LETTERS. (continued 3)

Dear Miss B――, I am your friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER XC.

To my Brother.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

THOUGH I have wrote now for some years to my dear brother, and have availed nothing, yet I cannot cease striving with him; who knows but at length the Almighty may remove the scales from his eyes, and enable him to see the want of a Redeemer. Indeed, my dear brother, you do not see it yet, because you do not feel it; your moral honesty and good nature deceives you. You think you are rich, and increased in goods, and do not consider that you are poor and miserable, blind and naked. You are self-righteous, and do not rely on the righteousness of the God-Man, Christ Jesus, for salvation. What would I give was my dear brother convinced of this? For, till he is convinced, he is miserable, and does not know it. I pray God to open your eyes with a sense of his love. Send me a line to Georgia. God has sent us a comfortable passage. In about a twelvemonth I expect to return. Be not surprised if you hear of my being more cast out. We must suffer, as well as do, for Christ. If you are one of his you will rejoice

Your affectionate brother,

G. W.

LETTER XCI.

To Madam M――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

I Cannot think of the repeated assistances you gave me by the loan of your coach, and at the same time forbear sending you a line of thanks. But what is of greater concern, I think it my duty to write to you about a more important affair; I mean the salvation of your precious and immortal soul. God was pleased to incline your heart, Madam, to hear and receive the word with joy. Neither the cares of the world, nor the deceitfulness of riches, I trust have been permitted to choak, and hinder the growth of it in your soul. Indeed, Madam, you cannot be too watchful. It is a blessed, and careful thing, to be a true Christian. The first step to it is a broken heart, a heart melted down with a sense of sin, and flying to Jesus Christ for righteousness, sanctification and eternal redemption. Thousands indeed place christianity in good desires, and the having good desires; but this and much more a person may have, and yet miscarry at last. Pure and undefiled religion consists in a lively faith in Jesus Christ, as the only mediator between God and man. A faith that changes and renews the whole soul, takes it entirely off the world, and fixes it wholly upon God. This, Madam, is the faith that you have so often heard me preach, and of which I pray God you may be a partaker. Though you have it not yet, you need not despair; God will give it to all who sincerely ask of him. It is true, Madam, that not many mighty are called; but it is not your riches shall keep you from heaven if you truly believe on the Lord Jesus. Faith in him will enable you to overcome the world, and cause you even to triumph over the lust of the eye and the pride of life. Faith will set you above the fear of man, and enable you to rejoice in being accounted a fool for Christ’s sake. That God may impart this faith to your own, and little master’s soul, is the hearty prayer of, Madam,

Your obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER XCII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear brother H.,

I Congratulate you on your success at Monmouth. God has yet further work for you to do, ere you are called before rulers and governors, for his name sake. By divine permission, in about a twelve-month, I hope to make a second use of your field pulpits. Our principles agree, as face answers to face in the water. Since I saw you, God has been pleased to enlighten me more in that comfortable doctrine of Election, &c. At my return, I hope to be more explicit than I have been. God forbid, my dear brother, that we should shun to declare the whole counsel of God. The people of Wales are much upon my heart. I long to hear how the Gospel flourishes among you. How prospers your inward man? Being always doing, no doubt you grow in grace. May you increase with all the increase of God! You will see my letters to Mr. Jones, &c. As fast as I can, the rest of our Welch friends shall hear from me. Oh that I may never forget their works of faith and labours of love! Salute them most affectionately in my name; and exhort them, my dear brother, to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Put them in mind of the freeness and eternity of God’s electing love, and be instant with them, to lay hold on the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ by faith. Talk to them, oh talk to them, even till midnight, of the riches of his all-sufficient grace. Tell them, oh tell them, what he has done for their souls, and how earnestly he is now interceding for them in heaven. Shew them in the map of the word, the kingdoms of the upper world, and the transcendent glories of them; and assure them all shall be theirs, if they believe on Jesus Christ with their whole hearts. Press them to believe on him immediately. Intersperse prayers with your exhortations, and thereby call down fire from heaven, even the fire of the Holy Ghost,

To soften, sweeten and refine,

And melt them into love.

Speak every time, my dear brother, as if it was your last; weep out, if possible, every argument, and as it were compel them to cry, Behold how he loveth us. Remember me, Remember me in your prayers, as being ever, ever

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER XCIII.

To Mr. and Mrs. D――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Friends,

WHEN I consider how constantly you attended my ministry, how gladly you received me into your house, and how affectionately you took your last farewell; methinks gratitude obliges me to send you a line. It hath often given me pleasure to see in what harmony you seem to live, and how you walked to hear the word of God as friends. Surely, thought I, these are a happy pair. These I trust are help-meets for each other. Oh that you may go on and prosper, and be plentifully rewarded for the favours shewn to me, the most unprofitable of our Lord’s servants: he will not forget your works of faith and labours of love. Whenever you attend his word preached, I hope he will send you replenished away. Oh that all knew what it is to believe in Jesus! How soon would they renounce the world, take up their cross and follow him! Lord evermore give us all this faith, even a faith working by love; a faith that will enable us to overcome the world, and cause us to shake off all fear of man. Pray give my due respects to your friend and his wife, who used to dine with us. I pray God sanctify you all in spirit, soul and body, and cause you to sit down on his right hand with

Your affectionate, though most unworthy, Friend and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER XCIV.

To the Rev. Mr. P――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend Sir,

YOU may justly censure me as unkind for not answering your kind letter. I can only plead by way of excuse an hurry of business, and my sudden departure from England. At my return, God willing, I purpose to see Newbury, and there to preach the Gospel of the Prince of Peace. Perhaps my enemies may have so much power given them from above, as to confine my body: but if I am bound, the word of the Lord will not be bound. God will speak, and great shall be the company of preachers. It often rejoices me to think what a prospect we have once again of hearing the truth preached as it is in Jesus. I hope we shall catch fire from each other, and that there will be an holy emulation amongst us, who shall most debase man and exalt the Lord Jesus. Nothing but the doctrines of the Reformation can do this. All others leave freewill in man, and make him, in part at least, a Saviour to himself. My soul come not near the secret of those who teach such things, mine honour be not thou united to them. I know Christ is all in all. Man is nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go ♦to heaven, till God worketh in him to will and to do after his good pleasure. It is God must prevent, God must accompany, God must follow with his grace, or Jesus Christ will bleed in vain. That God may continue his blessing to us both, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,

Your obliged brother and servant,

G. W.

LETTER XCV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. ――,

WAS not my heart with your heart, when we rode by the way and talked to each other concerning the Scriptures? I thought our souls tallied together, and that we had both drank of the same spirit. I have often, since that time, admired the grace of God in you, and even now feel my soul, whilst I am writing, intimately united with yours. What is all this, but the effect and fruit of God’s everlasting love through Christ our Lord? What is it, but an instance of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, who will have mercy on whom he will have mercy? Oh how doth the free, the distinguishing grace of God excite the love of those, who are made partakers of it! What was there in you and in me, dear Mr. O――, that should move God to chuse us before others? Was there any fitness foreseen in us, except a fitness for damnation? I believe not. No, God chose us from eternity, he called us in time, and I am persuaded will keep us from falling finally, till time shall be no more. Consider the Gospel in this view, and it appears a consistent scheme, though directly contrary to the natural man; and nothing convinces me more of the truth of these doctrines, than the enmity that is in the heart of carnal minds against them. However, the power of God is able to pull down every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Henceforward I hope I shall speak boldly and plainly as I ought to speak, and not fail to declare the whole counsel of God. I pray daily, that I may know his will more perfectly, not only that I may do it myself, but that I may teach it to others. If I die for it, I cannot but speak the things which I know. Oh my dear friends, lift up your hands for me in the sanctuary. The prayers of the faithful, God will hear. Entreat the same favour of your brother. I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and remember you often when I go in and out before the Lord: He has been with us in the ship. His rod has corrected, his staff has comforted us; both his rod and staff have edified and strengthened our souls. In a year’s time I hope to see England. My love to all friends, and beseech them to pray that I may be prepared for whatever awaits

Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER XCVI.

