LETTERS (continued 4)

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXXXVII.

To Mr. B――.

Charles-Town, (South-Carolina,) Oct. 25, 1747.

Very dear Mr. B――,

I Hear a ship sails to-morrow for Philadelphia. I cannot help letting you know, that we arrived here last night in health and safety. The barren wilderness was made to smile all the way. I trust good was done in North-Carolina. The poor people were very willing to hear. I expected, on my arrival at this place, to have received letters and sundry things from you, or dear Mr. B――. If they are taken, may the Lord Jesus give me a thankful heart! I would write you a long letter, and I would also write to many friends, but you know travellers are weary, and I must away to-morrow to Georgia. All is well there, and at my new plantation. You will send the inclosed.—Mr. Dutton I believe is lost in his return to England. The ship foundered. I have preached this morning, and am to preach again. I snatch a few moments between sermons to write this. Our tender joint love to you all.

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCXXXVIII.

To Mr. F――.

Bermudas, May 27, 1748.

My dear Mr. F――,

INCLOSED you have a letter which you may print in your weekly paper. It brings good news from this little pleasant spot. If you could print it on half a sheet of paper, to distribute among the Bermudas captains, it might perhaps be serviceable. The inhabitants here have received me so well, that I think publishing their kindness is a debt justly due to them. I am now waiting for a fair wind, and then we shall sail for England. The Governor’s lady goes with me. His Excellency is very civil to me, and I believe many souls have been benefited by this visit to Bermudas. I desire to give the Lord Jesus all the glory. You will remember me to Mrs. F――, and all my dear Philadelphia friends. I do not forget them, and hope they will always remember, dear Sir,

Their and your most affectionate, obliged friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCXXXIX.

To Mrs. F――.

On board the Betsy, June 2, 1748.

TILL last night, I did not know that the last letter I wrote to you never came to hand. Mr. B―― tells me, that as he did not go according to his design he destroyed it. Accept therefore, dear Madam, a few more parting lines. They bring you good news indeed. The Lord Jesus has blessed my being at Bermudas very much. A good work I trust is begun in many hearts. I am now on board, and the wind is fair. We expect to sail this day. According to my present view, I intend to return to beloved America next year; which is one of the reasons, why I leave my dear yoke-fellow behind. O that I knew how it was with her! But I see that God will make those he loves, to live by faith and not by sense. Glorious privileges, though difficult to flesh and blood! As you are so dear a friend, I know you will do your utmost to comfort her. I have so ordered matters, that she need not be under any concern about providing for the families. God has caused the people in Bermudas to devise liberal things. Yet a little while, and I trust I shall, on the Orphan-house account, owe no man any thing but love. But I find I must fight every inch of my ground. Well! Jesus is on my side. I can do all things through him strengthening me. An entrance is now made into the Islands. The Lord, that has begun, can and will carry on his own work. You will all help me with your prayers. I must be content with dealing in general salutations, having not time to write more particulars. Pray remember me in the kindest manner to all your relations and all our dear friends. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. T――,

Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant, in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXL.

To the Rev. Mr. S――.

On board the Betsy, June 24, 1748.

Rev. and very dear Sir,

THOUGH we are about two hundred leagues from land, yet lest hurry of business should prevent me when we get a shore, I think proper to write you a few lines whilst I am on board.—Long before this reaches you, I suppose you will have heard of what the Lord of all Lords was pleased to do for me and his people at, and also when we sailed from, Bermudas. We sailed from thence just twenty-one days this morning, and have lived, as to the conveniencies of eating and drinking, like people that came from the continent, rather than one of the islands; so bountiful were our friends, whom we left behind us. Hitherto we have met with no storms or contrary winds, only it begins to head us now. But God, in his own time, I trust will carry us to our desired port. The first day we came out we were chased, and yesterday a large French vessel shot thrice at and bore down upon us. We gave up all for gone. I was dressing myself in order to receive our expected visitors. In the mean while, our Captain cries, “the danger is over.” The Frenchman turned about and left us. He was quite near, and we almost defenceless. Now we are so near the channel, we expect such alarms daily. If any thing happens extraordinary, I shall be particular. As for other things, I cannot say much. The Captain is exceeding civil, and I have my passage free; but all I have been able to do in the great ♦cabin in respect to religious duties, is to read the church prayers once every evening, and twice on the Lord’s day. I have not preached yet; this may spare my lungs, but it grieves my heart. I long to be ashore, if it was for no other reason. Besides, I can do but little in respect to my writing. You may guess how it is, when we have four gentlewomen in the cabin. However, they have been, and are very civil, and I believe my being on board has been somewhat serviceable. My health I think is improved, and I have finished my abridgment of Mr. Law’s serious call, which I have endeavoured to gospelize. Yesterday I likewise made an end of revising all my journals. Blessed be God, for letting me have leisure to do it. I purpose to have a new edition before I see America. Alas! alas! In how many things have I judged and acted wrong.—I have been too rash and hasty in giving characters, both of places and persons. Being fond of scripture language, I have often used a style too apostolical, and at the same time I have been too bitter in my zeal. Wild-fire has been mixed with it, and I find that I frequently wrote and spoke in my own spirit, when I thought I was writing and speaking by the assistance of the spirit of God. I have likewise too much made inward impressions my rule of acting, and too soon and too explicitly published what had been better kept in longer, or told after my death. By these things I have given some wrong touches to God’s ark, and hurt the blessed cause I would defend, and also stirred up needless opposition. This has humbled me much since I have been on board, and made me think of a saying of Mr. Henry’s, “Joseph had more honesty than he had policy, or he never would have told his dreams.” At the same time, I cannot but bless, and praise, and magnify that good and gracious God, who filled me with so much of his holy fire, and carried me, a poor weak youth, through such a torrent both of popularity and contempt, and set so many seals to my unworthy ministrations. I bless him for ripening my judgment a little more, for giving me to see and confess, and I hope in some degree to correct and amend, some of my mistakes. I thank God for giving me grace to embark in such a blessed cause, and pray him to give me strength to hold on and increase in zeal and love to the end. Thus, dear Sir, have I unburdened my heart to you. I look upon you to be my fidus achates, and therefore deal thus freely. If I have time and freedom before we land, I think to write a short account of what has happened for these seven years last past; and when I get on shore, God willing, I purpose to revise and correct the first part of my life. I know you will pray that I may be directed and owned in every thing. I think often of, and pray for you, and as I intend writing to you again when I send this, I shall content myself at present with subscribing myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate obliged though unworthy brother and servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLI.

To Mrs. L――.

Deal, July 5, 1748.

Very dear and Honoured Mother,

ARE you yet in the land of the living, or rather among the dead? shall I have the pleasure of receiving one more letter from you, and asking your blessing once more? Next post, I hope that the two former of these will be answered in the affirmative, and in a week or two I trust God will grant me the last. About a month ago I left the island of Bermudas, where my poor labours have been greatly blessed, and your unworthy son has been honoured with many honours. I am now come once more to see my friends in my native country, and settle some affairs, and then return to America again. My dear yoke-fellow I have left behind, to take care of two families. I have been several times just upon the brink of eternity since I saw you, but am now a little recruited. O that my health and strength may be wholly employed for that Jesus who has done such great things for me! His blood and cross, my ever honoured mother, I trust are exceeding precious to your soul. O that I may see you laden with holiness, and bringing forth much fruit in your old age! I could say more, but have several other letters to write. As I know not how your outward affairs are situated, or where you live for a certainty, I can only send cordial and general salutations to all friends and relations. I hope you will be pleased to let me know whether you stand in need of any thing, and not cease to pray for, honoured mother,

Your ever dutiful though unworthy son,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLII.

To Mr. G―― H――.

Deal, July 5, 1748.

AND how does my dear old friend Mr. H――? Surely he will send me a line now! For through the goodness of an infinitely gracious and condescending Saviour, I am once more arrived at my native country. My last excursion was to Bermudas. We left those islands a month ago, and God was pleased to set his seal to my unworthy ministry in a very glorious manner. I know you will be thankful in my behalf, and let me know next post how the brethren are in and about Gloucestershire. I rejoice to find that you still go on steadily and are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Why should you? Have you not found it by happy experience to be the power of God unto salvation? Go on then, my dear Sir, and prove the strength of Jesus to be yours. I long to see you, that we may talk of redeeming love, and feel our hearts warm with an holy fire from God’s altar. Are the dear old men, the Reverend Messrs. S―― and P――, yet alive? Pray send them my most dutiful and affectionate respects, and let them know, that an entrance I trust is now made into one of the islands for the glorious gospel of the Son of God. O that I was able to fly from pole to pole upon this blessed errand. But alas! my wings are clipped. My bodily health is much impaired, and I hoped ere now to have taken my last flight to heaven. But it seems that happy hour is not yet come. Well, welcome life, welcome death, so that Jesus, my dear Jesus, may be glorified in both! Pray that we may shortly meet in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. I subscribe myself, my very dear Gaius,

Yours most affectionately in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLIII.

