LETTERS (continued 5)

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

G. W.

LETTER DCLXXXIX.

To the Countess of H――.

Sept. 29, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

AM I not too troublesome in writing to your Ladyship so frequently? I fear I am; and yet I am afraid to break your Ladyship’s command, “Write weekly.” Blessed be God, I can yet send your Ladyship word that the glorious Emmanuel is with me, and countenances my poor administrations. I have met with some unexpected rubs, but not one more then was absolutely necessary to humble my proud heart. “O my blessed Redeemer, when shall I learn of thee to be meek and lowly! Thou alone, O Lamb of God, canst teach me. Sanctify all thy dispensations to this end, and give me always to lie at thy feet.” There, honoured Madam, I am safe: There I believe this letter will find your Ladyship.—May you every moment hear the Redeemer’s voice, and be built up continually in your most holy faith. In about a fortnight I purpose leaving Scotland. Several things concur to make me believe that it was right for me to come here. Particulars your Ladyship may expect at my return to town. In the mean while, I recommend your Ladyship, and your dear offspring, with your whole houshold, to the care of the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, and am, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCXC.

To Dr. H――.

Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.

My dear Doctor,

YESTERDAY with great satisfaction I received your kind letter. Being in Scotland, I cannot as yet have the pleasure of seeing Captain T――; but, God willing, I shall enquire him out at my return to London. The God of the seas and the God of the dry land has brought me safe to my native country; since which I have written to you and many others, and left two boxes of books for my dear Bermudas friends, to be sent the first opportunity. Although God is pleased to smile upon my poor administrations, and very great multitudes flock to hear both in England and Scotland, yet I have thoughts of seeing Bermudas again next year. But I dare not determine. Future things belong to God. Glory be to his great name for sending me to Bermudas at all! Glory be to his great name, that you, my dear Sir, are striving to enter at the streight gate of a sound conversion. I hope you will never cease striving, till you know that your Redeemer liveth.—Neither the greatness nor number of your sins can keep you from this unspeakable privilege, if you believe on the Lord Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Come to the Father in and through him, and you, even you shall be made more than conqueror. Ere this can reach you, I hope you will have received redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of your sins. When you experience this, O how will you rejoice with joy unspeakable, even with joy that is full of glory! You will then have an heaven upon earth. Sin shall not have dominion over you. It shall not reign in your mortal body. My dear Mr. H――, whilst I am musing on, and writing about this blessed change, this present salvation, the fire kindles. I love you with a peculiar love. I travail in birth till Jesus Christ be formed in your dear heart. O do not backslide. Study to improve the light and grace already received. “To him that hath shall be given,” and he shall have abundance. But I forget myself. Busy as I am, I must, you see, write a long letter. Pray return my hearty love to your dear wife, Mrs. H――’s mother in law, &c. &c. May grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you all! I hope you will omit no opportunity of writing to, my very dear Friend,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCI.

To Mr. A――.

Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.

Dear Mr. A――,

I Am not disappointed of my hope. I thought the Lord Jesus had begun a good work in your soul before I left the Bermudas. Your welcome letter confirmed me in this opinion. I received it with joy. Though I wrote to you not long ago, yet I must answer yours immediately. And what shall I say? May I not welcome you into the world of new creatures? May I not hope that there has been joy in heaven over you, even you, my dear Man, repenting and turning unto God, even a God in Christ? Surely I may. And what then does the Lord now require of you, now he hath shewn you that good thing, the pardon of your sins, through a once crucified but now exalted Redeemer? Will you not, out of a principle of gratitude, do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God? Methinks I hear you say, “I will, I will through the Lord Jesus Christ strengthening me.”—And he will strengthen you.—He has promised, that as our day is so shall our strength be.—Despised you must be, and your name shall be cast out as evil; but the glorious Redeemer will enable you to go without the camp, and cause you to rejoice when loaded with his sacred reproach. “Increase and multiply,” must now be your motto. Strive as much as in you lies, by your life and conversation, to win others to the blessed God. The eyes of men and angels will now be upon you. May the Lord enable you to walk circumspectly to those that are without. I hope your wife and all your relations will join in going to heaven with you. I return them my most hearty love, and pray that they may be filled with all the fulness of God. You will join in praying me over to the Bermudas again. I suppose Dr. H―― will shew you his letter. Remember me in the kindest manner to all, and accept this as a token of love unfeigned, from, dear Mr. A――,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCII.

To Mr. D――.

Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1748.

My very dear Friend,

WHO is like unto God, who makes his creatures extremity, the opportunity to help them? Your kind letter hath confirmed the news of the death of Mrs. B――, and of her leaving me a legacy of a hundred pounds. Well! though she is gone, yet I shall meet her at the great day, when the Lord Jesus shall remember this and all her other works of faith, and labours which have proceeded from love. I am glad she has left such an executor; I doubt not of your taking care of my interest. Your love is founded upon the rock of ages, and so is mine; for indeed I love you and yours in the bowels of the dear Redeemer. I know you will be glad to hear of my prosperity in this work. Indeed God makes way for his own gospel. Many come to me, telling me what the Lord did by me the last time I was in Scotland, and also the time before. Congregations are very large. I am pressed to stay three or four days more than I intended. Some that were prejudiced, have had their prejudices removed, and I believe will be greater friends than ever. O that I was humble and thankful! I have good news from Bermudas. I return you and yours love and thanks. I desire to be remembered to dear Mrs. ―― and every inquiring friend. As I need them so much, I hope none will cease putting up earnest prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCIII.

To Mr. S――.

Glasgow, Oct. 3, 1748.

My dear Sir,

I Thank you for your kind letter. I am so ill with a hoarseness and cold, and in straining to reach large congregations, that I must send you but a short answer. The depending upon Christ’s immediate teachings, without making use of books and proper means of instruction, you may assure yourself is a terrible temptation. It is the very quintessence of enthusiasm, and will lay you open to a thousand delusions. “Give thyself to reading,” says Paul to Timothy. If thou cannot think of being a Latin, strive to be an English scholar. At my return I will endeavour to assist you. At present I am quite ill; but I am afraid I shall not be able to leave Scotland in less than a fortnight. You must remember me to all. The Lord Jesus has appeared for me. Particulars expect to hear another time.

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCIV.

To Mr. ――.

Glasgow, Oct. 5, 1748.

Very dear Sir,

I Received yours this morning; though I am engaged this evening, yet I think it my duty to send you an immediate answer. You might well inform, and almost assure, my Lord of Exeter, that I knew nothing of the printing of his Lordship’s pretended charge, or of the pamphlets occasioned by it. When the former was sent to me in manuscript from London to Bristol, as his Lordship’s production, I immediately said, it could not be his. When I found it printed, I spoke to the officious printer who did it out of his own head, and blamed him very much. When I saw the pamphlet, I was still more offended; repeatedly in several companies I urged the injustice as well as imprudence thereof, and said it would produce what it did, I mean a declaration from his Lordship, that he was no Methodist. I am sorry his Lordship had such an occasion given him to declare his aversion to what is called Methodism; and though I think his Lordship in his declaration hath been somewhat severe concerning some of the Methodist leaders; yet I cannot blame his Lordship for saying, “that he thought some of them were worse than ignorant and misguided,” supposing that his Lordship had sufficient proof, that they either caused to be printed, or wrote again when printed, a charge which his Lordship had never owned nor published. If you think proper, dear Sir, you may let his Lordship see the contents of this. I will only add, that I wish a way could be found out, whereby his Lordship and other of the Right Reverend the Bishops, might converse with some of us. Many mistakes might thereby be rectified, and perhaps his Lordship’s sentiments in some degree altered. If this cannot be effected (I speak only for myself,) I am content to wait till we all appear before the great shepherd and bishop of souls. In the mean while, I heartily pray, that their Lordships may be blessed with all spiritual blessings, and wishing you the like mercies, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,

Your affectionate, obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCV.

To Mr. H――.

Cambuslang, Oct. 9, 1748.