To Mrs. Ann D.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Sister in Christ,

I Owe you several letters, I will pay you one now; have patience with me and I will pay you all. If any one ought to long to enjoy the communion of saints hereafter, I ought in a particular manner. God has highly favoured me in the acquaintance of numbers of his dearest children. I cannot see some, and to but few of them can I write, on account of other business. Hasten, O Lord, that blessed time, when we shall all sit down to eat bread in thy kingdom!—My dear Sister, pray that I may patiently wait till my change shall come. I want to leap my seventy years. I long to be dissolved to be with Christ. Sometimes it arises from a fear of falling, knowing what a body of sin I carry about me. Sometimes, from a prospect of future labours and sufferings, I am out of humour, and wish for death as Elijah did: At others, I am tempted, and then I long to be freed from temptations. But it is not thus always: There are times when my soul hath such foretastes of God, that I long more eagerly to be with him; and the frequent prospect of the happiness which the spirits of just men made perfect now enjoy, often carries me as it were into another world. Many such sweet meditations hath my soul been favoured with; but in the midst of all, I have felt, and do feel, that I am the chief of sinners. A mystery of iniquity that lay in my heart undiscovered, has been opened to my view, since my retirement in the ship. May he enlighten me more and more, to know and feel the mystery of his electing, soul-transforming love. Nothing like that, to support us under present, and all the various future trials which await us. But the Lord has apprehended us, and will not let us go. Men and devils may do their worst; our Jesus will suffer nothing to pluck us out of his Almighty hands; for he has loved us with an everlasting love, and therefore his right-hand shall uphold us. By his assistance, we shall hold out to the end. By his grace, I, you, and all his chosen ones shall finally be saved. Then, my dear Sister, shall we converse, not with ink and paper, but face to face. Then, but not till then, shall we fully know what a legion of devils Jesus Christ hath cast out of our souls, and how, after all our strivings against, and quenching many of the motions of his spirit, he at last brought us to glory. Cease not to pray for

Your unworthy brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER XCVII.

To the Rev. Mr. R.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brother R.,

BEFORE I left England, I heard of your progress in Leicestershire and Nottingham. I then rejoiced, yea, and I do now rejoice that God hath sent you forth into his vineyard. I wish you all imaginable success with my whole heart. The next news I hear from England, I suppose, will inform me of your suffering, as well as preaching for Christ. But I am persuaded a prospect of suffering does not damp, but excite the zeal of my dear fellow-labourer. He lives in a place where honest John Bunyan was a prisoner of the Lord for twelve years. And oh, what sweet communion did he enjoy in Bedford gaol! I really believe a minister will learn more by one month’s confinement, than by a year’s study. Press on then, my dear Brother, press on and faint not; speak till you can speak no more. Wait upon the Lord, and you shall renew your strength. Though sometimes faint, yet still pursue. Up and be doing, and the Lord be with you. See how the fields are white, every where ready to harvest. See how our Lord’s sheep are scattered abroad, having too, too few true shepherds; I beseech you, go on, and point out to them the Redeemer’s good pastures. Say not, wherewithal shall I feed them? The great shepherd shall furnish you with food enough, and to spare. Give of your loaves, and you shall take up of the fragments that remain. To him that hath, shall be given. Satan no doubt will resist you; he will bid you, out of a false humility, to hold your peace; but let my friend speak out boldly as he ought to speak. The Holy Spirit will give him utterance, and apply the word to the hearers. If prayers may water the good seed, you may depend on mine. I remember the dear Bedford people. O let them not forget

Your poor weak brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER XCVIII.

To the Rev. Mr. T.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

BEFORE I saw, I loved you. Ever since our personal acquaintance, I have often thought, what a noble instrument you might be of turning many to righteousness, if your heart was entirely freed from the world, and inflamed with the love of God. Your vivacity of spirit, your warm imagination, the energy and strength of your endearing manner of writing, together with your loving, tender disposition, if once duly influenced by the spirit of God, could not fail of winning souls to Christ. Come out therefore my brother, my friend; come out from among your carnal connections, and “be thou separate,” saith the Lord Almighty. Throw off a false politeness, study the simplicity of Jesus Christ, and be despised for something. O pity, pity the church of England. See how too, too many of her sons are fallen from her articles, and preach themselves, not Christ Jesus the Lord. My dear friend, I could wish my head was waters, and my eyes fountains of tears, that I might weep day and night before the Lord. O let us beseech him to spirit up more of his faithful servants, to go out into the highways and hedges, and compel poor sinners to come in. Oh that dear Mr. T. may be one of them! How would the spirit of Christ and of glory rest upon his soul! Arise, arise, my dear brother, and gird up the loins of your mind. Arise, arise, and be not of the number of those who only fleece their flocks. Lift up your voice like a trumpet, and preach the truth as it is in Jesus. Dear Mr. T. forgive this freedom. My heart is full. I long to have the pure scripture truths, as delivered in our homilies and our articles, preached up universally. This is all that is contended for, by

Your most unworthy friend, brother, and servant in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER XCIX.

To the Rev. Mr. D. W.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

I Love you, though I have been so ungrateful as not to write to you. I love you in the bowels of our common Master whose name we bear, and in whose glorious service we are both employed. Oh, dear Sir, what are we that we should be so highly favoured! Why are we honoured? Why are we called to the ministry, and others that are effectually called by grace, yet advanced no higher than private christians? I can only cry out, Oh the depth of God’s sovereign, electing, unmerited love. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight! Surely, dear Sir, the love of Christ must constrain us to spend and be spent for the good of souls. Never was the harvest greater; never were the labourers fewer. If we do not now lift up our voices like trumpets, the very stones would cry out against us. I could almost say, “the glory is departed from Israel; the ark of the Lord is fallen into enemies hands.” Oh let us endeavour, dear Sir, let us endeavour to bring it back, by preaching and living the truth as it is in Jesus. The light that has been given us, is not to be put under a bushel, but on a candlestick. Satan, indeed, by blasts of persecution, will do all he can to put it out. If our light be the light of Christ, those blasts will only cause it to shine the brighter. You have happily, dear Sir, experienced this. You, I believe, was both in Christ and in the ministry before me. I præ, sequar, etsi non passibus equis. The devil and all his hosts will set their battle in array against us. My Lord has given me a sling and a stone; stripling as I am, I will go forth then in his strength, make mention of his righteousness only, and by that lay prostrate the strong Goliahs. By your prayers I trust to be sent to Wales once more. The simplicity of that people much delights me. What shall, what can I do for them? My prayers they have, and whatever God shall enable me to do, they may demand a share from, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,

G. W.

LETTER C.

To the Rev. Mr. H.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. H.,

I Received no answer to my last, yet I must write to you again. The many happy hours I spent with you when at Oxon, and the benefit I have received from your instructions and example, are yet fresh upon my memory. I long to have my dear friend come forth, and preach the truth as it is in Jesus. Not a righteousness or inward holiness of our own, whereby we may make ourselves meet, but a righteousness of another, even the Lord our righteousness; upon the imputation and apprehending of which by faith, we shall be made meet by his Holy Spirit to live with, and to enjoy God. Dear Mr. H. it is an excellent thing to be convinced of the freeness and riches of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. It is sweet to know and preach, that Christ justifies the ungodly, and that all truly good works are not so much as partly the cause, but the effect of our justification before God. Till convinced of these truths, you must own free-will in man, which is directly contrary to the holy scriptures, and the articles of our church. Let me advise dear Mr. H. laying aside all prejudice, to read and pray over Saint Paul’s epistles to the Romans and Galatians, and then let him tell me what he thinks of this doctrine. Most of your old friends are now happily enlightened. God sets his seal to such preaching in an extraordinary manner, and I am persuaded the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against it. Oh that dear Mr. H. would also join with us! Oh that the Lord would open his eyes to behold aright this part of the mystery of godliness! How would it rejoice my heart! How would it comfort his own soul! He would then no longer groan under the spirit of bondage: No, he would be brought into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. I have wrote to dear Mr. O. as well as to you, out of the simplicity of my heart.

Ever your’s in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CI.

To the Rev. Mr. K.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Brother K.,

I Long to hear how it is with you, and the church in your house. I verily believe, though it is but a little flock, yet it will be our heavenly Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. How happy is it, when all are of one mind in a house; all agreed to entertain and love the Lord Jesus. Their heaven is begun on earth. I pray God to continue this blessing, and cause you daily to build up each other in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is a gracious Master. Oh that I knew and loved him more! for he is altogether lovely. Has he yet revealed himself in dear Mr. K.’s heart? Is he assured that his beloved is his? Is he brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God? Is his mind free from scruples? Is he active? Is he punctual? Is he strong in the Lord and in the power of his might? Is the meekness of the lamb and the boldness of the lion blended in his soul? Do his parishioners fear, yet love him? Is he a Boanerges, and yet a Barnabas in the church of God? Does he thunder against obstinate sinners, and by displaying the riches of the promises, comfort and build up the saints? Does he preach as the spirit gives him utterance? Can he rely on the promise, “Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world?”

