Letter DCCCLXXV
To Mr. S――――.
London, Jan. 4, 1751.
My dear Mr. S――――,
IMMEDIATELY upon the receipt of your last from Limerick, I wrote you an answer, directed for you at Limerick post-office, as you desired. As you are going that way, ere this reaches you, I hope you will have received it. I pray the LORD of all lords to give you such grace, that all may see, that the doctrines of the gospel are indeed productive of righteousness, and true holiness in heart, lip, and life. Mind this, and then fear not. Continue as you are, until you are absolutely rejected. I want not to proselyte persons to myself, but to the glorious Emmanuel, my LORD and Master JESUS CHRIST. Perhaps He may send me to Ireland; though some weeks ago I hoped that he was about to take me to heaven. I kept my room near a fortnight, and still continue very weak. This obliges me to be brief. My wife is now expecting an hour of travail. Some time this month I trust she will be delivered. She desires to be remembered to you. GOD willing, Mr. Z―――― shall hear from me. I do not yet hear who is to be the person. Unless you have thoughts of going abroad, I see no objection against your altering your condition. May the LORD direct and bless you and all in that important step! It is a change for life. We have had blessed seasons here; but methinks the Winter is very long. O that I was entering upon a Spring campaign! It is a new year. My dear Mr. S――――, why should we not begin to begin to live to that JESUS, who has done and suffered so much for us! I trust this is the language of your heart,
A life that all things casts behind, Springs forth obedient at 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 hear you say, Amen, Amen. Hallelujah! I must have done. Bodily strength fails me. My love to all that love CHRIST JESUS. Brethren, pray for us, is the earnest request of, my dear Mr. S――――,
Yours most affectionately in our dearest LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXVI
To Mr. L――――.
London, Jan. 13, 1751.
Dear Mr. L――――,
BEFORE I had the pleasure of your letter, I had heard some particulars of the late commotion at Canterbury. Ere now I hope you have been directed to the choice of such means, as may, under GOD, open the door wider than ever for preaching the everlasting gospel in your parts. Satan has done at Canterbury as he always does elsewhere; I mean, he has overshot his mark. Such proceedings are too violent to hold long. Exhort, therefore, my dear Sir, your fellow-soldiers, to quit themselves like men, and be strong. Put ye on the whole armour of GOD; and always remember, that through much tribulation we must enter into glory. Now is the time for you to prove the strength of JESUS to be yours. Your way to fight, is upon your knees. That weapon all-prayer will do wonders. The devil has lost some servants, and he is afraid of losing more. Therefore he rallies his forces as Pharaoh harnessed his chariots, and wants to bring you back to Egypt. Your business is to go on. Though Pharaoh is behind, and a red-sea before you,――ere long you shall pass through the one, and see the other totally destroyed. In patience possess ye your souls. GOD is able to bring the counsel of every Achitophel to nought. You know in whom you have believed. He never did, he never will, he never can fail those that put their trust in him. Think of those farewel words, which he spake in the days of his flesh to his dear disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; in the world ye shall have tribulation:――But I have overcome the world.” That is enough to raise every drooping heart. He hath overcome for us; he will overcome in us, and ere long call us to reign with him for ever in glory. O blessed hope! Whilst I am musing on it, the fire kindles. Brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you. The LORD strengthen you, and give you to pray for
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXVII
To Mr. X―――― Y――――.
London, Jan. 15, 1751.
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter came safe to hand. I pray GOD enable me to answer it agreeable to his will. Your call to enter into the ministry, seems to be pretty clear, and if your health would permit you to be a tutor, and courage be given you to act like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, you might do unspeakable good in residing at college. If a person’s health will not admit of such a residence, I think by the laws of GOD and man, his absence may be dispensed with. Originally, Fellows were appointed to reside; but there is no general rule without an exception. Particular circumstances can only determine particular cases. Mr. W―――― I know hath been dispensed with many years:――and though I cannot say I have approved of this part of his conduct, yet as he is called elsewhere, and applies the college income to good purposes, I suppose he thinks he acts an honest and christian part. As for the difficulties you seem to place before you, I can only say, “Nil desperandum Christo duce.” Every new scene brings its new temptations; but faith in the Son of GOD, will make us more than conquerors over all. His love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is the best director and support in all circumstances whatsoever. For want of an establishment in this, and through the prevalency of an hypocondraical disorder, you seem to have particular scruples about particular things. It is what all persons, entering on the divine life, are more or less exposed to. “Meditation, prayer, reading, and temptation, (says holy Luther) make a minister.” Your levity of spirit, and fickleness of temper, are your greatest diseases. These are to be watched and prayed against, and by divine grace will be overcome. Look up, therefore, dear Sir, to the blessed JESUS. Out of weakness he can and will make you to become strong, and turn your lightness of spirit into solid joy. Till then, be content rather to appear stupid, than by giving way to the luxuriancy of unsanctified wit, bring guilt upon your soul. Thus, dear Sir, I have endeavoured to answer your letter; though I must confess, as you are so near, I had rather converse with you personally. You may use freedom with me. I rejoice that the glorious JESUS hath in any degree blessed my poor administrations to you. I need not, therefore, remind you to give him all the glory, and entreat you to pray for me, who am the very chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, but for CHRIST’s sake, dear Sir,
Your very ready servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXVIII
To Mr. B――――.
London, Jan. 18, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR kind letter I received this morning. The love I owe you for CHRIST’s sake, constrains me to send you an immediate answer. From the same motive I just now wrote to Mr. B――――. Poor man! This is a home-stroke indeed! I hope he and his yoke-fellow will now take a large step to heaven. May GOD prepare us, my dear friend, for the finishing trials! We must all have them in our turns. But wherefore should we fear? Out of very faithfulness, our heavenly Father causes us to be troubled. Of his infinite mercy he hath lately been pleased to visit me with a threatening illness. I was just casting anchor;――but it seems I must put out to sea again. O that it may be to direct others to the way that leads to the haven of eternal rest! Who knows but I may sound the gospel once more in Scotland? I have some thoughts of coming for a little while, before I embark for America. You will desire all the societies to pray, that the LORD would order my goings in his way. I rejoice that they hold on their way. May they hold on and hold out to the end! My constant prayer for them is, that they may increase with all the increase of GOD. Many in town have been awakened this Winter. O that I was humble! When shall that once be? O that I was thankful! Fain would I burn with love and gratitude like a seraph.
With arms of love, and wings of faith, I’d fly and take the prize.
Well! Let faith and patience hold out a little longer, and all will be well. He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it. Believers should look more to JESUS. It is the only way to keep their hands from hanging down, and to strengthen their feeble knees. Exhort all to this: and pray salute every enquiring friend, every member of the societies, in the most endearing manner; for indeed I love my Scotch friends in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST. Whilst I am writing to and thinking of them, tears, but tears of love, are ready to gush from mine eyes. O that I may meet them all in the kingdom of our Father! O that their lamps may be always trimmed, and their loins girt! Behold JESUS comes quickly, and his reward is with him: let us not leave him. Let us not flag in the latter stages of our road. O our bleeding, agonizing, dying JESUS, how have we pierced thee! At least how have I! O that we may look and love, look and mourn, even as one that mourneth for a first-born or an only son. Dear Mr. B―――― can now comment on this text. May the LORD comfort his heart, and be better to him than seven sons! I can no more. Affections of various kinds quite overflow. I long to begin to do something for JESUS. A sense of my vileness and unfruitfulness, quite breaks my heart. Surely I shall sing, free grace in heaven.――I write this to you as a friend. The LORD be with you, and reward you and all, for their sympathy with me and mine. Fail not to pray for me; and believe me to be, my very dear Mr. B――――,
Yours in the best of bonds, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXIX
To Dr. W――――.
Ashby-Place, Jan. 29, 1751.
My very dear Sir,
IT is high time to answer your kind letter. I am doing it at Ashby, whither I rid post, not knowing whether I should see good Lady H――――n alive. Blessed be GOD, she is somewhat better, and I trust will not yet die, but live and abound more and more in the work of the LORD. Entreat all our friends to pray for her. Indeed she is worthy. Her sister-in-law, Lady Frances H――――, lies dead in the house. She was a retired christian, lived silently, and died suddenly without a groan. May my exit be like hers! Whether right or not, I cannot help wishing that I may go off in the same manner. To me it is worse than death, to live to be nursed, and see friends weeping about one. Sudden death, is sudden glory. Methinks it is falling a sleep indeed, or rather a translation. But all this must be left to our heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us and others. Let it be our care to have all things ready. Let the house of our hearts, and our temporal affairs be put in order immediately, that we may have nothing to do but to obey the summons, though it should be at evening, cock-crowing, or in the morning. Physicians that are always attending on the dying, one would imagine should in a peculiar manner learn to die daily. May this be your daily employ! I believe it is; though, like me, you must complain that the old man dies hard. Well, has he got his deadly blow? Die then he shall, even that death to which he put our LORD. O that the language of our hearts may always be, “Crucify, crucify him.” This is painful. But the Redeemer can help us to bear it.
Thou wilt give strength, thou wilt give power; Thou wilt in time set free; This great deliverance let us hope, Not for ourselves, but thee!
I write this out of the fulness of my heart. You will receive it as such, and remember me in the best manner to all friends. We have had good times. All glory be to JESUS through all eternity!
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXX
To Lady M―――― H――――.
Ashby, Jan. 30, 1751.
Honoured Madam,
LAST Monday evening, through the goodness of an ever-blessed Redeemer, I got safe to Ashby, where I found good Lady H――――n very sick, though I trust not unto death. All advise her Ladyship to take a journey to Bristol, for the benefit of the waters, which her Ladyship seems determined to do. The death of Lady Frances, has not affected her Ladyship so as to hurt her. She rejoices at the thoughts of her sister’s being so quickly translated out of this house of bondage, into the glorious liberty of the sons of GOD. Her death was a translation indeed. Her Ladyship died without a groan. She seemed as it were to smile at death; and may be said, I trust, truly “to fall asleep in JESUS.” Ere long, she and all that sleep in JESUS, shall come with him. I hope it hath been a purging time in this family. Almost all have been sick in their turns. Lady Selina has had a fever, but is better. Lady Betty is more affected than ever I saw her. A letter now from one of the young ladies, I hope would do service. Lady Ann bears up pretty well, but Miss W――――r is inconsolable. It is a house of mourning; that is better than a house of feasting. The corpse is to be interred on Friday evening. May all that follow it, look and learn! I mean, learn to live, and learn to die. This is a lesson which you and yours, honoured Madam, I trust are learning every day. We had need be careful to get our lesson perfect, since we know not when the Son of Man will come, whether at evening,――cock-crowing,――or in the morning. To be ready at that hour, is all in all. Good Lady H――――n sends her sincerest compliments. If any thing extraordinary happens before my return, your Ladyship shall hear again from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXI
To Doctor S――――.
Ashby, Feb. 4, 1751.
My dear Doctor,
YOUR letter distresses me. GOD hasten the time when you shall sing chearfully,
Be gone, vain world, my heart resign, For I must be no longer thine; A nobler, a diviner guest, Has got possession of my breast.
Why will you not shake off your chains? Why will you be stricken any more? You must come back, or be undone for ever. What have you gained by running from your father’s house? His servants have bread enough, whilst you are perishing with hunger. Say, say, I pray you, without delay, “I will arise and go to my Father.” His love keeps you uneasy; his love hedges up your way; his love follows and pursues you with this mighty famine. The language of all is, “Give me thy heart.” Be content to become a fool for CHRIST’s sake. Your body as well as soul, will suffer even in this world, if you do not comply. You are half dead already. Faith in CHRIST, and the love of GOD shed abroad in your heart, can alone cure you. You know too much to be happy without it: and O that dreadful sentence, “It had been better for them never to have known ―――― &c.” For CHRIST’s sake, remember Lot’s wife. You are almost become a pillar of salt already. Out of anguish I write this. May CHRIST’s love so constrain you, that you may never rest till you find solid rest in him! Good Lady H――――n is gone to take the air. Your message shall be delivered. She is but poorly; and my wife writes me word, that she is exceeding bad. This must hasten my remove from hence. I insist upon Mr. H――――ly’s coming directly to Ashby, if he has any regard for good Lady H――――n. She ought always to have a christian friend with her. That you may have a feeling possession of CHRIST in your heart, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in great haste, but greater concern for you, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXII
To Mr. B――――.
London, Feb. 8, 1751.
Dear Sir,
YESTERDAY I saw your letter to Mr. V――――, which made me to think a line would not altogether be unacceptable to you. And what shall I say? Your case is affecting. O that your present confinement may be sanctified to the setting of your imprisoned soul at liberty, and bringing you home (after having so long fed on husks with swine) to feed upon the fatted calf! You know the father’s behaviour to the returning prodigal. He saw him when he was yet a great way off.――He ran towards him,――filthy as he was, he fell upon his neck, and kissed him. Thus, if you resolve with the prodigal, to arise and go to your Father, will the ever-blessed GOD deal with you. He will embrace you in the arms of his love; he will also cloathe you with the righteousness of his dear Son, and cause joy to be in heaven even over you, on repenting and returning to him. Is not this enough to encourage you to lay hold on his golden sceptre? to resolve, in divine strength, to mortify and bid adieu to all those sins, by which you have dishonoured your glorious Maker? You see, Sir, what wages Satan gives; death even in this world, and alas! eternal death in the world to come. GOD keep you from this second death, and then temporal shame will be but little. The way you know; JESUS is the way, the truth, and the life. He is mighty, and willing to save to the uttermost all that come to the Father in and through him. Come then, dear Sir, and throw yourself at the feet of his mercy. He will not only pardon, but abundantly pardon you. In JESUS CHRIST there is a fountain opened for sin and for all uncleanness. “Wash ye, make ye clean,” is the call of GOD to all, and now the particular call of GOD to you. May the Spirit of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, bring it home to your soul, and make it effectual to your thorough conversion! Let this be your sole care. For this and this only is the one thing needful. As for seeing Mrs. ――――, if I was to advise (as it hath been hitherto deferred) I would have you both decline it a little longer. Wait and see the issue of your trial; she can do you no good, and by coming may do herself harm. But this is a tender point. May Providence point out what is best! If we acknowledge the LORD, we have a promise, “that he will direct us in all our ways.” I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and beg you to accept this from, dear Sir,
Your sympathizing friend and servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXIII
To Lady H――――n.
London, Feb. 26, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter, which came to hand yesterday, was an unexpected as well as undeserved favour, and for which I return your Ladyship ten thousand thanks. Surely the LORD of all lords will at length answer the prayers of his people, and raise you up to the joy of many souls. It would rejoice your Ladyship much to see what has been doing here. I have not known a more considerable awakening for a long time. The LORD comes down as in the days of old, and the shout of a king is amongst us. Praise the LORD, O my soul! The inclosed, which came from abroad, I believe will give your Ladyship satisfaction. I think it is an earnest of good things to come. To-morrow I purpose to leave London; but whether the rain and wind will permit me is uncertain. I am at present quite feverish, by my late hurry and fatigue; but GOD is my portion and my confidence for ever. Underneath your Ladyship are his everlasting arms; you cannot sink with such a prop. Your Ladyship must be made conqueror, yea more than conqueror, through his love. That, is engaged to bring you through whatever sufferings may be yet before you. He is faithful, who hath promised, “that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear.” This is my daily support. To explain GOD’s providence by the promise, and not his promise by his providence, I find is the only way both to get and to keep our comforts. Above all, I find that looking unto JESUS, is an universal, never-failing antidote against every evil. This is what your Ladyship knows by happy experience. May you know it more and more so every day and hour! But I fear I weary your Ladyship, and therefore hasten to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXIV
To Mr. ――――.
London, March 1, 1751.
Very dear Sir,
YOUR generous conduct much affects me; it hath drawn me to the throne of grace in your behalf. If any of my poor writings should be rendered either entertaining or beneficial to you, I hope it will make me more thankful to him, who is the father of lights, and from whom every good and perfect gift cometh. Mr. H―――― writes me word, that his heart is knit to you. I wish the colony affairs may not lie too hard upon him. Whenever he dies, I believe he will die as it were a martyr for the welfare of Georgia. He mentions Mr. H―――― for a magistrate in his stead; if I might advise, nothing should be denied, that might strengthen Mr. H――――’s hands. I know him to be a tried friend, and one who has the good of that poor province exceedingly at heart. Young M――――, he thinks, might be ordained for an itinerant preacher among the negroes. A good beginning amongst them might be of vast consequence. Mr. Z―――― hath this affair much at heart. I give you these hints to be improved as you think proper. My views to serve Georgia are disinterested; so I believe are yours. Such intentions the great Redeemer will own and bless one way or another. I wish I could have my packet from Westminster, ♦before I leave town. I think you do right to send the young gentleman to B――――. If he inquires for Mr. J―――― S―――― a merchant, he will be taken care of. B―――― is no good place however for young men, for there young B―――― has been hurt. But alas, if people’s hearts are not upright, change of place will avail but little. This consideration induces me to send the inclosed. I commit it to your care, and commend your better part to his mercy, who hath loved and given himself for us. That you may experience all the unsearchable riches of his superabundant grace, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, and very obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ “befere” replaced with “before”
Letter DCCCLXXXV
To Mr. ――――.