My dear Mr. H――,

HAVE you not suspected, that I have forgotten you? but indeed I have not. As a testimony of it, though late, accept a line of love, even love unfeigned. I hope you are well, and that affairs go on at the Tabernacle as well as can be expected. I trust the shout of a king is amongst you. Blessed be God, he has caused his gospel to triumph in Scotland. I have been humbled and exalted; humbled first, in order to be exalted afterwards. Thus it is.—The Lord wounds and then heals. At present I am in the place where the great awakening was about six years ago. The fruits of it yet remain. To morrow, God willing, I take my leave at Glasgow. I believe we shall have a sorrowful parting. As I expect to stop in Yorkshire, I suppose I cannot reach London till the latter end of this month, if so soon. O for a warm winter! You must remember me to all. I cannot now descend to particulars. I can only pray, that you and yours may be filled with all the fulness of God, and subscribe myself,

Yours most affectionately in the glorious Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCVI.

To Mr. B――.

Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.

My dear Sir,

LAST night, after wondering at your being silent so long, I received your wished-for letter. The reading it brought tears from my eyes. I felt for you, and for your father, and for all parties concerned. How lovingly does the Lord deal with you? Is not the way of duty the way of safety? Should you not both agree to let matters lie as they are, and not go one step farther till you know your father’s mind? You have given him your word; you must not go back. My affair came to as near a crisis, and yet I was called to sacrifice my Rachael. It may not be so with you. But prepare for the worst. Assure yourself, that your present passion, at least as to the excess of it, is sinful. If all is right, why such uneasiness for such a small space of time? Why such a long eclipse in the soul? Alas! B――’s has been almost total. I hope you are now coming out of it. Thanks be to that Jesus, who has promised “that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear,” but will with the temptation make a way to escape. You see, my dear man, my love by my sympathy and plainness. Pray remember me to your aged father in the kindest manner. Dear old man! he is worthy of your greatest regard. His account of the legacy is true.—Yes, my dear friend, the Lord Jesus does reign indeed, and therefore I shall be delivered out of all my troubles. You will give thanks in my behalf. He has appeared for me here. Congregations have been very large, and several things have concurred to prove that providence did indeed call me to Scotland. I would not but have come for the world. Last night I came hither from Glasgow, and thought to leave this place as next Tuesday, but perhaps it may be the Tuesday following. I fear I cannot write to any more this post. But whether I write or not, whether absent or present, you must always remember me, as

Your assured friend, and willing servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCVII.

To Mr. W――.

Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

THOUGH I have not written to you, yet not one day hath passed since my being this time in Scotland, without my thinking of you. The love and respect I owe you, as an aged minister of Jesus Christ, will not suffer me to be silent any longer. How do you, reverend Sir? I doubt not but you find that promise true, “The righteous shall bring forth much fruit in old age.” This leaves me, though faint, yet pursuing, and resolved, in the blessed Jesus, to spend and be spent in the blessed cause wherein I have embarked. Indeed, when I consider my blunders, mistakes, and imprudencies, I wonder the glorious Emmanuel does not lay me aside; but his grace is like himself, infinite and eternal. I hope he has given me a sight of, and humbled me for some of my mistakes; and I trust as I grow in years, if I am to live longer, I shall grow in knowledge and every christian virtue. Reverend and dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me. I do not forget you, though perhaps you may judge otherwise. O for heaven! There christian ministers shall see eye to eye.—But I must not weary you. In a few days I suppose you will hear what has happened in the West. Dear Mr. M―― perhaps may acquaint you with particulars. With this, I send you a few of my last accounts of the Orphan-house. You may dispose of them as you think proper. When you see Mr. B―― or R――, or any of the ministers that were friendly to me, be pleased to remember me to them in the most respectful manner. I hope Mrs. W―― and your whole houshold enjoy much of Him whose presence is better than life. I earnestly entreat the Lord to fill you with all his fulness, and beg leave to subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother and servant in Jesus Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCVIII.

To the Reverend Mr. E――.

Edinburgh, Oct. 12, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

BY the providence of a good and gracious God, I came hither last night, after having preached at Falkirk in the morning. Mr. A―― behaved very kindly. Mr. N―― has Mr. M――’s letter. I am to see him at five this evening. On Tuesday next, God willing, I intend preaching for Mr. G――, and to leave Scotland the Tuesday following. In the mean while you may write what you please. But whither am I going? Let God direct. Let my name be forgotten, let me be trodden under the feet of all men, if Jesus may thereby be glorified. I wish you or Mr. M―― would write a line to Mr. W――; I would not have any good, though mistaken man, uneasy upon my account. Well! In heaven all will be over. When I meet you there, I will thank you for all the pains you have taken with, reverend and dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCXCIX.

To the Countess of H――n.

Edinburgh, Oct. 15, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THOUGH it is late and nature calls for rest, yet I cannot with satisfaction close my eyes unless I write once more to your Ladyship: and what shall I say? I am the chief of sinners, and the Lord Jesus magnifies his grace in being long suffering and infinitely bountiful unto me. At Glasgow he has magnified his strength in my weakness, and out of the eater hath brought forth meat. Next week I purpose, God willing, to send your Ladyship the substance of a long debate about poor unworthy me, in the synod of Glasgow. Since that, I find the presbytery of Perth (I mean the new-fashioned part of it) has made an act against employing me. Ill-nature shews itself here, but I feel the benefit of it. Congregations are large, and I am enabled to preach with greater power, and feel unspeakable great comfort in my own soul. My hoarseness is quite gone off, my bodily health much repaired, and if my enemies shew themselves, I am persuaded the blessed Jesus will bless me to his people more and more.—Some give out, that I am employed by the government to preach against the Pretender; and the Seceders are very angry with me for not preaching up the Scotch Covenant. Blessed be God, I preached up the covenant of grace, and I trust many souls are taught to profit. The inclosed, dear Madam, will shew your Ladyship a little how I have been dealt with. Particulars your Ladyship shall have when the Lord is pleased to bring me to London. Next Tuesday sevennight I am to leave Scotland. Lady Mary H――, Lord L―― and Lady F―― beg their compliments may be presented to your Ladyship. Many in Scotland pray most earnestly for you, and Mr. R―― intends writing your Ladyship a letter. I pray for you, honoured Madam, continually. I am quite happy in Him who died upon the cross to save me. I believe he will deliver me out of all; and if I die for him, so that I am not suffered to deny him, it will exceedingly please, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCC.

To the Same.

Topcliff, Nov. 1, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THUS far has a gracious and good God brought me in my way to London, which I hope to reach some time next week. Your Ladyship may expect to see me the next day I come to town. Thanks be to the Lord of all Lords for directing my way to Scotland. I have reason to believe some have been awakened, and many, many quickened and comforted. My old friends are more solidly so than ever, and a foundation I trust has been laid for doing much good, if ever the Lord should call me thither again. Two synods and one presbytery brought me upon the carpet; but all has worked for good. The more I was blackened, the more the Redeemer comforted me. I desire to cry, Grace! grace!

The love of Christ doth me constrain,

To seek the wandering souls of men;

With cries, entreaties, tears, to save,

And snatch them from the gaping grave.

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.

At present I add no more, but my most dutiful respects to your Ladyship, and with hearty prayers for your temporal and eternal welfare, I beg leave to subscribe myself,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCI.

To Mr. R――.

Topcliff, Nov. 1, 1748.

My dear Friend,

HERE, with thankfulness of heart, will I set up my Ebenezer; for hitherto assuredly hath the Lord helped me. We reached Fetton on Saturday night. There being no public worship on the Lord’s-day, I came on to Morpeth to worship there; got to Ferry-hill on Monday evening, and to-night am writing at Topcliff. Though I do not preach, yet I hope I am preparing for it. Reading, prayer, and meditation are three necessary ingredients. Riding, and getting proper rest, have recruited me; but I am apt to believe I have strained myself inwardly. I feel sensible pain in my breath.—But no matter; it is for a good master, who bore inexpressible pain for me.

O Lord, enlarge my scanty thought,

To see the wonders thou hast wrought;

Unloose my stammering tongue to tell,

Thy love immense, unsearchable.

I could write much, but my body calls for rest. My very dear Sir, good night. May the Lord of all lords reward you, and my other dear honoured friends, a thousand-fold. I intend writing to more very soon. In the mean while, pray present my sincerest respect and thanks to all. Inclosed you have Mr. M――’s letter and my answer. Be pleased to shew what Mr. M―― and Mr. ―― writes, and let them tell you how the affair between them was. I know you will act as a peace-maker. That the God of peace and love may dwell and rule in your dear heart, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear friend,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCII.