To the Rev. Mr. J―― or C―― W――.

Deal, July 5, 1748.

WILL you not be glad to hear that the God of the seas and the God of the dry land hath brought me to my native country once more? I came last from the Bermudas, where the friend of sinners has been pleased to own my poor labours abundantly. I hope, I come in the spirit of love, desiring to study and pursue those things which make for peace. This is the language of my heart,

O let us find the ancient way,

Our wond’ring foes to move;

And force the heathen world to say,

See how these Christians love.

I purpose, God willing, to be in London in a few days. In the mean while, I salute you and all the followers of the blessed Lamb of God most heartily.—Be pleased to pray for, and give thanks in behalf of, Reverend and dear brother,

Yours most affectionately in Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLIV.

To Mr. F――.

London, July 7, 1748.

My very dear Friend,

I Have but just time to inform you, that after a pleasant passage of a month, a good and gracious God brought me hither in safety, where I have been received by thousands with a joy that almost overcame both them and me. I have preached once, and am this evening to preach again. One large church is open. I cannot now descend to particulars.—I can only send you a thousand thanks for all favours, beg my kindest salutations may be presumed to all friends, and entreat the continuance of your most fervent prayers in behalf of, my dear host and hostess,

Yours as usual,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLV.

To Mr. H――.

London, July, 7, 1748.

My very dear Friend,

THOUGH I suppose you will see my dear wife’s letter, yet I must send you a few lines. They bring you news of my safe arrival, and wonderfully kind acceptance in my native country. The blessings bestowed on me, have already, through the thanksgivings of thousands, redounded to the glory of God. Words cannot express the joy that has possessed the hearts of the people. I hear that the minds even of enemies are much softened. I came at a critical juncture. I hear Mr. ―― has stood up for me at C――, and that one who preached before the trustees hath spoke honourably of Bethesda. If God is pleased to send us a general peace, I hope Georgia will lift up its drooping head. You may depend on hearing from me as often as possible. You will remember me to all friends. I can only beg you to give thanks, and pray for, my very dear Sir,

Yours as usual,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLVI.

To the Rev. Mr. H――.

London, July 8, 1748.

Rev. and dear Brother,

GLAD am I, yea very glad to hear that you are yet alive and have grace given you to adhere to Jesus Christ and his eternal truths. I am very much pleased to find that you appear in print, and that such encouragement is given you to print again. I hope the glorious Emmanuel smiles upon your ministerial labours, and gives you many living witnesses, that the truths which you preach are according to Godliness. Go on, my dear old friend, and prove the strength of Jesus to be thine. Through his infinite and unmerited goodness I am once more safe in my native country. Bermudas was the last place where I have been preaching. I left many souls under concern. Many precious souls (O free grace!) have received me here in great love, and I have been enabled twice to preach, to a multitude of poor sinners, the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. My bodily health is much impared; but through divine assistance, I will go on working for Jesus of Nazareth, ’till I can work no more. I could say much of his love, but have a deal of business before me. Accept this as a token of unfeigned love and respect from, my very dear Sir,

Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLVII.

To Mr. C――.

London, July 8, 1748.

Dear Mr. C――,

I Am come over with a sincere desire to pursue the things which make for peace. Consequently I must hear and see for myself, before I determine upon any thing. I have heard nothing of Mrs. D――’s writing concerning you. All I can say is, that by what you have published and I have perused, you have unhappily fallen into some principles, which are contrary to the revealed will of God.—But I speak not this to begin a dispute. I shall be glad to see and converse with you. As for your preaching in Moor-fields, they are no doubt as free for you as another. I intend preaching there, God willing, on Sunday evening. That you may have a clear head and a clean heart, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCXLVIII.

To Mr. K――.

London, July 12, 1748.

My dear Brother,

AT my first arrival, you judged right that I am pretty much taken up; however, I must snatch a few minutes to answer your kind, very kind letter. Blessed be God, that the mercies bestowed on hell-deserving me, have, through the thanksgivings of many, redounded to the glory of the blessed Jesus. O that the same prayers that have drawn me hither, may draw down showers of blessings upon God’s church. Now I am come, do you and my other friends continue to pray and hold up your hands, and in the strength of Jesus Christ I will go on fighting. The fields seem to be as white as ever. I trust the shout of a king is among us. O for humility, love and zeal! O for that mind, which was in Christ Jesus! I trust that the members of your society are copying after our great Exemplar. As soon as possible I purpose to come down and see you. I thank you for what you have done in respect to the Orphan-house. I could wish the cash was remitted to London immediately, because I want to pay it away. Surely the time will come, when I shall owe no man any thing but love. Then, and ’till the day of my death, Poor, yet making many rich, shall be my motto. You will remember me in the kindest manner to all the followers of the Lamb; and that you may be filled with all his fulness, is the prayer of

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCXLIX.

To Mr. C――.

London, July 12, 1748.

My very dear Friend and Brother,

THOUGH I am pretty much engaged, yet I cannot let your kind letter lie by me two posts unanswered. Blessed be God that you yet retain your simple heart, and are determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. With this mind, may you climb up higher and higher in the church of England, in order that you may move in a superiour orb, and your light shine with greater and more diffusive ardor round the church of God! O my dear Mr. C――, what has the Redeemer done for us! What is he still doing! It would gladden your heart to see what a turn affairs take in London. I have preached twice in St. Bartholomew’s church, and helped to administer the sacrament once. I believe on Sunday we had a thousand communicants. Moor-fields are as white as ever unto harvest, and multitudes flock to hear the word. The old spirit of love and power seems to be revived amongst us. What am I, what am I, that Jesus Christ should still delight to honour me? O for a single eye and a simple heart unto the end! By what I can judge, satan will allure some with his golden bait. “In all times of our wealth, good Lord deliver us.” Blessed be God, I am not much in danger of having too much of this world’s goods at present. My outward affairs are yet behind hand. I long to owe no man any thing but love. As for your cautions, they shall be observed punctually. Never mind me, let my name die every where, let even my friends forget me, if by that means the cause of the blessed Jesus may be promoted. In about a fortnight I hope to see you at my brother’s. I hear he is better. O that he may come out for Christ! I think I have now answered your request, and sent you a long letter. I hope to hear from you again before I see you. My hearty respects await Mr. G――. I trust he determines to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Commending you to his mercy, and myself to the continuance of your prayers, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,

Yours eternally in the blessed Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCL.

To the Honourable ―― R――, Esq.; of Bermuda.

London, July 12, 1748.

Honoured Sir,

GRATITUDE constrains me to embrace the first opportunity of informing you of our safe arrival at our wished-for port. We struck ground, I think, the 27th day after we set sail, and landed at Deal the 30th. We were chased the first afternoon, and prepared for going to prison twice or thrice. But our fears were groundless; there was a cessation of arms with France, though we knew it not, and some ships that we thought were pursuing us proved to be English men of war. We had plenty of provisions, and met with no storms or bad weather worth the speaking of. Other particulars, I suppose, Captain E――, who was very civil, will inform you. The evening after we landed at Deal, I was at Mr. D―― and E――’s, before I came to my own lodgings. They were very glad to hear from Bermudas. Since then, words cannot well express how joyful my friends were to see me once more in the land of the living. I find the news-papers had buried me ever since April last; but it seems I am not to die, but live: O that it may be to declare the works of the Lord! My obligations to do so, are much increased by the mercies conferred on me at Bermudas, and during my voyage. Surely the stones would cry out against me, did I not set forth the riches of redeeming love. Blessed be God, I have had several opportunities of doing so, since my arrival. Last Lord’s-day I believe we had a thousand communicants. In a few weeks, God willing, I purpose to see Scotland, and then shall do myself the pleasure of writing to, or waiting on your brother. In the mean time, I shall, as opportunity offers write to some more of my Bermudas friends, whom I desire never to forget at the throne of grace. You and yours, honoured Sir, will be pleased to accept my most cordial salutations. That you and your house may serve the Lord here, and live with him eternally in the kingdom of heaven hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLI.