London, March 1, 1751.
Dear Sir,
YOUR acknowledgment for my poor present, is more than it deserved. If it is made of use to your precious soul, I have my desired end. My heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that his goodness may lead you to a thorough repentance, and that you may have no rest, till you truly believe on JESUS CHRIST. Reformation is not renovation: and unless the heart be totally and thoroughly changed, when the fear of hell and other outward restraints are gone, good impressions will gradually wear off, and the seeming convert return again to folly. The love of CHRIST therefore constrains me, dear Sir, to exhort you to make thorough work of it, and to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Now indeed is the accepted time! Surely you may say, “Am I not a brand plucked out of the burning?” Satan will not care that you should leave him without some attacks. When you are abroad, old habits, and old corruptions will strive to renew their ancient acquaintance with you: merry company will endeavour to redebauch you, and your grand adversary the devil will labour to render all the amazing mercies you have received, fruitless and abortive.――Be upon your guard. Distrust yourself. Be instant in prayer. Look continually to JESUS, and then as your day is, so shall your strength be. Be pleased to accept this in love. If I may judge of your aspect and letter, you will. Glad shall I be to find you a new creature in Georgia. My prayers shall follow you, and I hope ere long we shall meet with our brother and all the redeemed of the LORD in paradise. Be pleased to remember me to Mr. R――――; and if you would mind me, as the chief of sinners and less than the least of all saints, when you get access to the throne of grace, you would oblige, dear Sir,
Your real friend for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXVI
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
Bristol, March 17, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
THIS comes with a summons from good Lady H――――, for you to appear in Bristol, and abide for a month or two at my brother’s house. You must not refuse. The GOD who has carried that elect Lady through such bad roads from Ashby hither, will take care of you, and I am persuaded you will not repent your journey. Her Ladyship made the motion to me, and intends writing herself. Blessed be GOD, she is much better, and I trust will do well. She will have nobody to give her the Sacrament unless you come. I hope this will find you at the tabernacle house, and trust shall hear of your sister’s safe delivery. My tender and cordial respects await her, your dear brother, and his whole houshold. I ventured the other day to put out a guinea to interest for you. It was to release an excellent christian, who by living very hard, and working near twenty hours out of four-and-twenty, had brought himself very low. He has a wife and four children, and was above two guineas in debt. I gave one for myself and one for you. We shall have good interest for our money in another world. O for a mind like his, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich! I have been recommending him this morning, and purpose doing so again this evening. In Gloucestershire the word hath been gladly received, and here we have had pleasant gales. O my dear Sir, follow me with your prayers. The LORD be with your spirit. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXVII
To Mr. B――――.
Bristol, March 22, 1751.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Lately received your last kind letter, and am glad to find that you are enabled to joy in tribulation, and to say, “Father, not my will, but thine be done.” May the LORD increase your faith, and if you should be called to give up your Isaac, your dear yoke-fellow, may you, Aaron like, hold your peace, and by an undissembled resignation to the divine will, glorify your GOD! My wife has been in pitiable circumstances for some time. The LORD only knows what will be the issue of them. This is my comfort, “all things work together for good to those that love GOD.” He is the father of mercies, and the GOD of all consolation. He can bring light out of darkness, and cause the barren wilderness to smile. This I trust will be verified in Georgia. Thanks be to GOD, that the time for favouring that Colony seems to be come. I think now is the season for us to exert our utmost for the good of the poor Ethiopians. We are told, that even they are soon to stretch out their hands unto GOD. And who knows but their being settled in Georgia, may be over-ruled for this great end? As for the lawfulness of keeping slaves, I have no doubt, since I hear of some that were bought with Abraham’s money, and some that were born in his house.――And I cannot help thinking, that some of those servants mentioned by the Apostles in their epistles were or had been slaves. It is plain, that the Gibeonites were doomed to perpetual slavery, though liberty is a sweet thing to such as are born free, yet to those who never ♦knew the sweets of it, slavery perhaps may not be so irksome. However this be, it is plain to a demonstration, that hot countries cannot be cultivated without negroes. What a flourishing country might Georgia have been, had the use of them been permitted years ago? How many white people have been destroyed for want of them, and how many thousands of pounds spent to no purpose at all? Had Mr. Henry been in America, I believe he would have seen the lawfulness and necessity of having negroes there. And though it is true, that they are brought in a wrong way from their own country, and it is a trade not to be approved of, yet as it will be carried on whether we will or not; I should think myself highly favoured if I could purchase a good number of them, in order to make their lives comfortable, and lay a foundation for breeding up their posterity in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. You know, dear Sir, that I had no hand in bringing them into Georgia; though my judgment was for it, and so much money was yearly spent to no purpose, and I was strongly importuned thereto, yet I would not have a negro upon my plantation, till the use of them was publicly allowed in the colony. Now this is done, dear Sir, let us reason no more about it, but diligently improve the present opportunity for their instruction. The trustees favour it, and we may never have a like prospect. It rejoiced my soul, to hear that one of my poor negroes in Carolina was made a brother in CHRIST. How know we but we may have many such instances in Georgia ere it be long? By mixing with your people, I trust many of them will be brought to JESUS, and this consideration, as to us, swallows up all temporal inconveniencies whatsoever. Thus, my dear Sir, I have opened my mind to you on this head; if it satisfies you, I shall be glad; though I suppose what holy Mr. Z――――n has already written, has been sufficient. His heart seems touched with a sympathy for these poor creatures, and in the fall, GOD willing, I intend seeing what can be done towards laying a foundation. LORD prosper this work of our hands upon us, prosper thou, O GOD, our handy work! I am now entering upon my spring campaign, and long for the time to embark for Georgia. This I believe will shortly come. Blessed be GOD, the work on this side increases daily. You will help me with your prayers, and you will remember me in the kindest manner to your collegue, your wife and dear congregation, and believe me to be, reverend Sir,
Your most unworthy, but affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the kingdom of our LORD, G. W.
♦ “new” replaced with “knew”
Letter DCCCLXXXVIII
To Mr. H――――ly.
Plymouth, March 30, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
I Am persuaded you was surprized to find our elect Lady gone from Ashby, and I was as much surprized to see her Ladyship at Bristol. I hope her journey was of GOD. The waters agree with her wonderfully already, and I trust she will be restored to perfect health. As dear Mr. H―――― cannot be prevailed upon to come down, if it would any way suit you to be with her Ladyship a month, it would much refresh her, and I believe be very agreeable to you. Some pulpits would be open for you, and who knows but you might catch some great fish in the gospel net? But I need not enforce this, since her Ladyship hath written to you herself. May the blessed Redeemer direct your going in his way! Put up the same request for me. I have thoughts of going to Wales, Ireland and Scotland. We have had good seasons in Gloucestershire, and at Bristol, and the LORD enabled me to sow some gospel seed at Taunton and Wellington in my way hither. O that ever such a wretch as I should be thus honoured!
If thou excuse, LORD, work thy will By so unfit an instrument; It will at once thy goodness shew, And prove thy power omnipotent.
For the present adieu. It is a grief to me that I cannot write oftener and longer. I suppose the death of our prince has affected you. It has given me a shock. “The LORD reigneth.” That is our comfort. That he may reign more and more every day, and every hour, in our souls, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCCLXXXIX
To Mr. M――――.
Plymouth, March 30, 1751.
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter came safe to hand in due season, but I have been straitened how to answer it. I would write as I preach; I mean I would speak the truth as it is in JESUS, without endeavouring to blacken any denomination whatsoever. I think Gamaliel’s advice is good at all times, and in all ages, and our LORD’s promise will be fulfilled, “That every plant that our heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” This makes me to bear and forbear with many who widely differ from me both in principles and practice. This, as you observe, dear Sir, you may know by my poor discourses, and I find as yet no reason to alter my sentiments. I doubt not but there are many holy souls among the M――――s; but their not preaching the law, either as a Schoolmaster to shew us the need of CHRIST, or as a rule of life after we have closed with him, is what I can in no wise concur with. These seem to be two grand mistakes, and which with their various unscriptural expressions in their hymns, and several superstitious fopperies lately intruded among them, make me to think, they are sadly departed from the simplicity of the gospel. But to their own master they stand or fall. Exitus acta probat. My prayer for myself and all GOD’s children is, “LORD JESUS, rectify all that is wrong, and bless and prosper all that is right!” I bless GOD, dear Sir, that you are appearing valiant for the truth. You will find more and more by happy experience, that to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. CHRIST never sends a person on a warfare at his own charges. Do not despair of Mr. G――――. As the love of GOD comes in, the fear of man goes out. By and by I trust he will set his face on a flint. It is high time for some to appear for JESUS. What pain did he endure? What shame did he suffer for us? Strange! that we should be so unwilling to go without the camp, to share with Him in his sacred reproach. Alas, what cowards are we! Dear Sir, let us pray for each other, that we may be strong in the grace which is in the CHRIST JESUS, and never fear what men and devils can say, or do unto us. CHRIST is worth all, or he is worth nothing. I thank you for your invitation in his great name. If providence should bring me into the North, I hope to wait upon you. At present, I am bound for Wales. I have good news from abroad, and I believe the work is upon the advance at home. That you may be abundantly blessed, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate though unworthy brother in CHRIST, G. W.
Letter DCCCXC
To Mr. H――――.
Exeter, April 11, 1751.
My very dear Mr. H――――,
I Was pleased last night to find by my wife’s letters, that your sister was delivered, and more so, because my wife wrote as though you was again under my roof. This I count a great honour, and such a privilege, that I wish to have the favour conferred on me as long as I live. These my hands (could they work, and was there occasion for it,) should readily minister to your necessities. If my wife should come down to Bristol, pray let not my dear Mr. H―――― move. If Molly stays in London, she will take care of you; if not, Polly and Mr. D――――n will gladly wait upon you. As I have been under some trying exercises for this month past, I have often wished to see you. But my blessed master hath given me access to himself, and he will make me more then conqueror through his love. I find Luther’s words truly applicable to myself, “He was never employed about any fresh work, but he was either visited with a fit of sickness or some violent temptations.” Some good I trust is to be done this Spring to many souls. This Western circuit I believe hath been blessed already. I have preached about forty times since I left London, and have been enabled several times to ride forty miles in a day. I find that this sensibly refreshes me. I wish you could say so too;――your Biddeford friends would then see you.――They hold on their way, and long to have a line from you. Old Mr. W―――― is dead. I providentially met Mr. T―――― at his son’s house. At Plymouth we had sweet seasons, and on Tuesday last I met with a young clergyman who was awakened under my preaching seven years ago. He hath been at Cambridge, and was ordained last Lent by the bishop of Exeter. He is followed much, and I suppose will soon be reproached for his master’s sake. What cannot JESUS do? I hope you find that he gives you strength to proceed in your book. It is enquired much after. The LORD be with you, and bless your pen, and your heart. I send my hearty love to your brother and whole houshold, and am, very dear Mr. H――――,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCI
To Lady H――――.
Dublin, May 30, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Was uneasy that I had no opportunity of writing to your Ladyship a longer letter than my last, at leaving Wales; but it could not be avoided, and Mr. P―――― (to whom I delivered your Ladyship’s message) promises to supply my deficiency. I am now at Dublin, where I arrived the 24th instant. Mr. L―――― gladly received me into his house, and I have been enabled to preach twice every day this week. Some seasons have been very powerful indeed, and the congregations increase daily. Last Sunday I believe ten thousand heard with great attention. After staying one LORD’s day more, I shall set out for a month’s circuit, and then purpose going to Scotland. I find that providence has wonderfully prepared my way, and over-ruled every thing for my greater acceptance. O that I could be more humble and thankful! Surely here are many converted souls, amongst whom are two or three students, and several soldiers. May the LORD JESUS add to their number daily such as shall be saved! I know not where this will find your Ladyship, but where-ever you are, my heart’s desire and prayer to GOD is, that you may have a thriving soul in a healthy body, and be rewarded ten thousand fold for all favours conferred on, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCII
To Mr. D――――.
Dublin, June 1, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
I Fully proposed to have written to you from Wales, but was prevented by travelling and preaching. In about three weeks, I rode perhaps above five hundred miles, and preached generally twice a day. Congregations were as large as usual, and I trust an unusual power accompanied the word. After being about five days on the water, I arrived here the 24th ult. At first the greatness and hurry of the place surprized me; but thanks be to the LORD of the harvest, here as well as elsewhere the fields are white ready unto harvest. I have now preached about fourteen times, and find great freedom in dealing out the bread of life. Congregations are large, and hear as for eternity. Perhaps last LORD’s day upwards of ten thousand attended. It much resembled a Moor-fields auditory. Next Monday, GOD willing, I leave Dublin, and set out on a circuit to Limerick, Cork, Athlone, Waterford, &c. I now lodge at a banker’s, who purposes to come to London shortly. He is a follower of CHRIST, and will be glad of your acquaintance. I purpose giving him a letter. Have you heard nothing of Captain Grant? I long to hear of his arrival, because I would fain go over with him to America. Pray give me the first intelligence concerning him. A long journey is before me, but I would be at home every where, and yet never at home, till I come to heaven. There, the wicked will cease from troubling; there, the weary will be at rest. There, before men and angels will I declare how kind, yea exceeding kind, you and yours have been to, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCIII
To Lady H――――n.
Athlone, June 10, 1751.
THIS morning I had the wished-for favour and honour of your Ladyship’s ♦letter. O that it had acquainted me of your Ladyship’s better health! But our LORD knows what is best. May patience have its perfect work, and your Ladyship come out of the furnace like gold tried seven times in the fire! Every day I can sympathise with your Ladyship. As the weather grows warmer, my body grows weaker, and my vomitings follow me continually. But all is little enough to keep me down, and prepare me for the service in which I am engaged. My last from Dublin, acquainted your Ladyship of my being owned of GOD there. By a letter from Mr. L――――, I am informed, that Dublin is in a ferment, and that my hearers will be much more numerous at my return. Oh the blessedness of leaving all for JESUS! For this week past, I have been preaching twice almost every day in some country towns, and yesterday I sounded the gospel trumpet here. Every where, there seems to be a stirring among the dry bones, and the trembling lamps of GOD’s people have been supplied with fresh oil. I find, through the many offences that have lately been given, matters were brought to a low ebb. But the cry now is, “Methodism is revived again.”――Thanks be to GOD, that I have an opportunity of shewing my disinterestedness, and that I preach not for a party of my own, but for the common interest of my blessed master. May he keep me thus minded, and then I am sure all will go well at last. Your Ladyship would smile, to see how the wise have been catched in their own craftiness. O that this good news from a far country may prove a cordial to your Ladyship’s soul! I pity your solitary state. I pity the deadness of all around you; but your Ladyship knows, whose brethren did not believe on him; it was even that GOD-man, who spoke a parable for this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Happy trials, that drive us to our knees. Ever-honoured Madam, I could enlarge, but must not. Your Ladyship shall hear, GOD willing, how the glorious Emmanuel deals with me in Ireland. In the mean while, with the warmest sense of your Ladyship’s unmerited favours, I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ “lettter” replaced with “letter”
Letter DCCCXCIV
To Mr. Z――――.
Limerick, June 14, 1751.
Honoured Sir,
MY last was written on board the Crawford, and sent immediately upon my arrival at Dublin. Blessed be GOD, the word ran and was glorified there. I preached above fourteen times, and every day great multitudes attended. A friend, since my departure, writes me, that the city was in a ferment. For about a week I have been preaching twice a day in several country towns and villages. At Athlone I preached four times, and last night was gladly received here at Limerick. Every where our LORD hath vouchsafed us his blessed presence. That supports me under the heat of the weather, the weakness of my body, and the various trials which exercise my mind. I am now earnestly asking counsel from above. A wide door is open in Dublin; but after I have visited Cork, I believe I must cut short my circuit, lest I should have a winter’s voyage. I should have been heartily glad to have heard from or seen you, but I trust, honoured Sir, you will have a heart given you to pray for me, and then, one way or another, my way will be made plain before me. Hitherto (thanks be to his free grace) my master supports and comforts me. He administers seed to the sower, and as far as I can hear, blesses it when sown. O that his mercies humbled me! O that I may never provoke him to leave me, or lay me aside! Some dreadful offences have been given in Ireland, but I trust all will work for good. My coming was very opportune and providential. May I learn to follow the Lamb blindfold, whithersoever he shall be pleased to lead me! Be pleased to remember me at his throne, and as he enables, you shall hear, from time to time, how he vouchsafes to deal with, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate younger brother, and unworthy fellow-labourer in our LORD’s vineyard, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCV
To Lady H――――.
Cork, June 19, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
STILL does the father of mercies, and the GOD of all consolation and comfort, follow me with his blessing. Since my last from Athlone, I have been at Limerick, where I preached seven times to large and affected auditories. Much freedom of spirit did I enjoy there indeed. ――Yesterday I came hither (the seat of the late persecution) and thanks be to GOD, have preached twice to a great body of people, with all quietness. Both the Mayor and Sheriff have absolutely forbidden all mobbing. Now have the people of GOD rest. O that they may improve it, by walking in the comforts of the Holy Ghost! Next week, GOD willing, I shall return to Dublin, and from thence purpose going through the north of Ireland to Scotland. So long a circuit in this kingdom will be inconvenient for my voyage to America; but as divine providence seems to point out the way,
Lord at thy bidding I will go, And gladly to poor sinners tell, That they a blessed CHRIST may know, That they his peace and joy may feel.