To the Honourable Lady D――.

Wantsworth (Northamptonshire), Nov. 5, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THOUGH I am now eighty miles from London, yet gratitude, and the unfeigned respect I bear to you and yours, will not suffer me to go any further, without sending your Ladyship my repeated acknowledgments for your very many and repeated favours. Your kindnesses, when last at Edinburgh, were indeed surprizing. They have often humbled me, and as often led me to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship and honoured family. May the promise made to those who are not ashamed of Christ, his gospel, and ministers, descend upon you all! O that you may have grace given you to shine as lights in the world, and to dare to be singularly good, since it is too apparent that we live in a wicked and adulterous generation. Honoured Madam, let us look up: as our day is, so shall our strength be. All things are possible to those that believe. May the Lord Jesus evermore give your Ladyship and children a large share of precious, purifying, operative faith! This is the earnest desire of my soul. Upon this I could enlarge, but travelling wearies me. Thanks be to God, I have that place in view, where the weary are at rest. In a post or two I purpose writing to my Lord B――, his honoured lady, &c. I never forget any of them. They have my constant prayers and most cordial respects. Be pleased to accept the same, honoured Madam, from

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCIII.

To Lady ――.

London, Nov. 10, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

I Wrote a line to dear Mr. R――, when about the middle of my journey. I must write a line to you, now the Lord of all lords hath brought me to the end of it. I trust I can say, Jesus was with me on the way. My health was sensibly improved; but, by sitting up late to preach, I am grown little sick again. Good Lady H―― is come to town, and I am to preach at her Ladyship’s house twice a week to the Great and Noble. O that some of them may effectually be called, and taste of the riches of redeeming love! I need not inform your Ladyship, that this, and this alone, can give true rest and peace to any soul. You have felt the beginnings of it. May you experience an increase of it more and more. I desire my most tender and affectionate respects may find acceptance with dear Mr. R――, and with all who are pleased to honour me with their acquaintance. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon you, is the continual prayer of, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCIV.

To Lord R――.

London, Nov. 10, 1748.

My Lord,

I Believe I am not mistaken, in thinking that your Lordship will not be offended with me for sending you a short letter. It is the effect of that unfeigned love I bear to your honoured father, yourself, and that dear and honourable family with which your Lordship is now so closely allied. And what shall I say? Can I wish your Lordship any thing greater, than that you may be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. It is a blessed thing to be engaged in fighting his battles; and not only to be almost, but altogether a christian. It is this half-way religion that undoes the professing world. The heart can never be at unity with itself, till it is wholly centered in God. This can only be done by faith in Jesus Christ; and when once a soul begins to taste of this faith, then that soul’s heaven begins on earth. I trust I can say this by happy experience. I wish your Lordship a very large share of it; and with hearty acknowledgments for all favours, beg leave, to subscribe myself, my Lord,

Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCV.

To Lady Mary H――.

London, Nov. 10, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THOUGH absent from, yet I am not unmindful of you. The regard your Ladyship has been pleased to shew to a poor unworthy worm, calls for and claims my sincerest and most repeated acknowledgments. This letter brings them, and shall be followed, honoured Madam, as the Lord enables, with fervent prayers for your temporal and eternal welfare. O that you may be enabled to make a stand this winter for the Lord Jesus, and not in the least countenance any of those diversions that have already brought religion so low in poor Scotland! I need not inform your Ladyship, what a blessed thing it is to be singularly good, and to be consistent in our whole walk and conversation. To be uniform, and all of a piece, is the very life of a christian. It is this, and not a compliance with the polite world in any of their fooleries, that will gain proselytes to Jesus Christ. I could enlarge on this head, but I am persuaded it is needless for your Ladyship. The glorious Jesus hath let you see too much of his love, for you ever to be taken up with any thing short of his own eternal life! That he may knit your heart yet closer to himself, he is pleased to visit you with crosses. They are the christian’s portion, honoured madam: They are the believer’s birthright. “In the world you shall have tribulation;” but what follows? “Be not afraid, I have overcome the world.” Look, therefore, to Him, honoured madam, who, as he hath been the author, will also be the finisher of your faith. That you may increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCVI.

To the Rev. Mr. M――.

London, Nov. 10, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

OUR bountiful and good God brought me here in safety the beginning of this week. I have already waited upon, and preached at good Lady H――’s. About thirty have desired to come, and I suppose they will bring thirty more. I have heard of two or three more dear christians among the Great Ones. I know you will pray the Lord of all lords to increase the number. Her Ladyship hath a great regard for all those in Scotland, who stand up for vital religion. She intends to send you down the picture of poor Aaron the late negroe preacher. I find the public papers give strange lying accounts of my reception in Scotland. At present, blessed be the glorious Jesus, I am content to be blackened. I send you my repeated thanks for all favours; and, with hearty love to dear Mr. G――, your family, and all friends, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy younger brother and servant in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCVII.

To the Reverend Mr. S――.

London, Nov. 12, 1748.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

BY my not hearing from you with my wife’s letter, I suspect you are not yet reconciled to my leaving America, though but for a season. Every thing concurs to prove that I have done the will of God. As I am streightened in time, I will refer you to the inclosed, which I desire you will read, seal, and send. Here are loud calls; but I think to come over to you again next year. Pray write to me. I will endeavour to answer you. I wrote to you lately from Scotland. Not a day passes, but I think of you and my other Charles-Town friends. I intend to write to you very soon. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me to all in the most tender manner. Ere this can reach you, I expect to see my wife in England. I purpose to persuade her to settle here. I want to make the Orphan-house a seminary of learning. If some such thing be not done, I cannot see how the Southern parts will be provided with ministers. All are afraid to come over. May the Lord Jesus direct me. I believe he will. Pray remember me to Mr. Z――, Mr. O――, &c. if with you. I have not time at present, or otherwise they should have a line from, reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCVIII.

To the Countess of H――.

London, Nov. 14, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THE inclosed brings good news from a far country. The person’s mother belongs to the Tabernacle society: I lay at his house when in Virginia; but he and others went to cards, I thought on purpose to affront me. We retired to prayers for him. I hope they were heard. Your Ladyship will be pleased to let me have the letter again; as likewise that I sent to your Ladyship from Scotland, from one Capt. K. of St. Helena. Your Ladyship shall have copies of them all. I am getting the New-England Christian History, and Bishop Hall’s Works in folio, bound for your Ladyship. I find there has been a great stir in the synod of Edinburgh about unworthy me. Mr. W――, Mr. J――, Mr. R―― W――, have protested against their proceedings, and appeared quite hearty. Your Ladyship wrote to Mr. R――. A word or two of encouragement now from your Ladyship, would strengthen the hands of these ministers of Christ. I hear the affair is to come before the assembly next May. News also was brought me last night, that the negroes are allowed by the trustees for Georgia. If so, that province, under God, will flourish. Blessed be God, I am more hearty than I have been for a long season. I hope to be enabled to preach here on Sunday evening, and to come and preach at your Ladyship’s afterwards. Last night the gospel was indeed preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. I was shewing the dignity of a christian, and in what sense christians were kings. The King of kings was amongst us. When I hear or receive any thing that is new and good, I naturally inform your Ladyship of it, because I believe it will give your Ladyship satisfaction. I hope your new house is agreeable to your Ladyship. That the Redeemer’s glory may fill it, and that it may prove a gate of heaven to many of the rich and great, is the earnest prayer of, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCIX.

To the Honourable Lady T――.

London, Nov. 19, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

WHEN I was lately in Scotland, Col. G――ly wrote me word, that your Ladyship was pleased to desire my poor prayers. Before his writing, they had been put up to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship very frequently; and I would then have written to your Ladyship, had I not feared it would have been making too free. Yesterday good Lady H――n informed me that your Ladyship was ill. Had I judged it proper, I would have waited upon your Ladyship this morning. But I was cautious of intruding. However, the regard I bear to your Ladyship, constrains me to inform your Ladyship, that my heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that this sickness may not be unto death, but to his glory, and the present and eternal good of your better part, your precious and immortal soul. This, no doubt, is the end of afflictions: God’s name and nature is Love. He cannot, therefore, chastise us for any other purpose, than that we may be made partakers of his holiness.—Every cross and disappointment, every degree of pain, brings this important call with it, “My son, my daughter, give me thy heart.” O that your Ladyship’s soul may echo back, “My heart, Lord Jesus, will I give.” O that from a feeling, spiritual, abiding sense of the vanity and emptiness of all created good, you may, in a holy resentment, cry out,

Be gone, vain world, my heart resign,

For I must be no longer thine:

A nobler, a diviner guest,

Now claims possession of my breast!