To Mr. H――.

London, July 16, 1748.

My very dear Mr. H――,

I Thank you for your speedy and kind answer to my last poor letter, and heartily pray God, if it be agreeable to his will, yet to prolong your life, and make your pen the pen of a ready writer. I shall take it as a great favour, if you will order me a set of your works. I shall peruse them with the greatest pleasure, and send a set of them also abroad. Blessed be God, for causing you to write so to suit the taste of the polite world! O that they may be won over to admire Him, who is indeed altogether lovely! But what shall I say to your kind intended present? It is like my dear old friend. Mr. ―― was so kind as to come and see me yesterday. I shewed him your letter. He expects to see me at his house. God willing, if possible I will pay him a visit. O that he may recover his first love! For ever adored be free grace: many souls seem to be quickened. Multitudes flock to hear. My health somewhat improves, and our Lord makes it exceeding pleasant to me to preach to poor sinners his unsearchable riches. O when shall we get within the veil! Thanks be to God, it cannot be long. We are both sickly. Lord give us patience to wait till our blessed change come! To the Redeemer’s tender mercy do I most earnestly commit you; and entreat, while life and breath lasts, you will not cease praying for one, who, though less than the least of all, yet for Jesus Christ’s sake subscribes himself, my very dear friend,

Ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER DCLII.

To Mr. K――.

London, July 19, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

I Thank you for your kind answer to my last, as well as for all other favours. Before I heard from you, I had been informed from several quarters that Satan hath been sifting all our poor societies. This is no more than I expected. But let us take courage, dear Sir; Jesus Christ prays for us. His truths are great and shall prevail. At London, affairs seem to be taking a good turn. The Lord Jesus comes among us as in the days of old. I trust by and by we shall see good days at Exon again. When I shall go there is uncertain. Next week, God willing, I must be at Bristol, and after that I must go to the Welch association. Glad shall I be to hear whatever you have to offer. May the Lord Jesus give us a right judgment in all things! When the time of my seeing Exon is fixed, I will endeavour to send you previous notice. In the meanwhile, let you and yours accept most hearty love and cordial salutations from one, who, though less than the least of all saints, begs leave to subscribe himself, very dear Mr. K――,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLIII.

To the Reverend Mr. C――.

London, July 20, 1748.

My very dear Friend and Brother,

NEITHER length of time, nor change of place, I trust, will ever estrange us from each other.—Though through the goodness of God I am now in England, yet I cannot help daily thinking upon you and my other dear friends in America. I have been prayed over hither: do you strive to pray me over again to South-Carolina. Much business now lies upon my hands. It is too much for one man, to be received as I have been by thousands. The thoughts of it lay me low, but I cannot get low enough. I would willingly sink into nothing before the blessed Jesus, my All in All. Next week I hope to see Bristol, where I shall not fail to enquire about your minister, and send you word accordingly. I hope you do not forget Bethesda or Providence. O my dear yoke-fellow, how is she carried through the Summer’s sultry heat? May the Lord be her helper! You will not fail to give my most cordial respects to Mrs. B――, Dr. B――, his wife, and all friends. Fail not, O fail not to pray heartily for,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLIV.

To the Reverend Mr. D――.

London, July 23, 1748.

My very Dear Mr. D――,

GLAD was I, yea very glad to receive one more letter from such a valuable and dearly beloved friend and brother. I have often enquired after you since my arrival, and only multiplicity of business prevented your hearing from me. Glory be to the blessed Jesus, for supporting and carrying you through so many difficulties that necessarily attend the pastoral office. I find more and more, my dear Sir, that experience is only to be learned in the school of tribulation; and as we undergo the sufferings mentioned in the scriptures, so far and no farther do we understand the scriptures themselves. O that patience may have its perfect work, and we may be enabled to the end of our days to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts! As for poor Scotland, what shall I say? Our Lord’s words must be fulfilled, “The first shall be last, and the last first.” Awakening times are always like the Spring. Many blossoms appear, and perhaps but little solid fruit is produced after all. O that the Lord of the harvest, if I am to see Scotland again, may send me to call some backsliders to return. Glory be to God, affairs are taking a happy turn here. Old love, and old power, seem to be reviving among us. I preach to multitudes daily. Many are already brought under new awakenings. On Monday next I set out, God willing, for Gloucester, and intend returning in about three weeks.—How glad shall I then be to see Mr. D――. My dear yoke-fellow would rejoice to do so too; but I left her abroad in the tent.—Perhaps she may come over soon. Pray remember her, and, my dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCLV.

To Dr. R――.

London, July 22, 1748.

Honoured Sir,

LOVE and gratitude constrain me to send you a few lines. They come to inform you, that a sense of the almost innumerable favours you was pleased to confer on me, when under your tuition, is yet deeply engraven upon the tables of my heart. That God, whom I endeavour to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, will richly reward you in that day. By his assistance, I still continue to preach the everlasting gospel in various places; and, I trust, not without some abiding good effect. Indeed, last year I was in hopes I should have been translated to those blissful regions, where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary be at rest. But it seems, I am not yet to die, but live. O that it may be to declare the works of the Lord! I think his glory is the main principle of my acting. I want to bring souls, not to a party, much less to lead them from the established church, but to a sense of their undone condition by nature, and to true faith in Jesus Christ, which will be evidenced by a holy life, and an universal, chearful obedience to all the commands of God. In this, honoured Sir, however you may judge of the means and method of my proceeding, I am persuaded you wish me success. Your’s, both in respect to this life and another, I have much at heart. That the great shepherd and bishop of souls may assist you in the oversight of all under your care, and in the future state receive you with an Euge bone, in the presence of applauding angels, and spirits of just men made perfect, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Sir,

Your most unworthy, though dutiful pupil, and very humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLVI.

To Governor Thomas.

London, July 22, 1748.

Honoured Sir,

THOUGH I am uncertain about your being in town, yet I cannot leave it, without leaving a few lines of acknowledgment, for those many favours you and your worthy lady were pleased to confer upon me and mine abroad. Glad were we, yea exceeding glad to hear of your safe arrival in England, and gracious reception at court. May you so live in this world, as to be received with expressions of joy and approbation by the King of kings in the world to come! I hope, honour’d Sir, that the change of climate has been conducive to your health, and the health also of dear little Miss, and her honoured Mamma. I beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance, honoured Sir, both with them and you. At my return to London, which I suppose will be in about three weeks, I purpose doing myself the honour of waiting upon you in person. In the mean while, I beg leave, with the warmest affection, to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged, obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLVII.

To the Reverend Mr. S――.

London, July 24, 1748.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

SINCE my arrival in England, (now three weeks) I have sent several packets to America. This brings you the welcome tidings of the Lord’s continuing to bless my poor administrations, and causing his word to run and be glorified. Particulars I cannot descend to now. My hands are quite full of business. I am assisted also in temporals, and hope, ere I see America again, to be delivered from my outward Orphan-house embarrassments. I have almost fixed on persons to come over to Bethesda. With them I intend sending you some things, which I believe you will be glad to see. Antinomianism has made havock here, but I trust the worst is over. Our scattered troops begin to unite again; and indeed the shout of a king is amongst us. I trust that the glorious Emmanuel waves his banner also over you, and causes you to rejoice in his great salvation. That you, and all my dear friends and benefactors may fit under his shadow with unspeakable delight, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, obliged friend, brother, and servant in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCLVIII.

To the Reverend Mr. S――.

Waterford, August 3, 1748.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

I Have written to you more than once since my arrival; notwithstanding that, I must write to you again. The bearer is a man of good report, a Dissenter, and brings I believe a testimonial with him. He has met with disappointments in the world, and goes out to be overseer to some gentleman’s plantation.—I believe he would be glad to be introduced to some of our religious friends. I write this from Wales, where I am come to attend on a quarterly association. Yesterday I left Bristol, where great multitudes came to hear, and the arm of the Lord was revealed. Next week, God willing, I purpose to return to London, and after a short stay there, to go into the West and other parts of England. I believe that Ireland and Scotland must be left till next Spring. I am as well in health as I have been for a long while; and God is pleased to give me the affections of his people, in a manner I dared not expect. But is there any thing too hard for the Lord? You will continue to pray for me. I expect a loving, chiding letter from you. I have several things to send you, and at present can only beg you and all friends to accept of my hearty love and thanks, and subscribe myself, very dear Sir,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCLIX.

