LETTERS. (continued 2)

Your and Mrs. ――’s affectionate friend,

G. W.

LETTER XXXIX.

To Mr. ――.

On board the Whitaker, May 6, 1738.

My dear Friend,

HOW goes time? I can scarce tell; for I have been some time past, as one would think, launching into eternity. God has been pleased graciously to visit me with a violent fever, which he notwithstanding so sweetened by divine consolations, that I was enabled to rejoice and sing in the midst of it. Indeed, I had many violent conflicts with the powers of darkness, who did all they could to disturb and distract me; but Jesus Christ prayed for me: And though I was once reduced to the last extremity, and all supernatural assistance seemed to be suspended for a while, and satan as it were had dominion over me, yet God suffered not my faith to fail; but came in at length to my aid, rebuked the tempter, and from that moment I grew better. Surely God is preparing me for something extraordinary: For he has now sent me such extraordinary conflicts and comforts as I never before experienced. I was as I thought on the brink of eternity. I had heaven within me; I thought of nothing in this world; I earnestly desired to be dissolved and go to Christ; but God was pleased to order it otherwise, and I am resigned, though I can scarce be reconciled to come back again into this vale of misery. I had the heavenly Canaan in full view, and hoped I was going to take possession of it; but God saw I was not yet ripe for glory, and therefore in mercy spared me, that I may recover my spiritual strength before I go hence and am no more seen. Oh pray, my dear friend, that I may not grow lukewarm, or slothful, but arise from my late bed of sickness, and administer with ten times more alacrity to my blessed Master, than ever I did before. I would write more, but my strength faileth me. We hope to be at Savannah on Monday.

Your’s,

G. W.

LETTER XL.

To Mr. H.

Savannah, June 10, 1738.

Dearest Sir,

ABOUT five weeks I have been at Savannah, where providence seems to intend continuing me for some time. God has graciously visited me with a fit of sickness; but now I am lively as a young eagle. All things have happened better than expectation. America is not so horrid a place as it is represented to be. The heat of the weather, lying on the ground, &c. are mere painted lions in the way, and to a soul filled with divine love not worth mentioning. The country, mornings and evenings, is exceeding pleasant, and there are uncommon improvements made (considering the indifference of the soil) in divers places. With a little assistance the country people would do very well. As for my ministerial office, I can inform you, that God (such is his goodness) sets his seal to it here, as at other places. We have an excellent christian school, and near a hundred constantly attend at evening prayers. The people receive me gladly, as yet, into their houses, and seem to be most kindly affected towards me. I have a pretty little family, and find it possible to manage a house without distraction. Provisions we do not want to feed on, though we are cut off from all occasions to pamper our bodies. Blessed be God, I visit from house to house, catechise, read prayers twice and expound the two second lessons every day; read to a house-ful of people three times a week; expound the two lessons at five in the morning, read prayers and preach twice, and expound the catechism to servants, &c. at seven in the evening every Sunday. What I have most at heart, is the building an orphan-house, which I trust will be effected at my return to England. In the mean while, I am settling little schools in and about Savannah; that the rising generation may he bred up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Lord prosper my weak endeavours for promoting his glory and his people’s good. Oh, dear Mr. H. pray for me. For I do, indeed I do, pray for you and your’s. Remember me to dear Mrs. H. and exhort her to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Remind Mr. W――, (since he will not hearken to me) to work out his salvation with fear and trembling, and beg him to pray for, though he will not write to, dear Mr. H.

Ever, ever your’s,

G. W.

LETTER XLI.

To Mr. ――.

Kilrush, (Ireland) Nov. 16, 1738.

Dear Mr. ――,

I Have not forgot you; and as a proof of it, send you this to acquaint you of my safe arrival here. I know you will rejoice and give thanks, and pray that my coming to London may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. God has done for me more abundantly than I could dare ask or think. The seed of the glorious gospel has taken root in the American ground, and, I hope, will grow up into a great tree. By my friends prayers I believe it hath been planted. Oh that they may continue to water it with the same means, and then our great God will give it an effectual increase.—I hope to see you in a few days at my old lodgings, and to rejoice with you for what God has done for our souls. Indeed, I have felt his power; I have tasted and known of a truth, that the Lord is gracious! America, infant Georgia, is an excellent soil for christianity; you cannot live there without taking up a daily cross. Therefore, I shall hasten back as soon as possible after Christmas. Oh! that, in the mean while, I may be enabled to be instant in season and out of season, and preach with demonstration of the spirit, and with power! Methinks I see Mr. ―― lifting up his eyes towards heaven, and silently saying, Amen.—I hope you will excuse Mr. D.’s letter. I have forgot his house, though not his person and his love. No, all your kindnesses, O my friends, are engraven upon my heart, and I trust will never be forgotten by, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and humble Servant,

G. W.

LETTER XLII.

To Mr. H.

London, Dec. 30, 1738.

My dear Friend,

I Am appointed by the trustees to be minister of Savannah. The bishop of London (Doctor Gibson) accepts the title, and has given me letters demisory to any other bishop. I have waited also on Doctor Secker, bishop of Oxford, who acquaints me that our worthy diocesan, good Bishop Benson, ordains for him to-morrow fortnight at Oxford, and that he will give me letters demisory to him. God be praised; I was praying night and day, whilst on ship-board, if it might be the divine will, that good Bishop Benson, who laid hands on me as a deacon, might now make me a priest.—And now my prayer is answered.—Be pleased to wait on his Lordship, and desire him to inform you, when I must be at Oxford in order to receive imposition of hands. Oh pray that I may be duly prepared. It will be a month before I can see Gloucester. I long to see you. I love you and your’s in the bowels of Jesus Christ; but I have scarce time to subscribe myself, dear Sir,

Your’s eternally,

G. W.

LETTER XLIII.

To the Same.

London, Jan. 27, 1739.

Dear Sir,

IF I forget Mr. H. and his wife, may my right-hand forget her cunning. Excess of business alone was the cause of my silence. I sleep but little, very little. Had I a thousand hands, I could employ them all. I scarce know what it is to have an idle moment. It is late now. I have just been expounding. God fills me with his spirit, and I must redeem a little time to write to dear Mr. H. Indeed, indeed I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. O when shall I return your past favours! I thank you for blessing God on my behalf. I want a thousand tongues to praise him. He still works by me more and more. Subscriptions for erecting an orphan-house come in a-pace. On Monday sevennight, God willing, I set out for Bristol, with Mr. Seward, and from thence propose coming to Gloucester. Oh that it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace! Mr. Howel Harris, and I, are correspondents, blessed be God! May I follow him, as he does Jesus Christ. How he outstrips me! Fye upon me, fye upon me. How does my brother? My love to him and all. I long to see you and yours, and to give you repeated assurances of my being, dear Sir,

Your’s eternally,

G. W.

LETTER XLIV.

To the Mr. ――.

Basingstoke, Feb. 8, 1739.

Dear Sir,

THOUGH I desired you to write first, yet the love I bear you, will not suffer me to wait so long before you hear from me.—Just now has God brought us to Basingstoke, where I hope an effectual door will be opened before we leave it, as well as at Windsor.—Oh my dear friend, more and more do I see the benefit of confessing our blessed Lord before men.—You have not been ashamed of the cross.—No, dear Mr. ―― has put his hand to the plough; he will not, surely he cannot look back; but Jesus Christ alone can keep me and my dear friend from falling. He has begun and he will carry on, he will finish the good work in our souls.—We have nothing to do, but to lay hold on him by faith, and to depend on him for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Not but we must be workers together with him; for a true faith in Jesus Christ will not suffer us to be idle.—No, it is an active, lively, restless principle; it fills the heart, so that it cannot be easy, till it is doing something for Jesus Christ.—Methinks I hear my dear friend crying out, “Lord, evermore give me this faith!” Believe me, I heartily say, Amen. Ask then, my dear Sir, and it shall be given you, seek and strive for it, and yet a little while and I shall see you a new creature; your heart I hope is somewhat broken already.—All praise be to God’s free grace in Christ.—Go on, my dear friend, and never cease till you know you are Christ’s, by the spirit that shall be given you. Never fear your carnal friends, renounce them and every thing else that stands in competition with your duty to God.—What have we to do to know any one after the flesh? Let him, who doth the will of our Father in heaven, be our brother, our sister, our mother. For this reason I subscribe myself, dear Sir,

Your’s most affectionately in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER XLV.

To Mr. H――.

Oxon, April 24, 1739.