Then, and not till then, will your Ladyship’s mind be at unity with itself. Then, and not till then, will your Ladyship, upon truly rational principles, with chearfulness wait for the approach of death, and the coming of the Lord from heaven. It is faith in Jesus, a true and living faith in the Son of God, that can alone bring present, real peace, and lay a solid foundation for future and eternal comfort. I cannot wish your Ladyship any thing greater, any thing more noble, than a large share of this precious faith: and a large, yea a very large share, is the glorious Redeemer ready to give to all that sincerely ask for, and seek after it. He waits to be gracious. He giveth liberally; he upbraideth not. When, like Noah’s dove, we have been wandering about in a fruitless search after happiness, and have found no rest for the sole of our feet, he is ready to reach out his merciful hand, and receive us into his ark. This hand, honoured madam, is he reaching out to you. May you be constrained to give your heart entirely to him, and thereby enter into that rest which remains for the happy, though despised people of God. But whither am I going? I forget that your Ladyship is indisposed, and I almost a stranger to you. I will only make this apology: “The love of Jesus constrains me.” Hoping, therefore, your Ladyship will excuse the freedom I have here taken, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCX.

To the Reverend Mr. P――.

London, Nov. 19, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

IT is a concern to me, that I cannot write to more of my New-England friends than I do; for indeed a multiplicity of business renders a more frequent correspondence impracticable. However, I would willingly send you, dear Sir, a few lines. They are lines of love, and bring you news of my being better in health than I have been for many years last past. Several things have concurred to prove it was the divine will I should return this time to my native country. Matters were in great confusion by reason of Mr. C――’s going over to the Moravians; but blessed be God, we are now easy at the Tabernacle, and the word falls with weight and power. In Scotland the Lord Jesus was pleased to appear for me; I found no diminution in respect to the number of hearers; and, I believe, (thanks be to free grace) my preaching was more acceptable than ever to God’s people, and to those ministers who were pleased formerly to own and encourage me. Some of the opposite party begun a like stir with that which was made in New-England by Dr. C――, &c. but I believe it will only make the people more eager to hear, and in the end be productive of great good. Our Lord orders all things well. I never enjoyed more settled peace and joy than now. I trust he has given me to see many things that were wrong, and withal a disposition to confess and amend them. At present, this is the language of my heart:

Correct me when I go astray,

And lead me in the perfect way.

I suppose you will be acquainted with particulars by some of my dear friends from Scotland. In all probability I shall go to Scotland again in the Spring; and, in the latter end of the year, I propose embarking for America. But future things belong to God. Thanks be to his great name, I am willing to go any where, so that I may but glorify the dear Redeemer. Ere this reaches you, doubtless you will have heard of his giving me favour in the sight of Lady H――n, a Lady as good as she is great. Two or three among the great, I trust have been made the happy subjects of redeeming love. I have heard lately also of the conversion of two or three clergymen; there is likewise a great awakening in Ireland, and in Wales the work goes on. Upon the whole, I believe the gospel is getting ground, and next spring, when it is proper to range about and preach in the fields, I hope to see yet greater things. I repeat my old request, reverend and dear brother, “Pray for us.” I continually pray for you, and the people committed to your charge. I wish you and yours an increase of blessings, and beg leave to subscribe myself, Reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCXI.

To the Rev. Mr. L――.

London, Nov. 19, 1748.

My very dear Brother,

WORDS cannot well express what I felt when your welcome letter came to hand. It drew me to my knees; it made me shed tears of joy, and with two or three of my dear friends I was enabled to wrestle for you at the throne of grace. Blessed, for ever blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for opening your eyes, and giving you such an experimental and soul-ravishing knowledge of the doctrine of grace. No wonder that people take notice of you. I hope the fame thereof, as it hath reached heaven, will also be spread abroad upon the earth, and thro’ the thanksgivings of thousands redound to the glory of God. I think it a happiness, that you are surrounded with many souls that have indeed tasted that the Lord is gracious, and consequently will be fed with the sincere milk of the word, now communicated to them, under God, by you. Now, my dear friend will you begin to live, now will you begin to preach indeed. Go on in the name of Jesus, and as Paul did, so shall you, “increase with all the increase of God.” Glad shall I be to give you all the assistance that lies in my power. Henry on the Scriptures will now suit your taste, and Jenks upon the Righteousness of Christ might do you immediate service. Flavel’s Sermons would be food for you, and Boston upon the Covenant, and his fourfold State, I believe would delight you. Bishop Hall’s Contemplations are excellent, Bishop Hopkins and Beveridge will do for you, and indeed almost all the writers a century ago. The doctrines you now preach are no new doctrines; you are now got into the good old way. May the Lord keep and succeed you in it, ever more and more. I believe he will. I could say more, but I expect another letter from you before I come down. Lady H―― is rejoiced to hear of you. I read part of your letter to her last night before I preached. Some of the great ones hear the gospel gladly. That you may be made a very great blessing to thousands and ten thousands, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Mr. L――,

Ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXII.

To the Rev. Mr. P――.

London, Nov. 21, 1748.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

I Was glad to hear, by a letter sent by Mr. R――, that you had been in New-England. I hoped you would have come further, even to Old England and Scotland. I have been endeavouring in Scotland to do all the service I could to the Indian school and the New-Jersey college whilst I was there; but I believe nothing will be done to purpose unless you or some other popular minister come over, and make an application in person. In all probability, a collection might then be recommended by the general assembly, which sits next May, and large contributions be raised among private persons that wish well to Zion. If one of the Indians was brought over with the minister, and a proposal made to educate some of the late awakened Indians in the New-Jersey college, it would certainly be of service. Mr. M―― and several other faithful ministers are hearty in the affair; but I believe will do nothing, unless you or some other such like minister come over. Probably I shall be in Scotland next spring again. God has been pleased to countenance me there; and some of the clergy, in order to stop my progress, have followed Dr. C――y’s example. But if God be for us, who can be against us? Thanks be to his holy name, I am kept quite chearful in soul, and healthy in my body. Blessed be God, the word falls with weight, and I hear of several brought under fresh convictions. A clergyman or two have been lately converted, and there is a great awakening in Ireland. I shall be glad to hear that New-York is full of new creatures. I beg that my most cordial respects and love may find acceptance with all my dear friends, and am, reverend and dear Sir,

Ever yours,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXIII.

To Mr. E――.

Gloucester, Dec. 5, 1748.

Dear Mr. E――,

WHY no letter from you all this while? I have written to you several times. Lately I sent a case full of divers things for Bethesda. When I return to London, I purpose to send more. I hear that my wife hath lessened the family; but how it stands now, I cannot expect to know for a certainty till I see her. I expect her daily, though I am apt to believe she will not embark till she sees Betty W――. I hope ere now you have welcomed her to Bethesda in the name of the Lord. I expect to be over with you again by this time twelvemonth. In the mean while, I trust we shall make some better advances towards heaven than we have hitherto done, and be more conformed to the blessed and glorious Jesus. Thanks be to his great name, he continues to deal bountifully with me. I am pretty well in health, and hope to hear that you are so. I send you all my blessing, and am

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCXIV.

To the Honourable Trustees of Georgia.

Gloucester, Dec. 6, 1748.

