirring; then will be a time for sitting, in no meaner place than (O amazing love!) at the right hand of the everloving, everlovely Lamb of GOD.――Well then my dear man, let us go on in his strength, and see what we can do for precious and immortal souls. Indeed they are purchased with the blood of GOD. This consideration excites me to persist in going out into the highways and hedges.――I have been now a three hundred mile circuit in Mary-land, and through one or two counties in Pensilvania. Every where people have a hearing ear, and I trust some have an obedient heart. I hope the time of singing of birds is come to New-England, and that your hands are full of work. I most heartily wish you very much success. I cordially salute your dear yoke-fellow, and all the followers of the Lamb, and beg you would not forget, my dear old friend,
Your affectionate G. W.
Letter DXCIV
To the Reverend Mr. P――――.
New-Town, May 21, 1747.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
IT sometimes gives me concern that I cannot hear oftener from you, and your dear son, whom I love so tenderly. But I suppose your hands are full of work for the best of masters. I pray him daily, that you may be crowned with much success. Though I have deserved a thousand and a thousand times over to be cast off, yet such is the divine goodness, that my labours in fresh places are made very acceptable daily. I have now been upon the stretch, preaching constantly for almost three weeks. I hope I can say with sincerity (O that I may say it with humility!) that GOD hath been with me of a truth. My body is often extremely weak, but the joy of the LORD is my strength, and by the help of my GOD I intend going on till I drop, or this poor carcase can hold out no more. These southern colonies lie in darkness, and yet, as far as I find, are as willing to receive the gospel as others. If some books could be purchased to dispose among poor people, much good might be done. Pray, Sir, have you any Latin school-books to spare? I shall want some for the Orphan-house. I hope to hear from you at Philadelphia, where I expect to be in a week’s time. In the mean while, reverend Sir, I beg you would make my most cordial and humble respects acceptable to all your reverend brethren, that honoured me with their acquaintance, as well as to your dear family and all other friends. I wish you and them millions and millions of blessings, and intreat the continuance of their and your prayers, for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and servant in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DXCV
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
Philadelphia, May 30, 1747.
My dearest Brother,
HAD I strength equal to my will, you should now receive from me a very long letter; but at present I have such a fever upon me, that I can scarce send you a few lines. However I will try. Your dear letters in August last came to my hands last Lord’s-day.――They variously affected me, and put me on the search, whether I had neglected writing to my very dear man. Upon enquiry, I found that I wrote to you about the same time as I wrote to Mr. J――――, and brother S――――, and four or five times since. Blessed be the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, I am not suffered to forget old love and old friends. Indeed you are very dear to me,――all of you very dear to me still. I thank you ten thousand times for all expressions of your tender love, and for your steadiness in the truths and cause of CHRIST; and hope sometimes that your prayers will draw me to England more speedily than I imagine. But what shall I say, my dear friend? Here are thousands and thousands in America who as to spiritual things know not their right hand from their left; and who are ready to hear the gospel from my mouth. Since my coming this time from Georgia, I have been within these five weeks a circuit of 400 miles, and every where found the fields white ready unto harvest. Nobody goes out scarcely but myself. As you are in England and Wales, the power of religion I trust will be kept up; and though my coming should be delayed some time longer, yet when I am sent, it will be with the greater blessing. I am daily finishing my outward affairs, and shall think my call clearer home, when I have provided for the support of the Orphan-house. The generous benefactor’s letter pierced my heart, made me to shed tears of love, and to put up many prayers for him. I sent him a letter from Charles- Town under cover to Mr. B――――. If the person be unknown, I see no impropriety in printing my letter in the Daily Advertiser or Evening Post. I am glad you have printed my letter to the Litchfield clergy, and want to know what effect my sermon on the rebellion has had. Our LORD has blessed it much in these parts. I shall be glad when the great Head of the church unites dear brethren again. I trust nothing shall be wanting on my part when I come over. An union before perhaps may not be so well. However, I leave it to you, my dear Sir, and think that the bar being taken away against people’s coming to the tabernacle, may be one good step towards it. I wait upon the LORD. As his grace increases in the heart, I am sure his children will grow less positive and more child-like, yet more steady. O my dear man, I could write all night long, but am so giddy by hard riding and preaching constantly in the heat of the day, that I must defer being more particular till another opportunity. I hope my dear wife will supply all my deficiencies. Remember me in the tenderest manner to all. Bid them to pray me to England; and in the mean while, they may assure themselves they are not forgotten by, my very dear brother,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DXCVI
Philadelphia, June 1, 1747.
My dear Mr. H――――,
I Make no apology for troubling you with the inclosed. I hear you have taken the Tabernacle outward affairs into your hands. I am glad of it, and pray the LORD of all Lords to make you a faithful steward of his manifold gifts. You will remember me most tenderly to dear Mrs. H――――, and to all friends. Perhaps I may see you yet before I die. GOD is delivering me out of my embarrassments by degrees. With the collection made at Charles-Town, I have purchased a plantation and some slaves, which I intend to devote to the use of Bethesda. When a sufficient fund for the future support of that house is raised, so that it may not lie as a dead weight upon me when absent, I shall think my call clearer to England. At present I have full work here; the congregations yesterday were exceeding large, and for this month past I have been preaching to thousands in different places. I am sick and well, as I used to be in England; but the Redeemer fills me with comfort, and gives me to rejoice in his salvation day by day. I am determined in his strength to die fighting, and to go on till I drop. He is a JESUS worth dying for. Once more, remember us to all. We remember you, and am, as much as as ever, dear Mr. H――――,
Your affectionate friend, brother and willing servant in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DXCVII
To Mr. J―――― S――――.
Philadelphia, June 4, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my dear New-England friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time in July. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.――I have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me: for the LORD, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice exceedingly. Letters from England refreshed me; all of them call me home loudly. May JESUS direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the LORD I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak pull me down; but the LORD can and will raise and keep me up.――I preach here with great acceptance. Congregations are as large as ever. Next Monday sevennight I purpose, GOD willing, to set out for New-York. I wrote lately from New-Town, to Messrs. Prince, W――――, R――――, &c. but am apt to believe the packet has miscarried. I think to come by way of Long-Island, and to return by Connecticut. You will not be slack in getting all to pray for me, who am, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DXCVIII
To Mr. P――――.
Philadelphia, June 5, 1747.
Very Dear Sir,
THOUGH this frail nature of mine has lately received several very great shocks, yet I cannot, if strength admits, omit writing you a line. Glad was I when I came to town, to hear by Captain G―――― that you was so far recovered, as to be able once more to go to the house of GOD. I heartily wish you, dear Sir, what the noble Colonel Gardiner once wished me, “A thriving soul in a healthy body.” Or however it may be with the one, I earnestly pray that the other may prosper. Sickness is often made use of as a means, in the hands of an all-gracious Father, to ripen our graces and fit us for heaven. Through grace, I can say it is good for me to be sick, though I am afraid I am too impatient to be gone. Well! He that cometh, will come, and cannot tarry long: till then may I be resigned, and work the works of him that sent me whilst it is day, before the night cometh when no man can work. I could proceed, but indeed, dear Sir, strength faileth me. However, I hope to see you and my other dear Charles-Town friends in November. O that till then we may every moment grow in grace and in the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST. I would write to many, but weakness forbids. I must refer you to Mr. S―――― for particulars concerning me. My dear yoke-fellow joins in sending cordial respects to yourself and all friends. Neither you nor they are forgotten by, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DXCIX
To Mr. B――――.
Philadelphia, June 6, 1747.
My very dear Friend,
I Love you dearly, and therefore must, though in much weakness, send you a line. It informs you of my being sick, but withal of the LORD’s comforting me, and causing me to triumph over the king of terrors. Mr. B―――― I suppose, ere this reaches you, will let you know that the word has run, and hath been glorified in Mary-land. Satan has attempted to stop the progress of the everlasting gospel in Virginia; but I believe he has overshot himself. How can it be otherwise? since eternal Truth hath said, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.” I hope you find this true, by the daily conquest you get over the corruptions of your heart. Remember who hath promised to make you more than conqueror through his love. Our kind respects attend dear Mrs. B――――, your son, and daughter, and all friends. O that we may meet grown in grace, and the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. I subscribe myself, very dear Mr. B――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DC
To the Reverend Mr. S――――.
Philadelphia, June 23, 1747.
Reverend and dear Sir,
SINCE my last, I have been several times on the verge of eternity. To-day I have got a few more spirits. I would improve them in answering your kind letter, which I received yesterday. I am obliged to Charles- Town friends: their example will certainly influence many here. Something is upon the anvil. Particulars expect in my next. To-morrow, GOD willing, I set out for New-York, to see if I can gain strength. At present I am so weak, that I cannot preach.――’Tis hard work to be silent; but I must be tried every way. Friends are exceeding kind. What is the best of all, the friend of sinners looks in upon, and comforts my heart. I have had loud calls to England. Matters go on bravely there and in Wales. My State Sermon has gone through two editions. They have also my five last sermons, which have convinced my friends that I am firm to my principles. May JESUS keep me steady till I die! I am glad Mr. P―――― went off so well. His children I look upon as my own. The things which he had belong to me. I would have them taken to Providence: for that also Deus providebit. Your father is well, and always talking of you. Why did you not mention his wife in your letter? She is a discreet woman, and desired to be remembered to you. Every day she expects to lie in. You will excuse my enlarging.――Strength begins to fail me. However, whilst I have strength I would employ it in praying for you and yours. I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCI
To Mr. R――――.
New-York, June 28, 1747.
My dear Brother,
THANKS be to GOD, for revealing his dear Son in you. Thanks be to his great name for calling you to preach his everlasting gospel. I give him all the glory, and adore him for making ill and hell-deserving me, the happy instrument of alarming and awakening your dead soul. Ere long I hope we shall meet in eternity, to sing endless praises to him who has redeemed us unto GOD by his blood, and has made us kings and priests unto GOD, and enables us to reign over death, hell, and sin, even whilst here on earth. I abhor all those bad principles which you mention, and cannot join so as to labour in the same place, and upon the same plan, with those that hold them. However, let us behave with meekness, my dear brother, and we shall soon find that every plant that our heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked up. “He that believeth doth not make haste.” JESUS reigneth; let our eyes wait on Him. All things shall work, and even now are working, together for good to all that love him. In due time you will see me, perhaps next year. I am as willing to hunt for souls as ever. I am not weary of my master or his work, though he might long ago have been weary of me. But his name is Love. Proclaim it, my dear Sir, proclaim it till thou diest. By the strength of GOD I will. My love to all. I can now write no more, being recovered from a great illness. Continue to pray over
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCII
To Dr. B――――.
New-York, June 29, 1747.
Dear Sir,
SINCE I wrote to Doctor S――――, I have preached to a very large auditory, and, blessed be GOD, do not find myself much worse for it this morning. As I am bound to thank you for all favours, so especially would I send my acknowledgments for promoting this northward excursion. I believe it will be a great means of restoring my health, which I value upon no other account, than as it renders me more capable of doing good to mankind. A pleasing prospect of action lies before me. I am willing once more, in the strength of JESUS of Nazareth, to enter the field, and hope through his blessing, I shall return to Philadelphia laden with fresh experiences of unwearied and redeeming love. Whether I shall leave New-York this week is uncertain. But wherever I am, assure yourself, dear Sir, your favours shall not be forgotten. That the great physician of souls may bless you and yours with the choicest of his mercies, is and shall be the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCIII
To ――――.
New-York, June 29, 1747.
My very dear, dear Brother,
IT is with much pleasure I now sit down to answer your kind and welcome letters, dated April 11th and 13th. And to keep you no longer in suspence, I would inform you, that they have had such an effect upon me, that, GOD willing, I am determined to embark for England or Scotland early next Spring.――’Till Christmas I am already under indissoluble engagements, and am making a strong effort, in dependance on the great Head of the church, to get free from my outward embarrassments.――I thank my dear English friends for what they have done for me in this respect, and must beg you, my dear and faithful brother, still to do what you can further. The LORD JESUS seems to assure me that the time of my deliverance is at hand.――I hope before this year is out, to stock my new plantation in South-Carolina as a visible fund for the Orphan-house, and upon news of something more being done in England, (so that my poor heart may no more be oppressed as it has been for many years by outward difficulties,) my answer shall be, Lo! I come once more to see my dear, very dear friends on the other side of the mighty waters. ’Till then, I shall as it were count the hours, and long for them to glide away a-pace. My dear yoke-fellow now at Philadelphia is like-minded, being exceedingly desirous to see her dear friends once more. May JESUS grant it, if it be agreeable to his holy will! Indeed, I have lately thought I should never see you any more. For some weeks past, I have been exceedingly indisposed. GOD has been pleased to bring my body to the very brink of the grave by convulsions, gravel, a nervous cholic, and a violent fever. But as pain and afflictions abounded, consolations much more abounded, and my soul longed to take its flight to JESUS. For this week past I have not preached; but since my leaving Philadelphia, about three days ago, I seemed to have gathered strength, and hope once more, to-morrow, to proclaim amongst poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. From hence I purpose to go to Boston, and return by land so as to reach Charles-Town by November.――Glad shall I be to receive an answer to this, about that time there.――For upon that in a great measure will depend my coming to you, or staying longer in these parts. Blessed be the LORD of all Lords, the door is yet open here, and I am exceedingly rejoiced to find it is kept so sweetly open at home. I can easily guess how my dear man has been tried. I find more and more that through much tribulation we must enter into glory, and by sufferings be prepared for farther usefulness here below.――O that patience may have its perfect work in our hearts. O that underneath thee may be the everlasting arms, and that by happy experience thou mayst daily prove the strength of JESUS to be thine. I intend, GOD willing, to write to brother J――――, &c. I rejoice that brother E―――― still continues in his place.――It is a token for good. You will return my most humble and dutiful respects to good Lady H――g――n, the Marquiss, and Mrs. E――――n. If possible I will write to them.――I sent letters to the Marquiss, Lord L――――n, and Lord R――――a, about October last, but suppose they have miscarried.――I leave my affairs to you, and depend on you, under GOD, to transact them all.――The trouble is great, but JESUS will support and reward thee.――Near forty pounds yearly were subscribed in England to the Orphan-house, but I have not received I think above five.――I have rather more confidence in you, if possible, my very dear Man, than ever. May JESUS reward thee for all thy works of faith, and labours which have proceeded of love!――I wish you joy of your little one, and most heartily salute your dear wife, and all the lovers of the blessed JESUS every where. I wrote to you about a month ago in extreme weakness, and shall neglect no opportunity of sending to you.――I beseech you to continue to pray me over, and assure yourself none of you are forgotten by, my very dear Brother,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCIV
To the Rev. Mr. S――――.
New-York, July 4, 1747.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
LAST week I left a letter for you at Philadelphia.――Since that, through the divine blessing, I have recovered a little more strength, and find my appetite restored. I have been here about eight days, and to-morrow, GOD willing, intend posting away to Boston, and then I shall take a long, if not a final farewel of all my northward friends. I have preached twice with great freedom. People flock rather more than ever, and the LORD vouchsafes us solemn meetings. I hope to be back again in six weeks. I shall go, if JESUS gives strength, like an arrow out of a bow. I have therefore left my dear yoke-fellow at Philadelphia, and expect to meet her again at New-York. Among these three northward provinces, I trust something considerable will be done towards paying off the orphan-house arrears. When that is effected, I care not how soon I sing my Nunc dimittis; but I must wait ’till my blessed change come. You will be pleased to remember me to all, and you may expect, GOD willing, at the appointed time, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCV
To Mr. A――――.
New-York, July 4, 1747.
My very dear Brother A――――,
I Have just now been reading over your kind letter, dated November 23d, the second or third time.――It affected me much; and with the other letters, have constrained me to set my face towards England.――What is due in America, for the Orphan-house, I hope to discharge this year. ――I am of your mind in respect to the work in England, and therefore am willing so to settle my affairs, that when I come over, I may stay with you for a long season, if the LORD JESUS is pleased to give me health and strength.――At present I am very weakly, and scarce able to preach above once or twice a week.――But if our Saviour hath further work for me to do, he can make me young and strong as an eagle.――If not, I shall go to him whom my soul loveth, and whom I long to see.――Blessed be his Name that there are yet a few names left in Sardis, that have not defiled their garments, but have kept close to his truths and cause in this declining day.――――You will remember me to all most tenderly.――I pray for you continually, and whilst I am writing, it being _Friday_¹, comfort myself with this consideration, that many are praying for me. ――You will see my letter to dear brother H――――, and excuse my being so short, because I am so weak.――Our LORD continues to deal graciously with me, and was I well, I have rather a wider door than ever opened before me.――But our thoughts are not as his thoughts.――For the present, adieu.――I send most cordial love to you, yours, and all, and am, more than ever,
Yours, &c. in the blessed JESUS, G. W.
¹ A stated weekly day of prayer, at the Tabernacle, London.
Letter DCVI
To Mr. J―――― C――――.
New-York, July 5, 1747.
