LETTERS (continued 10)

Your affectionate though unworthy brother in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXC.

To Mr. H――.

Exeter, April 11, 1751.

My very dear Mr. H――,

I Was pleased last night to find by my wife’s letters, that your sister was delivered, and more so, because my wife wrote as though you was again under my roof. This I count a great honour, and such a privilege, that I wish to have the favour conferred on me as long as I live. These my hands (could they work, and was there occasion for it,) should readily minister to your necessities. If my wife should come down to Bristol, pray let not my dear Mr. H―― move. If Molly stays in London, she will take care of you; if not, Polly and Mr. D――n will gladly wait upon you. As I have been under some trying exercises for this month past, I have often wished to see you. But my blessed master hath given me access to himself, and he will make me more then conqueror through his love. I find Luther’s words truly applicable to myself, “He was never employed about any fresh work, but he was either visited with a fit of sickness or some violent temptations.” Some good I trust is to be done this Spring to many souls. This Western circuit I believe hath been blessed already. I have preached about forty times since I left London, and have been enabled several times to ride forty miles in a day. I find that this sensibly refreshes me. I wish you could say so too;—your Biddeford friends would then see you.—They hold on their way, and long to have a line from you. Old Mr. W―― is dead. I providentially met Mr. T―― at his son’s house. At Plymouth we had sweet seasons, and on Tuesday last I met with a young clergyman who was awakened under my preaching seven years ago. He hath been at Cambridge, and was ordained last Lent by the bishop of Exeter. He is followed much, and I suppose will soon be reproached for his master’s sake. What cannot Jesus do? I hope you find that he gives you strength to proceed in your book. It is enquired much after. The Lord be with you, and bless your pen, and your heart. I send my hearty love to your brother and whole houshold, and am, very dear Mr. H――,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCI.

To Lady H――.

Dublin, May 30, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

I Was uneasy that I had no opportunity of writing to your Ladyship a longer letter than my last, at leaving Wales; but it could not be avoided, and Mr. P―― (to whom I delivered your Ladyship’s message) promises to supply my deficiency. I am now at Dublin, where I arrived the 24th instant. Mr. L―― gladly received me into his house, and I have been enabled to preach twice every day this week. Some seasons have been very powerful indeed, and the congregations increase daily. Last Sunday I believe ten thousand heard with great attention. After staying one Lord’s day more, I shall set out for a month’s circuit, and then purpose going to Scotland. I find that providence has wonderfully prepared my way, and over-ruled every thing for my greater acceptance. O that I could be more humble and thankful! Surely here are many converted souls, amongst whom are two or three students, and several soldiers. May the Lord Jesus add to their number daily such as shall be saved! I know not where this will find your Ladyship, but where-ever you are, my heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that you may have a thriving soul in a healthy body, and be rewarded ten thousand fold for all favours conferred on, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCII.

To Mr. D――.

Dublin, June 1, 1751.

My very dear Friend,

I Fully proposed to have written to you from Wales, but was prevented by travelling and preaching. In about three weeks, I rode perhaps above five hundred miles, and preached generally twice a day. Congregations were as large as usual, and I trust an unusual power accompanied the word. After being about five days on the water, I arrived here the 24th ult. At first the greatness and hurry of the place surprized me; but thanks be to the Lord of the harvest, here as well as elsewhere the fields are white ready unto harvest. I have now preached about fourteen times, and find great freedom in dealing out the bread of life. Congregations are large, and hear as for eternity. Perhaps last Lord’s day upwards of ten thousand attended. It much resembled a Moor-fields auditory. Next Monday, God willing, I leave Dublin, and set out on a circuit to Limerick, Cork, Athlone, Waterford, &c. I now lodge at a banker’s, who purposes to come to London shortly. He is a follower of Christ, and will be glad of your acquaintance. I purpose giving him a letter. Have you heard nothing of Captain Grant? I long to hear of his arrival, because I would fain go over with him to America. Pray give me the first intelligence concerning him. A long journey is before me, but I would be at home every where, and yet never at home, till I come to heaven. There, the wicked will cease from troubling; there, the weary will be at rest. There, before men and angels will I declare how kind, yea exceeding kind, you and yours have been to, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCIII.

To Lady H――n.

Athlone, June 10, 1751.

THIS morning I had the wished-for favour and honour of your Ladyship’s ♦letter. O that it had acquainted me of your Ladyship’s better health! But our Lord knows what is best. May patience have its perfect work, and your Ladyship come out of the furnace like gold tried seven times in the fire! Every day I can sympathise with your Ladyship. As the weather grows warmer, my body grows weaker, and my vomitings follow me continually. But all is little enough to keep me down, and prepare me for the service in which I am engaged. My last from Dublin, acquainted your Ladyship of my being owned of God there. By a letter from Mr. L――, I am informed, that Dublin is in a ferment, and that my hearers will be much more numerous at my return. Oh the blessedness of leaving all for Jesus! For this week past, I have been preaching twice almost every day in some country towns, and yesterday I sounded the gospel trumpet here. Every where, there seems to be a stirring among the dry bones, and the trembling lamps of God’s people have been supplied with fresh oil. I find, through the many offences that have lately been given, matters were brought to a low ebb. But the cry now is, “Methodism is revived again.”—Thanks be to God, that I have an opportunity of shewing my disinterestedness, and that I preach not for a party of my own, but for the common interest of my blessed master. May he keep me thus minded, and then I am sure all will go well at last. Your Ladyship would smile, to see how the wise have been catched in their own craftiness. O that this good news from a far country may prove a cordial to your Ladyship’s soul! I pity your solitary state. I pity the deadness of all around you; but your Ladyship knows, whose brethren did not believe on him; it was even that God-man, who spoke a parable for this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Happy trials, that drive us to our knees. Ever-honoured Madam, I could enlarge, but must not. Your Ladyship shall hear, God willing, how the glorious Emmanuel deals with me in Ireland. In the mean while, with the warmest sense of your Ladyship’s unmerited favours, I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCIV.

To Mr. Z――.

Limerick, June 14, 1751.

Honoured Sir,

MY last was written on board the Crawford, and sent immediately upon my arrival at Dublin. Blessed be God, the word ran and was glorified there. I preached above fourteen times, and every day great multitudes attended. A friend, since my departure, writes me, that the city was in a ferment. For about a week I have been preaching twice a day in several country towns and villages. At Athlone I preached four times, and last night was gladly received here at Limerick. Every where our Lord hath vouchsafed us his blessed presence. That supports me under the heat of the weather, the weakness of my body, and the various trials which exercise my mind. I am now earnestly asking counsel from above. A wide door is open in Dublin; but after I have visited Cork, I believe I must cut short my circuit, lest I should have a winter’s voyage. I should have been heartily glad to have heard from or seen you, but I trust, honoured Sir, you will have a heart given you to pray for me, and then, one way or another, my way will be made plain before me. Hitherto (thanks be to his free grace) my master supports and comforts me. He administers seed to the sower, and as far as I can hear, blesses it when sown. O that his mercies humbled me! O that I may never provoke him to leave me, or lay me aside! Some dreadful offences have been given in Ireland, but I trust all will work for good. My coming was very opportune and providential. May I learn to follow the Lamb blindfold, whithersoever he shall be pleased to lead me! Be pleased to remember me at his throne, and as he enables, you shall hear, from time to time, how he vouchsafes to deal with, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged, affectionate younger brother, and unworthy fellow-labourer in our Lord’s vineyard,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCV.

To Lady H――.

Cork, June 19, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

STILL does the father of mercies, and the God of all consolation and comfort, follow me with his blessing. Since my last from Athlone, I have been at Limerick, where I preached seven times to large and affected auditories. Much freedom of spirit did I enjoy there indeed.—Yesterday I came hither (the seat of the late persecution) and thanks be to God, have preached twice to a great body of people, with all quietness. Both the Mayor and Sheriff have absolutely forbidden all mobbing. Now have the people of God rest. O that they may improve it, by walking in the comforts of the Holy Ghost! Next week, God willing, I shall return to Dublin, and from thence purpose going through the north of Ireland to Scotland. So long a circuit in this kingdom will be inconvenient for my voyage to America; but as divine providence seems to point out the way,

Lord at thy bidding I will go,

And gladly to poor sinners tell,

That they a blessed Christ may know,

That they his peace and joy may feel.

I hope your Ladyship enjoys a large share of this, under all your trials. They are great, but greater is he who hath promised to make his strength perfect in our weakness. I commit your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, and beg the continuance of your fervent prayers in behalf of, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, chearful servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCVI.

To Lady H――.