Honoured Gentlemen,

NOT want of respect, but a suspicion that my letters would not be acceptable, has been the occasion of my not writing to you these four years last past. I am sensible, that in some of my former letters, through hurry of business, want of more experience, and in all probability too great an opinion of my own sufficiency, I expressed myself in too strong, and sometimes unbecoming terms. For this I desire to be humbled before God and man, knowing that, Peter-like, by a misguided zeal, I have cut off as it were those ears which otherwise might have been open to what I had to offer. However I can assure you, honoured gentlemen, to the best of my knowledge, I have acted a disinterested part, and notwithstanding my manifold mistakes and imprudence, I have simply aimed at God’s glory and the good of mankind. This principle drew me first to Georgia; this, and this alone, induced me to begin and carry on the scheme of the Orphan-house; and this, honoured gentlemen, excites me to trouble you with the present lines. I need not inform you, honoured gentlemen, how the colony of Georgia has been declining for these many years last past, and at what great disadvantages I have maintained a large family in that wilderness, through the providence of a good and gracious God. Upwards of five thousand pounds have been expended in that undertaking, and yet very little proficiency made in the cultivation of my tract of land, and that entirely owing to the necessity I lay under of making use of white hands. Had a negroe been allowed, I should now have had a sufficiency to support a great many orphans, without expending above half the sum which hath been laid out. An unwillingness to let so good a design drop, and having a rational conviction that it must necessarily, if some other method was not fixed upon to prevent it. These two considerations, honoured gentlemen, prevailed on me about two years ago, through the bounty of my good friends, to purchase a plantation in South-Carolina, where negroes are allowed. Blessed be God, this plantation hath succeeded; and though at present I have only eight working hands, yet in all probability there will be more raised in one year, and with a quarter the expence, than has been produced at Bethesda for several years last past. This confirms me in the opinion I have entertained for a long time, that Georgia never can or will be a flourishing province without negroes are allowed. But notwithstanding my private judgment, I am determined that not one of mine shall ever be allowed to work at the Orphan-House, till I can do it in a legal manner, and by the approbation of the honourable trustees. My chief end in writing this, is to inform you, honourable gentlemen, of the matter of fact, and to let you know, that I am as willing as ever to do all I can for Georgia and the Orphan-house, if either a limited use of negroes is approved of, or some more indented servants sent over. If not, I cannot promise to keep any large family, or cultivate the plantation in any considerable manner. My strength must necessarily be taken to the other side. I would also further recommend it to your consideration, honourable gentlemen, whether or not as the Orphan-house was and is intended for a charitable purpose, it ought not to be exempted from all quit-rents and public taxes, as I believe is customary universally for such institutions to be? And as most of the land on which the Orphan-house is built, is good for little, I would humbly enquire, whether I may not have a grant for five hundred more acres that are not taken up, somewhere near the Orphan-house? My intention is, if you, honourable gentlemen, are pleased to put the colony upon another footing, (I mean in respect to the permission of a limited use of negroes) to make the Orphan-house not only a receptacle for fatherless children, but also a place of literature and academical studies. Such a place is much wanted in the southern parts of America; and if conducted in a proper manner, must necessarily be of great service to any colony. I can easily procure proper persons to embark in such a cause, and I do not know but several families would go over, supposing I could give them a probable prospect of a support upon their honest industry, I could say more, but I fear I have been already too prolix. I humbly recommend what has been urged to your consideration, and beg leave to subscribe myself, honourable gentlemen,

Your most obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXV.

To the Countess of H――.

Bristol, Dec. 10, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

THOUGH I am afraid of taking too much freedom, yet the duty I owe to your Ladyship constrains me to send you a few lines from hence. I came hither last night, after having preached five times in Gloucester, and once in Gloucestershire. The glorious Emmanuel pleased to shine upon my administrations, and many told me they received a blessing. The bishop behaved respectfully when I was at sacrament at the cathedral, and my old tutor, Dr. R――, one of the prebendaries, was very cordial when I waited upon him. I told him that my judgment (as I trust) was a little more ripened than it was some years ago, and that as fast as I found out my faults I would be glad to acknowledge them. He said, as I grew moderate, the offence the Governors of the Church had taken against me, would lessen and wear off. Blessed be God, I am pretty easy about that: so that I can but act an honest part, and be kept from trimming, I will, through the divine assistance, leave all consequences to him who orders all things well. Thanks be to his great name, a wonderous change is wrought on Mr. L――. He came to see and hear me at Gloucester: his worldly shackles are dropping off apace, and his feet begin to be set in a large room. The news of his conversion hath reached Mr. W――, who wrote him a long letter; but to send dissuasives to a man that hath seen and felt so much, is like throwing chaff against a brass wall. He begged me to send his duty to your Ladyship when I wrote, as does my brother, at whose house I am. I trust he is coming forwards, and that he will at length fairly shake hands with the world, and act as one alive to God. I think your Ladyship meets with great encouragement. My continual prayer to the blessed Redeemer in your Ladyship’s behalf is, “that your bow may abide in strength, and the arms of your hands be strengthened by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.” He is the rock of ages. He is the Lord our righteousness. In him is our strength found. Thanks be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for shewing your Ladyship the way to fetch continual strength and supplies from him! I could enlarge, but am streightened in paper. If Mr. C―― hath courage enough, I expect to see him, and then I shall have it in my power to send your Ladyship word how matters stand at Bath. In the mean while, I beg leave with all dutiful respects to subscribe myself, honoured madam.

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXVI.

To Mr. B――.

Bristol, Dec. 12, 1748.

My dear Tommy,

THE love I bear to you, will not suffer me to omit answering your letter the very first opportunity. I find you are in danger of being led into temptation. If only your preparations for business keep you from attending on the word preached, how will it be when you are totally immersed in it? O my dear man, let that promise of our Lord’s be written on the tables of your heart, “seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all those things shall be added unto you.” If you act inconsistent with this, assure yourself your endeavours will be blasted; and God out of love will curse your temporal blessings. But enough of this. I hope a word to the wise is sufficient.—Since I wrote thus far, I have received a letter from good Lady H――n, desiring I would come up to town. I therefore propose to be with you, God willing, by Saturday night, and to preach at the Tabernacle next Sunday. Be pleased to apprize all friends of it. If you are at the tabernacle-house on Saturday evening, it would be very agreeable to,

Yours, &c. in great haste,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXVII.

To Mr. H―― H――.

London, Dec. 18, 1748.

I Can assure you, my not being able to write to you during my last excursion, has given me much concern. I love to be punctual. Journeying, preaching, and a train of business for the best of masters, has prevented my being so now. I have been at Gloucester, in other parts of Gloucestershire, and at Bristol, where I trust the sound of my Redeemer’s feet was heard behind me. My brother I hope is coming on. I like him better than I have for some years. He greatly regards you, and intends answering your kind letters. I proposed his meeting you here. What do you think of it? He likes it well. I wrote for him to come up next week. I expect to know by Wednesday or Thursday. If you could be here on a Lord’s day, or a Thursday, you might see our assembly at the other end of the town. I trust, abiding good will be done among some at least of the rich and great. I thank you a thousand times for your advice in respect to my health.—For near these two months past, my usual reachings have left me. I find that keeping from too much fatigue, under God, must be my cure. I will endeavour to keep within bounds every way. I have shewed the doctor’s letter to Lady H――, but she is of opinion, the journals as now corrected ought to be reprinted. In the multitude of councils there is safety; the language of my heart is,

Lord, teach me when I go astray,

And lead me in thy perfect way.

O that my zeal may increase with prudence. I have had too little of both. I am now thirty-four years of age, and alas! how little have I done and suffered for Him, who has done and suffered so much for me! Thanks be to his great name, for countenancing my poor administrations so much! I know not how it is, but perhaps it may be to display the riches of free grace, that notwithstanding the first zeal of most, I might add, all men of God, is generally mixed with much wildfire, yet their first times have been generally blest most, especially for awakening and converting souls. Blessed be our good God that Mr. H―― is coming out. May the Lord Jesus make him a spiritual father to thousands! I smiled when you said, he would avoid the name of Methodist, if he could. Alas, my dear man, he might as soon think to wash a blackmoor white. The Methodists are now as it were a skreen for others. Formerly, if a person was serious, or preached Christ, he was termed a Puritan, now he is a Methodist: But do you go on as you are able to bear it. Opposition shall follow you; without it, be as prudent as you will, your sincerity towards God and love for souls cannot be evidenced. Self, love of praise, and love of the world, must come down. Our Lord always does this, by way of sufferings inward or outward, or rather by both. One Mr. L―― of Gloucestershire, whom Mr. H―― knows, though he has begun to preach Christ but lately, yet is already warned to leave his cure. Our Lord will provide for him. He is a new creature indeed. I do not blame you for your conduct towards Mrs. D――. She is a good woman, and I believe thirsts for the Redeemer’s glory. I wish she would not write so much. And what shall I say more? I hope you have had enough from me now. My very dear Sir, when am I to hear that you are a preacher of Christ crucified? I long for the time, and earnestly pray that you may be freed from worldly hopes and worldly fears: for till then, I cannot believe a man, let his other accomplishments be ever so great, will be much owned and blessed by the great head of the church. I should be glad to know what my Lord of Exeter said. I thank the Lord of all Lords for giving you so much encouragement. Let this excite you to press forwards, and never fear what man or devils say of, or can do unto you. Dear, very dear Sir, my heart is enlarged towards you. I thank you, for remembering an unworthy worm before him who is the great high-priest and blessed apostle of our profession. As he enables, I shall return the favour, being, for his great name’s sake, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXVIII.