My dear John,
THOUGH I am quite sick and weak in body, yet the love I owe thee for JESU’s sake, constrains me to answer your last kind letter, dated ♦February 5th. The other mentioned therein, never came to hand. I am sorry to hear there are yet disputings amongst us about brick-walls. I was in hopes, after our contests of that kind about seven years ago, such a scene would never appear again; but I find fresh offences must come, to search out and discover to us fresh corruptions, to try our faith, teach us to cease from man, and to lean more upon him, who by his infinite wisdom and power will cause, “that out of the eater shall come forth meat, and from the strong sweetness.” I am glad you find yourself happy in the holy JESUS. I wish thee an increase of such dear-bought happiness every day, and pray that thy mouth may not be stopped, as others have been before thee, from publishing the glad tidings of salvation, by a crucified Redeemer. It has been thy meat and drink to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. May’st thou continue and abide in this plan, and whether I see thee or not, whether thou dost ever think of, or write to me any more, I wish thee much success, and shall always pray that the work of the LORD may prosper in thy hands. Whether you have changed your principles with your situation, I know not. I would only caution thee against taking any thing for gospel upon the mere authority of man. Go where thou wilt, though thou shouldest be in the purest society under heaven, thou wilt find that the best of men are but men at the best, and will meet with stumbling blocks enough, to teach thee the necessity of a continual dependence on the LORD JESUS, who alone is infallible, and who will not give that glory to another. Blessed be his Name, for the trials I have met with from the friends of Zion. At present, I can rejoice in being deserted by one, and used unkind by another, who at the great day must own me to be their spiritual father. Such trials are very salutary.――They lead me to the Cross, and I trust in the end will conform me to him, who in his bitterest agony had no one to watch with him, no not for one hour. My dear man, you will excuse me, as my heart at present is affected with the thoughts of the divisions that subsist between the servants and churches of JESUS CHRIST. May JESUS heal them, and hasten that blessed time, when we shall all see eye to eye, and there shall be no disputings about houses, doctrine, or discipline in all GOD’s holy mountain! GOD willing, I purpose seeing England next year, and shall be glad to converse with thee once more, about the things which belong to our Saviour’s kingdom.――If my present sickness ends in death, we shall converse in a better world, and without the least discord and contention. Remember me to Brampton, and to all. I thank them for not forgetting the chief of sinners. Tell them JESUS is yet with me, and causes my rod to bud and blossom. The bush burns, but is not consumed. Adieu.
Thine in the glorious Emmanuel, G. W.
♦ “Febuary” replaced with “February”
Letter DCVII
To Mrs. R――――.
New-Port, August 20, 1747.
Dear Madam,
I Hope that since I left you, Mr. M――――’s conversation has been blessed, and that you are steadily and deliberately resolved to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. Indeed he is the fairest among ten thousand. The more you know him, the more you will love him. O what a happy change will you experience when you enter into the world of new creatures! May JESUS hasten the time, and enable you to come as a poor, lost, undone sinner, to be clothed with his everlasting righteousness! Accept these few hasty lines. They are the language of a heart truly concerned for your eternal welfare. I salute Miss M――――; may JESUS make her a wise virgin, and give you and dear Mr. R―――― grace to bring her up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD! I at present add no more. As opportunity offers, you shall hear again from me. Dear Madam,
Your affectionate friend and servant for CHRIST sake, G. W.
Letter DCVIII
To Mrs. L――――.
New-port, August 20, 1747.
Dear Madam,
DOES not JESUS take his lambs into his arms, and dandle his little ones on his knees? Ought not his ministers then to follow his good example, and strive with him, not to quench the smoaking flax or break the bruised reed. This consideration causes me to write you a few lines. May they find you as in an agony to enter in at the straight gate! Courage, dear Mrs. L――――, courage. CHRIST, heaven, glory, are worth your acceptance. They are all yours, if you will give him your heart. May JESUS make you willing, and enable you to say henceforward, “GOD forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of JESUS CHRIST.” You will remember me to Mr. L――――, and all dear friends. As opportunity offers, they and you shall hear from, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate friend and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCIX
To Mr. D――――.
New-York, August 27, 1747.
Dear Mr. D――――,
IS it not just, that I should pay off my old debts? consequently I must write to you. I owe you many letters, and more love. Accept this in part of payment. It brings you news of my safe arrival, through the good hand of my GOD upon me, at New-York. We were detained upon the water three or four days. I believe it was for good; for the LORD blessed it to the recovery of my health, so that I eat like a sailor. At present I find my nature recruited considerably, and met my dear yoke-fellow and friends well at this place. O that my heart glowed with thanks to the LORD of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever! Help me, my dear Sir, to be thankful. My obligations to my glorious JESUS are increased by my late excursion to Charles-Town, Portsmouth, Boston, and other places in New-England. If I forget her, let my right-hand forget her cunning. I think of, and pray for you and yours, and all my dear friends daily. O let us so live, that we may meet in heaven. You know the way; “JESUS is the way, the truth and the life.” Walk before him, look continually to him, and you shall be enabled to trample upon sin, death, and hell. Excuse the brevity of this. Next time, GOD willing, you shall have a longer letter. My tender love awaits your dear spouse and family. You will remember me to all enquiring friends, and as GOD enables, you shall all be remembered by, dear Mr. D――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCX
To Mr. A――――.
New-York, Aug. 27, 1747.
TO convince you that I remember your desire when at Boston, I send you almost my first letter. It comes full of thanks for all past favours. May the GOD whom I serve, reward you ten thousand fold! He will, he has promised, he also will do it. Will you give me leave to ask one favour more? You may guess what it is. I beseech you to entreat the giver of every good and perfect gift to grant me an humble and a thankful heart; for indeed, mercies are renewed to me every moment. GOD has given me a pleasant journey, and brought me this day to New-York in safety. My health is considerably restored, and I know not why my dear friends yet cruelly hinder me. Well, GOD’s will be done! O that it may be to the Redeemer’s glory, and the good of precious and immortal souls! I am of the same mind as when at Boston,――resolved to preach and work for JESUS, ’till I can preach and work no more. I doubt not, but in your sphere, you are like-minded. May the LORD strengthen, stablish, settle you in it, and give you to abound in every good word and work. CHRIST is a good Master: he is worthy of all our time, and of every thing that we possess. Is not one heart too little for him? And yet he requires no more. Amazing love! I am lost when I think of it. I can only say, LORD, I adore and worship! But how does dear Mrs. A――――? Bid her, not be faithless, but believing. JESUS shall do more for her than she can ask or think. I salute you both most heartily, as does my dear yoke-fellow.――That JESUS may plentifully reward you for all favours, and give you so to live here, that you may sit at his right-hand eternally hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. A――――,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXI
To Mr. W――――, at Portsmouth.
New-York, Aug. 27, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
IS it right when we have committed a fault, to persist in, and not confess and amend it? By no means. I must therefore write to you, whom (though you have received no letter from me) I dearly love in the bowels of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS. I thank you, dear Sir, for all favours, and exhort you, as the best return I can make, to walk worthy of that GOD, who has called you to his kingdom and his glory. May you be enabled to live above, and overcome the world! O that JESUS may be at all times, your only All! O that you may look up continually to him for light, life, and every thing! Then will he direct your steps, and cause every change and scene of life to be a means of changing and transforming your dear soul more and more into his own divine likeness. You are shortly to enter into a new and untried state. Dear Sir, call JESUS and his Disciples to your marriage; marry in and for the LORD, or your life will be exceedingly uneasy and miserable. Remember, that new states call for new strength. Let your eyes then be fixed on JESUS. From him every good and perfect gift cometh. He alone can teach you to use the world, and every worldly enjoyment, so as not to abuse it. I commend you to his tender mercy. I pray continually for you, and humbly intreat you to remember unworthy, ungrateful, ill and hell-deserving me. I can now only most heartily thank you for all favours, beg to be remembered to all friends, and subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours in Him that liveth for ever, G. W.
Letter DCXII
To the Rev. Mr. G. T――――.
New-York, Aug. 29, 1747.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
NOT want of love, but of leisure, has prevented my writing to you for some time past. Blessed be GOD, I can now send you good news from the Northward. My reception at Boston, and elsewhere in New-England, was like unto the first. Arrows of conviction fled and stuck fast. Many, I hear, were wounded. Congregations were rather larger than ever, and opposers mouths were stopped. Will you now take another trip? I believe it would be blest to the good of your own and many other souls. I would be more particular, did I not expect to see you next week. I am better in health than when I left New-York. GOD gives me grace to spend it to the utmost in the Redeemer’s service. I am determined in his strength, to die fighting, though it be upon my stumps. I trust you pray for me. I remember you and your flock. I salute all tenderly, and am, Rev. and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate younger brother and servant in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCXIII
To Mr. Henry S――――, Junior.
New-York, Aug. 29, 1747.
My dear Mr. S――――,
LAST Thursday noon the keeper of Israel, who neither slumbereth or sleepeth, brought me hither in safety. We were detained three days on the water. It was over-ruled for good. I recovered my appetite, and am now much better than when I left New-England. Next Tuesday, GOD willing, I shall set forward, and hope to be at Charles-Town the beginning of November. Will you write to me? GOD willing, you shall hear from me every opportunity. I have good news from Providence, my plantation in South-Carolina, and from Bethesda: both families are well, and several negroes are under conviction. I hope those that were under concern at Portsmouth, find their convictions to abide. I pray GOD, they may have no rest, ’till they find rest in JESUS CHRIST! I salute them, and all the Redeemer’s true followers. I join with my dear yoke-fellow, in sending you, and dear Mrs. S――――, ten thousand thanks for all favours, and am, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and brother, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXIV
To Mr. D――――.
New-York, Aug. 30, 1747.
MY dear brother Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, why weepest thou? Why art thou so cast down? All is forgiven, all is forgotten long ago; be strong, and GOD shall establish thy heart. Look up, and put thy trust in the LORD. He is a merciful Redeemer; otherwise what could worthless, ungrateful, unfruitful, ill, hell-deserving I do? O how great is his love to us-ward! How kindly hath he brought me to New-York! Pray let your mourning be turned into praise, and give thanks to the LORD of all lords in behalf of your unworthy friend. You are my old friend. I have loved thee, and do love thee with a peculiar love. May the LORD increase thee more and more, even thee and thy children! I send you and yours most cordial salutations. We set out, GOD willing, to-morrow on our southern journey. I have good news from the Orphan-house, and my new Plantation. Some negroes are brought under conviction. Mr. B―――― was well the latter end of July. I shall take care of his father’s letter. My dear yoke-fellow intends writing to you soon. In the mean while accept hearty love from, yours as usual,
G. W.
Letter DCXV
To Mrs. S――――, at New-York.
Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1747.
SHALL I promise and not perform? GOD forbid. I must then drop a line to my afflicted friend. How is your little one? Is it yet languishing? Is it quite emaciated and panting for breath? Or is it gone into the world of spirits? Whatever be your answer, I am ready to reply, Remember your father Abraham; how chearfully did he offer up his dear Isaac, his son, whom he loved? How kindly did the LORD take it at his hands? Go thou and do likewise. If JESUS hath restored it to you, nurse it for him; pray to him continually for grace to order it aright, and learn how soon GOD may imbitter the dearest comforts to us. Happy, happy they, who can lean on and trust in JESUS, whilst they are going through this howling wilderness, this world of woe. I trust you are one of these happy ones. O free grace! Sovereign, electing, distinguishing love! You will join with me in saying, “Why me, LORD, why me?” I could enlarge. Whilst I am writing, the fire kindles; but my Master’s business calls me away. He is with me here. Remember the Pilgrims. My dear yoke-fellow is gone forward; perhaps I may follow this week. I desire to be remembered in the kindest manner to dear Mr. S―――― P――――, wife, and all friends. I thank them and you a thousand times for all favours, and am, dear Mrs. S――――,
Your affectionate and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXVI
To Captain S――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1747.
My very dear Mr. S――――,
THOUGH I wrote to you lately by my friend Mr. V――――, yet the receipt of your kind letter makes me to write again. The deadly blow I see is given. Well! Thanks be to GOD, you are so resigned. You doubtless remember, that you took one another only “’till death you should part.” That shocking clause, as Mr. B―――― calls it, is very instructive. Blessed be GOD, that she gave you any comfortable evidences of her being for ever with the LORD. If so, do not wish her here again, but remember how soon your own great change must necessarily come. You are now on the decline of life. You have seen that all below is vanity. O that you may bring forth much fruit in old age! Take heed, watch and be sober, since you know not at what hour the blessed bridegroom may come to call you. I write thus freely to you; because you are pleased to stile me your father. Pray for me then, that I may give to JESUS all the glory, and study to glorify him more and more. Next Monday, GOD willing, I intend leaving this place. Be pleased to acquaint our dear friend Mr. V―――― that I intend writing to him soon. I hope he reached home in safety. I salute him, Mr. P――――, and all friends most heartily. Accept of the same yourself, in the most cordial manner, from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXVII
To Mr. W――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
LAST night I heard of Dr. Coleman’s sudden death. I bless GOD for granting him such an easy passage. Soon after the news reached me, I bowed my knee before the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS in behalf of your bereaved (and I could almost say desolate) church. O may the LORD of all lords direct you in the choice of another, who may rule and feed you diligently with all his power. I shall be glad to hear what the great head of the church does for you. You may direct to me at Charles-Town. GOD willing, I set forward on my journey Monday next. Our glorious Emmanuel has been pleased to open my mouth, and enlarge my heart in preaching the unsearchable riches of his grace,――I hope my dear Boston friends are warm and lively. I salute all most heartily. Pray remember the poor pilgrims; and if you write to Scotland or South-Carolina, let them know how affairs go. My dear yoke-fellow is gone to Bohemia, otherwise she would write. I intend writing to dear Mr. S―――― by next post. In the mean while, I beg leave to subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCXVIII
To Mr. and Mrs. F――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1747.
My very dear, dear Friends,
THOUGH I hope to see you ere this reaches Charles-town, yet I cannot but embrace every opportunity that offers to let you know how we do. I have lately been eleven hundred miles journey northward, and have found the Redeemer’s strength magnified in my great weakness. The word ran and was glorified. I am now posting towards, and hope to reach you the beginning of November next. I am better in health than usual, and through grace am determined to die fighting the Redeemer’s battles. On Long Island I saw Mr. B――――. He still loves his Charles-Town friend. If you are not provided, it is my opinion, that it is best for you, for him, and the church of CHRIST, that he should be at Charles-Town. But this is only my opinion. With this, you will receive a packet of letters from him. If it be not done before you receive this, I wish you would be pleased to send my bureau, with my other things that were packed up, to Providence. I would not willingly have it to do when I come to Charles-Town. I hear you have had a dry season, I trust it has not been so in spirituals. O that JESUS may water you every moment! I think you may plead this promise before a prayer-hearing GOD; “He that watereth, shall be water’d again.” Surely the bowels of the saints have been, and are daily refreshed through your means. Happy ye that are determined to make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness. When natural lives fail, you shall be received into everlasting habitations. O happy time, when we shall be, soul and body, for ever with the LORD! I have lived in hopes some time, that my departure was at hand; but I seem to be gathering strength again, and trust shall be made instrumental in calling some more souls to the precious JESUS. O that I may be humble and thankful! Dear friends, pray for us.――My dear wife is gone to Bohemia, otherwise she would write. We have written by every ship. Some of our letters, I believe, have been taken. Our tender love to all. I am,
Ever yours, whilst G. W.
Letter DCXIX
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1747.
My very dear Mr. H――――,
I Thank our gracious GOD for all the good news contained in your kind letter. It ♦gladdened my heart, and gave me reason to hope, that the Indian land would be a christian land indeed. When I received your letter, I was just returned from an eleven hundred miles journey northward, in which the rock of ages was pleased to let much of his glory pass before his dear people. I was enabled to preach about 30 times in New-England, and am now coming forward towards you, and hope to see you in November. My dear yoke-fellow would answer Mrs. H――――, but she is gone to Bohemia. Accept thanks and love in her name. I have been frequently at the gates of death within these few months, and thought to have reached my desired port; but it seems I must put out to sea again. My heavenly Father’s will be done. I have good news from England. I have some thoughts of seeing it next year. JESUS will direct me. Captain Grant is sailed from Jamaica. Ere long I hope to owe no man any thing but love. Something considerable hath been done since I left Charles-Town. The LORD will never fail those that put their trust in him. I have remembered the book with the hymn tunes. I hope we shall not differ about an earthly matter. We are brethren; let us dwell in unity, and the GOD of love and peace will dwell amongst us. O that his divine love may be shed abroad abundantly in our hearts by the Holy Ghost! How shall we then bear with, and forbear one another? I hope all around you are well, and watered with spiritual as well as natural rain. I salute all most tenderly; and hoping to see you shortly, I subscribe myself, very dear Mr. H――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST, G. W.
♦ “gladened” replaced with “gladdened”
Letter DCXX
To the Rev. Mr. T――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1747.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Suppose, ere this comes to hand, you will have heard how near I have been to my wished-for harbour, and how I have been obliged to put out to sea again. Blessed be GOD, since I must live, he does not permit me altogether to live in vain. The word ran and was glorified much in New-England. The gathering of the people, and the power that attended the word seemed to be near the same as when the work begun seven years ago. I parted from my friends with great reluctance. Since my coming southward, I have seen and dined with Governor B――――. He ♦still retains his former affection, and I hope will be a great blessing to these parts. I have lately heard of the death of Doctor Coleman. I pity his poor congregation, fearing it will much dwindle. There are now many destitute flocks in New-England. Mr. B――――’s death hath taught me a good lesson. May the LORD JESUS keep me from trimming! something considerable hath been done since I saw you, towards easing me of my Orphan-house embarrassments. The particulars expect in November: then I hope to see you once more. I still intend, GOD willing, to see Bermudas. Blessed be GOD, I have good news from Bethesda and Providence. I am helped here, as I was at New-York, in preaching; but find little conviction-work going on. As you observe, “that is GOD’s work.” I hope you have been carried comfortably through the Summer’s heat, and that we shall have a warm Winter when we meet at Charles-Town. Your father’s child is dead. I have a letter for you from him. I salute you and all for my dear yoke-fellow, who is gone forward to Bohemia. I follow on Monday next. You will remember me in the kindest manner to all. I have written to many friends, but believe the vessels have been taken in which the letters were sent. I have now just time to beg the continuance of your prayers, and subscribe myself, Rev. and very dear Sir,
Yours as usual, G. W.
♦ “till” replaced with “still”
Letter DCXXI
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1747.