Dear Mr. H――,

BLESSED be God for working upon your heart by my ministry. I hope the wish’d-for time will come, when I shall see you full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Copies may be taken of my letter; but I would not have it printed, because I intend, when retir’d from the world, to make some discourses on the subject of free grace. Pray acquaint your mother, that I interceded for her solemnly last night. I besought God, that she might have her Saviour revealed in her heart; that is the only way to get above the fears of death. Christ in us is the hope of glory. I rejoice to hear Mr. Cole builds you up in your most holy faith. I exhort you to go on, and who knows but dear Mr. H. may, under God, keep up religion in Gloucester. Mr. Kinchin’s conduct in fearing the church, and giving up the parsonage, has sadly grieved the spirit of many good souls here; but I bless God they are now a little comforted. Oh dear Mr. H――, my heart is drawn towards London most strangely. Perhaps you may hear of your friend’s imprisonment. I expect no other preferment. God grant I may behave so, that when I suffer, it may not be for my own imprudencies, but for righteousness sake, and then I am sure the spirit of Christ and of glory will rest upon my soul. Oh dear Mr. H――, I beseech you, break off from the world. Shake off every fetter that keeps your soul from God, and then how will it rejoice the heart of, dear Sir,

Your’s eternally,

G. W.

LETTER XLVI.

To the Same.

London, April 27, 1739.

Dear Mr. H――,

I Rejoice to hear of the affection of my countrymen. It is a good sign, that the word has taken deep root in their hearts. But above all, do I rejoice that dear Mr. H―― is truly sensible of the free grace of God in Christ. Now, my dear friend, you will begin to be a christian indeed. Blessed be God, I hear my honoured M―― is becoming a fool for Christ’s sake. I do not despair of Mr. W. nay, I cannot despair of any one, when I consider, what I once was myself. Let but God speak the word, and the work shall be done. I always hope well of opposers. To-day, my master by his providence and spirit compelled me to preach in the church-yard at Islington. To-morrow I am to repeat that mad trick, and on Sunday to go out into Moor-Fields. The word of the Lord runs and is glorified. People’s hearts seem quite broken. God strengthens me exceedingly.—I preach till I sweat through and through. All is well at Savannah. Brave news from Gibraltar. Innumerable blessings does God pour down upon me. Oh that I had a thankful heart. I love you both sincerely; I thank you both heartily. I salute all our dear friends most affectionately, and am, dear Sir,

Ever, ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER XLVII.

To the Same.

London, May 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. H――,

THE hour for my imprisonment is not yet come. I am not fit as yet to be so highly honoured. God only knows the treachery of my heart; but amidst all my late success, I have scarce felt one self-complacent thought. I speak this to the honour of God’s free grace. In about three weeks, God willing, we embark for Pensilvania. The trustees have granted to me land and every thing upon my own terms; the officers and general are exceeding kind to my friend Habersham upon my account, so that all things succeed beyond my expectations. I am sorry to hear of Mr. W――’s conduct—Poor man! The love of money is rooted in his heart. Where is the honesty he so much boasts of and relies on? Does not this more and more convince you that nothing but a true faith in Jesus Christ will enable you to act aright? However, he is not to be envyed. I pity him. Money, thus got, will never prosper. I rejoice that you and your spouse are content. I wish you both may have Jesus Christ formed in your hearts, and am

Ever, ever yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER XLVIII.

To ――.

Blendon, June 12, 1739.

My dear Brethren in Christ,

I Am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, and therefore write to you this second letter. I find more and more that satan has desired to have some of you in particular, that he may sift you as wheat, and will strive if possible to divide and separate you all.—I hear there is a woman among you, who pretends to the spirit of prophecy, and what is more unaccountable, I hear that Brother ―― (whom I love in the bowels of Jesus Christ) seems to approve of her. Need therefore, great need have you, my brethren, at this time to take the apostle’s advice, and to try the spirits whether they be of God. For the devil is beginning to mimic God’s work, and because terrors will not do, he is now transforming himself into an angel of light in order more effectually to gain his point. Brother ―― also, I cannot but think, at present is under a spirit of delusion. He, as well as brother ――, I believe imagines there will be a power given to work miracles, and that now Christ is coming to reign a thousand years upon the earth.—But alas! what need is there of miracles, such as healing sick bodies, and restoring sight to blind eyes, when we see greater miracles every day done by the power of God’s word? Do not the spiritually blind now see? Are not the spiritually dead now raised, and the leprous souls now cleans’d, and have not the poor the gospel preached unto them? And if we have the thing already, which such miracles were only intended to introduce, why should we tempt God in requiring further signs? He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And as for our Lord’s coming at this time to reign upon the earth, I answer, it is not for us to know the times and seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.—That a great work is begun is evident, that it will be carried on I doubt not; but how it will end, I know not, neither do I desire to know. It is sufficient for me to do the work of the day in its day, and to rest satisfied in this, that all will end in God’s glory. Lately, brother ―― told me he was shortly, he believed, to be called to some public work.—I pray God he may not run before he is called. To teach, I know, is a pleasing thing; but to begin to teach too soon or without a commission, will be destruction to ourselves, and of ill consequence to others. Uzzah might mean well, when he touched the ark, but his good intention did not preserve him from the just judgments of God. Be not many masters, says the apostle. Oh that that verse was deeply engraven on the tables of our hearts! My dear brethren, be not offended at this plainness of speech. I would all the Lord’s servants were prophets, but then I would not have people think themselves prophets of the Lord, when they are only enthusiasts—If Mr. ―― is acted by a good spirit, why is he not patient of reproof? Why does he fly in a passion, when contradicted? Why does he pretend to be infallible, and that God always speaks in him? May God give us all a right judgment in all things. Pure unfeigned love causes me to use this freedom. Many of you God has worked upon by my ministry, and therefore I would not have you ignorant of satan’s devices. O beware of him at this time. Do not conceive prejudices against each other. Do not dispute, but love; purge out the old leaven from amongst you. Have no fellowship with any that converse with Mr. ――. If they have a mind to depart from you, let them depart. Do you build up each other in your most holy faith. My dear brethren,

I am your common servant in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER XLIX.

To the Rev. Mr. ――.

Leachlade, July 18, 1739.

Dear Sir,

THE scene this morning much affected me; you both put me in mind, how that happy pair, Adam and Eve, looked when arraign’d by the Almighty after having eaten the forbidden fruit. Behold the same remedy reached out to you as to them.—The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.—Look up to him whom you have pierced.—He will heal your backslidings and love you freely.—Had he not loved you both, both of you ere now would have been given over to a reprobate mind. I know the time, when you both were enlightned, when you tasted the good word of God, and felt the powers of the world to come.—Honour, falsely so called, has caused you to draw back, but I believe not unto perdition. Jesus is still striving with your heart. Come to him by faith, renounce the world, and he will yet delight to honour you. “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.” Mention not old things, let all things become new. I love both of you from my heart. Come forth, and be ye separate, saith the Lord almighty. Break with the world at once, and you shall become fools for Christ’s sake. What if your wife sent some such letter as the following to her parents.

Honoured Father and Mother,

THE contents of this letter will surprize you, but I can no longer halt between God and the world; the happy convictions, that God once put into my heart, now arise in my mind, I will no longer be an almost christian. I am resolved to become a fool for Christ’s sake. Blessed be God Mr. M―― is like-minded.—Hitherto have I hindered him in his spiritual progress, God forbid I should do it any longer. Hence forward will we go hand in hand together, and naked follow a naked Christ.—

Dearest Mr.――, I am ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER L.

London, July 23, 1739.

Dear Madam,

YOUR letter filled me with joy and with pity. Pity, to see you tempted, joy, to find you are thought worthy of enduring temptation. Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But be not afraid, Jesus Christ is praying for you, and your faith shall not fail. Your master hath been in the wilderness before you, and knows by experience, how to succour those that are tempted. Lift up then the hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. Infidel books have poisoned your understanding, and rivetted great pride therein. Strong temptations are necessary to mortify that pride, and to teach you that lowliness of heart, which our Lord calls all that are weary and heavy laden to learn of him. Look up then to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. He will send you help in every time of need. Indeed he will never leave you, nor forsake you. Follow him as the poor Syrophœnician woman did, and though he may now turn away his face seemingly for a while, yet he will always support you inwardly by a living faith, and shortly give you the spirit of adoption, whereby you will be enabled to cry, “Abba, Father.” I speak this by happy experience. I have mourned, but now I am comforted. I have gone through the spirit of bondage, and, for ever be adored God’s free grace, he has given me the spirit of adoption. And that you also will have this in God’s due time and way, is the firm belief of

Your unworthy brother, and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LI.

