Letter DCCII
To the Honourable Lady D――――.
Wantsworth (Northamptonshire), Nov. 5, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I am now eighty miles from London, yet gratitude, and the unfeigned respect I bear to you and yours, will not suffer me to go any further, without sending your Ladyship my repeated acknowledgments for your very many and repeated favours. Your kindnesses, when last at Edinburgh, were indeed surprizing. They have often humbled me, and as often led me to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship and honoured family. May the promise made to those who are not ashamed of CHRIST, his gospel, and ministers, descend upon you all! O that you may have grace given you to shine as lights in the world, and to dare to be singularly good, since it is too apparent that we live in a wicked and adulterous generation. Honoured Madam, let us look up: as our day is, so shall our strength be. All things are possible to those that believe. May the LORD JESUS evermore give your Ladyship and children a large share of precious, purifying, operative faith! This is the earnest desire of my soul. Upon this I could enlarge, but travelling wearies me. Thanks be to GOD, I have that place in view, where the weary are at rest. In a post or two I purpose writing to my Lord B――――, his honoured lady, &c. I never forget any of them. They have my constant prayers and most cordial respects. Be pleased to accept the same, honoured Madam, from
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCIII
To Lady ――――.
London, Nov. 10, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
I Wrote a line to dear Mr. R――――, when about the middle of my journey. I must write a line to you, now the LORD of all lords hath brought me to the end of it. I trust I can say, JESUS was with me on the way. My health was sensibly improved; but, by sitting up late to preach, I am grown little sick again. Good Lady H―――― is come to town, and I am to preach at her Ladyship’s house twice a week to the Great and Noble. O that some of them may effectually be called, and taste of the riches of redeeming love! I need not inform your Ladyship, that this, and this alone, can give true rest and peace to any soul. You have felt the beginnings of it. May you experience an increase of it more and more. I desire my most tender and affectionate respects may find acceptance with dear Mr. R――――, and with all who are pleased to honour me with their acquaintance. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon you, is the continual prayer of, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCIV
To Lord R――――.
London, Nov. 10, 1748.
My Lord,
I Believe I am not mistaken, in thinking that your Lordship will not be offended with me for sending you a short letter. It is the effect of that unfeigned love I bear to your honoured father, yourself, and that dear and honourable family with which your Lordship is now so closely allied. And what shall I say? Can I wish your Lordship any thing greater, than that you may be a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. It is a blessed thing to be engaged in fighting his battles; and not only to be almost, but altogether a christian. It is this half-way religion that undoes the professing world. The heart can never be at unity with itself, till it is wholly centered in GOD. This can only be done by faith in JESUS CHRIST; and when once a soul begins to taste of this faith, then that soul’s heaven begins on earth. I trust I can say this by happy experience. I wish your Lordship a very large share of it; and with hearty acknowledgments for all favours, beg leave, to subscribe myself, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCV
To Lady Mary H――――.
London, Nov. 10, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH absent from, yet I am not unmindful of you. The regard your Ladyship has been pleased to shew to a poor unworthy worm, calls for and claims my sincerest and most repeated acknowledgments. This letter brings them, and shall be followed, honoured Madam, as the LORD enables, with fervent prayers for your temporal and eternal welfare. O that you may be enabled to make a stand this winter for the LORD JESUS, and not in the least countenance any of those diversions that have already brought religion so low in poor Scotland! I need not inform your Ladyship, what a blessed thing it is to be singularly good, and to be consistent in our whole walk and conversation. To be uniform, and all of a piece, is the very life of a christian. It is this, and not a compliance with the polite world in any of their fooleries, that will gain proselytes to JESUS CHRIST. I could enlarge on this head, but I am persuaded it is needless for your Ladyship. The glorious JESUS hath let you see too much of his love, for you ever to be taken up with any thing short of his own eternal life! That he may knit your heart yet closer to himself, he is pleased to visit you with crosses. They are the christian’s portion, honoured madam: They are the believer’s birthright. “In the world you shall have tribulation;” but what follows? “Be not afraid, I have overcome the world.” Look, therefore, to Him, honoured madam, who, as he hath been the author, will also be the finisher of your faith. That you may increase with all the increase of GOD, is the earnest prayer of, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCVI
To the Rev. Mr. M――――.
London, Nov. 10, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
OUR bountiful and good GOD brought me here in safety the beginning of this week. I have already waited upon, and preached at good Lady H――――’s. About thirty have desired to come, and I suppose they will bring thirty more. I have heard of two or three more dear christians among the Great Ones. I know you will pray the LORD of all lords to increase the number. Her Ladyship hath a great regard for all those in Scotland, who stand up for vital religion. She intends to send you down the picture of poor Aaron the late negroe preacher. I find the public papers give strange lying accounts of my reception in Scotland. At present, blessed be the glorious JESUS, I am content to be blackened. I send you my repeated thanks for all favours; and, with hearty love to dear Mr. G――――, your family, and all friends, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy younger brother and servant in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCVII
To the Reverend Mr. S――――.
London, Nov. 12, 1748.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
BY my not hearing from you with my wife’s letter, I suspect you are not yet reconciled to my leaving America, though but for a season. Every thing concurs to prove that I have done the will of GOD. As I am streightened in time, I will refer you to the inclosed, which I desire you will read, seal, and send. Here are loud calls; but I think to come over to you again next year. Pray write to me. I will endeavour to answer you. I wrote to you lately from Scotland. Not a day passes, but I think of you and my other Charles-Town friends. I intend to write to you very soon. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me to all in the most tender manner. Ere this can reach you, I expect to see my wife in England. I purpose to persuade her to settle here. I want to make the Orphan-house a seminary of learning. If some such thing be not done, I cannot see how the Southern parts will be provided with ministers. All are afraid to come over. May the LORD JESUS direct me. I believe he will. Pray remember me to Mr. Z――――, Mr. O――――, &c. if with you. I have not time at present, or otherwise they should have a line from, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCVIII
To the Countess of H――――.
London, Nov. 14, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THE inclosed brings good news from a far country. The person’s mother belongs to the Tabernacle society: I lay at his house when in Virginia; but he and others went to cards, I thought on purpose to affront me. We retired to prayers for him. I hope they were heard. Your Ladyship will be pleased to let me have the letter again; as likewise that I sent to your Ladyship from Scotland, from one Capt. K. of St. Helena. Your Ladyship shall have copies of them all. I am getting the New-England Christian History, and Bishop Hall’s Works in folio, bound for your Ladyship. I find there has been a great stir in the synod of Edinburgh about unworthy me. Mr. W――――, Mr. J――――, Mr. R―――― W――――, have protested against their proceedings, and appeared quite hearty. Your Ladyship wrote to Mr. R――――. A word or two of encouragement now from your Ladyship, would strengthen the hands of these ministers of CHRIST. I hear the affair is to come before the assembly next May. News also was brought me last night, that the negroes are allowed by the trustees for Georgia. If so, that province, under GOD, will flourish. Blessed be GOD, I am more hearty than I have been for a long season. I hope to be enabled to preach here on Sunday evening, and to come and preach at your Ladyship’s afterwards. Last night the gospel was indeed preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. I was shewing the dignity of a christian, and in what sense christians were kings. The King of kings was amongst us. When I hear or receive any thing that is new and good, I naturally inform your Ladyship of it, because I believe it will give your Ladyship satisfaction. I hope your new house is agreeable to your Ladyship. That the Redeemer’s glory may fill it, and that it may prove a gate of heaven to many of the rich and great, is the earnest prayer of, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCIX
To the Honourable Lady T――――.
London, Nov. 19, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
WHEN I was lately in Scotland, Col. G――――ly wrote me word, that your Ladyship was pleased to desire my poor prayers. Before his writing, they had been put up to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship very frequently; and I would then have written to your Ladyship, had I not feared it would have been making too free. Yesterday good Lady H――――n informed me that your Ladyship was ill. Had I judged it proper, I would have waited upon your Ladyship this morning. But I was cautious of intruding. However, the regard I bear to your Ladyship, constrains me to inform your Ladyship, that my heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that this sickness may not be unto death, but to his glory, and the present and eternal good of your better part, your precious and immortal soul. This, no doubt, is the end of afflictions: GOD’s name and nature is Love. He cannot, therefore, chastise us for any other purpose, than that we may be made partakers of his holiness.――Every cross and disappointment, every degree of pain, brings this important call with it, “My son, my daughter, give me thy heart.” O that your Ladyship’s soul may echo back, “My heart, LORD JESUS, will I give.” O that from a feeling, spiritual, abiding sense of the vanity and emptiness of all created good, you may, in a holy resentment, cry out,
Be gone, vain world, my heart resign, For I must be no longer thine: A nobler, a diviner guest, Now claims possession of my breast!
Then, and not till then, will your Ladyship’s mind be at unity with itself. Then, and not till then, will your Ladyship, upon truly rational principles, with chearfulness wait for the approach of death, and the coming of the LORD from heaven. It is faith in JESUS, a true and living faith in the Son of GOD, that can alone bring present, real peace, and lay a solid foundation for future and eternal comfort. I cannot wish your Ladyship any thing greater, any thing more noble, than a large share of this precious faith: and a large, yea a very large share, is the glorious Redeemer ready to give to all that sincerely ask for, and seek after it. He waits to be gracious. He giveth liberally; he upbraideth not. When, like Noah’s dove, we have been wandering about in a fruitless search after happiness, and have found no rest for the sole of our feet, he is ready to reach out his merciful hand, and receive us into his ark. This hand, honoured madam, is he reaching out to you. May you be constrained to give your heart entirely to him, and thereby enter into that rest which remains for the happy, though despised people of GOD. But whither am I going? I forget that your Ladyship is indisposed, and I almost a stranger to you. I will only make this apology: “The love of JESUS constrains me.” Hoping, therefore, your Ladyship will excuse the freedom I have here taken, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCX
To the Reverend Mr. P――――.
London, Nov. 19, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IT is a concern to me, that I cannot write to more of my New-England friends than I do; for indeed a multiplicity of business renders a more frequent correspondence impracticable. However, I would willingly send you, dear Sir, a few lines. They are lines of love, and bring you news of my being better in health than I have been for many years last past. Several things have concurred to prove it was the divine will I should return this time to my native country. Matters were in great confusion by reason of Mr. C――――’s going over to the Moravians; but blessed be GOD, we are now easy at the Tabernacle, and the word falls with weight and power. In Scotland the LORD JESUS was pleased to appear for me; I found no diminution in respect to the number of hearers; and, I believe, (thanks be to free grace) my preaching was more acceptable than ever to GOD’s people, and to those ministers who were pleased formerly to own and encourage me. Some of the opposite party begun a like stir with that which was made in New-England by Dr. C――――, &c. but I believe it will only make the people more eager to hear, and in the end be productive of great good. Our LORD orders all things well. I never enjoyed more settled peace and joy than now. I trust he has given me to see many things that were wrong, and withal a disposition to confess and amend them. At present, this is the language of my heart:
Correct me when I go astray, And lead me in the perfect way.
I suppose you will be acquainted with particulars by some of my dear friends from Scotland. In all probability I shall go to Scotland again in the Spring; and, in the latter end of the year, I propose embarking for America. But future things belong to GOD. Thanks be to his great name, I am willing to go any where, so that I may but glorify the dear Redeemer. Ere this reaches you, doubtless you will have heard of his giving me favour in the sight of Lady H――――n, a Lady as good as she is great. Two or three among the great, I trust have been made the happy subjects of redeeming love. I have heard lately also of the conversion of two or three clergymen; there is likewise a great awakening in Ireland, and in Wales the work goes on. Upon the whole, I believe the gospel is getting ground, and next spring, when it is proper to range about and preach in the fields, I hope to see yet greater things. I repeat my old request, reverend and dear brother, “Pray for us.” I continually pray for you, and the people committed to your charge. I wish you and yours an increase of blessings, and beg leave to subscribe myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCXI
To the Rev. Mr. L――――.
London, Nov. 19, 1748.
My very dear Brother,
WORDS cannot well express what I felt when your welcome letter came to hand. It drew me to my knees; it made me shed tears of joy, and with two or three of my dear friends I was enabled to wrestle for you at the throne of grace. Blessed, for ever blessed be the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for opening your eyes, and giving you such an experimental and soul-ravishing knowledge of the doctrine of grace. No wonder that people take notice of you. I hope the fame thereof, as it hath reached heaven, will also be spread abroad upon the earth, and thro’ the thanksgivings of thousands redound to the glory of GOD. I think it a happiness, that you are surrounded with many souls that have indeed tasted that the LORD is gracious, and consequently will be fed with the sincere milk of the word, now communicated to them, under GOD, by you. Now, my dear friend will you begin to live, now will you begin to preach indeed. Go on in the name of JESUS, and as Paul did, so shall you, “increase with all the increase of GOD.” Glad shall I be to give you all the assistance that lies in my power. Henry on the Scriptures will now suit your taste, and Jenks upon the Righteousness of CHRIST might do you immediate service. Flavel’s Sermons would be food for you, and Boston upon the Covenant, and his fourfold State, I believe would delight you. Bishop Hall’s Contemplations are excellent, Bishop Hopkins and Beveridge will do for you, and indeed almost all the writers a century ago. The doctrines you now preach are no new doctrines; you are now got into the good old way. May the LORD keep and succeed you in it, ever more and more. I believe he will. I could say more, but I expect another letter from you before I come down. Lady H―――― is rejoiced to hear of you. I read part of your letter to her last night before I preached. Some of the great ones hear the gospel gladly. That you may be made a very great blessing to thousands and ten thousands, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Mr. L――――,
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCCXII
To the Rev. Mr. P――――.
London, Nov. 21, 1748.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Was glad to hear, by a letter sent by Mr. R――――, that you had been in New-England. I hoped you would have come further, even to Old England and Scotland. I have been endeavouring in Scotland to do all the service I could to the Indian school and the New-Jersey college whilst I was there; but I believe nothing will be done to purpose unless you or some other popular minister come over, and make an application in person. In all probability, a collection might then be recommended by the general assembly, which sits next May, and large contributions be raised among private persons that wish well to Zion. If one of the Indians was brought over with the minister, and a proposal made to educate some of the late awakened Indians in the New-Jersey college, it would certainly be of service. Mr. M―――― and several other faithful ministers are hearty in the affair; but I believe will do nothing, unless you or some other such like minister come over. Probably I shall be in Scotland next spring again. GOD has been pleased to countenance me there; and some of the clergy, in order to stop my progress, have followed Dr. C――――y’s example. But if GOD be for us, who can be against us? Thanks be to his holy name, I am kept quite chearful in soul, and healthy in my body. Blessed be GOD, the word falls with weight, and I hear of several brought under fresh convictions. A clergyman or two have been lately converted, and there is a great awakening in Ireland. I shall be glad to hear that New-York is full of new creatures. I beg that my most cordial respects and love may find acceptance with all my dear friends, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Ever yours, G. W.
Letter DCCXIII
To Mr. E――――.
Gloucester, Dec. 5, 1748.
Dear Mr. E――――,
WHY no letter from you all this while? I have written to you several times. Lately I sent a case full of divers things for Bethesda. When I return to London, I purpose to send more. I hear that my wife hath lessened the family; but how it stands now, I cannot expect to know for a certainty till I see her. I expect her daily, though I am apt to believe she will not embark till she sees Betty W――――. I hope ere now you have welcomed her to Bethesda in the name of the LORD. I expect to be over with you again by this time twelvemonth. In the mean while, I trust we shall make some better advances towards heaven than we have hitherto done, and be more conformed to the blessed and glorious JESUS. Thanks be to his great name, he continues to deal bountifully with me. I am pretty well in health, and hope to hear that you are so. I send you all my blessing, and am
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCXIV
To the Honourable Trustees of Georgia.
Gloucester, Dec. 6, 1748.
Honoured Gentlemen,
NOT want of respect, but a suspicion that my letters would not be acceptable, has been the occasion of my not writing to you these four years last past. I am sensible, that in some of my former letters, through hurry of business, want of more experience, and in all probability too great an opinion of my own sufficiency, I expressed myself in too strong, and sometimes unbecoming terms. For this I desire to be humbled before GOD and man, knowing that, Peter-like, by a misguided zeal, I have cut off as it were those ears which otherwise might have been open to what I had to offer. However I can assure you, honoured gentlemen, to the best of my knowledge, I have acted a disinterested part, and notwithstanding my manifold mistakes and imprudence, I have simply aimed at GOD’s glory and the good of mankind. This principle drew me first to Georgia; this, and this alone, induced me to begin and carry on the scheme of the Orphan-house; and this, honoured gentlemen, excites me to trouble you with the present lines. I need not inform you, honoured gentlemen, how the colony of Georgia has been declining for these many years last past, and at what great disadvantages I have maintained a large family in that wilderness, through the providence of a good and gracious GOD. Upwards of five thousand pounds have been expended in that undertaking, and yet very little proficiency made in the cultivation of my tract of land, and that entirely owing to the necessity I lay under of making use of white hands. Had a negroe been allowed, I should now have had a sufficiency to support a great many orphans, without expending above half the sum which hath been laid out. An unwillingness to let so good a design drop, and having a rational conviction that it must necessarily, if some other method was not fixed upon to prevent it. These two considerations, honoured gentlemen, prevailed on me about two years ago, through the bounty of my good friends, to purchase a plantation in South-Carolina, where negroes are allowed. Blessed be GOD, this plantation hath succeeded; and though at present I have only eight working hands, yet in all probability there will be more raised in one year, and with a quarter the expence, than has been produced at Bethesda for several years last past. This confirms me in the opinion I have entertained for a long time, that Georgia never can or will be a flourishing province without negroes are allowed. But notwithstanding my private judgment, I am determined that not one of mine shall ever be allowed to work at the Orphan-House, till I can do it in a legal manner, and by the approbation of the honourable trustees. My chief end in writing this, is to inform you, honourable gentlemen, of the matter of fact, and to let you know, that I am as willing as ever to do all I can for Georgia and the Orphan-house, if either a limited use of negroes is approved of, or some more indented servants sent over. If not, I cannot promise to keep any large family, or cultivate the plantation in any considerable manner. My strength must necessarily be taken to the other side. I would also further recommend it to your consideration, honourable gentlemen, whether or not as the Orphan-house was and is intended for a charitable purpose, it ought not to be exempted from all quit-rents and public taxes, as I believe is customary universally for such institutions to be? And as most of the land on which the Orphan-house is built, is good for little, I would humbly enquire, whether I may not have a grant for five hundred more acres that are not taken up, somewhere near the Orphan-house? My intention is, if you, honourable gentlemen, are pleased to put the colony upon another footing, (I mean in respect to the permission of a limited use of negroes) to make the Orphan-house not only a receptacle for fatherless children, but also a place of literature and academical studies. Such a place is much wanted in the southern parts of America; and if conducted in a proper manner, must necessarily be of great service to any colony. I can easily procure proper persons to embark in such a cause, and I do not know but several families would go over, supposing I could give them a probable prospect of a support upon their honest industry, I could say more, but I fear I have been already too prolix. I humbly recommend what has been urged to your consideration, and beg leave to subscribe myself, honourable gentlemen,
Your most obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXV
To the Countess of H――――.