My very dear Brother,
I Wrote to you within these few months from this place, Boston and New-York. My last letters were to inform you, that, GOD willing, some time next year I purpose to see England, if my outward affairs can be settled. Surely the LORD will deliver me from money matters by and by.――He will, he will.――LORD, I believe, help my unbelief! I have good news from Georgia, and from my new plantation in South-Carolina. Many negroes are brought under conviction. We saw great things in New-England. The flocking and power that attended the word, was like unto that seven years ago. Weak as I was, and have been, I was enabled to travel eleven hundred miles and preach daily. I am now once more going to Georgia to settle all my affairs, and shall get ready to embark as soon as I receive letters from you. My dear yoke-fellow is gone forwards. She exceedingly longs to see her old friends. But death may intervene. I have been daily waiting for it. Few have expected my life, but at present I seem to be getting strength. By the grace of GOD, it shall all be employed in the dear Redeemer’s service. I find no inclination to settle. My Heart (O free grace!) is yet springing for GOD, and I am determined to die fighting. I hope matters go on well with you. Indeed I remember you daily, and pray that you all may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. I am here travelling through a wilderness; but I trust leaning on my beloved. JESUS is my rock, my stay, my GOD, and my all. Various are the scenes I pass through; various are the comforts and supports I meet with. Sometimes the LORD feeds me as it were by the ravens, and teaches me daily that man’s extremity is his opportunity to help and succour. O, my dear brother, if ever we meet in this world, how much have we to say to one another, concerning the loving-kindnesses of the LORD? But when we meet in heaven.――I am lost at the thought――What!
Make slaves the partners of thy throne, Decked with a never-fading crown?
O JESUS! thy love is indeed immense, unsearchable.――Shed it abroad in the dear man’s heart to whom I am writing, and the hearts of all with whom he is concerned, and the hearts of all thy dear children. Even so, LORD JESUS. Amen! I can no more. My heart is almost too full to subscribe myself
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCXXII
To the Rev. Mr. J. W――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1747.
Dear and Rev. Sir,
NOT long ago I received your kind letter, dated in February last. Your others I believe came to hand, and I hope ere now you have received my answer. My heart is really for an outward, as well as an inward union. Nothing shall be wanting on my part to bring it about; but I cannot see how it can possibly be effected, ’till we all think and speak the same things. I rejoice to hear, that you and your brother are more moderate with respect to sinless perfection. Time and experience I believe will convince you, that attaining such a state in this life, is not a doctrine of the everlasting gospel. As for universal redemption, if we omit on each side the talking for or against reprobation, which we may do fairly, and agree as we already do in giving an universal offer to all poor sinners that will come and taste of the water of life, I think we may manage very well. But it is difficult to determine such matters at a distance. Some time next year, (if the Redeemer spares my life) I hope to see you face to face. In the mean while, the language of my heart is,
O let us find the ancient way, Our wond’ring foes to move; And force the heathen world to say, See how these brethren love.
I rejoice to find that the rebellion has been over-ruled for the awakening of many souls. Our LORD generally builds his temple in troublesome times. I cannot, upon the maturest deliberation, charge myself with a design to flatter in my sermon on that occasion. You know my attachment to the present establishment. Out of the fulness of my heart my pen wrote. But it may be I know not myself. LORD, keep me from trimming! At present, my heart seems as free for JESUS as ever. I have been once more in New-England. My entrance was as at the first, about seven years ago. Perhaps I may embark from thence for my native country. Our LORD will direct. I am now going to Georgia to winter. At New-York and here, JESUS has enlarged my heart, and opened my mouth to shew forth his praise. I have news of the awakening of several negroes at my new plantation, lately purchased at South-Carolina. I hope ere long to be delivered from my outward embarrassments. I long to owe no man any thing but love. This is a debt, Reverend Sir, I shall never be able to discharge to you, or your brother. JESUS will pay you all. For his sake, I love and honour you very much, and rejoice as much, in your success as in my own. I cannot agree with you in some principles, but that need not hinder love; since I trust we hold the foundation, even “JESUS, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever.” Will you salute, in the kindest manner, all the followers of the Lamb within your sphere of action? Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon all their dear souls! I thank them for remembering a poor pilgrim, who though faint is still pursuing, and determined, in the strength of JESUS, to spend and be spent more and more for the good of poor sinners. Perhaps before I see you, I may visit Bermudas and Cape-Breton. You will pray that the LORD may order my steps aright. What have you done with the Moravian Brethren? their affairs are in confusion here. I think their foundation is too narrow for their superstructure. I believe in their plan there are many plants that our heavenly Father hath not planted. The LORD bless what is right, and rectify what is wrong in them, in us, and in all. Even so, LORD JESUS, Amen!――O for heaven! where we shall mistake, judge, and grieve one another no more. Lately I thought myself sailing several times into the blessed harbour; but it seems I must put out to sea again. My Redeemer’s will be done! Forgive, Reverend Sir, the prolixity of this. Love indites. I salute you for my dear fellow pilgrim; who is gone forwards.――Continue to pray for us, and assure yourself, that you are always remembered by, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXXIII
To the Rev. Mr. C―――― W――――.
Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
BOTH your letters and your prayers I trust have reached me. May mine reach you also, and then it will not be long ere we shall indeed be one fold under one Shepherd. However, if this should not be on earth, it will certainly be effected in heaven. Thither I trust we are hastening apace. Blessed be GOD that you are kept alive, and that your spiritual children are increasing. May they increase more and more! JESUS can maintain them all. He wills that his house should be full. Some have wrote me things to your disadvantage. I do not believe them. Love thinks no evil of a friend. Such are you to me. I love you most dearly. I could write to you much more, but time and business will not permit. You will see my letter to your dear brother. That you may be guided into all truth, turn thousands and ten thousands more unto righteousness, and shine as the stars in the future world, for ever and ever, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXXIV
To the Rev. Mr. M――――.
Bohemia, (Maryland) Sept. 17, 1747.
Honoured Sir,
WILL you permit a young soldier of JESUS CHRIST to write to an experienced veteran, before he goes hence, and is no more seen? Sorry am I that my visit to York was short, yet glad that our LORD gave me to see you once more ready to sing your Nunc dimittis with steadiness and composure, if not with joy unspeakable, even a joy that is full of glory.――Happy, thrice happy, Reverend Sir! You have gone through that wilderness, which if hoary hairs should be my lot, awaits me your younger son and servant. Well! this is my comfort: I have the same Beloved to lean on, as you have had. The way, though narrow, is not long; the gate, though strait, opens into life eternal. O that I might pass through it when young; but, Father, not my will, but thine be done! Honoured Sir, be pleased to pray for me. I remember you and your dear flock, whom I love in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. May he who kissed away the soul of his beloved Moses, appoint a Joshua to succeed you, when he bids you come up to the mount and die! I hope my cordial respects will find acceptance with your dear yoke-fellow. I remember what she said to me, and once more beg a continued interest in your prayers. I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate tho’ unworthy younger son and willing servant in him that liveth for ever, G. W.
Letter DCXXV
To the Rev. Mr. M―――― Jun.
Bohemia, Sept. 17, 1747.
I Have been writing to the father,――Love, love unfeigned constrains me to write to the son also. I hope it will influence you to send me, however unworthy, a line or two in return. Reverend and dear Sir, how do you? Are you yet GOD’s mouth to the people? Surely if the prayers of faith keep me alive, the prayers of faith must open your mouth, and constrain you in preaching to shew forth your glorious Redeemer’s praise. All things are possible with GOD.
Blest is faith, that trusts his power; Blest are saints, that wait his hour; Haste, great Conqueror, bring it near, Let the wish’d-for thing appear.
But you do not like that I should write about yourself? Will you then permit me to tell you, that in spite of all my corruptions, JESUS still continues to bless unworthy me. He gave me a prosperous journey to New-York, and there, as well as at Philadelphia, he opened my mouth to shew forth his praise. My outward circumstances are made easier, and I trust, in a short time I shall owe no man any thing but love. I am now posting southward, willing to follow the cloud wheresoever it shall point in the spring. O pray, pray that JESUS may be my comforter and my guide. Great are my trials, but greater my consolations. O free, rich, and sovereign grace! Help me, dear Sir, to extol and praise it. You will remember me to all. Your ¹_fidus achates_, and your dear faithful nurse, I shall never forget. When you go to Kittery, pray make my most dutiful respects acceptable to Sir William and his consort. Wishing you, what Colonel Gardiner once wished me, “A thriving soul in a healthful body,” I subscribe myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
¹ Bosom friend.
Letter DCXXVI
To Mr. J―――― S――――.
Bath-Town, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
I Wrote you a few lines just as I was leaving Bohemia. They informed you of the receipt of my bills, and by them I also desired you to pay the remainder of what you have of mine into the hands of Mr. D―――― V―――― of New-York. Since that, I have posted forward here, and hope to see some souls in this province all in love with JESUS, and made partakers of the power of his Resurrection. I have preached three times, and purpose, GOD willing, to preach many times more. The LORD seems to have given me the affections of the people, and I am determined in his strength to see what can be done amongst them. The box of books sent hither from Mr. K―――― and G―――― never came to hand. Be pleased to make some enquiry about it. I preached once in Virginia, and would have preached oftner; but the small-pox was spreading, the assembly did not sit, and I wanted to let North-Carolina have as much time as I could. I hope to write to you again from Charles-Town. There, I shall be glad to hear that the all-wise head of the church hath directed you to a suitable pastor in the room of Dr. Coleman. I sometimes think all will go to heaven before me. I am weak and faint, I long to be dissolved and to be with JESUS, but cannot die. My heavenly Father’s will be done! I would have you still pray for me, as a dying man; but O pray that I may not go off as a snuff. I would fain die blazing, not with human glory, but the love of JESUS. I wish you, and yours, and all dear friends, as much of this as your hearts can hold. I remember you daily and hourly. I will thank you in heaven for what you have done for me on earth, and till then shall subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours in the best bonds, G. W.
Letter DCXXVII
To Mrs. S――――.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 6, 1747.
Dear Madam,
BE pleased to accept this, as a token that you are not forgotten by me;――no, I loved your deceased husband, I honour and pray for his dear and sorrowful relict. I would give you that advice, dear Madam, which I believe he would do, was he to rise from his grave, “Make sure of a CHRIST, and give the LORD no rest, till you can say, my maker is my husband, the LORD of Hosts is his name.” What have you now to do, Madam, but to make sure of a CHRIST? You are desolate, why should you not put your trust in the LORD? Widows, godly ministers widows, are GOD’s peculiar care. O that you may have reason to say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” Now is your time to learn GOD’s law. Come to JESUS, Madam, close with him, and give him your whole heart. I need not tell you, that he will make you happy. He has made me so, even me the chief of sinners. As such be pleased to pray for, dear Madam,
Your real, affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCXXVIII
To Mrs. A――――.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 6, 1747.
Dear Madam,
BE where I will, the LORD JESUS puts you upon my heart. I often think you happy, because you are so circumstanced that you must necessarily drink of the waters of life at the fountain head. It drinks sweetest from thence. Communion with GOD’s children is sweet; but communion with GOD himself is infinitely sweeter. The woman of Samaria found it so. When the disciples came and interrupted her fellowship with their master, she left her water pot and went her way. Blessed be GOD, that happy time is coming when we shall enjoy both him and his without interruption. Till then, dear Madam, be content to have little or much of the company of CHRIST’s people, as your heavenly father shall judge most convenient. Heaven is before you, time is flying on eagles wings. Eternity, an happy eternity awaits you when time shall be no more. O that it would approach faster to me! But why so hasty, O my soul! In heaven thou canst not deny thyself for JESUS CHRIST! Dear Madam, pray for me, that my will may be swallowed up in the will of GOD. That it may be so with you, is the hearty prayer of, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCXXIX
To Mr. P――――.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 6, 1747.
Dear Mr. P――――,
OUR affectionate parting is not yet out of my remembrance. Since that, I hope you have been diligent, and ere now have got an evidence that we shall not be parted hereafter. O for assurance! It is indeed the anchor of the soul. It keeps it steady in the midst of storms. Dear Sir, press after it, as you value your present as well as eternal welfare. Tell the LORD JESUS, you cannot do without it. I once thought dear Mr. P―――― would be one of the first-rate christians in New-England. What hath hindered you? Whatever it be, whether a right hand or a right eye, may the LORD JESUS take it away! Will you say Amen heartily? You will excuse this freedom. I always write so to those I love. Pray remember me to your mother, wife, and all friends. Tell them I am here, hunting after sinners in North-Carolina woods. It is pleasant work, though my body is weak and crazy. After a short fermentation in the grave, it will be fashioned like unto CHRIST’s glorious body. The thought of this rejoices my soul, and makes me long to leap my seventy years. O pray for me, that I may have patience to tarry the LORD’s leisure. I commit you to his care. I charge you in his great name, not to let me miss you in heaven, and with much love subscribe myself, dear Mr. P――――,
Your very affectionate friend, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXXX
To Mr. S――――.
Oct. 6, 1747.
My dear Mr. S――――,
LET who will be omitted when I am writing to New-England, I think, I am under many obligations not to forget you. Blessed be GOD for making you a christian merchant, and teaching you the holy art of trafficking for the LORD. You trade upon a safe bottom. Your all is insured, and you shall receive your own with good usury at the great day. Go on, my dear man, spend and be spent for CHRIST’s people; it is a glorious employ. I would not but be thus engaged for millions of worlds. It is true, I am decaying daily; but resolved in the strength of JESUS to die fighting. At present I am engaged in North-Carolina, and hope ere long to send you good news from this ungospelized wilderness. In about a month I expect to see Charles-Town. The LORD direct me where to go in the Spring. Several ways present. I am willing to see more of the north before I return to my native country. But alas! why write I thus? How many important hours will intervene? O that every minute may be employed for GOD, even a GOD in CHRIST. Indeed he is a good master. He wounds, but he heals also. He brings down, but raises up again. He humbles, but it is only in order to exalt his dear children. This you and I shall find, as we have found already, times without number, perfectly true, by happy experience. But I cannot enlarge. You will deliver the enclosed. I hope my last to the dear Messrs. M――――’s came safe. I will write to more as business, opportunity, and health permit. In the mean while, accept our joint most cordial love to all dear, very dear friends. Accept the same to you and yours. I am, dear Sir,
Yours eternally in the everlasting I AM, G. W.
Letter DCXXXI
To Mr. R――――.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 7, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
BY this time (such is your love to unworthy me,) I suppose you are willing to know where I am, and what I am doing. Blessed be GOD, I am still employed in my old delightful work, “calling poor sinners to repentance.”――I trust a day of power will shortly come to North-Carolina. I have preached three times already, and am now going a small circuit round about. I expect to reach Charles-Town in a month’s time. But give me leave in my turn to enquire, how it is with you and yours? Are your resolutions more and more invigorated, and hath JESUS at length taken possession of your whole heart? I must not let you alone, till you can fairly and truly say, “’Tis done, ’tis done.” O what a revenue of glory might a person in your station bring to CHRIST, and what a radiant crown of grace might you secure to your own soul, was you but once in earnest to lay up treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal! Rise, rise, dear Sir, awake and sleep no more. JESUS waits to give you light. May he so fill you with his light and love, that you may rejoice in his great salvation all the day long! Pray let me hear from you in the Winter. I am more concerned for you than ever. Your late favours have increased my obligations to be so. I shall be glad to hear that the LORD hath given you a son. I remember dear Madam R――――, and hope to drop her a few lines. May the glorious Emmanuel make little Miss a wise virgin. My love awaits Mrs. H――――, and your whole houshold. You will remember me in the kindest manner to Mrs. G――――, L――――, &c. and the whole circle of my female friends. Praying that grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied upon all, subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXXXII
To the Reverend Mr. L――――.
Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 11, 1747.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
IT has given me much concern, that I could not comply with your kind invitation to Plymouth, but providence plainly pointed my course another way. GOD only knows what a cross it was to me, to leave dear New-England so soon. I hope death will not be so bitter to me, as was parting from my friends. Glad shall I be to be prayed thither again, before I see my native land. But future things belong to GOD. I would be just where he would have me, though it be in the uttermost parts of the earth. At present I am hunting after poor lost sinners in these ungospelized wilds. People are willing to hear, and blessed be the LORD of all lords, I am willing to preach. My body is yet weak. A little riding fatigues me; but he that has been, is, and I trust will be my strength, my support, and my guide even unto death. Dear Sir, continue to pray for me. I wish you much of the divine presence, and hope the LORD will yet make you a spiritual father to thousands. Be pleased to remember me in the kindest manner to dear Mr. F――――, and the whole circle of those reverend brethren, who dare confess CHRIST’s work, and CHRIST’s truths. I salute your whole large fire side, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXXXIII
To Mr. P――――.
Bath-Town, Oct. 11, 1747.