Forgive this freedom, my dear brother. Love makes me thus impertinent. I want to see you perfect, entire, lacking nothing. May God from day to day supply what is still deficient in you and in me, till we come to the fulness of the measure of the stature of Christ. He is faithful that has promised. God has been gracious to me his servant. In about a twelvemonth, I hope you will again see and rejoice with

Your affectionate brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. F.,

THE Lord reward you for all your works of faith and labours of love! They shall be brought forth as so many evidences of your lively faith, when we meet before our Lord in judgment. Does not the prospect of that glorious day, often fill your soul with joy? It does mine. Why? Because I know my Redeemer is to be my judge. Satan will accuse me; my answer shall be, the Lord Jesus is my righteousness, how darest thou to lay any thing to the charge of God’s Elect? I stand here not in my own, but his robes; and though I deserve nothing as a debt, yet I know he will give me a reward of grace, and recompence me for what he has done in and by me, as though I had done it by my own power. Oh, dear Mrs. F. how ought this to excite our zeal and love for the holy Jesus. Why should we desire to plead for a righteousness of our own, and cry up freewill, when we have an infinitely better righteousness than our own to appear in, and a God that will crown us with eternal glory for working in us both to will and to do after his good pleasure? Happy are you and your’s, that have been taught these glorious principles from your youth! Oh shew them forth more and more by your works, and let the world see what it is to have a faith working by love. Study, oh study, day by day, the simplicity of Jesus Christ. Cast away every thing from you that savours of the lust of the eye and pride of life. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and let your conversation always be seasoned with grace. Oh, dear Mrs. F. my heart is enlarged towards you: My kind, my liberal hostess, what shall I say or do to express my gratitude? I will, I do speak for you to the king of kings. Though I am so great a sinner, he frequently admits me into his privy chamber, and then I often sigh out, “O that my dear Hertford friends may live before thee.” This is all the return, dear Mrs. F. that I can make. It is a prophet’s reward. Being my all, though but two mites, I know you will accept it from

Your most obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CIII.

To Mr. S.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

I Rejoice that God sent you so opportunely to Monmouth: I find every day that two are better than one. God suffers his dear children to fall into little miscarriages, that the eye may not say to the hand, “I have no need of thee;” or again, the head to the foot, “I have no need of thee.” We must be helps to each other on this side eternity. Nothing gives me more comfort, next to the assurance of the eternal continuance of God’s love, than the pleasing reflection of having so many christian friends to watch with my soul. I wish they would smite me friendly, and reprove me oftner than they do; I would force my proud heart to thank them. But I am amazed at your coming off so triumphantly. Surely the devil is asleep, or rather that roaring lion thinks to break out upon us with double fury hereafter. It often shames me, when I read St. Paul’s account of his sufferings, to think in how few particulars I can as yet sympathize with him. It as often makes me long to be like him, and yet I fear how I shall act when put to the trial. This, however, is my comfort, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.” He saw me from all eternity; he gave me being; he called me in time; he has freely justified me through faith in his blood; he has in part sanctified me by his spirit; he will preserve me underneath his everlasting arms, till time shall be no more. Oh the blessedness of these evangelical truths! These are indeed gospel; they are glad tidings of great joy to all that have ears to hear. These, bring the creature out of himself. These, make him to hang upon the promises, and cause his obedience to flow from a principle of love. They are meat indeed, and drink indeed unto my soul. I am persuaded they are so likewise to you and dear Mrs. S――. I hope she is yet in the land of the living, and that she, yourself, and your son, are daily preparing for eternity. I pray God sanctify your whole spirits, souls, and bodies, and reward you for all kindnesses shewn to, dear Sir,

Your unworthy brother and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CIV.

To the Rev. Mr. T.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

SHALL I promise and not perform? God forbid. When I saw you first at Cardiff, it rejoiced my heart to hear what God had done for your soul. You was then under some displeasure of your rector, if I mistake not, for speaking the truth as it is in Jesus. Ere now, I hope dear Mr. T. has had the honour of being quite thrust out. Rejoice, my dear brother, and be exceeding glad, for thus was our Lord and Saviour served before you. Naked therefore follow a naked Christ. Freely you have received, freely give. If you preach the gospel, you shall live of the gospel. Though you go out without scrip or shoe, yet shall you lack nothing. Rather than you shall want, ravens, those birds of prey, shall be commanded to feed you. It is a blessed thing to live upon God. Did ever any trust in him and was forsaken? No; search the generations of old, climb up into heaven if you can, and all with one consent will declare,

The Lord their pasture did prepare,

And fed them with a shepherd’s care.

I, though hell-deserving, am a living witness of his good providence; having nothing, I possess all things; he has fed me with the kidneys of wheat, and commanded some one or another to sustain me whithersoever I was sent on his errand. Jesus is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. If we go forth in the spirit of the first apostles, we shall meet with apostolical success. And never was there more occasion for the revival of such a primitive spirit. Alas, the life, the power of religion is almost lost amongst us. Stir up then, dear Sir, the gift of God, which is in you. Be instant in season and out of season. Debase man and exalt Jesus. Self-righteousness overturn, overturn. The people of Wales, the common people at least, will receive you gladly. The Lord shall fight all battles for you here, and reward you with a crown that never fadeth hereafter. If I have but the lowest place in your affections, it will abundantly satisfy

Your most affectionate brother,

G. W.

LETTER CV.

To Mr. M.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dearest Sir,

EVER since you opened your heart so freely in the garden, you have been much upon my heart. Though absent from, yet I have been present with you. I am acquainted in some measure with the strugglings of a soul just awakening into new life. I know too many have stifled their convictions, and therefore am importunate on your behalf. I hope you have taken my advice, and laid the ax to the root of the tree. Oh pray for a new heart and a new spirit, and then all old things will subside and give way of themselves. The strong man armed must go out when the stronger than he, even the spirit of God, comes to take possession of your soul. What therefore have you to do, dear Sir, but to throw yourself as a poor sinner at the feet of the holy Jesus? You need not doubt his holding out the golden sceptre to you. Whosoever cometh to him by faith, he will in no-wise cast out. He calls, he draws you: what is it for, but to assure you he will make you happy? Come then, dear Sir, weary and heavy laden as you are, the Lord your righteousness shall give you rest: He shall refresh you with a multitude of peace, and cause you to rejoice in his salvation; there is nothing too hard for the Lord Christ. He can draw your mind from the creature, he can fix it upon himself; he can enable you to live above the world, whilst you are in it; he can translate you to heaven, when he has taken you away from earth. As the Lord Jesus can, so that he may do all these things for your soul, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your sincere friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CVI.

To the Rev. Mr. H.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dearest Sir,

IT often concerned me, when in London, that I could not enjoy more of your company. Your conversation was always seasoned with grace, and such as became the gospel of Christ. Your great kindness, in publicly praying for me, can never be sufficiently acknowledged. The thought almost makes me to weep for joy. Surely the Lord will not let me miscarry, since he has stirred up the choicest of his servants to intercede in my behalf. The searcher of all hearts alone knows, what agonies my poor soul has undergone since my retirement from the world. The remembrance of my past sins has overwhelmed my soul, and caused tears to be my meat day and night. Indeed I have mourned as one mourneth for a first born: But I looked to him whom I have pierced. I was enabled to see the freeness and riches of his grace, the infiniteness and eternity of his love, and my soul received comfort. Oh the excellency of the doctrine of election, and of the saints final perseverance, to those who are truly sealed by the spirit of promise! I am persuaded, till a man comes to believe and feel these important truths, he cannot come out of himself; but when convinced of these, and assured of the application of them to his own heart, he then walks by faith indeed, not in himself, but in the Son of God, who died and gave himself for him. Love, not fear, constrains him to obedience. The promises of God are all Yea and Amen to his soul. Supported by these convictions, in about a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning to England, and to begin my testimony afresh. I trust I shall not be ashamed to declare the whole counsel of God. Satan, no doubt, and his emissaries, will endeavour to block up my way; but the saints of God are praying for me on earth, and the holy Jesus is interceding in heaven. Why should I not go forth and offer his everlasting and perfect righteousness to all that shall be brought to believe on him? Satan suggests even whilst I am writing, “How canst thou speak, seeing thou art such a sinner?” But therefore will I speak, because I can say, by happy experience, that Jesus Christ will have mercy on the chief of sinners; for among such you may truly rank