To Mr. Wm. G――.

Waterford, August 3, 1748.

My dear little Man,

I Do not forget the promise I made you when in town. As a proof of it, I snatch a few moments to send you a line. How will it find you? May I answer for you? Upon the stretch for God, and giving diligence to make your calling and election sure. O that there may be always in you such a mind! You know how many once did run well; but the devil and the world working upon their wicked hearts, have hindered them. Alas! how is their gold become dim, and their fine gold changed! Let him that thinketh he stands take heed lest he fall. Be jealous of yourself, and hang continually on the Lord Jesus. You are now growing up, and are about to launch into a wicked world. You know how strangely satan will tempt you to love it. Nothing can keep you, but the mighty power of God. Ask, and you shall have it exerted in your behalf. I could enlarge, but have not time. Perhaps next week I may be in London. The Lord Jesus has blessed my being in the country. The fields are white, ready unto harvest. My love to your sister. May she be a Ruth. For the present I must bid you farewel, after having subscribed myself,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCLX.

To the Reverend Mr. M――.

Mitchel-Dean, August 6, 1748.

THOUGH I am now upon the road in my way to Gloucester, yet I cannot help dropping you a few lines. Excess of business, not want of respect, has prevented my writing to you before. You, and yours, and all my dear Scotch friends, have been, still are, and by the grace of God always will be much upon my heart. I long to hear that their souls prosper. Perhaps next Spring I may pay them another visit. The remainder of this year must be spent in visiting England and Wales. Blessed be God, there is a prospect of a revival where I have been already, at London, Bristol, and Wales, from whence I am just now come. Our Lord hath been pleased to lift up the light of his countenance upon his poor people. I beg, reverend Sir, the continuance of your prayers, that I may be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. At present, through grace, I am willing to spend and be spent for the good of precious and immortal souls. My native air seems to improve my health, and I trust ere long I shall be lively and strong as an eagle. I suppose you have heard that the word of the Lord has been glorified in Bermudas. In a short time, I hope the adjacent islands will know what it is to feel the sun of righteousness arising with healing under his wings.

Blest is faith that trusts his power,

Blest are saints that wait his hour;

Haste, great conqueror, bring it near;

Let the glorious close appear.

Reverend Sir, I could write more; but must away. I beg my most cordial respects may be accepted by your whole fire-side and all friends. I intend writing to dear Mr. M―― soon. In the mean while, I must haste to subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, obliged younger brother, and willing servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXI.

To Lady H――.

London, August 10, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THIS morning, just after I had begun to put pen to paper, a friend told me, that since I had been in the country, a letter had been sent me by a lady out of Scotland. I opened it, and with a pleasing surprize found it was from your Ladyship, to whom I was then writing. Blessed be God, that your soul, honoured Madam, is yet held in life! I hope it does and will prosper; and however others may grow lukewarm and lose their first love, yet you will say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” By four years fresh experience, I find that this indeed, in every respect, is the whole of man. O how good has the blessed Redeemer been both to my soul and body! Out of how many and great deaths has he delivered me! And yet, honoured Madam, vile as I am, he is pleased still to honour me. Multitudes flock to hear the word, and our Lord is pleased to administer seed to the sower. Early in the Spring, God willing, do I purpose to visit dear Scotland once more. That the Lord of all Lords may abundantly bless your Ladyship, and all your connections in this and a better world, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXII.

To the Reverend Mr. J――.

London, August 11, 1748.

My very dear Mr. J――,

YOUR kind letter, which I received but yesterday, having been taking a little tour in the country, both grieved and pleased me. Glad was I to find, that my dear old friend had not forgotten me, and yet sorry as it were, that I had not wrote to him first. I was just going to put pen to paper, when yours was brought to my hands. I read it with joy, and now embrace the first opportunity of answering it with the greatest pleasure. These words concerning our Lord have always been weighty on my heart, “Having loved his own, he loved them unto the end.” They therefore that are most like him, will be most steady in their friendship, and not very readily given to change. O my dear Sir, what has the Redeemer done for us since we used to take such sweet counsel together at Oxford! Blessed be his name for giving you a heart still to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Christ. May you go on and prosper, and, maugre all opposition, see Dagon fall every where before the ark. As for me, I am a poor worthless pilgrim, and thought long ere now to be with him, who has loved and given himself for me.—But it seems I am not yet to die, but live. O that it may be to declare the work of the Lord! I think this is the thirteenth province I have been in within this twelvemonth, in each of which our Lord has been pleased to set his seal to my unworthy ministry. I came from Bermudas last, where I left many souls seeking after Jesus of Nazareth. In London, Bristol, Gloucester, and Wales, the glorious Emmanuel, since my arrival, has appeared to his people. In about a fortnight I purpose leaving town again in order to go a circuit of about five hundred miles. I need not desire you to pray for me; I need not tell you how glad I shall be whenever opportunity offers, to see you face to face. In the mean while, let us correspond by letter. May Jesus bless it to us both! I return cordial respects to Lady M――. I pray the Lord to bless her and her little nursery. For the present adieu. I am, my very dear Mr. J――,

Ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXIII.

To Mr. S――.

London, August 16, 1748.

Dear Sir,

GLAD shall I be to have the pleasure of your dining with me on Thursday between twelve and one. If you please, you may leave your chaise and horses at the other end of the town, and ride to my lodgings in an hackney coach. Or if you choose to come in your chaise, we have inns near at hand. I shall devote Thursday afternoon to you; and if you please to stay the evening and hear me preach, and then sup and take a bed at our house afterwards, I shall be much obliged to you. You need only enquire for the tabernacle new house near Moorfields. I hope matters will be so ordered, that you will be solus cum solo. I pity persons in your circumstances, and humbly hope that you will be one of Nicodemus’s children every way. You know, though he came by night at first, yet afterwards he was as bold as a lion. Go on, dear Sir: “To him that hath, shall be given.” Christ will not quench the smoaking flax, nor break the bruised reed. That his love may be shed abroad in your heart, that you may be enabled to confess him before men, and be confessed by him before his Father and the holy angels in heaven, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,

Your most affectionate friend, and willing servant for Jesus Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXIV.

To Lord ――.

London August 19, 1748.

My Lord,

THOUGH I expect to be in Scotland in about three weeks, yet I cannot defer writing to your Lordship any longer. I hope this will find your worthy lady trampling upon the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, and steadily pursuing the one thing needful. I doubt not but you both have found, that the Redeemer’s service has been perfect freedom, and that in keeping of his commandments there is even a present great reward. Blessed be God, I can say so by happy and repeated experience. The blessed Jesus is pleased still to own and bless my poor labours, and gives me encouragement to go on fighting his battles. My outward man decays; but I trust I shall die in the field of battle. I want to learn what it is to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. I could enlarge, but multiplicity of business obliges me to be brief. I hope my most dutiful respects will find acceptance with good Lady ――, Lady ――, and all your Lordship’s fire side.—That you all may be filled with the fulness of God, is the hearty prayer of, my Lord,

Your Lordship’s most obliged, obedient servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXV.

To Mr. B――.

London, August 20, 1748.

My very dear Brother,

I Thank you for your kind letter. It was put into my hands just as I was leaving Bristol, and ever since, I have been so busy, that till now I could not redeem a few moments to answer it. I am glad that you, and the dear brethren you mentioned, are so well and happy. They are my old hearty friends as well as you. I salute them tenderly, and long for that time when we shall all surround the throne, and throw our crowns before the Lamb who sitteth thereon for ever. There we shall be all unisons: there we shall have clear heads, and perfectly clean and purified hearts. Till then we must agree, to disagree in many things, except to love and serve him, who loved us and gave himself for us, who has redeemed us unto God by his blood, hath made us kings and priests unto God, and enables us to reign over sin, death, and hell, even whilst we are here on earth. O glorious mystery! Well may the angels desire to look into it. I could enlarge, but other affairs of our Lord’s kingdom call me away. For the present, adieu. I return your cordial salutations in the heartiest manner. If our Lord should call me to Wiltshire, I would come and see you. At present I am bound to Scotland. I trust we can say, Jesus is with us here. That he may be evermore with you and all his sincere followers, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear brother,

Yours most affectionately in him that was dead, but is alive again, and liveth for evermore,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXVI.