Bristol, Dec. 10, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I am afraid of taking too much freedom, yet the duty I owe to your Ladyship constrains me to send you a few lines from hence. I came hither last night, after having preached five times in Gloucester, and once in Gloucestershire. The glorious Emmanuel pleased to shine upon my administrations, and many told me they received a blessing. The bishop behaved respectfully when I was at sacrament at the cathedral, and my old tutor, Dr. R――――, one of the prebendaries, was very cordial when I waited upon him. I told him that my judgment (as I trust) was a little more ripened than it was some years ago, and that as fast as I found out my faults I would be glad to acknowledge them. He said, as I grew moderate, the offence the Governors of the Church had taken against me, would lessen and wear off. Blessed be GOD, I am pretty easy about that: so that I can but act an honest part, and be kept from trimming, I will, through the divine assistance, leave all consequences to him who orders all things well. Thanks be to his great name, a wonderous change is wrought on Mr. L――――. He came to see and hear me at Gloucester: his worldly shackles are dropping off apace, and his feet begin to be set in a large room. The news of his conversion hath reached Mr. W――――, who wrote him a long letter; but to send dissuasives to a man that hath seen and felt so much, is like throwing chaff against a brass wall. He begged me to send his duty to your Ladyship when I wrote, as does my brother, at whose house I am. I trust he is coming forwards, and that he will at length fairly shake hands with the world, and act as one alive to GOD. I think your Ladyship meets with great encouragement. My continual prayer to the blessed Redeemer in your Ladyship’s behalf is, “that your bow may abide in strength, and the arms of your hands be strengthened by the hands of the mighty GOD of Jacob.” He is the rock of ages. He is the LORD our righteousness. In him is our strength found. Thanks be to the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, for shewing your Ladyship the way to fetch continual strength and supplies from him! I could enlarge, but am streightened in paper. If Mr. C―――― hath courage enough, I expect to see him, and then I shall have it in my power to send your Ladyship word how matters stand at Bath. In the mean while, I beg leave with all dutiful respects to subscribe myself, honoured madam.
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXVI
To Mr. B――――.
Bristol, Dec. 12, 1748.
My dear Tommy,
THE love I bear to you, will not suffer me to omit answering your letter the very first opportunity. I find you are in danger of being led into temptation. If only your preparations for business keep you from attending on the word preached, how will it be when you are totally immersed in it? O my dear man, let that promise of our LORD’s be written on the tables of your heart, “seek you first the kingdom of GOD and his righteousness, and all those things shall be added unto you.” If you act inconsistent with this, assure yourself your endeavours will be blasted; and GOD out of love will curse your temporal blessings. But enough of this. I hope a word to the wise is sufficient.――Since I wrote thus far, I have received a letter from good Lady H――――n, desiring I would come up to town. I therefore propose to be with you, GOD willing, by Saturday night, and to preach at the Tabernacle next Sunday. Be pleased to apprize all friends of it. If you are at the tabernacle-house on Saturday evening, it would be very agreeable to,
Yours, &c. in great haste, G. W.
Letter DCCXVII
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
London, Dec. 18, 1748.
I Can assure you, my not being able to write to you during my last excursion, has given me much concern. I love to be punctual. Journeying, preaching, and a train of business for the best of masters, has prevented my being so now. I have been at Gloucester, in other parts of Gloucestershire, and at Bristol, where I trust the sound of my Redeemer’s feet was heard behind me. My brother I hope is coming on. I like him better than I have for some years. He greatly regards you, and intends answering your kind letters. I proposed his meeting you here. What do you think of it? He likes it well. I wrote for him to come up next week. I expect to know by Wednesday or Thursday. If you could be here on a LORD’s day, or a Thursday, you might see our assembly at the other end of the town. I trust, abiding good will be done among some at least of the rich and great. I thank you a thousand times for your advice in respect to my health.――For near these two months past, my usual reachings have left me. I find that keeping from too much fatigue, under GOD, must be my cure. I will endeavour to keep within bounds every way. I have shewed the doctor’s letter to Lady H――――, but she is of opinion, the journals as now corrected ought to be reprinted. In the multitude of councils there is safety; the language of my heart is,
LORD, teach me when I go astray, And lead me in thy perfect way.
O that my zeal may increase with prudence. I have had too little of both. I am now thirty-four years of age, and alas! how little have I done and suffered for Him, who has done and suffered so much for me! Thanks be to his great name, for countenancing my poor administrations so much! I know not how it is, but perhaps it may be to display the riches of free grace, that notwithstanding the first zeal of most, I might add, all men of GOD, is generally mixed with much wildfire, yet their first times have been generally blest most, especially for awakening and converting souls. Blessed be our good GOD that Mr. H―――― is coming out. May the LORD JESUS make him a spiritual father to thousands! I smiled when you said, he would avoid the name of Methodist, if he could. Alas, my dear man, he might as soon think to wash a blackmoor white. The Methodists are now as it were a skreen for others. Formerly, if a person was serious, or preached CHRIST, he was termed a Puritan, now he is a Methodist: But do you go on as you are able to bear it. Opposition shall follow you; without it, be as prudent as you will, your sincerity towards GOD and love for souls cannot be evidenced. Self, love of praise, and love of the world, must come down. Our LORD always does this, by way of sufferings inward or outward, or rather by both. One Mr. L―――― of Gloucestershire, whom Mr. H―――― knows, though he has begun to preach CHRIST but lately, yet is already warned to leave his cure. Our LORD will provide for him. He is a new creature indeed. I do not blame you for your conduct towards Mrs. D――――. She is a good woman, and I believe thirsts for the Redeemer’s glory. I wish she would not write so much. And what shall I say more? I hope you have had enough from me now. My very dear Sir, when am I to hear that you are a preacher of CHRIST crucified? I long for the time, and earnestly pray that you may be freed from worldly hopes and worldly fears: for till then, I cannot believe a man, let his other accomplishments be ever so great, will be much owned and blessed by the great head of the church. I should be glad to know what my Lord of Exeter said. I thank the LORD of all Lords for giving you so much encouragement. Let this excite you to press forwards, and never fear what man or devils say of, or can do unto you. Dear, very dear Sir, my heart is enlarged towards you. I thank you, for remembering an unworthy worm before him who is the great high-priest and blessed apostle of our profession. As he enables, I shall return the favour, being, for his great name’s sake, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCXVIII
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
London, December 18, 1748.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I am not personally acquainted with you, yet I owe you much love. Thanks be to our great high Priest for giving you such light and heat, and enabling you to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of redeeming love. Earth and hell will be up in arms against you; your own mother’s children will soon be angry with you, and many of the members of that church of which you are a minister, whenever you preach her doctrine with power and purity, will think it doing GOD’s service to cast you out. Thus it has been, thus it will be in all ages, so long as those two seeds of the woman and the serpent remain struggling in this lower world. Welcome, welcome dear Sir, into the field of battle! Now the common people will hear you gladly. Now the self-righteous will speak all manner of evil against you. I am told the corporation have rejected you for preaching CHRIST crucified. I wish you joy. May you, like blessed Paul, increase the more in strength, and be made a spiritual father to thousands! Excuse this freedom from one who loves you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. I thank you for your intended interview. Could no way be contrived for a private visit? however that be, assure yourself your interest will be much upon my heart, and if you will remember a poor unworthy worm before his throne, whose compassions fail not, you will much oblige, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in JESUS CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCCXIX
To Doctor D――――.
London, Dec. 21, 1748.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
GLAD was I, yea very glad to receive your letter dated November 7th, though it did not reach me till last night. I thank you for it a thousand times. It has led me to the throne of grace, where I have been crying, “LORD, counsel my counsellors, and shew them what thou wouldst have me to do.”――Alas, alas! how can I be too severe against myself, who, Peter like, have cut off so many ears, and by imprudencies mixed with my zeal, have dishonoured the cause of JESUS? I can only look up to him, who healed the high-priest’s servant’s ear, and say, “LORD, heal all the wounds my misguided zeal has given.” Assure yourself, dear Sir, everything I print shall be revised. I always have submitted my poor performances to my friends corrections. Time and experience I find ripen men’s judgments, and make them more solid, rational, and consistent, both in their conduct and writings. O that this may be my case! O that the blessed JESUS may enable me to hold on, and hold out, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I thank you, dear Sir, for your solemn charge in respect to my health. Blessed be GOD, it is much repaired since my return from Scotland, and I trust by observing the rules you prescribe (if I must live) I shall be enabled to declare the works of the LORD. But what shall I say concerning your present trial? shall I wish you joy? Surely I may with great propriety, since an inspired writer hath said, “count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” But at the same time, reverend Sir, I most earnestly sympathize with you, having had the same trial from the same quarter long ago. The Moravians first divided my family, then my parish at Georgia, and after that the societies which, under GOD, I was an instrument of gathering. I suppose not less than four hundred, through their practices, have left the tabernacle. But I have been forsaken otherways. I have not had above an hundred to hear me, where I had twenty thousand, and hundreds now assemble within a quarter of a mile of me, who never come to see or speak to me; though they must own at the great day that I was their spiritual father. All this I find but little enough to teach me to cease from man, and to wean me from that too great fondness which spiritual fathers are apt to have for their spiritual children. Thus blessed Paul was served, thus must all expect to be treated who are of Paul’s spirit, and are honoured with any considerable degree of Paul’s success. But I have generally observed, that when one door of usefulness is shut, another opens. Our LORD blesses you, dear Sir, in your writings; nay your people’s treating you as they are now permitted to do, perhaps is one of the greatest blessings you ever received from heaven. May patience have its perfect work, and may you be enabled to sanctify the LORD GOD in your heart! I know of no other way of dealing with the M――――s, than to go on preaching the truth as it is in JESUS, and rest upon that promise, “Every plant which my heavenly father hath not planted shall be plucked up.” Seven years will make a great alteration. I believe their grand design is to extend their occonomy as far as possible. This I believe is now kept up by dint of money, and I am apt to think that the very thing by which they think to establish, will destroy their scheme. John Lapidee went on in the same manner in Maryland. His plan was raised as high, and fell as remarkably. GOD is a gracious Father, and will not always let his children proceed in a wrong way. Doubtless there are many of his dear little ones in the M――――n flock; but many of their principles and practices are exceeding wrong, for which I doubt not our LORD will rebuke them in his own time. But I fear that I weary you. However, dear Sir, I must thank you for your sermon. It contains the very life of preaching, I mean sweet invitations to close with CHRIST. I do not wonder you are dubbed a Methodist on account of it. As it was designed for the poor, I wish it was cheaper. I think practical books cannot be too reasonable. The poor must have them cheap, and the rich will like them the better for it. And now methinks I hear you say, “But how is it at the other end of the town?” Blessed be GOD, the prospect is promising. Last Sunday evening I preached to a most brilliant assembly indeed. They expressed great approbation, and some I think begin to feel. Good Lady H――――n is indeed a mother in Israel. She is all in a flame for JESUS. You may guess by a word or two in this, that she hath shewn me your last letter. I suppose she will write to you soon. But whither am I running? I quite forget myself. Love makes my pen to move too fast, and too long. Excuse it, dear Sir, and for JESUS’s sake never cease praying for, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate though unworthy younger brother, and willing servant in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCXX
Dear Mr. T――――.
London, Dec. 21, 1748.
HAVE you not thought it unkind, that I answered not your letter before now. You will be pacified when I tell you, that not want of love but leisure hath been the cause of so long a silence. I will now redeem a few moments to pay this debt, and acknowledge a much greater debt of love that I owe, and intend indeed to be always owing to you and yours. CHRIST alone can pay you. He will. Whatever is done to his ministers, he looks upon as done to himself. What a blessed master do we serve! Thanks be to his great name, he continues to deal lovingly with me. I have been blessed in my late excursion into the country, and likewise since I came to town. The prospect of doing good at least to some of the rich, is very encouraging. I know you will pray, that the foolishness of preaching may be a means of bringing some of them to believe on him who justifies the ungodly. You find, that not gifts but grace, sovereign, all powerful grace alone, can reach the heart. But how is dear Mr. B――――? Is he yet fled to the world of spirits? Since the LORD has been pleased to hinder his preaching, I think it was cruel to desire he should stay any longer out of heaven. Doctor Watts is now gone. Blessed be GOD we shall ere long follow
Where sin and pain and sorrow cease, And all is love and joy and peace.
I am now thirty four years of age. Little did I think of living so long. And yet when I consider how I have lived, shame and confusion cover my face. O my dear Mr. T――――, as you are preparing for the ministry, lose not one moment of time, but labour to be always on the stretch for Him, who was stretched on the accursed cross for you. Study books and men, but above all, study your own heart and the knowledge of JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. Get your heart free from worldly hopes and worldly fears, and you will avoid thousands of those snares, into which young ministers for want of this too often fall. O let the language of your heart be, “GOD forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of CHRIST, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” You will excuse this freedom. It proceeds from the love I bear you. Be pleased to present my cordial respects to your honoured father, your brother, and all enquiring friends, and accept of the same yourself in the most tender manner, from, my dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCXXI
To Mr. B――――.
London, Dec. 26, 1748.
My dear Brother,
AS soon as I received your kind letter, I was willing, but till now could not get leisure, to answer it. Accept my thanks, though late, and let the glorious Emmanuel have eternal thanks ascribed unto him, if he has been pleased to work upon your soul by any of my poor writings. Since that, I doubt not but you have experienced much of his love, and know more of GOD, even a GOD in CHRIST, and also of your own heart. In these two things consist all our happiness in time and for eternity. Blessed be his name for calling you to witness the efficacy of his death, and the unsearchable riches of his grace to poor sinners. My dear brother, it is an angelic employ. Go on in the name and strength of JESUS. He will not send you a warfare on your own charges. As your day is so shall your strength be. Only wait upon him, and eternal truth has declared, that you shall mount on wings like an eagle, you shall walk and not be weary, nay run and not be faint. Should providence bring me your way in the Spring, I shall rejoice to see and converse with you, and shall tell all that come in my way, of the present as well as future great salvation that is to be had in JESUS CHRIST. In the mean while, I entreat you to pray for me, and as enabled you shall be remembered by, my dear Brother,
Your affectionate brother and servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCXXII
To Lord B――――.
London, Dec. 30, 1748.
My Lord,
I Had the honour of your Lordship’s letter. Gratitude constrains me to send my heartiest acknowledgments. Though absent from, yet I am often present with you. That benign, that sweet disposition of which your Lordship is possessed, must make you appear amiable to all who know you. Add but the christian to it, and then, O then, how happy will your Lordship be! Thanks be to GOD, that your Lordship begins to feel there is no being happy without real christianity. O that this conviction may be abiding, and that your Lordship may have no rest, till you find it in Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of our faith. He longs to make you happy, he is ready to receive you with open arms. He cries, “My Son, give me thy heart.” To engage you to love him more, he has let you have a worthy lady, who I am persuaded will be glad to go hand in hand to heaven. O that you may both walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the LORD blameless. No greater thing can be desired for you at the throne of grace by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXIII
To Lady B――――.
London, Dec. 30, 1748.
Honoured Madam,
HAVE you not wondered at my not answering your Ladyship’s kind letter before now? But I am persuaded you are well assured, that a variety of avocations, and multiplicity of business for the best of masters, not want of respect, hath been the cause. My Lady, your family are always upon my heart. My constant desire and prayer to GOD is, that you all may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. As my Lord mentions nothing to the contrary, I hope your indisposition is removed, and that the language of your heart is, “what shall I render unto the LORD?” I know that the love of JESUS which you have felt, must necessarily constrain your Ladyship to live to Him, who lived and died upon the accursed tree for you. O how is the power of the Redeemer’s resurrection displayed in Lady H――――n. She is a mother in Israel indeed. It would please you to see the assemblies at her Ladyship’s house. They are brilliant ones indeed. The prospect of catching some of the rich in the gospel net is very promising. I know you will wish prosperity in the name of the LORD. But how does good Lady D――――, dear Mrs. C――――, and Mrs. I――――? All, I hope, putting off the old man, and putting on the new with greater earnestness than ever. O that I may begin to be in earnest! I am now thirty-four years of age. Is it not time for me to begin to spend, and be spent, for him who has loved me and given himself for me? I beg your Ladyship’s prayers, and the prayers of all your dear and honoured relations. I send them all my humble and hearty respects, and beg you will accept the same from, my Lady,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXIV
To Mr. H―――― H――――.
Chelsea, Jan. 12, 1749.
My dear Brother,
I Can now send you but a few lines. Thanks be to GOD, that weeping doth not hinder sowing. I think it is cruel to wish our little ones back into this cold world again. Go on, JESUS will be better to you and yours than seven daughters. I hope Mrs. H―――― joins with you in saying, “it is well.” But a word or two in answer to the other part of your letter. Cannot you be at Gloucester the 24th of this month? That would be abundantly more convenient for me than the 27th. I would appoint our English meeting at that time, and, GOD willing, would go with you to Builth, and after that to the west. I am now here waiting for Lord B――――ke, and some others, who are coming to hear the glorious gospel. Lord L―――― is in town. Our good Lady is going on, and every day increasing her reward in heaven. I have much to say when we meet. When will you leave off being a spiritual rake? For the present, adieu! Pray fail not being at Gloucester. In the mean while, let us ply the throne of grace in behalf of each other, and do you pray that an humble, child-like, obedient heart, may be given to, my very dear fellow-soldier,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCXXV
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
Chelsea, Jan. 13, 1749.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
YOUR kind and loving answer to my last poor scrawl, humbled me much before Him who alone worketh all things in and by us. But if he will work, who shall hinder? I trust the language of my heart to the ever-blessed JESUS 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.