Your unworthy brother, and unprofitable fellow-labourer, in our dear Lord’s vineyard,

G. W.

LETTER CVII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. D.,

TEN thousand blessings light upon you and yours! The Lord reward you ten thousand-fold for receiving me and my friends into your house. The Lord shower down his heavenly manna, and feed you with the bread of life for those comfortable meals we have had of your providing since we came on board. We have not been slack to pray for you; my heart is now full of a sense of your kindnesses. I know not when to begin and when to leave off adoring the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for these and all other of his love-tokens: He is the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; he hath comforted me in all my tribulation, and, I am assured, will still comfort me in whatsoever I am to do or suffer for his name’s sake. You, dear Mrs. D. can subscribe to this truth, that God is a God of all comfort. You have been comforted on every side; you have been filled as it were with new wine; you have tasted that the Lord is gracious, and yet the best wine is and will be always reserved till the last. The Lord’s compassions fail not; they are, they will be renewed to you every morning; and though, through much tribulation, you, as well others, must enter into glory, yet you will find God to be your comforter in all tribulation. God has made you a joyful mother of christian children; remember the mother in the Maccabees; and, if ever your children are called to suffering, beg of God that you may stand by and encourage them to die for Christ. Oh that would be a spectacle indeed! A spectacle worthy of men and angels! I pray God to arm you with this mind, and then you will find that God’s rod as well as his staff will comfort you; nay, though you pass through the valley of the shadow of death, yet shall the Holy Spirit refresh you; your heart shall stand fast, and be stedfast in the Lord. Oh, my dear Madam, my heart is enlarged towards you: I pray God to fill you with all his divine fulness, and make you daily more and more meet to be an inheritor among the saints in light. With much love I have wrote to dear Mr. D. Oh pray him not to be angry with

Your most affectionate friend and brother,

G. W.

LETTER CVIII.

To Mr. N.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Honoured Sir,

BE not displeased at the contents of this; if I was not persuaded that love to your soul, and my duty towards God, moved me to write, I should be silent. When last at Gloucester, I heard you was highly offended at my meetings in the fields, and at the same time countenanced and encouraged the acting of plays in the Boothall. This I thought highly unbecoming the character of a christian magistrate, whose peculiar business it is to be a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well. This made me to speak against those proceedings in my sermons. This is the occasion of my troubling you with a letter. I cannot think I have delivered my soul, unless, with all meekness and humility, I exhort you henceforward not to promote or so much as any way countenance the stage-players. In our common law they are stiled sturdy beggars. As a minister of the king, upon that account it is your duty to put a stop to them: As a disciple and minister of Jesus Christ, the king of kings, you are obliged, honoured Sir, to exert your authority in suppressing them. It is notorious that such meetings are the nurseries of debauchery; they are the pest of our nation, and the bane of true christianity: To be present at, or in the least to contribute towards their support, is therefore a great sin; but to countenance them by our authority, and let them act by our permission, what is this but becoming public patrons for vice and immorality? It is not only sinning ourselves, but it is taking pleasure in the sins of others. This the apostle accounted the highest pitch of heathenish wickedness. Honoured Sir, pray be not offended: These are not the words of a madman; no, they are the words of truth and soberness, and words which our Lord will approve of, when I stand with you before him in judgment. However men may now put wrong names to things, and call that an innocent amusement, which has no other tendency but to corrupt and debauch the heart, yet then, Sir, we shall see all things clearly; then shall you know that it was my duty to write as I have done, and will confess before men and angels that you had an humble and affectionate warning given you, by, honoured Sir,

Your very humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER CIX.

To Mr. Thomas P.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Sir,

THOUGH unknown to you in person, yet as you was pleased to think me worthy of the care of your dear son, I think it my duty to acquaint you of his welfare. I bless God that he came with me. He is diligent and pious, and I trust will be a comfort to you in your declining years: His mind seems settled and composed, and by reading and following the bible, he is partaker of that peace which the world cannot give. His dear and honoured father is much upon his heart. How would it rejoice him to hear that you also was become a christian indeed? Be not offended, dear Sir, at my expressing myself thus. Assure yourself that christianity is something more than a name and a bare outward profession. Morality of itself, dear Sir, will never carry us to heaven; no, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no being happy without a lively faith in him, wrought in the heart by the blessed spirit of God. This faith transforms the whole man, delivers him from the tyranny of his passions, and makes him entirely a new creature. This is the reason why it is foolishness to the world. Your son’s case in this respect was not singular. As soon as ever we commence christians, we commence fools for Christ’s sake. Every truly religious man must be deemed a madman. Forgive this freedom, dear Sir; whilst I am writing, I find a love for your soul arising in my heart, and methinks I could do any thing to bring your grey hairs with comfort to the grave. Dear Sir, there is mercy with Christ even for those who come in at the eleventh hour. Christ came to save poor sinners; he came to save you, dear Sir, if you lay hold on him by a living faith. That God may give you this faith, and thereby make you happy in time and to eternity, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CX.

To the Rev. Mr. R. D.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

I Think I am a little in your debt; if not, love and gratitude call upon me to send you a line. Man appoints, but God disappoints: His providence called me away, before I could possibly see Cornwall. In about a twelvemonth I purpose returning. Who knows but then I may be enabled to perform my promise? The whole world is now my parish. Wheresoever my master calls me, I am ready to go and preach his everlasting gospel. My only grief is, that I can do no more for Christ; for I am sure I ought to love and do much, having had so much forgiven; not that I expect in the least to be justified by any or all the works I either can or shall do: No, the Lord Christ is my righteousness, my whole and perfect righteousness; but then I would shew forth my faith, I would declare to the world the sincerity of my love, by always abounding in the works of my Lord. Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be never weary in well-doing. The devil and his servants will shoot sore at me that I may fall; but this consideration comforts and supports me, “The Lord is my helper;” he has, he does, he will deliver. I am persuaded you feel his gracious presence, and the influences of his blessed spirit, whenever you go forth to speak in his name. May a double portion of his spirit and precious anointings descend upon your soul! May you be filled with all his fulness, and be enabled thereby to turn many to righteousness here, and so shine as the firmament of heaven for ever hereafter! Oh that a place at some saints feet may be assigned to, dear Sir,

Your weak though affectionate brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXI.

To the Rev. Mr. B.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

YOU have been too kind, and I have been too ungrateful. Business would not permit me to have so much private conversation with you as I ought. Success I fear elated my mind. I did not behave towards you, and other ministers of Christ, with that humility which became me. I freely confess my fault; I own myself to be but a novice. Your charity, dear Sir, will excite you to pray that I may not through pride fall into the condemnation of the devil. Dear Sir, shall I come out into the world again or not? Must I venture myself once more among fire-brands, arrows, and death? Methinks I hear you reply, “Yes, if you come forth in the strength of the Lord God, and make mention of his righteousness only.” It is my desire so to do. I would have Jesus all in all. Like a pure chrystal, I would transmit all the light he poureth upon me. Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be thus minded, and then, God willing, in about a twelvemonth, I intend visiting the Bristol brethren once again. In the mean while, I hope the Lord will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit, and work upon me mightily in the inner-man, for otherwise his blessings will prove curses to me. He has been pleased to dig and dung round me, during my retirement; he has shewn me something of the treachery of my own heart, and more and more convinced me that I am the chief of sinners. Oh that my heart may shew forth the eternity and sovereignty of his love! for never surely was there a greater instance of it than myself. Happy are those that are brought to an experimental knowledge of these mysteries of the kingdom of God. Many of your charge have been, I believe; I pray God to increase the number of your spiritual children more and more, and to add daily to the church such as shall be saved. My cordial respects attend your fellow-labourers, and all who are so kind as to ask for me; as fast as opportunity permits, they may expect to hear from, reverend Sir,

Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,

G. W.

LETTER CXII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. F.,

I Have now time to answer your last letter. It gave me much satisfaction. I rejoice that you begin to know yourself. If possible, satan will make us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. I can tell this by fatal experience. It is not sudden flashes of joy, but having the humility of Christ Jesus, that must denominate us christians. If we hate reproof, we are so far from being true followers of the Lamb of God, that in the opinion of the wisest of men, we are brutish. I love you and your dear husband in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Under God, I begot you both through the gospel. I therefore think it my bounden duty, from time to time, more particularly to watch over your precious souls. Never account me your enemy for speaking the truth. Tell me of my faults in your turn. I will pray God to give me an hearing ear and an obedient heart. But how do our brethren after their late dispersion? I heard they had in part recovered themselves. Ere now, I trust, they have resumed their courage, and stand stedfast as a wall of brass. If you were all to be carried to prison the next moment, I think you should not decline your christian fellowship and society meetings. My brethren, in this respect, I beseech you to obey God rather than man. Happy are you, if you patiently suffer in such a cause. Our Lord will stand by you; he will fight all your battles, and make you more than conquerors through his love. My heart would say more; but other letters must be wrote. Salute all the brethren by name, and accept this as a token of your not being forgotten by

Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXIII.