London, July 23, 1739.

Dear Mr. H――,

I Wish you joy of your new-born son. Oh that it may be made a real child of God. I purpose, God willing, to stand to my promise, either in person, or by proxy. I know not yet, how providence will be pleased to dispose of me. I have written to the Lords of the Admiralty for a licence. Saturday evening next, I hope you will see Mr. Charles Wesley. He intends to preach at Gloucester, Raindwick, &c. Pray desire Mr. Cole and our other dear friends to appoint places. Matters go on most bravely here. I think people are ten times more affected than ever. The audiences full and numerous, and they give their mites for the orphan house with a chearful and ready heart. Have you heard how I preached upon the stage among the cudgel players at Basingstoke, and got a blow? Both I and my companions were also turned out of our inn, and in danger of being beaten heartily. Blessed be God! My sermon comes out on Wednesday. Heartiest love to dear Mrs. H――. That Jesus Christ may be fully formed in both your hearts, is the prayer of,

Ever, ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER LII.

London, July 24, 1739.

Honoured Sir,

THOUGH but a child in grace, and a novice in the things of God, yet I could not escape this opportunity of shewing you, how dear you are to my soul. Though unknown in person, yet you have long since been known to me in spirit. I hoped to have seen you ere I left London. I hasted up to town hoping to have some spiritual gift imparted to me by that means, but I was not worthy of it, I was not prepared for such a blessing.—You went before I came. A great work of God is doing here. The Lord Jesus gets himself the victory every day; free grace compels poor sinners to come in. Our brother ―― can inform you of particulars. As for my own soul, God mightily strengthens me in the inward man, and gives me often such foretastes of his love, that I am almost continually wishing to be dissolved, that I may be with Christ.—But I am only beginning to begin to be a christian.—I must suffer also, as well as do for my dear Master. Perhaps a storm is gathering. I believe God will permit it to fall on my head first.—This comes then, honoured Sir, to desire your prayers, that none of those things may move me; and that I may not count even my life dear unto me, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus. Though I die for him, yet, I beseech you, honoured Sir, to pray that I may not in any way deny him. But what am I doing? I fear, honoured Sir, I am too free. A sense of your humility and love for the blessed Jesus makes me thus open. How should I rejoice, if you would honour me with a line.—I am young, and therefore a word of exhortation and advice, would much profit, honoured Sir,

Your very humble servant, in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LIII.

London, July 25, 1739.

Dear Sir,

NOT a want of love, but of time, has obliged me to shorten my late letters. Had I an hundred hands I could employ them all. The harvest is very great. I am ashamed I can do no more for him, who hath done so much for me; not by way of retaliation, but gratitude. Fain would I love my master, and will not go from him; his service is perfect freedom; his yoke is easy, his burden light. Still he is pleased to shew us greater things. Every day affords fresh instances of the power of his word. I am now about to attack satan in one of his strong-holds, if I perish.—To-night I preach, God willing, where an horse-race is to be. I find my Master strengthens me for the work. O, dear Sir, pray for me, that my faith fail not, and that my zeal be tempered with knowledge. Our brother ―― will prove an agreeable correspondent. If business prevents my writing, he will inform you what happens from time to time to, dear Sir,

Your most affectionate in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LIV.

London, July 26, 1739.

Rev. Sir,

JUST now I received your kind letter, and am endeavouring to catch a few moments to answer it. I thank you for your encouraging hints. O! dear Sir, continue to exhort, and provoke me to love and to good works, that I may with patience run the race that is set before me. Hitherto my dear Master magnifies his strength in my weakness. Ever since he honoured me to suffer a little reproach for his name’s sake, at Basingstoke, he has caused me to rejoice with exceeding great joy. My spirit was stirred within me. Methinks I could willingly have died to have borne my testimony against the lying vanities, and devilish entertainments of this generation. By the help of my Master, I will go on and attack the devil in his strongest holds. O pray, dear Sir, that my zeal may be always tempered with true christian prudence. It would grieve me, should I bring sufferings causelessly upon myself. A trying time, perhaps, is at hand. O that I may be found faithful! If providence permits, I will perform my promise. I am blind, I am a child, I know nothing. I only desire the whole will of God may be done, in, by, and upon, dear Sir,

Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LV.

London, July 26, 1739.

Sir,

I Received your kind letter, but must beg to be excused from dissuading your son to go with ――. The employment in which he is engaged will, in the end, if faithfully improved, tend much to God’s glory and his own good. He now sits by me; I read over your letter to him, and he continues as resolute as ever. The being disinherited does not terrify him at all. He has a more abiding inheritance, and is willing naked to follow a naked Christ.—Dear Sir, let me advise you to do nothing rashly. If you can pray for a blessing on your will when you are about to disinherit your son, I shall wonder. Have a little patience, and then you will find that your son is about to act wisely. If I thought otherwise, no one would be more forward to dissuade him, than, Sir,

Your very humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER LVI.

London, July 31, 1739.

OH that my head was water and my eyes fountains of tears, that I might weep over my dear Mr. ――. What? And has my familiar friend, who has been dear to me as my own soul, has he taken part with, and gone back to the enemy? Surely it cannot be!—And yet I must believe it.—But if any one had told my dear friend, that he would have behaved thus, would he not have cried out, “Is thy servant a dog that he should do this?” Oh, my dear friend, I am in pain for you! Alas! who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth? You did run well; who, or what hath hindered you? Not a fear of man, I hope; not a desire of that praise, that cometh of man. I know the time when my dear friend’s heart stood stedfast. I know the time when my dear friend was willing to be accounted a fool for Christ’s sake, and chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin, of false politeness, for a season. And why should I despair of my dear friend now? No, I know Jesus Christ was set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel. Our Lord, I trust, has prayed for you, and I hope your faith will not totally fail. Forgive me, I must stop and sigh: God forbid I should be called, at the great day, to say, that my dear Mr. ―― put his hand to the plough and turned back unto perdition. Good God! the thought strikes me as though a dart was shot through my liver. Return, return. My dear friend, I cannot part from you for ever. Do not speak peace to your soul, when there is no peace. Do not turn factor for the devil. Do not prejudice or hurt my brother, and thereby add to the grief you have already occasioned.

Your most affectionate friend and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LVII.

Bristol, July 31, 1739.

My dear Brother,

BLESSED be God for bringing you in safety home.—He is a God hearing prayer. May he sanctify our meeting. I hope to see you here this week. I shall set out for Deal on Monday.—I long to hear how the soul of my dear brother prospers.—I long to embrace you in these unworthy arms.—Methinks I could now sing my nunc dimittis with pleasure, if my eyes could see my dear brother’s salvation. I hope you have conversed with Mr. Wesley. It will require some degree of boldness to own either of us before men. God vouchsafes to honour us: No wonder our names are cast out as evil.—Dear Mr. ――, I hear, is staggered with the fear of man.—Sister, I trust, is in a good way. When shall I see you? Come, Oh come and warm my heart, by telling me what God hath done for your soul. Eternity will be too short to praise him for what he has done for

Your affectionate brother,

G. W.

LETTER LVIII.

London, August 3, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

THIS morning I received yours, and though I leave London this evening, yet I cannot but snatch a few moments to send you an answer. I love all that love our Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of Christ, with me is the center. I love the man, and you in particular, though in all things he may not follow with me. I rejoice there is a revival of true religion in Scotland. The spirit of God is moving on the faces of thousands of souls in England. The word runs very swift, and satan falls like lightning from heaven. God hath sent me into the highways and hedges, to compel poor sinners to come in; many are left to water, what God hath been pleased to plant; I doubt not of his giving a great increase. But I am a child, I cannot speak, yet God will magnify his free grace. God will work, and all oppositions must forward, but not hinder it.—Inclosed I have sent you a sermon just published.—You may judge of my principles from that. The picture I highly honour.—May I follow them as they follow Christ. I am no friend to sinless perfection.—I believe the being (though not the dominion) of sin remains in the hearts of the greatest believers.—Time and business will not give me leave to enlarge.—Besides, I am but a novice in the school of Christ; and therefore most earnestly beg your prayers, that I may grow in the knowledge of our common Lord. At his call, I am now going abroad, and expect to suffer many things ere I return home.—Reverend and dear Sir, I wish you much success in the name of the Lord, and am

Your brother and servant in the best bonds,

G. W.

LETTER LIX.

London, August 3, 1739.