To Lady H――.

August 21, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

I Received your Ladyship’s letter late last night, and write this to inform your Ladyship that I am quite willing to comply with your invitation. As I am to preach, God willing, at St. Bartholomew’s on Wednesday evening, I will wait upon your Ladyship the next morning, and spend the whole day at Chelsea. Blessed be God, that the rich and great begin to have an hearing ear. I think it is a good sign that our Lord intends to give to some at least, an obedient heart. Surely your Ladyship and Madam E―― are only the first fruits. May you increase and multiply! I believe you will. How wonderfully does our Redeemer deal with souls. If they will hear the gospel only under a cieled roof, ministers shall be sent to them there. If only in a church, or a field, they shall have it there. A word in the lesson, when I was last at your Ladyship’s, struck me. “Paul preached privately to those that were of reputation.” This must be the way I presume of dealing with the nobility, who yet know not the Lord. O that I may be enabled, when called to preach to any of them, so to preach as to win their souls to the blessed Jesus! I know your Ladyship will pray that it may be so. As for my poor prayers, such as they are, your Ladyship hath them every day. That the blessed Jesus may make your Ladyship happily instrumental in bringing many of the noble and mighty to the saving knowledge of his eternal Self, and water your own soul every moment, is the continual request of, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXVII.

To Judge B――.

London, August 22, 1748.

Honoured Sir,

I Think it is now high time for me to send you a line of thanks, for the favours you was pleased to confer on me when at the Bermudas. They are not, and I trust never will be forgotten by me, whilst I am on this side eternity. The same good hand that was with me abroad, hath safely brought, and since my arrival blessed me much at home. I am daily employed in that delightful work of preaching to poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. Once a week I read prayers and preach in one of the largest of the London churches. Multitudes flock there and in the fields, and I trust much good is done to many. I have been lately a three hundred mile circuit, and purpose, God willing, to set out for Scotland in about eight days. At my return, I hope to hear by some ship or another that all is well at Bermudas. I beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with his Excellency. I endeavoured to be as obliging as I could to his lady and little master, whom I suppose the Governor will have heard from before this comes to hand. I have taken the freedom to send him a volume of my sermons. I intend writing to Colonel H―― another opportunity. I have sent to Colonel G―― and some others already. Multiplicity of business prevents my writing to more at present. Be pleased however to present my most cordial respects to him and his family, to your whole fire side, and all enquiring friends. I hope you will accept the same yourself, from, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXVIII.

To Captain J―― D――.

London, August 22, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

I Have already written to you and other friends since my arrival at London. With this, I send a box of books to be disposed of among my dear Bermudas acquaintance. To some I have affixed their names, and lest I should have forgotten any (as undoubtedly I have, being so much hurried) I have sent half a dozen of my volumes of twenty three sermons, to be disposed of with the small tracts, as you shall think proper. I begin now to expect the Diana, or some other ship, to bring me an account of the welfare of you and my other beloved friends. A sense of your manifold kindnesses lies yet upon my heart, and I always endeavour to remember them before Him, who has promised that a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple, shall in no wise lose its reward. Had I time equal to my will, I would write many letters, but a variety of business prevents. Be pleased therefore to beg my friends to accept general thanks and cordial salutations. In a few days I purpose setting out for Scotland, and hope to return to America next year. But future things belong to God. A wide scene opens here, and I would willingly be disposed of as seemeth best to my heavenly Father. To his tender and never-failing mercy, do I earnestly commend you and dear Mrs. D――, your little ones, all your relations, and the whole circle of my friends. That you may be blessed with all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, is the hearty desire and continual prayer of, very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, obliged friend and humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXIX.

To Mr. ――.

London, August 22, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

IF any thing I have said or written has been made any way serviceable to your better part, I thank the Lord of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever. I trust the language of my heart towards Jesus Christ, is this:

If thou excuse, then work thy will,

By so unfit an instrument;

It will at once thy goodness shew,

And prove thy power omnipotent.

I thank you, dear Sir, for your concern about my health. If it should please God to bring me back from Scotland to winter in town, I have thoughts of submitting to some regimen or another. At present I think it impracticable. On Tuesday, God willing, I purpose to set out, and to go by the way of York. I suppose it will be about a two months circuit. My journals, and last five sermons, I shall send to Mr. D――, with the journal that I have corrected. Alas, dear Sir, so many things want altering, that what you propose for Andrew to do, would be for him a too laborious task. I heartily wish that you and doctor D―― and Mr. H―― would be pleased to revise them. I intend publishing a new edition soon. Mr. H―― is of a different opinion from Dr. D―― concerning the seventh of the Romans. Adhuc sub judice lis est. I always do as you desire in respect to Mr. W――’s sermons. My prayer for him, for myself, and friends, is this; “Lord, give us clear heads and clean hearts.” I would recommend bishop Beveridge’s sermons more, but they are too voluminous for the common people, and I have not read them all. I expect you will do this yourself, dear Sir, by and by, from the pulpit, and what is more, recommend his and your master to the choice of poor sinners. You have now by your excellent letter publickly confessed him. The eyes of all will be now upon you, to see whether the truths you have delivered to others, are transcribed into your own heart and copied in your life. Now indeed may you cry,

O for a strong, a lasting faith!

To credit what the Almighty saith!

Now the language of your soul should be, “how holy ought I to be in all manner of conversation and godliness.” Now, dear Sir, let me entreat you to keep from trimming, or so much as attempting to reconcile two irreconcilable differences, God and the world, Christ and Belial. You know me too well to suppose I want you to turn cynic. No, live a social life. But then, dear Sir, beg of the Lord Jesus to free you from the love of the world; thence, thence arises that fear of man which now so shackles and disturbs your soul. Dare, dear Sir, to be singularly good. If Christ be your Saviour, make him a present of your pretty character. Honour him, and he will honour you. He indulges you much, and gently leads you on. Let the same love constrain you, dear Sir, to press forwards, and never rest till you can give up children, name, life, and all into his hands who gave his precious blood for you. I could enlarge, but am called away. I make no apology for this; you say you are my friend.—Accept this, dear Sir, as a token of my believing you sincere in that profession, from

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXX.

To Lady H――.

London, August 22, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

EVER since the reading your Ladyship’s condescending letter, my soul (as indeed through grace it was in a degree before) has been overpowered with his presence, who is All in All. When your Ladyship stiled me “your friend,” I was amazed at your condescension. But when I thought that Jesus was my friend, it quite overcame me, and made me to lie prostrate before him, crying, Why me, why me? I just now rose from the ground, after praying the Lord of all Lords to water your soul, honoured madam, every moment. As there seems to be a door opening for the nobility to hear the gospel, I will defer my journey till Thursday, and, God willing, preach at your Ladyship’s on Tuesday. In the mean while I will wait upon or send to the Count the Danish embassador’s brother, who favours me with his company on Monday to dine. On Monday morning from nine to near eleven I will be at your Ladyship’s, and wait to know your order concerning Tuesday. O that God may be with and make me humble! I am ashamed to think your Ladyship will admit me under your roof, much more am I amazed that the Lord Jesus will make use of such a creature as I am. Under a sense of this, I write to your Ladyship now. It is late, and my poor body calls to rest. But as I am to preach four times to-morrow, I thought it my duty to send these few lines to your Ladyship to night. Quite astonished at your Ladyship’s condescension, and the unmerited superabounding grace and goodness of Him who has loved me and given himself for me, I subscribe myself, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, humble and willing servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXI.

To Lady H――.