Very dear Mr. P――――,
I Am ashamed to think that your short though exceeding sweet and kind letter, lies as yet unanswered. Want of health and of time, (assure yourself) not want of love, has been the cause of it. The searcher of hearts alone knows, what a cordial reverential respect I bear your honoured father and mother, yourself, and dear sister. I must not write much on this head, lest my eyes should gush out with water. Sorry am I, very sorry, dear Sir, that the church is not to have the benefit of your labours. But what shall we say? GOD is a sovereign GOD. He must do what he will with his own. This comforts me, that I trust you have learned to be in the world, and yet not of it. Well then, since it must be so, go, dear Sir, and trade for GOD. Let merchants see by your example, that JESUS CHRIST can make many saints in a store. O may you daily taste, and feel the efficacy of his all-atoning, heart-cleansing, world-conquering, precious blood! I trust this is dearer and weightier to me than ever. I am now proclaiming it in these uncultivated ungospelized desarts. People hear with great attention, and I trust ere long news will be heard in heaven, that some North-Carolina sinners are born of GOD. I stayed but a small time in Virginia and Maryland, that I might give this province the more time. I hope to be in Charles-Town in about a month, and soon after my arrival, expect to determine what course to take in the spring. Several ways present themselves. May JESUS direct me which to take! Weak as I am, I am willing to spend and be spent for that ever-lovely, ever-loving JESUS, who has done so much for, and borne so long with me. I am afraid some of you have prayed me back into the world again. Well, it cannot be long ere I get my dismission. O for a triumphant exit. LORD JESUS keep me from going off like a snuff! But it is time to bid you good night. I have been on a forty mile excursion, and this tabernacle of mine is weak. You will remember me to all your dear family, and all friends. I will name none, that if possible I may offend none. However, this I must say, New-England friends are dearer to me than ever, and glad shall I be, if another sight of them before I die, be permitted to, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXXXIV
To Mr. D――――.
Everards-Ferry, Oct. 16, 1747.
Dear Mr. D――――,
THE love I owe you for JESUS CHRIST’s sake, induces me to send you a few lines. I hope they will find you yet more and more convinced of self-righteousness, and the absolute necessity of being cloathed with the all-sufficient, compleat and everlasting righteousness of JESUS CHRIST. This, and this only is the ground of our acceptance with a holy, just, and sin-avenging GOD. Here the sinner may find a sure asylum, an everlasting, never-failing refuge. Happy they! who begin to see, feel, and taste this, in a realizing spiritual manner. It is the budding of grace, the beginning of the kingdom of GOD in the soul. May I hope that dear Mr. D―――― is one of these happy men. I trust so. You seemed beginning to awake out of nature’s dream when I left you. O that nothing may prevail on you to lie down to sleep again! It is dangerous to trifle with the spirit of GOD. When he puts into our hearts good desires, he expects that we shall be workers together with him. Strive therefore, on, as the word imports, agonize with GOD, yourself, and the world, in order that you may enter into the strait gate of a thorough sound conversion. You know who has told you “that the kingdom of GOD suffereth violence, and the violent only take it by force.” And surely heaven is worth striving for; especially since we are sure of a conquest; and JESUS CHRIST, the captain of our salvation, stands ready to assist, support, and strengthen at every rencounter. Learn therefore to endure hardness, like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST: adopt Joshua’s resolution, stand the laugh, quit yourself like a man, put your hand to the plough, and do not look back; fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. I could write more, but I want time and paper. Blessed be GOD, I am as well as a pilgrim in my way can expect to be. I am happy in CHRIST, and that is all in all. I wish you and yours this happiness. I pray you may be partakers of it. This is the best return I can make for all kindnesses shewn to, dear Sir,
Your affectionate, obliged friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCXXXV
To Mrs. D――――.
Everards-Ferry, Oct. 16, 1747.
Dear Mrs. D――――,
AS it is uncertain whether I shall ever see you again in this vale of tears, I cannot help expressing my gratitude for kindnesses received, by sending you a few lines.――And what shall I say? Why, that I trust you at length see, that what the world calls an innocent, harmless, decent, sober life, will not be sufficient to carry us to heaven. Such a life I suppose you have led, and assure yourself, you will find it an hard work to give up such a life in point of dependence, and to come as a poor, ill and hell deserving wretch, to be washed in the blood and cloathed with the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST. Nature will struggle, and a reasoning infidelity will stand at the door of your heart, lest JESUS CHRIST’s spirit should enter in and make you happy. But all things are possible with GOD. Apply to him therefore, dear Madam, and beg him to let you see that your heart is desperately wicked, and deceitful above all things. Strengthen your husband’s hands; be as a goad in his side, if you see him inclined (though I trust you will not) to forget what he hath lately felt and been convinced of. And O that you may be an happy instrument of converting your two daughters! It is sweet when all of one house are agreed to worship the LORD JESUS in spirit and in truth. That you and yours may be all such worshippers, is the earnest prayer of, dear Madam,
Your real friend, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXXXVI
To Mr. T―――― A――――.
Wilmington, Cape-Fear, Oct. 18, 1747.
My very dear brother A――――,
I Have lately written to you and many other dear English friends. I am now in my way to Georgia, and hope to see my native country some time next year. My sphere of action still increases, and though I hoped this last Summer to have taken my flight to the blessed JESUS, yet it seems I am to live longer. O that it may be for the Redeemer’s glory, and the good of many precious and immortal souls! I know you will say Amen! I could write much, but am fatigued, having preached several times, and rode on horse-back through the woods an hundred and sixty miles. JESUS makes the barren wilderness to smile. I want to know how affairs go on among you. I expect letters from some of you at Charles-Town, and I hope to see you, I repeat it again, some time next year. But future things belong to GOD. My schemes are so frequently disconcerted, that I would willingly put a blank into his hands, to be filled up just as he pleases. But this stubborn will would fain avoid swallowing some wholesome bitter-sweets, which the all-gracious physician reaches out unto me. Nevertheless, through grace, the prevailing language of my heart is, “Not my will, but thine be done.” The being so long absent from my friends, sometimes a little affects me; but I have been used to so many partings, and heart-breakings from various quarters, that I wonder any thing affects, so as to surprize me. But the mystery of the cross is unsearchable. We shall never fully learn it till we die. We must be beginners in this school every day, hour, and moment. But where am I going? I write as though I was conversing with you. Perhaps such a time may come. In heaven I am sure such a time will have existence. The language of my heart is, LORD JESUS, let thy kingdom come! You will remember me to all. I must now say no more. Whilst I am writing, affection works and almost makes me to say, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and see my English and Scotch friends! I salute all most heartily, as does my dear fellow pilgrim.――That grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied upon all your dear souls, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Man,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXXXVII
To Mr. B――――.
Charles-Town, (South-Carolina,) Oct. 25, 1747.
Very dear Mr. B――――,
I Hear a ship sails to-morrow for Philadelphia. I cannot help letting you know, that we arrived here last night in health and safety. The barren wilderness was made to smile all the way. I trust good was done in North-Carolina. The poor people were very willing to hear. I expected, on my arrival at this place, to have received letters and sundry things from you, or dear Mr. B――――. If they are taken, may the LORD JESUS give me a thankful heart! I would write you a long letter, and I would also write to many friends, but you know travellers are weary, and I must away to-morrow to Georgia. All is well there, and at my new plantation. You will send the inclosed.――Mr. Dutton I believe is lost in his return to England. The ship foundered. I have preached this morning, and am to preach again. I snatch a few moments between sermons to write this. Our tender joint love to you all.
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXXXVIII
To Mr. F――――.
Bermudas, May 27, 1748.
My dear Mr. F――――,
INCLOSED you have a letter which you may print in your weekly paper. It brings good news from this little pleasant spot. If you could print it on half a sheet of paper, to distribute among the Bermudas captains, it might perhaps be serviceable. The inhabitants here have received me so well, that I think publishing their kindness is a debt justly due to them. I am now waiting for a fair wind, and then we shall sail for England. The Governor’s lady goes with me. His Excellency is very civil to me, and I believe many souls have been benefited by this visit to Bermudas. I desire to give the LORD JESUS all the glory. You will remember me to Mrs. F――――, and all my dear Philadelphia friends. I do not forget them, and hope they will always remember, dear Sir,
Their and your most affectionate, obliged friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCXXXIX
To Mrs. F――――.
On board the Betsy, June 2, 1748.
TILL last night, I did not know that the last letter I wrote to you never came to hand. Mr. B―――― tells me, that as he did not go according to his design he destroyed it. Accept therefore, dear Madam, a few more parting lines. They bring you good news indeed. The LORD JESUS has blessed my being at Bermudas very much. A good work I trust is begun in many hearts. I am now on board, and the wind is fair. We expect to sail this day. According to my present view, I intend to return to beloved America next year; which is one of the reasons, why I leave my dear yoke-fellow behind. O that I knew how it was with her! But I see that GOD will make those he loves, to live by faith and not by sense. Glorious privileges, though difficult to flesh and blood! As you are so dear a friend, I know you will do your utmost to comfort her. I have so ordered matters, that she need not be under any concern about providing for the families. GOD has caused the people in Bermudas to devise liberal things. Yet a little while, and I trust I shall, on the Orphan-house account, owe no man any thing but love. But I find I must fight every inch of my ground. Well! JESUS is on my side. I can do all things through him strengthening me. An entrance is now made into the Islands. The LORD, that has begun, can and will carry on his own work. You will all help me with your prayers. I must be content with dealing in general salutations, having not time to write more particulars. Pray remember me in the kindest manner to all your relations and all our dear friends. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. T――――,
Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant, in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXL
To the Rev. Mr. S――――.
On board the Betsy, June 24, 1748.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
THOUGH we are about two hundred leagues from land, yet lest hurry of business should prevent me when we get a shore, I think proper to write you a few lines whilst I am on board.――Long before this reaches you, I suppose you will have heard of what the LORD of all Lords was pleased to do for me and his people at, and also when we sailed from, Bermudas. We sailed from thence just twenty-one days this morning, and have lived, as to the conveniencies of eating and drinking, like people that came from the continent, rather than one of the islands; so bountiful were our friends, whom we left behind us. Hitherto we have met with no storms or contrary winds, only it begins to head us now. But GOD, in his own time, I trust will carry us to our desired port. The first day we came out we were chased, and yesterday a large French vessel shot thrice at and bore down upon us. We gave up all for gone. I was dressing myself in order to receive our expected visitors. In the mean while, our Captain cries, “the danger is over.” The Frenchman turned about and left us. He was quite near, and we almost defenceless. Now we are so near the channel, we expect such alarms daily. If any thing happens extraordinary, I shall be particular. As for other things, I cannot say much. The Captain is exceeding civil, and I have my passage free; but all I have been able to do in the great ♦cabin in respect to religious duties, is to read the church prayers once every evening, and twice on the LORD’s day. I have not preached yet; this may spare my lungs, but it grieves my heart. I long to be ashore, if it was for no other reason. Besides, I can do but little in respect to my writing. You may guess how it is, when we have four gentlewomen in the cabin. However, they have been, and are very civil, and I believe my being on board has been somewhat serviceable. My health I think is improved, and I have finished my abridgment of Mr. Law’s serious call, which I have endeavoured to gospelize. Yesterday I likewise made an end of revising all my journals. Blessed be GOD, for letting me have leisure to do it. I purpose to have a new edition before I see America. Alas! alas! In how many things have I judged and acted wrong.――I have been too rash and hasty in giving characters, both of places and persons. Being fond of scripture language, I have often used a style too apostolical, and at the same time I have been too bitter in my zeal. Wild-fire has been mixed with it, and I find that I frequently wrote and spoke in my own spirit, when I thought I was writing and speaking by the assistance of the spirit of GOD. I have likewise too much made inward impressions my rule of acting, and too soon and too explicitly published what had been better kept in longer, or told after my death. By these things I have given some wrong touches to GOD’s ark, and hurt the blessed cause I would defend, and also stirred up needless opposition. This has humbled me much since I have been on board, and made me think of a saying of Mr. Henry’s, “Joseph had more honesty than he had policy, or he never would have told his dreams.” At the same time, I cannot but bless, and praise, and magnify that good and gracious GOD, who filled me with so much of his holy fire, and carried me, a poor weak youth, through such a torrent both of popularity and contempt, and set so many seals to my unworthy ministrations. I bless him for ripening my judgment a little more, for giving me to see and confess, and I hope in some degree to correct and amend, some of my mistakes. I thank GOD for giving me grace to embark in such a blessed cause, and pray him to give me strength to hold on and increase in zeal and love to the end. Thus, dear Sir, have I unburdened my heart to you. I look upon you to be my fidus achates, and therefore deal thus freely. If I have time and freedom before we land, I think to write a short account of what has happened for these seven years last past; and when I get on shore, GOD willing, I purpose to revise and correct the first part of my life. I know you will pray that I may be directed and owned in every thing. I think often of, and pray for you, and as I intend writing to you again when I send this, I shall content myself at present with subscribing myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate obliged though unworthy brother and servant, G. W.
♦ “cabbin” replaced with “cabin”
Letter DCXLI
To Mrs. L――――.
Deal, July 5, 1748.
Very dear and Honoured Mother,
ARE you yet in the land of the living, or rather among the dead? shall I have the pleasure of receiving one more letter from you, and asking your blessing once more? Next post, I hope that the two former of these will be answered in the affirmative, and in a week or two I trust GOD will grant me the last. About a month ago I left the island of Bermudas, where my poor labours have been greatly blessed, and your unworthy son has been honoured with many honours. I am now come once more to see my friends in my native country, and settle some affairs, and then return to America again. My dear yoke-fellow I have left behind, to take care of two families. I have been several times just upon the brink of eternity since I saw you, but am now a little recruited. O that my health and strength may be wholly employed for that JESUS who has done such great things for me! His blood and cross, my ever honoured mother, I trust are exceeding precious to your soul. O that I may see you laden with holiness, and bringing forth much fruit in your old age! I could say more, but have several other letters to write. As I know not how your outward affairs are situated, or where you live for a certainty, I can only send cordial and general salutations to all friends and relations. I hope you will be pleased to let me know whether you stand in need of any thing, and not cease to pray for, honoured mother,
Your ever dutiful though unworthy son, G. W.
Letter DCXLII
To Mr. G―――― H――――.
Deal, July 5, 1748.
AND how does my dear old friend Mr. H――――? Surely he will send me a line now! For through the goodness of an infinitely gracious and condescending Saviour, I am once more arrived at my native country. My last excursion was to Bermudas. We left those islands a month ago, and GOD was pleased to set his seal to my unworthy ministry in a very glorious manner. I know you will be thankful in my behalf, and let me know next post how the brethren are in and about Gloucestershire. I rejoice to find that you still go on steadily and are not ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST. Why should you? Have you not found it by happy experience to be the power of GOD unto salvation? Go on then, my dear Sir, and prove the strength of JESUS to be yours. I long to see you, that we may talk of redeeming love, and feel our hearts warm with an holy fire from GOD’s altar. Are the dear old men, the Reverend Messrs. S―――― and P――――, yet alive? Pray send them my most dutiful and affectionate respects, and let them know, that an entrance I trust is now made into one of the islands for the glorious gospel of the Son of GOD. O that I was able to fly from pole to pole upon this blessed errand. But alas! my wings are clipped. My bodily health is much impaired, and I hoped ere now to have taken my last flight to heaven. But it seems that happy hour is not yet come. Well, welcome life, welcome death, so that JESUS, my dear JESUS, may be glorified in both! Pray that we may shortly meet in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. I subscribe myself, my very dear Gaius,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCXLIII
To the Rev. Mr. J―――― or C―――― W――――.
Deal, July 5, 1748.
WILL you not be glad to hear that the GOD of the seas and the GOD of the dry land hath brought me to my native country once more? I came last from the Bermudas, where the friend of sinners has been pleased to own my poor labours abundantly. I hope, I come in the spirit of love, desiring to study and pursue those things which make for peace. This is the language of my heart,
O let us find the ancient way, Our wond’ring foes to move; And force the heathen world to say, See how these Christians love.
I purpose, GOD willing, to be in London in a few days. In the mean while, I salute you and all the followers of the blessed Lamb of GOD most heartily.――Be pleased to pray for, and give thanks in behalf of, Reverend and dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCXLIV
To Mr. F――――.
London, July 7, 1748.
My very dear Friend,
I Have but just time to inform you, that after a pleasant passage of a month, a good and gracious GOD brought me hither in safety, where I have been received by thousands with a joy that almost overcame both them and me. I have preached once, and am this evening to preach again. One large church is open. I cannot now descend to particulars.――I can only send you a thousand thanks for all favours, beg my kindest salutations may be presumed to all friends, and entreat the continuance of your most fervent prayers in behalf of, my dear host and hostess,
Yours as usual, G. W.
Letter DCXLV
To Mr. H――――.
London, July, 7, 1748.
My very dear Friend,
THOUGH I suppose you will see my dear wife’s letter, yet I must send you a few lines. They bring you news of my safe arrival, and wonderfully kind acceptance in my native country. The blessings bestowed on me, have already, through the thanksgivings of thousands, redounded to the glory of GOD. Words cannot express the joy that has possessed the hearts of the people. I hear that the minds even of enemies are much softened. I came at a critical juncture. I hear Mr. ―――― has stood up for me at C――――, and that one who preached before the trustees hath spoke honourably of Bethesda. If GOD is pleased to send us a general peace, I hope Georgia will lift up its drooping head. You may depend on hearing from me as often as possible. You will remember me to all friends. I can only beg you to give thanks, and pray for, my very dear Sir,
Yours as usual, G. W.
Letter DCXLVI
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
London, July 8, 1748.
Rev. and dear Brother,
GLAD am I, yea very glad to hear that you are yet alive and have grace given you to adhere to JESUS CHRIST and his eternal truths. I am very much pleased to find that you appear in print, and that such encouragement is given you to print again. I hope the glorious Emmanuel smiles upon your ministerial labours, and gives you many living witnesses, that the truths which you preach are according to Godliness. Go on, my dear old friend, and prove the strength of JESUS to be thine. Through his infinite and unmerited goodness I am once more safe in my native country. Bermudas was the last place where I have been preaching. I left many souls under concern. Many precious souls (O free grace!) have received me here in great love, and I have been enabled twice to preach, to a multitude of poor sinners, the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. My bodily health is much impared; but through divine assistance, I will go on working for JESUS of Nazareth, ’till I can work no more. I could say much of his love, but have a deal of business before me. Accept this as a token of unfeigned love and respect from, my very dear Sir,
Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXLVII
To Mr. C――――.
London, July 8, 1748.