You will not be offended if I tell you, that good Lady H――――n saw your letter. She was much pleased with it, and has a great regard for you. She goes on from strength to strength. The prospect of doing good to the rich that attend her Ladyship’s house, is very encouraging. I preach twice a week, and yesterday Lord B――――ke was one of my auditors. His Lordship was pleased to express very great satisfaction. Who knows what GOD may do? He can never work by a meaner instrument. O dear Sir, pray for me. I want humility, I want thankfulness, I want a heart continually flaming with the love of GOD. Blessed be his name for the share imparted to you. May you go on and increase with all the increase of GOD! I thank you for your kind invitation to your house and pulpit. I would not bring you or any of my friends into difficulties, for owning poor, unworthy, ill and hell deserving me. But if providence should give me a clear call, I should be glad to come your way. I rejoice in the prospect of having some ministers in our church pulpits that dare own a crucified Redeemer. I hope the time will come that many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word, and that of the honourable women there will be not a few. I know you will say Amen. For the present, my dear Sir, adieu. Remember me to the doctor, and Mr. H――――, when you write to or see them, and assure yourself of a constant remembrance in the poor but sincere petitions of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in the best bonds, G. W.
Letter DCCXXVI
To Dr. S――――.
London, Jan. 17, 1749.
Very dear Sir,
I Received your last kind letter, soon after I had been informing dear Mr. H―――― that I did not chuse to bring my friends into trouble; but that if providence should give me a clear call, I might accept of his invitation. This perhaps may never happen. But if it should, wherefore should dear Mr. S―――― be so much alarmed? What if his people are prejudiced against me? Might not a sermon, under GOD, lessen their prejudices, and perhaps awaken some souls to a sense of the divine life? Such things have been done, such a thing, through the divine blessing, may be repeated again. The way of duty is the way of safety. Our LORD requires of us to confess him in his gospel members and ministers. To be afraid of professing the one, or publicly to own, associate with, and strengthen the hands and hearts of the other, especially when they are set for the defence of the gospel, is, in my opinion, very offensive in the sight of our common LORD, and can only proceed from a want of more love to him and his dear people. I am quite of your mind, my dear friend, that our LORD recommends to us the wisdom of the serpent, but then it is always to be blended with the innocence of the dove. How this is done, in effect, by disowning the open and avowed proclaimers of his eternal truths, I cannot I must confess at present see into. You say, “we are most of us too warm already:” but I hope you do not think, that being ashamed of any of your LORD’s ministers is an instance of it? Thanks be to GOD that Mr. H―――― seems, as you express it, “to court the enmity of mankind;” it is an error of the right side. Better so than to be afraid of it. The LORD never threatned to spew any church out of his mouth for being too hot; but for being neither hot nor cold he has. It is too true, my dear Sir, “we have but few faithful ministers.” But is keeping at a distance from one another the way to strengthen their interest? By no means. I rather think those that hold the same principles at least, and are embarked in the same cause, should jointly and publicly appear for GOD.――And to tell you my whole mind, I do not believe GOD will bless either you or your friends to any considerable degree, till you are more delivered from the fear of man. Alas, how was you bowed down with it, when I saw you last! And your letter bespeaks you a slave to it yet. O my brother, deal faithfully with yourself, and you will find a love of the world, and fear of not providing for your children, have gotten too much hold of your heart. Do not mistake me. I would not have you throw yourself into flames. I would only have you act a consistent part, and not for fear of a little contempt be ashamed of owning the ministers of CHRIST. After all, think not, my dear Sir, that I am pleading my own cause. You are not in danger of seeing me at N――――n. I only take this occasion of saying a word or two to your heart. You will not be offended, as it proceeds from love. You may shew this to dear Mr. H――――. I salute him, the dear doctor, and dear Mr. H――――, most cordially. I hope the seed is sown among the rich to some purpose. Last Thursday Lord B――――ke was one of my hearers. Brethren pray for us; you are never forgotten by, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCXXVII
To Mr. S――――.
London, Jan. 18, 1749.
My very dear Mr. S――――,
I Have received from you two very kind letters, the last of which made me to smile indeed. Alas, my dear man, what airy castles are you building? Were your sanguine expectations to take place, might I not justly say to my friends, “Quid vultis, ut peream?” But blessed be GOD, there is yet no danger. The gospel is not got so near the court as you imagine. However, some of the mighty and noble come twice a week to hear at good Lady H――――n’s, and the prospect of doing good amongst them is very encouraging. One or two I trust are effectually touched. Pray on, and who knows what a great fire a little spark may kindle? I wish the LORD may answer your request, and give you a religious governor. I cannot see how I can serve dear Mr. B――――. I should be very shy of asking any favours, supposing I had interest, lest I should be thought to preach for myself and not for CHRIST JESUS my LORD. I would fain convince all, that I seek not theirs but them. I am sorry you have met with so many losses of late; but all our losses will be found to be gain in the end. Blessed are they that love GOD! All things are even now working together for their good. About August I purpose, GOD willing, to embark for Carolina; though my friends say not, I believe they will be mistaken. Ere this reaches you, I hope GOD will have raised you up Pastors after his own heart. Pray remember me in the most endearing manner to all that I was acquainted with, and tell them I live in hopes of seeing them once more in the flesh. I heartily salute all, and am, very dear Mr. S――――,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCXXVIII
To Lady H――――n.
Bristol, Jan. 28, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Think it is now high time for me to trouble your Ladyship with a few lines. They come to thank your Ladyship ten thousand times for all favours, and to inform you that our glorious Redeemer orders all things well. On Wednesday, through winds, rain and frost, I reached Gloucester, and preached there the same evening. The next day we held out association, and, thanks be to GOD, affairs turned out better than expectation. I came hither this evening, where I found my brother in the very temper I could wish, “seemingly quite fixed to leave the world for GOD.” He tells me of a Colonel, who heard me once in the Summer, that now wants to know if his sins are forgiven. My brother’s visit to town has been greatly blessed to him. Surely your Ladyship will never know, till the day of judgment, the great ends GOD had in view in calling your Ladyship to London. I rejoice in the prospect of seeing your Ladyship happy amidst a crowd of your spiritual children, who will come to you from time to time to be built up in their most holy faith. You will suffer many pangs for them; but all shall work for your Ladyship’s present and eternal good. I suffer much in my bodily health for preaching to the nobility; but, thanks be to GOD, that some seem to have an hearing ear, and an understanding heart. My warmest prayers are continually ascending to the throne of grace for your Ladyship, and for all those who have heard the word, especially those honourable women that used to join with your Ladyship in receiving the sacred symbols of the Redeemer’s blessed body and blood. My cry to our LORD in their behalf is this,
Take their poor hearts, and let them be For ever clos’d to all but thee.
I forgot to tell your Ladyship, that the Welch justices have ordered the twenty pounds, exacted of the Methodists by Sir W――――, to be returned. I can add up more, but my most grateful acknowledgments for all kindnesses, and subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCXXIX
To Lady H――――n.
Bristol, Feb. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
YESTERDAY I had the favour of your Ladyship’s letter; and am glad to find that Lady G――――’s journey will not be altogether in vain. Our LORD will note, in his book, your Ladyship’s endeavour to serve her, and reward you openly before men and angels, for this and all other your works of faith, and labours of love. I am glad your Ladyship approves of Mr. W――――’s conduct, and that he hath preached at your Ladyship’s. The language of my heart is, “LORD, send by whom thou wilt send, only convert some of the mighty and noble, for thy mercy’s sake! Then I care not if I am heard of no more.” I am much obliged to those honourable ladies who are pleased to send me their good wishes. In return, they have my earnest prayers that they may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. For my own part, I long to take the field. I trust we shall see a glorious Spring, and hear of many souls crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?” Blessed be GOD, we have solid seasons here. I trust I can with truth say, “The gospel has been preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” Next Monday, GOD willing, I shall travel further Westward. In the mean while, I purpose to preach here, and at Kingswood, and to take a step to Bath. Mr. C―――― was here yesterday, and brought me a benefaction from Miss S――――, of fifteen guineas, most or all of which I purpose paying to Mr. ――――, towards discharging what is due to him for the Orphan-house. Thus doth the LORD help me, who long ago deserved to be banished from his presence for ever, and to be employed in his work no more. I am glad your Ladyship approves of Mr. G――――: He is, I think, a worthy man. By taking this method, your Ladyship will have an opportunity of conversing with the best of all parties, without being a bigot, and too strenuously attached to any. Surely in this your Ladyship is directed from above. The blessed JESUS cares for his people of all denominations. He is gathering his elect out of all. Happy they, who, with a disinterested view, take in the whole church militant, and, in spite of narrow-hearted bigots, breathe an undissembled catholic spirit towards all. That your Ladyship may increase and grow in this spirit, and consequently increase in true divine happiness every day, is and shall be the constant prayer of, Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXX
To the Countess of D――――.
Bristol, Feb. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
WILL your Ladyship pardon me, if I inform you, that love and gratitude constrain me to send your Ladyship a few lines? As I am daily praying for the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship, and your honourable sister, so I cannot help informing you, that I trust you have both such a view of the present great salvation, purchased for the very chief of sinners by the blood of CHRIST, that you will neither of you be at rest, till made real partakers thereof. Has not your Ladyship already had a taste of this inward happiness? Assuredly you have. Should not this encourage your Ladyship to expect, seek after, and pray for unspeakably more? Undoubtedly it ought. The fulness which is in JESUS is inexhaustible. Out of that fulness your Ladyship may be always receiving grace for grace. Thanks be to GOD for teaching you the way! Let not your honoured sister think herself too unworthy of such a mercy. JESUS is worthy; she hath nothing to do but to bring all her unworthiness to the LORD our righteousness, and accept of compleat salvation as a free gift. Hearing, when last in town, that your Ladyship would not be offended if I wrote, encouraged me to take the liberty of troubling your Ladyship with this. As the glorious Emmanuel enables, it shall be followed with my most fervent prayers, which have been, are, and, through JESUS CHRIST strengthening, shall always be put up in behalf of yourself, and your honourable sister, by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXI
To Mr. ――――.
Bristol, Feb. 4, 1749.
My dear Sir,
THE contents of your letter surprized me; and yet it is time for me to learn to be surprized at nothing. But what shall we say? It must needs be that these trials should come, to wean us from every creature, and teach us to live by faith in the Son of GOD. Had you succeeded, you certainly would have met with some thorn in the flesh, to keep you from being elated too much. Persons of such sanguine dispositions as you and I are, always need one from some quarter or another. By your letter, this trial has done you good already. Be thankful for it, therefore, my dear Sir, and say from your inmost soul, “the cup, which my heavenly Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”――We are but poor choosers for ourselves. GOD sees not as we see. It is a comfort when we can say, we have eyed GOD in any affair; but if that affair be plainly disconcerted by his providence, we may be certain it is for good. I found it so in a like circumstance, when my affections were much more engaged than yours necessarily must have been. I wish you joy of being called to leave a worm for GOD, and in your submission to his divine appointment. “Surely,” (says the prophet that was sent to anoint one of Jesse’s sons) “the LORD’s anointed is before me.” He guessed several times; but always guessed wrong, till little David was sent for, who was thought nothing of. And if a prophet was mistaken, when thus sent in a peculiar manner, and no doubt particularly engaged in prayer for direction, is it any wonder, that we should find ourselves mistaken in many things, even when we have been most earnest with GOD for guidance and direction? GOD often guides us by disappointments; and I doubt not but you will find some better thing is prepared for you. What the LORD hath done to you, though you know not now, yet you shall know hereafter.
I.
Leave to his sovereign sway To choose and to command; So shalt thou wond’ring own his way, How wise, how strong his hand.
II.
Far, far above thy thoughts, His counsel shall appear, When fully he the work hath wrought, Which caus’d thy needless fear.
You see, dear Sir, my concern for you by the length of this letter. As you are, I trust, my own son in the faith, so I cannot avoid naturally caring for you. My letter shall be followed with my prayers. Be resigned. I am better in health than when I left town; and am much blessed in preaching. You know how to give thanks in behalf of
Your sympathizing friend, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXII
To Lady H――――n.
Exon, Feb. 9, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s laying your commands upon me to write often, makes me uneasy unless I can redeem time to send to your Ladyship at least once a week. Blessed be GOD, I can inform your Ladyship, that there was a great stirring among the dry bones at Bristol and Kingswood. Last Lord’s-day was a great day of the Son of Man. The power of the LORD attended the word, as in days of old, and several persons, that had never heard me before, were brought under great awakenings. A counsellor came once, and was so affected, that when he got home he invited others to come and hear, which so alarmed his lady, (ready to die of a consumption) that she is afraid her husband will go mad. Last night I came hither, and had the pleasure of seeing some spiritual children that were begotten unto GOD when I was here last. This evening I am to begin to spread the gospel-net; and shall continue in Exeter till Monday. Affairs have been so confused, that it requires some time to settle them. I find a death must come upon all we do, that the life of it may appear to be wholly of GOD. I hope your Ladyship finds that the Redeemer’s work flourishes in your hands. I long to hear, whether my letters were kindly received, and whether the seed sown by me or any other springs up. Whoever plants, or whoever waters, I know it is the LORD must give the increase. Mr. C―――― is vastly attached to your Ladyship’s interest, and, I believe, prays continually for your success. Many do so, whom your Ladyship knows not. Your Ladyship’s letter to Mr. R―――― I find is blessed much. It is the good man’s lot, that whatsoever he doth shall prosper. May this be fulfilled in your Ladyship more and more every day! I could enlarge, but must away to my delightful work. People are waiting. This late journey has been blessed to the recovery of my health. I have not had any of my usual disorders since I left town. I am sometimes faint. But, “Faint, and yet pursuing,” must be the christian’s motto. I hope my most dutiful respects will find acceptance with those honourable persons whose faces are set Zion-wards, and that your Ladyship will accept the same from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXIII
To Lady H――――n.
Plymouth, Feb. 16, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THE last time I wrote to your Ladyship, I was at Exeter, where I begun on Sunday evening to preach in the open air.――Abundance of souls attended, and I trust real good was done. In the morning, grace flowed richly round the congregation; and many knew experimentally that CHRIST was risen, by his giving them to experience the power of his resurrection in their hearts. On Monday I went to Bovey-Tracey, about 12 miles from Exeter, where I found several poor simple souls. Here also the fountain of life was open, and I believe some drank at, and others felt the want of it. The next morning I preached at a place called Mary-Church, where are supposed to be near a score of awakened souls, who have undergone much outward trouble for adhering to the cross of CHRIST. Most of their bitterest opposers were present. All was calm; and the power of the LORD accompanied the word. After sermon I rode twenty miles to Kingsbridge, where, to my great surprize, I found about a thousand souls waiting till eight in the evening to hear the word. Though nature said, “Spare thyself,” I thought faith and duty said, “Venture upon the LORD’s strength, and speak to them.” I did, from these words of our dear LORD’s: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” I preached in the street. The moon-shone. All was quiet; and I hope some begun to think of working out their salvation with fear and trembling. The next morning I preached there again; four ministers attended. Our LORD was pleased to make it a very fine season. After sermon I had the pleasure of hearing, that by two or three discourses preached at this place about 5 years ago, many souls were awakened. One young man, then called, is since a preacher; he was in a tree partly to ridicule me. I spoke to him to imitate Zaccheus, and come down and receive the LORD JESUS. The word was backed with power――He heard, came down, believed, and now adorns the gospel. From Kingsbridge to Plymouth, is near twenty post miles. Hither I came last night. About ten miles from the town, I met several of my spiritual children, who came on horseback to see me. When I came into the town, many hundreds were waiting to hear the word, and received me with great joy. Though it was past seven at night, and I had preached at Kingsbridge in the morning, I thought it my duty to comply with the people’s importunity, and accordingly I called upon them, (in a place stiled the tabernacle, built since I have been absent) to behold the Lamb of GOD. I find a strange alteration in the people since I came first here, now above four years ago. Many were then awakened, and truly converted to the blessed JESUS. I write in a house belonging to a married couple, who call me their spiritual father. Plymouth seems to be quite a new place to me. I have also just now parted from a truly converted neighbouring clergyman, who has invited me to preach in his church. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some more good news. In the mean while, I wish your Ladyship the best of blessings; and entreat your Ladyship to pray, that a chearful, humble, simple, and guileless heart may be given to, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCXXXIV
To the Reverend Mr. C――――.
Plymouth, Feb. 20, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Had the pleasure of receiving your letters dated December 29th and 31st. I thank you a thousand times for this, and all your other favours. I did not think Mr. H――――’s friendship would hold long. It will be time enough for me to speak to and of him, when I see Bermudas again, which I propose doing, GOD willing, as soon as possible. In the mean while, I would only observe, that if I am a Roman Catholic, the Pope must have given ♥me a very large dispensation. Surely Mr. H―――― has acted like one, to pretend so much friendship, and express it in the strongest terms, and yet have nothing of it in his heart all the while. But thus it must be. Dear Sir, we must be tried every way. Hic murus aheneus esto, &c. As for any secrets that I told him, he is very welcome to reveal them. You know me too well to judge I have many secrets. May the secret of the LORD be with me! and then I care not if there was a window in my heart for all mankind to see the uprightness of my intentions. I long to have Bethesda a foundation for the LORD JESUS. If I can procure a proper solid person of good literature, who will be content to stay two or three years, something may be done. I am now in the West, and have begun to take the field. Great multitudes flock to hear; and our LORD is pleased apparently to countenance my poor unworthy ministrations. I have the pleasure of seeing the seed, which was sown just before I embarked last for America, spring up, producing an hundred-fold. May JESUS have all the glory! Perhaps (O amazing love!) he has not done with me yet. I am better in bodily health than usual, but expect to be sick again when I return to London. Thither I must go in about a fortnight, to preach again to some of the Rich and Great, as well as the Poor. I find it is a trial, to be thus divided between the work on this and the other side of the water. I am convinced I have done right in coming over now; and I keep myself quite disengaged, that I may be free to leave England the latter end of the Summer, if our LORD is pleased to make my way clear. I hope, as you say nothing to the ♦contrary, that all friends are well. I beg to be remembered to them all in the kindest manner, and depend much on their not forgetting to pray for, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
♥ duplicate “me” removed
♦ “conrrary” replaced with “contrary”
Letter DCCXXXV
To Lady H――――.