Dublin, June 28, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

MY last from Cork, informed your Ladyship of my having preached twice there to large and attentive auditories. From thence I went to Bandon and Kinsale, where a like blessing attended the word. At my return to Cork, I preached five or six times more, and every time, both the power of the word and numbers of hearers increased. I believe on Sunday evening there might be more than three thousand people. Hundreds prayed for me, when I took my leave, and many of the papists said, “if I would stay, they would leave their priests.” After preaching twice in the way, I came here on Wednesday evening, where I have again published the ever-lasting gospel. Next Monday, God willing, I set out for Belfast, and hope in about ten days to be in Scotland. From thence, by God’s leave, your Ladyship shall hear from me again: but what return shall I make for your Ladyship’s two kind letters? I can only repeat my old tribute, my poor but I trust unfeigned thanks. O for sincerity! O for a simple, disinterested heart. I think that low politics are below the children of God, and if we will be quiet, our Lord will speak for us. One to whom I had been represented in black colours, writes thus from Dublin to a preacher in Cork,—“What blessed seasons have we had since Mr. Whitefield came,—his coming hath been unspeakably blest to many. Thousands constantly attended the word. His word is attended with power. I never heard a man preach holiness of heart in a clearer manner.—He powerfully preaches Christ for us and in us. I confess I had strange ideas about him, but blessed be God, I have not now. God be praised that ever I saw his face, &c.――” Thus it hath been elsewhere. O that I was humble! O that I was thankful! Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but to thy free unmerited grace be all the glory?—May I learn more and more to leave all to God, even a God in Christ! If his cause be promoted, my end is answered. Let souls go where they please to hear, and welcome. Thanks be to Jesus for giving your Ladyship a disinterested catholic spirit. However afflicted, and in pain on earth, you shall shine ere long in the kingdom of heaven. Christ hath prepared a place for you, and is daily and hourly preparing your Ladyship for the place. I am glad you are like to have some company. I beg that my most hearty respects and acknowledgments may find acceptance with them and good Lady H――. I hope the waters will agree with the young Ladies. Above all, I pray that they, and the whole circle of your Ladyship’s relations and friends, may drink plentifully of that water, whose streams refresh the city of God. I can now add no more, but to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCVII.

To Mr. T――.

Belfast, July 4, 1751.

Dear Mr. T――,

VERY providentially, your kind letter reached me this morning. As I am detained by the importunity of the people, I must snatch a few moments to answer it. Thanks be to the Lord of all Lords, if my poor administrations have been any ways blessed, either to you or others. “Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy free and unmerited grace, O Lord, be all the glory!” Preaching Christ, I find to be the best means of winning sinners, and of building up saints. This done with a single eye and disinterested heart, will make its way through all opposition, and stand fast, when all other schemes built on a legal bottom and supported by low politics, will fall to the ground. I wish you may have grace given you to act aright in your present circumstances. Let all bitterness and wrath and clamour be put away from you. Go on simply preaching the everlasting gospel; and if rejected for that, and freely discharged from your present connection, I shall do all in my power to promote your usefulness. I suppose, you will hear from other hands what hath been doing in Dublin. I hope the Lord of all Lords hath been with us. Thousands flock in this place also, to hear the word preached. I thought to have left Belfast to-day, but have complied with the people’s earnest requests, to continue in these parts till Monday. O for a pilgrim heart with my pilgrim life! At present, I have no thoughts of nestling. Fain would I be kept from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I beg the continuance of your prayers. My prayer to God for you and yours is, “that you may live together as heirs of the grace of life, and walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless.” You are entered upon a new scene, and will require more grace to act your parts well, than at present you may be aware of: But there is an all-sufficiency in Christ, who hath promised, that as our day is, so our strength shall be. I commend you and yours, and all the followers of Christ, to his never-failing mercy, and subscribe myself, for his great name’s sake, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCVIII.

To Lady H――n.

Belfast, July 7, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

LAST Monday about noon I left Dublin, but with what concern in respect to many poor weeping souls, cannot well be exprest. On Wednesday evening I came hither, and intended to embark immediately for Scotland, but the people by their importunity prevailed on me to stay. In about an hour’s time, thousands were gathered to hear the word. I preached morning and evening, and since that have preached at Lisburn, Lurgun, the Maize, and Lambag, towns and places adjacent. So many attend, and the prospect of doing good is so promising, that I am grieved I came to the north no sooner. The country round about is like Yorkshire in England, and quite different from the most southern parts of Ireland. I am now waiting for a passage to Scotland, which I hope to get either to-morrow or on Tuesday. From thence your Ladyship shall hear from me again; in the mean while, having preached to many thousands again this morning, I must content myself with praying, that the best of blessings may descend on your Ladyship, and subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXCIX.

To the Reverend Mr. Z――.

Glasgow, July 12, 1751.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

AT length, a good and gracious God hath brought me out of Ireland, where to the very last, the people heard the gospel gladly. In the northern parts, multitudes attended, and was I not bound for America, I would have stayed there much longer. People flock here as usual, and I am enabled to preach twice every day. In about ten days I purpose moving towards London in order to embark. How my wife is, I cannot tell, having not heard from her for some time; but I hope she will be resigned. This, this is the cry of my soul,—

Bind, Father, hand and foot thy son,

Nor leave thy work till all be done;

O never let me, Lord, go free,

Till all my heart’s resign’d to thee.

Then quickly to the altar lead,

And suffer me no more to plead;

No longer with the old Adam bear,

Lead on, dear Lord, consume him there.

Surely I shall be taken at my word. May Jesus support me in a trying hour! I still beg a continued interest in your prayers,—and hoping this will find you with a thriving soul in a healthy body, I subscribe my self, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, in the glorious Gospel,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCC.

To Lady H――.

Glasgow, July 12, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

I Think it long ere I send your Ladyship another letter.—My last was from Belfast, where I preached twice on yesterday sevennight, and immediately after took shipping and arrived the next evening at Erwin. On Wednesday morning, at the desire of the magistrates, I preached to a great congregation, and ever since have been preaching twice every day in this city. Thousands attend every morning and evening. They seem never to be weary, and I am more followed than ever. Though I preached near eighty times in Ireland, and God was pleased to bless his word, yet Scotland seems to be a new world to me. To see the people bring so many bibles, turn to every passage, when I am expounding, and hang as it were upon me to hear every word, is very encouraging. I feel uncommon freedom of heart here, and talking with the winter, as well as summer saints, feeds and delights my heart. My body is kept pretty healthy, and my voice greatly strengthened, so that I think God is preparing me for more work, or that some trial is at hand. This I suppose will find your Ladyship yet in the furnace, but Christ is in the midst of the bush, and in the fiery furnace too; he will quench the violence of the flames, or cause the fire of his love to burn higher. I could enlarge, but am straitened. Some ministers wait for me. Your Ladyship would be delighted with our morning and evening auditories. This day in the church we have had a blessed feast. To-morrow I take my leave, and then for Edinburgh. There I expect to stay near a fortnight. Glad shall I be to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. You have always my poor prayers, and my poor, but hearty thanks; being, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCI.

To Mr. M――.

Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.

THROUGH the tender mercies of a never-failing Redeemer, I came here safe yesterday noon. In the evening, and this morning, I preached the everlasting gospel to thronged auditories, and met with a very kind reception from my friends. Lord make me humble, Lord Jesus make me truly thankful! As his interest seems to be concerned, and the King’s business requires haste, I take this first opportunity of writing about the Virginia affair. In that province, there has been for some years past, a great awakening, especially in Hanover county, and the ♦counties adjacent. As the ministers of the establishment did not favour the work, and the first awakened persons put themselves under the care of the New-York synod, the poor people were from time to time fined, and very much harrassed for not attending on the church service:—And as the awakening was supposed to be begun by the reading of my books, at the instigation of the council a proclamation was issued out to prohibit itinerant preaching. However, before I left Virginia, one Mr. D―― (an excellent young man) was licensed, and settled over a congregation. Since that, the awakening has increased, so that Mr. D―― writes, “that one congregation is multiplied to seven.” He desires liberty to license more houses, and to preach occasionally to all, as there is no minister but himself. This, though allowed of in England, is denied in Virginia, which grieves the people very much. The commissary is one of the council, and with the rest of his brethren, I believe no friend to the Dissenters. The late Lieutenant-Governor was like-minded.—I therefore think that Mr. D―― is raised up to succeed him, in order to befriend the church of God, and the interest of Christ’s people. They desire no other privileges than what dissenting protestants enjoy in our native country. This I am persuaded your brother-in-law will be glad to secure to them. I shall write to Mr. D―― to wait upon his Honour immediately after his arrival. I pray the God of the sea, and the God of the dry land, to send him a safe and speedy passage, and make him a long and great blessing to the inhabitants of Virginia. You may improve these hints as you please. I beg the prayers both of yourself and dear yoke-fellow, and assure you, that neither you nor yours are forgotten by, reverend and dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCII.

To the Reverend Mr. Z――.

Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.