Dear Sir,

I Cannot leave London without answering your last letter. I am convinced that God calls me now to Georgia, and so are our friends. God’s ways are like the great deep.—He will go a way by himself. Exitus acta probat. The prophecy you mention, I dare not apply to myself. What am I, that God should so delight to honour me? However, I believe the Lord will work a great work upon the earth. Whatever instruments he shall make use of in effecting it, I care not. If Christ be preached, if my dear Lord be glorified, I rejoice; yea, and will rejoice. I wish all the Lord’s servants were prophets. Oh, dear Sir, my heart is now melted down with a sense of the divine love! Never was a greater instance of God’s free grace in Christ. What am I, O Lord, that thou shouldest delight to honour me? Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight! Dear Sir, I could now write all day; but other business demands my attendance.—Yet a little while, and we shall sit down in the kingdom of God for ever. Dear Sir adieu. Oh give thanks, give thanks, and pray for

Your’s most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LX.

Blendon, August 6, 1739.

AND would not dear Mr. ―― stay for my last letter? What, is he retired into the country to learn how to forget his God? Is he got into favour with the polite world? Are not these sad symptoms, that my dearest Mr. ―― is falling away a-pace? He runned into one extreme lately, and now satan is driving him into another. Did not I forwarn you of this? O my dear friend, my brother, return to your first love, otherwise you will find the spirit of God deserting you more and more every day. Nemo repente fuit turpissimus. But I can say no more.—Perhaps I am troublesome. However, give me leave to weep. Permit me to pray for you. Though you are now dead comparatively, yet, I trust, you will be alive. Though now seemingly lost, yet surely you shall be found again. God only knows how such news would rejoice the heart of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend in the best bonds,

G. W.

LETTER LXI.

――, August 7, 1739.

Dear Mr. ――,

I Thank you most heartily for your last: Had you been more particular, I should have thanked you still more. May God reward you for watching over my soul! Pride and selfishness are the tempers of the devil. By the help of my God I will never rest till my Master gives me power to overcome them. It is difficult, I believe, to go through the fiery trial of popularity and applause untainted. Blessed be God, I am now sweetly retired. O help me, my dear Sir, by your prayers, as well as your advice, and believe me desirous to subscribe myself,

Your’s most affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXII.

On board the Elizabeth, Gravesend, August 14, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

YOUR kind letter gave me much satisfaction. It breathed the language of one, who is a Boanerges in the church of God. Excess of business prevented my answering it sooner. As I am now retired from a public life, I trust I shall have time to try my heart and search out my spirit. Forget me not, dear Sir, when you are praying for all those, who travel by land and by water, when storms and winds are blowing over me. I hope I shall always carry you, and others of my dear friends in Wales, upon my heart, whenever I go in and out before the Lord. It would rejoice my soul to hear from you, when abroad. Exhort me, oh exhort me, to be valiant for the truth. Bid, oh bid me, dear Sir, to be mindful of a dying and risen Jesus.—Bid me to remember the riches of his free grace in pulling me as a brand out of the fire, and exhort me to lay down my life for his sake.—Brother Harris, I find, has come off triumphantly.—The hour of suffering is not yet come. God prepare us all for it! I expect to suffer for my blessed master’s name sake. But, wherefore do I fear? My master will pray for me.—Dear Sir, adieu. I know you not in person. Perhaps I may never see your face in the flesh. However, I shall see you in heaven, and then you shall see how sincerely I now subscribe myself,

Your unworthy brother and fellow-servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXIII.

On board the Elizabeth, Gravesend, August 14, 1739.

Dear Madam,

I Cannot think of your favours, and yet forbear writing a letter of thanks. I cannot think of your parting tears, and not inform you, how sincerely I pray God to comfort and refresh your soul.—Oh Madam, your kindness to such a dead dog as I am, quite surprizes me. How much more ought you and I, and all mankind, to adore the unspeakable goodness of our heavenly Father, who has so loved the world, as to give his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Dear Madam, never rest till you have a lively faith in Christ Jesus. God has put into your heart good desires after it. Continue instant in prayer; apply to Jesus Christ, as a poor sinner, and yet a little while, and dear Mrs. ―― shall be a christian indeed. Hasten O Lord, that blessed time. Oh let thy kingdom come, in full power, into this thy handmaiden’s heart! Innumerable temptations surround you, to make you take up your rest here. But, I hope, Madam, you will be upon your guard, and let nothing be thought of, or done, by you, which may any way tend to indulge the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Simplicity is the very spirit of the gospel; therefore, the more we learn Christ, the more regardless we shall be of worldly vanities. God of his infinite mercy make you a widow indeed! You see, Madam, how freely I have wrote to you. It is because I value your welfare.—It is the best return that can be made, for all favours conferred on, Madam,

Your most obliged friend and servant in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXIV.

On board the Elizabeth, Gravesend, August 14, 1739.

Dear Madam,

YOUR affectionate parting, and the tears I observed you to shed, even when I was at a distance from you, made me almost ready to cry out “What mean you to weep and to break my heart?” Oh may our dear Lord put your tears into his bottle, and reward you a thousand fold for all the kindnesses you have shewn to me! Indeed I am less than the least of his servants. But yet, so loving is my dear Master, that he will not let a cup of cold water given in his name, to pass by unobserved or unrewarded. When partaking of your bounty of flour, I hope I shall pray that you and your’s may eat bread in the kingdom of God. You have all good desires; I hope you are not far from the kingdom of God.—Oh let there not be any thing lacking. Give God your hearts, your whole hearts; let Jesus Christ’s be your whole wisdom, your whole righteousness; and then he will be your whole sanctification and eternal redemption. I write this from my floating habitation, to assure you how sincerely I am

Your most obliged friend and affectionate humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXV.

On board the Elizabeth, August 14, 1739.

My dear Mr. ――,

AT length we are embarked; our ship is now going to the Downs.—Yet a little while, and, God willing, I shall see you once more in the flesh. My family consists of more than twelve, besides two children; I hope all are desirous to know Christ. God strengthens me mightily in the inner man. The sermon I have sent you is one of my extempore sermons.—The journal will acquaint you with particulars.—My brother, the captain, hath been with me this last week.—If he leaves off disputing, and will come to Christ as a poor lost sinner, he will do well.—The bishop of London has lately wrote against me; I trust God hath assisted me in writing an answer.—It is now in the press.—All the self-righteous are up in arms.—My Master makes me more than a conqueror through his love. Mr. ―― has about forty societies in Yorkshire. Both the Mr. Wesley’s go on well.—Go where you will, religion (either for or against it) is the talk.—Probably a suffering time will come. You will not be ashamed of me, though I should be a prisoner. Perhaps you will be put to the trial: But how does my dear friend’s heart? Have you found Christ? Does he live in you, so as to be the alpha and omega, the beginning and end of all your actions? Are you enlightened to see the exceeding great riches and fulness of his grace? Oh how will it rejoice my soul to see you a proficient in the school of Christ? How will it delight me to see your little flock pressing towards the mark.—Soon after this reaches Georgia, I hope to see you.—My stay will be as short as possible at Philadelphia. I must not delay coming to my dear, though poor charge.—I expect to find Savannah almost desolate; but our extremity is God’s opportunity. I believe it will lift up its drooping head.—For the present, my dear friend, farewell.

Your’s most affectionately in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXVI.

On board the Elizabeth going to the Downs, August 15, 1739.

My dear Brother,

THE agony I was in at your departure, and the many strong cryings and tears which I offered up to God afterwards, plainly shew, that I love you in sincerity and truth. Though I am now about to launch into the great deep, yet I must write you a parting line. I cannot but think you will come to Christ in earnest. God has most remarkably met you by his providence.—His spirit has been striving with you, and I doubt not but it will get the victory over your carnal reasonings, and the rebellion of a depraved heart. But do not, my dear brother, I beseech you, dispute against your own happiness.—Be not unwilling to confess that you are not yet a christian. Remember what our Lord hath said: “Whosoever receiveth not the kingdom of God, as a little child, shall in no-wise enter therein.”—I beseech you, by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, to leave off disputing. You have been, I think, frequently convinced; but nature, I find, has as frequently interposed, and persuaded you that you had gone far enough already.—But does not my dear brother find, that he yet lacks something? Have not his tempers and corruptions; nay, hath not sin itself dominion over him? Are his affections weaned from the world? Does he feel himself a poor lost sinner? Is he willing the Lord Jesus should be his whole righteousness? Is he convinced of the freeness, as well as of the riches of his grace? You see, my dear brother, how freely I deal with you. It is because I love you with a peculiar love.—Never did my heart exult at the sight of any relation, as at the sight of you; Surely God intends to give me my dear brother. He is already an almost; hasten, O Lord, that blessed time, when he shall be an altogether christian, and let thy kingdom, with full power, come into my dear brother’s heart!—How shall I say farewell? If you have opportunity, pray write to

Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother,

G. W.

LETTER LXVII.