London, Sept. 1, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

ALTHOUGH it is time for me to be setting out, yet I dare not leave town without dropping a few lines, gratefully to acknowledge the many favours I have received from your Ladyship, especially the honour you have done me in making me one of your Ladyship’s chaplains. A sense of it humbles me, and makes me to pray more intensely for more grace, to walk more worthy of that God, who has called me to his kingdom and glory. As your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on me the honour before mentioned, I shall think it my duty to send you weekly accounts of what the Lord Jesus is pleased to do for and by me. Glory be to his great Name, the prospect is promising. My Lord Bath received me yesterday morning very cordially, and would give me five guineas for the orphans, though I refused taking any thing for the books. I send your Ladyship (by the hands of faithful and honest Betty W――) a little box of my sermons, and the last account of God’s dealing with me, and of the money expended for the Orphan-house, with my oath before the magistrates of Savannah. The little book in marble paper is for Madam P――: I have folded down where I would have her begin to read. What a lovely christian will she make, when grace hath once refined her heart? I hope God intends to honour your Ladyship in making you instrumental of doing good to the nobility. His providence, his peculiar providence hath placed your Ladyship at Chelsea. I am persuaded your Ladyship will not quit that post, till he that hath placed you there, plainly gives you a dismission. I have good news to-day from Bristol. Mr. C―― intends to be fettered no longer with the fear of man. O that there may be always in him such a mind! Mr. L――, he informs me too, is coming from under the cloud. He begs his dutiful respects may be presented to your Ladyship, and is much obliged to your Ladyship for being so much concerned for him. I hope he will fix by and by: But whither am I running? Pardon me, honoured madam, I fear I am too bold and too long. Upon the road, I propose writing your Ladyship my thoughts of what scheme seems to be most practicable, in order to carry on the work of God, both here and in America. I dare add no more but my hearty prayers for the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship, and whole houshold, and subscribe myself, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXII.

To the Rev. Mr. J―― W――.

London, Sept. 1, 1748.

Rev. and dear Sir,

MY not meeting you at London has been a disappointment to me. But our Lord orders all things well. His time is and will be best. I suppose you will hear of my preaching to some of the nobility, and I trust the hour is coming when some of the Mighty and Noble shall be called. What have you thought about an union? I am afraid an external one is impracticable. I find by your sermons, that we differ in principles more than I thought, and I believe we are upon two different plans. My attachment to America will not permit me to abide very long in England; consequently, I should but weave a Penelope’s webb, if I formed societies; and if I should form them, I have not proper assistants to take care of them. I intend therefore to go about preaching the gospel to every creature. You, I suppose, are for settling societies every where; but more of this when we meet. I can now only say a few general things. I hope you don’t forget to pray for me. You are always remembered by, Reverend and dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXIII.

To Mr. J―― W――.

London, Sept. 1, 1748.

My very dear Brother,

YOUR kind letter I received with great satisfaction. I chearfully sit down to answer it before I set out for Scotland. I have been a mile or two upon the road, but turned back because my chaise was not registered. My hands have been full of work, and I have been among great company. A privy counsellor of the king of Denmark, and others, with one of the Prince of Wales’s favourites, dined and drank tea with me on Monday. On Tuesday I preached twice at Lady Huntingdon’s to several of the nobility. In the morning the Earl of Chesterfield was present. In the evening Lord B――. All behaved quite well, and were in some degree affected. Lord C―― thanked me, and said, “Sir, I will not tell you what I shall tell others, how I approve of you,” or words to this purpose. He conversed with me freely afterwards. Lord B―― was much moved, and desired I would come and see him the next morning. I did; and his Lordship behaved with great candour and frankness. All accepted of my sermons, and seemed surprized but pleased. Thus, my dear brother, the world turns round. “In all time of my wealth, good Lord deliver me!” Glad am I, for his own sake, that dear Mr. C―― begins to resolve to play the man. Alas! a ♦trimming conduct is uncomfortable to one’s self, displeasing to Christ, and ridiculous in the sight of the world. Christ is worth all, or he is worth nothing. May the Lord enable me to be simple, and honest, and open in all my dealings, and to trust him with the consequences. I have ever yet found, that honesty is the best policy in the end. O that dear Mr. L―― may at length show himself a man too! My dear, very dear brother, may you lose no more time, but join in confessing a crucified Saviour. Glad am I to find that Mr. C――’s conversation is blest to you. I wish you had always a christian fidus achates at your side. Pardon me, dear brother, this freedom. My love is so great to you, and I have put up so many prayers for you, that I cannot rest till you improve those excellent parts God has given you, for the glory of his church and the good of his people. I am glad you will send something to our mother. I need not tell you, that the wisest of men has bid us “not to despise one’s mother, when she is old.” I thank you for the pictures; I have made free with some of them already. I shall not be sorry, if you do not go to Gloucester. Alas, so much money spent at music-meetings will make but a poor article at the day of judgment. But where does my affection carry me? My dear brother, good night. God willing, you shall hear from me soon again; if you do not answer me immediately, I will impute it to any thing rather than want of love; that, I am sure, is strong towards me, however unworthy of it. God has blessed me much in London. Congregations are very large. On Sunday I was enabled to preach four times: but this body—Well! thanks be to God, it is soon to be put off. Once more good night. My love to all friends. I am

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXIV.

To Mr. S――.

Oulney, (Northamptonshire) Sept. 4, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

IT was a pleasing surprize to me last week, to receive a letter dated in July from my dear, very dear friend Mr. S―― of New-England. I left town yesterday, but having an immediate opportunity of sending, by way of Philadelphia, I now sit down to write your answer. Poor New-England! I pity and pray for thee from my inmost soul. May God arise, and scatter thy enemies! may those that hate thee be made to flee before thee! I am afraid the scene will be yet darker. But you know it is always darkest before day-break. It has been so in England. Matters, as to religion, were come to almost an extremity. The enemy had indeed broken in upon us like a flood. The spirit of the Lord is now lifting up a standard. The prospect of the success of the gospel, I think, was never more promising. In the church, tabernacle, and fields, congregations have been great, and perhaps as great power as ever hath accompanied the word. A door is also opening for the mighty and noble. I have preached four times to several of the nobility at good Lady H――’s. All behaved exceeding well, and I suppose in the winter opportunities of preaching to them will be frequent. May the Lord prepare me for whatever he has prepared for me! As for returning to America, if I live, I believe there’s no doubt of it. I intend keeping myself free from societies, and therefore I hope to see you again next year. But future things belong to God. I thank you and dear Mr. R―― for your kind invitation. May the Lord direct to what is best! I hope you will continue to write. Pray read, seal and send the inclosed. You will communicate so much of this letter as may be proper. O dear Sir, pray for me, that the glorious Emmanuel may give me humility, and lead me on from conquering to conquer. You must remember me to dear Mrs. S―― and all in the kindest manner, and entreat them to continue their prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,

Yours as usual,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXV.

To Mr. R――.

Oulney, Sept. 4, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

THOUGH I am on my journey to Scotland, yet I must stop a little by the way to answer your kind letter dated in July last. It brought strange things to my ears, and it made me smile. You know, dear Sir, what has often passed between you and me, upon that point, loving honour. Some persons being forced as it were to accept of government places, are like other persons saying nolo episcopare, when, it may be, they have been making interest for a bishoprick many years. You know how to make the application. However, God may over-rule this for good, and if you could get the government of ―― (though in asking for it, you know not what you ask) it might be of service to New-England many ways. But, dear Sir, what can I do in it? I have no interest at court, and supposing I had, you have directed me to no means, neither hath any person been with me concerning it. Be pleased therefore to inform me of particulars. Let Mr. S―― instruct me what steps are to be taken, and if I can be of any service, you may command me. I thank you, dear Sir, for your kind invitation, and if you are to be exalted, I pray the Lord of all Lords to fit and qualify you for, and support you under it. You will not forget to give my most cordial salutations to all my dear New-England friends. I pray for them, you, and yours, and am, very dear Sir, with repeated thanks for all favours,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXVI.

To the Rev. Mr. L――.

Doncaster, Sept. 7, 1748.

Rev. and dear Sir,

OUR last short interview at Stone-house pleased me. I hope it foreboded something good. I told you the truth when I said, “I had not forgotten you.” No, neither have I been suffered to think hardly of you for your shyness to unworthy me; only I have thought you were loosing time, and for fear of displeasing a few mortal men, had acted a part displeasing to the invisible, immortal, and only wise God. Good Sir John Philips used to call you sincere. I believe that is your right name. I cannot help thinking but you will prove it to be so ere long. That love which Jesus shed abroad in your heart years ago, must constrain you to confess him before man. The light which the Lord hath imparted to you, cannot, I am persuaded, be much longer hid under a bushel. The shackles with which you have been fettered, must be shaken off, or I am much mistaken in the dear man to whom I am writing.—Pardon me, my dear old friend. My heart at present overflows with love towards you. Though weary and on a journey, I cannot help writing to you. Fear not temporal support. Though I went without scrip or shoe, I have lacked nothing; or if I had nothing; in Jesus I have possessed all things. I do not envy those who choose to sleep in a whole skin. Let me have scars, so that they are scars of honour, scars for Jesus Christ. I know who will approve of them, when he comes to judgment. O that day! that awful day! God enable us so to act, that we may receive an Euge bone! Out of the fulness of my heart I write thus. I am now on my way to Scotland. The Lord Jesus hath blessed me in London. As soon as possible I intend calling upon you. If you have a mind to renew our old delightful christian correspondence, I am quite willing. I wish you and yours the best of blessings, and am, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXVII.