Honoured Sir,

SINCE I wrote to you from Glasgow, a never-failing Jesus hath vouchsafed to help me every day in preaching the everlasting gospel. The congregations morning and evening amount to many thousands. People flock more than ever, and are desirous of my longer stay, but I purpose moving next week. I thank you, honoured Sir, for paying my wife a visit. The inclosed letter I believe helped to make her sick; I have sent it with this: be pleased to keep it to yourself, and let me have the letter at my return. I little thought I was so much behind hand; but God will keep me dependent. “Having nothing, yet possessing all things,” must be my motto still. Honoured Sir, I hear that a ship is going to Georgia with more Saltzburghers. Are you concerned? Could I go myself in her? Or could I send two or three little passengers? Mr. D―― shall call for an answer to these last questions. I trust, honoured Sir, you are enabled to pray for me. I dread coming to London, and think it would be best to part at a distance.—But, Father, not my will, but thine be done! In heaven these trials will be over. Lord, hasten thy coming! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! With difficulty I get time to write this. But whether I write or not, you and your collegue are never forgotten by, honoured Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCIII.

To Lady H――.

Edinburgh, July 30, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

I Think it a long time, since I last wrote to your Ladyship. Continual preaching twice a day, and paying and receiving visits, quite prevented my putting pen to paper, as I would have done. However, thanks be to God, matters go on in Scotland better and better. The parting at Glasgow was very sorrowful indeed. Numbers set out from the country, to hear the word, by three or four in the morning. Congregations increase greatly. I now preach twice daily to many thousands. Many of the best rank attend. My body is almost worn out, but in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. I purposed to move as to-morrow, but through the importunity of friends, have been prevailed upon to stay till next Monday. O that it may be for a further blessing! I have been to Musselburgh to see Captain G―― and his Lady.—They hold on.—Mr. W―― has been there, and intends setting up societies, which I think imprudent. I was glad to hear that your Ladyship was strong in body, and rejoicing in your soul. The joy of the Lord shall be your strength. Letters from Georgia inform me, that my family is well. My eyes wait upon Jesus, from whom alone comes all my salvation. He gives me hints, that he will provide. I sometimes wish your Ladyship here. Such composed, thronged, continued, attentive, judicious auditories perhaps were seldom seen. Your Ladyship is often remembered by Scotch friends, and never forgotten by, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCIV.

To Lady H――n.

Kendal, Aug. 10, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

AS a good and gracious God hath vouchsafed to bring me thus far on my way, I cannot help dropping your Ladyship a few lines. Preaching, bodily weakness, and a variety of business, prevented my writing again before I left Edinburgh. O Edinburgh! Edinburgh! Surely thou must never be forgotten by me! The longer I stayed, the more eagerly both rich and poor attended on the word preached. Perhaps for near twenty-eight days together in Glasgow and Edinburgh, I preached to near ten thousand souls every day. It would have melted your Ladyship’s heart to have seen us part. Ninety-four pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear of seven or eight students awakened about ten years ago, that are likely to turn out excellent preachers. Praise the Lord, O my soul.—Two of them came with me on the road, and parted with broken hearts. Lord and Lady L―― behaved very respectfully. To the Lord of all Lords be all the glory! I am now on my way to London, in order to embark for America. Thanks be to God, the seed sown in Kendal last year hath sprung up, and borne fruit. One woman hath been with me, that seems to have received God’s pardoning love. I leave it on Monday, and hope to be in town on Saturday. Glad should I be, to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. I threw up much blood in Edinburgh, but riding recruits me. O that I may begin to work for Him, who bled and died for me! To his most tender mercies do I humbly recommend your Ladyship, and beg leave, from the very bottom of my heart, to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and chearful servant, for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCV.

To the Reverend Mr. T――.

London, Aug. 29, 1751.

My very dear Friend,

AT length the struggle is over;—I have been dying daily for some time, in taking leave of friends; and this afternoon I expect to go on board the Antelope, Captain Maclelan, bound for Georgia, with Germans.—I take several children with me.—Surely you will see the American land.—Mr. E――, with your other friends, seem to concur in thinking that a little travelling would do you service.—May the Lord direct and bless you! Will you not write to me by Cowan? If my dear friend Mr. P―― could speak to that brewer that is so well disposed, and he or any other would send in Cowan a little good beer, it would be acceptable in yonder wilderness.—Pray what says Mr. W――? If he should agree to go over, Mr. W―― R―― may be applied to for cash.—I have several sweet little ones to put under his care;—God’s will be done in this also! He reigneth, that is my unspeakable consolation.—By next ship I believe will come a parcel directed to Mr. T――, with a folio book, and an hundred pictures of Aaron the Indian preacher, from good Lady H――, who is yet but poorly.—Sixty may be disposed of among Edinburgh friends, and forty sent to Mr. M――. The book you are to peruse, and then it must go with the pictures to Glasgow.—Be pleased to apprize Mr. T―― of it, and desire him to send me a line by Cowan.—If possible, I will answer Mr. B―― before we leave the Downs. My tender love and thanks await your dear father, family, and all friends. The Lord be with you all, Amen and Amen! My horses sold for fourteen pounds. God reward my benefactors! Perhaps Mr. T―― and Dr. Doddridge may go off about the same time. I præ sequar. Mr. H―― is better. And now, my dear Sir, farewel! Be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCVI.

To the Reverend Mr. G――.

On board the Antelope, Sept. 2, 1751.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

THOUGH I could not, through hurry of business, write to you on shore, yet I would fain send you a few lines from on board. We are now near the Downs, and, I trust, shall sail comfortably on.—The Captain is civil; and the cabin passengers seem to be very agreeable company. Parting seasons of late have been to me dying seasons.—Surely they have broken my very heart: but it is for Jesus, and therefore all is well. Remember, my dear, dear Sir, a floating pilgrim.—If possible, send me a line.—Young Mr. T――r knows how to direct. I shall rejoice to hear of your prosperity. Before my embarkation, I ordered forty of Aaron’s pictures, and the folio book concerning the Moravians, to be sent to Mr. M――. They will be committed to the care of Mr. T――, in Edinburgh. And now, my dear Mr. G――, farewel, farewel! The Lord be with you and Mr. M――, Mr. N――, Mr. S――, and all my dear, very dear Glasgow friends. I salute you all much in the Lord, and beg the continuance of your most earnest prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our blessed Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCVII.

On board the Antelope, Oct. 6, 1751.

Dear Sir,

I Have been just writing to one, to whom I know you will gladly convey the inclosed. I must now send you a few lines: may the Redeemer attend them with his blessing! At the great day, you shall know how often you have been remembered by me at the throne of grace, this voyage. Blessed be God, hitherto it has been a short and easy one! We are now within a few hundred miles of shore; and He that hath hitherto helped, I trust will help us even to the end. O that the blessings bestowed upon us, may, through the thanksgiving of many, redound to thy glory, O God! O that I could do something to promote this! As yet alas! alas! how little have I done! Stir up then, my sluggish soul, and begin to exert thyself for Him, who hath shed his dear and precious heart’s blood for thee! O my dear Sir, is it not strange that we should forget this love? Strange, that a little silver dust, should blind our eyes, and divert us from beholding Him, who indeed is altogether lovely! A word to the wise is enough. Our Lord hath dealt wonderously kind with each of us, with us, and with ours. What shall we render unto him? My obligations are much increased by the mercies of this voyage. Your kind present was very useful. I pray the Lord of all lords to reward you ten thousand-fold. You will remember me to your dear partner, and all enquiring friends. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied on you all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCVIII.

To Mr. J―― T――.

Bethesda, in Georgia, Nov. 20, 1751.

My dear Mr. T――,

ERE this can reach you, I suppose you will have heard of our safe arrival in Georgia; for which, I trust, you and my other dear friends will be thankful in our behalf. Blessed be God, I found the Orphan-house in as good a situation as could be expected. The children have much improved in their learning; and I hope a foundation is now laid for a future useful seminary. I want to know what answer Mr. W――’s hath given. I expect letters by C――, when I go to Charles-town next month. I was there about ten days ago, and had some close talk with Mr. L――, and several of Mr. S――’s congregation, concerning you. All seemed to be unanimous, in giving you a call. I need only observe, that if God should direct your course to them, you will find a generous, loving people, who will study to make your labours profitable and delightful to you. I doubt not but in the congregation there are many dear children of God. And as there will be such an harmony between you and Mr. L――, I hope you will be an happy instrument of promoting peace between all parties, and adding such to the church as shall be finally saved. Very near you, are several pious ministers of other denominations, who will be glad to keep up a christian correspondence with you, and strengthen your hands in the work of the Lord. As far as I can judge of your disposition, and all other concurring circumstances, your situation will be very agreeable to others, and to yourself. However, a trial can do no hurt to either side. A voyage to sea, and the seeing and conversing with many of God’s people and ministers on this side the water, will make it worth your while to leave your native country. Travelling improved, will enlarge your ideas, and promote your future usefulness. May the glorious Emmanuel direct your goings in his way! If it should appear to be the divine will that you should come over to Charles-Town, I am persuaded, the good old man your father will chearfully let his Benjamin go; and he will find his blessed Master to be better to him than seven sons. Pray salute him and all dear friends in the kindest manner. I would write to many, but as yet have not time. Brethren, pray for us. My very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCIX.