Dear Mr. C――――,
I Am come over with a sincere desire to pursue the things which make for peace. Consequently I must hear and see for myself, before I determine upon any thing. I have heard nothing of Mrs. D――――’s writing concerning you. All I can say is, that by what you have published and I have perused, you have unhappily fallen into some principles, which are contrary to the revealed will of GOD.――But I speak not this to begin a dispute. I shall be glad to see and converse with you. As for your preaching in Moor-fields, they are no doubt as free for you as another. I intend preaching there, GOD willing, on Sunday evening. That you may have a clear head and a clean heart, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCXLVIII
To Mr. K――――.
London, July 12, 1748.
My dear Brother,
AT my first arrival, you judged right that I am pretty much taken up; however, I must snatch a few minutes to answer your kind, very kind letter. Blessed be GOD, that the mercies bestowed on hell-deserving me, have, through the thanksgivings of many, redounded to the glory of the blessed JESUS. O that the same prayers that have drawn me hither, may draw down showers of blessings upon GOD’s church. Now I am come, do you and my other friends continue to pray and hold up your hands, and in the strength of JESUS CHRIST I will go on fighting. The fields seem to be as white as ever. I trust the shout of a king is among us. O for humility, love and zeal! O for that mind, which was in CHRIST JESUS! I trust that the members of your society are copying after our great Exemplar. As soon as possible I purpose to come down and see you. I thank you for what you have done in respect to the Orphan-house. I could wish the cash was remitted to London immediately, because I want to pay it away. Surely the time will come, when I shall owe no man any thing but love. Then, and ’till the day of my death, Poor, yet making many rich, shall be my motto. You will remember me in the kindest manner to all the followers of the Lamb; and that you may be filled with all his fulness, is the prayer of
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCXLIX
To Mr. C――――.
London, July 12, 1748.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
THOUGH I am pretty much engaged, yet I cannot let your kind letter lie by me two posts unanswered. Blessed be GOD that you yet retain your simple heart, and are determined to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST and him crucified. With this mind, may you climb up higher and higher in the church of England, in order that you may move in a superiour orb, and your light shine with greater and more diffusive ardor round the church of GOD! O my dear Mr. C――――, what has the Redeemer done for us! What is he still doing! It would gladden your heart to see what a turn affairs take in London. I have preached twice in St. Bartholomew’s church, and helped to administer the sacrament once. I believe on Sunday we had a thousand communicants. Moor-fields are as white as ever unto harvest, and multitudes flock to hear the word. The old spirit of love and power seems to be revived amongst us. What am I, what am I, that JESUS CHRIST should still delight to honour me? O for a single eye and a simple heart unto the end! By what I can judge, satan will allure some with his golden bait. “In all times of our wealth, good LORD deliver us.” Blessed be GOD, I am not much in danger of having too much of this world’s goods at present. My outward affairs are yet behind hand. I long to owe no man any thing but love. As for your cautions, they shall be observed punctually. Never mind me, let my name die every where, let even my friends forget me, if by that means the cause of the blessed JESUS may be promoted. In about a fortnight I hope to see you at my brother’s. I hear he is better. O that he may come out for CHRIST! I think I have now answered your request, and sent you a long letter. I hope to hear from you again before I see you. My hearty respects await Mr. G――――. I trust he determines to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. Commending you to his mercy, and myself to the continuance of your prayers, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours eternally in the blessed JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCL
To the Honourable ―――― R――――, Esq.; of Bermuda.
London, July 12, 1748.
Honoured Sir,
GRATITUDE constrains me to embrace the first opportunity of informing you of our safe arrival at our wished-for port. We struck ground, I think, the 27th day after we set sail, and landed at Deal the 30th. We were chased the first afternoon, and prepared for going to prison twice or thrice. But our fears were groundless; there was a cessation of arms with France, though we knew it not, and some ships that we thought were pursuing us proved to be English men of war. We had plenty of provisions, and met with no storms or bad weather worth the speaking of. Other particulars, I suppose, Captain E――――, who was very civil, will inform you. The evening after we landed at Deal, I was at Mr. D―――― and E――――’s, before I came to my own lodgings. They were very glad to hear from Bermudas. Since then, words cannot well express how joyful my friends were to see me once more in the land of the living. I find the news-papers had buried me ever since April last; but it seems I am not to die, but live: O that it may be to declare the works of the LORD! My obligations to do so, are much increased by the mercies conferred on me at Bermudas, and during my voyage. Surely the stones would cry out against me, did I not set forth the riches of redeeming love. Blessed be GOD, I have had several opportunities of doing so, since my arrival. Last Lord’s-day I believe we had a thousand communicants. In a few weeks, GOD willing, I purpose to see Scotland, and then shall do myself the pleasure of writing to, or waiting on your brother. In the mean time, I shall, as opportunity offers write to some more of my Bermudas friends, whom I desire never to forget at the throne of grace. You and yours, honoured Sir, will be pleased to accept my most cordial salutations. That you and your house may serve the LORD here, and live with him eternally in the kingdom of heaven hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLI
To Mr. H――――.
London, July 16, 1748.
My very dear Mr. H――――,
I Thank you for your speedy and kind answer to my last poor letter, and heartily pray GOD, if it be agreeable to his will, yet to prolong your life, and make your pen the pen of a ready writer. I shall take it as a great favour, if you will order me a set of your works. I shall peruse them with the greatest pleasure, and send a set of them also abroad. Blessed be GOD, for causing you to write so to suit the taste of the polite world! O that they may be won over to admire Him, who is indeed altogether lovely! But what shall I say to your kind intended present? It is like my dear old friend. Mr. ―――― was so kind as to come and see me yesterday. I shewed him your letter. He expects to see me at his house. GOD willing, if possible I will pay him a visit. O that he may recover his first love! For ever adored be free grace: many souls seem to be quickened. Multitudes flock to hear. My health somewhat improves, and our LORD makes it exceeding pleasant to me to preach to poor sinners his unsearchable riches. O when shall we get within the veil! Thanks be to GOD, it cannot be long. We are both sickly. LORD give us patience to wait till our blessed change come! To the Redeemer’s tender mercy do I most earnestly commit you; and entreat, while life and breath lasts, you will not cease praying for one, who, though less than the least of all, yet for JESUS CHRIST’s sake subscribes himself, my very dear friend,
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCLII
To Mr. K――――.
London, July 19, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
I Thank you for your kind answer to my last, as well as for all other favours. Before I heard from you, I had been informed from several quarters that Satan hath been sifting all our poor societies. This is no more than I expected. But let us take courage, dear Sir; JESUS CHRIST prays for us. His truths are great and shall prevail. At London, affairs seem to be taking a good turn. The LORD JESUS comes among us as in the days of old. I trust by and by we shall see good days at Exon again. When I shall go there is uncertain. Next week, GOD willing, I must be at Bristol, and after that I must go to the Welch association. Glad shall I be to hear whatever you have to offer. May the LORD JESUS give us a right judgment in all things! When the time of my seeing Exon is fixed, I will endeavour to send you previous notice. In the meanwhile, let you and yours accept most hearty love and cordial salutations from one, who, though less than the least of all saints, begs leave to subscribe himself, very dear Mr. K――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLIII
To the Reverend Mr. C――――.
London, July 20, 1748.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
NEITHER length of time, nor change of place, I trust, will ever estrange us from each other.――Though through the goodness of GOD I am now in England, yet I cannot help daily thinking upon you and my other dear friends in America. I have been prayed over hither: do you strive to pray me over again to South-Carolina. Much business now lies upon my hands. It is too much for one man, to be received as I have been by thousands. The thoughts of it lay me low, but I cannot get low enough. I would willingly sink into nothing before the blessed JESUS, my All in All. Next week I hope to see Bristol, where I shall not fail to enquire about your minister, and send you word accordingly. I hope you do not forget Bethesda or Providence. O my dear yoke-fellow, how is she carried through the Summer’s sultry heat? May the LORD be her helper! You will not fail to give my most cordial respects to Mrs. B――――, Dr. B――――, his wife, and all friends. Fail not, O fail not to pray heartily for,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLIV
To the Reverend Mr. D――――.
London, July 23, 1748.
My very Dear Mr. D――――,
GLAD was I, yea very glad to receive one more letter from such a valuable and dearly beloved friend and brother. I have often enquired after you since my arrival, and only multiplicity of business prevented your hearing from me. Glory be to the blessed JESUS, for supporting and carrying you through so many difficulties that necessarily attend the pastoral office. I find more and more, my dear Sir, that experience is only to be learned in the school of tribulation; and as we undergo the sufferings mentioned in the scriptures, so far and no farther do we understand the scriptures themselves. O that patience may have its perfect work, and we may be enabled to the end of our days to sanctify the LORD GOD in our hearts! As for poor Scotland, what shall I say? Our LORD’s words must be fulfilled, “The first shall be last, and the last first.” Awakening times are always like the Spring. Many blossoms appear, and perhaps but little solid fruit is produced after all. O that the Lord of the harvest, if I am to see Scotland again, may send me to call some backsliders to return. Glory be to GOD, affairs are taking a happy turn here. Old love, and old power, seem to be reviving among us. I preach to multitudes daily. Many are already brought under new awakenings. On Monday next I set out, GOD willing, for Gloucester, and intend returning in about three weeks.――How glad shall I then be to see Mr. D――――. My dear yoke-fellow would rejoice to do so too; but I left her abroad in the tent.――Perhaps she may come over soon. Pray remember her, and, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCLV
To Dr. R――――.
London, July 22, 1748.
Honoured Sir,
LOVE and gratitude constrain me to send you a few lines. They come to inform you, that a sense of the almost innumerable favours you was pleased to confer on me, when under your tuition, is yet deeply engraven upon the tables of my heart. That GOD, whom I endeavour to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, will richly reward you in that day. By his assistance, I still continue to preach the everlasting gospel in various places; and, I trust, not without some abiding good effect. Indeed, last year I was in hopes I should have been translated to those blissful regions, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary be at rest. But it seems, I am not yet to die, but live. O that it may be to declare the works of the LORD! I think his glory is the main principle of my acting. I want to bring souls, not to a party, much less to lead them from the established church, but to a sense of their undone condition by nature, and to true faith in JESUS CHRIST, which will be evidenced by a holy life, and an universal, chearful obedience to all the commands of GOD. In this, honoured Sir, however you may judge of the means and method of my proceeding, I am persuaded you wish me success. Your’s, both in respect to this life and another, I have much at heart. That the great shepherd and bishop of souls may assist you in the oversight of all under your care, and in the future state receive you with an Euge bone, in the presence of applauding angels, and spirits of just men made perfect, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most unworthy, though dutiful pupil, and very humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLVI
To Governor Thomas.
London, July 22, 1748.
Honoured Sir,
THOUGH I am uncertain about your being in town, yet I cannot leave it, without leaving a few lines of acknowledgment, for those many favours you and your worthy lady were pleased to confer upon me and mine abroad. Glad were we, yea exceeding glad to hear of your safe arrival in England, and gracious reception at court. May you so live in this world, as to be received with expressions of joy and approbation by the King of kings in the world to come! I hope, honour’d Sir, that the change of climate has been conducive to your health, and the health also of dear little Miss, and her honoured Mamma. I beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance, honoured Sir, both with them and you. At my return to London, which I suppose will be in about three weeks, I purpose doing myself the honour of waiting upon you in person. In the mean while, I beg leave, with the warmest affection, to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLVII
To the Reverend Mr. S――――.
London, July 24, 1748.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
SINCE my arrival in England, (now three weeks) I have sent several packets to America. This brings you the welcome tidings of the LORD’s continuing to bless my poor administrations, and causing his word to run and be glorified. Particulars I cannot descend to now. My hands are quite full of business. I am assisted also in temporals, and hope, ere I see America again, to be delivered from my outward Orphan-house embarrassments. I have almost fixed on persons to come over to Bethesda. With them I intend sending you some things, which I believe you will be glad to see. Antinomianism has made havock here, but I trust the worst is over. Our scattered troops begin to unite again; and indeed the shout of a king is amongst us. I trust that the glorious Emmanuel waves his banner also over you, and causes you to rejoice in his great salvation. That you, and all my dear friends and benefactors may fit under his shadow with unspeakable delight, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, brother, and servant in our common Lord, G. W.
Letter DCLVIII
To the Reverend Mr. S――――.
Waterford, August 3, 1748.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Have written to you more than once since my arrival; notwithstanding that, I must write to you again. The bearer is a man of good report, a Dissenter, and brings I believe a testimonial with him. He has met with disappointments in the world, and goes out to be overseer to some gentleman’s plantation.――I believe he would be glad to be introduced to some of our religious friends. I write this from Wales, where I am come to attend on a quarterly association. Yesterday I left Bristol, where great multitudes came to hear, and the arm of the LORD was revealed. Next week, GOD willing, I purpose to return to London, and after a short stay there, to go into the West and other parts of England. I believe that Ireland and Scotland must be left till next Spring. I am as well in health as I have been for a long while; and GOD is pleased to give me the affections of his people, in a manner I dared not expect. But is there any thing too hard for the LORD? You will continue to pray for me. I expect a loving, chiding letter from you. I have several things to send you, and at present can only beg you and all friends to accept of my hearty love and thanks, and subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and servant in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCLIX
To Mr. Wm. G――――.
Waterford, August 3, 1748.
My dear little Man,
I Do not forget the promise I made you when in town. As a proof of it, I snatch a few moments to send you a line. How will it find you? May I answer for you? Upon the stretch for GOD, and giving diligence to make your calling and election sure. O that there may be always in you such a mind! You know how many once did run well; but the devil and the world working upon their wicked hearts, have hindered them. Alas! how is their gold become dim, and their fine gold changed! Let him that thinketh he stands take heed lest he fall. Be jealous of yourself, and hang continually on the LORD JESUS. You are now growing up, and are about to launch into a wicked world. You know how strangely satan will tempt you to love it. Nothing can keep you, but the mighty power of GOD. Ask, and you shall have it exerted in your behalf. I could enlarge, but have not time. Perhaps next week I may be in London. The LORD JESUS has blessed my being in the country. The fields are white, ready unto harvest. My love to your sister. May she be a Ruth. For the present I must bid you farewel, after having subscribed myself,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCLX
To the Reverend Mr. M――――.
Mitchel-Dean, August 6, 1748.
THOUGH I am now upon the road in my way to Gloucester, yet I cannot help dropping you a few lines. Excess of business, not want of respect, has prevented my writing to you before. You, and yours, and all my dear Scotch friends, have been, still are, and by the grace of GOD always will be much upon my heart. I long to hear that their souls prosper. Perhaps next Spring I may pay them another visit. The remainder of this year must be spent in visiting England and Wales. Blessed be GOD, there is a prospect of a revival where I have been already, at London, Bristol, and Wales, from whence I am just now come. Our LORD hath been pleased to lift up the light of his countenance upon his poor people. I beg, reverend Sir, the continuance of your prayers, that I may be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD. At present, through grace, I am willing to spend and be spent for the good of precious and immortal souls. My native air seems to improve my health, and I trust ere long I shall be lively and strong as an eagle. I suppose you have heard that the word of the LORD has been glorified in Bermudas. In a short time, I hope the adjacent islands will know what it is to feel the sun of righteousness arising with healing under his wings.
Blest is faith that trusts his power, Blest are saints that wait his hour; Haste, great conqueror, bring it near; Let the glorious close appear.
Reverend Sir, I could write more; but must away. I beg my most cordial respects may be accepted by your whole fire-side and all friends. I intend writing to dear Mr. M―――― soon. In the mean while, I must haste to subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged younger brother, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCLXI
To Lady H――――.
London, August 10, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THIS morning, just after I had begun to put pen to paper, a friend told me, that since I had been in the country, a letter had been sent me by a lady out of Scotland. I opened it, and with a pleasing surprize found it was from your Ladyship, to whom I was then writing. Blessed be GOD, that your soul, honoured Madam, is yet held in life! I hope it does and will prosper; and however others may grow lukewarm and lose their first love, yet you will say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” By four years fresh experience, I find that this indeed, in every respect, is the whole of man. O how good has the blessed Redeemer been both to my soul and body! Out of how many and great deaths has he delivered me! And yet, honoured Madam, vile as I am, he is pleased still to honour me. Multitudes flock to hear the word, and our LORD is pleased to administer seed to the sower. Early in the Spring, GOD willing, do I purpose to visit dear Scotland once more. That the LORD of all Lords may abundantly bless your Ladyship, and all your connections in this and a better world, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXII
To the Reverend Mr. J――――.
London, August 11, 1748.
My very dear Mr. J――――,
YOUR kind letter, which I received but yesterday, having been taking a little tour in the country, both grieved and pleased me. Glad was I to find, that my dear old friend had not forgotten me, and yet sorry as it were, that I had not wrote to him first. I was just going to put pen to paper, when yours was brought to my hands. I read it with joy, and now embrace the first opportunity of answering it with the greatest pleasure. These words concerning our LORD have always been weighty on my heart, “Having loved his own, he loved them unto the end.” They therefore that are most like him, will be most steady in their friendship, and not very readily given to change. O my dear Sir, what has the Redeemer done for us since we used to take such sweet counsel together at Oxford! Blessed be his name for giving you a heart still to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of CHRIST. May you go on and prosper, and, maugre all opposition, see Dagon fall every where before the ark. As for me, I am a poor worthless pilgrim, and thought long ere now to be with him, who has loved and given himself for me.――But it seems I am not yet to die, but live. O that it may be to declare the work of the LORD! I think this is the thirteenth province I have been in within this twelvemonth, in each of which our LORD has been pleased to set his seal to my unworthy ministry. I came from Bermudas last, where I left many souls seeking after JESUS of Nazareth. In London, Bristol, Gloucester, and Wales, the glorious Emmanuel, since my arrival, has appeared to his people. In about a fortnight I purpose leaving town again in order to go a circuit of about five hundred miles. I need not desire you to pray for me; I need not tell you how glad I shall be whenever opportunity offers, to see you face to face. In the mean while, let us correspond by letter. May JESUS bless it to us both! I return cordial respects to Lady M――――. I pray the LORD to bless her and her little nursery. For the present adieu. I am, my very dear Mr. J――――,
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCLXIII
To Mr. S――――.