To Mr. S――.

Morpeth, (Northumberland,) Sept. 10, 1748.

Dear Mr. S――,

TILL now I have not had time to answer your kind letter, and now I am too weary to send you a long one. I thank you for your good wishes and prayers. May they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth! Hitherto, God has been pleased to bless me since my arrival. Let the Lord’s people continue to hold up their hands, and by his divine assistance I will go on fighting till I drop. I am now on my way to Scotland. I know you wish me good luck in the name of the Lord. When providence opens a door, I shall be glad to embrace.—In the mean while, pray remember me to all in the kindest manner. As for your call to preach, I can say nothing, being a stranger to you. Only I would observe to you what the apostle says, “Not a novice, &c.”—You know what follows. If you chuse proper seasons, and keep within the bounds of humility and christian prudence, I pray the Lord to be with and bless you. I can now add no more, but subscribe myself

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXVIII.

To Mr. T――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 15, 1748.

Dear Mr. T――,

ERE this can reach London, you will find that I have forgot not my promise. No, I love thee too well to do so. Thanks be to God, that you begin to awake out of your dream. It has been a dream, though a golden pleasing one. If all was right, such darkness would never come and abide upon your soul. Come, play the man, and, if called to it, leave a worm for God. You are not the first that have been called to part with what was as dear as their own souls, or that have seen their beloved object in the possession of another. Better see that, than enjoy the object with guilt upon the mind. How did Jacob smart, all his life-time afterwards, for getting the blessing by a lie? The way of duty is the way of safety. I write this on supposition that your father will be against your proceeding. You will let me know what he says: In the mean while, as our Lord enables, I will pray for you. May the Lord Jesus give us a right judgment in all things! But enough of this. You see the bishop’s charge has turned out as I supposed. Who could imagine otherwise? Lord, humble thy people for giving such wrong touches to the ark! Lord, keep me from doing so any more! O for zeal according to knowledge! O for grace and wisdom to act aright! Yesterday God brought me safe here, and I have been received very kindly. This afternoon I am to preach. The effects of it you may know hereafter. For the present, adieu. I recommend you to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to raise you when fallen; and subscribe myself,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXIX.

To the Reverend Mr. B――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 16, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

ON Thursday noon, through the providence of a good and gracious God, I came hither, where I have met with an hearty welcome. Last night I preached to a Moorfields congregation for numbers, and the Lord, I believe, was pleased to give it his blessing. I have had the pleasure of hearing, that a serjeant of a regiment, awakened when I was here last, held on, and held out, and died rejoicing; and likewise of several others, who are gone before us to inherit the promises. May the Lord awaken fresh souls to supply their places. I trust he will. I was also much delighted last night, to hear there were so many christian soldiers among the king’s forces that came from Flanders. A young christian lady, under whose roof they were, told me, that some or other of them were continually praying to, and wrestling with God. If any of them return to England, I doubt not but Col. G――y will find them out. I intend writing to him soon, and hope to send our good lady some glad tidings next week. In the mean while, pray present my most dutiful respects to her Ladyship. I hope all is well in London. The bishop’s death, I suppose, will prevent any further stir about Bartholomew. I shall be glad to hear how you go on. Pray, dear Sir, how are your circumstances? You will not be offended if I inform you, that more than one have informed me of your being in debt to several. I thought it my duty to apprize you of it, because I know what a burden it is to be in debt; not indeed for myself, but for others. I make no apology for this; you know it must proceed from love. I wish you the very best of blessings, and am, reverend and dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXX.

To Mr. S―― W――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 19, 1748.

My very dear Mr. W――,

SHALL I promise, and not perform? God forbid! Glad am I, yea very glad to open a fresh correspondence with a dear old friend, with whom I have often taken such sweet counsel. O my dear man, how patient, how long-suffering has the blessed Jesus been towards us! Ought not his love to constrain us to obedience? Ought we not to confess him, who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself for us? For my part, when I think that the glorious Emmanuel endured the pain, and despised the shame of dying upon a cursed tree for me, I cannot help saying,

For this let men revile my name,

No cross I’d shun, I’d fear no shame;

All hail reproach, and welcome pain,

Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.

Glory be to God, I have hitherto found that the cross of Jesus has been lined with love. This has made it easy; this even now makes it exceeding light. I fear prosperity more than affliction; and though there is but little danger perhaps of my being exalted in this world, yet the language of my soul is, “In all time of my wealth, good Lord deliver me.” May the Lord keep you, my dear friend, by his mighty power through faith! He has entrusted you with many talents; may you occupy them till he come! I hope he will bless your conversation to those who are yet but weak in the faith, and who cannot, through love of the world, or fear of man, as yet bear much contempt. My service to Messrs. B―― and M――, when you see them. My prayer for you all is, that you may be good soldiers of Jesus Christ. I am fighting for him here. Vast multitudes come to hear; but what good is done, cannot yet be determined. Many of my dear friends are gone to glory, I purpose being in town about the time appointed. I know you will pray for me. Whether absent or present, assure yourself you are never forgotten by, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXI.

To the Countess of H――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 20, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

I Suppose, ere this can reach you, your Ladyship will have heard of my being arrived at Edinburgh, and of another particular or two mentioned in Mr. B――’s letter. This brings your Ladyship an account of very great multitudes flocking to hear the word; but with what success it is attended, I cannot yet tell. Upon my first coming, I was somewhat discouraged at hearing of the death of many of my valuable and leading friends, and of others losing their first love. Besides, the weather was boisterous, some ministers shy, and God was pleased to visit me with a great hoarseness. But the prospect is now more pleasant; and I trust, ere I leave Scotland, your Ladyship will have some good news from a far country. Inclosed your Ladyship has an extract of a letter sent from London to a pious gentlewoman here: I wish part of the contents may not prove, like the bishop of E――’s charge,—mere imaginary. May God hasten the time, when more of the mighty and noble shall be called, and made to stoop to the Redeemer’s sceptre! It is now growing late. That your Ladyship and family may be filled with all the fulness of God, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obedient, willing servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXII.

To Mr. H――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 21, 1748.

AND could my very dear Mr. H―― think, that when he was out of sight he was out of mind? No, my dear friend, I believe it will never be so with you and me. By this time, I hope Mr. D――’s letter from Bermudas, or the letters sent you from thence by way of Philadelphia, will inform you, that I wrote several parting letters to you and many other friends, and sent you bills of exchange to the amount of eighty pounds sterling; but, with my letter, books, and several other things, I find they are taken. Of this Mr. D―― writes me lately. As there is now peace, and a commerce opened with Spain, I hope the new settlers will be disturbed no more. Courage, my dear man, courage. Surely we shall yet live to see the salvation of God in Georgia. I am glad Mr. Fairweather hath been at Bethesda. Whatever has happened, do your best for me in respect to my family. Next year you may see me again. But more of this hereafter. The Lord is exceeding good to me. Great things are doing in England; and the Lord is blessing me more and more in Scotland. This morning, I hear a gentlewoman has left me an hundred pounds. If so, fifty shall be paid for you on the Orphan-house account, to Mr. N――, and as much more as I can spare, as soon as possible.—I have paid Mr. J―― thirty pounds sterling. But what does my wife tell me in her letter received this day, about your losing some favourite creature? Is it your wife, or your little daughter? Well, my dear friend, you and I must be made perfect through sufferings; you and I must learn to walk by faith. May the Father of Mercies comfort your heart, and abundantly supply the want of every creature, by communications from his own eternal Self. O pray write to me. Let me bear part of your sorrows, and thereby shew myself your friend. If my wife is embarked ere this arrives, I beg you would open all parcels that are sent to your care, and act as usual for my family. My tender love to all. You will not cease praying, dear Mr. H――, for

Ever yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXIII.

To Mr. S――.

Edinburgh, Sept. 23, 1748.