On board the Elizabeth going to the Downs, August 16, 1739.

Dear Mr. ――,

I Thank God for his goodness to brother Howell Harris. I thank you for informing me of it. The storm is diverted for a while, but I expect it to break upon my head one time or another. God has, for a while, prepared me a place of refuge in the ship, from whence I write this. Oh beseech him, that I may improve the retirement by searching out my spirit. I have almost forgot, that I was in the world. My family on board is quite settled, and we live and love like christians. God only knows where you and I shall meet again; whether in time or eternity. However, this we know, that both must be tried to the uttermost. Inward and outward afflictions await us, and all the children of God. I am now reading the book of martyrs. They make me blush to think how little I suffer for Christ’s sake. They warm my heart, and make me think the time long till I am called to resist even unto blood: But I fear the treachery of this heart of mine. Dear Mr. ――, to your past, add one more favour, “pray that I may be found faithful.” I trust I shall have a sweet remembrance of you and my other dear friends, when I go in and out before the Lord. Salute them most affectionately. Exhort them, oh exhort them to continue in the grace of God; and forget not to write to, dear Mr. ――,

Yours most affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXVIII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.¹

Reverend and dear Sir,

THOUGH business prevents my corresponding with you so frequently as I did when in England, yet what can hinder me now, but a want of gratitude and love? Accept then, dear Sir, my sincere, though late thanks, for all favours conferred upon me, and assure yourself, I remember both you and your beloved people at the throne of grace. Nothing will rejoice me more than to hear, that the good pleasure of the Lord prospers in your hand. Oh dear Sir, what a gracious Master do we serve! His loving-kindness still prevents, accompanies, and follows me. He has not given me over unto death, but is still pleased to dig and dung round me, and not cut me down as a cumberer of the ground. I long to be purged, dear Sir, that I may bring forth more fruit. Since my retirement from the world, I have seen more and more how full I am of corruption. Nothing could possibly support my soul under the many agonies which oppressed me, when on board, but a consideration of the freeness, eternity, and unchangeableness of God’s love to me, the chief of sinners.—In about a twelvemonth, probably, I shall return again to my native country. Satan no doubt will endeavour to stir up all his forces against me. By the help of my God, I will once more come forth with my sling and my stone.—I shall wait with impatience to hear how the work goes on in my absence. I trust, God, by this time, has sent forth more labourers into his harvest. I heartily wish all the Lord’s servants were prophets. I verily believe, the right-hand of the Lord will not only have the pre-eminence, but also bring mighty things to pass. O how do I long, dear Sir, to see bigotry and party-zeal taken away, and all the Lord’s servants more knit together. Pray, my due respects to all that are so kind as to enquire after me. Exhort them to pray and give thanks for,

Your unworthy friend, brother, and servant in our dear Lord’s vineyard,

G. W.

LETTER LXIX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

MAN appoints, but God disappoints. No doubt it was best, that I should not see your answer to the bishop’s letter before I left England. I hope it was wrote with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and then no doubt God will give his blessing. Oh, dear Sir, how is the glory departed from Israel! In what dregs of time are we born? Boasting of our orthodoxy and primitive purity, and yet alas! but ―― is not this enough, dear Sir, to excite our zeal even till it do eat us up? Wherefore hath God called us by his free grace, and made a difference between us and others, but that we should stand up in defence of his injured honour? Your friend, Mr. ――, has told me how plentifully you once tasted of the good word of life, and felt the powers of the world to come. Oh that the divine spark may again kindle in the heart till it become a flame of fire! Nothing will so much enforce your arguments as a life exactly conformable to the holy Jesus.—When with you last, I thought you spoke too favourable of horse-races, and such things. But what diversion ought a christian or a clergyman to know or speak of, but that of doing good? Many who are right in their principles, are worse than I could wish in their practice. Oh for a revival of true and undefiled religion in all sects whatsoever! I long to see a catholic spirit over-spread the world; may God vouchsafe to make me an instrument of promoting it! Methinks, I care not what I do or suffer, so that I may see my Lord’s kingdom come with power. But I know not my own weakness, till I am tried. Dear Sir, pray for me, that I may be found faithful in an hour of temptation. I expect to be tried to the uttermost, and to hear, that many are become my enemies, who once would, as it were, have plucked out their eyes for me. It is necessary that such offences should come; otherwise, how can I know that I am, what I desire to be, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and true brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brethren, and worthy fellow-labourers in Christ,

THOUGH I know none of you in person, yet, from the time I heard of your faith and love towards our dear Lord Jesus, I have been acquainted with you in spirit, and have constantly mentioned you in my poor prayers. The good pleasure of the Lord, I find, prospers in your hands; and I pray God increase you more and more, both you and your children. Scotland, like England, hath been so much settled upon it’s lees for some time, that I fear our late days may properly be called the midnight of the church. Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath sent forth many of his servants with this cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” Thousands obey the call, and are trimming their spiritual lamps, in order to go forth to meet him. I cannot but think a winnowing time will come after this in-gathering of souls. O that we may suffer only as christians, and then the spirit of Christ and of glory will rest upon us. In patience possess your souls, and I will leave my cause to God. You, my reverend Brethren, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded; may we go on then in the power, and under the guidance of the Lord of Hosts. The eternal God will be your perpetual refuge. He that employs, will protect; as your day is, so shall your strength be. Let not our dear Lord’s lambs perish for lack of knowledge. “Give ye, give ye them to eat,” methinks, is the endearing, constraining command of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. And O that a due obedience may be paid to it by me, your unworthy brother. But I blush almost, when I stile myself your brother; for I am a child, and all of you are fathers. Oh, strive together with me in your prayers, that the divine strength may be still magnified in my weakness. You will intreat the Lord to bless the orphan-house. I have reason to think, God will bring great good out of it. Oh that I may be prepared for future favours! Oh that pride and self-love may thoroughly be subdued! Brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, to pray for me, whilst winds and storms are blowing over me. You are not forgotten by him, who, though the most unworthy of his Lord’s servants, desires to subscribe himself,

Your affectionate brother, and fellow-pilgrim and labourer in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXXI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Friend,

BECAUSE I will not forget you, I begin to write before we get on shore. How is dear Mr. ――’s heart? Has he yet recovered his first love? And is that prophecy, “This child is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel,” as yet fulfilled in him. I cannot but think a good work was once wrought upon your soul. I cannot but think, God will yet fulfil his whole will in you. But let not my dear friend linger any longer. If there is mercy with God, let him be feared, not disobeyed. If he has promised to heal our backslidings, and love us freely, let his goodness lead us to repentance. Prosperity hath been a snare to you; every day I see the excellency of that part of Agur’s, prayer, “Give me not riches, lest I be full and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord.” And that petition in our liturgy, “In all time of our wealth, good Lord deliver us.” I always take particular notice of it. I believe you will not be at all richer this year, than you was the last.—For as riches increase, our wants increase with them.—I write not this to have you desert your station, but to excite a holy jealousy in your heart.—Oh, what would I give to see my dear friend, as formerly, “Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” If God sends me to England again, I shall try my friends. However that be, I am persuaded, that suffering for righteousness sake, is the best, the greatest preferment in the church of Christ. But how does your little—I would not willingly say, your great idol. Pray accept a quarto bible for him. Oh, my friend, give him up to God, and do not provoke him, by over-fondness and too great indulgence, to take him from you. The little lambs on board improve bravely; they bear the voyage best of all. They are as lusty as eagles: God has dealt most gently with us. I hope I may say, the church in my house salute you and your wife.—I do not forget her; may she never rest till she comes into the glorious liberty of the children of God! It is a blessed thing, my dear friend, to be the Lord’s freeman. My heart is full; I repent I have not allowed more paper. My dear Sir, excuse and pray for

Your most affectionate, though unworthy friend,

G. W.

LETTER LXXII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Sister in Christ,