Plymouth, Feb. 21, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Believe it will much rejoice your Ladyship’s heart to hear what is doing in the West. I could not have thought that the seed sown four years ago, would have met with such a great increase. But what cannot GOD do? I have now proclaimed here seven times the riches of redeeming love, to very large, attentive, and affected auditories. Generally about two thousand attend every night; and the Sunday evening, in the field, I believe there were above five thousand hearers. On Wednesday, GOD willing, I move hence. My short stay affects the people. But our LORD orders all things well. I hope to be in town at my appointed time, at least within a few days of it. If Mr. B―――― is not returned, I shall be grieved to think how your Ladyship will want the ordinance; but, thanks be to GOD, the fountain is open, and your Ladyship knows the way to it. Last Lord’s-day I administered the sacrament to some few souls that had no pastor; and I could have wished your Ladyship present to have seen an affecting sight,――two parents, both believers, presenting two daughters and a son, in the most solemn manner, for the first time to be communicants. I received them with all joy; and our LORD graced the feast with much of his divine presence. Indeed, my good Lady, affairs bear a very promising aspect. I hear that much good has been done at Bristol. Every where fresh doors are opening, and people flock from all quarters. Prejudices, I find, do subside, and, through grace, strong impressions are made on many souls. I have not been so well, for so long a season together, for many years, as I have been since I left town. A proof, I think, that the LORD calls me into the fields. I hear how your Ladyship has been, by the B――――p. Alas! how does the enmity of the heart sometimes make persons to forget good manners! Your Ladyship has been taught of GOD to forgive and pity. Well, if the great shepherd and bishop of souls has work to be done, he will raise up instruments, and find ways to send them out.
I.
Thoughts are vain against the LORD, All subserve his powerful word; Wheels encircling wheels must run, Each in course to bring it on.
II.
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.
I know that your Ladyship will say heartily, Amen. I doubt not but your Ladyship enjoys much of his presence, which is better than life. I hope your honourable and right honourable visitants share richly with you. I beg leave to send them, and your Ladyship, my most dutiful respects, and subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXVI
To Lady G――――.
Plymouth, Feb. 22, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s letter I received yesterday; I trust under some sense of the honour your Ladyship has done me, through the King of kings making me instrumental in quickening or building up your Ladyship’s precious and immortal soul. Like a pure chrystal, I would transmit all the glory he is pleased to pour upon me, and never claim as my own, what is his sole propriety. Thanks be to his great and glorious name, for putting it into your Ladyship’s heart to say sincerely, “LORD, increase my faith.” When I had read your Ladyship’s letter, I could not help observing what a connection there was between the present frame of your Ladyship’s heart, and your present circumstances in respect to your servant. For how is it, honoured Madam, that our faith is to be increased, but by our being exercised with trials? By these the christian grows; and faith, like the burning bush amidst the furnace of affliction, flourishes unconsumed. Blessed be GOD, that your Ladyship hath taken hold of a great and precious promise. Our LORD has promised, “that he will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear.” And he is faithful that hath promised. We have nothing to do, but to plead his promise in prayer. Be pleased, therefore, honoured Madam, to solace yourself, under your present distress, with these lines:
I.
With joy we meditate the grace Of our High-priest above; His heart is made of tenderness, His bowels melt with love.
II.
Touch’d with a sympathy within, He knows our feeble frame; He knows what sore temptations mean, For he has felt the same.
III.
He, in the days of feeble flesh, Pour’d out his cries and tears; And in his measure feels afresh, What every member bears.
IV.
Then let our humble faith address His mercy and his power; We shall obtain delivering grace, In the distressing hour.
This is, and shall be, honoured Madam, my daily prayer on your behalf. Fear not; our LORD will take care that all shall work for good. Those who are sincere, will soon get over such stumbling blocks; and those that are not, will stumble at any thing, nay every thing. I bless GOD, that some have got their faces set Zion-wards. Of the honourable women, ere long, I trust, there will be not a few who will dare to be singularly good, and confess the blessed JESUS before men. O with what a holy contempt may the poor despised believer look down on those, who are yet immersed in the pleasures of sense, and amidst all the refinements of their unassisted, unenlightened reason, continue slaves to their own lusts and passions. Happy, thrice happy they! who begin to feel and experience what it is to be redeemed from this present evil world. Well may they count all things but dung and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS their Lord. Well may they look upon the few righteous, as the only truly excellent ones of the earth; and choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of GOD, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. You, honoured Madam, I trust, are one of this happy number. May all your children add to it, and follow your Ladyship, as they see you follow CHRIST. I hope that some have been inclined to list under his banner, since I left town. Indeed the glorious Redeemer has dealt bountifully with his people, and with unworthy me. The good Lady H――――n, I suppose, hath informed your Ladyship of some pleasing particulars. I hope to acquaint you of more at my return to town. In the mean while, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCXXXVII
To the Countess of D――――.
Plymouth, Feb. 22, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
YESTERDAY I had the favour of your Ladyship’s letter, which I would have answered immediately, but was engaged both in company, and in preaching the everlasting gospel. Your Ladyship’s answering my poor scrawl, was an honour I did not expect; but, since your Ladyship is pleased thus to condescend, I am encouraged to make a reply. And give me leave to assure your Ladyship, that your own case, and that of your honoured sisters, have been, and are always upon my heart. I pray for both in public and private, though none knows whom I mean. Blessed be the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who, I trust, hath imparted a saving knowledge of his eternal Son to your Ladyship’s heart. Your letter bespeaks the language of a soul which hath tasted that the LORD is gracious, and hath been initiated into the divine life. Welcome, thrice welcome, honoured Madam, into the world of new creatures! O what a scene of happiness lies before you! Your frames, my Lady, like the moon, will wax and wane; but the LORD JESUS, on whose righteousness you solely depend, will, notwithstanding, remain your faithful friend in heaven. Your Ladyship seems to have the right point in view, to get a constant abiding witness and indwelling of the blessed Spirit of GOD in your heart. This the Redeemer has purchased for you. Of this he has given your Ladyship a taste; this, I am persuaded, he will yet impart so plentifully to your heart, that out of it shall flow rivers of living waters. This JESUS spake of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. As you have, therefore, honoured Madam, received the LORD JESUS, so walk in him even by faith. Lean on your beloved, and you shall go on comfortably through this howling wilderness, till you arrive at those blissful regions,
Where pain, and sin, and sorrow cease, And all is calm, and joy, and peace.
And O that your honoured sister may go hand in hand with your Ladyship! Wherefore doth she doubt? Wherefore doth she fear? Why does not her Ladyship say,
To the blest fountain of thy blood, Incarnate GOD, I fly; Here let me wash my spotted soul, From sins of crimson dye.
Honoured Madam, is it not a fountain opened? Opened for all that will come, and wash at, and drink of it? Entreat her Ladyship, therefore, honoured Madam, not to be faithless, but believing. Beg her to come, or rather be pleased to inform her Ladyship, that her Saviour entreats and commands her to come just as she is, and to accept of salvation as a free-gift. O that with Queen Esther she may say, “If I perish, I perish.” Then shall she see the King of kings holding out a golden sceptre, and not an iron rod. But I forget myself again. Honoured Madam, be pleased to pardon me, and accept what I have written as the overflowings of a heart that hath been wrestling with GOD, for the salvation of your Ladyship, your honoured sister, and of all related to you. This is the best proof I can give of my being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXVIII
To the Countess of H――――n.
Exeter, Feb. 24, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AFTER I wrote to your Ladyship last post, from Plymouth, I received the letters you was pleased to communicate to Mr. C――――. They came quite unexpected. I think it is enough, that my letters are received, not without being answered; but the LORD JESUS will humble me by mercies. O that they may have that blessed effect upon my soul! Inclosed, your Ladyship hath my answers. I have sent them open, that your Ladyship may (if not too long) peruse them. Whilst I was writing, the fire kindled, and I did not well know how to leave off. I rejoice that your Ladyship hath such a promising prospect of doing good among the rich and great. Mr. C――――, in his last, writes thus: “Mr. G―――― went with me to wait on her Ladyship; where he owns he spent two hours with more pleasure, than he ever remembered to have done in any company before: and, I must freely own, he spoke my own sentiments.” I believe that your Ladyship will daily reap the fruit of a catholic spirit, and a free conversation with the truly gracious of all denominations. It is a conduct truly god-like. Dear Mr. T―――― has much of it. I parted from him on Thursday afternoon. He was once almost blinded by weeping under the word. He was rejoiced to see the flocking at Plymouth. Indeed it was very encouraging. Our LORD seemed to keep the best wine until the last. At Tavistock, ten miles from Plymouth, I preached last Thursday, but was rudely treated. For, whilst I was praying, some of the baser sort brought a bull and dogs, and disturbed us much. But I hope that good was done. Blessed be GOD, we know some has been done. I conversed with three or four, that have been awakened by the reading of some of my printed sermons. Surely the Apostle spoke like himself, when he said, “GOD has chosen the weak things of this world, to confound the strong; and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are.” I am now come thus far in my return to London. I purpose, GOD willing, being there in about ten days. On Monday next I shall set out for Bristol; where, as I am informed, the infinitely condescending Redeemer has been pleased greatly to bless my last visit. When I think of London, I feel a kind of fear and trembling, lest my bodily sickness should return again, and I should not speak to the Mighty and Noble, so as to win them to the ever-blessed JESUS. But I desire to throw myself blindfold into his hands, believing, (LORD, help my unbelief!) that as my day is, so shall my strength be. At present, honoured Madam, this is the language of my heart, to Him, whose I am, and whom I desire to serve:
A life that all things casts behind, Springs forth obedient to thy call; A heart, that no desire can move, But still t’adore, believe, and love, Give me, my LORD, my life, my all!
I hope this will find your Ladyship quite happy under the shadow of redeeming love. I wish your Ladyship an increase of that happiness every moment, as being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though most unworthy humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXXXIX
To Mr. C――――.
Exeter, Feb. 25, 1749.
My dear Mr. C――――,
YOUR last, with the inclosed, you may be sure gave me satisfaction, at the same time as they, I trust, humbled me before him, who will send by whom he will send. This post carries answers to the honourable women. I suppose that you will be pleased to find I am thus far in my return to London. O my friend, my friend, I come with fear and trembling. To speak to the rich and great, so as to win them to the blessed JESUS, is indeed a task. But wherefore do we fear? We can do all things through CHRIST strengthening us. But why does Mr. C―――― think it strange, that no-body can be found to help me in the country? Is it not more strange, that you should lie supine as it were, burying your talents in a napkin, complaining that you have nothing to do, and yet souls every where are perishing about you for lack of knowledge? Why do you not preach or print? At least, why do you not help me, or somebody or another, in a more public way? You are in the decline of life, and if you do not soon reassume the place, you are now, through grace, qualified for, you may lose the opportunity of doing so for ever. I write this in great seriousness. May the LORD give you no rest, till you lift up your voice like a trumpet! Up, and be doing, and the LORD will be with you. I can now no more, but inform you, that, GOD willing, I am to be at Bristol next Tuesday, where letters on Wednesday morning may find, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCXL
To Mr. S――――.
Exeter, Feb. 27, 1749.
Very dear Mr. S――――,
I Am ashamed to think that your last kind letter has lain by so long unanswered; but journeying, preaching, and a multiplicity of other business has prevented me. I shall not carry on the debate; only I must thank you for receiving my letter in so friendly a manner, and entreat you, though a host of enemies are behind, and a whole sea of troubles before you, to go forwards. That was the command the great JEHOVAH gave to his servant Moses, when under very pressing circumstances, so that he knew not what to do. The LORD’s impressing and affecting persons under your exhortation, is a token for good. It is good to be led on step by step into whatever plan providence intends to call us. “He that believeth doth not make haste.” Our business is to follow, and improve the light we have, and that is the way to get more. You know who hath said, “to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.” May this promise be fulfilled in your heart! But why does my friend write so about assurance, or think he is too sinful to expect such a favour? Have you learnt CHRIST no better yet? Who more sinful than Paul or the jaylor, Zaccheus or Magdalene? and who more assured of their salvation? My dear Mr. S――――, do not think so hardly of the glorious Redeemer. Draw near to him with boldness, though the greatest of sinners, and urge that as an argument, why he should give you the greatest and most abiding assurance of his everlasting love. This is the only argument I can use in respect to my own soul. Fear not, dear Sir, though clouds return after the rain; ere long I trust the glorious and ever-blessed spirit will not, as to his comforts, be like a way-faring man, tarrying only for a night, but come and make a continued abode in your heart. The language of my soul for you is, “Come LORD JESUS, come quickly!” May I expect an answer to this in London. Thither I am now going from the west, where I have been for about a month, and through grace have seen that the seed sown just before my embarking last for America, has sprung up and produced fruit unto GOD. To him be all the glory. The impressions made upon some of the great ones do remain. Good Lady H―――― sends me good news. Be pleased to remember me as usual to doctor D―――― and Mr. H――――, and believe me to be, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCXLI
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
Bristol, March 1, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Am much obliged to you for your last kind letter. It was so agreeable, that I sent it to good Lady H――――. Her Ladyship writes me word “that it was a letter after her own heart.” She loves a Catholic spirit, and I trust you are not deceived in your thoughts concerning me in this respect. If I know any thing of my desperately wicked and deceitful heart, I truly love all that love the glorious Emmanuel, and though I cannot depart from the principles which I believe are clearly revealed in the book of GOD, yet I can chearfully associate with those that differ from me, if I have reason to think they are united to our common head. This induced me to call upon good Mr. L――――, whose books many years ago were blessed to my soul, when the work that is now spreading, was then only in embryo. I am just come from the west, where I have had the pleasure of seeing the seed sown just before I last embarked for America, sprung up and bearing much fruit. All glory be to Him who alone giveth the increase. I have also had two letters from some honourable women, who I trust have received the grace of GOD in truth; and Lady H――――n writes me word, that “the prospect of doing good at my return to London is very encouraging.” Thither I am now bound. I go with fear and trembling, knowing how difficult it is to speak to the great, so as to win them to JESUS CHRIST. I sometimes am ready to say, “LORD, I pray thee have me excused, and send by whom thou wilt send.” But divine grace is sufficient for me. I can do all things through CHRIST strengthening me. My dear brother, fail not to pray for me, that I may hold on and hold out to the end, and in prosperity and adversity press forward with an even, chearful, meek and lowly mind towards the mark, for the prize of our high calling in CHRIST JESUS. I am glad to hear that doctor S―――― goes on so well. I guess he will not be suffered long to halt. It is no matter how soon all worldly shackles are knocked off, and persons set at liberty (supposing they have a proper call) to range for GOD. I find there is no hopes of compromising matters. Nobody can be ordained that is a Methodist. Well! the time may come, when many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word. They come last; but then many of them come together. I know you will say, Amen! let me hear from you shortly again. You shall have as quick returns as can be given you by, my dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCXLII
To Lady H――――.
Gloucester, March 4, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
HAVING been moving this week from place to place, I could not write to your Ladyship as usual, and even now my body is so fatigued, that I cannot say much. However, I would beg leave to inform your Ladyship that the glorious Emmanuel continues to smile upon my poor labours, and that about the middle of the week, by his leave, I purpose waiting upon your Ladyship in North Audley-street. I doubt not but I shall find your Ladyship riper for heaven, than when I left London. There you will be always thronged with company, and yet free from the least distraction. On earth it is otherwise. However, as we advance in the divine life, we shall be more and more conformed to those ministring spirits, who, though waiting on us below, do always behold the face of our heavenly Father above. This divine lesson, honoured madam, GOD has begun to teach you. May you daily make a proficiency therein, so that your progress may be made known unto all men! I will follow as fast as I can, though alas! with too slow a pace. I must now add no more, but my usual prayers for your Ladyship’s temporal and eternal welfare, and hasten to subscribe myself, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful though unworthy humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXLIII
To Mr. B――――.
London, March 10, 1749.
Dear Billy,
I Have just now heard, that a ship will sail for Philadelphia in a day or two. I cannot therefore miss the opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your last kind letter. I am sorry it brought me such bad news concerning the state of religion in your parts. My constant prayer for you, and my other Philadelphia friends is this, “LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years.” Notwithstanding so wide a door is opened here, and a prospect of doing much good lies before me, yet I have settled thoughts of embarking for America in the fall. But future things belong to GOD. His I am, and I desire to be entirely at his alwise disposal. My wife is not yet arrived; I hear she is yet upon the water. May the LORD JESUS be her convoy! I am just returned from an excursion of about six hundred miles in the west, where I had the pleasure of seeing, that the seed sown before I embarked last for America, had been blessed abundantly. Glory be to Him, who alone has given the increase. The news you have had of my preaching to some great ones, is true; I have done it for some time twice a week, and thanks be to the blessed Redeemer, it has already produced good effects. Lady H―――― is a mirror of piety indeed. In time, I trust of the honourable women there will not be a few, who dare to confess the LORD JESUS before men. You must remember me to all. I have scarce time to write this, so can only send one general salutation. The LORD JESUS be with all your spirits, Amen and Amen! The bearer, Mr. H――――, seems to be well recommended as an honest man. He is an entire stranger to every body in America, and I believe has a mind to settle in Philadelphia. I am desired to write a line in his behalf. You will do what you can for him, because he is a stranger. I could write much more, but am interrupted. Adieu, my dear man, for the present. Pray keep near the ever-blessed Redeemer, and fail not to pray for and write to
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCXLIV
To Mr. S――――.
London, March 11, 1749.
My very dear Mr. S――――,
I Wish you joy. I trust you may now say, “Now I begin to be a disciple of JESUS CHRIST.” You know who has commanded us to rejoice and be exceeding glad when men separate from our company, and speak all manner of evil against us falsely for his name’s sake. Thanks be to GOD, you have at length found out, that whosoever attempts to reconcile GOD and the world, is attempting to reconcile two irreconcilable differences. They are as opposite as light and darkness, heaven and hell. You have nothing to do, but to go on doing, and then sing with an holy triumph,
For this let men revile my name, I shun no cross, I fear no shame; All hail reproach, and welcome pain, Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain.
You know he is faithful, who hath promised, “that he will never leave nor forsake you.” Wait on him therefore, dear Sir, and you shall renew your strength, nay you shall mount on wings like an eagle; you shall walk and not be weary, you shall run and not be faint. Various are the trials inward and outward that you will meet with. It is in the spiritual as in the natural birth. The after-pangs are sometimes sharper than those that precede the new-birth itself. If you are made use of by JESUS CHRIST, no wonder that satan desires to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But fear not; JESUS prays for you; your faith therefore shall not fail. How was Paul humbled and struck down before he was sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel? Prayer, temptation, and meditation, says Luther, are necessary ingredients for a minister. If GOD teaches us humility, it must be as Gideon taught the men of Succoth, by thorns. This I suppose is what dear Mr. H―――― means; he has been conversant with Mr. L――――, and writes much therefore in his way. I find he is for making thorough work of it, and digging deep in order to build high. He is certainly right; but why we should not press after and continually plead for assurance, which is every where through the holy scriptures spoken of as the common portion of GOD’s children, I cannot yet see. It is a false humility to be content without that which GOD offers and promises to give. Let him give it in his own way and time; but, “LORD give me a full assurance of faith, that I may joy and rejoice in thee evermore!” should be the constant cry of your soul. My dear Sir, I could enlarge, but I must away to our good Lady H――――n’s. You must not expect to see her till August. I preached at her Ladyship’s on Thursday, and am to do so weekly. I expect to leave town in about a month. Pray let me see you if possible. A new scene will open to you, now you begin to act publickly for CHRIST; but I must bid you farewel. Adieu. May the LORD JESUS be with your spirit! Write often, and you shall be answered, GOD willing, as speedy as possible by, my very dear friend,
Ever yours whilst G. W.