To Mr. K――.

Charles-Town, Dec. 26, 1751.

My dear Mr. K――,

MAY this find you getting out of your eclipse, and determining, through the strength of Christ, that the earth shall never get in between your soul and the Son of Righteousness any more! What mercies, signal mercies hath the Lord Jesus conferred on you and me! What shall we render unto the Lord? Shall we not give him our whole hearts? O let us not follow afar off. Let his love constrain us to an holy, universal, chearful obedience to all his commands. You have a wife that will provoke you to love, and to good works. Make much of her; and present her, and your mother, and all her children, with my most cordial salutations. I do not forget them, or you, or dear Mr. R――. For Christ’s sake forget not unworthy me. I am now returning to the Orphan-house, which I trust will be like the burning bush indeed. My poor labours are accepted here; and in the Spring I purpose going to the Bermudas. Jesus is very good to me. Help me to praise him; and believe me to be, my dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCX.

To Mr. William L――.

Bethesda, Jan. 25, 1752.

Very dear Sir,

MAN appoints, but God disappoints. Though we missed seeing each other on earth, yet if Jesus Christ be our life, we shall meet never to part again in the kingdom of Heaven. Your kind letter found me employed for the fatherless, in this wilderness, and am almost ready to enter upon my Spring campaign. The news from Ireland, does not at all surprize me. Weak minds soon grow giddy with power; and then they become pests, instead of helps to the church of God. You have done well, dear Sir, not to desist from doing good, on account of some rubs you meet with in the way. Benefacere et male pati, vere christianum est. Go on, therefore, to lay up treasures in heaven; and let the world see, that you have been with Jesus, by imitating him in going about doing good. I intend, by his assistance, now to begin; for as yet alas! I have done nothing. Continue to pray for me; and be pleased to assure our Irish friends, that they are not forgotten by me. Who knows but I may see them once more on this side eternity? As soon as possible, some of them shall hear from me. Thanks be to God, the Orphan-house flourishes. That the work of Christ may flourish amongst all persons of all denominations, and that you and yours may be always abounding in the work of the Lord, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXI.

To the Rev. Mr. H――.

Charles-Town, Feb. 1, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

I Long to write to, and inform you, that I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and earnestly pray, that you may go on from strength to strength, and increase with all the increase of God. This leaves unworthy me, endeavouring to do something for Him on this side the water. Glory be to his great name, he causes his work to prosper in my worthless hands. The Orphan-house is in a flourishing way, and I hope will yet become a useful seminary. My poor labours in this place meet with acceptance; and after one more trip to Georgia, I purpose setting out upon my Spring campaign. Follow me with your prayers; and who knows but we may meet once more on this side heaven. Our dear Mr. H―― I find is to be detained longer from thence. I think he will live to bury many stronger men. I wish Lisbon may be blessed to Dr. D――; and O how do I wish that dear Dr. S―― was fully employed in preaching the everlasting gospel! Pray salute him tenderly in my name, and beg him to renounce the world for Christ. I hope you both write to, and see our good Lady H――n frequently. I was rejoiced to hear, from my dear yoke-fellow, that her Ladyship was bravely: this was joy indeed. May she long live to be a blessing! That is all in all. O that I may begin to be in earnest! It is a new year; God quicken my tardy pace, and help me to do much work in a little time! This is my highest ambition. The Lord Jesus fill me with this ambition more and more! For the present, adieu. Accept this as a token of your not being forgotten by, reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXII.

To Mr. S―― C――.

Charles-Town, Feb. 5, 1752.

AS I love you most tenderly in the bowels of Jesus Christ, you may easily guess, what great pleasure both your kind letters gave me. They came attended with a great blessing, and knit my heart, if possible, nearer to you than ever. Part of the first, indeed, I mean that which respected the Tabernacle-house, gave me uneasiness; but your last removed it, and made me thankful to our common Redeemer, who in spite of all opposition, I find will cause his word to run and be glorified. Poor Mr. W―― is striving against the stream; strong assertions will not go for proofs, with those who are acquainted with the divine life, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit even to the day of redemption. They know, that their stock is now put into safe hands; that the covenant of grace is not built upon the faithfulness of a poor fallible, changeable creature, but upon the never-failing faithfulness of an unchangeable God. This is the foundation whereon I build. “Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief! Having once loved me, thou wilt love me to the end; thou wilt keep that safe, which I have committed unto thee: establish thy people more and more in this glorious truth; and grant that it may have this blessed effect upon us all, that we may love thee more, and serve thee better!” All truths, unless productive of holiness and love, are of no avail. They may float upon the surface of the understanding; but this is to no purpose, unless they transform the heart. This, I trust, the dear Tabernacle preachers and people will always have deeply impressed upon their minds. Let us not dispute, but love. Truth is great, and will prevail. I am quite willing that all our hearers shall hear for themselves. The Spirit of Christ is a Spirit of liberty. You remember what I have often told you about Calvin. He was turned out of Geneva for several years; but in less than twelve years time they wished for their Calvin again. But what is Calvin, or what is Luther? Let us look above names and parties; let Jesus, the ever-loving, the ever-lovely Jesus, be our all in all.—So that he be preached, and his divine image stamped more and more upon people’s souls, I care not who is uppermost. I know my place, (Lord Jesus enable me to keep it!) even to be the servant of all. I want not to have a people called after my name, and therefore I act as I do. The cause is Christ’s, and he will take care of it. I rejoice that you go on so well at the Tabernacle. May the shout of a king be always in the midst of you, and the glory of God be your reward. I am apt to believe you will pray me over. But future things belong to him, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve. After one more trip to the Orphan-house, I purpose going to the Northward, where I expect more letters by Captain Grant. Thanks be to God, all is well at Bethesda. A most excellent tract of land is granted to me very near the house, which in a few years I hope will make a sufficient provision for it. Pray give my tenderest and most hearty love to all your dear family, and all the Tabernacle people, and all enquiring friends. Entreat them, I pray you, to be mindful of a poor pilgrim, who night and day is never unmindful of you or them. Doctor Doddridge I find is gone; Lord Jesus prepare me to follow after!—With real and great affection, I subscribe myself, very dear Jemmy,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXIII.

To Mr. J―― H――.

London, May 26, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

HEARING that Mr. N―― is to go shortly from Leith, I cannot help sending you a few lines. They leave me at London, where, through the divine goodness, I am safely arrived, after a passage of near five weeks on board the Henry. People have received me with great affection; and I never saw the work of God go on in a more promising way. Thousands and thousands hear the gospel gladly. Lord, what am I? Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy free grace and unmerited mercy be all the glory! I wish I could send you good news about your minister. But alas! I now almost despair of procuring one. I waited upon Dr. G―― immediately after my arrival;—he gave me no hopes. The person that was fixed upon, declined it. Several of the large congregations in London, besides many more in the country, are without pastors: they are obliged to make use of our preachers. O that the Lord of the harvest may thrust out more labourers into his harvest! Who can tell but some ministers may be raised up at Bethesda? At Midsummer the King takes Georgia into his own hands: blessed be God for sending me over at such a juncture. He hath given me already good success concerning Mr. B――’s scheme. I am come to a determination, if I can dispose of Providence plantation, to carry all my strength to the Orphan-house. May the Lord Jesus prosper more and more this work of our hands upon us! Prosper thou, O God, this handy work! I trust he will. I could enlarge, but have not time. You may expect to hear from me again by Dr. B――, whom I expect to see next week. Your Rapin is bought, and shall be sent with the other; I thank you for the loan of it, and for all other favours. The God whom I serve, will richly reward both you, and all my other dear Charles-Town friends. My very dear Sir, cease not to pray for

Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXIV.

To Mr. T――.

London, June 4, 1752.