I hope your Ladyship enjoys a large share of this, under all your trials. They are great, but greater is he who hath promised to make his strength perfect in our weakness. I commit your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, and beg the continuance of your fervent prayers in behalf of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, chearful servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCVI
To Lady H――――.
Dublin, June 28, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
MY last from Cork, informed your Ladyship of my having preached twice there to large and attentive auditories. From thence I went to Bandon and Kinsale, where a like blessing attended the word. At my return to Cork, I preached five or six times more, and every time, both the power of the word and numbers of hearers increased. I believe on Sunday evening there might be more than three thousand people. Hundreds prayed for me, when I took my leave, and many of the papists said, “if I would stay, they would leave their priests.” After preaching twice in the way, I came here on Wednesday evening, where I have again published the ever-lasting gospel. Next Monday, GOD willing, I set out for Belfast, and hope in about ten days to be in Scotland. From thence, by GOD’s leave, your Ladyship shall hear from me again: but what return shall I make for your Ladyship’s two kind letters? I can only repeat my old tribute, my poor but I trust unfeigned thanks. O for sincerity! O for a simple, disinterested heart. I think that low politics are below the children of GOD, and if we will be quiet, our LORD will speak for us. One to whom I had been represented in black colours, writes thus from Dublin to a preacher in Cork,――“What blessed seasons have we had since Mr. Whitefield came,――his coming hath been unspeakably blest to many. Thousands constantly attended the word. His word is attended with power. I never heard a man preach holiness of heart in a clearer manner.――He powerfully preaches CHRIST for us and in us. I confess I had strange ideas about him, but blessed be GOD, I have not now. GOD be praised that ever I saw his face, &c.――――” Thus it hath been elsewhere. O that I was humble! O that I was thankful! Not unto me, O LORD, not unto me, but to thy free unmerited grace be all the glory?――May I learn more and more to leave all to GOD, even a GOD in CHRIST! If his cause be promoted, my end is answered. Let souls go where they please to hear, and welcome. Thanks be to JESUS for giving your Ladyship a disinterested catholic spirit. However afflicted, and in pain on earth, you shall shine ere long in the kingdom of heaven. CHRIST hath prepared a place for you, and is daily and hourly preparing your Ladyship for the place. I am glad you are like to have some company. I beg that my most hearty respects and acknowledgments may find acceptance with them and good Lady H――――. I hope the waters will agree with the young Ladies. Above all, I pray that they, and the whole circle of your Ladyship’s relations and friends, may drink plentifully of that water, whose streams refresh the city of GOD. I can now add no more, but to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCVII
To Mr. T――――.
Belfast, July 4, 1751.
Dear Mr. T――――,
VERY providentially, your kind letter reached me this morning. As I am detained by the importunity of the people, I must snatch a few moments to answer it. Thanks be to the LORD of all Lords, if my poor administrations have been any ways blessed, either to you or others. “Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy free and unmerited grace, O LORD, be all the glory!” Preaching CHRIST, I find to be the best means of winning sinners, and of building up saints. This done with a single eye and disinterested heart, will make its way through all opposition, and stand fast, when all other schemes built on a legal bottom and supported by low politics, will fall to the ground. I wish you may have grace given you to act aright in your present circumstances. Let all bitterness and wrath and clamour be put away from you. Go on simply preaching the everlasting gospel; and if rejected for that, and freely discharged from your present connection, I shall do all in my power to promote your usefulness. I suppose, you will hear from other hands what hath been doing in Dublin. I hope the LORD of all Lords hath been with us. Thousands flock in this place also, to hear the word preached. I thought to have left Belfast to-day, but have complied with the people’s earnest requests, to continue in these parts till Monday. O for a pilgrim heart with my pilgrim life! At present, I have no thoughts of nestling. Fain would I be kept from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I beg the continuance of your prayers. My prayer to GOD for you and yours is, “that you may live together as heirs of the grace of life, and walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the LORD blameless.” You are entered upon a new scene, and will require more grace to act your parts well, than at present you may be aware of: But there is an all-sufficiency in CHRIST, who hath promised, that as our day is, so our strength shall be. I commend you and yours, and all the followers of CHRIST, to his never-failing mercy, and subscribe myself, for his great name’s sake, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCXCVIII
To Lady H――――n.
Belfast, July 7, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
LAST Monday about noon I left Dublin, but with what concern in respect to many poor weeping souls, cannot well be exprest. On Wednesday evening I came hither, and intended to embark immediately for Scotland, but the people by their importunity prevailed on me to stay. In about an hour’s time, thousands were gathered to hear the word. I preached morning and evening, and since that have preached at Lisburn, Lurgun, the Maize, and Lambag, towns and places adjacent. So many attend, and the prospect of doing good is so promising, that I am grieved I came to the north no sooner. The country round about is like Yorkshire in England, and quite different from the most southern parts of Ireland. I am now waiting for a passage to Scotland, which I hope to get either to-morrow or on Tuesday. From thence your Ladyship shall hear from me again; in the mean while, having preached to many thousands again this morning, I must content myself with praying, that the best of blessings may descend on your Ladyship, and subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCXCIX
To the Reverend Mr. Z――――.
Glasgow, July 12, 1751.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
AT length, a good and gracious GOD hath brought me out of Ireland, where to the very last, the people heard the gospel gladly. In the northern parts, multitudes attended, and was I not bound for America, I would have stayed there much longer. People flock here as usual, and I am enabled to preach twice every day. In about ten days I purpose moving towards London in order to embark. How my wife is, I cannot tell, having not heard from her for some time; but I hope she will be resigned. This, this is the cry of my soul,――
Bind, Father, hand and foot thy son, Nor leave thy work till all be done; O never let me, LORD, go free, Till all my heart’s resign’d to thee. Then quickly to the altar lead, And suffer me no more to plead; No longer with the old |ADAM| bear, Lead on, dear LORD, consume him there.
Surely I shall be taken at my word. May JESUS support me in a trying hour! I still beg a continued interest in your prayers,――and hoping this will find you with a thriving soul in a healthy body, I subscribe my self, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, in the glorious Gospel, G. W.
Letter DCCCC
To Lady H――――.
Glasgow, July 12, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Think it long ere I send your Ladyship another letter.――My last was from Belfast, where I preached twice on yesterday sevennight, and immediately after took shipping and arrived the next evening at Erwin. On Wednesday morning, at the desire of the magistrates, I preached to a great congregation, and ever since have been preaching twice every day in this city. Thousands attend every morning and evening. They seem never to be weary, and I am more followed than ever. Though I preached near eighty times in Ireland, and GOD was pleased to bless his word, yet Scotland seems to be a new world to me. To see the people bring so many bibles, turn to every passage, when I am expounding, and hang as it were upon me to hear every word, is very encouraging. I feel uncommon freedom of heart here, and talking with the winter, as well as summer saints, feeds and delights my heart. My body is kept pretty healthy, and my voice greatly strengthened, so that I think GOD is preparing me for more work, or that some trial is at hand. This I suppose will find your Ladyship yet in the furnace, but CHRIST is in the midst of the bush, and in the fiery furnace too; he will quench the violence of the flames, or cause the fire of his love to burn higher. I could enlarge, but am straitened. Some ministers wait for me. Your Ladyship would be delighted with our morning and evening auditories. This day in the church we have had a blessed feast. To-morrow I take my leave, and then for Edinburgh. There I expect to stay near a fortnight. Glad shall I be to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. You have always my poor prayers, and my poor, but hearty thanks; being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCI
To Mr. M――――.
Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.
THROUGH the tender mercies of a never-failing Redeemer, I came here safe yesterday noon. In the evening, and this morning, I preached the everlasting gospel to thronged auditories, and met with a very kind reception from my friends. LORD make me humble, LORD JESUS make me truly thankful! As his interest seems to be concerned, and the King’s business requires haste, I take this first opportunity of writing about the Virginia affair. In that province, there has been for some years past, a great awakening, especially in Hanover county, and the ♦counties adjacent. As the ministers of the establishment did not favour the work, and the first awakened persons put themselves under the care of the New-York synod, the poor people were from time to time fined, and very much harrassed for not attending on the church service:――And as the awakening was supposed to be begun by the reading of my books, at the instigation of the council a proclamation was issued out to prohibit itinerant preaching. However, before I left Virginia, one Mr. D―――― (an excellent young man) was licensed, and settled over a congregation. Since that, the awakening has increased, so that Mr. D―――― writes, “that one congregation is multiplied to seven.” He desires liberty to license more houses, and to preach occasionally to all, as there is no minister but himself. This, though allowed of in England, is denied in Virginia, which grieves the people very much. The commissary is one of the council, and with the rest of his brethren, I believe no friend to the Dissenters. The late Lieutenant-Governor was like-minded.――I therefore think that Mr. D―――― is raised up to succeed him, in order to befriend the church of GOD, and the interest of CHRIST’s people. They desire no other privileges than what dissenting protestants enjoy in our native country. This I am persuaded your brother-in-law will be glad to secure to them. I shall write to Mr. D―――― to wait upon his Honour immediately after his arrival. I pray the GOD of the sea, and the GOD of the dry land, to send him a safe and speedy passage, and make him a long and great blessing to the inhabitants of Virginia. You may improve these hints as you please. I beg the prayers both of yourself and dear yoke-fellow, and assure you, that neither you nor yours are forgotten by, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
♦ “countries” replaced with “counties”
Letter DCCCCII
To the Reverend Mr. Z――――.
Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.
Honoured Sir,
SINCE I wrote to you from Glasgow, a never-failing JESUS hath vouchsafed to help me every day in preaching the everlasting gospel. The congregations morning and evening amount to many thousands. People flock more than ever, and are desirous of my longer stay, but I purpose moving next week. I thank you, honoured Sir, for paying my wife a visit. The inclosed letter I believe helped to make her sick; I have sent it with this: be pleased to keep it to yourself, and let me have the letter at my return. I little thought I was so much behind hand; but GOD will keep me dependent. “Having nothing, yet possessing all things,” must be my motto still. Honoured Sir, I hear that a ship is going to Georgia with more Saltzburghers. Are you concerned? Could I go myself in her? Or could I send two or three little passengers? Mr. D―――― shall call for an answer to these last questions. I trust, honoured Sir, you are enabled to pray for me. I dread coming to London, and think it would be best to part at a distance.――But, Father, not my will, but thine be done! In heaven these trials will be over. LORD, hasten thy coming! Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly! With difficulty I get time to write this. But whether I write or not, you and your collegue are never forgotten by, honoured Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCIII
To Lady H――――.
Edinburgh, July 30, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Think it a long time, since I last wrote to your Ladyship. Continual preaching twice a day, and paying and receiving visits, quite prevented my putting pen to paper, as I would have done. However, thanks be to GOD, matters go on in Scotland better and better. The parting at Glasgow was very sorrowful indeed. Numbers set out from the country, to hear the word, by three or four in the morning. Congregations increase greatly. I now preach twice daily to many thousands. Many of the best rank attend. My body is almost worn out, but in the LORD have I righteousness and strength. I purposed to move as to-morrow, but through the importunity of friends, have been prevailed upon to stay till next Monday. O that it may be for a further blessing! I have been to Musselburgh to see Captain G―――― and his Lady.――They hold on.――Mr. W―――― has been there, and intends setting up societies, which I think imprudent. I was glad to hear that your Ladyship was strong in body, and rejoicing in your soul. The joy of the LORD shall be your strength. Letters from Georgia inform me, that my family is well. My eyes wait upon JESUS, from whom alone comes all my salvation. He gives me hints, that he will provide. I sometimes wish your Ladyship here. Such composed, thronged, continued, attentive, judicious auditories perhaps were seldom seen. Your Ladyship is often remembered by Scotch friends, and never forgotten by, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCIV
To Lady H――――n.
Kendal, Aug. 10, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
AS a good and gracious GOD hath vouchsafed to bring me thus far on my way, I cannot help dropping your Ladyship a few lines. Preaching, bodily weakness, and a variety of business, prevented my writing again before I left Edinburgh. O Edinburgh! Edinburgh! Surely thou must never be forgotten by me! The longer I stayed, the more eagerly both rich and poor attended on the word preached. Perhaps for near twenty-eight days together in Glasgow and Edinburgh, I preached to near ten thousand souls every day. It would have melted your Ladyship’s heart to have seen us part. Ninety-four pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear of seven or eight students awakened about ten years ago, that are likely to turn out excellent preachers. Praise the LORD, O my soul.――Two of them came with me on the road, and parted with broken hearts. Lord and Lady L―――― behaved very respectfully. To the LORD of all Lords be all the glory! I am now on my way to London, in order to embark for America. Thanks be to GOD, the seed sown in Kendal last year hath sprung up, and borne fruit. One woman hath been with me, that seems to have received GOD’s pardoning love. I leave it on Monday, and hope to be in town on Saturday. Glad should I be, to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. I threw up much blood in Edinburgh, but riding recruits me. O that I may begin to work for Him, who bled and died for me! To his most tender mercies do I humbly recommend your Ladyship, and beg leave, from the very bottom of my heart, to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and chearful servant, for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCV
To the Reverend Mr. T――――.
London, Aug. 29, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
AT length the struggle is over;――I have been dying daily for some time, in taking leave of friends; and this afternoon I expect to go on board the Antelope, Captain Maclelan, bound for Georgia, with Germans.――I take several children with me.――Surely you will see the American land.――Mr. E――――, with your other friends, seem to concur in thinking that a little travelling would do you service.――May the LORD direct and bless you! Will you not write to me by Cowan? If my dear friend Mr. P―――― could speak to that brewer that is so well disposed, and he or any other would send in Cowan a little good beer, it would be acceptable in yonder wilderness.――Pray what says Mr. W――――? If he should agree to go over, Mr. W―――― R―――― may be applied to for cash.――I have several sweet little ones to put under his care;――GOD’s will be done in this also! He reigneth, that is my unspeakable consolation.――By next ship I believe will come a parcel directed to Mr. T――――, with a folio book, and an hundred pictures of Aaron the Indian preacher, from good Lady H――――, who is yet but poorly.――Sixty may be disposed of among Edinburgh friends, and forty sent to Mr. M――――. The book you are to peruse, and then it must go with the pictures to Glasgow.――Be pleased to apprize Mr. T―――― of it, and desire him to send me a line by Cowan.――If possible, I will answer Mr. B―――― before we leave the Downs. My tender love and thanks await your dear father, family, and all friends. The LORD be with you all, Amen and Amen! My horses sold for fourteen pounds. GOD reward my benefactors! Perhaps Mr. T―――― and Dr. Doddridge may go off about the same time. I præ sequar. Mr. H―――― is better. And now, my dear Sir, farewel! Be strong in the grace which is in CHRIST JESUS. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCCCVI
To the Reverend Mr. G――――.
On board the Antelope, Sept. 2, 1751.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
THOUGH I could not, through hurry of business, write to you on shore, yet I would fain send you a few lines from on board. We are now near the Downs, and, I trust, shall sail comfortably on.――The Captain is civil; and the cabin passengers seem to be very agreeable company. Parting seasons of late have been to me dying seasons.――Surely they have broken my very heart: but it is for JESUS, and therefore all is well. Remember, my dear, dear Sir, a floating pilgrim.――If possible, send me a line.――Young Mr. T――――r knows how to direct. I shall rejoice to hear of your prosperity. Before my embarkation, I ordered forty of Aaron’s pictures, and the folio book concerning the Moravians, to be sent to Mr. M――――. They will be committed to the care of Mr. T――――, in Edinburgh. And now, my dear Mr. G――――, farewel, farewel! The LORD be with you and Mr. M――――, Mr. N――――, Mr. S――――, and all my dear, very dear Glasgow friends. I salute you all much in the LORD, and beg the continuance of your most earnest prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCCCVII
On board the Antelope, Oct. 6, 1751.
Dear Sir,
I Have been just writing to one, to whom I know you will gladly convey the inclosed. I must now send you a few lines: may the Redeemer attend them with his blessing! At the great day, you shall know how often you have been remembered by me at the throne of grace, this voyage. Blessed be GOD, hitherto it has been a short and easy one! We are now within a few hundred miles of shore; and He that hath hitherto helped, I trust will help us even to the end. O that the blessings bestowed upon us, may, through the thanksgiving of many, redound to thy glory, O GOD! O that I could do something to promote this! As yet alas! alas! how little have I done! Stir up then, my sluggish soul, and begin to exert thyself for Him, who hath shed his dear and precious heart’s blood for thee! O my dear Sir, is it not strange that we should forget this love? Strange, that a little silver dust, should blind our eyes, and divert us from beholding Him, who indeed is altogether lovely! A word to the wise is enough. Our LORD hath dealt wonderously kind with each of us, with us, and with ours. What shall we render unto him? My obligations are much increased by the mercies of this voyage. Your kind present was very useful. I pray the LORD of all lords to reward you ten thousand-fold. You will remember me to your dear partner, and all enquiring friends. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied on you all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCVIII
To Mr. J―――― T――――.