WANT of time, not want of respect, has prevented my answering your kind letters. I esteem you highly for Christ’s sake. I believe you to be one whom God has chosen out of the world, and hath sealed to the day of redemption. Nothing, therefore, shall pluck you out of his hands. Was it not for this promise, my soul would be exceeding sorrowful at the prospect of what I may undergo. The innumerable temptations that attend a popular life, sometimes make me think it would be best for me to withdraw. But then I consider, that He, who delivered Daniel out of the den of lions, and the three children out of the fiery furnace, is able and willing to deliver me also out of the fiery furnace of popularity and applause, and from the fury of those, who, for preaching Christ, and him crucified, are my inveterate enemies. In his strength therefore, and at his command, whenever his providence shall call, I will venture out again. As yet my trials have been nothing. Hereafter a winnowing time may come; then we shall see, who is on the Lord’s side, and who dare to confess Christ before men. None but those who wholly rely on the Redeemer’s righteousness, and are truly born again of God. Oh pray, that I may be found faithful. Satan hath been very busy with me since I saw you, but I trust the Lord, by these inward trials, will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit. Cease not to pray, that this may be the happy case of,

Your servant in the gospel,

G. W.

LETTER LXXIII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. ――,

YOU cannot well conceive how constantly you have been upon my heart, since I saw you. I think there has been a sympathy between your heart and mine. I have often pitied my dying friend, and as often prayed, that he may leave a word for God. I say, prayed, for God alone can remove the load.—I know too well what such temptations are, to think they may be overcome by our own strength. But, my dear Friend, you and I, weak as we are, can do all things through Christ strengthening us.—Do you believe on the Son of God? All things are possible to him that believeth. If the devil therefore continues his assaults, resist him, stedfast in the faith. Resist him, my dear Friend, and he will flee from you; rather suffer any thing, than be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. If you cannot overcome where you are, absence, perhaps, may cure you. Methinks, I would do and suffer any thing, rather than dear Mr. ―― should be led away.—My companions in travel have an equal respect for you. We have often joined in prayer for you, when eating your cake. May God reward you for that, and all your other kind respects and favours conferred on, dear Mr. ――,

Your’s most affectionately in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXIV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Madam,

I Should think myself highly ungrateful, did I not take all opportunities of acknowledging the many kindnesses I have received at your hands. Your last presents have been exceeding serviceable on board the ship, and every time we have tasted your bounty, I have endeavoured to dart up a short ejaculation for our kind benefactress. You cannot conceive, dear Madam, how loving the Lord has dealt with us; he has given us all things richly to enjoy, and comforted us on every side. Indeed sometimes he has been pleased to withdraw from me, and to permit satan to send me a thorn in the flesh.—But that was only to shew me my vileness, and to prepare me for further manifestations of his goodness to my soul. Our voyage though long has not been tedious or burdensome. My soul wants retirement.—I dread coming out into the world again. I am confident, dear Madam, that you will pray for me, that I may be kept unspotted from it. Oh what a blessed Master do we serve! His rod as well as staff comforts the soul. His corrections are all loving, and are only intended to make us truly great. Though you seemed to doubt, yet I hope to see you once more before you go hence. I cannot say I expect liberty long, if I speak boldly the truth as I ought to speak.—Indeed there is no being a true christian, and yet holding with the world, so much as some may imagine. Jesus Christ calls us to simplicity. I have often thought, dear Madam, that you did not see through the world enough. Numbers are accounted christians, who have only a name to live. I pray God to open all our eyes, that we may see every thing clearly. A time of persecution will show who are Israelites indeed, and who outside professors.—I hope, Madam, that, when tried, you will come forth as gold purified seven times in the fire. I only fear for, and suspect myself.—The Lord my righteousness will uphold me. Dear Madam, God only knows with what gratitude I desire to subscribe myself

Your most obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXXV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. ――,

WHEN last abroad, I could not write to you for want of knowing your name. Blessed be God we have since been better acquainted, and I now know your name and place of abode. May the God, whom I desire to serve, richly reward you for receiving me into your house. You were one of my most constant hearers; may you be my joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. I trust ere now, you have felt, that the kingdom of God does not consist in word, but in power. I know that Mrs. ―― would have me deal plainly with her soul; therefore I shall not scruple to tell her, how I have sometimes thought she was not yet clearly enough convinced of sin, and of the perfect righteousness wrought out for, and to be imputed to her, by the Lord Jesus Christ, through faith in his blood.—Since I have been on shipboard, blessed be God, his name has made my soul to smart, and caused me to see more of my own wretchedness. Oh, Mrs. ――, you know not, neither do I myself know as yet, what a mystery of iniquity is hid even in a heart timely renewed. I saw a little of it the other day; and had I not known my Redeemer liveth, and that he ever liveth to make intercession for me, I must have sunk into despair:

But there’s a voice of sovereign grace

Sounds from the sacred word;

Here ye despairing sinners come,

And trust upon the Lord.

May God of his infinite mercy so work upon you, that, at at the last day, you may be found having on the wedding-garment! Was I to study to eternity, I could wish you nothing better. May the ever-blessed God say Amen to it. I hope your little daughters are in good health. Dear Mrs. ――, exhort them to renounce the lust of the eye and the pride of life, and to abstain from all appearance of evil. I have a sincere concern for you and yours, and with all possible thanks for your kind presents and affection, I subscribe myself

Your sincere friend and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXVI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. ――,

AS I do not forget to pray for, so I do not forget to write to you, to make a proper acknowledgment of your and your husband’s love; exhorting you to save yourselves from this untoward generation. Before I left London, I perceived God was working upon your soul. I trust the same God, since my departure, has carried it on, and that you are convinced of the sin of unbelief. Oh dear Mrs. ――, it is a difficult thing to believe aright; it can only be given from above. I know many of my acquaintance, who love to hear me talk and preach, and who receive me gladly into their houses; but alas! I fear they are self-righteous, and were never yet truly convinced of sin. They have good desires, and therefore flatter themselves, that they are good christians: But I fear many of them are only foolish virgins. I would not have dear Mrs. ―― or her husband of this number. If she hath followed on to know the Lord, I am persuaded ere now, she is in some measure brought out of herself, and taught of God to rely only on Jesus Christ for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. If thus minded, your soul is at peace with God, itself, and the world. If not, let her ask and it shall be given her, let her seek and she shall find, let her knock and a door of mercy shall be opened unto her.—All things are possible to him that believeth—Oh dear Mrs. ――, my heart is inlarged towards you; I long for your salvation: press on and faint not. Whenever I come, I shall expect to suffer. But though we die for Christ, oh let us pray that we may not deny him in any wise. Nothing but the free almighty grace of God can uphold,

Your sincere friend in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXVII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

I Think I may say of you, as the Samaritans did upon another occasion, I believe you to be a true lover of our dear Lord Jesus. Not merely because my brother told me so, but because I have it under his own hand. Your last kind letter has knit my heart most closely to you. I love those that thunder out the word. The christian world is in a deep sleep. Nothing but a loud voice can awaken them out of it. I pray God to strengthen you more and more, and cause you to triumph in every place. Though absent in body, I am present with you in spirit. It would rejoice me to hear of your success in the Lord. In about a twelvemonth I purpose, God willing, to return to England; who knows but then I may see you face to face, and have some spiritual gift imparted to my soul? I long to die to myself, and to be alive unto God. Methinks I would be always upon the wing; but alas! I have a body of sin, which at times makes me cry out, “who shall deliver me?” I thank God, our Lord Jesus Christ will deliver. But I never expect intire freedom, till I bow down my head, and give up the ghost. Every fresh employ, I find brings with it fresh temptations. God always humbles before he exalts me. Sometimes I speak and write freely, at other times I am comparatively barren; one while on the mount, another while overshadowed with a cloud; but blessed be God, at all times at peace with him, and assured that my sins are forgiven. I want to leap my seventy years; I long to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. But I must be made perfect by sufferings. I expect no other preferment. And you no doubt will have your share. This is our comfort, if we suffer we shall also reign with Christ; hasten on, O Lord, that blessed time, when dear Mr. ―― shall sit down at thy right hand, with all the spirits of just men made perfect in heaven! where I trust a seat, though of the lowest class, is prepared for

Your unworthy friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXXVIII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