My dear Mr. T――,

I Doubt not of your being directed in your late choice. If we acknowledge God in all our ways, he hath promised to direct our paths. I pity poor Carolina. But what shall we say? Jesus may do what he will with his own. I must look out for a tutor for my orphans. When our Lord’s time is come, some one or other will be stirred up to care for these sheep in yonder wilderness. Blessed be God, it begins to smile. You will see by the inclosed, what a prospect I have of providing for Bethesda’s future support. The letter was sent me by Mr. J―― B――, a worthy christian planter, who is lately come from Carolina to settle in Georgia. He was awakened at the Orphan-house about ten years ago. At Midsummer, Georgia is to be taken into the Government’s hands. It will then be put on the same footing with the other provinces; and in all probability will be a flourishing province. I am come in the very best time. O what a blessed thing is it to follow Jesus blindfold! He hath enabled me once more to take the field. The fields seem as white as ever; and I never saw the Tabernacle so well attended. If God should so direct me, would the middle of August not be too late to come to Edinburgh? I cannot well come before. Does Mr. R―― go directly for Charles-Town? How will he be paid for the Ossnaburghs he was so kind as to send over? I would fain send a few letters by him. My hearty love to him and his. Ten thousand thanks to you, for caring so friendly for my dear wife in my absence.—The Lord Jesus will care for you and my other kind friends. She is pretty well, and joins in sending cordial respects and thanks.—My young man returns his. Letters from those you mention, will be very acceptable. I hope to write to several shortly. I must now away; but not before I have wished Mr. Gillespie joy. The Pope I find has turned Presbyterian. O this power, when got into wrong hands, what mischief does it occasion! “The Lord reigns:”—that is enough for us. Adieu. My love to your honoured father, and all dear friends. Accept the same in the tenderest manner from, my dear Timothy,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXV.

To Mr. H――.

London, June 9, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

I Have received and read your manuscripts; but for me to play the critic on them, would be like holding up a candle to the sun. However, before I leave town, I will just mark a few places as you desire, and then send the manuscripts to your brother. I foretell their fate: nothing but your scenery can screen you. Self will never bear to die, though slain in so genteel a manner, without shewing some resentment against its artful murderer. I am glad you have written to South-Audley-street. You are resolved not to die in my debt. I think to call your intended purchase Weston, and shall take care to remind him by whose means he was brought under the everlasting gospel. O that Doctor S―― may be brought out to preach it! If you do not take the other living yourself, I think your giving it to the Doctor is a glorious scheme. I lay at your brother’s house last week: your sister seemed to love to talk of Jesus Christ and her own heart. She got up early, and came after me and my wife to Madam T――’s. You know how to improve this hint at a proper season. Your brother hath been so kind as to let me have the little mare again. My Master walked, I ride to preach the glorious gospel. Whether riding or walking, Lord Jesus, let my whole heart be taken up with thee! Adieu, my dearest Sir, adieu. Cease not to pray for,

Ever yours whilst

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXVI.

To Dr. S――.

London, June 9, 1752.

My dear Doctor,

GLAD shall I be to hear that you are a poor despised preacher of the everlasting gospel. I long to direct to the Reverend Mr. S――. I believe if you once was gone so far that you could not retreat, you would do very well. If Mr. H―― does not take the two livings, I think your scheme is glorious. May the Lord thrust you out some way or another! I am sure the harvest is great: people seem more eager than ever to hear the word. May I die preaching! Next Thursday se’nnight I leave London, and purpose to take a long circuit. I should be glad to see you in the mean while. O that the love of Christ may burn all the love of the world out of your heart! Adieu. Never fear the Bishop: let your eye be only on the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls! He will make your way plain. I must away. Business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself, dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXVII.

To Lady H――.

London, June 12, 1752.

Ever-honoured Madam,

THIS day about noon I received your Ladyship’s wished-for letter, which brought me the welcome news of your Ladyship’s safe arrival at Bath. May the waters be abundantly blessed to the restoring of your bodily health, and may the comforts of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, fill and refresh your soul! Your Ladyship judges right of dear Mr. Z――: he is a blessed man, a father in Christ indeed! I hope to see both him and your Ladyship, about the twenty-fourth of this month. Next week, God willing, I shall go to Portsmouth, from thence to Bath, then to the West, then to Wales, and from thence, may be, to Scotland and Ireland. O that I could fly from pole to pole publishing the everlasting gospel! Every day we hear of fresh conquests gained. Grace! Grace! Yesterday I had several pleasing particulars told me about Georgia. The having my work so divided, is a great trial to me; but what is undertaken for God, ought to be carried on for him. He can and will do wonders for those who put their trust in him. O for faith, precious faith! It is all in all. Old times seem to be coming about here. My body is much enfeebled, but the joy of the Lord is my strength. Hoping shortly to see your Ladyship prospering both in soul and body, and begging a continual interest in your Ladyship’s prayers, I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXVIII.

To Mr. I――.

London, June 16, 1752.

Dear Mr. I――,

YOUR last letter brought strange things to my ears, and put me upon considering how to act. You know, my dear friend, that I hate to head a party, and that it is absolutely inconsistent with my other business, to take upon me the care of societies in various parts. I therefore cannot promise to come to Ireland for that purpose, neither do I ever intend to engage in building any houses. My intention is to come your way, but whether it will be this summer or not I cannot tell. Mr. A―― was very desirous of seeing you and his sister, and goes through Wales to Ireland. As you seem to have taken Skinner’s Alley, I suppose he may preach there, and if a larger place could be procured, I doubt not of its being filled. The Lord direct you how to act, so as most to promote his glory, and the good of souls.—I hope you will all, if possible, avoid the very appearance of a party spirit, and evidence to the world, that the principles we hold are indeed of God, by their moulding us more and more into the divine image. This is indeed all in all. I hope the people here are in a growing way. Glory be to God, we have happy days. What shall we render unto the Lord? All he requires, is our poor hearts. May he have them without reserve! My hearty love to your wife, Mr. C―― and his wife, and all that love Christ Jesus in sincerity. If I am prayed over, come I must. The Lord be with you. I am so wearied by preaching, &c. that I can scarce subscribe myself, my dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXIX.

To Mr. L――.

Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.

Dear Sir,

YOUR kind letter I received immediately after my last return to Scotland, but I was so exceedingly busied in preparing for my voyage to America, that I had not time to answer it. Being once more unexpectedly brought back to my native country, I send my sincere, though late acknowledgments, and hope this will find you and yours, fighting the good fight of Faith, and resolved never to desist, till you have laid hold on eternal life. Let not what has happened, draw off your mind from the Captain of your salvation. He is altogether lovely, and worthy of your highest regard. But alas! All his servants, even the best of them, are but weak fallible men at the best. Happy they, who by seeing the imperfections of the creature, are led to adhere more closely to the all-sufficient and most adorable Creator. If you and yours are taught this lesson by past occurrences, you will have no reason to complain, but on the contrary will be excited to praise him, who causes, that out of the eater there shall come forth meat, and out of the strong shall come forth sweetness. Be pleased to accept this in love. I send my most cordial respects to your whole self and family, and beg their and your prayers in behalf of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXX.

To Mr. T――.

Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.

My dear Friend,

I Thank you for your very kind letter, and thank the Lord of all Lords for honouring dear Mr. G――. Now he will do more good in a week, than before in a year. Where the carcase is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Last Monday we sung for him the following lines;

Give him thy strength, O God of power,

Then let winds blow, or thunders roar;

Thy faithful witness shall he be,

’Tis fixed—he can do all through Thee.

How blind is Satan! What does he get by casting out Christ’s servants? I expect that some great good will come out of these confusions. We wait for thy salvation, O Lord! I hope your soul prospers. I long to see you, and my other Scotch friends, but question whether I can come this summer. The Lord direct me to act as shall be most conducive to his glory and the good of souls! We have had blessed seasons in London; there I must be again in about a fortnight. On next Tuesday the Trustees give up Georgia to the King; the King of Kings has appeared for Bethesda. I cannot think of seeing it again, till next year. In the mean while you must pray that I may be busy for Christ. And in so doing you will strengthen the hands of, my dear, dear friend,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXI.

To Mr. N――.

Bristol, July 13, 1752.

Very dear Sir,

I Am quite sorry to hear that you are so much indisposed. But what shall we say? The Lord Jesus orders all things well. He knows of what we are made; he remembers that we are but dust. As our day is, so shall our strength be. I see more and more, that, like our great Exemplar, we must be made perfect through sufferings. Ere long, the time of reigning will come, and one sight of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, will make amends for all. O glorious prospect! Well might the apostle say, “that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” O gloriam quantam et qualem! Courage then, my dear Sir; he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. I dare not give vent; business obliges me to be short. Here, as well as at London, the fields are white, ready unto harvest. This week I pass over to Wales. I am a poor, but happy pilgrim. Thanks be to free grace for it. My dutiful respects await good Lady Jane, and the young Ladies. Be pleased to accept the same from, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXII.

To Mr. S――.

Cardiff, July 17, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

WHEREVER I am, you and yours, you and your kindnesses, are always upon my heart. I think of them at my down-sitting and mine up-rising, and to refresh myself, must express my gratitude. Indeed I thank you both ten thousand times, and as a poor tribute, I send you word that the Lord of all Lords is pleased to smile upon, and bless my feeble labours. I was at Bristol four days, and preached nine times. To my great surprize, thousands (very near as many as attended at Moorfields) came out every evening to hear the word. A blessed influence attended it; and I have reason to believe much good was done. Old times seemed to be revived again. Praise the Lord, O my soul! The last evening it rained a little, but few moved. I was wet, and contracted a cold and hoarseness; but I trust, that preaching will cure me again. This is my grand Catholicon. O that I may drop and die in my blessed master’s work!