Bethesda, in Georgia, Nov. 20, 1751.
My dear Mr. T――――,
ERE this can reach you, I suppose you will have heard of our safe arrival in Georgia; for which, I trust, you and my other dear friends will be thankful in our behalf. Blessed be GOD, I found the Orphan-house in as good a situation as could be expected. The children have much improved in their learning; and I hope a foundation is now laid for a future useful seminary. I want to know what answer Mr. W――――’s hath given. I expect letters by C――――, when I go to Charles-town next month. I was there about ten days ago, and had some close talk with Mr. L――――, and several of Mr. S――――’s congregation, concerning you. All seemed to be unanimous, in giving you a call. I need only observe, that if GOD should direct your course to them, you will find a generous, loving people, who will study to make your labours profitable and delightful to you. I doubt not but in the congregation there are many dear children of GOD. And as there will be such an harmony between you and Mr. L――――, I hope you will be an happy instrument of promoting peace between all parties, and adding such to the church as shall be finally saved. Very near you, are several pious ministers of other denominations, who will be glad to keep up a christian correspondence with you, and strengthen your hands in the work of the LORD. As far as I can judge of your disposition, and all other concurring circumstances, your situation will be very agreeable to others, and to yourself. However, a trial can do no hurt to either side. A voyage to sea, and the seeing and conversing with many of GOD’s people and ministers on this side the water, will make it worth your while to leave your native country. Travelling improved, will enlarge your ideas, and promote your future usefulness. May the glorious Emmanuel direct your goings in his way! If it should appear to be the divine will that you should come over to Charles-Town, I am persuaded, the good old man your father will chearfully let his Benjamin go; and he will find his blessed Master to be better to him than seven sons. Pray salute him and all dear friends in the kindest manner. I would write to many, but as yet have not time. Brethren, pray for us. My very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCIX
To Mr. K――――.
Charles-Town, Dec. 26, 1751.
My dear Mr. K――――,
MAY this find you getting out of your eclipse, and determining, through the strength of CHRIST, that the earth shall never get in between your soul and the Son of Righteousness any more! What mercies, signal mercies hath the LORD JESUS conferred on you and me! What shall we render unto the LORD? Shall we not give him our whole hearts? O let us not follow afar off. Let his love constrain us to an holy, universal, chearful obedience to all his commands. You have a wife that will provoke you to love, and to good works. Make much of her; and present her, and your mother, and all her children, with my most cordial salutations. I do not forget them, or you, or dear Mr. R――――. For CHRIST’s sake forget not unworthy me. I am now returning to the Orphan-house, which I trust will be like the burning bush indeed. My poor labours are accepted here; and in the Spring I purpose going to the Bermudas. JESUS is very good to me. Help me to praise him; and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCX
To Mr. William L――――.
Bethesda, Jan. 25, 1752.
Very dear Sir,
MAN appoints, but GOD disappoints. Though we missed seeing each other on earth, yet if JESUS CHRIST be our life, we shall meet never to part again in the kingdom of Heaven. Your kind letter found me employed for the fatherless, in this wilderness, and am almost ready to enter upon my Spring campaign. The news from Ireland, does not at all surprize me. Weak minds soon grow giddy with power; and then they become pests, instead of helps to the church of GOD. You have done well, dear Sir, not to desist from doing good, on account of some rubs you meet with in the way. Benefacere et male pati, vere christianum est. Go on, therefore, to lay up treasures in heaven; and let the world see, that you have been with JESUS, by imitating him in going about doing good. I intend, by his assistance, now to begin; for as yet alas! I have done nothing. Continue to pray for me; and be pleased to assure our Irish friends, that they are not forgotten by me. Who knows but I may see them once more on this side eternity? As soon as possible, some of them shall hear from me. Thanks be to GOD, the Orphan-house flourishes. That the work of CHRIST may flourish amongst all persons of all denominations, and that you and yours may be always abounding in the work of the LORD, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXI
To the Rev. Mr. H――――.
Charles-Town, Feb. 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
I Long to write to, and inform you, that I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, and earnestly pray, that you may go on from strength to strength, and increase with all the increase of GOD. This leaves unworthy me, endeavouring to do something for Him on this side the water. Glory be to his great name, he causes his work to prosper in my worthless hands. The Orphan-house is in a flourishing way, and I hope will yet become a useful seminary. My poor labours in this place meet with acceptance; and after one more trip to Georgia, I purpose setting out upon my Spring campaign. Follow me with your prayers; and who knows but we may meet once more on this side heaven. Our dear Mr. H―――― I find is to be detained longer from thence. I think he will live to bury many stronger men. I wish Lisbon may be blessed to Dr. D――――; and O how do I wish that dear Dr. S―――― was fully employed in preaching the everlasting gospel! Pray salute him tenderly in my name, and beg him to renounce the world for CHRIST. I hope you both write to, and see our good Lady H――――n frequently. I was rejoiced to hear, from my dear yoke-fellow, that her Ladyship was bravely: this was joy indeed. May she long live to be a blessing! That is all in all. O that I may begin to be in earnest! It is a new year; GOD quicken my tardy pace, and help me to do much work in a little time! This is my highest ambition. The LORD JESUS fill me with this ambition more and more! For the present, adieu. Accept this as a token of your not being forgotten by, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our dear LORD JESUS, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXII
To Mr. S―――― C――――.
Charles-Town, Feb. 5, 1752.
AS I love you most tenderly in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST, you may easily guess, what great pleasure both your kind letters gave me. They came attended with a great blessing, and knit my heart, if possible, nearer to you than ever. Part of the first, indeed, I mean that which respected the Tabernacle-house, gave me uneasiness; but your last removed it, and made me thankful to our common Redeemer, who in spite of all opposition, I find will cause his word to run and be glorified. Poor Mr. W―――― is striving against the stream; strong assertions will not go for proofs, with those who are acquainted with the divine life, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit even to the day of redemption. They know, that their stock is now put into safe hands; that the covenant of grace is not built upon the faithfulness of a poor fallible, changeable creature, but upon the never-failing faithfulness of an unchangeable GOD. This is the foundation whereon I build. “LORD JESUS, I believe, help my unbelief! Having once loved me, thou wilt love me to the end; thou wilt keep that safe, which I have committed unto thee: establish thy people more and more in this glorious truth; and grant that it may have this blessed effect upon us all, that we may love thee more, and serve thee better!” All truths, unless productive of holiness and love, are of no avail. They may float upon the surface of the understanding; but this is to no purpose, unless they transform the heart. This, I trust, the dear Tabernacle preachers and people will always have deeply impressed upon their minds. Let us not dispute, but love. Truth is great, and will prevail. I am quite willing that all our hearers shall hear for themselves. The Spirit of CHRIST is a Spirit of liberty. You remember what I have often told you about Calvin. He was turned out of Geneva for several years; but in less than twelve years time they wished for their Calvin again. But what is Calvin, or what is Luther? Let us look above names and parties; let JESUS, the ever-loving, the ever-lovely JESUS, be our all in all.――So that he be preached, and his divine image stamped more and more upon people’s souls, I care not who is uppermost. I know my place, (LORD JESUS enable me to keep it!) even to be the servant of all. I want not to have a people called after my name, and therefore I act as I do. The cause is CHRIST’s, and he will take care of it. I rejoice that you go on so well at the Tabernacle. May the shout of a king be always in the midst of you, and the glory of GOD be your reward. I am apt to believe you will pray me over. But future things belong to him, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve. After one more trip to the Orphan-house, I purpose going to the Northward, where I expect more letters by Captain Grant. Thanks be to GOD, all is well at Bethesda. A most excellent tract of land is granted to me very near the house, which in a few years I hope will make a sufficient provision for it. Pray give my tenderest and most hearty love to all your dear family, and all the Tabernacle people, and all enquiring friends. Entreat them, I pray you, to be mindful of a poor pilgrim, who night and day is never unmindful of you or them. Doctor Doddridge I find is gone; LORD JESUS prepare me to follow after!――With real and great affection, I subscribe myself, very dear Jemmy,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXIII
To Mr. J―――― H――――.
London, May 26, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
HEARING that Mr. N―――― is to go shortly from Leith, I cannot help sending you a few lines. They leave me at London, where, through the divine goodness, I am safely arrived, after a passage of near five weeks on board the Henry. People have received me with great affection; and I never saw the work of GOD go on in a more promising way. Thousands and thousands hear the gospel gladly. LORD, what am I? Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy free grace and unmerited mercy be all the glory! I wish I could send you good news about your minister. But alas! I now almost despair of procuring one. I waited upon Dr. G―――― immediately after my arrival;――he gave me no hopes. The person that was fixed upon, declined it. Several of the large congregations in London, besides many more in the country, are without pastors: they are obliged to make use of our preachers. O that the LORD of the harvest may thrust out more labourers into his harvest! Who can tell but some ministers may be raised up at Bethesda? At Midsummer the King takes Georgia into his own hands: blessed be GOD for sending me over at such a juncture. He hath given me already good success concerning Mr. B――――’s scheme. I am come to a determination, if I can dispose of Providence plantation, to carry all my strength to the Orphan-house. May the LORD JESUS prosper more and more this work of our hands upon us! Prosper thou, O GOD, this handy work! I trust he will. I could enlarge, but have not time. You may expect to hear from me again by Dr. B――――, whom I expect to see next week. Your Rapin is bought, and shall be sent with the other; I thank you for the loan of it, and for all other favours. The GOD whom I serve, will richly reward both you, and all my other dear Charles-Town friends. My very dear Sir, cease not to pray for
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXIV
To Mr. T――――.
London, June 4, 1752.
My dear Mr. T――――,
I Doubt not of your being directed in your late choice. If we acknowledge GOD in all our ways, he hath promised to direct our paths. I pity poor Carolina. But what shall we say? JESUS may do what he will with his own. I must look out for a tutor for my orphans. When our LORD’s time is come, some one or other will be stirred up to care for these sheep in yonder wilderness. Blessed be GOD, it begins to smile. You will see by the inclosed, what a prospect I have of providing for Bethesda’s future support. The letter was sent me by Mr. J―――― B――――, a worthy christian planter, who is lately come from Carolina to settle in Georgia. He was awakened at the Orphan-house about ten years ago. At Midsummer, Georgia is to be taken into the Government’s hands. It will then be put on the same footing with the other provinces; and in all probability will be a flourishing province. I am come in the very best time. O what a blessed thing is it to follow JESUS blindfold! He hath enabled me once more to take the field. The fields seem as white as ever; and I never saw the Tabernacle so well attended. If GOD should so direct me, would the middle of August not be too late to come to Edinburgh? I cannot well come before. Does Mr. R―――― go directly for Charles-Town? How will he be paid for the Ossnaburghs he was so kind as to send over? I would fain send a few letters by him. My hearty love to him and his. Ten thousand thanks to you, for caring so friendly for my dear wife in my absence.――The LORD JESUS will care for you and my other kind friends. She is pretty well, and joins in sending cordial respects and thanks.――My young man returns his. Letters from those you mention, will be very acceptable. I hope to write to several shortly. I must now away; but not before I have wished Mr. Gillespie joy. The Pope I find has turned Presbyterian. O this power, when got into wrong hands, what mischief does it occasion! “The LORD reigns:”――that is enough for us. Adieu. My love to your honoured father, and all dear friends. Accept the same in the tenderest manner from, my dear Timothy,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXV
To Mr. H――――.
London, June 9, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
I Have received and read your manuscripts; but for me to play the critic on them, would be like holding up a candle to the sun. However, before I leave town, I will just mark a few places as you desire, and then send the manuscripts to your brother. I foretell their fate: nothing but your scenery can screen you. Self will never bear to die, though slain in so genteel a manner, without shewing some resentment against its artful murderer. I am glad you have written to South-Audley-street. You are resolved not to die in my debt. I think to call your intended purchase WESTON, and shall take care to remind him by whose means he was brought under the everlasting gospel. O that Doctor S―――― may be brought out to preach it! If you do not take the other living yourself, I think your giving it to the Doctor is a glorious scheme. I lay at your brother’s house last week: your sister seemed to love to talk of JESUS CHRIST and her own heart. She got up early, and came after me and my wife to Madam T――――’s. You know how to improve this hint at a proper season. Your brother hath been so kind as to let me have the little mare again. My Master walked, I ride to preach the glorious gospel. Whether riding or walking, LORD JESUS, let my whole heart be taken up with thee! Adieu, my dearest Sir, adieu. Cease not to pray for,
Ever yours whilst G. W.
Letter DCCCCXVI
To Dr. S――――.
London, June 9, 1752.
My dear Doctor,
GLAD shall I be to hear that you are a poor despised preacher of the everlasting gospel. I long to direct to the Reverend Mr. S――――. I believe if you once was gone so far that you could not retreat, you would do very well. If Mr. H―――― does not take the two livings, I think your scheme is glorious. May the LORD thrust you out some way or another! I am sure the harvest is great: people seem more eager than ever to hear the word. May I die preaching! Next Thursday se’nnight I leave London, and purpose to take a long circuit. I should be glad to see you in the mean while. O that the love of CHRIST may burn all the love of the world out of your heart! Adieu. Never fear the Bishop: let your eye be only on the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls! He will make your way plain. I must away. Business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXVII
To Lady H――――.
London, June 12, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THIS day about noon I received your Ladyship’s wished-for letter, which brought me the welcome news of your Ladyship’s safe arrival at Bath. May the waters be abundantly blessed to the restoring of your bodily health, and may the comforts of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, fill and refresh your soul! Your Ladyship judges right of dear Mr. Z――――: he is a blessed man, a father in CHRIST indeed! I hope to see both him and your Ladyship, about the twenty-fourth of this month. Next week, GOD willing, I shall go to Portsmouth, from thence to Bath, then to the West, then to Wales, and from thence, may be, to Scotland and Ireland. O that I could fly from pole to pole publishing the everlasting gospel! Every day we hear of fresh conquests gained. Grace! Grace! Yesterday I had several pleasing particulars told me about Georgia. The having my work so divided, is a great trial to me; but what is undertaken for GOD, ought to be carried on for him. He can and will do wonders for those who put their trust in him. O for faith, precious faith! It is all in all. Old times seem to be coming about here. My body is much enfeebled, but the joy of the LORD is my strength. Hoping shortly to see your Ladyship prospering both in soul and body, and begging a continual interest in your Ladyship’s prayers, I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXVIII
To Mr. I――――.
London, June 16, 1752.
Dear Mr. I――――,
YOUR last letter brought strange things to my ears, and put me upon considering how to act. You know, my dear friend, that I hate to head a party, and that it is absolutely inconsistent with my other business, to take upon me the care of societies in various parts. I therefore cannot promise to come to Ireland for that purpose, neither do I ever intend to engage in building any houses. My intention is to come your way, but whether it will be this summer or not I cannot tell. Mr. A―――― was very desirous of seeing you and his sister, and goes through Wales to Ireland. As you seem to have taken Skinner’s Alley, I suppose he may preach there, and if a larger place could be procured, I doubt not of its being filled. The LORD direct you how to act, so as most to promote his glory, and the good of souls.――I hope you will all, if possible, avoid the very appearance of a party spirit, and evidence to the world, that the principles we hold are indeed of GOD, by their moulding us more and more into the divine image. This is indeed all in all. I hope the people here are in a growing way. Glory be to GOD, we have happy days. What shall we render unto the LORD? All he requires, is our poor hearts. May he have them without reserve! My hearty love to your wife, Mr. C―――― and his wife, and all that love CHRIST JESUS in sincerity. If I am prayed over, come I must. The LORD be with you. I am so wearied by preaching, &c. that I can scarce subscribe myself, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXIX
To Mr. L――――.
Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.
Dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter I received immediately after my last return to Scotland, but I was so exceedingly busied in preparing for my voyage to America, that I had not time to answer it. Being once more unexpectedly brought back to my native country, I send my sincere, though late acknowledgments, and hope this will find you and yours, fighting the good fight of Faith, and resolved never to desist, till you have laid hold on eternal life. Let not what has happened, draw off your mind from the Captain of your salvation. He is altogether lovely, and worthy of your highest regard. But alas! All his servants, even the best of them, are but weak fallible men at the best. Happy they, who by seeing the imperfections of the creature, are led to adhere more closely to the all-sufficient and most adorable Creator. If you and yours are taught this lesson by past occurrences, you will have no reason to complain, but on the contrary will be excited to praise him, who causes, that out of the eater there shall come forth meat, and out of the strong shall come forth sweetness. Be pleased to accept this in love. I send my most cordial respects to your whole self and family, and beg their and your prayers in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXX
To Mr. T――――.
Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.
My dear Friend,
I Thank you for your very kind letter, and thank the LORD of all Lords for honouring dear Mr. G――――. Now he will do more good in a week, than before in a year. Where the carcase is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Last Monday we sung for him the following lines;
Give him thy strength, O GOD of power, Then let winds blow, or thunders roar; Thy faithful witness shall he be, ’Tis fixed――he can do all through Thee.