Letter DCCXLV
To the Rev. Mr. G――――.
London, March 17, 1749.
My dear Brother,
WHAT a blessed thing it is, that we can write to, when we cannot see one another! By this means we increase our joys, and lessen our sorrows, and as it were exchange hearts. Thanks be to the LORD JESUS, that the work flourishes with you. I am glad your children grow so fast; they become fathers soon; I wish some may not prove dwarfs at last. A word to the wise is sufficient. I have always found awakening times like spring times. Many blossoms, but not always so much fruit. But go on, my dear man, and in the strength of the LORD you shall do valiantly. I long to be your way, but I suppose it will be two months first. My love awaits Mrs. H―――― and all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Pray tell my dear Mr. I―――― that I cannot now answer the Preston letter, being engaged in answering a virulent pamphlet, entitled, “The Enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists compared,” supposed to be done by the Bishop of E――――. Thus it must be. If we will be temple builders, we must have temple builders lot; I mean, hold a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. The LORD make us faithful Nehemiahs, for we have many Sanballats to deal with! but wherefore should we fear? If CHRIST be for us, who can be against us? Nil desperandum, christo duce, is the christian’s motto. My dear brother, good night. May the LORD JESUS be with your spirit, and make you wise to win souls, even wise as an angel of GOD! Remember me in the kindest manner to honest hearted Mr. I――――, and tell him, that in a post or two I hope he will hear again from
His and your most affectionate though unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in CHRIST’s vineyard, G. W.
Letter DCCXLVI
To the Rev. Mr. W――――.
London, April 5, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOU cannot well tell how much satisfaction your last kind letter gave me. It was like yourself, like a father in CHRIST, to write to strengthen the hands of one, who is not yet half your age, but I trust ready to spend and be spent for the good of precious and immortal souls. I see that you have heard how kind my enemies have been to me. They have told me of my faults, and by their opposition have given me an opportunity of confessing them. I am just now publishing a pamphlet, in answer to one published against the Methodists, upon the title-page of which I intend to have these words, “Out of the eater came forth meat.” O how good, how infinitely wise is JESUS CHRIST! How careful to cause all things to work together for good to those who love him. I have reason to speak well of him, as a promise-keeping Saviour. I doubt not, but he will greatly bless and own you in the latter stages of the road, and cause you to go off like a ripe shock of corn. It will rejoice you to hear that conviction work is going on in England and Wales. I believe the holy spirit is powerfully working on some of the Rich, and the Poor seem rather more eager than ever to hear the gospel. I am much engaged, so that I have scarce time to see or write to any; but in heaven there will be time enough, and but just enough too:
For O eternity’s too short, To utter all CHRIST’s praise.
You will be pleased to return my most cordial salutations to your wife, and all that desire the welfare of such a worthless worm. As our common Lord enables, you and they shall be remembered by, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCXLVII
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
London, April 5, 1749.
Rev. and dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter would not have lain by me unanswered so long, had I not been necessarily employed in affairs of immediate consequence. At Lady H――――’s request, I read part of it to some of the nobility, who approved of it very much. By your leave, I will put a sentence or two of it, without mentioning names, into a pamphlet I am now fitting for the press. I suppose you have seen it advertised. I want to own and publicly confess my public mistakes. O how many, how great have they been! How much obliged am I to my enemies for telling me of them! I wish you could see my pamphlet before it comes out. I just now wrote to Doctor S―――― to see if he cannot meet me this day sevennight, or contrive some way for conveyance of my little piece to him. O that it may be blessed to promote GOD’s glory, and the good of souls! You will be glad to hear that our LORD has given us a good passover, and that the prospect is still encouraging among the Rich. I intend leaving town in about a week, and to begin ranging after precious souls.――But I shall wait for the doctor’s answer. You judge right when you say, “it is your opinion that I do not want to make a sect, or set myself at the head of a party.” No, let the name of Whitefield die, so that the cause of JESUS CHRIST may live. I have seen enough of popularity to be sick of it, and did not the interest of my blessed Master require my appearing in public, the world should hear but little of me henceforward. But who can desert such a cause? Who, for fear of a little contempt and suffering, would decline the service of such a Master? O that the LORD JESUS may thrust out many, many labourers into his harvest? Surely the time must come, when many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word. I wait for thy salvation, O LORD!――But I must bid you farewel. Praying that you may grow under the cross, and be enabled to flourish unconsumed in fire, I subscribe myself, Reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCXLVIII
To Lady H――――n.
Gloucester, April 15, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
IT has given me some concern, to think that I was so long in town after I took leave of your Ladyship, and could neither see nor write to you. The last letter I was about to write, I found myself too ill to hold a pen long enough in my hand to finish it. Blessed be GOD, I find myself now much better. Travelling, as usual, does me service, and the joy of the LORD supplies the want of bodily strength. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some good news out of the country. I came hither this morning, and am to preach to night. In a post or two your Ladyship may expect to hear from me again. In the mean while my prayers will be continually putting up, that you may increase with all the increase of GOD. I hope the elect countess is perfectly recovered of her late indisposition, and that Lady Fanny, H――――, C――――, &c. are determined to go on in that narrow way which leads to everlasting life. Before I left town, I desired Mr. H―――― to send your Ladyship a dozen of my pamphlets, to be presented to the foresaid Ladies, and to whomsoever your Ladyship shall please besides. As many more may be had as your Ladyship sends for. May the LORD give it his blessing, and cause me to grow wiser and better by all his various dispensations towards me. I shall now take my leave; and after wishing your Ladyship, and the other honourable women that are seeking JESUS, much of that rest which remains for the people of GOD, I shall subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCXLIX
To the Countess D――――.
Bristol, April 19, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THE unfeigned regard I have for your Ladyship, will not suffer me to be long out of London without sending a line to enquire after your Ladyship’s welfare. I hope this will find you perfectly recovered from, or meekly resigned under, your late bodily indisposition. I believe your Ladyship hath reason to say, “It is good for me, that I have been afflicted;”――and sanctified afflictions are undoubtedly signs of special love. To come purified out of the furnace, and to find that some of our dross is purged away by the LORD’s putting us into the fire, is indeed an evidence that he is praying for us, and that our faith, however tried, shall not finally fail. O Madam, what a blessing is it to be able to say, “I know in whom I have believed!” How does such an assurance sweeten every bitter cup, and make even death itself to appear with an angel’s face! O that all who are destitute of this unspeakable gift, were convinced of their want thereof, and set upon hungering and thirsting after it! I hope your honoured sister will be one of these. I have her Ladyship much upon my heart, and do earnestly pray that she may be strengthened, established, and settled in the love of GOD, and determine to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST and him crucified. I send her Ladyship my most dutiful respects, and beg you would accept of the same, from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCL
To Lady H――――n.
Portsmouth, May 8, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
GLAD, very glad was I to hear, in a letter sent me by Mr. H――――, that your Ladyship was better; and glad am I, yea very glad, that I can send your Ladyship good news from this part of the country. The night after I came here, I preached to many thousands, a great body of whom was attentive, but some of the baser sort made a little disturbance. A very great opposer sent for me to his house immediately, and could scarce refrain weeping all the time I was with him. On the Friday evening I preached at Gosport, where the mob has generally been very turbulent, but all was hushed and quiet, and as far as I could find, all approved. Every time the word has seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the people’s hearts, and their affections seem to be more and more drawn out. In short, I hope I can inform your Ladyship that Portsmouth is taken, and that we shall hear of many who will in earnest seek after the one thing needful. I have a great mind to go to the isle of Wight, but am not yet determined. Here is a knot of sincere souls, that seem to love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Several date their awakenings from their hearing T―――― G――――, who I hear is to be ordained by the Bishop of W――――, but I doubt it. Last night I had sweet conversation with two of the devout soldiers that have been abroad. They are soldiers indeed. Blessed be GOD, that there are so many of his children scattered up and down, who I trust will give him no rest, till he makes Jerusalem a praise through the whole earth. I do not forget Lady F――――, the Countess, or any of those who seemed inclined to follow JESUS of Nazareth. O that they may be steady, and be enabled with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the LORD! I beg that my most humble and dutiful respects may find acceptance with them and your Ladyship, from, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLI
To the Rev. Mr. M――――.
Portsmouth, May 11, 1749.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
IT concerns me much, that one whom I so much honour, and so dearly love in the bowels of JESUS, should hear so seldom from me. Twice have I endeavoured to answer your last kind letter, but have been prevented, by want of health, a multiplicity of business, and frequent removes from place to place. About three weeks ago I was sent for up to London to see my wife, but she is not yet arrived. However, it has been over-ruled to the bringing me here, where I have been preaching every day for this week past, to very large and attentive auditories, who come to hear with great eagerness. I hear of many that are brought under convictions, prejudices seem to be universally removed, and a people that but a week ago were speaking all manner of evil against me, are now very desirous of my staying longer amongst them to preach the everlasting gospel. What cannot GOD do? After I remove hence, I purpose, GOD willing, to take a tour into Wales, where Mr. H―――― tells me the work is upon the advance. We have lately renewed our connection, and whether I stay in England or go abroad, he and some more have agreed, in the strength of the LORD, to continue preaching at the Tabernacle and elsewhere as formerly. At London, matters have advanced successfully. Real good has certainly been done among the Rich, and the Poor receive the gospel with as much gladness as ever. My outward embarrassments are much lessened, and I hope ere long to be able to say, “I owe no man any thing but love.” Many doors are open, and I have thoughts, if possible, of seeing Scotland this year. But at present I am in a strait, and continually saying, “LORD, what wouldest thou have me to do?” Sometimes I think I must either drop my English or American work; but our LORD knows best how to dispose of me. I would be as clay in his hands, and ready to go whithersoever he is pleased to call me. I should be glad to hear of a revival at C――――; but, dear Sir, you have already seen such things as are seldom seen above once in a century. I am afraid that some good men’s calculations about the latter-day glory are premature, and that it is not so near at hand as some imagine. This is our comfort, a thousand years in the LORD’s sight are but as one day. He that comes, will come, and will not tarry. Take courage, my dear Mr. M――――; look up, and go on your way rejoicing. You will remember me most kindly to your dear yoke-fellow, Nathaniel, little R――――, and the young student in your house, and all dear friends. Indeed I do not forget though I cannot write to you. GOD will not forget your works of faith, and the many favours conferred on, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCLII
To the Countess D――――.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Just now rose from my knees, and have been interceding for you at the throne of grace. The same principle that led me to pray for, excites me also to write a few lines to your Ladyship. Ere now your late bodily indisposition, I hope is entirely removed, and you are up and ministring to JESUS CHRIST. I doubt not but your Ladyship will be helped to sing with a dear saint now with GOD,
――――O happy rod, That brought me nearer to my GOD.
The end of all affliction, outward and inward, is to make us more and more partakers of a divine nature. The father of mercies hath dealt bountifully with your Ladyship; he hath blessed you in the decline of life. O that your latter end may greatly increase! May you be filled with all the fulness of GOD! This, Madam, is the privilege of a real christian, always growing, and making perpetual advances in the divine life. The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day. The way, thanks be to GOD, your Ladyship knows. We must always come by faith, and be continually drawing out of the Redeemer’s inexhaustible fulness. If we are enabled to lean on him, we shall go comfortably on in a wilderness. That is the best name this world deserves. Cieled houses, gaudy attire, and rich furniture, do not make it appear less so to a mind truly enlightened to see the beauties that are in JESUS of Nazareth. These are things, which a watchful, well-informed christian will always look on with a jealous eye, lest they should divert him from looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of his faith. But I need not write thus to your Ladyship, the native language of whose heart I trust is, “GOD forbid that I should glory save in the cross of CHRIST, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” The preaching of the cross hath been much blessed here. Multitudes daily attend, and many are much affected. It would please your Ladyship to see the alteration that has been made in a week’s time. But what cannot GOD do? All things are possible to him. I hope your Ladyship will not forget a poor pilgrim in your prayers. Neither you nor your honoured sister are forgotten by him. I send most dutiful respects and grateful acknowledgments to her Ladyship and Lady G―――― H――――, and shall only now add, that I am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLIII
To Lady F―――― S――――.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AS I am uncertain whether good Lady H―――― be in town, I make bold to inclose a line to your Ladyship in a letter I have just written to the elect Countess D――――. Gratitude constrains me to take the freedom, and the conviction I have that your Ladyship’s face is set Zion-wards, makes me think it will not be altogether unacceptable. With great pleasure I often reflect on that good work, which I trust the ever-blessed GOD has begun in your soul. My heart’s desire and continual prayer unto him is, that your Ladyship, having put your hand to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Satan will not be wanting to exert his utmost efforts to divert you from the cross. He knows of what influence your Ladyship’s example must necessarily be, and therefore will always be striving to persuade your Ladyship at least to compound matters, and to attempt to reconcile two irreconcilable differences, CHRIST and the world. But your Ladyship is too well grounded to hearken to his delusive insinuations, and too noble to refuse to give your whole heart to Him who has bought it with no less price than that of his own most precious blood.――What a price is now put into your Ladyship’s hands! What a glorious opportunity is now afforded you, to shew even before kings, that we are made kings indeed, and priests unto GOD, and that it is our privilege as christians to reign over sin, death, hell, the world, and ourselves, even whilst here on earth. Methinks I see angels gazing to see how your Ladyship acts your part. O that the angel of the everlasting covenant may always accompany you, and by the power of his eternal and all-conquering spirit, enable your Ladyship to fight the good fight of faith, and run with patience the glorious race that is set before you! He is never wanting to those that put their trust in him. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, be always knocking, and a door of mercy shall be always opened unto you. O the happiness of a life wholly devoted to, and spent in communion and fellowship with the ever-blessed GOD! It is indeed heaven begun on earth. May your Ladyship taste of it more and more every day and every hour! Blessed be GOD, I trust some in these parts, who a few days ago had never heard of, now begin to look after this kingdom of GOD. A more visible alteration I have not seen made in a people for some time. At first some of the baser sort made a noise, but ever since, thousands have attended in the greatest order, numbers have been and are affected, and through their importunity I have been prevailed on to stay longer than I designed. O to be instrumental to bring only one soul to JESUS CHRIST! But whither am I running? Honoured Madam, your goodness will excuse this freedom. I believe your Ladyship will be glad to hear such tidings. It is the best way I can think of to express my gratitude for the many unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLIV
To the Countess of H――――.
Portsmouth, May 13, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
WITH some degree of impatience have I been waiting to hear from your Ladyship, being very solicitous for your Ladyship’s welfare. This morning your Ladyship’s unexpected letter surprized me. I only expected to have a line from Mrs. C――――. Your Ladyship’s writing under such weakness, put me in mind of Mr. C――――, who, when his friends advised him not to write on account of his illness, made this reply, “What! would you have my master come and find me idle?” Perhaps our LORD is fitting your Ladyship for some new work. Luther observed, that “he was never employed in any new thing, but he was beset with some temptations, or visited with a fit of sickness.” I only wish I could bear it for your Ladyship; but then your crown would not be so bright, nor the inward purity of your heart so great. The more trials when sanctified, the more conformed we shall be to the ever-loving ever-lovely JESUS. O that the LORD of all Lords may water you every moment, and cause you to flourish like the burning bush unconsumed in fire! I have more good news to send your Ladyship from Portsmouth. Ever since my last, the prospect of doing good has increased. Thousands have attended, and even when it rained, when one could reasonably expect but very few, some thousands came to hear the word. I have contracted a cold by preaching in the rain; but what is that, if any soul can but get good!
My life, my blood, I here present, If in thy cause they may be spent; Fulfil thy sov’reign counsel, LORD; Thy will be done, thy name ador’d.
On next Monday evening I intend, GOD willing, to set out for Salisbury, and from thence shall write to your Ladyship again. Yesterday I wrote to the Countess and Lady F――――, but did not send the letters to your Ladyship, not knowing but you might have set out for Bristol. My brother would be highly delighted to have your Ladyship under his roof. That GOD may restore you to perfect health, and make you a blessing to thousands, is and shall be the constant prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, dutiful, sympathizing, though unworthy humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLV
To Lady H――――n.
Bristol, May 22, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE I wrote last to your Ladyship, several things have concurred to prove that Providence directed my way hither. I have preached three times, and each time our LORD caused the word to leave a blessing behind it. Yesterday, congregations were very large in the fields. This evening I am to preach again, and to-morrow, GOD willing, I set out for Wales.――Though my brother is sorry for the occasion, yet he rejoices very much that he is to be honoured with your Ladyship’s company. I believe you will find his house very commodious, and I am persuaded your Ladyship’s coming will prove a blessing to him. Surely our LORD is only purging you that you may bring forth more fruit. I am always thinking of, and praying for your Ladyship’s perfect recovery. I am now reduced to great weakness myself, but the joy of the LORD is my strength, and through his help I shall leap over every wall. Gladly would I help to bear all your Ladyship’s burdens, and thereby evidence how much I am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s dutiful, sympathizing, obliged, though most unworthy servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLVI
To Lady H――――.