To the Rev. Mr. H――.

London, December 18, 1748.

Reverend and dear Sir,

THOUGH I am not personally acquainted with you, yet I owe you much love. Thanks be to our great high Priest for giving you such light and heat, and enabling you to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of redeeming love. Earth and hell will be up in arms against you; your own mother’s children will soon be angry with you, and many of the members of that church of which you are a minister, whenever you preach her doctrine with power and purity, will think it doing God’s service to cast you out. Thus it has been, thus it will be in all ages, so long as those two seeds of the woman and the serpent remain struggling in this lower world. Welcome, welcome dear Sir, into the field of battle! Now the common people will hear you gladly. Now the self-righteous will speak all manner of evil against you. I am told the corporation have rejected you for preaching Christ crucified. I wish you joy. May you, like blessed Paul, increase the more in strength, and be made a spiritual father to thousands! Excuse this freedom from one who loves you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I thank you for your intended interview. Could no way be contrived for a private visit? however that be, assure yourself your interest will be much upon my heart, and if you will remember a poor unworthy worm before his throne, whose compassions fail not, you will much oblige, reverend and dear Sir,

Your most affectionate brother and servant in Jesus Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXIX.

To Doctor D――.

London, Dec. 21, 1748.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

GLAD was I, yea very glad to receive your letter dated November 7th, though it did not reach me till last night. I thank you for it a thousand times. It has led me to the throne of grace, where I have been crying, “Lord, counsel my counsellors, and shew them what thou wouldst have me to do.”—Alas, alas! how can I be too severe against myself, who, Peter like, have cut off so many ears, and by imprudencies mixed with my zeal, have dishonoured the cause of Jesus? I can only look up to him, who healed the high-priest’s servant’s ear, and say, “Lord, heal all the wounds my misguided zeal has given.” Assure yourself, dear Sir, everything I print shall be revised. I always have submitted my poor performances to my friends corrections. Time and experience I find ripen men’s judgments, and make them more solid, rational, and consistent, both in their conduct and writings. O that this may be my case! O that the blessed Jesus may enable me to hold on, and hold out, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I thank you, dear Sir, for your solemn charge in respect to my health. Blessed be God, it is much repaired since my return from Scotland, and I trust by observing the rules you prescribe (if I must live) I shall be enabled to declare the works of the Lord. But what shall I say concerning your present trial? shall I wish you joy? Surely I may with great propriety, since an inspired writer hath said, “count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” But at the same time, reverend Sir, I most earnestly sympathize with you, having had the same trial from the same quarter long ago. The Moravians first divided my family, then my parish at Georgia, and after that the societies which, under God, I was an instrument of gathering. I suppose not less than four hundred, through their practices, have left the tabernacle. But I have been forsaken otherways. I have not had above an hundred to hear me, where I had twenty thousand, and hundreds now assemble within a quarter of a mile of me, who never come to see or speak to me; though they must own at the great day that I was their spiritual father. All this I find but little enough to teach me to cease from man, and to wean me from that too great fondness which spiritual fathers are apt to have for their spiritual children. Thus blessed Paul was served, thus must all expect to be treated who are of Paul’s spirit, and are honoured with any considerable degree of Paul’s success. But I have generally observed, that when one door of usefulness is shut, another opens. Our Lord blesses you, dear Sir, in your writings; nay your people’s treating you as they are now permitted to do, perhaps is one of the greatest blessings you ever received from heaven. May patience have its perfect work, and may you be enabled to sanctify the Lord God in your heart! I know of no other way of dealing with the M――s, than to go on preaching the truth as it is in Jesus, and rest upon that promise, “Every plant which my heavenly father hath not planted shall be plucked up.” Seven years will make a great alteration. I believe their grand design is to extend their occonomy as far as possible. This I believe is now kept up by dint of money, and I am apt to think that the very thing by which they think to establish, will destroy their scheme. John Lapidee went on in the same manner in Maryland. His plan was raised as high, and fell as remarkably. God is a gracious Father, and will not always let his children proceed in a wrong way. Doubtless there are many of his dear little ones in the M――n flock; but many of their principles and practices are exceeding wrong, for which I doubt not our Lord will rebuke them in his own time. But I fear that I weary you. However, dear Sir, I must thank you for your sermon. It contains the very life of preaching, I mean sweet invitations to close with Christ. I do not wonder you are dubbed a Methodist on account of it. As it was designed for the poor, I wish it was cheaper. I think practical books cannot be too reasonable. The poor must have them cheap, and the rich will like them the better for it. And now methinks I hear you say, “But how is it at the other end of the town?” Blessed be God, the prospect is promising. Last Sunday evening I preached to a most brilliant assembly indeed. They expressed great approbation, and some I think begin to feel. Good Lady H――n is indeed a mother in Israel. She is all in a flame for Jesus. You may guess by a word or two in this, that she hath shewn me your last letter. I suppose she will write to you soon. But whither am I running? I quite forget myself. Love makes my pen to move too fast, and too long. Excuse it, dear Sir, and for Jesus’s sake never cease praying for, Reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate though unworthy younger brother, and willing servant in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXX.

Dear Mr. T――.

London, Dec. 21, 1748.

HAVE you not thought it unkind, that I answered not your letter before now. You will be pacified when I tell you, that not want of love but leisure hath been the cause of so long a silence. I will now redeem a few moments to pay this debt, and acknowledge a much greater debt of love that I owe, and intend indeed to be always owing to you and yours. Christ alone can pay you. He will. Whatever is done to his ministers, he looks upon as done to himself. What a blessed master do we serve! Thanks be to his great name, he continues to deal lovingly with me. I have been blessed in my late excursion into the country, and likewise since I came to town. The prospect of doing good at least to some of the rich, is very encouraging. I know you will pray, that the foolishness of preaching may be a means of bringing some of them to believe on him who justifies the ungodly. You find, that not gifts but grace, sovereign, all powerful grace alone, can reach the heart. But how is dear Mr. B――? Is he yet fled to the world of spirits? Since the Lord has been pleased to hinder his preaching, I think it was cruel to desire he should stay any longer out of heaven. Doctor Watts is now gone. Blessed be God we shall ere long follow

Where sin and pain and sorrow cease,

And all is love and joy and peace.

I am now thirty four years of age. Little did I think of living so long. And yet when I consider how I have lived, shame and confusion cover my face. O my dear Mr. T――, as you are preparing for the ministry, lose not one moment of time, but labour to be always on the stretch for Him, who was stretched on the accursed cross for you. Study books and men, but above all, study your own heart and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Get your heart free from worldly hopes and worldly fears, and you will avoid thousands of those snares, into which young ministers for want of this too often fall. O let the language of your heart be, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world.” You will excuse this freedom. It proceeds from the love I bear you. Be pleased to present my cordial respects to your honoured father, your brother, and all enquiring friends, and accept of the same yourself in the most tender manner, from, my dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXI.

To Mr. B――.

London, Dec. 26, 1748.

My dear Brother,

AS soon as I received your kind letter, I was willing, but till now could not get leisure, to answer it. Accept my thanks, though late, and let the glorious Emmanuel have eternal thanks ascribed unto him, if he has been pleased to work upon your soul by any of my poor writings. Since that, I doubt not but you have experienced much of his love, and know more of God, even a God in Christ, and also of your own heart. In these two things consist all our happiness in time and for eternity. Blessed be his name for calling you to witness the efficacy of his death, and the unsearchable riches of his grace to poor sinners. My dear brother, it is an angelic employ. Go on in the name and strength of Jesus. He will not send you a warfare on your own charges. As your day is so shall your strength be. Only wait upon him, and eternal truth has declared, that you shall mount on wings like an eagle, you shall walk and not be weary, nay run and not be faint. Should providence bring me your way in the Spring, I shall rejoice to see and converse with you, and shall tell all that come in my way, of the present as well as future great salvation that is to be had in Jesus Christ. In the mean while, I entreat you to pray for me, and as enabled you shall be remembered by, my dear Brother,

Your affectionate brother and servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXII.