How blind is Satan! What does he get by casting out CHRIST’s servants? I expect that some great good will come out of these confusions. We wait for thy salvation, O LORD! I hope your soul prospers. I long to see you, and my other Scotch friends, but question whether I can come this summer. The LORD direct me to act as shall be most conducive to his glory and the good of souls! We have had blessed seasons in London; there I must be again in about a fortnight. On next Tuesday the Trustees give up Georgia to the King; the King of Kings has appeared for Bethesda. I cannot think of seeing it again, till next year. In the mean while you must pray that I may be busy for CHRIST. And in so doing you will strengthen the hands of, my dear, dear friend,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXI
To Mr. N――――.
Bristol, July 13, 1752.
Very dear Sir,
I Am quite sorry to hear that you are so much indisposed. But what shall we say? The LORD JESUS orders all things well. He knows of what we are made; he remembers that we are but dust. As our day is, so shall our strength be. I see more and more, that, like our great Exemplar, we must be made perfect through sufferings. Ere long, the time of reigning will come, and one sight of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, will make amends for all. O glorious prospect! Well might the apostle say, “that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” O gloriam quantam et qualem! Courage then, my dear Sir; he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. I dare not give vent; business obliges me to be short. Here, as well as at London, the fields are white, ready unto harvest. This week I pass over to Wales. I am a poor, but happy pilgrim. Thanks be to free grace for it. My dutiful respects await good Lady Jane, and the young Ladies. Be pleased to accept the same from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXII
To Mr. S――――.
Cardiff, July 17, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
WHEREVER I am, you and yours, you and your kindnesses, are always upon my heart. I think of them at my down-sitting and mine up-rising, and to refresh myself, must express my gratitude. Indeed I thank you both ten thousand times, and as a poor tribute, I send you word that the LORD of all Lords is pleased to smile upon, and bless my feeble labours. I was at Bristol four days, and preached nine times. To my great surprize, thousands (very near as many as attended at Moorfields) came out every evening to hear the word. A blessed influence attended it; and I have reason to believe much good was done. Old times seemed to be revived again. Praise the LORD, O my soul! The last evening it rained a little, but few moved. I was wet, and contracted a cold and hoarseness; but I trust, that preaching will cure me again. This is my grand Catholicon. O that I may drop and die in my blessed master’s work!
For this let men revile my name, I’ll shun no cross, I’ll fear no shame; All hail reproach, and welcome pain; Only thy terrors, LORD, restrain.
I am now entering upon Wales. What success my Master gives me, you may hear some time hence. I beg your prayers, that I may be kept from robbing GOD of his glory, or of any more of my precious time. What said my dear Mr. S―――― when I saw him last? What!――“You the biggest robber? No, no,――I am the man.” But thanks be to GOD, as you observed, “our judge is our advocate.” I thank you for the hint. The LORD give me to improve it! Farewell! I must soon away, to preach about eight miles off. We have had a comfortable meeting this morning. My tender love to dear Mrs. S―――― and your little daughter; accept the same in the most endearing manner from me, who in the strongest terms that words can express, am, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXIII
To Lady H――――.
Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
AS this is the first day of rest from journeying, since my coming into Wales, and also the extent of my Welch circuit, I must not omit sending your Ladyship a few lines. They inform your Ladyship of the continued goodness of my blessed master, to the most unworthy servant he ever sent forth. As my day, so hath my strength been. Abundance of souls, especially in Pembrokeshire, have attended; and I hope that seed hath been sown, which will spring up to eternal life. On Monday next, I shall begin to return back, and some time this day sevennight hope to wait upon your Ladyship at Clifton. On the following day, I propose to preach at Bristol, and the next day shall set out for Gloucestershire, to keep an association there. The LORD help me to hold on and hold out unto the end! I dread the thoughts of flagging in the latter stages of my road. JESUS is able to keep me from being either weary or faint in my mind. In him, and in him alone is all my strength found. I hope your Ladyship finds both your bodily and spiritual strength repaired day by day. That you may mount on wings like an eagle, walk and not be weary, hold on and not be faint, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ever ready servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXIV
To Mr. R―――― W――――.
Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.
Dear Sir,
I Love and honour you too much, to have let yours lie so long unanswered, had not travelling and preaching prevented me. This is the only quiet day that I have had for a long season. At London, the work seemed to be as it were but just beginning. At Bristol we had blessed seasons indeed, and in Wales the fields are white, ready unto harvest. Had I not been pre-engaged in these parts, I should certainly have come, and mounted my despised throne. I love state too well, especially in Scotland, not to take it upon me as often as possible. I think sometimes, that it is almost a pity one cannot have more bodies and more souls. They should all run about, and be employed for JESUS. What an honour to be employed in doing or suffering for him? Happy Mr. G――――; I fancy he must preach quite well now. I dare say, you had no hand in casting him out; GOD forgive those that had. In heaven there will be none of this stuff. Thanks be to GOD, the church is militant only here below. The LORD help us to fight the good fight of Faith, till we lay hold on life eternal! Dear Mr. H―――― hath taken up his weapons again; he is now Rector of a parish, and preaches twice every Lord’s day. I thank you and yours, for your kind invitation of us to your pleasant villa; had I wings I could fly thither to talk of JESUS, and sing an hymn, but the cloud seems to move westward, and I fear my visit to beloved Scotland must be deferred till next spring. May the LORD enable me to fill up every hour, every moment with duty! I believe dear Mr. R―――― had a narrow escape the other day: if with you, pray remember me to him and his, in the kindest manner. I most heartily salute all enquiring friends, beseeching you all, for JESUS CHRIST’s sake, never to cease praying for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXV
To Mr. S――――.
Bristol, August 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE I wrote my last, I have been off my horse but one day. The glorious Emmanuel hath carried me through the Welch circuit in peace and comfort. In the fortnight past, from my leaving this place, I preached twenty times, and have travelled above three hundred miles. Congregations were very large. Last Lord’s day was a high day indeed; the number of hearers at seven in the morning, as well as in the evening, at Haverford-west, was almost incredible. The LORD was in the midst of them. My body was weak in speaking to them, but JESUS hath strengthened me again. O that I was humble and thankful! In my way hither, we held an association; there were present about nine clergy, and near forty other labourers. I trust all are born of GOD, and desirous to promote his glory, and his people’s good. All was harmony and love. Yesterday I came here. It is fair time, and to-morrow, GOD willing, I purpose to expose the gospel wine and milk to sale. This I have been doing this morning. O that the hearers may be made to come down to the price, and willing to be saved by grace:――GOD knows I have nothing else to depend upon.
Grace!――it’s a sweet, a charming theme, My soul exults at JESU’s name; Of him, who did salvation bring, I could for ever speak and sing.
But how poorly do I speak of and for him? GOD be merciful to me a sinner! He does show he will have mercy, and therefore it is that I am not consumed.
If all the world his goodness knew, They must adore and love him too.
Blessed be GOD for manifesting himself to us, as he doth not unto the world! You will join in crying Grace! Grace! Grace! Love bids me to enlarge, though business obliges me to be brief. In about ten days I hope to be in London. In the mean while, pray accept these poor lines as a token of love unfeigned, and of grateful respect, from, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXVI
To Mr. F――――.
London, Aug. 17, 1752.
Dear Mr. F――――,
INCLOSED you have a letter for Mr. R――――. I hope that promotion will do him no hurt. May GOD help him to make a stand against vice and prophaneness, and to exert his utmost efforts in promoting true religion and virtue! This is the whole of man. I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world. As you have made a pretty considerable progress in the mysteries of electricity, I would now humbly recommend to your diligent unprejudiced pursuit and study the mystery of the new-birth. It is a most important, interesting study, and when mastered, will richly answer and repay you for all your pains. One at whose bar we are shortly to appear, hath solemnly declared, that without it, “we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” You will excuse this freedom. I must have aliquid Christi in all my letters. I am yet a willing pilgrim for his great name sake, and I trust a blessing attends my poor feeble labours. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory. My respects await your whole self, and all enquiring friends, and hoping to see you yet once more in this land of the dying, I subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend, and obliged servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXVII
To Mr. S――――.
Chester in the street, near Newcastle, Aug. 28, 1752.
My very dear Mr. S――――,
THUS far hath a good and gracious GOD brought a poor and worthless pilgrim on his way towards Edinburgh. Last Lord’s day I preached twice at Lutterworth, the famous John Wicliffe’s parish, and have since received a letter giving me an account of the Redeemer’s blessing my poor labours. On the Monday, I began in the name of the almighty husbandman, to plow up some fallow ground at Leicester; several thousands attended, and some endeavoured to disturb us, but the opposition was nothing like what I expected. In the evening all was hushed, and I trust our LORD left a blessing behind us. In my way to Lutterworth, my heart was encouraged by the coming of a young man, who had been awakened under my preaching about four years ago at Oulney. He was before that time a bitter scoffer, but hath now been a student for a year and a half under Doctor Doddridge, and I believe will be admitted into the London academy. You may know more of him hereafter. Is not this as much as to say, “Go forwards.――In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with-hold not thy hand, since though knowest not which may prosper, this or that.” Yes, my blessed JESUS, through thy grace strengthening me, I will continue to go out into the highways and hedges; only vouchsafe to uphold me with thy right hand, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I know you will say, Amen and Amen. This will increase my obligations, which are already more than I can express. GOD will reward both you and yours for them, a thousand fold. Accept repeated thanks for repeated favours, and depend on hearing as often as possible, how the ever-lovely, ever-loving JESUS is pleased to deal with, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXVIII
To Mr. B――――.
Newcastle, Aug. 30, 1752.
My dear Mr. B――――,
YOUR last kind letter came to hand, only a few days before I left London. Business prevented my answering it then: accept a few lines from hence. They leave me on my way to Scotland. Thither the cloud seemed to move, and I purpose to call on you, GOD willing, in my return to London. Could you meet me at Leeds? I have thoughts of coming that way back. I have written to Mr. S――――, and as I expect to see him, you need say nothing about the books. I wrote also to Mr. G――――. A short interview will settle every thing. Do not let my friend be so solicitously anxious about persons or things. “The LORD reigneth,” was the answer that Luther sent to over-careful Melancthon. Never fear.――Our LORD knows how to over-rule all for good. So that his work goes on, let you and I be content to be forgotten, nay to be trodden under foot, and slighted by our own spiritual children and friends. This is bitter, but wholsome physic. The all-wise physician I trust will make us drink it, till every evil, fretful, and uneasy temper be purged out of us. Let us then, my dear man, chearfully take the cup out of his blessed hands, and leave all to Him. A word to the wise is enough. I must not enlarge. How goes on brother W――――b? I hope he does not preach in a controversial way; I suppose I shall see him in the North. My stay in Scotland will be about a month. You may direct for me at Edinburgh. I hope that a door is opened at Leicester and Lutterworth for field-preaching. We have had glorious seasons in Gloucestershire and London. O for a good gate in the North! It is harvest time.――All hands to work. My love to Mrs. B―――― and all that love CHRIST, whether they think in all things as I do or not. I send Mr. ――――ly my cordial respects, and beg you to accept the same from, my dear Mr. B――――,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXIX
To Lady H――――.
Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I left London, and in my way to Scotland I preached twice at Lutterworth.――The auditories were very numerous, and very quiet; but at Leicester some turnips were thrown at me during the first sermon; at the second all was hushed, and I hear since that good was done. Some of Ashby society came thither to hear me. At Aberford I called on Lady Margaret, who behaved very friendly, and enquired much after your Ladyship’s welfare. At Newcastle I was, as it were, arrested to stay. ♦I preached four times, and indeed a whole shower of divine blessings descended from heaven on the great congregations. I came hither last Wednesday was sevennight, and have preached twice a day in the open air, to very large and polite auditories. Abundance of the better sort constantly attend. Next Tuesday I thought to move, but they have prevailed upon me to stay a little longer. I hope the great GOD will give me a useful journey back again to London. I design keeping from thence as long as I can, before I go into my Winter quarters. Alas, how little is to be done even in the Summer season! One had need work whilst it is day; the night comes on a pace, when no man can work. I need not tell your Ladyship of this, who are always employed for your GOD. O that the rich and great would learn to copy after your example! Surely all your Ladyship’s efforts will not be lost upon them! My heart’s desire and continual prayer to the LORD of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may be long continued, and find your rod budding and blossoming more and more every day. Hoping to send your Ladyship more good news in my next, and commending my poor unworthy self to your Ladyship’s prayers, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ duplicate “I” removed
Letter DCCCCXXX
To Mr. S――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
My very dear friend,
AS you are no day out of my thoughts, so you must needs think it hath seemed a long time since I wrote to you last. But what has hindered me? Not want of love, but opportunity. For this fortnight last past, I have been preaching twice every day at Edinburgh, where a great multitude, as well of polite as common sort of people, attended continually. I wondered they were not wearied, but the more they heard, the more they seemed desirous of hearing. Many young ministers and students were close attendants, and I trust through grace good has been done. I expected to have left Scotland as last Tuesday, but through the importunity of friends have been prevailed on to come to Glasgow, and shall not return for England till Tuesday sevennight. Then I hope to begin to preach my way up to London. In this blessed delightful work, I hope to live and die; I think it is worth dying for. The LORD make me sensible of the honour put upon me, and lay me lower at his feet every day, every hour, and every moment! I have here a flaming minister that is my friend, and I hear sweet work is going on in the highlands. Praise the LORD, O our souls! Inclosed you have a letter from the young student mentioned in my last. I think it is a pity that such a youth, when pious students are so much wanting, should go back to business for want of a little help. I doubt not but the LORD will provide for him some way or other. He generally brings those low, whom he intends to exalt, and make use of. I have glad tidings from Newcastle and Leicester. Methinks every thing concurs to bid me go out into the highways and hedges.
LORD, at thy command I’ll go, And unto sinners gladly tell, That they a risen CHRIST may know, That they the love of CHRIST may feel.
This is a heaven upon earth. Of this, I pray the GOD of love to give you and yours a double portion. I know you pray for me. I send you and your dear yoke-fellow ten thousand thanks, and am, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXI
To Madam C――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
Dear Madam,
IT is no small pleasure to me, that providence hath once more opened a way for a further correspondence with one, who for many years hath been my friend, and strengthened my hands in the work of our common LORD and master JESUS CHRIST. He will richly reward you for it in the great day of accounts; though I am persuaded you think the work itself, its own reward. Indeed it is. Blessed be GOD, I find CHRIST’s service to be perfect freedom. He hath vouchsafed to encourage and comfort me in Scotland. At Edinburgh great multitudes, among whom were abundance of the better sort, attended twice every day. After a short continuance here, I am to return to Edinburgh, and next Tuesday sevennight purpose to set out for England. Many young ministers and students have given close attendance, and I hear of several persons that have been brought under deep convictions. As soon as they are put into my hands, I intend to send you copies of two letters from a High-land schoolmaster, who is honoured of GOD to do much good among the poor Highland children.――By this post I have also sent a letter to Mr. D――――, which I received from a young student; he wants some little assistance, to help him to go on in his studies, but I did not send his letter to you, because he informs me that you had taken one of Mr. G――――’s spiritual children under your care. Blessed be GOD, that makes you, Madam, a mother in Israel. Every student’s name is Legion. Helping one of those, is helping thousands. I think this young man’s case, as laid down in the letter, is very remarkable, and matter of praise. LORD JESUS add to the blessed number, for thy great name’s sake! I have brave news sent me from Leicester and Newcastle, and have strong invitations to Yorkshire and Lancashire. What a pity is it, that the year goes round so soon? O my GOD, my GOD in CHRIST, how little can I do for thee! Dear Madam, be pleased to increase my obligations by praying for me. I never forget you or your ♦houshold, and as a proof of it, promise that you shall hear at all opportunities, from, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ “houshould” replaced with “houshold”
Letter DCCCCXXXII
To Mr. A――――.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
Dear Mr. A――――,
I Received your kind letter, but till now have not had time to answer it. However, I have not, and, GOD willing, shall not be unmindful of you. I think you have nothing to do, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make your wants known unto GOD. He careth for you, and will some way or other provide both for soul and body. I have always found him a present help in every time of need. As means ought to be used, I have just written to some London friends, who under GOD may serve you. When we meet, you shall hear what success.――The hearts of all are in CHRIST’s hands. Wait on him, and your eyes shall behold his great salvation. If he calls you to the ministry, as I hope he does, he will make your way plain. The cloud of his providence shall go before you, and you shall hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Though your father should die, and your mother forsake you, the LORD JESUS CHRIST will take you up. Keep close to your GOD, and your book. Prayer, reading, meditation, and temptation make a minister. The LORD be with you. Pray for me, and assure yourself of my being, for CHRIST’s sake,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXIII
To G―――― P――――, Esq.
Glasgow, Sept. 30, 1752.