SINCE I saw you last, you cannot well tell with what pleasure I have reflected on the uncommon power that frequently attended the word at Bexley. It was to me a sign of God’s good will, both to ministers and people. The former I was convinced of, before I left England. The last sermon I heard you preach, gave me much satisfaction. I hope ere now you are convinced of the latter also, and have seen some good effects amongst your parishioners. However, this I am assured of, we shall all in due time reap the fruit of our labours, if we faint not. Let me therefore exhort you, by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, to continue unwearied in well doing. You have seen the afflictions of God’s spiritual Israel. “Do and live,” is most they hear. But what is this, but requiring them to make bricks without straw? Arise, arise, then, my dear Mr. ――; proclaim the Lord to be their righteousness. The everlasting I AM now sends you forth: say not they will disbelieve my report, for God seems to have given his people the hearing ear and obedient heart. Fear not the face of man, for the Lord, if you go out in his strength, shall be with you, whithersoever you go. I hope my dear and honoured friend ere now hath prevented my exhortations. Methinks I see him, with all boldness declaring the whole counsel of God, and the attentive people receiving joyfully the gracious words, which proceed out of his mouth. Go on, my dear brother, go on; may the Lord bless you more and more, daily adding to the number of your spiritual children. ―― I thank you, from my soul, for all favours conferred on me, and I pray you may always confess our Lord and his disciples before men. My most sincere respects attend your help-mate and true yoke-fellow. You are constantly upon my heart. My next journal will acquaint you how lovingly God hath dealt with

Your most unworthy friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXXIX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

AND how does my dear Mr. H――s? Is he yet commenced a field preacher? I am persuaded my dear friend is under the guidance of God’s spirit, and therefore am convinced he will be directed for the best. He desires to do his Lord’s will, and shall he not know it? Undoubtedly he shall. Nay, ere now I trust God has pointed out his way, and he has been upon many a mount stretching out his hands, and inviting all that are weary and heavy laden to come to Jesus Christ. Oh my dear brother, though you come after me, yet I pray God, you may always be preferred before me. I trust I shall not envy, but rejoice in my brother’s success. At present, I find I love him in the bowels of Jesus Christ; I am frequently with you in spirit, and shall wait with impatience till I hear of my dear brother’s progress in the Lord. Alas! I fear I do not improve my retirement as I ought. God has graciously pleased to conduct me in mercy. The tempter has been busy with me, and I never before was more deeply wounded for sin. Christ’s love will let nothing pluck us out of his hands. However, let us constantly watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. In about a twelvemonth, God willing, I think of returning to England. I should rejoice, if you would come and supply my place at Savannah. If not, I must resign the parsonage, and take upon me only the care of the orphans. I intend bringing up two or three, that are with me, for the ministry: more, no doubt, will shortly be added to their number. If you could come and teach them the languages, for an hour or two in the day; we could serve both the orphan-house and parsonage together. Great things I trust will come out of Georgia. The Lord Jesus direct your spirit, and if it be his will, send you as a help to, dear Sir,

Your’s most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXXX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and dear Sir,

THOUGH but little acquainted with you, yet I write this to assure you, what a cordial respect I have for you. The love of God, which I trust, through his free grace, is shed abroad in both our hearts, constrains me to love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I remember you in my unworthy prayers, and am persuaded I am not forgotten in your’s. No one more needs them, whether considered as a private christian, or a public minister; thousands are waiting for my halting; and I know so much of the corruption of my own heart, that was God to leave me to myself but one moment, I should with oaths and curses deny my master. As for my final perseverance, I bless God, I have not the least doubt thereof. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance. Whom he loves, I am persuaded, he loves to the end. But then I fear, lest being puffed up with abundance of success, I should provoke the Lord to let me fall into some heinous sin, and thereby give his adversaries reason to rejoice. A public life is attended with innumerable snares; and a sense of my unworthiness and unfitness so weighs me down, that I have often thought it would be best for me to retire. But I know these are all suggestions of the enemy. Why should I distrust omnipotence? Having had a legion of devils cast out of my heart by the power of Christ, why should I not tell what he hath done for my soul, for the encouragement of others. By the help of God, I will speak; and the more satan bids me to hold my peace, the more earnestly will I proclaim to believing saints, that Jesus the son of David will have mercy on them; nay, I do not despair of publishing these glad tidings even at Wethersfield. In a little above a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning. But ere that time comes, I trust my dear Lord will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit.—Satan has not been wanting to sift me as wheat; but my friend, the friend of all, even Jesus, has prayed for me, and as yet my faith hath not failed. Oh had I a thousand lives, my dear Lord Jesus should have them all! For he is worthy, he hath plucked me as a brand out of the burning, and is continually comforting me on every side—Read, read, dear Sir, the account I have sent over to be published of what God hath done for me in the days of my youth, and it will afford more thanksgiving and praise.—Pray in the behalf of, Sir,

Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Friend and Brother,

I Love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, as a proof of it, I send this. I heartily wish I could correspond with you oftener. Your advice would always be seasonable to me; because you have been a long time in the school of Christ. I am but just now entering the list, and frequently tremble at the consideration of what I am to do and suffer.—But when I consider it is for Jesus Christ, who has called me by his free grace into his marvellous light, and has promised to be with us always, even unto the end of the world, a divine fire kindles in my heart, and I long to call the lingring battle on. Satan hath been busy with me since I saw you, especially since my retirement on ship-board. I have often thought of the folly of those, who go out of the world to avoid temptation. Satan now buffets me more than when confined in a ship. I receive this as a great mercy at the hands of the Lord to keep me in action, and to prepare me for greater tokens of his love. Before I am exalted, I am always humbled by some inward trials. They are the most soul-grieving, but they are the most soul-improving conflicts. My dear friend, I can say from my heart, “I am the chief of sinners:” I feel myself so wretched and miserable, so blind and naked in myself, that satan would tempt me to write to no one. But the Lord hath rebuked him, and after a long tedious hour of temptation, fills my soul as it were with marrow and fatness, and maketh my pen the pen of a ready writer. Oh that my mouth was filled with his praise! As yet, blessed be God, in my darkest hours my evidences have not been in the least clouded. I have been assured my Lord hath forgiven all my iniquities, transgressions and sins, but I cannot forgive myself. Oh that I should ever offend against such dying love! Pray for me, my dear brother, pray for me, that I may never by pride or sloth tempt the blessed spirit to depart from me. I fear not falling finally; for God I believe chose me in Christ before ever the earth and the world were made, as a vessel of his saving mercy; but I fear I shall provoke him to let me fall foully, and then how will the Philistines rejoice? This consideration sometimes makes me to wish that the Lord would cut off my strength in my journey, and shorten my days. But wherefore do I fear? Ah me of little faith! You see, my dear friend, how freely I have unbosomed my heart to you. I cannot call you my friend, and yet hide from you God’s dealings with my soul. Salute all that love our Lord Jesus in sincerity, and beseech them to pray for your sincere friend, but the most unprofitable of his dear Lord’s servants,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

YOUR kind letters, and kinder visit, have made me frequently to long for a more close correspondence with you. I find my heart drawn out in love towards you, and had God so ordered it, could have wished to have perused what you have written in my defence. I pray God to confer on you that reward, which he has promised to give those who confess him before men. If the gospel continues to run and have such free course, I must suffer, as well as preach for my dear Lord Jesus. Oh lift up your hands, dear Sir, in the congregations of the faithful, that I may willingly, (if need be) resist even unto blood; but not with carnal weapons. Taking the sword out of the hand of God’s spirit, I fear has more than once stopped the progress of the gospel. The Quakers, though wrong in their principles, yet I think have left us an example of patient suffering, and did more by their bold, unanimous and persevering testimonies, than if they had taken up all the arms in the kingdom. In this respect I hope I shall follow them as they did Christ, and though I die for him, yet take up no carnal weapon in defence of him in any wise. The doctrines of our election, and free justification in Christ Jesus, are daily more and more pressed upon my heart. They fill my soul with a holy fire, and afford me great confidence in God my Saviour. Surely I am safe, because put into his almighty arms. Though I may fall, yet I shall not utterly be cast away. The spirit of the Lord Jesus will hold, and uphold me. That God may every day enrich you more and more with the anointings of this spirit, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend and dear Sir,

Your most obliged friend, brother, and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXIII.