To Lord B――.

London, Dec. 30, 1748.

My Lord,

I Had the honour of your Lordship’s letter. Gratitude constrains me to send my heartiest acknowledgments. Though absent from, yet I am often present with you. That benign, that sweet disposition of which your Lordship is possessed, must make you appear amiable to all who know you. Add but the christian to it, and then, O then, how happy will your Lordship be! Thanks be to God, that your Lordship begins to feel there is no being happy without real christianity. O that this conviction may be abiding, and that your Lordship may have no rest, till you find it in Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of our faith. He longs to make you happy, he is ready to receive you with open arms. He cries, “My Son, give me thy heart.” To engage you to love him more, he has let you have a worthy lady, who I am persuaded will be glad to go hand in hand to heaven. O that you may both walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless. No greater thing can be desired for you at the throne of grace by, my Lord,

Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXIII.

To Lady B――.

London, Dec. 30, 1748.

Honoured Madam,

HAVE you not wondered at my not answering your Ladyship’s kind letter before now? But I am persuaded you are well assured, that a variety of avocations, and multiplicity of business for the best of masters, not want of respect, hath been the cause. My Lady, your family are always upon my heart. My constant desire and prayer to God is, that you all may be filled with all the fulness of God. As my Lord mentions nothing to the contrary, I hope your indisposition is removed, and that the language of your heart is, “what shall I render unto the Lord?” I know that the love of Jesus which you have felt, must necessarily constrain your Ladyship to live to Him, who lived and died upon the accursed tree for you. O how is the power of the Redeemer’s resurrection displayed in Lady H――n. She is a mother in Israel indeed. It would please you to see the assemblies at her Ladyship’s house. They are brilliant ones indeed. The prospect of catching some of the rich in the gospel net is very promising. I know you will wish prosperity in the name of the Lord. But how does good Lady D――, dear Mrs. C――, and Mrs. I――? All, I hope, putting off the old man, and putting on the new with greater earnestness than ever. O that I may begin to be in earnest! I am now thirty-four years of age. Is it not time for me to begin to spend, and be spent, for him who has loved me and given himself for me? I beg your Ladyship’s prayers, and the prayers of all your dear and honoured relations. I send them all my humble and hearty respects, and beg you will accept the same from, my Lady,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXIV.

To Mr. H―― H――.

Chelsea, Jan. 12, 1749.

My dear Brother,

I Can now send you but a few lines. Thanks be to God, that weeping doth not hinder sowing. I think it is cruel to wish our little ones back into this cold world again. Go on, Jesus will be better to you and yours than seven daughters. I hope Mrs. H―― joins with you in saying, “it is well.” But a word or two in answer to the other part of your letter. Cannot you be at Gloucester the 24th of this month? That would be abundantly more convenient for me than the 27th. I would appoint our English meeting at that time, and, God willing, would go with you to Builth, and after that to the west. I am now here waiting for Lord B――ke, and some others, who are coming to hear the glorious gospel. Lord L―― is in town. Our good Lady is going on, and every day increasing her reward in heaven. I have much to say when we meet. When will you leave off being a spiritual rake? For the present, adieu! Pray fail not being at Gloucester. In the mean while, let us ply the throne of grace in behalf of each other, and do you pray that an humble, child-like, obedient heart, may be given to, my very dear fellow-soldier,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXV.

To the Reverend Mr. H――.

Chelsea, Jan. 13, 1749.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

YOUR kind and loving answer to my last poor scrawl, humbled me much before Him who alone worketh all things in and by us. But if he will work, who shall hinder? I trust the language of my heart to the ever-blessed Jesus 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.

You will not be offended if I tell you, that good Lady H――n saw your letter. She was much pleased with it, and has a great regard for you. She goes on from strength to strength. The prospect of doing good to the rich that attend her Ladyship’s house, is very encouraging. I preach twice a week, and yesterday Lord B――ke was one of my auditors. His Lordship was pleased to express very great satisfaction. Who knows what God may do? He can never work by a meaner instrument. O dear Sir, pray for me. I want humility, I want thankfulness, I want a heart continually flaming with the love of God. Blessed be his name for the share imparted to you. May you go on and increase with all the increase of God! I thank you for your kind invitation to your house and pulpit. I would not bring you or any of my friends into difficulties, for owning poor, unworthy, ill and hell deserving me. But if providence should give me a clear call, I should be glad to come your way. I rejoice in the prospect of having some ministers in our church pulpits that dare own a crucified Redeemer. I hope the time will come that many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word, and that of the honourable women there will be not a few. I know you will say Amen. For the present, my dear Sir, adieu. Remember me to the doctor, and Mr. H――, when you write to or see them, and assure yourself of a constant remembrance in the poor but sincere petitions of, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in the best bonds,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXVI.

To Dr. S――.

London, Jan. 17, 1749.

Very dear Sir,

I Received your last kind letter, soon after I had been informing dear Mr. H―― that I did not chuse to bring my friends into trouble; but that if providence should give me a clear call, I might accept of his invitation. This perhaps may never happen. But if it should, wherefore should dear Mr. S―― be so much alarmed? What if his people are prejudiced against me? Might not a sermon, under God, lessen their prejudices, and perhaps awaken some souls to a sense of the divine life? Such things have been done, such a thing, through the divine blessing, may be repeated again. The way of duty is the way of safety. Our Lord requires of us to confess him in his gospel members and ministers. To be afraid of professing the one, or publicly to own, associate with, and strengthen the hands and hearts of the other, especially when they are set for the defence of the gospel, is, in my opinion, very offensive in the sight of our common Lord, and can only proceed from a want of more love to him and his dear people. I am quite of your mind, my dear friend, that our Lord recommends to us the wisdom of the serpent, but then it is always to be blended with the innocence of the dove. How this is done, in effect, by disowning the open and avowed proclaimers of his eternal truths, I cannot I must confess at present see into. You say, “we are most of us too warm already:” but I hope you do not think, that being ashamed of any of your Lord’s ministers is an instance of it? Thanks be to God that Mr. H―― seems, as you express it, “to court the enmity of mankind;” it is an error of the right side. Better so than to be afraid of it. The Lord never threatned to spew any church out of his mouth for being too hot; but for being neither hot nor cold he has. It is too true, my dear Sir, “we have but few faithful ministers.” But is keeping at a distance from one another the way to strengthen their interest? By no means. I rather think those that hold the same principles at least, and are embarked in the same cause, should jointly and publicly appear for God.—And to tell you my whole mind, I do not believe God will bless either you or your friends to any considerable degree, till you are more delivered from the fear of man. Alas, how was you bowed down with it, when I saw you last! And your letter bespeaks you a slave to it yet. O my brother, deal faithfully with yourself, and you will find a love of the world, and fear of not providing for your children, have gotten too much hold of your heart. Do not mistake me. I would not have you throw yourself into flames. I would only have you act a consistent part, and not for fear of a little contempt be ashamed of owning the ministers of Christ. After all, think not, my dear Sir, that I am pleading my own cause. You are not in danger of seeing me at N――n. I only take this occasion of saying a word or two to your heart. You will not be offended, as it proceeds from love. You may shew this to dear Mr. H――. I salute him, the dear doctor, and dear Mr. H――, most cordially. I hope the seed is sown among the rich to some purpose. Last Thursday Lord B――ke was one of my hearers. Brethren pray for us; you are never forgotten by, very dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXVII.

To Mr. S――.

London, Jan. 18, 1749.