For this let men revile my name,

I’ll shun no cross, I’ll fear no shame;

All hail reproach, and welcome pain;

Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.

I am now entering upon Wales. What success my Master gives me, you may hear some time hence. I beg your prayers, that I may be kept from robbing God of his glory, or of any more of my precious time. What said my dear Mr. S―― when I saw him last? What!—“You the biggest robber? No, no,—I am the man.” But thanks be to God, as you observed, “our judge is our advocate.” I thank you for the hint. The Lord give me to improve it! Farewell! I must soon away, to preach about eight miles off. We have had a comfortable meeting this morning. My tender love to dear Mrs. S―― and your little daughter; accept the same in the most endearing manner from me, who in the strongest terms that words can express, am, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXIII.

To Lady H――.

Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.

Ever-honoured Madam,

AS this is the first day of rest from journeying, since my coming into Wales, and also the extent of my Welch circuit, I must not omit sending your Ladyship a few lines. They inform your Ladyship of the continued goodness of my blessed master, to the most unworthy servant he ever sent forth. As my day, so hath my strength been. Abundance of souls, especially in Pembrokeshire, have attended; and I hope that seed hath been sown, which will spring up to eternal life. On Monday next, I shall begin to return back, and some time this day sevennight hope to wait upon your Ladyship at Clifton. On the following day, I propose to preach at Bristol, and the next day shall set out for Gloucestershire, to keep an association there. The Lord help me to hold on and hold out unto the end! I dread the thoughts of flagging in the latter stages of my road. Jesus is able to keep me from being either weary or faint in my mind. In him, and in him alone is all my strength found. I hope your Ladyship finds both your bodily and spiritual strength repaired day by day. That you may mount on wings like an eagle, walk and not be weary, hold on and not be faint, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ever ready servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXIV.

To Mr. R―― W――.

Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.

Dear Sir,

I Love and honour you too much, to have let yours lie so long unanswered, had not travelling and preaching prevented me. This is the only quiet day that I have had for a long season. At London, the work seemed to be as it were but just beginning. At Bristol we had blessed seasons indeed, and in Wales the fields are white, ready unto harvest. Had I not been pre-engaged in these parts, I should certainly have come, and mounted my despised throne. I love state too well, especially in Scotland, not to take it upon me as often as possible. I think sometimes, that it is almost a pity one cannot have more bodies and more souls. They should all run about, and be employed for Jesus. What an honour to be employed in doing or suffering for him? Happy Mr. G――; I fancy he must preach quite well now. I dare say, you had no hand in casting him out; God forgive those that had. In heaven there will be none of this stuff. Thanks be to God, the church is militant only here below. The Lord help us to fight the good fight of Faith, till we lay hold on life eternal! Dear Mr. H―― hath taken up his weapons again; he is now Rector of a parish, and preaches twice every Lord’s day. I thank you and yours, for your kind invitation of us to your pleasant villa; had I wings I could fly thither to talk of Jesus, and sing an hymn, but the cloud seems to move westward, and I fear my visit to beloved Scotland must be deferred till next spring. May the Lord enable me to fill up every hour, every moment with duty! I believe dear Mr. R―― had a narrow escape the other day: if with you, pray remember me to him and his, in the kindest manner. I most heartily salute all enquiring friends, beseeching you all, for Jesus Christ’s sake, never to cease praying for, reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXV.

To Mr. S――.

Bristol, August 1, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

SINCE I wrote my last, I have been off my horse but one day. The glorious Emmanuel hath carried me through the Welch circuit in peace and comfort. In the fortnight past, from my leaving this place, I preached twenty times, and have travelled above three hundred miles. Congregations were very large. Last Lord’s day was a high day indeed; the number of hearers at seven in the morning, as well as in the evening, at Haverford-west, was almost incredible. The Lord was in the midst of them. My body was weak in speaking to them, but Jesus hath strengthened me again. O that I was humble and thankful! In my way hither, we held an association; there were present about nine clergy, and near forty other labourers. I trust all are born of God, and desirous to promote his glory, and his people’s good. All was harmony and love. Yesterday I came here. It is fair time, and to-morrow, God willing, I purpose to expose the gospel wine and milk to sale. This I have been doing this morning. O that the hearers may be made to come down to the price, and willing to be saved by grace:—God knows I have nothing else to depend upon.

Grace!—it’s a sweet, a charming theme,

My soul exults at Jesu’s name;

Of him, who did salvation bring,

I could for ever speak and sing.

But how poorly do I speak of and for him? God be merciful to me a sinner! He does show he will have mercy, and therefore it is that I am not consumed.

If all the world his goodness knew,

They must adore and love him too.

Blessed be God for manifesting himself to us, as he doth not unto the world! You will join in crying Grace! Grace! Grace! Love bids me to enlarge, though business obliges me to be brief. In about ten days I hope to be in London. In the mean while, pray accept these poor lines as a token of love unfeigned, and of grateful respect, from, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXVI.

To Mr. F――.

London, Aug. 17, 1752.

Dear Mr. F――,

INCLOSED you have a letter for Mr. R――. I hope that promotion will do him no hurt. May God help him to make a stand against vice and prophaneness, and to exert his utmost efforts in promoting true religion and virtue! This is the whole of man. I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world. As you have made a pretty considerable progress in the mysteries of electricity, I would now humbly recommend to your diligent unprejudiced pursuit and study the mystery of the new-birth. It is a most important, interesting study, and when mastered, will richly answer and repay you for all your pains. One at whose bar we are shortly to appear, hath solemnly declared, that without it, “we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” You will excuse this freedom. I must have aliquid Christi in all my letters. I am yet a willing pilgrim for his great name sake, and I trust a blessing attends my poor feeble labours. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory. My respects await your whole self, and all enquiring friends, and hoping to see you yet once more in this land of the dying, I subscribe myself, dear Sir,

Your very affectionate friend, and obliged servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXVII.

To Mr. S――.

Chester in the street, near Newcastle, Aug. 28, 1752.

My very dear Mr. S――,

THUS far hath a good and gracious God brought a poor and worthless pilgrim on his way towards Edinburgh. Last Lord’s day I preached twice at Lutterworth, the famous John Wicliffe’s parish, and have since received a letter giving me an account of the Redeemer’s blessing my poor labours. On the Monday, I began in the name of the almighty husbandman, to plow up some fallow ground at Leicester; several thousands attended, and some endeavoured to disturb us, but the opposition was nothing like what I expected. In the evening all was hushed, and I trust our Lord left a blessing behind us. In my way to Lutterworth, my heart was encouraged by the coming of a young man, who had been awakened under my preaching about four years ago at Oulney. He was before that time a bitter scoffer, but hath now been a student for a year and a half under Doctor Doddridge, and I believe will be admitted into the London academy. You may know more of him hereafter. Is not this as much as to say, “Go forwards.—In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with-hold not thy hand, since though knowest not which may prosper, this or that.” Yes, my blessed Jesus, through thy grace strengthening me, I will continue to go out into the highways and hedges; only vouchsafe to uphold me with thy right hand, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I know you will say, Amen and Amen. This will increase my obligations, which are already more than I can express. God will reward both you and yours for them, a thousand fold. Accept repeated thanks for repeated favours, and depend on hearing as often as possible, how the ever-lovely, ever-loving Jesus is pleased to deal with, my very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXVIII.

To Mr. B――.

Newcastle, Aug. 30, 1752.

My dear Mr. B――,

YOUR last kind letter came to hand, only a few days before I left London. Business prevented my answering it then: accept a few lines from hence. They leave me on my way to Scotland. Thither the cloud seemed to move, and I purpose to call on you, God willing, in my return to London. Could you meet me at Leeds? I have thoughts of coming that way back. I have written to Mr. S――, and as I expect to see him, you need say nothing about the books. I wrote also to Mr. G――. A short interview will settle every thing. Do not let my friend be so solicitously anxious about persons or things. “The Lord reigneth,” was the answer that Luther sent to over-careful Melancthon. Never fear.—Our Lord knows how to over-rule all for good. So that his work goes on, let you and I be content to be forgotten, nay to be trodden under foot, and slighted by our own spiritual children and friends. This is bitter, but wholsome physic. The all-wise physician I trust will make us drink it, till every evil, fretful, and uneasy temper be purged out of us. Let us then, my dear man, chearfully take the cup out of his blessed hands, and leave all to Him. A word to the wise is enough. I must not enlarge. How goes on brother W――b? I hope he does not preach in a controversial way; I suppose I shall see him in the North. My stay in Scotland will be about a month. You may direct for me at Edinburgh. I hope that a door is opened at Leicester and Lutterworth for field-preaching. We have had glorious seasons in Gloucestershire and London. O for a good gate in the North! It is harvest time.—All hands to work. My love to Mrs. B―― and all that love Christ, whether they think in all things as I do or not. I send Mr. ――ly my cordial respects, and beg you to accept the same from, my dear Mr. B――,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXIX.