London, August 16, 1748.
Dear Sir,
GLAD shall I be to have the pleasure of your dining with me on Thursday between twelve and one. If you please, you may leave your chaise and horses at the other end of the town, and ride to my lodgings in an hackney coach. Or if you choose to come in your chaise, we have inns near at hand. I shall devote Thursday afternoon to you; and if you please to stay the evening and hear me preach, and then sup and take a bed at our house afterwards, I shall be much obliged to you. You need only enquire for the tabernacle new house near Moorfields. I hope matters will be so ordered, that you will be solus cum solo. I pity persons in your circumstances, and humbly hope that you will be one of Nicodemus’s children every way. You know, though he came by night at first, yet afterwards he was as bold as a lion. Go on, dear Sir: “To him that hath, shall be given.” CHRIST will not quench the smoaking flax, nor break the bruised reed. That his love may be shed abroad in your heart, that you may be enabled to confess him before men, and be confessed by him before his Father and the holy angels in heaven, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, and willing servant for JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCLXIV
To Lord ――――.
London August 19, 1748.
My Lord,
THOUGH I expect to be in Scotland in about three weeks, yet I cannot defer writing to your Lordship any longer. I hope this will find your worthy lady trampling upon the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, and steadily pursuing the one thing needful. I doubt not but you both have found, that the Redeemer’s service has been perfect freedom, and that in keeping of his commandments there is even a present great reward. Blessed be GOD, I can say so by happy and repeated experience. The blessed JESUS is pleased still to own and bless my poor labours, and gives me encouragement to go on fighting his battles. My outward man decays; but I trust I shall die in the field of battle. I want to learn what it is to be a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. I could enlarge, but multiplicity of business obliges me to be brief. I hope my most dutiful respects will find acceptance with good Lady ――――, Lady ――――, and all your Lordship’s fire side.――That you all may be filled with the fulness of GOD, is the hearty prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obliged, obedient servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXV
To Mr. B――――.
London, August 20, 1748.
My very dear Brother,
I Thank you for your kind letter. It was put into my hands just as I was leaving Bristol, and ever since, I have been so busy, that till now I could not redeem a few moments to answer it. I am glad that you, and the dear brethren you mentioned, are so well and happy. They are my old hearty friends as well as you. I salute them tenderly, and long for that time when we shall all surround the throne, and throw our crowns before the Lamb who sitteth thereon for ever. There we shall be all unisons: there we shall have clear heads, and perfectly clean and purified hearts. Till then we must agree, to disagree in many things, except to love and serve him, who loved us and gave himself for us, who has redeemed us unto GOD by his blood, hath made us kings and priests unto GOD, and enables us to reign over sin, death, and hell, even whilst we are here on earth. O glorious mystery! Well may the angels desire to look into it. I could enlarge, but other affairs of our LORD’s kingdom call me away. For the present, adieu. I return your cordial salutations in the heartiest manner. If our LORD should call me to Wiltshire, I would come and see you. At present I am bound to Scotland. I trust we can say, JESUS is with us here. That he may be evermore with you and all his sincere followers, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in him that was dead, but is alive again, and liveth for evermore, G. W.
Letter DCLXVI
To Lady H――――.
August 21, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
I Received your Ladyship’s letter late last night, and write this to inform your Ladyship that I am quite willing to comply with your invitation. As I am to preach, GOD willing, at St. Bartholomew’s on Wednesday evening, I will wait upon your Ladyship the next morning, and spend the whole day at Chelsea. Blessed be GOD, that the rich and great begin to have an hearing ear. I think it is a good sign that our LORD intends to give to some at least, an obedient heart. Surely your Ladyship and Madam E―――― are only the first fruits. May you increase and multiply! I believe you will. How wonderfully does our Redeemer deal with souls. If they will hear the gospel only under a cieled roof, ministers shall be sent to them there. If only in a church, or a field, they shall have it there. A word in the lesson, when I was last at your Ladyship’s, struck me. “Paul preached privately to those that were of reputation.” This must be the way I presume of dealing with the nobility, who yet know not the LORD. O that I may be enabled, when called to preach to any of them, so to preach as to win their souls to the blessed JESUS! I know your Ladyship will pray that it may be so. As for my poor prayers, such as they are, your Ladyship hath them every day. That the blessed JESUS may make your Ladyship happily instrumental in bringing many of the noble and mighty to the saving knowledge of his eternal Self, and water your own soul every moment, is the continual request of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXVII
To Judge B――――.
London, August 22, 1748.
Honoured Sir,
I Think it is now high time for me to send you a line of thanks, for the favours you was pleased to confer on me when at the Bermudas. They are not, and I trust never will be forgotten by me, whilst I am on this side eternity. The same good hand that was with me abroad, hath safely brought, and since my arrival blessed me much at home. I am daily employed in that delightful work of preaching to poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. Once a week I read prayers and preach in one of the largest of the London churches. Multitudes flock there and in the fields, and I trust much good is done to many. I have been lately a three hundred mile circuit, and purpose, GOD willing, to set out for Scotland in about eight days. At my return, I hope to hear by some ship or another that all is well at Bermudas. I beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with his Excellency. I endeavoured to be as obliging as I could to his lady and little master, whom I suppose the Governor will have heard from before this comes to hand. I have taken the freedom to send him a volume of my sermons. I intend writing to Colonel H―――― another opportunity. I have sent to Colonel G―――― and some others already. Multiplicity of business prevents my writing to more at present. Be pleased however to present my most cordial respects to him and his family, to your whole fire side, and all enquiring friends. I hope you will accept the same yourself, from, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXVIII
To Captain J―――― D――――.
London, August 22, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
I Have already written to you and other friends since my arrival at London. With this, I send a box of books to be disposed of among my dear Bermudas acquaintance. To some I have affixed their names, and lest I should have forgotten any (as undoubtedly I have, being so much hurried) I have sent half a dozen of my volumes of twenty three sermons, to be disposed of with the small tracts, as you shall think proper. I begin now to expect the Diana, or some other ship, to bring me an account of the welfare of you and my other beloved friends. A sense of your manifold kindnesses lies yet upon my heart, and I always endeavour to remember them before Him, who has promised that a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple, shall in no wise lose its reward. Had I time equal to my will, I would write many letters, but a variety of business prevents. Be pleased therefore to beg my friends to accept general thanks and cordial salutations. In a few days I purpose setting out for Scotland, and hope to return to America next year. But future things belong to GOD. A wide scene opens here, and I would willingly be disposed of as seemeth best to my heavenly Father. To his tender and never-failing mercy, do I earnestly commend you and dear Mrs. D――――, your little ones, all your relations, and the whole circle of my friends. That you may be blessed with all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, is the hearty desire and continual prayer of, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXIX
To Mr. ――――.
London, August 22, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
IF any thing I have said or written has been made any way serviceable to your better part, I thank the LORD of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever. I trust the language of my heart towards JESUS CHRIST, is this:
If thou excuse, then work thy will, By so unfit an instrument; It will at once thy goodness shew, And prove thy power omnipotent.
I thank you, dear Sir, for your concern about my health. If it should please GOD to bring me back from Scotland to winter in town, I have thoughts of submitting to some regimen or another. At present I think it impracticable. On Tuesday, GOD willing, I purpose to set out, and to go by the way of York. I suppose it will be about a two months circuit. My journals, and last five sermons, I shall send to Mr. D――――, with the journal that I have corrected. Alas, dear Sir, so many things want altering, that what you propose for Andrew to do, would be for him a too laborious task. I heartily wish that you and doctor D―――― and Mr. H―――― would be pleased to revise them. I intend publishing a new edition soon. Mr. H―――― is of a different opinion from Dr. D―――― concerning the seventh of the Romans. Adhuc sub judice lis est. I always do as you desire in respect to Mr. W――――’s sermons. My prayer for him, for myself, and friends, is this; “LORD, give us clear heads and clean hearts.” I would recommend bishop Beveridge’s sermons more, but they are too voluminous for the common people, and I have not read them all. I expect you will do this yourself, dear Sir, by and by, from the pulpit, and what is more, recommend his and your master to the choice of poor sinners. You have now by your excellent letter publickly confessed him. The eyes of all will be now upon you, to see whether the truths you have delivered to others, are transcribed into your own heart and copied in your life. Now indeed may you cry,
O for a strong, a lasting faith! To credit what the Almighty saith!
Now the language of your soul should be, “how holy ought I to be in all manner of conversation and godliness.” Now, dear Sir, let me entreat you to keep from trimming, or so much as attempting to reconcile two irreconcilable differences, GOD and the world, CHRIST and Belial. You know me too well to suppose I want you to turn cynic. No, live a social life. But then, dear Sir, beg of the LORD JESUS to free you from the love of the world; thence, thence arises that fear of man which now so shackles and disturbs your soul. Dare, dear Sir, to be singularly good. If CHRIST be your Saviour, make him a present of your pretty character. Honour him, and he will honour you. He indulges you much, and gently leads you on. Let the same love constrain you, dear Sir, to press forwards, and never rest till you can give up children, name, life, and all into his hands who gave his precious blood for you. I could enlarge, but am called away. I make no apology for this; you say you are my friend.――Accept this, dear Sir, as a token of my believing you sincere in that profession, from
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXX
To Lady H――――.
London, August 22, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
EVER since the reading your Ladyship’s condescending letter, my soul (as indeed through grace it was in a degree before) has been overpowered with his presence, who is All in All. When your Ladyship stiled me “your friend,” I was amazed at your condescension. But when I thought that JESUS was my friend, it quite overcame me, and made me to lie prostrate before him, crying, Why me, why me? I just now rose from the ground, after praying the LORD of all Lords to water your soul, honoured madam, every moment. As there seems to be a door opening for the nobility to hear the gospel, I will defer my journey till Thursday, and, GOD willing, preach at your Ladyship’s on Tuesday. In the mean while I will wait upon or send to the Count the Danish embassador’s brother, who favours me with his company on Monday to dine. On Monday morning from nine to near eleven I will be at your Ladyship’s, and wait to know your order concerning Tuesday. O that GOD may be with and make me humble! I am ashamed to think your Ladyship will admit me under your roof, much more am I amazed that the LORD JESUS will make use of such a creature as I am. Under a sense of this, I write to your Ladyship now. It is late, and my poor body calls to rest. But as I am to preach four times to-morrow, I thought it my duty to send these few lines to your Ladyship to night. Quite astonished at your Ladyship’s condescension, and the unmerited superabounding grace and goodness of Him who has loved me and given himself for me, I subscribe myself, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, humble and willing servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXXI
To Lady H――――.
London, Sept. 1, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
ALTHOUGH it is time for me to be setting out, yet I dare not leave town without dropping a few lines, gratefully to acknowledge the many favours I have received from your Ladyship, especially the honour you have done me in making me one of your Ladyship’s chaplains. A sense of it humbles me, and makes me to pray more intensely for more grace, to walk more worthy of that GOD, who has called me to his kingdom and glory. As your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on me the honour before mentioned, I shall think it my duty to send you weekly accounts of what the LORD JESUS is pleased to do for and by me. Glory be to his great Name, the prospect is promising. My Lord Bath received me yesterday morning very cordially, and would give me five guineas for the orphans, though I refused taking any thing for the books. I send your Ladyship (by the hands of faithful and honest Betty W――――) a little box of my sermons, and the last account of GOD’s dealing with me, and of the money expended for the Orphan-house, with my oath before the magistrates of Savannah. The little book in marble paper is for Madam P――――: I have folded down where I would have her begin to read. What a lovely christian will she make, when grace hath once refined her heart? I hope GOD intends to honour your Ladyship in making you instrumental of doing good to the nobility. His providence, his peculiar providence hath placed your Ladyship at Chelsea. I am persuaded your Ladyship will not quit that post, till he that hath placed you there, plainly gives you a dismission. I have good news to-day from Bristol. Mr. C―――― intends to be fettered no longer with the fear of man. O that there may be always in him such a mind! Mr. L――――, he informs me too, is coming from under the cloud. He begs his dutiful respects may be presented to your Ladyship, and is much obliged to your Ladyship for being so much concerned for him. I hope he will fix by and by: But whither am I running? Pardon me, honoured madam, I fear I am too bold and too long. Upon the road, I propose writing your Ladyship my thoughts of what scheme seems to be most practicable, in order to carry on the work of GOD, both here and in America. I dare add no more but my hearty prayers for the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship, and whole houshold, and subscribe myself, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXXII
To the Rev. Mr. J―――― W――――.
London, Sept. 1, 1748.
Rev. and dear Sir,
MY not meeting you at London has been a disappointment to me. But our LORD orders all things well. His time is and will be best. I suppose you will hear of my preaching to some of the nobility, and I trust the hour is coming when some of the Mighty and Noble shall be called. What have you thought about an union? I am afraid an external one is impracticable. I find by your sermons, that we differ in principles more than I thought, and I believe we are upon two different plans. My attachment to America will not permit me to abide very long in England; consequently, I should but weave a Penelope’s webb, if I formed societies; and if I should form them, I have not proper assistants to take care of them. I intend therefore to go about preaching the gospel to every creature. You, I suppose, are for settling societies every where; but more of this when we meet. I can now only say a few general things. I hope you don’t forget to pray for me. You are always remembered by, Reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXXIII
To Mr. J―――― W――――.
London, Sept. 1, 1748.
My very dear Brother,
YOUR kind letter I received with great satisfaction. I chearfully sit down to answer it before I set out for Scotland. I have been a mile or two upon the road, but turned back because my chaise was not registered. My hands have been full of work, and I have been among great company. A privy counsellor of the king of Denmark, and others, with one of the Prince of Wales’s favourites, dined and drank tea with me on Monday. On Tuesday I preached twice at Lady Huntingdon’s to several of the nobility. In the morning the Earl of Chesterfield was present. In the evening Lord B――――. All behaved quite well, and were in some degree affected. Lord C―――― thanked me, and said, “Sir, I will not tell you what I shall tell others, how I approve of you,” or words to this purpose. He conversed with me freely afterwards. Lord B―――― was much moved, and desired I would come and see him the next morning. I did; and his Lordship behaved with great candour and frankness. All accepted of my sermons, and seemed surprized but pleased. Thus, my dear brother, the world turns round. “In all time of my wealth, good LORD deliver me!” Glad am I, for his own sake, that dear Mr. C―――― begins to resolve to play the man. Alas! a ♦trimming conduct is uncomfortable to one’s self, displeasing to CHRIST, and ridiculous in the sight of the world. CHRIST is worth all, or he is worth nothing. May the LORD enable me to be simple, and honest, and open in all my dealings, and to trust him with the consequences. I have ever yet found, that honesty is the best policy in the end. O that dear Mr. L―――― may at length show himself a man too! My dear, very dear brother, may you lose no more time, but join in confessing a crucified Saviour. Glad am I to find that Mr. C――――’s conversation is blest to you. I wish you had always a christian fidus achates at your side. Pardon me, dear brother, this freedom. My love is so great to you, and I have put up so many prayers for you, that I cannot rest till you improve those excellent parts GOD has given you, for the glory of his church and the good of his people. I am glad you will send something to our mother. I need not tell you, that the wisest of men has bid us “not to despise one’s mother, when she is old.” I thank you for the pictures; I have made free with some of them already. I shall not be sorry, if you do not go to Gloucester. Alas, so much money spent at music-meetings will make but a poor article at the day of judgment. But where does my affection carry me? My dear brother, good night. GOD willing, you shall hear from me soon again; if you do not answer me immediately, I will impute it to any thing rather than want of love; that, I am sure, is strong towards me, however unworthy of it. GOD has blessed me much in London. Congregations are very large. On Sunday I was enabled to preach four times: but this body――Well! thanks be to GOD, it is soon to be put off. Once more good night. My love to all friends. I am
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
♦ “triming” replaced with “trimming”
Letter DCLXXIV
To Mr. S――――.
Oulney, (Northamptonshire) Sept. 4, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
IT was a pleasing surprize to me last week, to receive a letter dated in July from my dear, very dear friend Mr. S―――― of New-England. I left town yesterday, but having an immediate opportunity of sending, by way of Philadelphia, I now sit down to write your answer. Poor New-England! I pity and pray for thee from my inmost soul. May GOD arise, and scatter thy enemies! may those that hate thee be made to flee before thee! I am afraid the scene will be yet darker. But you know it is always darkest before day-break. It has been so in England. Matters, as to religion, were come to almost an extremity. The enemy had indeed broken in upon us like a flood. The spirit of the LORD is now lifting up a standard. The prospect of the success of the gospel, I think, was never more promising. In the church, tabernacle, and fields, congregations have been great, and perhaps as great power as ever hath accompanied the word. A door is also opening for the mighty and noble. I have preached four times to several of the nobility at good Lady H――――’s. All behaved exceeding well, and I suppose in the winter opportunities of preaching to them will be frequent. May the LORD prepare me for whatever he has prepared for me! As for returning to America, if I live, I believe there’s no doubt of it. I intend keeping myself free from societies, and therefore I hope to see you again next year. But future things belong to GOD. I thank you and dear Mr. R―――― for your kind invitation. May the LORD direct to what is best! I hope you will continue to write. Pray read, seal and send the inclosed. You will communicate so much of this letter as may be proper. O dear Sir, pray for me, that the glorious Emmanuel may give me humility, and lead me on from conquering to conquer. You must remember me to dear Mrs. S―――― and all in the kindest manner, and entreat them to continue their prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours as usual, G. W.