To the brethren in ――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

TWICE did I purpose to come and see you at ――, but was prevented by that all-wise providence, which ordereth all things for the best: however, though absent, I am not unmindful of you. As a testimony thereof I send you this. And oh that you may be filled with an holy fire, and such an ardent zeal for God as even to eat you up! Look round, look round, my brethren, and in imitation of your common Lord, weep over the desolations of the university wherein you live. Alas! how is that once faithful city become an harlot! Have pity upon her, ye that are friends, and whatever treatment you may meet with from an ungrateful world, endeavour at least to rescue some of her sons out of that blindness, ignorance, bigotry and formality, into which she is unhappily fallen. Arise, ye sons of the prophets; shine forth, ye who are appointed to be the lights of the world. The rulers of this world will endeavour to put you under bushels; but if your light is of God’s kindling, all the devils in hell shall not be able to extinguish it. Be not therefore, my brethren, weary of well doing. Have you true faith? keep it not to yourselves; be willing, as occasion offers, freely to communicate it to others. How will you be apt to teach hereafter, unless you begin to teach now? None but those, who are of a different spirit from that meek man Moses, will be offended at you. All God’s people will wish you God speed. I am sure I do with all my heart. And I pray God to sanctify your whole spirits, souls and bodies, and make you vessels meet for our common Master’s use! for none but those who have felt the spirit themselves, can freely or feelingly speak of him to others. My dear brethren, forget not to pray for,

Your affectionate, though weak brother and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXIV.

To ――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brethren in Christ,

THE cordial love I bear you, will not suffer me to neglect writing to you: as God has been pleased to bless my ministry to your souls, so I think it my duty to watch over you for good, and assure you, constantly you are all upon my heart. Your last letter gave me great pleasure; but it was too full of acknowledgments, which I by no means deserve. To him alone, from whom every good and perfect gift cometh, be all the thanks and glory; I heartily pray God, that you may be burning and shining lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Though you are not of the church of England, yet if you are persuaded in your own minds of the truth of the way wherein you now walk, I leave it. However, whether Conformists, or Nonconformists, our main concern should be, to be assured that we are called and taught of God; for none but such are fit to minister in holy things. Indeed, my dear brethren, it rejoiced me much to see such dawnings of grace in your souls; only I thought most of you were bowed down too much with a servile fear of man: but as the love of the Creator increases, the fear of the creature will daily decrease in your hearts. Nicodemus, who came at first by night to our Lord, afterwards dared to own him before the whole council in open day. I pray God make you all thus minded. For unless your hearts are free from worldly hopes and worldly fears, you never will speak boldly, as you ought to speak. The good old Puritans, I believe, never preached better, than when in danger of being taken to prison as soon as they had finished their sermon. And however the church may be at peace now, yet I am persuaded, unless you go forth with the same temper, you will never preach with the same demonstration of the spirit, and of power. Study therefore, my brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, study your hearts as well as books—ask yourselves again and again, whether you would preach for Christ, if you were sure to lay down your lives for so doing? If you fear the displeasure of a man for doing your duty now, assure yourselves you are not yet thus minded. But enough of this. I love to hope well of you all. I trust, as you are enlightened with some degree of knowledge in the mysteries of godliness, you will henceforth determine not to know any thing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. This is, and this, the Lord being my helper, shall be the only study of, my dear brethren,

Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

WHY so long silent during my stay in England? why did you not write me a letter of reproof, and smite me friendly for what you thought amiss in the discourse between me and a friend at Bristol? I should have taken it kindly at your hands. When I am unwilling to be told of my faults, dear Sir, correspond with me no more. If I know any thing of this treacherous heart of mine, I love those most, who are most faithful to me in this respect: henceforward, dear Sir, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, spare me not. I am blind, I am full of self-pride, and self-love, and yet know it not. Blessed be God, who during my retirement has been pleased to let me see something of my own vileness. I trust he will never leave nor forsake me, till I know myself even as I am known. I need not fear the sight of sin, when I have a perfect everlasting righteousness wrought out for me by that God-man Christ Jesus. The riches of his free grace, cause me daily to triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me. The Lord Christ is my helper, and the lifter up of my head. It is good for me to be tempted. By inward trials I trust my divine master will prepare me for his future mercies. I am persuaded I shall yet see great things, and be called to suffer for his name sake. Through much tribulation, I must enter into glory. Lift up your hands, dear Sir, when praying at the sanctuary, in my behalf; intreat the same favour of the elect lady. As I am enabled, it shall be returned; and, God willing, when I come next to England, you may expect a visit from, dear and reverend Sir,

Your most obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXVI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My Rev. and very dear Brother,

EVER ♦since I was favoured with your last most endearing letter, you have been upon my heart more and more. As I wish all the Lord’s servants were prophets, so it gives me uncommon pleasure, when the Lord raises up one of our own church. Believe me, dear Sir, when I look upon her desolations, I can scarce forbear weeping over her. But blessed be God, who has been pleas’d to visit her in this our day. Henceforward, I trust she will be a joyful mother of spiritual children. Many of late, under God, have been begotten by some of her sons through the gospel, amongst whom I may reckon ――: He has been I believe, and trust will still be the ghostly father of many souls. May he increase with all the increase of God, and appear before his redeemer at the last day, saying, “Behold me, O Lord, and the children which thou hast given me.” Oh dear Sir, words cannot express how affectionately I desire to esteem and love you. None but the all-seeing God knows how earnestly I pray and desire to labour for the prosperity of Jerusalem. Had we a thousand hands and tongues, there is employment enough for them all: people are every where ready to perish for lack of knowledge. As the Lord has been pleased to reveal his dear Son in us, Oh let us stir up that gift of God, and with all boldness preach him to others. Freely we have received, freely let us give; what Christ tells us by his spirit in our closets, that let us proclaim on the house top. He who sends, will protect us. All the devils in hell shall not hurt us, till we have finished our testimony. And then, if we should seal it with imprisonment or death, well will it be with us, and happy shall we be evermore! But the proof of our sincerity, will be when we come to the trial. I fear for no one so much as myself. Dear Sir, pray that you never may have reason to be ashamed of the

Most unprofitable of our Lord’s servants,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXVII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. ――,

I Hope dear brother ―― hath satisfied you about the queries in your last. I trust you are not angry with me for being so long silent. Excess of business was the cause. I write you this, my dear brother, to assure you I have not forgotten you. No, you are upon my heart; I pray for your prosperity both in body and soul, and hope ere we die to take another tour with you round Wales. God has dealt most lovingly with us on ship-board. We had very fair weather most part of our way. Both the good and bad spirit have been with us in the ship. The one to tempt and terrify, the other to support and comfort. I need not tell you which has prevailed. Who shall stand before the spirit of Jesus Christ? I have had great intimations from above concerning Georgia. Who knows but we may have a college of pious youths at Savannah? I do not despair thereof. Professor Franks’s undertaking in Germany has been much pressed upon my heart. I really believe that my present undertaking will succeed. My dear brother, call down a blessing by your prayers. The Lord will hear those who put their trust in his mercy through Christ. You see, you know, how many would rejoice at, and do wait for my halting. Beseech the Lord that they may be disappointed of their hope; intreat the people of Wales to join with you. I love them most tenderly. I hope, at my return, to see them grown in grace. I pray God so to improve my retirement, that my progress may be made known unto them all. Salute them most affectionately in my name, and exhort them to continue instant in prayer and thanksgivings for, dear and honoured Sir,

Your fellow pilgrim and labourer in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXVIII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear brother in Christ,

AS there has been joy in heaven at your conversion, so I can assure you there has been on earth. I, and my friends, have not failed to give thanks, that you our brother was dead, but is alive again; was lost, but is found. Oh blessed be God for calling you at the eleventh hour. Doth not this display the riches of his free grace; and ought it not to fill you with his praise all the day long? I wonder not that you are already become a fool for Christ’s sake. All that will live godly in him must suffer persecution. But fear not man. The Lord of Hosts shall be with you; the strength of that God who hath called you shall be your refuge. As you have not long to live in this world, Satan, no doubt, will rage most horribly against you. Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. Your case, God willing, I intend to publish in my next journal. It is good to keep close the secrets of a king, but it is honourable to speak of the works of the Lord. That God may carry on and finish the good work begun in your soul, is the hearty prayer of

Your affectionate friend and brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER LXXXIX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Miss B.,

THOUGH, when I came first to London, I thought you had not made the progress which might be expected in the twelve months, for want of company; yet your last behaviour gave me reason to think that you was yet alive to God. Oh, dear Miss B――, do not slumber or sleep, but be always trimming your spiritual lamp, knowing you are shortly to meet the Bridegroom. Study to shew the simplicity of Jesus Christ, and strive to imitate those holy matrons, who not only administred to our Lord of their substance, but also followed him to the accursed tree. Love, love to Jesus, casts out fear. No doubt they were reproached for his name sake, and accounted mad women; but they had a faith which enabled them at that time to overcome the world, and by which they climbed up to heaven. May dear Miss B―― be thus minded! And may I see her at the last day amongst the wise virgins! Cultivating an acquaintance with Miss D――, and the Miss C――, will be a step towards bringing you thither.