Dear Sir,
MR. S――――, in a letter, insists upon my sending you a few lines: I care not to refuse him, and yet I know not well how to use so much freedom. If it be too great, you will excuse it; it proceeds from love, love to your better part, for I have nothing to write about, but the invisible realities of another world. These I trust, dear Sir, you and yours will be experimentally acquainted with more and more every day. Herein lies all our present peace, and the only solid preparation for future comfort in the coming world. The love of JESUS shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is indeed all in all; this is glory begun; this is the opening of the kingdom of heaven in the soul; this is a never-failing well of water, which will at last spring up to life eternal. And yet all this is the gift, the free gift of GOD in CHRIST JESUS. It cost him dearly, even his own heart’s blood, but flows down to us in a free channel; yea and that too even to the very chief of sinners. Therefore I have hope, and, blessed be GOD, good hope through grace. Is not the same grace, dear Sir, sufficient for you and yours? Let us then come boldly to CHRIST’s throne. He sits encircled with a rainbow; his name and his nature is Love. He came into the world, to seek and save those that feel themselves lost; this I trust you do. Salvation then is just coming to your soul, even a present and great salvation. Only believe, and yours is the kingdom of heaven. But whither am I running? I forget myself when writing of redeeming love. O, my dear Sir, do not rest, do not let GOD have any rest, till your heart is filled with it. It is worth asking, seeking, knocking, and striving for. But I must have done. My cordial respects await your Lady. That you may both go on hand in hand to heaven, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXIV
To Lady H――――n.
Newcastle, Oct. 15, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THUS far hath a never-failing Redeemer brought me in my way towards London. With all humility and thankfulness of heart I desire to set up my Ebenezer: for surely hitherto hath the LORD helped me. Since my writing last to your Ladyship, I went and preached for about a week at Glasgow, where the word of the LORD ran and was glorified. I preached twice a day, and rather more attended than at Edinburgh. We had a sorrowful parting at both places. For about twenty-eight days, I suppose I did not preach to less than ten thousand every day. This hath weakened my body, but the Redeemer knows how to renew my strength. At present, I am as well as a pilgrim can expect to be. About seventy pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear that near a dozen young men that were awakened about ten years ago, have since entered upon the ministry, and are likely to prove very useful. Praise the LORD, O my soul!――In my way hither, I preached at Berwick, Alnwick and Morpeth; and next Monday, after preaching at Sunderland, as is intended, I am to go into Yorkshire. I know your Ladyship wishes me much prosperity. That your Ladyship may prosper more and more, and be in health both in soul and body, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXV
To Mr. S――――.
Sheffield, Nov. 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE I left Newcastle, I have scarce known sometimes whether I have been in heaven or on earth. At Leeds, Burstall, Howarth, ♦Halifax, &c. thousands and thousands have flocked twice and thrice a day to hear the word of life. A gale of divine influence hath every where attended it. I am now come from Bolton, Manchester, Stockport and Chinly.――Yesterday I preached in a church, where I believe execution was done. Four ordained ministers, friends to the work of GOD, have been with me. The word hath run so swiftly at Leeds, that friends are come to fetch me back, and I am now going to Rotheram, Wakefield, Leeds, York, and Epworth, and purpose returning to this place next Lord’s day. GOD favours us with weather, and I would fain make hay whilst the sun shines. My dear Sir, pray follow me with your prayers. Fain would I spend and be spent for the good of souls. This is my meat and drink. The LORD bless you and yours! I can no more, but only subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
♦ “Hallifax” replaced with “Halifax”
Letter DCCCCXXXVI
To the Reverend Mr. Z――――.
Wakefield, Nov. 3, 1752.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Have been upwards of three weeks out of Scotland, but scarce ever had more encouragement in preaching the everlasting gospel, since the LORD of the harvest was pleased to send me forth into the harvest. At Newcastle, Sunderland, and several places in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, thousands and thousands have daily attended on the word preached. The glorious Emmanuel caused life and power to follow it, and I hear that the arrows have stuck fast in many hearts. The stir hath been so great at Leeds, that at the desire of friends, I am returning thither again. From thence I shall go to York, and several places in Lincolnshire, and am to preach at Sheffield next Lord’s day. My return to London must be determined by the weather. It hath been uncommonly favourable, and methinks it is pity to go into Winter quarters, so long as work can be done in the fields.――O that I had as many tongues, as there are hairs upon my head! The ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS should have them all. Be so good, honoured Sir, to pray that he may not turn me out of his service, but employ me as a poor pilgrim till I die. Fain would I die preaching.――I hear that Mr. H―――― is gone. The LORD JESUS quicken my tardy pace, and prepare me to follow! I know you say Amen in my behalf, and thereby add to the obligations you have already laid upon, honoured and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy son and servant in the glorious gospel, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXVII
To Mr. S――――.
London, Nov. 11, 1752.
My dear Friend,
THROUGH the good providence of an ever-lovely, ever-loving Redeemer, I came safe hither last night. My Sunday’s work, sickness, the change of weather, and affecting parting from friends, so enfeebled this tottering tabernacle, that I was in hopes on the road the imprisoned soul would have been set at liberty, and fled to those blissful regions,
Where pain, and sin, and sorrow cease, And all is calm and joy and peace.
At Northampton I took coach, and am now, blessed be GOD, arrived at my Winter quarters. My poor wife I found an invalid. Our LORD can restore her, for he came to heal our sicknesses, and bear our infirmities. I hope this will meet my dear friend and his wife leaning on this all-sufficient, never-failing Emmanuel. I have remembered you ever since my departure, and now, with groanings that cannot be uttered, pray that your souls, and the souls of all the dear people around you, may prosper and increase with all the increase of GOD. O, my dear friend, what manner of love is this, that we should be called the sons of GOD! Excuse me. I must pause a while.――My eyes gush out with water. At present they are almost fountains of tears. But thanks be to GOD, they are tears of love. O what shall I do for Him who hath loved and given himself for ill and hell-deserving, ungrateful, unfruitful me! Add to my obligations by praying for me! My unfeigned love to Mr. L――――. If I can, he shall soon hear from me. With the box for Mr. G――――, I shall send a few pictures, which you may present to Mr. and Mrs. N――――, as you think best. O that the blessed and divine image of the adorable JESUS may be stamped in most lively colours on all our hearts! It will, it will. JESUS is the author, and he is also the finisher of our faith. Let us not be faithless but believing. Let us not trust in ourselves, but in him who hath promised never to leave nor forsake us. I can no more. The LORD be with you and yours.――My hearty love to all that love CHRIST JESUS in sincerity; accept the same in the most tender manner from, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXVIII
To Mr. J――――.
London, Nov. 11, 1752.
My dear Friend,
LAST night the glorious Emmanuel brought me hither, after having given me and his dear people many blessed seasons in Scotland, and the North of England. O that with all his other mercies, he may vouchsafe to give me a thankful and humble heart! This morning I have been talking with dear Mr. A――――, and cannot help thinking, but that you have run before the LORD, in forming yourselves into a public society, as you have done. I was afraid poor Mr. C―――― would not do. Mr. A――――’s visit was designed to be transient, and I cannot promise you any settled help from hence. I am sincere, when I profess, that I do not choose to set myself at the head of any party. When I came last to Ireland, my intention was to preach the gospel to all.――And if it should ever please the LORD of all Lords to send me thither again, I purpose to pursue the same plan. For I am a debtor to all of all denominations, and have no design, if I know any thing of this desperately wicked and deceitful heart, but to promote the common salvation of mankind. The love of CHRIST constrains me to this. Accept it as wrote from that principle. That He, who is the wonderful counsellor, may in all things direct and rule your hearts, is the earnest prayer of, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXXXIX
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
London, Nov. 14, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
I Am quite sorry that I missed seeing you, but glad and thankful that you condescended to write to me. I find you are resolved to outdo me in love; this I would prevent if possible. May the glorious JESUS shed abroad his love abundantly in your dear heart, by the Holy Ghost, and give you to increase with all the increase of GOD. He will bless you for vindicating the honour of his sacred volumes in your last pamphlet, for which, as well as for all other unmerited favours, I most heartily thank you. I have just now read it, and doubt not of its being greatly blessed and owned, and going through many editions. I cannot discern any errata or inaccuracies in the composition. Surely GOD hath raised my dear friend up, to let the polite world see how amiable are the doctrines of the gospel. Why will you weary the world, and your friends, by delaying to publish your other long wished-for performance? Glad shall I be to peruse any of the dialogues. The savour of the last is not of my mind. Pray let them see the light this Winter. They will delight and warm many a heart. O that we may have a warm season at the Tabernacle! My country circuit was exceedingly delightful. When the weather altered, my health was much affected; but a little rest hath already in some degree repaired it. You and I perhaps are not to see heaven as yet: I have waited for it long, but alas! my appointed time is not yet come. Thanks be to GOD, there is such a thing as having a heaven upon earth; CHRIST in us is the heaven of heavens. My dear, very dear friend, good night. I am called away. My love to the Doctor. O that he was wise! How glad should I have been to have seen dear Mr. H――――! My kind respects await your mother and sister. My wife, who is quite an invalid, joins heartily with me, who am, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXL
London, Nov. 21, 1752.
My dear Nat,
YOUR letters have all been brought safe to hand, and have given me no small satisfaction. I doubt not but the LORD, whom you seek, will in his own time come and visit the temple of your heart. Fear not, neither be dismayed. Be found in the way of duty; go on feeding his lambs, and you shall find, that the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls will bless and comfort you. I know not of a more profitable situation, that you could be in than at present. Next year, GOD willing, you will have a fellow-student. I have agreed with him, as I wrote you from Edinburgh, for three years at least. I am of your mind in respect to boarders. As affairs stand, I think the less the family is at present, the better. Nothing seems to be wanted but a good overseer, to instruct the negroes in sawing and planting. Let me know how Mr. M―――― behaves, and whether the Lumber trade is begun. I have consented to Mr. E――――’s going to Mr. Z――――, and to Margaret’s leaving Bethesda. You will see what I have wrote to Mrs. W――――. Pray make George and the children to write often. He should not have written to me, Honoured Master, but――Sir. I am glad to hear that some of the children promise well. Surely some good will in the end come out of that institution, I am only afraid of its growing too great one day or another, in a worldly way. O that I may be directed to such managers, that will act with a single eye to GOD’s glory, and his people’s good! I have great confidence in you. I am glad you live in peace. May the Prince of peace cause his grace and mercy to be multiplied upon you! I shall be glad to live to see you a preacher. It is a delightful employment, when done out of love to JESUS: that sweetens all. In about ten weeks I have travelled above a thousand miles, and was enabled to preach sometimes twice and thrice a day to many thousands. I trust a great blessing was left behind with the word preached. O that Georgia’s wilderness may blossom like a rose! It will, when GOD’s set time is come. Never mind a few evil reports. No one need be ashamed of Bethesda children. Blessed be GOD, they are taken care of, and the LORD will reward you. Ah my dear Nat, you are highly honoured. I hope you often bow down before the blessed Redeemer, and out of the fulness of your heart say, “Why me, LORD? why me?” Pray, pray, I beseech you continually, that you may be cloathed with humility. How many young men have I known ruined for the want of it! “GOD resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Pray that I may have an humble and thankful heart. I would vie with a seraph, if I could, in humility and thankfulness. Adieu. The LORD be with you! My wife sends her love; accept the same from, my dear Nat,
Your most assured friend for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLI
To Mr. V―――― B――――.
London, Nov. 22, 1752.
My dear Mr. V―――― B――――,
I Hope this will find you and your yoke-fellow parents of a living and well-formed child. May the Redeemer sanctify it from the womb, and cause it to live to his glory, and your comfort! I see you are taught to live more and more by faith. This may be tried, but never disappointed. The LORD JESUS never did, and never will forsake those who put their trust in him. I believe Mrs. W―――― will not suffer you or yours to want any thing that Bethesda affords. I thank you for your kind offer, but suppose ere now you have been enabled to purchase some negroes, and go upon your own land. If not, I have written to Mr. B―――― to make what agreement you shall mutually judge to be most proper: I cannot say more at this distance. It is hard to determine any thing four thousand miles off. GOD willing, I hope to see you next year; though it is difficult to leave thousands and ten thousands, who gladly receive the gospel, to come to a wilderness, where it has been, alas! too, too often most wretchedly despised, and slighted by many. But I trust we shall yet see better times. Happy they who have learned to live on JESUS; and by keeping up a daily and hourly fellowship with him, can maintain a comfortable frame, when all is cold and dead around them. This is the happiness I wish my dear Mr. B――――. May it increase day by day, moment after moment! Then, if we never should see each other again on earth, we shall meet, never to part again, in the kingdom of heaven. I am endeavouring to call as many thither as I can. Power seems to attend it, and many seem to have their faces set Zion-ward. May they and we be kept from looking back! JESUS is able to keep us. To his almighty never-failing mercy do I commend you, as being, my dear Sir, for CHRIST’s sake,
Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLII
To Mr. L――――.
London, Nov. 28, 1752.
My dear Friend,
YOUR letter came safe to hand yesterday. The contents of it humbled and gladdened me, and led me directly to my knees, to intercede for you and yours, and all the dear people at Leeds, who are either seeking after, or have actually found redemption in the blood of JESUS. Many here, blessed be GOD, are in like circumstances. Our LORD seems to ride triumphantly on in the chariot of his everlasting gospel; and the shout of a king is indeed amongst us. Blessed are the eyes that see the things which we see. What shall we render unto the LORD? Our two mites, a vile body, and a sinful soul, are all that he requires: and shall he not have these? Yes, I trust the language of both our hearts is this:
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.
As this is your case, I wonder not at your being so solicitous for your dear children’s welfare. The LORD give you faith and patience, and help you in every respect so to behave, that you may win them over to the choice of true and undefiled religion! Courage, my dear brother, courage.――Who knows, but they may be made willing in a day of the Redeemer’s power? He that hath given your dear yoke-fellow a heart to seek after the pearl of great price, can make your children like-minded. But faith must be tried, patience must be exercised, and our stubborn will brought into a chearful resignation to the holy sovereign will and good pleasure of GOD.
What though thou rulest not, Yet heaven, and earth and hell Proclaim GOD sitteth on the throne, And ordereth all things well.
A variety of business prevents my enlarging. I should not have troubled you with such a speedy answer, had you not seemed to desire it, as a token of my love. I think it is cordial and unfeigned. None of you are forgotten by me before the throne. There, my dear friend, let us meet often. Remember it is a throne of grace; we may, therefore, come with boldness. JESUS is our advocate, even JESUS CHRIST the righteous. I thank you ten thousand times for all respect shewn me for his great name’s sake, and command you (since love will make you wait for orders) to believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend, brother, and ready servant in our common but dearest LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLIII
To Mr. ――――.
London, Dec. 5, 1752.
My dear Friend,
HOW does love meet love! Your long expected letter came last night, and as the box of books hath been gone some days, I answer you before day this morning. My dear friend, good-morrow! Blessed be GOD, that the day dawns, and that the day-star hath risen in your heart. May the Redeemer give you a Benjamin’s mess every hour! He is our great Joseph, and loves to say to his guilty brethren, “Come near me.” Out of his fulness we may all receive even grace for grace. O how does he continually watch over us for good! I thought the obstructions that lay in my way to York, were not for nothing. Our times are in our LORD’s hands. We are immortal till our work is done. This, this shall be the cry of my soul:
LORD, at thy command I’ll go, And to the world will gladly tell, That they a risen CHRIST may know, That they the love of CHRIST may feel.
Assured of such a bidding, we may say with Luther, “If there was as many devils lying in wait, as there are tiles on the houses, we need not fear.” Who knows but in Spring we may have a fair field fight? We can do all things through CHRIST strengthening us. Methinks I long to range in your parts, and come to Leeds again. The persons mentioned need not bid me to remember them. I cannot forget either them or you night or day. O that we may make some large advances in the divine life, before we see each other. When will that be? Perhaps in Spring; perhaps not till we meet in heaven.
There we shall see CHRIST’s face, and never, never sin; There, from the riches of his grace, Drink endless pleasures in.
Hasten, LORD, that blessed time! Till then, grant us, we beseech thee, an heaven upon earth! Such we have at the Tabernacle indeed. Last Lord’s-day we had, if possible, a more blessed sacrament than the former.
How sweet, how awful was the place, With CHRIST within the doors, When everlasting Love display’d, The choicest of his stores!
I must break off this delightful subject. Farewel. Pray for us. Remember me in the kindest manner to all. My wife heartily joins with
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLIV
To Mr. S――――.
London, Dec. 9, 1752.
My dear Brother,
IF your heart was full, so was mine when we parted. Such seasons make me long for that happy time when we shall neither part from each other, nor depart from the blessed JESUS any more. Our wanderings and tossings, fightings without, and fears within, will then all be over. Here the church is, and will be militant; in heaven it shall be altogether triumphant. Let us go on, my dear brother, fighting the good fight of faith. Ere long we shall be called to lay hold on life eternal. CHRIST is our captain; we are therefore assured of conquest.
A feeble saint shall win the day, Though death and hell obstruct the way.