Letter DCLXXV
To Mr. R――――.
Oulney, Sept. 4, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
THOUGH I am on my journey to Scotland, yet I must stop a little by the way to answer your kind letter dated in July last. It brought strange things to my ears, and it made me smile. You know, dear Sir, what has often passed between you and me, upon that point, loving honour. Some persons being forced as it were to accept of government places, are like other persons saying nolo episcopare, when, it may be, they have been making interest for a bishoprick many years. You know how to make the application. However, GOD may over-rule this for good, and if you could get the government of ―――― (though in asking for it, you know not what you ask) it might be of service to New-England many ways. But, dear Sir, what can I do in it? I have no interest at court, and supposing I had, you have directed me to no means, neither hath any person been with me concerning it. Be pleased therefore to inform me of particulars. Let Mr. S―――― instruct me what steps are to be taken, and if I can be of any service, you may command me. I thank you, dear Sir, for your kind invitation, and if you are to be exalted, I pray the LORD of all Lords to fit and qualify you for, and support you under it. You will not forget to give my most cordial salutations to all my dear New-England friends. I pray for them, you, and yours, and am, very dear Sir, with repeated thanks for all favours,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXXVI
To the Rev. Mr. L――――.
Doncaster, Sept. 7, 1748.
Rev. and dear Sir,
OUR last short interview at Stone-house pleased me. I hope it foreboded something good. I told you the truth when I said, “I had not forgotten you.” No, neither have I been suffered to think hardly of you for your shyness to unworthy me; only I have thought you were loosing time, and for fear of displeasing a few mortal men, had acted a part displeasing to the invisible, immortal, and only wise GOD. Good Sir John Philips used to call you sincere. I believe that is your right name. I cannot help thinking but you will prove it to be so ere long. That love which JESUS shed abroad in your heart years ago, must constrain you to confess him before man. The light which the LORD hath imparted to you, cannot, I am persuaded, be much longer hid under a bushel. The shackles with which you have been fettered, must be shaken off, or I am much mistaken in the dear man to whom I am writing. ――Pardon me, my dear old friend. My heart at present overflows with love towards you. Though weary and on a journey, I cannot help writing to you. Fear not temporal support. Though I went without scrip or shoe, I have lacked nothing; or if I had nothing; in JESUS I have possessed all things. I do not envy those who choose to sleep in a whole skin. Let me have scars, so that they are scars of honour, scars for JESUS CHRIST. I know who will approve of them, when he comes to judgment. O that day! that awful day! GOD enable us so to act, that we may receive an Euge bone! Out of the fulness of my heart I write thus. I am now on my way to Scotland. The LORD JESUS hath blessed me in London. As soon as possible I intend calling upon you. If you have a mind to renew our old delightful christian correspondence, I am quite willing. I wish you and yours the best of blessings, and am, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCLXXVII
To Mr. S――――.
Morpeth, (Northumberland,) Sept. 10, 1748.
Dear Mr. S――――,
TILL now I have not had time to answer your kind letter, and now I am too weary to send you a long one. I thank you for your good wishes and prayers. May they enter into the ears of the LORD of Sabaoth! Hitherto, GOD has been pleased to bless me since my arrival. Let the LORD’s people continue to hold up their hands, and by his divine assistance I will go on fighting till I drop. I am now on my way to Scotland. I know you wish me good luck in the name of the LORD. When providence opens a door, I shall be glad to embrace.――In the mean while, pray remember me to all in the kindest manner. As for your call to preach, I can say nothing, being a stranger to you. Only I would observe to you what the apostle says, “Not a novice, &c.”――You know what follows. If you chuse proper seasons, and keep within the bounds of humility and christian prudence, I pray the LORD to be with and bless you. I can now add no more, but subscribe myself
Your affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXXVIII
To Mr. T――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 15, 1748.
Dear Mr. T――――,
ERE this can reach London, you will find that I have forgot not my promise. No, I love thee too well to do so. Thanks be to GOD, that you begin to awake out of your dream. It has been a dream, though a golden pleasing one. If all was right, such darkness would never come and abide upon your soul. Come, play the man, and, if called to it, leave a worm for GOD. You are not the first that have been called to part with what was as dear as their own souls, or that have seen their beloved object in the possession of another. Better see that, than enjoy the object with guilt upon the mind. How did Jacob smart, all his life-time afterwards, for getting the blessing by a lie? The way of duty is the way of safety. I write this on supposition that your father will be against your proceeding. You will let me know what he says: In the mean while, as our LORD enables, I will pray for you. May the LORD JESUS give us a right judgment in all things! But enough of this. You see the bishop’s charge has turned out as I supposed. Who could imagine otherwise? LORD, humble thy people for giving such wrong touches to the ark! LORD, keep me from doing so any more! O for zeal according to knowledge! O for grace and wisdom to act aright! Yesterday GOD brought me safe here, and I have been received very kindly. This afternoon I am to preach. The effects of it you may know hereafter. For the present, adieu. I recommend you to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to raise you when fallen; and subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXXIX
To the Reverend Mr. B――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 16, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
ON Thursday noon, through the providence of a good and gracious GOD, I came hither, where I have met with an hearty welcome. Last night I preached to a Moorfields congregation for numbers, and the LORD, I believe, was pleased to give it his blessing. I have had the pleasure of hearing, that a serjeant of a regiment, awakened when I was here last, held on, and held out, and died rejoicing; and likewise of several others, who are gone before us to inherit the promises. May the LORD awaken fresh souls to supply their places. I trust he will. I was also much delighted last night, to hear there were so many christian soldiers among the king’s forces that came from Flanders. A young christian lady, under whose roof they were, told me, that some or other of them were continually praying to, and wrestling with GOD. If any of them return to England, I doubt not but Col. G――――y will find them out. I intend writing to him soon, and hope to send our good lady some glad tidings next week. In the mean while, pray present my most dutiful respects to her Ladyship. I hope all is well in London. The bishop’s death, I suppose, will prevent any further stir about Bartholomew. I shall be glad to hear how you go on. Pray, dear Sir, how are your circumstances? You will not be offended if I inform you, that more than one have informed me of your being in debt to several. I thought it my duty to apprize you of it, because I know what a burden it is to be in debt; not indeed for myself, but for others. I make no apology for this; you know it must proceed from love. I wish you the very best of blessings, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXXX
To Mr. S―――― W――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 19, 1748.
My very dear Mr. W――――,
SHALL I promise, and not perform? GOD forbid! Glad am I, yea very glad to open a fresh correspondence with a dear old friend, with whom I have often taken such sweet counsel. O my dear man, how patient, how long-suffering has the blessed JESUS been towards us! Ought not his love to constrain us to obedience? Ought we not to confess him, who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself for us? For my part, when I think that the glorious Emmanuel endured the pain, and despised the shame of dying upon a cursed tree for me, I cannot help saying,
For this let men revile my name, No cross I’d shun, I’d fear no shame; All hail reproach, and welcome pain, Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain.
Glory be to GOD, I have hitherto found that the cross of JESUS has been lined with love. This has made it easy; this even now makes it exceeding light. I fear prosperity more than affliction; and though there is but little danger perhaps of my being exalted in this world, yet the language of my soul is, “In all time of my wealth, good LORD deliver me.” May the LORD keep you, my dear friend, by his mighty power through faith! He has entrusted you with many talents; may you occupy them till he come! I hope he will bless your conversation to those who are yet but weak in the faith, and who cannot, through love of the world, or fear of man, as yet bear much contempt. My service to Messrs. B―――― and M――――, when you see them. My prayer for you all is, that you may be good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. I am fighting for him here. Vast multitudes come to hear; but what good is done, cannot yet be determined. Many of my dear friends are gone to glory, I purpose being in town about the time appointed. I know you will pray for me. Whether absent or present, assure yourself you are never forgotten by, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXI
To the Countess of H――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 20, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
I Suppose, ere this can reach you, your Ladyship will have heard of my being arrived at Edinburgh, and of another particular or two mentioned in Mr. B――――’s letter. This brings your Ladyship an account of very great multitudes flocking to hear the word; but with what success it is attended, I cannot yet tell. Upon my first coming, I was somewhat discouraged at hearing of the death of many of my valuable and leading friends, and of others losing their first love. Besides, the weather was boisterous, some ministers shy, and GOD was pleased to visit me with a great hoarseness. But the prospect is now more pleasant; and I trust, ere I leave Scotland, your Ladyship will have some good news from a far country. Inclosed your Ladyship has an extract of a letter sent from London to a pious gentlewoman here: I wish part of the contents may not prove, like the bishop of E――――’s charge,――mere imaginary. May GOD hasten the time, when more of the mighty and noble shall be called, and made to stoop to the Redeemer’s sceptre! It is now growing late. That your Ladyship and family may be filled with all the fulness of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXII
To Mr. H――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 21, 1748.
AND could my very dear Mr. H―――― think, that when he was out of sight he was out of mind? No, my dear friend, I believe it will never be so with you and me. By this time, I hope Mr. D――――’s letter from Bermudas, or the letters sent you from thence by way of Philadelphia, will inform you, that I wrote several parting letters to you and many other friends, and sent you bills of exchange to the amount of eighty pounds sterling; but, with my letter, books, and several other things, I find they are taken. Of this Mr. D―――― writes me lately. As there is now peace, and a commerce opened with Spain, I hope the new settlers will be disturbed no more. Courage, my dear man, courage. Surely we shall yet live to see the salvation of GOD in Georgia. I am glad Mr. Fairweather hath been at Bethesda. Whatever has happened, do your best for me in respect to my family. Next year you may see me again. But more of this hereafter. The LORD is exceeding good to me. Great things are doing in England; and the LORD is blessing me more and more in Scotland. This morning, I hear a gentlewoman has left me an hundred pounds. If so, fifty shall be paid for you on the Orphan-house account, to Mr. N――――, and as much more as I can spare, as soon as possible.――I have paid Mr. J―――― thirty pounds sterling. But what does my wife tell me in her letter received this day, about your losing some favourite creature? Is it your wife, or your little daughter? Well, my dear friend, you and I must be made perfect through sufferings; you and I must learn to walk by faith. May the Father of Mercies comfort your heart, and abundantly supply the want of every creature, by communications from his own eternal Self. O pray write to me. Let me bear part of your sorrows, and thereby shew myself your friend. If my wife is embarked ere this arrives, I beg you would open all parcels that are sent to your care, and act as usual for my family. My tender love to all. You will not cease praying, dear Mr. H――――, for
Ever yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCLXXXIII
To Mr. S――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 23, 1748.
My dear Brother S――――,
HOW good is GOD! Well may you say, that he never fails those that put their trust in him. How does he make my extremity his opportunity to help and relieve me. If the news about the legacy be true, I hope it will increase my faith, and make me more willing to be upon the stretch for Him, who was stretched upon the accursed tree for me. I thank you for sending my letters. My wife proposes to embark for England in October. The climate will not agree with her. The physicians advise her to come over, and she entreats all friends to pray for her safe passage to England. Affairs here have now a comfortable aspect. I think more people than ever come to hear, and their hearts begin to be warm. Continue to write. My love to all. The not sending the late published account of the Orphan-house, has been of disservice to me. When will the children of light be as wise in their generation as the children of the world? I can now no more, but am, my dear Sir,
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXIV
To Colonel G――――ly.
Edinburgh, Sept. 23, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
EVER since I have been in Edinburgh, I have been attempting to write to you, but could not effect it till now. Though I am absent from, yet I am present with you. I hope this will find you fighting the good fight of faith, and in every respect behaving like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. The news of your conversion hath reached the ears of many of the great ones in Scotland. May the LORD JESUS keep you stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in his work. The way you know. A constant looking up to the author and finisher of our faith, and watching unto prayer with all perseverance, will keep the soul steady amidst all the temptations of a malicious devil, and ensnaring world. O for grace and zeal to endure unto the end! Finis coronat opus. I could say much, but company waits for me. Vast multitudes come to hear, and I trust much good is done. Good Lady H―――― has an extract of a letter from a soldier, which will please you. Here are two devout soldiers in Edinburgh. May the LORD JESUS add more to his church of such converts as may be saved! You will not forget to pray for me. That you may increase with all the increase of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, &c. G. W.
Letter DCLXXXV
To Mr. H――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.
My very dear Mr. H――――,
YOU are every day upon my heart. I must not, I cannot refrain writing to you any longer. How do you? Old love revives in my heart towards you, because, I trust, love to the blessed JESUS begins to revive in your heart. May the glorious Emmanuel fan the divine spark, till it break out into a holy blaze! Do not lose one moment more, my dear Sir: let this be the language of your soul continually,
Be gone, vain world, my heart resign, For I will be no longer thine: A nobler a diviner guest Now takes possession of my breast.
It pleases me to think, how loud you and I shall sing of infinite, free, and unchangeable love in heaven; for because GOD changeth not, therefore you and I have not been consumed. O pleasant, transporting thought! What a saviour is JESUS of Nazareth! How precious was his blood! How profusely, as it were, was it shed for sinners! That you and yours may every moment feel its pardoning, renovating, cleansing, and purifying power, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXVI
To Mr. S――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.
My very Dear Sir,
I Have been in pain because your kind letter has lain by me so long unanswered.――Nothing but a variety of other necessary business has been the cause. My hands are full, and I trust the pleasure of the LORD will prosper in them. Very great multitudes have flocked to hear; and in Glasgow the prospect of doing good is rather more promising than in Edinburgh. In a fortnight I purpose, GOD willing, to leave Scotland, and to preach at Oundle in my way to London. Glad shall I be to see two such friends as you and Mr. H――――, though incog. I will endeavour to send you timely notice. I would have neither of you expose yourselves to needless contempt upon my account. I think I can say, that I am willing to be forgotten even by my friends, if JESUS CHRIST may thereby be exalted. But then, I would not have my friends act an inconsistent part towards that friend of all, that friend of sinners, the glorious Emmanuel. You know, my dear Sir, what an inspired apostle hath asserted: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Whilst you are afraid of men, you will expose yourself to a thousand inconveniences. Your polite company, (unless you converse with them more as their physician, than as their companion) will prevail on you to such compliances, as will make you smart when you retire into your closet, and reflect on the part you have acted. Before I shook off the world, often have I come out of company, shorn of all my strength, like poor Sampson when he had lost his locks! But this is a tender point. Go on, dear Sir, and prove the strength of JESUS to be yours. Continue instant in prayer, and you shall see and feel infinitely greater things than you have seen or felt yet. I am of your opinion, that there is seed sown in England, which will in time grow up into a great tree. GOD’s giving some of the mighty and noble a hearing ear, forebodes future good. I do not despair, if I live, of seeing you a proclaimer of the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. GOD be praised, that Mr. H―――― is so bold an advocate for his blessed LORD. I send him my most affectionate respects, and entreat him to remember me in his prayers. I wrote to Mr. H―――― lately. I herewith send you an extract of a letter I wrote on ship-board to my dear invaluable friend Mr. S――――, of South-Carolina. If it was judged proper, I would put it in the preface of a new edition of my Journals. I would not have any of my mistakes remain uncensured, uncorrected. I thank you for your hint about my way of preaching. I shall take care to observe it. And now, dear Sir, for the present, adieu. I am afraid I have tired you. I shall be fond of seeing you at London. Rejoicing in the prospect of seeing you in the kingdom of heaven, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
LETTER [♦DCLXXXVI.]
To Mr. K――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.
Dear Sir,
WHEN I was the other day at Edinburgh, your aged father communicated a letter to me, which gave an account of your being translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of GOD’s dear Son. As the news rejoiced the hearts of angels in heaven, no wonder that it gives satisfaction to those who desire to follow the blessed JESUS here on earth. Hoping that I am one of those, and being willing to promote his glorious gospel in every part of the world, I write you this letter at a venture, to wish you joy of your happy change, and to exhort you with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the LORD. The more you know of Wisdom’s ways, the more you will find them to be ways of pleasantness. The more you know of the blessed JESUS, the more you will find that his yoke is easy, and his burden exceeding light. Go on then, dear Sir: be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS, and learn to endure hardness like a good soldier. Who knows what the LORD may do by you in the dark parts where you are? Much good has been done among the soldiers in Flanders. What GOD has done for your soul, I trust is only an earnest of what he intends to do for others in St. Helena. I salute your companion very heartily. I wish you both much prosperity in the LORD. You shall have the prayers of as many as I can engage for you. Remember our LORD’s promise. Where there are only two or three gathered together in his name, there is he in the midst of them. Though you have not public ordinances, yet if the GOD of ordinances be with you, there will be no room for complaint. If I can any way be instrumental of promoting the blessed work begun among you, you may readily command, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ Number “DCLXXXVI.” was also used for the previous letter.
Letter DCLXXXVII
To Mrs. E――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.
Dear Madam,
ALTHOUGH I fear it may be taking too much freedom, yet as I humbly hope that the love of GOD is shed abroad in your heart, I trust you will not be offended at my sending you these few lines. They are lines of joy; for who can help rejoicing that hears what the blessed JESUS hath done for your soul? O Madam, how much are you indebted to that grace which hath made such difference between you and others. To see any one converted is a miracle. But to see a rich person, one of the mighty, one of the noble converted, is yet a greater. May the LORD JESUS add more of your rank to his church, such as shall be saved! Never fear, Madam; all things are possible to the glorious Emmanuel. Let him but speak the word, and great shall be the numbers of new creatures. I hope this will find you in good health, and upon the full stretch for him who was stretched and bled upon the cross for you. Great multitudes in Scotland flock to hear. Some of my spiritual children, I hear, are gone to heaven, and others come to me, telling what GOD did for their souls when I was here last. I desire to cast my crown before the Lamb; I desire always to be crying out, “Why me, LORD, why me?” In about a fortnight I purpose setting out for London. I lead a moving life. In heaven I shall have rest enough. Blessed be GOD for giving us to enter into a little of that rest even here! That you may daily increase in faith, and consequently enjoy more and more of this rest, is the hearty prayer of, dear Madam,
Your most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXVIII
To some devout Soldiers.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1748.