To the Rev. Mr. S.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Reverend and dear Sir,

THE favours received at Hertford, from you and your dear flock, are not yet out of my mind: They were exceeding endearing, and deserve my utmost acknowledgments. Had providence permitted, I should have paid you another visit; but God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts: However, in about a twelvemonth, by his leave, I hope to return amongst you once more. Oh! that I may come in the blessing of the gospel of peace! The doctrines I have already preached come with double evidence upon my mind day by day. I am more and more convinced that they are the truths of God; they agree with the written word, and the experience of all the saints in all ages: Nothing more confirms me in the belief of them, than the opposition that is made against them by natural men. Election, free grace, free justification without any regard to works foreseen, are such paradoxes to carnal minds, that they cannot away with them. This is the wisdom of God, which is foolishness with man, and which, the Lord being my helper, I intend to exalt and contend for more and more; not with carnal weapons, that be far from me, but with the sword of the spirit, the word of God: No sword like that. Dear Sir, pray for me that I may rightly divide the word of truth, and give to each his portion in due season. The Lord has been exceeding gracious to me since I saw you last. Oh let your songs be of him, and praise him for all his wonderful works. As I am enabled I remember you and yours. Many, when I was with them, were mourning; ere now I hope they are comforted. He is faithful who has promised, who also will do it. If they hunger and thirst after Christ’s righteousness, verily they shall know that it is imputed to them. That you and your whole charge may be filled with all the fulness of God, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,

Your’s most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER CXIV.

To Mr. Wm. D――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My Dear Brother,

YOUR last brought glad tidings. I endeavour to give thanks for you with my whole heart. I trust God has enabled you to take the advice you gave me, and that you have been kept from idolatry. Oh my dear brother, let us watch and pray, that we may not be led into temptation. The spirit is willing in both; but the flesh, mine in particular, is exceeding weak. Blessed be God for sending me on ship-board. He has given me to see something of that mystery of iniquity, which was in my heart. I have loathed and abhorred my own self. Tears have been my meat day and night; but glory be to God, who has lately assured me of a victory through Jesus Christ our Lord. At present my heart is quite free. You will see what I have written to those of your household. I pray the Lord to send you and many more such labourers into his harvest. I intend resigning the parsonage of Savannah. ♦The Orphan House I can take care of, supposing I should be kept at a distance; besides, when I have resigned the parish, I shall be more at liberty to take a tour round America, if God should ever call me to such a work. However, I determine nothing, I wait on the Lord. I am persuaded he will shew what is his will: though my heart is as yet perverse, in time I hope to drink deeper into his spirit. How earnestly do I desire to be dissolved, that I may be with Christ! Sometimes my weak body gives me hopes, that I shall not be long in the flesh; but then, the strength that is communicated to me, and the consideration, that I have but just begun my testimony, fills me with fears, lest I should live to be greyheaded. But I endeavour to resign myself wholly to God. I desire his will may be done in me, by me, and upon me. If the Lord preserves me from falling into sin, and dishonouring his holy name, let him do what seemeth him good with

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER CXV.

To Madam C――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Madam,

TO be made good by the righteousness and spirit of Jesus Christ, is a distinguishing blessing. To be made good, and yet to be great and rich in this world’s goods, is still more extraordinary. Blessed be God, who has thus highly favoured you. I trust he hath given you that faith, which enables you to overcome the world, and emboldens you to confess both our Lord and his servants, in the midst of a wicked and adulterous generation. Once indeed I feared you had been offended. Dear Mr. M―― soon convinced me of my error. Yourself, Madam, amply satisfied me before I left London, that you were not ashamed of the gospel and ministers of Christ. May the Lord enable you more and more to set your face as a flint, and entirely to live above the fear of man. If the work goes on in England, a trying time will come. I pray God, the same spirit may be found in all that profess the Lord Jesus, as was in the primitive saints, confessors and martyrs. Further opposition then will not hurt, but highly profit the church. The chaff will be winnowed from the wheat, and they that are approved be made manifest. As for my own part, I expect nothing but afflictions and bonds. The spirit, as well as the doctrine of popery, prevails much in many protestants hearts; they already breathe out threatnings. What wonder, if when in their power, they should breathe out slaughters also? This is my comfort, the doctrines I have taught are the doctrines of scripture, the doctrines of our own and of other reformed churches. If I suffer for preaching them, so be it. “Thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God!” I rejoice in the prospect of it, and beseech thee, my dear redeemer, to strengthen me in a suffering hour. You, dear Madam, and the rest of my friends, will not be wanting in praying for

Your most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXVI.

To Mr. D――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Sir,

GRATITUDE and love call upon me to write a letter of acknowledgment for favours received when lately at ――. The Lord remember them at that day! You have confessed his servants before men, he has promised to confess such, before his angels in heaven. The principles which I maintain, are purely scriptural, and every way agreeable to the church of England articles. What I have been chiefly concerned about is, lest any should rest in the bare speculative knowledge, and not experience the power of them in their own hearts.—What avails it, Sir, if I am a patron for the righteousness of Jesus Christ in behalf of another, if at the same time I am self-righteous myself? I am thus jealous, I trust with a godly jealousy, because I see so many self-deceivers among my acquaintance. There is one in particular (whom I love, and for whom I most heartily pray) who approves of my doctrine, and hath heard it preached many years past, but I could never hear him tell of his experiences, or of what God has done for his soul. He hath excellent good desires and intentions, but I think he wants something more: Lord, for thy infinite mercy’s sake, grant he may know himself even as he is known! I need not tell Mr. D――, who this dear friend is—you are intimately acquainted with him, you love him as you do your own heart; you are never out of his company. Oh, dear Sir, be not angry. Methinks I hear you, by this time, making an application, and saying, “Then I am the man.” True, dear Sir, I confess you are. But love, love for your better part, your soul, your precious soul, this love constrains me to use this freedom. You are more noble than to take it ill at my hands; I could not bear even to suspect that you deceived yourself, dear Sir, and not tell you such a suspicion was in my heart. That God may powerfully convince you of self-righteousness, and cloath you with the righteousness of his dear Son; that he may fill you with his grace, and thereby fit you for, and at last translate you to, his glory, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your most obliged and affectionate friend and humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXVII.

To a Servant.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

WHEN I was at Mr. ――, I fear I did not ask you often enough what God had done for your soul. I write this to beg your pardon. Want of time was the cause. I believe Christ hath manifested himself to your soul. Shew it, I entreat you, by labouring to adorn his gospel in all things. A meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price. You are happy in a place. I hope you know and are thankful for it. Take heed that you serve with singleness of heart, as unto Christ. Go when you are bid to go, come when you are bid to come; when commanded to do this, do it with all your might. Bear with the perverseness of others. Remember how silent Mary was, when her sister Martha peevishly said, “Lord, carest thou not that my sister has left me to serve alone?” My unfeigned love attends all the Martha’s and Mary’s of your acquaintance. I pray they may in all things walk as women professing godliness. To hear of your progress in the gospel, would much please

Your Sincere friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXVIII.