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I suppose your Ladyship will not be at Bristol so soon as this reaches it, yet as this is the most leisure time I am likely to have these three weeks, I cannot help writing a few lines to wait for your Ladyship at my brother’s house. I think (as I am persuaded he does also) that he is highly honoured in having your Ladyship under his roof, and I earnestly pray the LORD of all Lords to bless the waters, for the recovery of your health. Though I want to die myself, yet methinks I would have others live, especially such as, like your Ladyship, are placed upon a pinnacle, and in a particular manner set up as lights in the world. For two days past I have been at my wife’s house for the sake of a little retirement. It has been sweet, yea very sweet, so sweet that I should be glad never to be heard of again. But this must not be. A necessity is laid upon me, and woe is me if I do not preach the gospel of CHRIST. GOD willing, I therefore purpose to-morrow to begin a three weeks circuit, and to see what the LORD will be pleased to do by me. The country is alarmed, and I hear very numerous congregations are expected. Your Ladyship shall hear from time to time. May the ever blessed GOD fill you with all his fulness, and after you have done and suffered what he hath appointed for you here, translate you to partake of an exceeding and eternal weight of glory in his kingdom hereafter. So prays, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obedient, obliged humble servant, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCLVII
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
INCLOSED you have a letter for our good Lady H――――, whom I suppose you will have the honour of receiving in a few days under your roof. Both before, and ever since I left Bristol, I have been frequently thinking of the unspeakable mercies, that the infinitely great and glorious GOD is pleased to pour down upon us.――Surely the language of both our hearts ought to be, “What shall we render unto the LORD?” For my part, I am lost in wonder, and want a thousand lives to spend in the Redeemer’s service. O let not my dear brother be angry, if I intreat him at length to leave off killing, and begin to redeem time. A concern for your eternal welfare so affects me, that it often brings bodily sickness upon me, and drives me to a throne of grace, to wrestle in your behalf. Even now, whilst I am writing, my soul is agonizing in prayer for you, hoping I shall see that day, when you will have poured out on you a spirit of grace and of supplication, and look to him whom we have pierced, and be made to mourn as one mourneth for a first-born. Till this be done, all resolutions, all schemes for amendment, will be only like spiders webs. Nature is a mere Proteus, and till renewed by the spirit of GOD, though it may shift its scene, will be only nature still. Apply then, my dearest Brother, to the fountain of light and life, from whence every good and perfect gift cometh. A worthy woman in all probability is going to throw herself under GOD, into your hands. A considerable addition will be then made to your present talents, and consequently a greater share of care and circumspection necessary to improve all for the glory of Him, who hath been always preventing and following you with his blessings. Should you prove any otherwise than a pious husband, it will be one of the greatest afflictions I ever met with in my life. At present you can only hurt yourself, which is hurt enough; but then (forgive me, my dear Brother,) I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. My fears shall be turned into prayers, and I will follow this letter with strong crying unto GOD in your behalf. My retirement here these two days hath been very sweet; but to-morrow I begin a three weeks circuit. Next sabbath I am to be at Carmarthen, the Friday following at Haverford-west. For the present, adieu. That you may take CHRIST to be your All in All, and that the remainder of your life may be one continued sacrifice of love to him, who hath shed his precious blood for you, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Brother,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCLVIII
To Mr. D――――.
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR kind letter I received at Bristol, but have not had time to answer it till now. You know what a moving life I lead. It is for one, who laid down his life for me. I want my last remove to come. Blessed be GOD for your recovery from your late indisposition. Many of GOD’s people will have reason to be thankful on your behalf. I trust I am; and earnestly pray the LORD of all Lords, that as your day is, so your strength may be. I thank you for minding the poor widows, and the other poor tabernacle petitioners. What an honour is put upon you! To be CHRIST’s almoner is no mean office. You shall be rewarded ere long before men and angels. Mrs. D―――― shall share with you; and as you have been helpers of each others faith, so shall you be partakers of the same glory. May your latter end greatly increase, and may you be enabled to bring forth fruit even to a good old age! I hope good has been done at Bristol. We had three good seasons there. To-morrow I set out on a three weeks circuit through Wales. I have been here these two days for a little retirement: it has been very sweet. On Thursday I saw Mr. E―――― I――――, the dissenting minister I before spoke of, and found him very meanly apparelled. He is a most worthy man, and from his zeal for GOD some time ago, he sold fifteen pounds worth of his books to finish a small Meeting-house in which he preaches. He has but three pounds per annum from the fund, and about as much from his people. He lives very low, but enjoys much of GOD, and hath as great understanding in the figurative parts of scripture as any one I know of in the world. He is a Zachary, and his wife an Elizabeth. Four or five guineas might be bestowed on them. What a scene will open at the great day! How many rich Priests will stand confounded, whilst the poor despised faithful Ministers of CHRIST shall enter, after all their tribulation, into the joy of their LORD. I tremble for the one, I rejoice in the foresight of the happiness of the other. May my latter end and future state (however I may be disposed of in the mean while) be like theirs! I know you will say, Amen. But what am I doing? I am robbing the poor of your time. Away to your work in the strength of GOD, and whilst you are feeding others, may the LORD JESUS feast your soul! My heartiest respects attend Mrs. D――――. She always shares in the petitions put up for you by, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLIX
To Mr. I―――― C――――.
Carmarthen, June 5, 1749.
Dear Jemmy,
AS I have a peculiar love for you and your wife, I need not inform you that your letter, which gave me an account of her great illness, affected me much. I have not failed to remember her at the throne of grace, and I trust this will find her either relieved from her pain, or resigned to his will who orders all things well. Parting is hard to those who, like you two, have walked in love. But we can do all things through JESUS CHRIST strengthening us. She, when dead, will live for ever, and GOD will be to you better than seven wives. Pray salute the dear woman for me in the tenderest manner. O that she may be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might, and be enabled to say, “the cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” I sympathize with poor Mrs. N―――― as well as you. GOD comfort and support you all. We must all be tried. I am still in suspense about my wife: but, what is best, (Glory be to GOD!) the gospel runs and is glorified! I have been enabled to preach fourteen times within these eight days, and the word has every where fallen with weight and power. Yesterday was a great day here indeed. This morning I am going toward Haverford-west, and am to be at Abergavenny to-morrow fortnight. I know you will continually pray for me. You know under what character, even as the chief of sinners, but
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCLX
To Lady H――――.
Haverford-west, June 8, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE my coming into Wales, and leaving Carmarthen, the infinitely great and infinitely condescending Redeemer has been pleased to ride on in the chariot of the everlasting gospel. Congregations grow larger and larger, and all the towns here about are quite open for the word of GOD. Yesterday I preached very near Pembroke, to-day and next LORD’s day I am to preach here, and to-morrow at St. David’s. Not a dog stirs a tongue. The mayor and gentlemen at Pembroke were very civil, and the justices here are very fond of having me in Haverford-west. I wish I had more time in these parts. The fields are indeed white, ready unto harvest, and the young men bred up at Carmarthen Academy were much taken. The congregations consist of many thousands, and their behaviour is very affecting. Indeed we have blessed seasons. O free grace! Here is a dear young man, just ripe for orders. He has good parts, and hath made some proficiency in the languages, is solid, and of some influence in this town. He can get testimonials, and if ordained I believe would be eminently useful in the church. I wish a way could be found out for his admission: but I fear it is impracticable. However, I thought it my duty just to hint it to your Ladyship. May the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls find out means for sending him, and many more like-minded, into his vineyard! But how is your Ladyship’s health? I begin to be quite uneasy, because I have received no letter from my brother. I despair of hearing now till Tuesday sevennight, when I hope to be at Abergavenny again. In the mean while, my prayers are always going to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship, and every branch of your noble family. That they may take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards, is the ardent desire of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXI
To Dr. S――――.
Landovery, June 14, 1749.
Dear Sir,
A Few days ago, I received a letter from Mr. C――――, in which yours to him dated May 20th was inclosed. It gave me some concern, and would have given me more had not the same letter informed me that good Lady H――――n had written to you herself. Alas, my dear friend, what needless trouble do you give yourself, and into what difficulties does your fear of man, your too great attachment to the world, and an over-weening fondness for your pretty character, every day bring you! Is it not time to drop our correspondence, when, on so slight an information, you could so much as suspect that I had betrayed that confidence you reposed in me, or believe that I read a letter wherein you declared yourself a Methodist, when I had never such letter from you. The only passage, as far as I can remember, that was read (and that too at my Lady’s request, if I mistake not) was that noble one wherein you said, “Let the world take my character, and tear it to pieces, &c.” Are you ashamed, my dear friend, of the resolution? Or think you to put that in practice, and shun being called a Methodist? You might as well attempt to reach heaven with your hand; for, blessed be GOD, such an honour has he put upon the Methodists, that whoever renounces the world and takes up CHRIST’s cross, and believes and lives the doctrines of Grace, must be stiled a Methodist whether he will or not. Formerly it was “You are a Puritan,” now it is, “You are a Methodist.” And why does my dear Mr. S―――― take such pains to declare, he never will join the Methodists? Who ever asked him? Or what service could you do their cause by joining, unless your heart was more enstranged from the world than at present it is? Would to GOD you was more like-minded with Mr. H――――! He seems to have set down, and counted the cost. He seems to have begun at the right end, and to be fully convinced that there is no reconciling CHRIST and the world, GOD and Mammon. My dear Mr. S――――, suffer me to be free with you. Our LORD I trust has begun a good work in your soul: but indeed you have many lessons yet to learn. The great physician must give many a bitter portion, in order to purge out the opinion you have of your own importance, and the too great desire you have to keep in with the world. Reproach you cannot shun, if you appear but a little for CHRIST; and you will not have more, perhaps not so much, if you shew quite out. Perhaps you may say, I have done this already; do not then be ashamed of it, but go on, grow in grace, press forwards, and then I care not what declaration you make of your not intending to be a Methodist. Be a consistent christian, live above the world, call not the fear of man christian prudence, and then underneath you shall be GOD’s everlasting arms. Thanks be to his great name, they have upholden me for some weeks last past. I have now been a circuit of several hundred miles. At Portsmouth and Gosport the word ran and was glorified. In South Wales every where the fields have been white ready unto harvest. Not a dog stirs his tongue. Last Sunday I believe I preached to near twenty thousand souls. Grace! grace! In about ten days I hope to be at Bristol. Soon after I propose to go to London, and from thence to Yorkshire and Scotland.――Follow me with your prayers, and in return you shall be remembered by, very dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, G. W.
Letter DCCLXII
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
Landovery, June 14, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOURS, dated May 24th, gave me both pleasure and pain. I was pleased to read the sweet observations made up and down in it, but pained to find that you have been much indisposed. But what says our LORD? “Those that abide in him, he will purge;” but it is only in order that they may bring forth more fruit. Perhaps our LORD is about to employ you in some fresh work. I wish you may be enabled to draw your pen on the topic you mentioned; it may be of great service to the church of CHRIST. Your remark upon my pamphlet is just. I wrote short, because I know long compositions generally weary the reader. Perhaps hereafter I may write more; but at present I find I have enough to do, to travel, and preach, and answer my correspondents. I published my confession of some mistakes and imprudencies, to satisfy my own conscience, and stop the mouths of adversaries, and strengthen the hands of real disinterested hearty friends: but where are such friends to be found? That phantom called Contempt keeps them in fetters, and makes them afraid to appear in defence of a cause, which, (notwithstanding the many imprudencies that have attended it) is undoubtedly the cause of GOD. If we think to be free from these, in this imperfect state of things, and to see either a perfect saint or a perfect church till we come to heaven, we shall find ourselves much mistaken. Daily experience, and more mature consideration, may lessen our blunders and imperfections; but death alone will put a final stop to their mixing in all we do. Thanks be to GOD that we have a CHRIST, who amidst all does love, and can uphold us. If our infirmities lead us to his cross, and our sufferings only make us more willing to be conformed to him in his death, we are gainers by all our losses, and rise by all our falls. Blessed be the LORD, that you, dear Sir, have had grace given you to sit down and count the cost. I wish the beloved physician was more reconciled to the cross. I am persuaded, let him say what he pleases, that a too great attachment to the world makes him reason as he does in many things. Well,――he is in good hands. He must either come or be dragged to the cross. That pretty character of his must be crucified and slain: and as well as others, he must be content (as Mr. Gurnall expresses it) “to go to heaven in a fool’s coat.” O my dear Sir, what pains is the LORD JESUS obliged to take with us, before we can be reconciled to suffer shame for his great name’s sake!
Bristol, June 24.
Thus far I wrote, but was obliged to stop, being called out to preach. Yesterday GOD brought me here, after having carried me a circuit of about eight hundred miles, and enabled me to preach, I suppose to upwards of a hundred thousand souls. I have been in eight Welch counties, and I think we have not had one dry meeting. The work in Wales is much upon the advance, and likely to increase daily. Had my dear Mr. H―――― been there to have seen the simplicity of so many dear souls, I am persuaded he would have said, “Sit anima mea cum Methodistis!” But every one to his post. During this excursion I have been kept happy inwardly, and well in body till the latter end of last week, when the LORD was pleased to lay his hand upon me, so that I was almost brought to the grave. But he that wounds, heals also. Thanks be to his holy name for ever and ever! On Monday or Tuesday next, GOD willing, I set out for London. Good Lady H―――― is here, and goes on in her usual way, doing good. She is recovered from her indisposition. I hope this will find you recovered also. That the LORD of all Lords may give you a thriving soul in a healthy body, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCLXIII
To the Reverend Mr. P――――.
London, July 10, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter came safe to hand, and it was the more welcome, because it gave me a proof of your being recovered from your late threatening indisposition. Blessed be GOD, it found me as well as can be expected in my body, and I trust steady in promoting the welfare of precious and immortal souls. I have lately seen great things in Wales, and the seed sown among the Rich, has in some sprung up and brought forth fruit; but what you have heard from Scotland is all a mistake. I heartily wish all was true. The time I hope will come, when princes shall adorn the Redeemer’s train. Is there no prospect of your coming over? Your Mr. T―――― might do much for New-Jersey college; but I have told you my mind in a former letter. May GOD direct for the best! I am looking up, to know what the great Head of the church would have me to do. I have a great mind to return to my beloved America this fall, but am not yet determined. My wife arrived about a fortnight ago, and joins in sending cordial salutations to all. O that we may all increase with all the increase of GOD! Your sentiments concerning Mr. H――――’s book, are very just. It has gone through six editions. The author of it is my old friend; a most heavenly-minded creature, one of the first of the Methodists, who is contented with a small cure, and gives all that he has to the poor. He is very weak, and daily waits for his dissolution. A neighbouring clergyman near him preaches the gospel; and a physician, formerly a noted Deist, has lately espoused the interest of JESUS of Nazareth. We correspond with, though we cannot see one another. We shall ere long meet in heaven:
There pain, and sin, and sorrow cease, And all is calm, and joy, and peace.
I recommend myself most earnestly to your prayers, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCLXIV
To Mr. J―――― D――――.
London, July 12, 1749.
My dear Friend,
I Am obliged to you for your kind letters; for the trouble you have been at about the money, and for all favours. Was I to follow my own inclinations, I would come and thank you in person; but I fear providence will not permit me to embark for America this fall. However, I am looking up, and looking about me, and trust our LORD will point out his way before me. I am not at all uneasy at what one of your clergy may have said of me; I am only sorry upon his own account; having known more than once, that GOD delights to plead the cause of the injured. I trust I can say, that with simplicity and godly sincerity I desire to have my conversation in the world; and I hope it is my daily study to keep a conscience void of offence towards GOD and towards man. Whilst this is the case, we need not fear what men or devils can say, or do unto us. They can only speak all manner of evil against us falsely: and that our LORD hath taught us to expect. They can only kill the body; blessed be GOD, the soul is out of their reach. I am content to wait till the day of judgment for the clearing up of my character: and after I am dead, I desire no other epitaph than this, “Here lies G. W. what sort of a man he was, the great day will discover.” O my dear Sir, what a blessed thing is it to have the Redeemer to be our friend. If we can but truly say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” how safely may we put our souls into his hands, as into the hands of a faithful creator! I hope my dear Mr. D―――― will not rest till he can say so.――The frequent indispositions of body that you are under, are so many loud calls to prepare for another world.――Nothing but the righteousness of CHRIST imputed, and the holiness of CHRIST imparted to your soul, can make you happy in a dying hour. I could enlarge, but must away. With this, I have sent you a dozen of my nine sermons, to be disposed of as you think best. I would send more, but have very few left. I would write to Esquire R――――, and some other gentlemen, but have not the least leisure. Be pleased to remember me to them in the kindest manner, as they come in your way, and let them know they are not forgotten by me. Will your dear yoke-fellow, and all your family, accept of my hearty love? I owe you much. May the LORD JESUS reward you a thousand-fold! He will, he will. Last night Capt. H―――― did me the pleasure to sup with me. I took it extremely kind, and should be glad to wait upon Bermudas friends every day. My wife hath been arrived about a fortnight, and joins in sending cordial salutations with, my dear Mr. D――――,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCLXV
To Lady Fanny S――――.
Bristol, Aug. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I had the pleasure of hearing of your welfare, by your last to good Lady H――――n, yet I cannot help taking the freedom of sending your Ladyship a few lines. They come to inform you, that you never are, and, by divine assistance, never shall be forgotten by me at the throne of grace. To that, I trust, your Ladyship finds free access every day, and every hour, through the blood of the Lamb, who was slain to take away the sins of the world. Your Ladyship’s present situation, I hope, will be sanctified to this end. It is in the school of affliction that we must learn the way to, and reap benefit from the cross.――Happy they who come purified out of the furnace, and, like the burning bush, flourish unconsumed in fire. This, Madam, is the privilege of all believers. Trials, which harden others, purify and soften them. The love of GOD turns every thing into what is more valuable than gold. It brings light out of darkness, and causes others blindness to increase our spiritual sight. O glorious privilege! happy change! How much are you indebted, honoured Madam, to free grace, for making you in any degree a partaker of it! Alas! alas! but few of your Ladyship’s station in life choose to strive to enter into that strait gate which leadeth unto life eternal. The noise of coaches, and the continual attention to what they call innocent diversions, drowns the small still voice of GOD’s blessed Spirit speaking in their hearts. Since I have been here, many in high life have attended; whether to any valuable purpose, the great day will discover. Good Lady H――――n still continues to abound in the work of the LORD, and is brightening her crown every day and hour. She is quite well, and intends staying some days longer for the benefit of the waters. Your Ladyship is remembered when we are feasting at the Redeemer’s table. In a few days I shall move hence; and it may be, that I shall go to Georgia this fall. May the LORD direct me, and bless all those who are the orphan’s friends! That your Ladyship may be blessed with all the blessings of the everlasting gospel, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXVI
To Mr. L――――.
Bristol, Aug. 4, 1749.
Dear Mr. L――――,
PROVIDENCE, for wise reasons, prevented my seeing you both at Gloucester, and at the Hill. This comforts me, “What is, is best.” Since I came here, I have seen your letter about the intended charity-school, and wish you success in the name of the LORD. I communicated it to our elect lady, who immediately contributed five guineas, another two, and Colonel G―――― one. These I have sent for you, to Mr. ――――, who, I suppose, will take care to convey them to you. Mrs. E――――, I believe, intends to do something. Mr. C―――― likewise spoke to the Bishop, who, I think, has promised to contribute: so that you see no time has been lost. Only, my dear friend, take this caution, “sit down, and count the cost, before you begin to build.” Do not lay out more than you know you can pay. Go the cheapest way to work; and if you cannot build, rather keep a stock in hand to pay the schoolmaster, and hire a house convenient from year to year, and, if possible, find the children in books. You well know what I have suffered for running too far into debt for others. I am glad you are likely to settle at S――――. May the LORD JESUS bless you and yours more and more! He continues to be kind to me, and will at length, I am persuaded, (though I pass through many tribulations) land me safe in glory. There we shall meet, never to part again. In the mean while, that we may both behave like good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST, is the hearty prayer of, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCLXVII
To the Bishop of W――――.