Endeavour to obstruct they will, and young converts little know how resolutely, how unweariedly. The way to heaven is a round-about way: we must go through a wilderness. GOD suffers this, to prove and try us, and to shew us what is in our hearts. Humility must be taught us, as Gideon taught the men of Succoth, with briars and thorns: these will frequently fetch blood from the old man. O that we may be made willing to have him bleed to death! “Away with him, away with him; crucify him, crucify him.” May this be the language of your heart and mine! To have this prayer answered, what trials must we necessarily meet with from the devil, the world, the flesh, and even from GOD’s own children? All little enough to lead us into that mortified, pacific, resigned, and disinterested mind, which was in CHRIST JESUS. The more we suffer, and the less we are esteemed for doing, or attempting to do good for his great name’s sake, the more we are conformed to his blessed example. In heaven, justice will be done to all. Strange! that we cannot wait more patiently till the great day of retribution. LORD, help us to walk more by faith, and less by sense! “Help, O help us to leave ourselves and all with thee.” I know you will say, “Amen!” But I forget myself. How willingly does the pen write, when love, love for CHRIST’s sake dictates and indites! I thank you for enquiring after my welfare: thanks be to GOD, I am as well as a poor, but happy pilgrim can expect to be. The shout of a king is amongst us. The glory of the LORD fills the Tabernacle; and we hear every day of persons brought under fresh awakenings, as well as of GOD’s people being comforted. We have had two most awful sacramental occasions. Help me to cry, Grace! grace! I shall be glad to hear that the gospel runs and is glorified at Wakefield. Who knows but the last may be yet first? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? Continue to remember us at the throne of grace; and accept this speedy answer as a token of respect and love unfeigned, from, my dear brother,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLV
To Lady H――――n.
London, Dec. 15, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Think it a long time since I heard from, or wrote to your Ladyship. My hands are full of work; and I trust I can say, the LORD of all lords causes his work to prosper in my unworthy hands. More blessed seasons we never enjoyed. Our sacramental occasions have been exceedingly awful and refreshing. I cannot help crying out night and day, Grace! grace! Last week we had another repast in South Audley-street. Lady F―――― grows surprizingly. She increases much in the knowledge of herself, and of JESUS CHRIST. May she and all that profess to love him, increase with all the increase of GOD! I have glorious news from Yorkshire. Inclosed your Ladyship hath a letter, which I hope will please you. Ships will be going to Philadelphia soon after Christmas. Has your Ladyship read the awful account of the hurricane in South-Carolina? I do not find that it hath reached Georgia. Happy they who have laid up treasure in heaven, and have fled to CHRIST for refuge; such are safe from every storm. This is your Ladyship’s happiness; and blessed be GOD, this is the happiness of unworthy, ill, and hell-deserving me. LORD, why am I a guest?
Through all eternity to Thee, A grateful song I’ll raise; But O eternity’s too short, To utter all thy praise.
Business prevents my enlarging.――I commend your Ladyship, and all your concerns, to the tender mercies of a never-failing Redeemer; and beg leave to subscribe myself, with all possible gratitude and respect, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLVI
To Mrs. K――――.
London, Dec. 16, 1752.
Dear Mrs. K――――,
YOUR kind letter lies by me unanswered, because I had written to your dear husband just before it came to hand. Ere now I hope he hath received it with the books, and is with you, and the other true followers of our most adorable Redeemer, pressing forwards towards the mark of the prize of our high calling in CHRIST JESUS. O that nothing may hinder us in this heavenly race! O that we may remember Lot’s wife, and never look back! Alas! what is there in this world worth looking back upon? It is nothing, less than nothing. Thanks be to that precious CHRIST, who hath redeemed us out of it. To Him that hath thus loved us, be ascribed all honour and glory now and for ever! My obligations to bless and magnify our LORD increase daily. It would delight you to see, how his glory is manifested among his poor despised ones. To-morrow we are again to celebrate the memorials of his dying love. O that we may be prepared according to the preparation of the sanctuary! Blessed be GOD for a compleat and an everlasting righteousness to appear in; this is the wedding garment; this every poor sinner is cloathed with, that truly puts on the LORD JESUS. Well may such despise outward ornaments, and trample upon the pride of life. Such things are food only for those that know not GOD. Go on then, dear Mrs. K――――; go on, all ye my female fellow-soldiers, who are lifted under the Redeemer’s banner. As your day is, so shall your strength be. Look up continually to JESUS; and be so good as always to remember, when before his throne,
Your assured friend and ready servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLVII
To Governor B――――.
London, Dec. 20, 1752.
Honoured Sir,
WITH great pleasure and satisfaction, I received and read your kind letter, and took the first opportunity of transmitting the inclosed to good Lady H――――n, who is now near Bristol. If the ship which brings this, doth not sail soon, I believe your Excellency will have an answer by the same conveyance. She is an elect lady indeed; one who hath fairly renounced the world, and scorns to divide her affections between it and her GOD. Her Ladyship corresponds with the Dutchess of ――――, but I fear that the latter doth not glory in the cross of CHRIST, so much as might be wish’d. You know, honoured Sir, that we must have true self-denial, and a disinterested spirit, before we can be sincerely willing to be accounted fools for CHRIST’s sake. And yet there is no going to heaven without it. Blessed be GOD, your fight, honoured Sir, is almost over; the days are now coming wherein you must necessarily say, “I have no pleasure in them.” The 71st psalm, translated by Dr. Watts, seems to be sweetly adapted to your circumstances. Part of it was lately sung for your Excellency, by many true followers of the Lamb.
I.
Still hath his life new wonders seen, Repeated every year; Behold his days which yet remain, We trust them to thy care.
II.
Cast him not off, should health decline, Or hoary hairs arise; And round him let thy glories shine, Whene’er thy servant dies.
I doubt not but the LORD JESUS will say, Amen. Whether I shall have the pleasure of seeing you on this side eternity, is uncertain. It was no small self-denial for me to leave America without going to the Northward; but the cloud moved towards England. Here (O amazing condescension!) the glorious Emmanuel vouchsafes still to own and bless my feeble labours. In Scotland, Wales, and the parts in and near Yorkshire, we have seen blessed days of the Son of Man. I am now in my Winter quarters, longing for Spring, to take the field again. Had I a thousand tongues and lives, JESUS should have them all. I am sorry, quite sorry that not one of his ministers could venture over the Atlantick for New-Jersey College. Two general collections have lately been made upon other occasions in Scotland. What a pity, when all circumstances concurred, that such a favourable opportunity should have been lost? I can only lament that, which I did all I could to prevent. And now, honoured Sir, I must bid you farewel. Ere long I hope to see you in a better world: perhaps we may meet again in this. Dear America is much upon my heart. Thanks be to GOD, Bethesda is now put on a good and flourishing foundation, and I hear hath escaped the late hurricane in South-Carolina. Great are thy judgments, O GOD;――and great are thy mercies also! both past finding out. To the infinitely great and gracious I AM, do I most earnestly commend both you and yours, and with ten thousands thanks for all your unmerited favours, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obliged, dutiful, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLVIII
To Captain G――――.
London, Dec. 20, 1752.
My dear Captain,
ONE would imagine, that you and I were never to meet any more on this side eternity. I often, often think of you, and long to see and converse with you; but GOD only knows when. We are now about to erect a new Tabernacle eighty foot square, which I fear will detain me in England the ensuing Summer. Pen cannot well describe, how white the fields have been, and how ready to harvest, in Wales, Scotland, and the North of England. I could sometimes scarce tell, whether I was in or out of the body. Grace! grace! I am now in Winter quarters, where our LORD gives us fresh conquests, gained by his word every day. We do not dispute, but love. I find more and more that truth is great; and however seemingly crush’d for a while, will in the end prevail. But there must be a kind of death upon every promise, and upon every thing that is done for GOD. Thus hath it been with Georgia and Bethesda. O that we may learn to wait! Then shall we certainly see the salvation of GOD. I pity our dear friends in Charles-Town. O GOD, how great are thy judgments, as well as thy mercies! May they hear the rod, and who hath appointed it! My soul is distressed for them. May this severe correction make them truly great! When you send any thing to Savannah, I should be obliged to you, if you would send a few things to Bethesda. Our LORD will bless you for it. I hope there are now above twenty negroes at work upon the new plantation. May the LORD JESUS convert them, and every other member of my family! And O that I may be converted myself more and more every day and hour! I am ashamed of my being such a dwarf in religion, and of my having so little of the mind of CHRIST. I hope you, my dear old friend, do find his grace sufficient for you, to keep your heart above the world, and continually alive to GOD. My prayer for you is, that you may have power to get wealth, and grace to improve it for the Redeemer’s glory, and his people’s good: then you will be rich for both worlds, and GOD, even your own GOD, will give you and yours his blessing. Why do you not write to dear Mr. S――――? He is a heavenly-minded man indeed, and my bosom friend. I suppose Mr. D―――― will acquaint you of my having been at his house; we are kind friends still: he and his very much regard you. What cannot GOD do? How faithful is he to those, who “seek first his kingdom, and the righteousness thereof.” Let these words be written over your store-house door; or rather let them be written on the table of your heart. I can add no more. A variety of business demands my attention. My dear man, farewel. Had I wings, I would fly and see you, and my other never to be forgotten Philadelphia friends. Continue to pray, and perhaps I may yet come sooner than expectation. My wife joins in sending love to you and your houshold. Accept the same in the most endearing manner, from one that loves you more than a brother, even
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCXLIX
To Mr. C―――― W――――.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.
My dear Friend,
I Have read and pondered upon your kind letter with some degree of solemnity of spirit. In the same frame I would now sit down to answer it. And what shall I say? Really I can scarce tell. The connection between you and your brother, hath been so close and continued, and your attachment to him so necessary to keep up his interest, that I would not willingly for the world do or say any thing that may separate such friends. I cannot help thinking, but he is still jealous of me and my proceedings; but, I thank GOD, I am quite easy about it. Having the testimony of a good conscience, that I have a disinterested view to promote the common salvation only, I can leave all to him, who I am assured will in the end speak for me, and make my righteousness as clear as the light, and my just dealing as the noon-day. I more and more find, that he who believeth doth not make haste; and that if we will have patience, we shall find that every plant, which our heavenly Father hath not planted, however it may seem to have taken very deep root, shall be plucked up. As I wrote to good Lady H――――n, so I write to you, dear Sir.――I bless GOD for my stripping seasons. I have seen an end of all perfection, and expect it only in him, where I am sure to find it, even in the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS. He knows how I love and honour you, and your brother, and how often I have preferred your interest to my own. This, by the grace of GOD, I shall still continue to do. My reward is with the LORD. If he approves, it is enough. More might be said, were we face to face. When this will be, I cannot tell. Several things, especially our design of building a new tabernacle, which I hope will succeed, detain me in town this Winter. GOD only knows what course I am to steer in the Spring. I would be a blank;――let my heavenly Father fill it up as seemeth him good. I am glad you are with our elect Lady; she will shine indeed in heaven as a common friend. O how amiable is a truly catholic spirit! LORD, make us all partakers of it more and more! I beg the continuance of your prayers: I need them much. GOD willing, you shall have mine in return. That you and yours may increase with all the increase of GOD, is the earnest request of, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCL
To Lady H――――n.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
WITH great pleasure I received your Ladyship’s letter, which hath drawn me to the Father of Spirits, that the meek, lowly, loving, zealous, and heavenly-minded temper which was in CHRIST JESUS, may be stamped more and more upon your Ladyship’s heart. A growth in these blessed graces and fruits of the divine Spirit, I am persuaded is what your Ladyship desires above all things under heaven, and I doubt not but all the trials and afflictions you meet with, both from friends and foes, will be sanctified to the promoting this glorious end. Many of these I meet with; but if I come purified out of the furnace, and am at length any way conformed to my dear and blessed Exemplar, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. Experience, if attended with this effect, cannot be bought too dear. But alas, how unwilling is the old man to be crucified and slain! How hard is even the mind that is renewed in part, how hard to be brought off low and selfish and party views. With how much reluctance doth it give up the uppermost place, and submit to be accounted in the church, as well as in the world, less than the least of all. Yet this is a lesson the witnesses of JESUS must learn. O that I had learnt only my A B C in it! I beg the continuance of your Ladyship’s prayers, for which I thank your Ladyship a thousand times. May the LORD of all lords return them seven-fold into your bosom, and give your Ladyship success in your endeavours to serve the persons mentioned in your last! It is but for your Ladyship to try. I shall observe your Ladyship’s hints about Mr. ――――. I believe our visits will not be very frequent.――But I am easy, having no scheme, no design of supplanting or resenting, but I trust a single eye to promote the common salvation, without so much as attempting to set up a party for myself. This is what my soul abhors. Being thus minded, I have peace; peace which the world knows nothing of, and which all must necessarily be strangers to, who are fond either of power or numbers. GOD be praised for the many strippings I have met with: it is good for me that I have been supplanted, despised, censured, maligned, judged by, and separated from my nearest, dearest friends. By this I have found the faithfulness of him, who is the friend of friends; by this I have been taught to wrap myself in the glorious Emmanuel’s everlasting righteousness, and to be content that He, to whom all hearts are open, and all desires are known, now sees, and will let all see hereafter, the uprightness of my intentions towards all mankind. But whither am I going? I run too fast. Your Ladyship’s kind letter hath extorted this from me. I will weary your Ladyship no longer, but hasten to subscribe myself, what I really am, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and very chearful servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLI
To Mr. R――――.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
WITH great pleasure I received your kind and wished-for letter; and heartily bless GOD that your whole self is in such comfortable circumstances, and that honest D―――― is so blest in his work. I read his two letters about ten days ago, and many joined in singing for him the following verses:
The isles in the North, Remember, O GOD, And feed thy sheep there, With pure gospel food. LORD, revive thy blest work In every place, Till thousands and thousands Do triumph through grace.
Do you not think the blessed JESUS will say, Amen? Yes, assuredly he will. And if he will work, who shall hinder?
Thoughts are vain against the LORD, All subserve his mighty word; Wheels encircling wheels shall run, Each in course to bring it on.
Fear not, my dear Sir; if CHRIST hath work for you to do, he will put you into a proper station. But would you be a Nehemiah, and have no Sanballat to oppose you? Building the walls of the New-Jerusalem, is what the profane and formalists do not approve of. We must expect the serpent will hiss, whenever the gospel seed of the woman is coming into a place to bruise his head. Courage, my dear Sir, courage. GOD is on your side.
The world, with sin and Satan, In vain our march opposes; Through CHRIST we shall Break through them all, And sing the song of |Moses|.
You see, my dear Sir, how freely I write. The love of CHRIST constraineth me. I am much indebted to you, and hope to see you in London soon. My wife longs to have you under our roof: she hath been ill, but blessed be GOD is now better. We both send cordial and grateful respects to your whole self and all enquiring friends. We have had most solemn sacramental occasions. I sympathize with both our suffering friends: from what unexpected quarters do troubles come! Who would sing a requiem to himself, whilst here below? LORD GOD, prepare us for whatever thou hast prepared for us! I must bid you farewel. A variety of business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCLII
To Lady ♦H――――n.
London, Jan. 1, 1753.
Honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter hath added to the obligations already laid on me. I can only say, the LORD knows that you and yours, are remembered by me before his throne. This is the reward, which the Redeemer promises to those who do good to a disciple, in the name of a disciple. O happy they who are rich in faith and good works! These are the true riches; they are durable; they follow us beyond the grave, and we shall be reaping the fruit of them through the endless ages of eternity. Eternity! eternity! The very writing or hearing this word, is enough to make one dead to the world, and alive unto GOD. The LORD quicken my tardy pace! I am now thirty-eight years of age, and entering upon another new year; Alas! alas! How little have I done for that JESUS, who hath done and suffered so much for me! I want to begin to begin to act and preach for GOD. Blessed be his name, that his spirit is moving on precious souls at Bristol. For ever adored be his rich, free, and unmerited grace, the same may be said of London. We have had blessed holidays, and I have had good news from the Orphan-house.
A life that all things casts behind, Springs forth obedient at his call.
Had I a thousand lives, the LORD JESUS should have them. I wish your Ladyship, and honoured daughters, much of his divine love shed abroad in your hearts. That is the best new year’s compliment, and the best new year’s gift. I hope, the young ladies through grace are kept unspotted from the world. I would come and wait upon our elect Lady at Clifton, but am engaged in forwarding the building of a new tabernacle; I hope it will be accomplished, and that GOD’s presence will fill it when erected. I could enlarge, but am called away, and therefore subscribe myself,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ “H――――m” replaced with “H――――n”
Letter DCCCCLIII
To Mr. L――――.
London, Jan. 3, 1753.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
THOUGH I am very much straitened for time, yet I must sit down, (since you so earnestly desire it) and answer your kind letter. My love does not shift with my scene of action; I would have it in some degree, like my LORD’s to me and his people, “Permanent and unchangeable.” Blessed be GOD for such a JESUS, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. What can we want then? Or of whom should we be afraid? All his attributes are engaged to keep us on earth, and to set us upon thrones in his glorious kingdom in heaven. Last night I buried one, who I believe is seated there.――Ah lovely appearance of death! Surely my turn will come soon. I am now thirty-eight years of age; little did I think of staying in the land of the dying so long. Well, if it be to call more souls to the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, Father, thy will be done!
If thou excuse, then work thy will, By so unfit an instrument; It will at once thy goodness show, And prove thy power omnipotent.