To the Rev. Mr. ――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Rev. and dear Sir,

THE many favours I have received at your hands, are still deeply impressed upon my heart; as I have often said, so I say again, I hope they will never be forgotten by me so long as I live. But, reverend Sir, I have observed some particulars in your principles and conduct, which I must confess have given me much concern, and of which, from love and gratitude, I think myself obliged to inform you. ―― I believe, dear Sir, you have often been inwardly offended at me, because you suspected, I thought you to be no true christian. Your suspicions were not groundless. I cannot yet think, that a thorough work of conversion was ever wrought upon your soul. I fear you deny, that “Jesus Christ is truly and properly God.” I infer this, from your not reading the Nicene Creed, and your palliating that text I once urged to prove it. “I and my Father are one.” I doubt also, your owning “Original Sin.” This I gather from your wondering I should touch on such a point, when I preached my sermon on justification by Jesus Christ. Besides, the sad definition you once gave of religion in a letter to your brother ――; the stranger also which you seemed to be to the “devil’s temptations,” when I conversed with you; and your supposing, that conversion was to be wrought in the soul by moral persuasion; all these put together, dear Sir, convince me, that you were never yet truly and effectually born again of God. Besides, Reverend Sir, does your going weekly to a club, where the company play at cards, and sit up late at night, does this, dear Sir, agree with your holy vocation, either as a christian or a minister? Be not offended, Rev. Sir, at this plainness of speech. I have forborne a long while; love and gratitude would not suffer me to forbear any longer. I wish I had no occasion to write in this manner. I believe you so ingenuous as not to be angry with me. I pray God to quell all resentment in your heart, and send you his holy spirit to guide you into all truth. Your brother’s eyes are now in some measure opened: he is convinced of the perfect righteousness wrought out for him by Jesus Christ, and ere now I hope hath received faith to apply it to his heart. This is the doctrine of the church of England. Unless you hold this and other evangelical principles, how, dear Sir, is it consistent with sincerity to eat her bread? With humility, respect, and love, do I offer these things to your consideration—Be pleased to weigh them in a proper balance, and reflect from what principle they are wrote, and I am persuaded you will not be offended at, reverend and dear Sir,

♦Your most obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXIX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. S――,

I Love an Israelite indeed, I love a catholic spirit destitute of guile; you I am persuaded are thus minded. The Lord hath highly favoured you: he hath given you a meek and quiet spirit. My heart hath been knit to you, ever since God first brought us together. Oh pray, that what I admire in another, I may imitate myself, and have the graces of Jesus Christ stamped upon my heart. It fills me with confusion, whenever I consider how far I am from his likeness. Alas! What would become of me, was I to be saved by any thing within myself. Blessed be God, the Lord Jesus is my whole righteousness. By virtue of that I know I am justified, I believe I shall be sanctified, and am assured I shall be everlastingly redeemed: for God loved me with an everlasting love. Oh, dear Sir, the prospect of an hereafter fills my soul with comfort. Then shall I have enough of your company, and of the other children of God. The Lord give me patience to wait till my blessed change cometh. He often gives me such foretastes of the glory to be revealed in us, that I want to leap my seventy years. But in a degree, I may say with my blessed master, “I have a cup to drink of, and a baptism to be baptized with.” Dear Mr. S―― will see me humbled, I believe, as much as once exalted; I look for “Away with him, away with him,” every day. Then, I trust, I shall begin in earnest to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Even in such an hour, I believe dear Mr. S―― will dare own

His affectionate though most unworthy friend, brother and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXX.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Sir,

TO think, that you should be engaged publickly to pray for me, hath often given me much satisfaction, and now excites me to send you this letter of thanks: help me still, help me, dear Sir, by your prayers. They will be a means of lifting up my hands when they hang down, and of strengthning my feeble knees. Though in all things we do not, yet in essentials we both think and speak the same things. I wish all names among the saints of God were swallowed up in that one of Christian.—I long for professors to leave off placing religion in saying “I am a Churchman,” “I am a Dissenter.” My language to such is, “Are you of Christ? If so, I love you with all my heart:” for this reason chiefly, dear Sir, my heart is drawn out towards you. On this account, though so long in Christ before me, I make bold to call you brother, and to wish you God speed: blessed be his name, you have little reason to cry out; “My leanness, my leanness.” Many gracious souls are among your flock, they love to be fed with the sincere milk of the word. I hope they will be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. I often think of them with pleasure; pray salute them most affectionately in my name, and exhort them to entreat the Lord that I may make full proof of my ministry. In about a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning to England; I wish it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. I think you are happy in the acquaintance of Mr. B―― S――. I trust he will be as good as he is great, and after he is made perfect through manifold temptations and trials, sit down with you, and all the other spirits of just men made perfect, in heaven. This is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate brother and fellow labourer in our Lord’s vineyard,

G. W.

LETTER CXXI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brother,

YOU cannot conceive how often you have been upon my thoughts, since I saw you. Eternity itself I hope will not diminish, but more and more increase that love, which I bear you from my heart. Your stature reminds me of little Zaccheus: he that called him, I am persuaded hath called you: Have you not heard him say to your soul, “I am your salvation?” If so, fear not, thou art a son of David. Let worldly affairs be ever so bad, he that has given you his own dear Son, will make you more than conqueror in all things. Still dare to own our dear Lord before men. It is no scandal for a follower of Jesus Christ to be poor. Our Lord was poor before us—So that we are rich in faith and good works, it is not much ♦matter if we are not rich in this world’s goods. Having Christ, though we have nothing else, we possess all things. However, since godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come, I would advise you to plead the promises for temporal blessings. In the name of Jesus, many a sweet morsel and opportune supply, have I fetched in from God by this means. That is the way I live, and hope shall continue so to live till death is swallowed up in victory. Death—what a comfortable word is that for a believer! Christ hath taken the sting of it away; henceforward it is no longer a king of terrors, but a welcome messenger to conduct the saints to glory. My dear brother, let us comfort one another with these things. We are not to live here always; our inheritance is above. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. Why then should we value these light afflictions, which are but for a moment? No, let us patiently bear our cross, since we are so shortly to wear a crown. Oh the riches of free, distinguishing grace! Why were you and I taken into favor? “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” O! my friend, my brother, let us for ever extol free grace! However others exalt man and debase God, let us exalt God and debase man. Let Jesus Christ have all the glory: for he is the author, carrier on, and finisher of our faith. He hath begun it in time, he shall compleat it in eternity.—My brother, I have been so expanded whilst writing, that I must refer you to other friends, to know how graciously God hath dealt with

Your affectionate brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. W.,

I Long to be in heaven, chiefly to see God even as he is; next, that I may have my soul satisfied with the blissful communion of saints. There I hope to see you and your wife, and to shew how sincerely I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ. My heart has went along with my hand, when I used to stretch it out to you in the field. I only wanted more time to converse with you. Oh my dear brother, let us keep ourselves in the love of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and then, yet a little while we shall meet in glory. As faith is the beginning, so faith is the end of the christian course. Let us keep this grace in continual exercise, and we may bid death and hell defiance. Faith makes us more than conquerors over all; I speak thus to you, because I hope you and dear Mrs. ―― have been in some measure made partakers of this free gift of God. I pray God to increase it more and more, till it be swallowed up in the fruition of our supreme good. Perhaps our faith may be put to the trial ere it be long; I expect nothing but sufferings. Oh pray that I may be faithful unto the end, and that a crown of life may be given to

Your affectionate brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXIII.

To Mr. H.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brother,

THE christian love I bear to both your sister and you, excites me to send you a line. Providence prevented your sailing with us; but as we have drank into the same spirit, I hope brotherly love will continue and increase between us, to all eternity. I have often wrestled in prayer for you since we have been on board. Your sister has watered those prayers with her tears, and I trust the Lord was entreated of us. Our voyage has been highly profitable to our souls. I can never be thankful enough for this sweet retreat. My dear brother, how do you find your heart? Mine is like Ezekiel’s temple, the farther I search into it, the greater abominations I discover; but there is a fountain opened for sin and all uncleanness. There, my dear brother, we may both wash and be made clean. The Lord hath already vouchsafed us some assurances of his love. Oh let us continually keep faith in exercise, till it be entirely swallowed up in the boundless ocean of the beatific vision. That God may daily renew you by his spirit, and more and more fit you for the happiness which awaits you above, is the hearty prayer of

Your affectionate though weak brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXIV.