Bristol, Aug. 7, 1749.
My Lord,
THE occasion of my troubling your Lordship in this manner, is as follows. I have, more then once, been very credibly informed, that your Lordship has been pleased to charge me, at the public Wells, with being guilty of Perjury. This comes, therefore, to beg the favour of your Lordship, only to let me know, (in whatever manner your Lordship shall judge most proper) upon what foundation such a charge is built: and I hereby promise, by divine assistance, that a full, fair, and explicit answer shall be given to your Lordship, by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s dutiful son and servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXVIII
To the Bishop of W――――.
Bristol, Aug. 7, 1749.
My Lord,
I Thank your Lordship for your kind and cordial letter. I shall take care to do your Lordship justice, by shewing it to such persons as I think have been more immediately concerned. This, I imagine, will be as much satisfaction as your Lordship will desire. I suppose the mistake has lain here: your Lordship might have insinuated, that by my present way of acting, I had broken the solemn engagement I had entered into at my ordination: and that might have been interpreted to imply a charge of Perjury. The relation in which I stand to the Right Honourable the Countess of H――――, made me desirous to clear myself from such an imputation; and at the same time to give your Lordship an opportunity of vindicating yourself in the manner you have done. Was I not afraid of intruding too much upon your Lordship’s time, and of shewing the least inclination to controversy, I would endeavour, in the fear of GOD, to answer the other part of your Lordship’s letter; and, as far as lies in me, give your Lordship a satisfactory account of whatever may seem irregular and exceptionable in my present conduct. This I would be glad to do, not only before your Lordship, but all the Right Reverend the Bishops; for I highly honour them on account of the sacred character they sustain, and would make it my daily endeavour to obey all their godly admonitions. This, I presume, my Lord, is the utmost extent of the promise I made at my ordination. If I err or deviate from this, in any respect, it is through ignorance and want of better information, and not (as far as I know my own heart) but of obstinacy or contempt of lawful authority. But I forget myself. I beg your Lordship’s pardon for taking up so much of your time; I thank your Lordship for your prayers in my behalf; and beg leave to offer mine in return for your Lordship’s present and eternal welfare, who am, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s dutiful son, and obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXIX
To Lady H――――.
Plymouth, Aug. 15, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Hope this will find your Ladyship recovered from the fatigue of your journey, and sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with unspeakable delight at Ashby-Place. My prayers have constantly followed you, ever since I left your Ladyship at Bristol; and the LORD of all lords has dealt bountifully with me in my way Westward. At Wellington, as I was riding through the town, a good woman stopped me, and entreated me to give the people a sermon. I complied, and preached to a great company; and the next day to a much larger at the same place. I have also preached once at Exeter, twice at Kingsbridge, and once here at Plymouth, where, by the providence of an infinitely condescending GOD, I came yesterday in the afternoon. Several, I find, were awakened when I was here last; and the fields are every where white, ready unto harvest. My late pamphlet has been greatly blest. My Lord of Exeter was asked, Whether he had seen it? He answered, “Yes,” and said, “I wrote like an honest man, had recanted several things, but he goes on in the same way yet.” Being asked, Whether he did not intend publishing his second part? he replied, “You may expect a second.” GOD be praised! I wish it may come out before I embark. I find he did not proceed to sentence Mr. T――――; he only threatened to pull off his gown. Mr. T―――― immediately pulled it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and went out. Upon which the Bishop sent after him, and soothed him. In a few days I hope to see Mr. T――――, and then your Ladyship shall have further particulars. Blessed be GOD, all things turn out for the furtherance of the gospel. “Out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong comes forth sweetness.” In about a fortnight I hope to reach London, and in the mean time shall take care to send your Ladyship historical letters. I count it my highest honour and privilege to wait upon your Ladyship; but I fear shall never have it in my power to express my gratitude as I ought, for those unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXX
To Mr. S――――.
Plymouth, Aug. 18, 1749.
Dear Sir,
I Thank you for your kind letter, which I have not had an opportunity of answering until now. I rejoice that so much gospel seed has been sown in Yorkshire, and that so much hath sprung up and brought forth fruit. No wonder that the enemy has been busy to sow tares of various kinds amongst it. This always was, and, in all probability, will always be the case, till time shall be no more. Happy they! who are enabled to distinguish truth from error, and who, amongst the different sentiments of CHRIST’s disciples, maintain a catholic love for all. Your letter bespeaks you to be thus minded. This is what I would aim at, because it is the glory of a christian, and a temper of mind which sweetly prepares us for the communion of saints in heaven. Be pleased, therefore, to give my love to all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. If any of my poor writings have been blessed to any, let CHRIST have the glory, and me your prayers. I want them much. I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints; but, I trust, am willing to spend and be spent for souls. The beginning of next month, I have thoughts of being your way. If it is best, providence will direct my course thither. In the mean while, and at all other seasons, whether I come or not, I recommend myself to your prayers, as being, though unknown, yet, for JESUS CHRIST’s sake,
Your affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXI
To Captain W――――.
Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
I Do not love to be long out of Bristol without writing to you. I want to know how it is with you after the loss of my noble patroness, and whether dear Mr. H―――― goes on. I have been preaching as usual in the West, and for some days past have been comforted and refreshed in a peculiar manner. Last night I heard that the Bishop had published a second pamphlet, of half-a-crown price, with a preface to me. Have you seen it, or do you think it worth answering? He told a clergyman some time ago, that he might expect a second part. He said, “My answer was honest; that I had recanted many things, but that I went on in my usual way still.” GOD forbid I should do otherwise. I am informed, that upon threatening to pull Mr. T――――’s gown off, he threw it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and so withdrew. Upon which the Bishop sent for him in, and soothed him. Particulars I expect to hear on Tuesday at Biddiford, where I hope to see Mr. T――――; and to-morrow se’nnight, GOD willing, I intend to preach at Exeter, in my way to London. I hope you find retirement blessed to you. Whether retired, or in public life, that you may be entirely devoted to the most adorable Redeemer, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
POSTSCRIPT to Lady H――――n.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE I wrote the above, GOD has given me a glorious season at the dock, where I preached to a great multitude. This morning the King of kings shewed himself in the gallery of his ordinances indeed; and this evening I preached to many thousands in Plymouth fields. It was a solemn meeting. Since that, a youth, laden with a sense of sin, came crying, “What shall I do to be saved?” May JESUS give him rest! May the same JESUS still fill your Ladyship with all his fulness! To-morrow, GOD willing, I set out for Biddiford. I have now a clergyman with me, who is made a rural Dean, and who, I believe, preaches CHRIST in sincerity.
Letter DCCLXXII
To Lady H――――n.
Biddiford, Aug. 24, 1749.
SINCE I had the honour of writing to your Ladyship, I have seen the Bishop’s second pamphlet, in which he hath served the Methodists, as the bishop of Constance served John Huss, when they ordered some painted devils to be put round his head, before they burned him. His preface to me is most virulent. Every thing I wrote in my answer, is turned into the vilest ridicule, and nothing will satisfy, but giving up the glorious work of the ever-blessed GOD, as entirely cheat and imposture. I cannot see that it calls for any further answer from me. Mr. Wesley, I think, had best attack him now, as he is largely concerned in this second part. I hope to be in London some time next week. I think of leaving this place to-morrow, and to preach at Exeter next Lord’s-day. The glorious Emmanuel has given me several spiritual children in this place, who do indeed adorn the gospel of GOD their Saviour. Here is a little flock, to whom, I believe, it will be our heavenly Father’s good pleasure to give an eternal kingdom. I have preached once publicly to a large auditory, and this evening am to preach again. I am ashamed I do no more for Him, who hath done and suffered so much for me. O what shall I render unto the LORD of all lords, whose mercy endureth for ever! A thought of his infinite patience and long-suffering strikes me dumb. His goodness, in bringing me into the acquaintance of your Ladyship, quite amazes me; and the many peculiar providences that have attended me this last year, encourage me to believe that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and that I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. There, shall I see your Ladyship; and will there thank you before men and angels for all you have done for unworthy me, and that blessed cause in which I am embarked. That your Ladyship in the mean while may be watered every moment by the dew of the Redeemer’s heavenly blessing, is and shall be the continued prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXIII
To the Countess of D――――.
Biddiford, Aug. 24, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AS I am always praying for, so I cannot help sometimes writing to your Ladyship. I think I can say, “The love of CHRIST constrains me.” Thanks be to GOD that your Ladyship knows what these words mean. I hope you find it every day constraining you more and more to every good word and work. My greatest pain is, to find that I can do no more for Him, who has done and suffered so much for me. Blessed be his name, that the fields are yet every where white, ready unto harvest. Since I have been in the West, I have been preaching as usual, and a divine influence hath every where attended the word. This, I think, is the best way to answer those that oppose themselves. If GOD be for us, who can be against us? I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop’s second pamphlet. Surely it is an original. May the LORD JESUS open his eyes, and change his heart! Well might the glorious Emmanuel break out into this blessed exclamation, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Honoured Madam, how much are you indebted to divine grace, that hath singled you out from among the Mighty and Noble, and placed your Ladyship to the number of those happy few to whom it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD! I trust your honoured sister will ere long bear you company, and travel with you in that narrow road which leads to eternal life. When I remember you, I always think of her, and beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with her Ladyship. Some time next week I hope to be in town for a few days, and then shall do myself the honour of calling upon your Ladyship. In the mean while I recommend you to the tender mercies of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, and beg an interest in your Ladyship’s prayers, in behalf of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXIV
To Lady Fanny S――――.
Exeter, Aug. 26, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I took the freedom of writing to your Ladyship before I left Bristol, and though I hope to be in town by next Thursday evening, yet gratitude and respect even compel me to trouble your Ladyship with another letter from this place. Here I came last night, after having preached the everlasting gospel to many thousands in the West. Sometimes I have been weak in body; but He, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, hath carried me through, and greatly refreshed and comforted my soul. Alas! to what a heaven are they strangers, who deny the influence of the Blessed Spirit, and cry down the felt and abiding joys of the Holy Ghost, as fancy, enthusiasm, and delusion. Ye poor dry Rationalists! I honour your parts in other respects, but pity your ignorance in the things of GOD. By this time, I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop’s second performance. I think it is an original, and so very scurrilous, unchristian, and profane, that I cannot think it will be worth my while to answer him again. I have satisfied my conscience in publishing my last pamphlet; and I now commit our cause to him who judgeth righteously. O honoured Madam, what a happy thing is it to be despised for the sake of JESUS! When John Huss was burnt, the Bishop of Constance painted devils upon paper, and put them round his head; how soon were they exchanged for a crown of glory! Yet a little while, and He that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Till then, may your Ladyship be kept by the mighty power of GOD through faith, and stand impregnable as a wall of brass! May you be kept a stranger to names and parties, and by a holy, humble, uniform imitation of the blessed JESUS, evidence to the world, that you are indeed experimentally acquainted with the power of his resurrection. High is your station, great are your difficulties; but he that dwelleth on high is mightier, and hath engaged to make you more than conqueror through his love. To his tender mercy do I now, and likewise every day, commend your Ladyship; and this, by divine assistance, shall always be the employ of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged, ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXV
To Lady H――――n.
London, Sept. 4, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
BY the providence of good and gracious GOD, I came to town on Thursday evening, after having had a pleasant circuit in the West. The day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I preached twice at Exeter, and in the evening I believe I had near ten thousand hearers. The Bishop and several of his clergy stood very near me, as I am informed. A good season it was. All was quiet, and there was a great solemnity in the congregation; but a drunken man threw at me three great stones. One of them cut my head deeply, and was like to knock me off the table; but, blessed be GOD, I was not discomposed at all. One of the other stones struck a poor man quite down. As I came from Exeter, I visited one John Hayne, the soldier that, under GOD, begun the great awakening in Flanders. He is in Dorchester ♦gaol for preaching at Shaftsbury, where there has been, and is now a great awakening. Every where the work is upon the spread; and since I have been here, we have had some of the most awful, solemn, powerful meetings, as I ever saw at the Tabernacle. Congregations have been very large, and I have had several meetings with the preachers. On Saturday I had the honour of being almost all the day long with Lady F――――, Lady H――――, Lady C――――, and the Countess of D――――. Lady F―――― and the Countess received the blessed sacrament before the others came: and I think they both grow. If I stay over Sunday, (as perhaps I may) I hope to have another day with them. I am sorry to inform your Ladyship, Mr. D―――― died last Sunday about noon. He had been sick about a fortnight, was in doubts for a while, but two or three days before his death he rejoiced in GOD his Saviour. This morning I had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. P―――― and two German ministers, who have been labouring among the Jews, and been made instrumental of converting many of them. They seemed to be dear souls. They have preached at the German chapel with great power. That your Ladyship may always enjoy a thriving soul in a healthy body, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, &c. G. W.
♦ “goal” replaced with “gaol”
Letter DCCLXXVI
To Mr. B――――.
Oundle, in Northamptonshire, Sept. 15, 1749.
My very dear Mr. B――――,
THOUGH I have not written to you, yet I know of no one in America, for whom I have a more real and abiding esteem. The account of your temporal affairs, which I received from my wife, gave me great concern. I often wish it was in my power to assist you; but as it is not, all I can do is to pray for you, and exhort you to look up to Him, who has engaged, that all things shall work together for good to those who love him in sincerity. This, I am persuaded, may be said of you; and therefore, dear Sir, be of good courage. These light afflictions are but for a moment, and are intended to work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Thanks be to GOD, all the hell we are to have, is on this side the grave; there is none for believers beyond it: and even in the midst of our deepest temporal misery, we may enjoy an antepast of heaven. This you know by experience. Thanks be to GOD for this unspeakable gift in and through CHRIST JESUS our LORD. Though faint, my dear friend, yet still pursue. Yonder stands the blessed JESUS with a crown in his hand, ready to put on the conqueror’s head. Let this animate you, for you shall certainly reap in due time, if you faint not. I could write much, but am surrounded with business from many quarters. Blessed be GOD, my hands are full of work, though I stand amazed that the Redeemer does not lay me aside. But his grace is free. I commend you and your dear yoke-fellow to his never failing mercy, and begging a continued interest in your prayers, subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXVII
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
Binnington, Sept. 17, 1749.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
IF you was uneasy that my last lay by you unanswered, I am sure I have been, it may be, much more so, ever since yours came to hand. Upon reading it, I felt all the springs of sympathy move as it were at once. Glad would I have been of the wings of a dove, to have fled to, and condoled with my suffering friend. Perhaps I have heard from what corner your cross comes. It is a very near one indeed.――A saying of Mr. B―――― hath often comforted me; “I would often have nestled, but GOD always put a thorn in my nest.” Is not this suffered, my dear brother, think you, to prick you out, and to compel you as it were to appear for the LORD JESUS CHRIST? Preaching is my grand Catholicon under all domestic, as well as other trials. Methinks the voice of providence now is, “Who is on the LORD’s side?”――I fear Dr. S―――― has done you hurt, and kept you in shackles too, too long. For CHRIST’s sake, my dear Mr. H――――, exhort him, now he hath taken the gown, to play the man, and let the world see that not worldly motives, but GOD’s glory and a love for souls, have sent him into the ministry. Though when I conversed with him he was exceeding weak, yet as I trust there is sincerity at the bottom, I hope he will turn out a flamer at last. O when shall this once be! who would lose one moment? Amazing! that the followers of a crucified Redeemer should be afraid of contempt. Surely it must be for want of looking more to, and considering him who endured so much pain, and despised so much shame, but is now sitting at the right hand of the throne of GOD. O gloriam quantam et qualem! Rise, H――――, rise, and see thy JESUS reaching out a crown with this motto, Vincenti dabo. Excuse this freedom, I write out of the fulness of my heart, not to draw you over to me or a party, but to excite you to appear openly for GOD. I am glad you intend to write. May I know the plan you intend to go upon? Do you think to say any thing to the Bishop of Exeter? Have you seen his second piece? Would you have me reply? Will you point out to me the faults of my first answer? A letter may be directed (if you write immediately) to be left for me at the Reverend Mr. J――――’s, Yorkshire. Thither I am bound now, and if the season of the year should permit, I would stretch to Scotland. Alas, how soon is the year gone round since I was there last! and how little have I done for JESUS! A thought of it sometimes breaks my heart. And yet how good is the LORD! In London we have had most delightful seasons. The glory of the Redeemer filled the tabernacle. If any doubt whether the cause we are embarked in be the cause of GOD, I say, “Come and see.” Are you free that I should call upon you in my return to town? I think to come by way of Northampton. You shall hear what is done in Yorkshire. I find GOD has blessed my preaching at Oundle to some souls. At Biddiford, Plymouth, Exeter, and Chatham the word ran and was glorified. But what am I doing? I never wrote to any one so freely, I think, that I was not personally acquainted with, as to you. Pardon me, if I am too free, and impute it to the love that is borne you by, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXVIII
To Captain W――――.
Newcastle, Sept. 29, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
SINCE I wrote to you last, I have had many proofs that GOD’s providence directed my way into Yorkshire. I preached four times at Abberford, four times at Leeds, and thrice at Howarth, where lives one Mr. G――――. At his church I believe we had above a thousand communicants, and in the church-yard about six thousand hearers. It was a great day of the son of man. At Leeds the auditory consisted of above ten thousand. About Leeds are Mr. W――――’s societies. I was invited thither by them and one of their preachers; and Mr. Charles W―――― coming thither published me himself. I therefore complied, and I believe the gospel was welcome. I have preached here once, and am to preach again this evening. On Monday, GOD willing, I propose to return to Yorkshire, and from thence to London. Pray send me word immediately whether the Port-Merchant be gone, because I know not but some out of Wales may go in her. I forgot to tell you in my last, that I had given over the immediate care of all my societies to Mr. H――――; so that now I am a preacher at large indeed. I find every thing is turning round strangely. O for simplicity and honesty to the end! I long to know how it is with you. Am I to have my brother at last? Do convictions fasten, and can you at length sing,
Be gone, vain world; my heart resign, For I must be no longer thine?
For the present, adieu. My love to all. I wish you the very best of blessings, and am, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXIX
To Lady H――――.