My dear Brother S――,

HOW good is God! Well may you say, that he never fails those that put their trust in him. How does he make my extremity his opportunity to help and relieve me. If the news about the legacy be true, I hope it will increase my faith, and make me more willing to be upon the stretch for Him, who was stretched upon the accursed tree for me. I thank you for sending my letters. My wife proposes to embark for England in October. The climate will not agree with her. The physicians advise her to come over, and she entreats all friends to pray for her safe passage to England. Affairs here have now a comfortable aspect. I think more people than ever come to hear, and their hearts begin to be warm. Continue to write. My love to all. The not sending the late published account of the Orphan-house, has been of disservice to me. When will the children of light be as wise in their generation as the children of the world? I can now no more, but am, my dear Sir,

Ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXIV.

To Colonel G――ly.

Edinburgh, Sept. 23, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

EVER since I have been in Edinburgh, I have been attempting to write to you, but could not effect it till now. Though I am absent from, yet I am present with you. I hope this will find you fighting the good fight of faith, and in every respect behaving like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. The news of your conversion hath reached the ears of many of the great ones in Scotland. May the Lord Jesus keep you stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in his work. The way you know. A constant looking up to the author and finisher of our faith, and watching unto prayer with all perseverance, will keep the soul steady amidst all the temptations of a malicious devil, and ensnaring world. O for grace and zeal to endure unto the end! Finis coronat opus. I could say much, but company waits for me. Vast multitudes come to hear, and I trust much good is done. Good Lady H―― has an extract of a letter from a soldier, which will please you. Here are two devout soldiers in Edinburgh. May the Lord Jesus add more to his church of such converts as may be saved! You will not forget to pray for me. That you may increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate friend, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXV.

To Mr. H――.

Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.

My very dear Mr. H――,

YOU are every day upon my heart. I must not, I cannot refrain writing to you any longer. How do you? Old love revives in my heart towards you, because, I trust, love to the blessed Jesus begins to revive in your heart. May the glorious Emmanuel fan the divine spark, till it break out into a holy blaze! Do not lose one moment more, my dear Sir: let this be the language of your soul continually,

Be gone, vain world, my heart resign,

For I will be no longer thine:

A nobler a diviner guest

Now takes possession of my breast.

It pleases me to think, how loud you and I shall sing of infinite, free, and unchangeable love in heaven; for because God changeth not, therefore you and I have not been consumed. O pleasant, transporting thought! What a saviour is Jesus of Nazareth! How precious was his blood! How profusely, as it were, was it shed for sinners! That you and yours may every moment feel its pardoning, renovating, cleansing, and purifying power, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXVI.

To Mr. S――.

Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.

My very Dear Sir,

I Have been in pain because your kind letter has lain by me so long unanswered.—Nothing but a variety of other necessary business has been the cause. My hands are full, and I trust the pleasure of the Lord will prosper in them. Very great multitudes have flocked to hear; and in Glasgow the prospect of doing good is rather more promising than in Edinburgh. In a fortnight I purpose, God willing, to leave Scotland, and to preach at Oundle in my way to London. Glad shall I be to see two such friends as you and Mr. H――, though incog. I will endeavour to send you timely notice. I would have neither of you expose yourselves to needless contempt upon my account. I think I can say, that I am willing to be forgotten even by my friends, if Jesus Christ may thereby be exalted. But then, I would not have my friends act an inconsistent part towards that friend of all, that friend of sinners, the glorious Emmanuel. You know, my dear Sir, what an inspired apostle hath asserted: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Whilst you are afraid of men, you will expose yourself to a thousand inconveniences. Your polite company, (unless you converse with them more as their physician, than as their companion) will prevail on you to such compliances, as will make you smart when you retire into your closet, and reflect on the part you have acted. Before I shook off the world, often have I come out of company, shorn of all my strength, like poor Sampson when he had lost his locks! But this is a tender point. Go on, dear Sir, and prove the strength of Jesus to be yours. Continue instant in prayer, and you shall see and feel infinitely greater things than you have seen or felt yet. I am of your opinion, that there is seed sown in England, which will in time grow up into a great tree. God’s giving some of the mighty and noble a hearing ear, forebodes future good. I do not despair, if I live, of seeing you a proclaimer of the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. God be praised, that Mr. H―― is so bold an advocate for his blessed Lord. I send him my most affectionate respects, and entreat him to remember me in his prayers. I wrote to Mr. H―― lately. I herewith send you an extract of a letter I wrote on ship-board to my dear invaluable friend Mr. S――, of South-Carolina. If it was judged proper, I would put it in the preface of a new edition of my Journals. I would not have any of my mistakes remain uncensured, uncorrected. I thank you for your hint about my way of preaching. I shall take care to observe it. And now, dear Sir, for the present, adieu. I am afraid I have tired you. I shall be fond of seeing you at London. Rejoicing in the prospect of seeing you in the kingdom of heaven, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER [♦DCLXXXVI.]

To Mr. K――.

Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.

Dear Sir,

WHEN I was the other day at Edinburgh, your aged father communicated a letter to me, which gave an account of your being translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. As the news rejoiced the hearts of angels in heaven, no wonder that it gives satisfaction to those who desire to follow the blessed Jesus here on earth. Hoping that I am one of those, and being willing to promote his glorious gospel in every part of the world, I write you this letter at a venture, to wish you joy of your happy change, and to exhort you with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. The more you know of Wisdom’s ways, the more you will find them to be ways of pleasantness. The more you know of the blessed Jesus, the more you will find that his yoke is easy, and his burden exceeding light. Go on then, dear Sir: be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and learn to endure hardness like a good soldier. Who knows what the Lord may do by you in the dark parts where you are? Much good has been done among the soldiers in Flanders. What God has done for your soul, I trust is only an earnest of what he intends to do for others in St. Helena. I salute your companion very heartily. I wish you both much prosperity in the Lord. You shall have the prayers of as many as I can engage for you. Remember our Lord’s promise. Where there are only two or three gathered together in his name, there is he in the midst of them. Though you have not public ordinances, yet if the God of ordinances be with you, there will be no room for complaint. If I can any way be instrumental of promoting the blessed work begun among you, you may readily command, dear Sir,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXVII.

To Mrs. E――.

Glasgow, Sept. 28, 1748.

Dear Madam,

ALTHOUGH I fear it may be taking too much freedom, yet as I humbly hope that the love of God is shed abroad in your heart, I trust you will not be offended at my sending you these few lines. They are lines of joy; for who can help rejoicing that hears what the blessed Jesus hath done for your soul? O Madam, how much are you indebted to that grace which hath made such difference between you and others. To see any one converted is a miracle. But to see a rich person, one of the mighty, one of the noble converted, is yet a greater. May the Lord Jesus add more of your rank to his church, such as shall be saved! Never fear, Madam; all things are possible to the glorious Emmanuel. Let him but speak the word, and great shall be the numbers of new creatures. I hope this will find you in good health, and upon the full stretch for him who was stretched and bled upon the cross for you. Great multitudes in Scotland flock to hear. Some of my spiritual children, I hear, are gone to heaven, and others come to me, telling what God did for their souls when I was here last. I desire to cast my crown before the Lamb; I desire always to be crying out, “Why me, Lord, why me?” In about a fortnight I purpose setting out for London. I lead a moving life. In heaven I shall have rest enough. Blessed be God for giving us to enter into a little of that rest even here! That you may daily increase in faith, and consequently enjoy more and more of this rest, is the hearty prayer of, dear Madam,

Your most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXVIII.

To some devout Soldiers.

Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1748.

My dear Brethren,

IT gave me no small satisfaction, when I was lately at Edinburgh, to hear that several of you were enabled to behave like good soldiers of Jesus Christ. I rejoice greatly that you are made partakers of his grace, and I earnestly intreat the Lord of all Lords that you may grow and increase in it day by day. This is the christian’s duty. He must forget the things that are behind; he must press forward towards the things which are before; he must not stop, till he arrives at the mark of the prize of his high calling. I trust, my dear brethren, you are all thus minded; and that whatever befals you, you will, through divine assistance, hold on and hold out to the end. If I can be any way serviceable to you, be not backward to send to me. I hear of others of your profession, that have lately enlisted under the banner of the ever-blessed Redeemer. Happy they! happy you! You have a good captain, a good cause, good armour, and an exceeding great reward. That you may at all times quit yourselves like men, and be strong; that you may fight the good fight of faith, and at length lay hold on life eternal is the hearty prayer of, my dear Brethren,