To Mrs. ――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My Dear Friend,

SHALL I have any leisure time and not write you a line of thanks for your works of faith and labours of love? God forbid. I know not your name, but I neither forget your house, nor favours. The Lord reward you a thousand fold! I only fear that you have my person too much in admiration. If you look to the instrument less, and to God more, it will be better. By the grace of God alone, I am what I am. If any good hath been done to you or others, it was not I, but the grace of God that was in me. Oh, not unto me, not unto me, but unto God’s name be all the glory. I pray God to make you partaker of the same grace; for I would not have you an hearer only, I would have you a doer also. Surely you are more noble and wise, than to deceive your own soul. And yet it is but too notorious, that numbers rest in the outward form, and are strangers to the inward power of godliness in their hearts. Do not you so learn Christ. Beg of God that you may feel his spirit working mightily in your soul, and witnessing with your spirit that you are a child of God. I could go on, but other letters must be wrote—Pray tender my love to all that dined with me at your house; exhort them to keep close by faith to Christ, and to pray to and give him thanks in my behalf; for he hath dealt most graciously with

Your obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXXV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mrs. ――,

STILL I must repeat my former request. Be not angry because I did not visit you oftener. I love, I honour you the more for being of low degree. You are thereby rendered more conformable to our dear and common Lord. His business alone prevented my seeing you so often as I would. However, though absent, I rejoice that our Saviour has dealt so lovingly with you. As afflictions have abounded, consolations have much more abounded. I am persuaded, you can affirm that God is the father of all mercies, and the God of all comforts. Has he not comforted you my dear sister in all your tribulation? He that hath, and does, will still deliver you. Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Shortly I suppose the earthly house of this your tabernacle will be dissolved: fear not, you shall then be cloathed upon with your house which is from heaven. Oh pray that such honour may be also conferred on

Your unworthy brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXVI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

Dear Mr. C――,

I Cannot forget your frequent attendance on my ministry when last at London. I am pressed in spirit to write you a line, to exhort you to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. You have learned the truth as it is in Jesus. You have been taught it of God. Electing love hath snatched you as a brand out of the fire, and you have followed our Lord without the camp, bearing his reproach. The Lord’s tabernacle has lately been pitched in the fields. Ere long it may be driven into the wilderness. I hope you will follow it even there. The divine presence, I am persuaded, will accompany it. Hath not your heart often burnt within you when the Scriptures have been opening to you, though not under a church roof? God is not confined to places. Wherever his people are, he will find and visit them. Our Lord (oh stupendous love!) has been pleased to sail with us. I have tasted both of his rod and staff; each has given me unspeakable comfort. My dear brother, help me to praise him. Who so great, so good a God, as our God? In about a twelve-month I hope to see you again. Oh pray for me, my dear brother, that I may meanwhile be let further into the mysteries of godliness, “God manifest in the flesh.” As yet, I find I am but a child, and a meer novice. But this is my comfort, “The Lord who has begun will carry on the good work,” till I am grown a strong man in Christ Jesus. I long to know more of his love, I hunger and thirst after the teachings of his blessed spirit. You, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded. Still press on and faint not. Yet a little while and you shall enter into perfect joy with

Your affectionate brother in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER CXXVII.

New-York, Nov. 16, 1739.

Reverend Sir,

SEEING a passage in your letter to Mr. P―― concerning me, I find my heart immediately set to send you a line. I love to be acquainted with the true and old servants of Jesus Christ, because I delight to sit at their feet and receive instruction from them. You said right, reverend Sir, when you said “I was but a young divine.” Indeed I am a novice in the things of God. I can only say, that I desire to know the whole will of God, that I may communicate it to others. Christ is so good a master, that I would have all men drawn after him. He is pleased to let me experience daily teachings of his blessed spirit, and to show me the riches, freeness, and eternal duration of his love.—But as yet I only see men as trees walking. Oh pray, reverend Sir, that the Lord would again touch me, and enable me to see all things clearly. I desire it only for the good of his church. Reverend Sir, into what a lethargy is the christian world fallen! Foolish and wise virgins are all slumbering and sleeping. It is high time for all that love the Lord Jesus to lift up their voices like trumpets, and to give warning of the bridegroom’s coming; many I hope are already alarmed.—Philadelphia people receive the gospel gladly. Here, indeed, has been some little opposition, and therefore I hope success will be given to the word, and what has been done in England, the journal sent with this will inform you. Oh reverend Sir, I beseech you give thanks for me with your whole heart. Entreat the Lord that I may be kept humble and dependent upon our dear Lord Jesus. God willing, in about seven months I hope to see New England in my return to Europe. An effectual door is there opened, and no wonder that there are many adversaries. Shortly I expect to suffer for my dear master. May I not deny him in that hour! If you would please to favour me with a line, I should be glad to continue this correspondence, and acquaint you from time to time how the work of God goes on. Mr. N―― will convey any thing you shall send. May the Lord richly reward both him and you, for your love to

The most unprofitable of all his servants,

G. W.

LETTER CXXVIII.

New York, Nov. 16, 1739.

Rev. Sir,

MR. N――, and the report of your sincere love for our dear Lord Jesus, embolden me to write this. I rejoice for the great things God has done for many souls in Northampton. I hope, God willing, to come and see them in a few months. The journal sent with this, will shew you what the Lord is about to do in Europe. Now is the gathering time. A winnowing time will shortly succeed. Persecution and the power of religion will always keep pace. Our Lord’s word begins to be glorified in America. Many hearts gladly receive it. Oh Rev. Sir, it grieves me to see people, every where ready to perish for lack of knowledge. I care not what I suffer, so that some may be brought home to Christ. I am but a stripling, but the Lord chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong. I should rejoice to be instructed by you. Mr. N―― will convey a letter to me—May the God of all grace give you all peace and joy in believing! May he increase you more and more, both you and your children! May you every day be feasted, and built up with fresh anointings of his blessed spirit! And by your fervent prayers, may you be enabled to hold up the hands of, reverend Sir,

Your unworthy brother, fellow labourer and servant in our dear Lord,

G. W.

LETTER CXXIX.

New York, Nov. 16, 1739.

Hon. Mother,

LAST night God brought me hither in health and safety. I must not omit informing you of it. Here is likely to be some opposition, and consequently a likelihood that some good will be done. New friends are raised up every day whithersoever we go; the people of Philadelphia have used me most courteously, and many I believe have been pricked to the heart. God willing, I leave this place next Monday, and in about a fortnight think to set out for Virginia by land. In about a twelvemonth, I propose returning to England; expect then to have the happiness of seeing me suffer for my master’s sake. Oh that God may enable you to rejoice in it! If you have the spirit of Christ you will rejoice, if not, you will be sorrowful. Oh my honoured mother, my soul is in distress for you: Flee, flee I beseech you to Jesus Christ by faith. Lay hold on Him, and do not let Him go. God hath given you convictions. Arise, arise, and never rest till they end in a sound conversion. Dare to deny yourself. My honoured mother, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, dare to take up your cross and follow Christ.

I am, honoured mother, your ever dutiful though unworthy son,

G. W.

LETTER CXXX.

To the Rev. Mr. P――.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Rev. and dear Sir,

I HAVE been much concerned since I saw you, lest I behaved not with that humility toward you, which is due from a babe to a father in Christ: but you know, reverend Sir, how difficult it is to meet with success, and not be puffed up with it, and therefore if any such thing was discernible in my conduct, oh pity me, and pray to the Lord to heal my pride. All I can say is, that I desire to learn of Jesus Christ to be meek and lowly in heart; but my corruptions are so strong, and my employ so dangerous, that sometimes I am afraid. But wherefore do I fear? He that hath given me himself, will he not freely give me all things? By his help then I am resolved to ask till I receive, to seek till I find, and to knock till I know myself. Blessed be God, I have had a sweet retirement to search out my spirit and bewail the infirmities of my public ministrations. Alas! who can hope to be justified by his works? My preaching, praying, &c. are only splendida peccata. The blood of Christ applied to my soul by a living faith, is the only thing that can render them acceptable. This is the doctrine which you, reverend Sir, have been enabled to preach, and for which no doubt you have suffered reproach: But you are now almost at your journey’s end. Yet a little while, and you shall enter into your Master’s joy. In the mean while the Lord, I am persuaded, will keep you as the apple of his eye. He will not forsake you when you are grey-headed, and your strength faileth you. The moment you are ripe for our common Master, he shall translate you to glory; I præ, sequar. I am a child; I must be tutored and made meet by sufferings to be a partaker of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light: But I am persuaded God will for Christ’s sake finally save, reverend Sir,

Your unworthy brother and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Brother J.,