To Lady H――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1752.

Ever-honoured Madam,

THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I left London, and in my way to Scotland I preached twice at Lutterworth.—The auditories were very numerous, and very quiet; but at Leicester some turnips were thrown at me during the first sermon; at the second all was hushed, and I hear since that good was done. Some of Ashby society came thither to hear me. At Aberford I called on Lady Margaret, who behaved very friendly, and enquired much after your Ladyship’s welfare. At Newcastle I was, as it were, arrested to stay. ♦I preached four times, and indeed a whole shower of divine blessings descended from heaven on the great congregations. I came hither last Wednesday was sevennight, and have preached twice a day in the open air, to very large and polite auditories. Abundance of the better sort constantly attend. Next Tuesday I thought to move, but they have prevailed upon me to stay a little longer. I hope the great God will give me a useful journey back again to London. I design keeping from thence as long as I can, before I go into my Winter quarters. Alas, how little is to be done even in the Summer season! One had need work whilst it is day; the night comes on a pace, when no man can work. I need not tell your Ladyship of this, who are always employed for your God. O that the rich and great would learn to copy after your example! Surely all your Ladyship’s efforts will not be lost upon them! My heart’s desire and continual prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may be long continued, and find your rod budding and blossoming more and more every day. Hoping to send your Ladyship more good news in my next, and commending my poor unworthy self to your Ladyship’s prayers, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXX.

To Mr. S――.

Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.

My very dear friend,

AS you are no day out of my thoughts, so you must needs think it hath seemed a long time since I wrote to you last. But what has hindered me? Not want of love, but opportunity. For this fortnight last past, I have been preaching twice every day at Edinburgh, where a great multitude, as well of polite as common sort of people, attended continually. I wondered they were not wearied, but the more they heard, the more they seemed desirous of hearing. Many young ministers and students were close attendants, and I trust through grace good has been done. I expected to have left Scotland as last Tuesday, but through the importunity of friends have been prevailed on to come to Glasgow, and shall not return for England till Tuesday sevennight. Then I hope to begin to preach my way up to London. In this blessed delightful work, I hope to live and die; I think it is worth dying for. The Lord make me sensible of the honour put upon me, and lay me lower at his feet every day, every hour, and every moment! I have here a flaming minister that is my friend, and I hear sweet work is going on in the highlands. Praise the Lord, O our souls! Inclosed you have a letter from the young student mentioned in my last. I think it is a pity that such a youth, when pious students are so much wanting, should go back to business for want of a little help. I doubt not but the Lord will provide for him some way or other. He generally brings those low, whom he intends to exalt, and make use of. I have glad tidings from Newcastle and Leicester. Methinks every thing concurs to bid me go out into the highways and hedges.

Lord, at thy command I’ll go,

And unto sinners gladly tell,

That they a risen Christ may know,

That they the love of Christ may feel.

This is a heaven upon earth. Of this, I pray the God of love to give you and yours a double portion. I know you pray for me. I send you and your dear yoke-fellow ten thousand thanks, and am, my very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXI.

To Madam C――.

Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.

Dear Madam,

IT is no small pleasure to me, that providence hath once more opened a way for a further correspondence with one, who for many years hath been my friend, and strengthened my hands in the work of our common Lord and master Jesus Christ. He will richly reward you for it in the great day of accounts; though I am persuaded you think the work itself, its own reward. Indeed it is. Blessed be God, I find Christ’s service to be perfect freedom. He hath vouchsafed to encourage and comfort me in Scotland. At Edinburgh great multitudes, among whom were abundance of the better sort, attended twice every day. After a short continuance here, I am to return to Edinburgh, and next Tuesday sevennight purpose to set out for England. Many young ministers and students have given close attendance, and I hear of several persons that have been brought under deep convictions. As soon as they are put into my hands, I intend to send you copies of two letters from a High-land schoolmaster, who is honoured of God to do much good among the poor Highland children.—By this post I have also sent a letter to Mr. D――, which I received from a young student; he wants some little assistance, to help him to go on in his studies, but I did not send his letter to you, because he informs me that you had taken one of Mr. G――’s spiritual children under your care. Blessed be God, that makes you, Madam, a mother in Israel. Every student’s name is Legion. Helping one of those, is helping thousands. I think this young man’s case, as laid down in the letter, is very remarkable, and matter of praise. Lord Jesus add to the blessed number, for thy great name’s sake! I have brave news sent me from Leicester and Newcastle, and have strong invitations to Yorkshire and Lancashire. What a pity is it, that the year goes round so soon? O my God, my God in Christ, how little can I do for thee! Dear Madam, be pleased to increase my obligations by praying for me. I never forget you or your ♦houshold, and as a proof of it, promise that you shall hear at all opportunities, from, dear Madam,

Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXII.

To Mr. A――.

Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.

Dear Mr. A――,

I Received your kind letter, but till now have not had time to answer it. However, I have not, and, God willing, shall not be unmindful of you. I think you have nothing to do, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make your wants known unto God. He careth for you, and will some way or other provide both for soul and body. I have always found him a present help in every time of need. As means ought to be used, I have just written to some London friends, who under God may serve you. When we meet, you shall hear what success.—The hearts of all are in Christ’s hands. Wait on him, and your eyes shall behold his great salvation. If he calls you to the ministry, as I hope he does, he will make your way plain. The cloud of his providence shall go before you, and you shall hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Though your father should die, and your mother forsake you, the Lord Jesus Christ will take you up. Keep close to your God, and your book. Prayer, reading, meditation, and temptation make a minister. The Lord be with you. Pray for me, and assure yourself of my being, for Christ’s sake,

Your affectionate friend and ready servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXIII.

To G―― P――, Esq.

Glasgow, Sept. 30, 1752.

Dear Sir,

MR. S――, in a letter, insists upon my sending you a few lines: I care not to refuse him, and yet I know not well how to use so much freedom. If it be too great, you will excuse it; it proceeds from love, love to your better part, for I have nothing to write about, but the invisible realities of another world. These I trust, dear Sir, you and yours will be experimentally acquainted with more and more every day. Herein lies all our present peace, and the only solid preparation for future comfort in the coming world. The love of Jesus shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is indeed all in all; this is glory begun; this is the opening of the kingdom of heaven in the soul; this is a never-failing well of water, which will at last spring up to life eternal. And yet all this is the gift, the free gift of God in Christ Jesus. It cost him dearly, even his own heart’s blood, but flows down to us in a free channel; yea and that too even to the very chief of sinners. Therefore I have hope, and, blessed be God, good hope through grace. Is not the same grace, dear Sir, sufficient for you and yours? Let us then come boldly to Christ’s throne. He sits encircled with a rainbow; his name and his nature is Love. He came into the world, to seek and save those that feel themselves lost; this I trust you do. Salvation then is just coming to your soul, even a present and great salvation. Only believe, and yours is the kingdom of heaven. But whither am I running? I forget myself when writing of redeeming love. O, my dear Sir, do not rest, do not let God have any rest, till your heart is filled with it. It is worth asking, seeking, knocking, and striving for. But I must have done. My cordial respects await your Lady. That you may both go on hand in hand to heaven, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXIV.

To Lady H――n.

Newcastle, Oct. 15, 1752.

Ever-honoured Madam,

THUS far hath a never-failing Redeemer brought me in my way towards London. With all humility and thankfulness of heart I desire to set up my Ebenezer: for surely hitherto hath the Lord helped me. Since my writing last to your Ladyship, I went and preached for about a week at Glasgow, where the word of the Lord ran and was glorified. I preached twice a day, and rather more attended than at Edinburgh. We had a sorrowful parting at both places. For about twenty-eight days, I suppose I did not preach to less than ten thousand every day. This hath weakened my body, but the Redeemer knows how to renew my strength. At present, I am as well as a pilgrim can expect to be. About seventy pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear that near a dozen young men that were awakened about ten years ago, have since entered upon the ministry, and are likely to prove very useful. Praise the Lord, O my soul!—In my way hither, I preached at Berwick, Alnwick and Morpeth; and next Monday, after preaching at Sunderland, as is intended, I am to go into Yorkshire. I know your Ladyship wishes me much prosperity. That your Ladyship may prosper more and more, and be in health both in soul and body, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXV.

To Mr. S――.