I hope you have had a happy Christmas at Leeds. We have kept holidays here indeed. Sinners have been pricked to the heart, and saints refreshed in their spirits. To the Father of spirits be all the glory. I forgot none of you in my poor prayers: fear not; let us continue to pray, and we shall always find, that our extremity will be GOD’s opportunity to help and appear for us. But there must be a seeming death upon every promise.
Where reason fails with all its powers, There faith prevails and love adores.
LORD, increase our faith.――LORD, quicken my sluggish heart! I commend you and yours to GOD, and to the word of his grace. I am sorry dear Mr. S―――― is disabled from writing. When his hand is well, I hope to hear from him. In the mean while, tell him, and his, and all dear friends, that I am, for CHRIST’s sake, my dear Sir,
Theirs and yours, &c. &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCLIV
To Mr. C――――.
London, Jan. 7, 1753.
My dear Mr. C――――,
I Received your kind letter, for which I send you most hearty thanks. I see that you strive, and I fear you will succeed, to outdo me in love and kindness. However, I will endeavour to copy after you, and, if possible, not die in your debt. But who can ever pay his debt of love, either to GOD, or the brethren? Alas! Alas! I run in arrears every day. GOD’s favours are continually multiplied upon me, and he seems to let us know that we shall see greater things than ever. We have had a blessed Christmas season. I trust our LORD hath imparted many a new year’s gift. You know what that is, even a new heart. “A new heart also will I give thee.” Thus run the words of our LORD’s last will and testament. O for faith to prove this will! O for a willingness to receive so invaluable a legacy! LORD, I believe, help my unbelief!
Thou wilt give strength, thou wilt give power, Thou wilt in time set free; This great deliverance let us hope, Not for ourselves but thee.
Come, my dear brother, let us take courage: “He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it.”
O unbelief, injurious bar, Source of tormenting, fruitless care.
Surely it is the womb of misery, and grave of comfort. Had we faith but as a grain of mustard seed, how should we trample the world, the flesh, the devil, death, and hell under foot? LORD, increase our faith! I know you say Amen. “Even so LORD JESUS, Amen and Amen!” But whither am I going? Love makes me forget myself. Adieu――my dear Sir, adieu. Pray tell Mr. G―――― that I intend answering his kind letter shortly. I send cordial love to him, and all the followers of the Lamb.
O may we find the ancient way, Our wond’ring foes to move; And force the heathen world to say, See how these christians love!
I can now no more, but subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLV
To Mr. H―――― B――――.
London, Jan. 7, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
BY this conveyance I send you a power of attorney to dispose of Providence Plantation, and leave it to your discretion to sell at what price you please. I would only observe, that I had rather it should be sold for somewhat less than its real value, than to keep it any longer in my hands. I do not choose to keep two families longer than needs must. Be pleased to pay what you receive for it, into the hands of Mr. Charles H――――n of Charles-Town. Blessed be GOD for remembering mercy in the midst of judgments. O that with his rod he may also send his spirit! For without it, as dear Mr. V―――― B―――― observes, “We shall be chastened, but not changed.” The world after the deluge, was as bad as before. Nothing but the blood of JESUS CHRIST, applied by faith, can cleanse the soul from sin.――
To this blest fountain of thy blood, Incarnate GOD I fly; Here let me wash my spotted soul, From sins of deepest dye.
My dear Sir, add to my obligations, by praying, that the foot of pride may never come against me. This is what turned fair angels into foul devils; and yet alas, how prone are we to it! Surely it is the first enemy we fight with, and the last that is totally conquered. O that I was humble! then would the LORD delight to own and honour me more and more. I am amazed he doth not throw me aside. But (O unchangeable love!) still he causeth my rod to bud and blossom. The Winter season hath been very blessed, and we hear daily of fresh inroads made into Satan’s kingdom. GOD seems determined to throw down Jericho’s walls by rams-horns, yea by very crooked rams-horns. Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight! My dear Sir, once more I intreat you to pray for me. Neither you nor yours are forgotten by me. The money you receive for Providence, will be immediately wanted to buy more land, and to pay for opening Bethesda’s new plantation.――I have desired your brother to agree with Mrs. P―――― for hers, if she can give a good title. I am sorry to hear she is declining.――But why so? Is not death an entrance into life everlasting?
There sin and pain, and sorrow cease, And all is calm and joy and peace.
Hearty love and prayers attend her and all enquiring friends. That this new year may be filled with millions of new blessings, both to your souls and bodies, is and shall be the constant prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLVI
To Mr. S――――.
London, Jan. 9, 1753.
My dear Mr. S――――,
I Received your kind letter yesterday, and suppose, ere this can reach you, my last will be come to hand. What say you? If I should be detained in England this year, are you willing to put your life in the Redeemer’s hands and go immediately? A ship is bound for Savannah about ten miles from the Orphan-house, the beginning of next month. Methinks I hear you say to the glorious Emmanuel,
A life that all things casts behind, Springs forth obedient at thy call.
Such a spirit is fit for Bethesda; such a spirit becomes one who desires to be a teacher of youth, and a faithful minister of the ever-loving ever-lovely JESUS. Let me know your mind. If you come immediately, may the LORD come and go with you! That is company enough. ――But there are others going in the same ship. The LORD direct and bless you! He will vouchsafe to countenance my feeble labours. I have yet more good news from the North. Last night was an awful night, we carried three saints together to the grave; thousands attended, and both within and without doors, the word I trust came with power. O that the dead may be made to hear the voice of the Son of GOD, and to come forth! I rejoice if any of his dear people have been quickened at Glasgow. Perhaps next Summer, I may see them in my way to, or return from Ireland. The LORD help all to pray for me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be still my motto. To me nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. I must away. The LORD direct and bless you. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am
Your assured friend for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLVII
To Mr. Z――――.
London, Jan. 10, 1753.
Honoured and very dear Sir,
THIS morning, before I received your kind packet, I was finishing my answer to the good Professor, and then intended to send it to you with the inclosed extracts. LORD, what am I, that any of thy faithful servants should write to, or concern themselves about me or my affairs! With all thy other favours, give me, O GOD, an humble and grateful heart; so shall thy mercies not prove my ruin! I hope to answer good Mr. U―――― and dear Mr. B――――s speedily. A ship goes to Savannah the ♦beginning of next month. Mrs. V―――― B―――― is safely delivered of a daughter; the forts being destroyed by the late dreadful hurricane, the Governor and Council of South-Carolina, have sent for her husband to Charles-Town. Blessed be GOD, Bethesda hath received but little damage. Several of the orphans have sent me pretty letters, and I trust it will yet prove an useful seminary for both white and black persons. I wait to see this great salvation, O LORD! To-morrow, GOD willing, I shall dine with Mr. L――――, and on Friday morning if possible will endeavour to wait upon you. My hands are full of work, and I hear every day of fresh persons awakened; but I can do so little, and what I do is done so badly, that I fear sometimes my LORD will throw me aside like a broken vessel.――Very dear and honoured Sir, for CHRIST’s sake do you and your worthy collegue continue to pray for me; surely it is an act of the greatest charity. Less than the least of all, shall be my motto still. My heart is full; GOD forgive me. I am now beginning to enter upon my thirty-ninth year. LORD JESUS quicken my tardy pace! I can no more. But hoping to see you on Friday, and to be furthered in my work and way by your fatherly counsel and instruction, I subscribe myself, very dear and honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged son, and ready servant in our glorious Head, G. W.
♦ “begining” replaced with “beginning”
Letter DCCCCLVIII
To Lady H――――n.
London, Jan. 13, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s very kind and christian letter, I have read over and over again. It drew my heart towards the Redeemer, and caused me to pray, that your present retirement, may be a glorious preparative for further, and yet more public usefulness in his mystical body. To have one’s hands or tongue tied from acting or speaking for GOD, is, to a new and heaven-born soul, one of the greatest pieces of self-denial in the world. But this hath been the lot of many of the most choice and holy souls under heaven. It is a mercy, that where there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, and not according to that which he hath not. I beg that your Ladyship would not have the least thought about my concerns, otherwise than at a throne of grace. Your Ladyship wants a bridle, rather than a spur. My highest ambition is to spend and be spent for JESUS, and to be not the head, but servant of all. When your Ladyship mentioned the word ambition, I could not help thinking of the saying of the Eunuch, “Speaketh the prophet this of himself, or of some other man?” But we know not what is in our hearts. LORD, keep me from being led into, and falling by temptation. I wish your Ladyship much success with B――――, but worldly wise men, serpent-like, so turn and wind, that they have many ways to slip through and creep out at, which simple-hearted single-eyed souls know nothing of, and if they did, could not follow after them. Honesty is the best policy, and will in the end (whether we seek it or not) get the better of all. Your Ladyship’s intended letter to Governor B――――, will be very acceptable. I hope the inclosed will give your Ladyship pleasure. O that I may be enabled to give the LORD JESUS all the glory! To me nought belongs, but confusion of face. Surely I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for CHRIST’s sake, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLIX
To Mr. C――――.
London, Jan. 15, 1753.
My dear Mr. C――――,
I Owe you a letter and much love. The one I will now pay you, the other debt our ♦common LORD must discharge. I despair of doing it, because I run upon fresh arrears to him and his dear people every day and every hour. I willingly therefore own myself a debtor to high and low, rich and poor, to all, of all denominations whatsoever.――What have we to do with a party or sectarian zeal? Why should not our heaven begin on earth?
All that we know they do above, Is, that they sing, and that they love.
O for some fresh anointings of the blessed spirit! Then will the scales fall more and more from our eyes, and the veil of ignorance be taken more and more from our hearts. Then shall we be more and more content to think, and let think, and be studious to be of one heart, where we cannot be of one judgment or mind. The sweetness of such a spirit, is unspeakable; it brings with it its own reward; it frees the soul from a thousand needless jealousies, and selfish passions, and enables it to put the reins of government into his hands, who alone orders all things well. LORD, increase in us this spirit, and give us more and more to love all that bear thy image, though they may not in all things agree with us!
O may we find the ancient way, Our wond’ring foes to move; And force the heathen world to say, See how these christians love!
My dear brother, your kind letter constrains me to write thus.――Blessed be GOD for what has been done at any time, by any instrument, at Newcastle. I still pray that the town may be full of new creatures. In London we have reason to rejoice. Yesterday was a great day of the Son of man; both at the sacrament, and under the word preached, our LORD gave us to drink of the wine of the kingdom. On Monday last we followed three believers to the grave, and triumphed over death on his own ground. O what a CHRIST have we! GOD help us to love him more, and serve him better! I salute all most heartily with whom you are in fellowship.――Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you. I beg a continued interest in all your prayers, and subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake, G. W.
♦ duplicate word “common” removed
Letter DCCCCLX
To C―――― W――――.
Chatham, Jan. 19, 1753.
My dear Friend,
A Multiplicity of business prevented my answering your kind letter, before my coming out of London. Lest I should be prevented by the same means at my return thither, I write you a few lines in the way. I have been among some new-awakened souls, who seem to be taking the kingdom of GOD by a holy violence. At London, GOD hath lately caused his people’s cups to run over with strong consolation, and many sturdy sinners have been made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” I thank you for the caution about the new building; a burnt child dreads the fire. I shall not begin, till we have a thousand pounds in hand, and then shall contract for a certain sum for the whole. This affair will detain me till the days are long enough to travel, and set out upon a fresh pursuit after poor sinners, who have wandered from their GOD.――The LORD be with you and yours. May the gospel plough be prospered, whatever hand is employed to lay hold of it. This, as far as I know my treacherous heart, is the sincere language of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLXI
To Mr. O――――.
London, Jan. 23, 1753.
My dear Mr. O――――,
I Received your kind letter, and have since shewn it to the secretary for Georgia, who approved of it very much. I am glad we are to have you in that infant province, and could heartily wish you was nearer Bethesda. I doubt not of its becoming a seat of learning in time, but it is good for every thing to rise gradually. I have engaged a dear youth, who I trust will suit the Orphan-house infant state very well. It hath scarce learnt as yet to stand upon its own legs; as it grows I expect it will give me more trouble. To have young men educated there, and then turned out into the church graceless and unconverted would break my heart. Father, if it be thy will, let this cup pass from me! I suppose we shall now soon know, who is to be Governor; every thing is to be ordered as I informed you in my last. My eyes are waiting upon Him, from whom alone cometh all our salvation. We see wonders every day on this side the water. Glorious days of the Son of man indeed! Notwithstanding, I long to take another trip to yonder new world. Time will determine, wherefore this attraction. He that believeth doth not make haste. GOD forbid that “Chastened, but not changed,” should always be Charles-Town motto. LORD, let them hear thy rod, and who hath appointed it! What a dreadful thing is it to come cankered out of the furnace? It bespeaks further trials yet behind;――but I need not tell you this.――Excuse this freedom: be pleased to give my hearty love to all, and I beseech you continue to pray for, my dear friend and brother,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD, G. W.
Letter DCCCCLXII
To Mr. V―――― B――――.
London, Jan. 19, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
A Few days ago I was with good Mr. Z――――, who assured me that Mr. V―――― had written him, that two hundred pounds sterling were ordered you to be disposed of as you should judge proper. I hope you will find this to be true, if you have not found it so already. Is there no way of making the breach up between you and Mr. B――――? Mr. U――――r, from whom I heard very lately, and also all your German friends, desire it extremely. I promised Mr. Z―――― that I would use my interest for your own sake, but above all for the sake of JESUS CHRIST our common LORD. My very dear Sir, do forgive and forget, and if you are conscious you have been too hasty in any respect, pray send to Mr. B―――― a few lines of love. We never lose any thing by stooping.――GOD will always exalt the humble soul. O that the prince of peace would honour me to be a peace-maker!――Do, my dear friend, comply with my request, and thereby give further proofs that you are indeed converted, and become a little child. May this blessing descend on your new-born babe! Our joint respects await Mrs. V―――― and yourself. You may well wish yourself at the tabernacle. All is alive there.――Thousands flock to hear, and thousands feel the power of the living GOD.――Dear Charles-Town, I pity thee! O that thou knowest the day of thy visitation! If this meets you there employed as an engineer, may the LORD own, bless and direct you, and keep you unspotted from the world! If elsewhere, I hope you are where GOD would have you be, and that is enough,――I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and desiring a continued interest in your prayers, beg leave to subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCLXIII
To the Reverend Mr. H――――.
London, Jan. 27, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
I Thank you a thousand times for the trouble you have been at, in revising my poor compositions, which I am afraid you have not treated with a becoming severity. How many pardons shall I ask for mangling, and I fear murdering your dear Theron and Aspasia? You will see by Monday’s coach; which will bring a parcel directed for you, to the care of Doctor S――――. It contains one of your dialogues, and two more of my sermons, which I do not like very well myself, and therefore shall not wonder if you dislike them. If you think they will do for the public, pray return them immediately, because the other two go to the press next Monday. I have nothing to comfort me but this, “that the LORD chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong, and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are.” I think to sell all four sermons for six-pence. I write for the poor, you for the polite and the noble; GOD will assuredly own and bless what you write.――As yet I have only had time to peruse one of your sweet dialogues; as fast as possible I shall read the rest. I am more than paid for my trouble by reading them. The LORD be with your dear heart! Continue to pray for me. The LORD be with us. Grace! Grace! I am, dearest Sir, in very great haste, but greater love,
Yours, &c. G. W.
Letter DCCCCLXIV
To the Reverend Mr. B――――.
London, Jan. 31, 1753.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter came safe to hand, and according to your desire, I send you a little bell, as a small token of my unfeigned love to your dear congregation. I have written strongly to Professor Frank for some Negroes for you, and heartily pray the LORD of all Lords to put it into our power to serve that black generation. Their souls are equally precious in the eyes of an all gracious Redeemer, as ours. O that we may yet see some good come out of Georgia. I would take another trip over this spring, but am hindered by our building a new place of worship, and by the continual calls that are given me to preach the everlasting gospel.――Indeed we see most glorious days of the Son of man. The cup of GOD’s people is made to run over, and every day we hear of somebody or another brought under new awakenings, and pricked to the heart; notwithstanding this, I find a continual attraction to America. The event will prove wherefore all this happens to me. LORD help me to walk by faith and not by sight! My dear Sir, you and yours will not forget to pray for me. I am the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints――What shall I render unto the LORD? Write every opportunity. Dear Mr. Z―――― will take care of your child. Cannot matters be made up between you and Mr. V――――? Is it not a pity that any of us should fall out in our way to heaven? When we meet next, remember that a floor and blanket is all the lodging, and a chick or fowl, boiled or roasted, is all the food I desire at Ebenezer. What is a pilgrim life without a pilgrim heart? O that I was like my LORD! Then should I endure hardness, like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST.――The encouragement for raising silk will be continued. O that Georgia may prove a fruitful soil for raising children unto Abraham! We wait for thy salvation, O LORD. For the present, reverend Sir, adieu. My wife joins in sending cordial salutations to your whole self, to Mr. L―――― and his wife, and all the dear people at Ebenezer. That you all may at all times have reason to say, “hitherto hath our LORD helped us,” is the earnest prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and fellow-labourer in our common LORD, G. W.
The END of the SECOND VOLUME.