Newcastle, Oct. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Wrote to your Ladyship lately a few lines under great weariness of body. I then promised to send your Ladyship many pleasing particulars. Till now I have not had opportunity; and now what shall I say to your Ladyship? Never did I see more of the hand of GOD in any of my journies than in this. At Mr. G――――’s I believe there were above six thousand hearers. The sacramental occasion was most awful. At Leeds the congregation consisted of above 10,000. In the morning at five I was obliged to preach out of doors. I was invited to Leeds by one of Mr. W――――’s preachers, and by all his people. The gospel was welcome to them. In my way hither I met Mr. Charles W――――, who returned back with, and introduced me to the pulpit in Newcastle. As I am a debtor to all, and intend to be at the head of no party, I thought it my duty to comply. I have preached now in their room four times, and this morning I preached to many thousands in a large close. This evening I am to do the same again. The power of GOD has attended his own word, and there seems to be a quickening and stirring among the souls. To- morrow, GOD willing, we set out for Leeds, and after about a week’s stay in those parts I intend returning to London. As it is so late in the year, my Scotch friends advise me to defer my going thither. Had I known that, I should have embarked for America this fall; but I find there were other reasons for my being prevented crossing the waters this winter. I desire to follow the Lamb whithersoever he is pleased to lead me. At New-haven there is a great awakening. If any thing offers worthy of notice, your Ladyship shall be sure to hear. In the mean while, I continue to put up my usual prayer, that your Ladyship may be filled with all the fulness of GOD, and to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXX
To Lady Fanny S――――.
Newcastle, Oct. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SOME time last week, my wife sent me the letter your Ladyship was pleased to favour me with about three weeks ago. Though I was sorry it did not reach me before I left town, yet I rejoiced to find that it bespoke your Ladyship’s attachment to the ever-loving ever-lovely JESUS, and a desire to partake of the sacred symbols of his most blessed body and blood. I doubt not but your Ladyship, with full purpose of heart, will cleave unto him, and in spite of men and devils go on in that narrow way which leads to life eternal. GOD’s grace will be sufficient for you. He hath promised, and he is faithful who hath promised, never to leave nor forsake those that put their trust in him. He is in the burning bush, he is in the fiery furnace. He can and will make us more than conquerors over all. With what courage then may your Ladyship go on through this howling wilderness, whilst leaning on your beloved Saviour? In him alone is all your strength found. Honoured Madam, look to him, consider him, and thereby you will be kept from being weary and faint in your mind. I doubt not but you meet with daily crosses. Persons that stand alone, and in high places, must expect storms. But JESUS is able and willing to uphold you. Thanks be to his great name for giving your Ladyship such a share of prudence and courage. May the glorious Emmanuel increase both; and without being attached to any party, may you be preserved unspotted from the world, and be a common friend to all!――Since I saw your Ladyship, I have disengaged myself from the immediate care of the societies, and am now still more at liberty to preach the gospel of the blessed GOD. A series of unforeseen providences brought me down this way. In Yorkshire many, many thousands have attended the word, and here at Newcastle thousands also hear the gospel gladly. To-morrow I am returning back, and hope to be in town some time this month. I fear it is now too late to embark for America this winter; but, thanks be to GOD, I hear my family is well, and that the LORD hath given them a plentiful crop. If your Ladyship lives, I believe you will hear of some souls being educated at Georgia for GOD. Honoured Madam, my heart’s desire and constant prayer is, that you may go on from strength to strength, and be continually growing in the knowledge of yourself and CHRIST JESUS your LORD. I must now add no more, but my repeated thanks for all your Ladyship’s favours, and my repeated assurances of being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXI
To Lady F―――― S――――.
Estwood in Lancashire, Oct. 25, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE I had the honour of writing to your Ladyship from Newcastle, fresh wonders of grace and mercy have been shewn us daily. I have now I think preached about thirty times in Yorkshire, and above ten times in Cheshire, and Lancashire. Congregations have been very large, and a solid, convincing, and comforting influence hath every where attended the word. In one or two places I have had a little rough treatment, but elsewhere all has been quiet, and many I hear are brought under concern about the welfare of their better part. At the importunity of many, I am now returning from Manchester (where I preached to many thousands) to Leeds; from thence I purpose going to Sheffield, and next week I hope to see good Lady H――――n at Ashby, and the week following I hope to be in London. Thus do I lead a pilgrim life: GOD give me a pilgrim heart, and enable me to speak of redeeming love to a lost world, till I can speak no more! Surely this is a work that brings with it its own reward. It brings a heaven into the soul, and causes it, amidst all the scoffs and tauntings of a benighted, ill-natured, and ridiculing world, to rejoice with joy unspeakable, even a joy that is full of glory. “To me, (says the blessed apostle) to live is CHRIST.” When a person can once say so in reality, then he begins to live indeed. Even death itself is then life, because death to such a one is eternal gain. O how great, how striking, how transporting and transforming are the invisible realities of another world, to a soul that is born of GOD! What meer shadows and empty nothings are all sublunary enjoyments, when compared with these! Thanks be to GOD, who has given you, honoured Madam, a taste of these infinitely important things. My constant prayer for your Ladyship is, that you may hold on, and hold out, and with full purpose of heart cleave unto that Redeemer who hath loved you, and given himself for you. Mrs. G―――― at Manchester goes on well, and is not ashamed to confess him, who I trust has called her out of darkness, and made her partaker of his marvellous light. May the glorious Emmanuel add daily to the number of his honourable confessors, and give the rich to know, that to be rich in faith and good works is the only way to be rich indeed! All is ours, if we can truly say, we are CHRIST ’s. Honoured Madam, I must beg your excuse for this freedom; but at present I have a view of the Redeemer’s glory, and therefore know not well how to stop when writing of him. Your Ladyship will ♦pardon me, and accept these poor lines, which shall be followed with hearty prayers from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ “parden” replaced with “pardon”
Letter DCCLXXXII
To the Countess D――――.
Halifax, Oct. 26, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I am jealous of myself, lest I should make too free with persons in high life, yet when I have good news to send concerning the kingdom of JESUS CHRIST, I am constrained as it were to write to your Ladyship. Will it not rejoice you very much, honoured Madam, to hear the glorious Emmanuel is riding on in the chariot of his gospel, from conquering to conquer? Every day people flock to hear the word, like doves to their windows. I have preached about thirty times in Yorkshire, and at the desire of many am returned thither again. The latter end of next week I hope to see good Lady H――――n. I suppose her Ladyship will detain me a few days at Ashby, and then I purpose coming directly to London. Thanks be to GOD, all places are near alike to me, so that I can but be doing something for Him, who hath done and suffered so much for me. This I would have to be my meat and my drink. To me to live, let it be CHRIST; for life is no further desirable than as we can improve it to the promoting his glory. Mary thought so, who in the days of his flesh sat at the Redeemer’s feet and heard his words. This I believe is your Ladyship’s daily employ; a glorious employ indeed. How sweet must his fruit be unto your Ladyship’s taste! Surely it is sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb. And if the first-fruits are so delightful, how infinitely delightful must the full harvest be! Go on, honoured Madam, and whatever others may do, still keep pursuing after more and more of that better part, which shall never be taken away from you. JESUS is full of grace, and full of truth. Believers are welcome to him every moment. He is ready to water them continually with the dew of his heavenly blessing. It is our privilege to go on from grace to grace, till grace be swallowed up in endless glory. O that your honoured sister may march on with your Ladyship towards this blessed state! There she will have a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. I send her Ladyship my most dutiful respects, and sincerely pray that she may be filled with all the fulness of GOD.――I hope your Ladyship is inclined to remember me at the throne of grace, your Ladyship knows my name, “The chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints;” but, for CHRIST’s sake, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and willing servant, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXIII
To Lady H――――n.
Leeds, Oct. 30, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
ON Saturday evening I had the honour of your Ladyship’s letter, and as it came before the Manchester post went out, I immediately sent the inclosed to Mrs. G――――. If possible I am persuaded she will comply. She seems to be quite in earnest. I conversed for about two hours with the Captain and some other officers, upon the nature and necessity of the new birth. He was affected, and I hope it was blessed. Since I left them, I have preached to many thousands at Rosindale, Aywood, and Halifax. I have also offered JESUS at ♦Burstall, Pudsy, and Armly, and have had three precious seasons here. Congregations are exceeding large indeed, and both the established and dissenting clergy are very angry. They thundered I hear yesterday heartily. But truth is great, and will prevail, though preached in the fields and streets. Indeed it begins to be cold abroad now; but the LORD JESUS is pleased to strengthen me, and people flock from all quarters. This day sevennight, GOD willing, without fail your Ladyship may depend on seeing me. I thought to have been at Ashby next LORD’s-day, but a door seems to be opened at Nottingham, and I have thoughts of trying what can be done there. This morning I shall set out for Sheffield. May the LORD give me a pilgrim heart for my pilgrim life, and then all will be well! I know I have your Ladyship’s prayers.――I think your Ladyship judges right in respect to the churches. I expect to meet with many rebuffs, but by the help of my GOD I shall leap over every wall. That your Ladyship may stand as a wall of brass, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful obedient servant, G. W.
♦ “Burstal” replaced with “Burstall”
Letter DCCLXXXIV
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
Ashby-Place, Nov. 8, 1749.
My very dear Friend,
I Thank you heartily for your kind letter to me, and your kind benefaction to poor Mr. C――――. That GOD, whom you both serve, will plentifully reward and bless you. I am in great hopes, enough will be raised to pay his debts, and that a provision will be made for his future subsistence. Rather than Elijahs shall want, ravens shall be sent to feed them. Your present circumstances almost distress me, and at the same time make me ashamed. I think it requires more grace heartily to say, “Father, thy will be done,” in such a situation, than to die a martyr forty times. But my dear friend, though your body is weak and confined at home, your pen hath been active, and your works walk abroad. I hear of them from all quarters. GOD hath blessed, and will bless them. Let that comfort you, and if health any way permits, pray write again. Fear not, my dear dear Man; let faith and patience hold out a little longer, and then the struggle shall be over. Yet a little while, and you shall join with that sweet singer Dr. Watts, who whilst on earth dragged a crazy load along, as well as you, for many years. As for my poor tabernacle, I wonder it is not dissolved every day; but we are immortal till our work is done. Now is my time for doing; my suffering time may come by and by. O for strength in a trying hour! Wherefore should we fear? Wherefore should we doubt? He that hath loved us, will love us to the end. This encourages me to hold on my way. Blessed be GOD, I have seen great things since I wrote last. The fields have been more and more white, ready unto harvest. I am now at Ashby with good Lady H――――n. Her Ladyship has a great regard for you, and begs you would come and stay a week at her house. She will take great care of you. I think to remove hence on Monday, and should be very glad to see you in my way to London. However this be, we shall meet in heaven. There the wicked heart and wicked world will cease from troubling, and there the weary will enjoy an uninterrupted and eternal rest. This morning we have been remembering our blessed Redeemer’s death, and I was enabled to pray earnestly for my dear Mr. H――――. I beseech the Father of mercies and GOD of all consolations to excite you to do the same for my dear old friend.
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXV
To Lady H――――n.
London, Nov. 21, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s letter greatly rejoiced me, and stirred me up to pray afresh that our blessed LORD would give you to see of the travel of his soul, in the salvation of many at Ashby. I am persuaded your Ladyship was not sent there for nothing.――But it is always darkest before break of day. I desire to be thankful that your honoured Sisters are pleased to approve of me. Thanks be to GOD, I feel myself unworthy; but unworthy as I am, my poor prayers I trust will reach heaven in their behalf. This day, both they and your Ladyship were remembered at the LORD’s table. The Countess, Lady G―――― and Lady F―――― were there, and all I think are grown in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. What encouragement is this for your Ladyship to go and speak for GOD? All send their best compliments, and Lady F―――― desired me to inform your Ladyship, that the man who was sent up has been taken care of. Blessed be GOD for putting it in your Ladyship’s power to help the poor sufferers of Cork. Last night I received a letter from Mr. L――――, and purpose this night or to-morrow to write to him about what your Ladyship desires; I think he will be a proper person. Mr. W―――― I believe is at his house. I pity those who have been persecuted in Ireland. The minister being taken so ill near your Ladyship, was an alarming providence. But who so blind as those that will not see? GOD honours your Ladyship, in making you instrumental to own and provide for those, who are cast out for his great name’s sake. Great shall be your reward in heaven. I hope you and your honoured sisters will have great comfort in the perseverance of the poor baker. He is a Jerusalem sinner, a proper object for free grace to fix on. A woman of fourscore, and a boy about eleven, have been lately awakened, and it is hoped converted, in Essex. May JESUS feed them all with bread that comes down from heaven! We have blessed seasons here, and our LORD gives us to see his stately steps. GOD prepare me for a suffering hour! Mrs. C―――― has met with a heavy trial in the death of her only daughter, aged twenty. I hear she behaves like a christian under it. Happy they who know that promise belongs to them, “All things work together for good to those who love GOD.” How easy may Isaacs be given up by them? But I forget I am weary, when writing to your Ladyship. Pardon my taking up so much of your precious time. I wish your Ladyship, your honoured Sisters, and children, all the privileges of the new-born, heaven-born sons of GOD. This is the only return that can be made both to them and you, by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, dutiful, and willing servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXVI
To Mr. L――――.
London, Nov. 22, 1749.
Very dear Sir,
I Received your kind letter on Monday last, and to shew you how willing I am to carry on a correspondence, I take the very first opportunity of answering it. Yours found me just returned out of Yorkshire, Lancashire, &c. Since you heard of me last, I have been at Sheffield and Nottingham, and found the fields every where white ready unto harvest. I believe my particular province is, to go about and preach the gospel to all. My being obliged to keep up a large correspondence in America, and the necessity I am under of going thither myself, entirely prevents my taking care of any societies. Whether it will ever be my lot to come over to Ireland, I cannot say. I have some thought of being there next Spring; but I would not intrude on any one’s labours. The world is large, and blessed be GOD, there is a range and work sufficient for all. As for my manner of preaching, I believe, was you to hear me, you would find it calculated to serve all, but intended at least to offend none. I profess to be of a catholic spirit; I am a debtor to all; I have no party to be at the head of, and through GOD’s grace, I will have none; but as much as in me lies strengthen the hands of all, of every denomination, that preach JESUS CHRIST in sincerity. In this spirit I hope my dear Mr. L―――― will find me, should he ever see me in Ireland; but whether I shall go there or to America in the Spring, is not yet determined. Future things belong to Him whose I am, and whom I desire to serve to my dying day, in the gospel of his dear Son. I earnestly beg an interest in your prayers, and in the prayers of all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Pray how do the poor people at Cork? Lady H―――― writes this concerning them. “I hope the poor persecuted people in Cork will be helped, and I should be glad if you could write in my name to any of them, and inform them that I would have written myself, but I know not how to direct. You may give them my kind assurance of serving them upon any occasion, and a hint that I believe they will meet with no more of the like rough usage.” Thus far my good Lady. I have informed her Ladyship, that I should write to you, who I am persuaded will gladly and in a prudent manner communicate this to all concerned. And now, my dear Sir, have I not returned you a long letter? I love you, though I know you not, and the more so because I hear you breathe a catholic spirit. May the LORD increase it in your and all his children’s hearts! I must now add no more, but subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXVII
To Mr. N――――.
London, Nov. 25, 1749.
Very dear Sir,
FOR some few days I have been returned from my northern rout, in which the glorious Emmanuel gave me to see new wonders every day. It was no small concern to me to turn my back on Scotland, when so near. However it hath been greatly over-ruled for good. I have thereby been called to preach in many fresh places, and, glory be to GOD, I saw thousands flock to the hearing of the gospel, like doves to the windows. The generous offer made me by yourself and lady, I took exceeding kind, and gladly would I have embraced it, but――――Well! what is, is best. “Father, not my will but thine be done.” Perhaps I may see you in the Spring; if not, ere long, dear Sir, we shall meet in heaven. My wife tells me, she answered Lady I――――’s letter immediately. In this she joins, sending most grateful acknowledgments and cordial salutations. Blessed be GOD, we are both well, and surrounded with mercies on every side.――Only ungrateful, ill, and hell-deserving I, want a grateful and an humble heart. I am altogether an unprofitable servant, but our LORD I trust will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit: for by this, and this only, I know our heavenly father is glorified. What I am most afraid of is, lest I should flag in the latter stages of my road. But he that hath loved and helped, will, dear Sir, love and help me to the end. I am persuaded your prayers and the prayers of christian friends will be very serviceable. O that you may be kept alive and warm in this cold declining day! Poor Scotland, I pity thee! I will pray for thy prosperity till I can pray no more! Be pleased to present our joint love and cordial respects to all friends in general, and we entreat you and yours to accept the same in a most particular manner from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCLXXXVIII
To Lady H――――n.
London, Nov. 30, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Think it is now a whole week since I had the honour and pleasure of writing to your Ladyship, and as your Ladyship was pleased to desire the prayers of GOD’s people, I read that part of your letter. Thousands heartily united in singing the following verses for your Ladyship.
Gladly we join to pray for those, Who rich with worldly honour shine; Yet dare to own a Saviour’s cause, And in that hated cause to join: Yes! we would praise Thee that a few Love Thee, though rich and noble too.
Uphold this star in thy right hand, Crown her endeavours with success; Among the great ones may she stand, A witness of thy righteousness! Till many nobles join thy train, And triumph in the Lamb that’s slain.
The verses were made by T―――― G―――― who is now under my roof. He has grievously backslidden, but I hope is now returning home to his heavenly Father. We had an uncommon scene when he first came to me. I find the LORD will be sanctified in all them that come near him, and will not suffer those who are concerned in his cause, and with his people, to continue in sin long undiscerned. O that I may be kept simple, and honest, and zealous unto the end! Mine eyes wait upon thee, O LORD, from whence alone cometh my salvation! I find he never fails those that put their trust in him. Blessed be his name, I have got sufficient to pay off Mr. C――――’s debts.――Poor, yet attempting at least to make many rich, I would have my motto still. Mr. L―――― also writes word, that the glorious JESUS hath raised sufficient for his charity school, and that he is much blessed in his labours. The book that hath been given to me for your Ladyship, I purpose sending next week, with one or two of the Sundays Thoughts for your Ladyship’s honoured sisters. Indeed I honour them very much, and pray for them and all related to your Ladyship very earnestly. I was glad to hear by Mr. R―――― that your Ladyship and all were so well. May you prosper and be in health both in body and soul! London already begins to disagree with my outward man, but the LORD’s smiling upon my poor labours sweetens all. I have begun to preach by six in the morning. We have large congregations even then. I trust we shall have a warm winter. I have not been at the other end of the town this week, but I find all hold on: however a leader is wanting. This honour hath been put on your Ladyship by the great head of the church. An honour conferred on few, but an earnest of a distinguished honour to be put on your Ladyship before men and angels, when time shall be no more. That you may every day add to the splendor of your future crown, by always abounding in the work of the LORD, is the fervent prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, and obliged, though very unworthy servant, G. W.