Sheffield, Nov. 1, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

SINCE I left Newcastle, I have scarce known sometimes whether I have been in heaven or on earth. At Leeds, Burstall, Howarth, ♦Halifax, &c. thousands and thousands have flocked twice and thrice a day to hear the word of life. A gale of divine influence hath every where attended it. I am now come from Bolton, Manchester, Stockport and Chinly.—Yesterday I preached in a church, where I believe execution was done. Four ordained ministers, friends to the work of God, have been with me. The word hath run so swiftly at Leeds, that friends are come to fetch me back, and I am now going to Rotheram, Wakefield, Leeds, York, and Epworth, and purpose returning to this place next Lord’s day. God favours us with weather, and I would fain make hay whilst the sun shines. My dear Sir, pray follow me with your prayers. Fain would I spend and be spent for the good of souls. This is my meat and drink. The Lord bless you and yours! I can no more, but only subscribe myself, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXVI.

To the Reverend Mr. Z――.

Wakefield, Nov. 3, 1752.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

I Have been upwards of three weeks out of Scotland, but scarce ever had more encouragement in preaching the everlasting gospel, since the Lord of the harvest was pleased to send me forth into the harvest. At Newcastle, Sunderland, and several places in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, thousands and thousands have daily attended on the word preached. The glorious Emmanuel caused life and power to follow it, and I hear that the arrows have stuck fast in many hearts. The stir hath been so great at Leeds, that at the desire of friends, I am returning thither again. From thence I shall go to York, and several places in Lincolnshire, and am to preach at Sheffield next Lord’s day. My return to London must be determined by the weather. It hath been uncommonly favourable, and methinks it is pity to go into Winter quarters, so long as work can be done in the fields.—O that I had as many tongues, as there are hairs upon my head! The ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus should have them all. Be so good, honoured Sir, to pray that he may not turn me out of his service, but employ me as a poor pilgrim till I die. Fain would I die preaching.—I hear that Mr. H―― is gone. The Lord Jesus quicken my tardy pace, and prepare me to follow! I know you say Amen in my behalf, and thereby add to the obligations you have already laid upon, honoured and dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, though unworthy son and servant in the glorious gospel,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXVII.

To Mr. S――.

London, Nov. 11, 1752.

My dear Friend,

THROUGH the good providence of an ever-lovely, ever-loving Redeemer, I came safe hither last night. My Sunday’s work, sickness, the change of weather, and affecting parting from friends, so enfeebled this tottering tabernacle, that I was in hopes on the road the imprisoned soul would have been set at liberty, and fled to those blissful regions,

Where pain, and sin, and sorrow cease,

And all is calm and joy and peace.

At Northampton I took coach, and am now, blessed be God, arrived at my Winter quarters. My poor wife I found an invalid. Our Lord can restore her, for he came to heal our sicknesses, and bear our infirmities. I hope this will meet my dear friend and his wife leaning on this all-sufficient, never-failing Emmanuel. I have remembered you ever since my departure, and now, with groanings that cannot be uttered, pray that your souls, and the souls of all the dear people around you, may prosper and increase with all the increase of God. O, my dear friend, what manner of love is this, that we should be called the sons of God! Excuse me. I must pause a while.—My eyes gush out with water. At present they are almost fountains of tears. But thanks be to God, they are tears of love. O what shall I do for Him who hath loved and given himself for ill and hell-deserving, ungrateful, unfruitful me! Add to my obligations by praying for me! My unfeigned love to Mr. L――. If I can, he shall soon hear from me. With the box for Mr. G――, I shall send a few pictures, which you may present to Mr. and Mrs. N――, as you think best. O that the blessed and divine image of the adorable Jesus may be stamped in most lively colours on all our hearts! It will, it will. Jesus is the author, and he is also the finisher of our faith. Let us not be faithless but believing. Let us not trust in ourselves, but in him who hath promised never to leave nor forsake us. I can no more. The Lord be with you and yours.—My hearty love to all that love Christ Jesus in sincerity; accept the same in the most tender manner from, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXVIII.

To Mr. J――.

London, Nov. 11, 1752.

My dear Friend,

LAST night the glorious Emmanuel brought me hither, after having given me and his dear people many blessed seasons in Scotland, and the North of England. O that with all his other mercies, he may vouchsafe to give me a thankful and humble heart! This morning I have been talking with dear Mr. A――, and cannot help thinking, but that you have run before the Lord, in forming yourselves into a public society, as you have done. I was afraid poor Mr. C―― would not do. Mr. A――’s visit was designed to be transient, and I cannot promise you any settled help from hence. I am sincere, when I profess, that I do not choose to set myself at the head of any party. When I came last to Ireland, my intention was to preach the gospel to all.—And if it should ever please the Lord of all Lords to send me thither again, I purpose to pursue the same plan. For I am a debtor to all of all denominations, and have no design, if I know any thing of this desperately wicked and deceitful heart, but to promote the common salvation of mankind. The love of Christ constrains me to this. Accept it as wrote from that principle. That He, who is the wonderful counsellor, may in all things direct and rule your hearts, is the earnest prayer of, my dear friend,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXXXIX.

To the Reverend Mr. H――.

London, Nov. 14, 1752.

My very dear Friend,

I Am quite sorry that I missed seeing you, but glad and thankful that you condescended to write to me. I find you are resolved to outdo me in love; this I would prevent if possible. May the glorious Jesus shed abroad his love abundantly in your dear heart, by the Holy Ghost, and give you to increase with all the increase of God. He will bless you for vindicating the honour of his sacred volumes in your last pamphlet, for which, as well as for all other unmerited favours, I most heartily thank you. I have just now read it, and doubt not of its being greatly blessed and owned, and going through many editions. I cannot discern any errata or inaccuracies in the composition. Surely God hath raised my dear friend up, to let the polite world see how amiable are the doctrines of the gospel. Why will you weary the world, and your friends, by delaying to publish your other long wished-for performance? Glad shall I be to peruse any of the dialogues. The savour of the last is not of my mind. Pray let them see the light this Winter. They will delight and warm many a heart. O that we may have a warm season at the Tabernacle! My country circuit was exceedingly delightful. When the weather altered, my health was much affected; but a little rest hath already in some degree repaired it. You and I perhaps are not to see heaven as yet: I have waited for it long, but alas! my appointed time is not yet come. Thanks be to God, there is such a thing as having a heaven upon earth; Christ in us is the heaven of heavens. My dear, very dear friend, good night. I am called away. My love to the Doctor. O that he was wise! How glad should I have been to have seen dear Mr. H――! My kind respects await your mother and sister. My wife, who is quite an invalid, joins heartily with me, who am, my very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCXL.

London, Nov. 21, 1752.

My dear Nat,

YOUR letters have all been brought safe to hand, and have given me no small satisfaction. I doubt not but the Lord, whom you seek, will in his own time come and visit the temple of your heart. Fear not, neither be dismayed. Be found in the way of duty; go on feeding his lambs, and you shall find, that the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls will bless and comfort you. I know not of a more profitable situation, that you could be in than at present. Next year, God willing, you will have a fellow-student. I have agreed with him, as I wrote you from Edinburgh, for three years at least. I am of your mind in respect to boarders. As affairs stand, I think the less the family is at present, the better. Nothing seems to be wanted but a good overseer, to instruct the negroes in sawing and planting. Let me know how Mr. M―― behaves, and whether the Lumber trade is begun. I have consented to Mr. E――’s going to Mr. Z――, and to Margaret’s leaving Bethesda. You will see what I have wrote to Mrs. W――. Pray make George and the children to write often. He should not have written to me, Honoured Master, but—Sir. I am glad to hear that some of the children promise well. Surely some good will in the end come out of that institution, I am only afraid of its growing too great one day or another, in a worldly way. O that I may be directed to such managers, that will act with a single eye to God’s glory, and his people’s good! I have great confidence in you. I am glad you live in peace. May the Prince of peace cause his grace and mercy to be multiplied upon you! I shall be glad to live to see you a preacher. It is a delightful employment, when done out of love to Jesus: that sweetens all. In about ten weeks I have travelled above a thousand miles, and was enabled to preach sometimes twice and thrice a day to many thousands. I trust a great blessing was left behind with the word preached. O that Georgia’s wilderness may blossom like a rose! It will, when God’s set time is come. Never mind a few evil reports. No one need be ashamed of Bethesda children. Blessed be God, they are taken care of, and the Lord will reward you. Ah my dear Nat, you are highly honoured. I hope you often bow down before the blessed Redeemer, and out of the fulness of your heart say, “Why me, Lord? why me?” Pray, pray, I beseech you continually, that you may be cloathed with humility. How many young men have I known ruined for the want of it! “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Pray that I may have an humble and thankful heart. I would vie with a seraph, if I could, in humility and thankfulness. Adieu. The Lord be with you! My wife sends her love; accept the same from, my dear Nat,