INDEED I love you. Why? Because I hope you are an Israelite indeed; and one of those babes to whom it has been our Lord’s good pleasure to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God. It is special; it is a distinguishing gift. Be humble, dear James, be humble. Talk little, and think much. A wise man will guide his words with discretion. Be zealous for your dear Master. Let a zeal for his honour even eat you up; but then beg of God that it may be according to knowledge. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not again entangled with a yoke of bondage. Join not one of your works with your faith, in order to justify you before God: And if God gives you a spirit of prayer and supplication, fear not to pray as the spirit gives you utterance. Man may deride, but Christ will approve and accept you. Dear James, you see I do not forget you. I hope your little society increases, and that the Lord will always be adding to it such as shall be saved. Salute them all most kindly in my name. Exhort them to continue in the grace of God, and to pray for, dear James,

Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Mrs. S.,

HAS the Lord yet heard your prayer? Often have I heard you say, “Oh! that I had received the faith!” As often, to the best of my knowledge, have I said, “Amen.” Ere now, I hope our common Master has fulfilled all your petitions, and given you your heart’s desire. If not, what hinders? Our Lord doth not want power, for he is Almighty; he does not want a will, for he invites you to come unto him. Search your heart, and see what is the reason the King of glory does not enter in. Is it too full of the world? Renounce it. Do you not ask often enough? Resolve to ask oftener. Do you look too much to some who say they have received faith, but do not bring forth good fruit? Henceforward look only to God and your own soul. Or do you not know the reason? Ask our Lord to shew you, and indeed he will; for he hath promised to fulfil the desires of them that fear him. Your Cousin can assure you of this. Oh follow him, as he does Christ, and you will be as happy as your heart can wish. Dear Mrs. S――, I am, with all possible thanks for past favours,

Your obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXIII.

To Mrs. Martha B.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

My dear Sister,

I Call you not Martha, but Mary, for I hope you have chosen the better part, which shall not be taken from you: And yet not so properly may you be said to chuse, as the Lord to have chosen you; for we love God, because he first loved us. I can trace my conversion through its several steps, but cannot find one step I first took towards God. I have been a backslider from my very infancy. Had not God called after me, and by his spirit said unto me, as unto Adam, “Where art thou? Into what a dreadful condition hast thou plunged thyself?” I should have fled from him (if possible) for ever. I am persuaded you, my dear Sister, can readily say the same; for otherwise how can we truly value our Lord’s redeeming blood? How can we relish the doctrine of God’s free grace, and our being freely justified by faith which is in Christ Jesus? Oh let us beg of God to teach us these divine truths more and more, (for he alone can teach them) and let us lay out ourselves to teach them to others. You are happy in being in fellowship with some, who I hope will be ready, if need be, to seal these truths with their blood. Be humble, my dear Sister, be humble; and cease not to pray for

Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXIV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Mrs. H.,

RACHEL brings me glad tidings: She tells me the Lord hath touched your heart by the power of his word, and that your relations have threatened to cast you out for our Lord’s sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. If you endure to the end, and naked follow a naked Christ, great shall be your reward in heaven. There is no being a christian without enduring contempt; no being happy hereafter, without suffering reproach here. The world can only love its own. As they hate God, so they must hate those that are desirous to be like him: But be not dismayed; Christ’s strength shall be magnified in your weakness: A living faith will support you under all. When your father and mother forsake you, the Lord will take you up. The greatest foes you will find to be those of your own heart. Subdue these, and outward crosses will affect you but little. To conquer yourself will be a laborious task; but if you believe, Jesus Christ shall even do this for you. Get out of yourself, rely wholly on, and be a co-worker with him, and he shall be to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Rachel greatly wishes this, but not more sincerely than

Your friend and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXV.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Mr. P.,

WHAT a divine sympathy and attraction is there between all those who by one spirit are made members of that mystical body, whereof Jesus Christ is the head! I loved your departed wife, now with God. I love your daughter, and the church in your house, in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Blessed be God that his love is so far shed abroad in our hearts, as to cause us to love one another, though we a little differ as to externals: For my part, I hate to mention them. My one sole question is, Are you a christian? Are you sealed by Christ’s spirit to the day of redemption? Are you hungering and thirsting after the perfect, everlasting righteousness of Jesus Christ? If so, you are my brother, my sister, and mother. I desire to love you as myself. This is my temper; I am persuaded it is your’s. Why otherwise did you so gladly receive me into your house? The Lord reward you and the rest of your christian brethren. Indeed I am present with you in spirit, and wish you good luck in the name of the Lord. O be not slack to praise him in my behalf; for I have experienced some rich anointings of his holy spirit, and have been made to see more into the wonders of redeeming love. Did I know more of your names, I would write to more. This is my comfort, I trust our names are written in the book of life. Yet a little while, and we shall sit down together in the kingdom of our Father. A place, though on a lower form, is, I humbly hope, prepared for

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXVI.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Mr. H.,

IF I remember, you used to express a great value for my person and doctrine, otherwise why should you desire a line from such a wretch as I am? When I look into myself, and consider how poor and miserable, and blind and naked my soul is, I wonder that any one should pay me the least regard. But what shall we say? God will have mercy upon whom he will have mercy. I am entirely indebted to free grace for all I have, am, or shall be. You also, I trust, dear Sir, are ready to subscribe to this; for what have we but what we have received? What should we have been had God left us to ourselves? Oh let a sense of this free, distinguishing love constrain us to obedience: A christian needs no other motive. That is a true gospel-faith which works by love. I often think it almost presumption to think of rewards in a future state; my Master amply rewards me in this: But present mercies are only earnests of future favours. Be not therefore, dear Sir, weary of well-doing, for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not. The Lord hath multiplied his favours towards me since I saw you last. We have had a long but pleasant and profitable voyage. Oh sing praises unto our God in behalf of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXVII.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Dear Mrs. A.,

THESE words of the psalmist, “Let us rejoice in the strength of our salvation,” often come with great power and comfort upon my soul. You and I need take much notice of them: For otherwise how often should we have fallen away from God since our first looking Zion-wards? But the Lord as he loves us freely, so he will heal our backslidings. He neither will let us fall into sin or error, so as finally to destroy our souls. God forbid this should encourage us in sin. It is only intended to support us in danger, and to strengthen us under temptations. Since there is such infinite mercy with God, it is a cogent reason why he should be loved and feared; but not why he should be disobeyed: And since God has lately led you out of delusion, be more watchful over yourself, my dear Sister, to follow those who truly shew you the way of salvation.—To hear of your standing stedfast in the Lord, will highly delight

Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER CXXXVIII.

To the Rev. Mr. R. E.

Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

Rev. and Dear Sir,

THE cordial and tender love which I bear you, will not permit me to neglect any opportunity of sending to you. I bless the Lord from my soul, for raising you and several other burning and shining lights to appear for him in this midnight of the church. My heart has been much warmed during my voyage, by reading some of your sermons, especially that preached before the associate presbytery. I long more and more to hear the rise and progress of your proceedings, and how far you would willingly carry the reformation of the church of Scotland. There are some expressions which I suppose will be interpreted to your disadvantage, both by your domestic and foreign enemies. I should be glad to know who are those martyrs to which you refer, and of what nature those covenants were which you mention in your sermon. My ignorance of the constitution of the Scotch church is the cause of my writing after this manner. I should be obliged to you, if you would be pleased to recommend to me some useful books, especially such which open the holy sacrament; for in God’s law is my delight. Boston’s fourfold State of Man I like exceedingly. Under God it has been of much service to my soul. I believe I agree with you and him in the essential truths of christianity. I bless God, his spirit has convinced me of our eternal election by the Father through the Son, of our free justification through faith in his blood, of our sanctification as the consequence of that, and of our final perseverance and glorification as the result of all. These I am persuaded God has joined together; these, neither men nor devils shall ever be able to put asunder. My only scruple at present is, “Whether you approve of taking the sword in defence of your religious rights?” One of our English bishops I remember, when I was with him, called you Cameronians. They, I think, took up arms, which I think to be contrary to the spirit of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Some few passages in your sermon before the presbytery, I thought were a little suspicious of favouring that principle. I pray God your next may inform me that I am mistaken: For when zeal carries us to such a length, I think it ceases to be zeal according to knowledge. Dearest Sir, be not angry at my writing thus freely. I love, I honour you in the bowels, and for the sake of Jesus Christ, from my soul. I wish you good luck in all your pious undertakings. I pray God to prosper the works of your hands, and to make you a noble instrument in bringing many sons to glory. Pray send an immediate answer, directed as usual, and care will be taken to have it remitted to, reverend and dear Sir,