My dear Brethren,
IT gave me no small satisfaction, when I was lately at Edinburgh, to hear that several of you were enabled to behave like good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST. I rejoice greatly that you are made partakers of his grace, and I earnestly intreat the LORD of all Lords that you may grow and increase in it day by day. This is the christian’s duty. He must forget the things that are behind; he must press forward towards the things which are before; he must not stop, till he arrives at the mark of the prize of his high calling. I trust, my dear brethren, you are all thus minded; and that whatever befals you, you will, through divine assistance, hold on and hold out to the end. If I can be any way serviceable to you, be not backward to send to me. I hear of others of your profession, that have lately enlisted under the banner of the ever-blessed Redeemer. Happy they! happy you! You have a good captain, a good cause, good armour, and an exceeding great reward. That you may at all times quit yourselves like men, and be strong; that you may fight the good fight of faith, and at length lay hold on life eternal is the hearty prayer of, my dear Brethren,
Your affectionate friend, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCLXXXIX
To the Countess of H――――.
Sept. 29, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
AM I not too troublesome in writing to your Ladyship so frequently? I fear I am; and yet I am afraid to break your Ladyship’s command, “Write weekly.” Blessed be GOD, I can yet send your Ladyship word that the glorious Emmanuel is with me, and countenances my poor administrations. I have met with some unexpected rubs, but not one more then was absolutely necessary to humble my proud heart. “O my blessed Redeemer, when shall I learn of thee to be meek and lowly! Thou alone, O Lamb of GOD, canst teach me. Sanctify all thy dispensations to this end, and give me always to lie at thy feet.” There, honoured Madam, I am safe: There I believe this letter will find your Ladyship.――May you every moment hear the Redeemer’s voice, and be built up continually in your most holy faith. In about a fortnight I purpose leaving Scotland. Several things concur to make me believe that it was right for me to come here. Particulars your Ladyship may expect at my return to town. In the mean while, I recommend your Ladyship, and your dear offspring, with your whole houshold, to the care of the Father of mercies and the GOD of all consolation, and am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCXC
To Dr. H――――.
Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.
My dear Doctor,
YESTERDAY with great satisfaction I received your kind letter. Being in Scotland, I cannot as yet have the pleasure of seeing Captain T――――; but, GOD willing, I shall enquire him out at my return to London. The GOD of the seas and the GOD of the dry land has brought me safe to my native country; since which I have written to you and many others, and left two boxes of books for my dear Bermudas friends, to be sent the first opportunity. Although GOD is pleased to smile upon my poor administrations, and very great multitudes flock to hear both in England and Scotland, yet I have thoughts of seeing Bermudas again next year. But I dare not determine. Future things belong to GOD. Glory be to his great name for sending me to Bermudas at all! Glory be to his great name, that you, my dear Sir, are striving to enter at the streight gate of a sound conversion. I hope you will never cease striving, till you know that your Redeemer liveth.――Neither the greatness nor number of your sins can keep you from this unspeakable privilege, if you believe on the LORD JESUS. He is the way, the truth and the life. Come to the Father in and through him, and you, even you shall be made more than conqueror. Ere this can reach you, I hope you will have received redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of your sins. When you experience this, O how will you rejoice with joy unspeakable, even with joy that is full of glory! You will then have an heaven upon earth. Sin shall not have dominion over you. It shall not reign in your mortal body. My dear Mr. H――――, whilst I am musing on, and writing about this blessed change, this present salvation, the fire kindles. I love you with a peculiar love. I travail in birth till JESUS CHRIST be formed in your dear heart. O do not backslide. Study to improve the light and grace already received. “To him that hath shall be given,” and he shall have abundance. But I forget myself. Busy as I am, I must, you see, write a long letter. Pray return my hearty love to your dear wife, Mrs. H――――’s mother in law, &c. &c. May grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you all! I hope you will omit no opportunity of writing to, my very dear Friend,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCI
To Mr. A――――.
Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.
Dear Mr. A――――,
I Am not disappointed of my hope. I thought the LORD JESUS had begun a good work in your soul before I left the Bermudas. Your welcome letter confirmed me in this opinion. I received it with joy. Though I wrote to you not long ago, yet I must answer yours immediately. And what shall I say? May I not welcome you into the world of new creatures? May I not hope that there has been joy in heaven over you, even you, my dear Man, repenting and turning unto GOD, even a GOD in CHRIST? Surely I may. And what then does the LORD now require of you, now he hath shewn you that good thing, the pardon of your sins, through a once crucified but now exalted Redeemer? Will you not, out of a principle of gratitude, do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your GOD? Methinks I hear you say, “I will, I will through the LORD JESUS CHRIST strengthening me.”――And he will strengthen you.――He has promised, that as our day is so shall our strength be.――Despised you must be, and your name shall be cast out as evil; but the glorious Redeemer will enable you to go without the camp, and cause you to rejoice when loaded with his sacred reproach. “Increase and multiply,” must now be your motto. Strive as much as in you lies, by your life and conversation, to win others to the blessed GOD. The eyes of men and angels will now be upon you. May the LORD enable you to walk circumspectly to those that are without. I hope your wife and all your relations will join in going to heaven with you. I return them my most hearty love, and pray that they may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. You will join in praying me over to the Bermudas again. I suppose Dr. H―――― will shew you his letter. Remember me in the kindest manner to all, and accept this as a token of love unfeigned, from, dear Mr. A――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCII
To Mr. D――――.
Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.
My very dear Friend,
WHO is like unto GOD, who makes his creatures extremity, the opportunity to help them? Your kind letter hath confirmed the news of the death of Mrs. B――――, and of her leaving me a legacy of a hundred pounds. Well! though she is gone, yet I shall meet her at the great day, when the LORD JESUS shall remember this and all her other works of faith, and labours which have proceeded from love. I am glad she has left such an executor; I doubt not of your taking care of my interest. Your love is founded upon the rock of ages, and so is mine; for indeed I love you and yours in the bowels of the dear Redeemer. I know you will be glad to hear of my prosperity in this work. Indeed GOD makes way for his own gospel. Many come to me, telling me what the LORD did by me the last time I was in Scotland, and also the time before. Congregations are very large. I am pressed to stay three or four days more than I intended. Some that were prejudiced, have had their prejudices removed, and I believe will be greater friends than ever. O that I was humble and thankful! I have good news from Bermudas. I return you and yours love and thanks. I desire to be remembered to dear Mrs. ―――― and every inquiring friend. As I need them so much, I hope none will cease putting up earnest prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCIII
To Mr. S――――.
Glasgow, Oct. 3, 1748.
My dear Sir,
I Thank you for your kind letter. I am so ill with a hoarseness and cold, and in straining to reach large congregations, that I must send you but a short answer. The depending upon CHRIST’s immediate teachings, without making use of books and proper means of instruction, you may assure yourself is a terrible temptation. It is the very quintessence of enthusiasm, and will lay you open to a thousand delusions. “Give thyself to reading,” says Paul to Timothy. If thou cannot think of being a Latin, strive to be an English scholar. At my return I will endeavour to assist you. At present I am quite ill; but I am afraid I shall not be able to leave Scotland in less than a fortnight. You must remember me to all. The LORD JESUS has appeared for me. Particulars expect to hear another time.
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCIV
To Mr. ――――.
Glasgow, Oct. 5, 1748.
Very dear Sir,
I Received yours this morning; though I am engaged this evening, yet I think it my duty to send you an immediate answer. You might well inform, and almost assure, my Lord of Exeter, that I knew nothing of the printing of his Lordship’s pretended charge, or of the pamphlets occasioned by it. When the former was sent to me in manuscript from London to Bristol, as his Lordship’s production, I immediately said, it could not be his. When I found it printed, I spoke to the officious printer who did it out of his own head, and blamed him very much. When I saw the pamphlet, I was still more offended; repeatedly in several companies I urged the injustice as well as imprudence thereof, and said it would produce what it did, I mean a declaration from his Lordship, that he was no Methodist. I am sorry his Lordship had such an occasion given him to declare his aversion to what is called Methodism; and though I think his Lordship in his declaration hath been somewhat severe concerning some of the Methodist leaders; yet I cannot blame his Lordship for saying, “that he thought some of them were worse than ignorant and misguided,” supposing that his Lordship had sufficient proof, that they either caused to be printed, or wrote again when printed, a charge which his Lordship had never owned nor published. If you think proper, dear Sir, you may let his Lordship see the contents of this. I will only add, that I wish a way could be found out, whereby his Lordship and other of the Right Reverend the Bishops, might converse with some of us. Many mistakes might thereby be rectified, and perhaps his Lordship’s sentiments in some degree altered. If this cannot be effected (I speak only for myself,) I am content to wait till we all appear before the great shepherd and bishop of souls. In the mean while, I heartily pray, that their Lordships may be blessed with all spiritual blessings, and wishing you the like mercies, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Your affectionate, obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCXCV
To Mr. H――――.
Cambuslang, Oct. 9, 1748.
My dear Mr. H――――,
HAVE you not suspected, that I have forgotten you? but indeed I have not. As a testimony of it, though late, accept a line of love, even love unfeigned. I hope you are well, and that affairs go on at the Tabernacle as well as can be expected. I trust the shout of a king is amongst you. Blessed be GOD, he has caused his gospel to triumph in Scotland. I have been humbled and exalted; humbled first, in order to be exalted afterwards. Thus it is.――The LORD wounds and then heals. At present I am in the place where the great awakening was about six years ago. The fruits of it yet remain. To morrow, GOD willing, I take my leave at Glasgow. I believe we shall have a sorrowful parting. As I expect to stop in Yorkshire, I suppose I cannot reach London till the latter end of this month, if so soon. O for a warm winter! You must remember me to all. I cannot now descend to particulars. I can only pray, that you and yours may be filled with all the fulness of GOD, and subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately in the glorious JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCVI
To Mr. B――――.
Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.
My dear Sir,
LAST night, after wondering at your being silent so long, I received your wished-for letter. The reading it brought tears from my eyes. I felt for you, and for your father, and for all parties concerned. How lovingly does the LORD deal with you? Is not the way of duty the way of safety? Should you not both agree to let matters lie as they are, and not go one step farther till you know your father’s mind? You have given him your word; you must not go back. My affair came to as near a crisis, and yet I was called to sacrifice my Rachael. It may not be so with you. But prepare for the worst. Assure yourself, that your present passion, at least as to the excess of it, is sinful. If all is right, why such uneasiness for such a small space of time? Why such a long eclipse in the soul? Alas! B――――’s has been almost total. I hope you are now coming out of it. Thanks be to that JESUS, who has promised “that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear,” but will with the temptation make a way to escape. You see, my dear man, my love by my sympathy and plainness. Pray remember me to your aged father in the kindest manner. Dear old man! he is worthy of your greatest regard. His account of the legacy is true.――Yes, my dear friend, the LORD JESUS does reign indeed, and therefore I shall be delivered out of all my troubles. You will give thanks in my behalf. He has appeared for me here. Congregations have been very large, and several things have concurred to prove that providence did indeed call me to Scotland. I would not but have come for the world. Last night I came hither from Glasgow, and thought to leave this place as next Tuesday, but perhaps it may be the Tuesday following. I fear I cannot write to any more this post. But whether I write or not, whether absent or present, you must always remember me, as
Your assured friend, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXCVII
To Mr. W――――.
Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I have not written to you, yet not one day hath passed since my being this time in Scotland, without my thinking of you. The love and respect I owe you, as an aged minister of JESUS CHRIST, will not suffer me to be silent any longer. How do you, reverend Sir? I doubt not but you find that promise true, “The righteous shall bring forth much fruit in old age.” This leaves me, though faint, yet pursuing, and resolved, in the blessed JESUS, to spend and be spent in the blessed cause wherein I have embarked. Indeed, when I consider my blunders, mistakes, and imprudencies, I wonder the glorious Emmanuel does not lay me aside; but his grace is like himself, infinite and eternal. I hope he has given me a sight of, and humbled me for some of my mistakes; and I trust as I grow in years, if I am to live longer, I shall grow in knowledge and every christian virtue. Reverend and dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me. I do not forget you, though perhaps you may judge otherwise. O for heaven! There christian ministers shall see eye to eye.――But I must not weary you. In a few days I suppose you will hear what has happened in the West. Dear Mr. M―――― perhaps may acquaint you with particulars. With this, I send you a few of my last accounts of the Orphan-house. You may dispose of them as you think proper. When you see Mr. B―――― or R――――, or any of the ministers that were friendly to me, be pleased to remember me to them in the most respectful manner. I hope Mrs. W―――― and your whole houshold enjoy much of Him whose presence is better than life. I earnestly entreat the LORD to fill you with all his fulness, and beg leave to subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother and servant in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCXCVIII
To the Reverend Mr. E――――.
Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
BY the providence of a good and gracious GOD, I came hither last night, after having preached at Falkirk in the morning. Mr. A―――― behaved very kindly. Mr. N―――― has Mr. M――――’s letter. I am to see him at five this evening. On Tuesday next, GOD willing, I intend preaching for Mr. G――――, and to leave Scotland the Tuesday following. In the mean while you may write what you please. But whither am I going? Let GOD direct. Let my name be forgotten, let me be trodden under the feet of all men, if JESUS may thereby be glorified. I wish you or Mr. M―――― would write a line to Mr. W――――; I would not have any good, though mistaken man, uneasy upon my account. Well! In heaven all will be over. When I meet you there, I will thank you for all the pains you have taken with, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCXCIX
To the Countess of H――――n.
Edinburgh, Oct. 15, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH it is late and nature calls for rest, yet I cannot with satisfaction close my eyes unless I write once more to your Ladyship: and what shall I say? I am the chief of sinners, and the LORD JESUS magnifies his grace in being long suffering and infinitely bountiful unto me. At Glasgow he has magnified his strength in my weakness, and out of the eater hath brought forth meat. Next week I purpose, GOD willing, to send your Ladyship the substance of a long debate about poor unworthy me, in the synod of Glasgow. Since that, I find the presbytery of Perth (I mean the new-fashioned part of it) has made an act against employing me. Ill-nature shews itself here, but I feel the benefit of it. Congregations are large, and I am enabled to preach with greater power, and feel unspeakable great comfort in my own soul. My hoarseness is quite gone off, my bodily health much repaired, and if my enemies shew themselves, I am persuaded the blessed JESUS will bless me to his people more and more.――Some give out, that I am employed by the government to preach against the Pretender; and the Seceders are very angry with me for not preaching up the Scotch Covenant. Blessed be GOD, I preached up the covenant of grace, and I trust many souls are taught to profit. The inclosed, dear Madam, will shew your Ladyship a little how I have been dealt with. Particulars your Ladyship shall have when the LORD is pleased to bring me to London. Next Tuesday sevennight I am to leave Scotland. Lady Mary H――――, Lord L―――― and Lady F―――― beg their compliments may be presented to your Ladyship. Many in Scotland pray most earnestly for you, and Mr. R―――― intends writing your Ladyship a letter. I pray for you, honoured Madam, continually. I am quite happy in Him who died upon the cross to save me. I believe he will deliver me out of all; and if I die for him, so that I am not suffered to deny him, it will exceedingly please, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCC
To the Same.
Topcliff, Nov. 1, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THUS far has a gracious and good GOD brought me in my way to London, which I hope to reach some time next week. Your Ladyship may expect to see me the next day I come to town. Thanks be to the LORD of all Lords for directing my way to Scotland. I have reason to believe some have been awakened, and many, many quickened and comforted. My old friends are more solidly so than ever, and a foundation I trust has been laid for doing much good, if ever the LORD should call me thither again. Two synods and one presbytery brought me upon the carpet; but all has worked for good. The more I was blackened, the more the Redeemer comforted me. I desire to cry, Grace! grace!
The love of CHRIST doth me constrain, To seek the wandering souls of men; With cries, entreaties, tears, to save, And snatch them from the gaping grave.
For this let men revile my name, No cross I’d shun, I’d fear no shame; All hail reproach, and welcome pain, Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain.
At present I add no more, but my most dutiful respects to your Ladyship, and with hearty prayers for your temporal and eternal welfare, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCI
To Mr. R――――.
Topcliff, Nov. 1, 1748.
My dear Friend,
HERE, with thankfulness of heart, will I set up my Ebenezer; for hitherto assuredly hath the LORD helped me. We reached Fetton on Saturday night. There being no public worship on the Lord’s-day, I came on to Morpeth to worship there; got to Ferry-hill on Monday evening, and to-night am writing at Topcliff. Though I do not preach, yet I hope I am preparing for it. Reading, prayer, and meditation are three necessary ingredients. Riding, and getting proper rest, have recruited me; but I am apt to believe I have strained myself inwardly. I feel sensible pain in my breath.――But no matter; it is for a good master, who bore inexpressible pain for me.
O LORD, enlarge my scanty thought, To see the wonders thou hast wrought; Unloose my stammering tongue to tell, Thy love immense, unsearchable.
I could write much, but my body calls for rest. My very dear Sir, good night. May the LORD of all lords reward you, and my other dear honoured friends, a thousand-fold. I intend writing to more very soon. In the mean while, pray present my sincerest respect and thanks to all. Inclosed you have Mr. M――――’s letter and my answer. Be pleased to shew what Mr. M―――― and Mr. ―――― writes, and let them tell you how the affair between them was. I know you will act as a peace-maker. That the GOD of peace and love may dwell and rule in your dear heart, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. G. W.