My very dear Mr. S――,

I Have received from you two very kind letters, the last of which made me to smile indeed. Alas, my dear man, what airy castles are you building? Were your sanguine expectations to take place, might I not justly say to my friends, “Quid vultis, ut peream?” But blessed be God, there is yet no danger. The gospel is not got so near the court as you imagine. However, some of the mighty and noble come twice a week to hear at good Lady H――n’s, and the prospect of doing good amongst them is very encouraging. One or two I trust are effectually touched. Pray on, and who knows what a great fire a little spark may kindle? I wish the Lord may answer your request, and give you a religious governor. I cannot see how I can serve dear Mr. B――. I should be very shy of asking any favours, supposing I had interest, lest I should be thought to preach for myself and not for Christ Jesus my Lord. I would fain convince all, that I seek not theirs but them. I am sorry you have met with so many losses of late; but all our losses will be found to be gain in the end. Blessed are they that love God! All things are even now working together for their good. About August I purpose, God willing, to embark for Carolina; though my friends say not, I believe they will be mistaken. Ere this reaches you, I hope God will have raised you up Pastors after his own heart. Pray remember me in the most endearing manner to all that I was acquainted with, and tell them I live in hopes of seeing them once more in the flesh. I heartily salute all, and am, very dear Mr. S――,

Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXVIII.

To Lady H――n.

Bristol, Jan. 28, 1749.

Honoured Madam,

I Think it is now high time for me to trouble your Ladyship with a few lines. They come to thank your Ladyship ten thousand times for all favours, and to inform you that our glorious Redeemer orders all things well. On Wednesday, through winds, rain and frost, I reached Gloucester, and preached there the same evening. The next day we held out association, and, thanks be to God, affairs turned out better than expectation. I came hither this evening, where I found my brother in the very temper I could wish, “seemingly quite fixed to leave the world for God.” He tells me of a Colonel, who heard me once in the Summer, that now wants to know if his sins are forgiven. My brother’s visit to town has been greatly blessed to him. Surely your Ladyship will never know, till the day of judgment, the great ends God had in view in calling your Ladyship to London. I rejoice in the prospect of seeing your Ladyship happy amidst a crowd of your spiritual children, who will come to you from time to time to be built up in their most holy faith. You will suffer many pangs for them; but all shall work for your Ladyship’s present and eternal good. I suffer much in my bodily health for preaching to the nobility; but, thanks be to God, that some seem to have an hearing ear, and an understanding heart. My warmest prayers are continually ascending to the throne of grace for your Ladyship, and for all those who have heard the word, especially those honourable women that used to join with your Ladyship in receiving the sacred symbols of the Redeemer’s blessed body and blood. My cry to our Lord in their behalf is this,

Take their poor hearts, and let them be

For ever clos’d to all but thee.

I forgot to tell your Ladyship, that the Welch justices have ordered the twenty pounds, exacted of the Methodists by Sir W――, to be returned. I can add up more, but my most grateful acknowledgments for all kindnesses, and subscribe myself, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXIX.

To Lady H――n.

Bristol, Feb. 1, 1749.

Honoured Madam,

YESTERDAY I had the favour of your Ladyship’s letter; and am glad to find that Lady G――’s journey will not be altogether in vain. Our Lord will note, in his book, your Ladyship’s endeavour to serve her, and reward you openly before men and angels, for this and all other your works of faith, and labours of love. I am glad your Ladyship approves of Mr. W――’s conduct, and that he hath preached at your Ladyship’s. The language of my heart is, “Lord, send by whom thou wilt send, only convert some of the mighty and noble, for thy mercy’s sake! Then I care not if I am heard of no more.” I am much obliged to those honourable ladies who are pleased to send me their good wishes. In return, they have my earnest prayers that they may be filled with all the fulness of God. For my own part, I long to take the field. I trust we shall see a glorious Spring, and hear of many souls crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?” Blessed be God, we have solid seasons here. I trust I can with truth say, “The gospel has been preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” Next Monday, God willing, I shall travel further Westward. In the mean while, I purpose to preach here, and at Kingswood, and to take a step to Bath. Mr. C―― was here yesterday, and brought me a benefaction from Miss S――, of fifteen guineas, most or all of which I purpose paying to Mr. ――, towards discharging what is due to him for the Orphan-house. Thus doth the Lord help me, who long ago deserved to be banished from his presence for ever, and to be employed in his work no more. I am glad your Ladyship approves of Mr. G――: He is, I think, a worthy man. By taking this method, your Ladyship will have an opportunity of conversing with the best of all parties, without being a bigot, and too strenuously attached to any. Surely in this your Ladyship is directed from above. The blessed Jesus cares for his people of all denominations. He is gathering his elect out of all. Happy they, who, with a disinterested view, take in the whole church militant, and, in spite of narrow-hearted bigots, breathe an undissembled catholic spirit towards all. That your Ladyship may increase and grow in this spirit, and consequently increase in true divine happiness every day, is and shall be the constant prayer of, Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXX.

To the Countess of D――.

Bristol, Feb. 1, 1749.

Honoured Madam,

WILL your Ladyship pardon me, if I inform you, that love and gratitude constrain me to send your Ladyship a few lines? As I am daily praying for the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship, and your honourable sister, so I cannot help informing you, that I trust you have both such a view of the present great salvation, purchased for the very chief of sinners by the blood of Christ, that you will neither of you be at rest, till made real partakers thereof. Has not your Ladyship already had a taste of this inward happiness? Assuredly you have. Should not this encourage your Ladyship to expect, seek after, and pray for unspeakably more? Undoubtedly it ought. The fulness which is in Jesus is inexhaustible. Out of that fulness your Ladyship may be always receiving grace for grace. Thanks be to God for teaching you the way! Let not your honoured sister think herself too unworthy of such a mercy. Jesus is worthy; she hath nothing to do but to bring all her unworthiness to the Lord our righteousness, and accept of compleat salvation as a free gift. Hearing, when last in town, that your Ladyship would not be offended if I wrote, encouraged me to take the liberty of troubling your Ladyship with this. As the glorious Emmanuel enables, it shall be followed with my most fervent prayers, which have been, are, and, through Jesus Christ strengthening, shall always be put up in behalf of yourself, and your honourable sister, by, honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXXI.

To Mr. ――.

Bristol, Feb. 4, 1749.

My dear Sir,

THE contents of your letter surprized me; and yet it is time for me to learn to be surprized at nothing. But what shall we say? It must needs be that these trials should come, to wean us from every creature, and teach us to live by faith in the Son of God. Had you succeeded, you certainly would have met with some thorn in the flesh, to keep you from being elated too much. Persons of such sanguine dispositions as you and I are, always need one from some quarter or another. By your letter, this trial has done you good already. Be thankful for it, therefore, my dear Sir, and say from your inmost soul, “the cup, which my heavenly Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”—We are but poor choosers for ourselves. God sees not as we see. It is a comfort when we can say, we have eyed God in any affair; but if that affair be plainly disconcerted by his providence, we may be certain it is for good. I found it so in a like circumstance, when my affections were much more engaged than yours necessarily must have been. I wish you joy of being called to leave a worm for God, and in your submission to his divine appointment. “Surely,” (says the prophet that was sent to anoint one of Jesse’s sons) “the Lord’s anointed is before me.” He guessed several times; but always guessed wrong, till little David was sent for, who was thought nothing of. And if a prophet was mistaken, when thus sent in a peculiar manner, and no doubt particularly engaged in prayer for direction, is it any wonder, that we should find ourselves mistaken in many things, even when we have been most earnest with God for guidance and direction? God often guides us by disappointments; and I doubt not but you will find some better thing is prepared for you. What the Lord hath done to you, though you know not now, yet you shall know hereafter.

I.

Leave to his sovereign sway

To choose and to command;

So shalt thou wond’ring own his way,

How wise, how strong his hand.

II.

Far, far above thy thoughts,

His counsel shall appear,

When fully he the work hath wrought,

Which caus’d thy needless fear.

You see, dear Sir, my concern for you by the length of this letter. As you are, I trust, my own son in the faith, so I cannot avoid naturally caring for you. My letter shall be followed with my prayers. Be resigned. I am better in health than when I left town; and am much blessed in preaching. You know how to give thanks in behalf of

Your sympathizing friend,

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXXII.

To Lady H――n.

Exon, Feb. 9, 1749.

Honoured Madam,

YOUR Ladyship’s laying your commands upon me to write often, makes me uneasy unless I can redeem time to send to your Ladyship at least once a week. Blessed be God, I can inform your Ladyship, that there was a great stirring among the dry bones at Bristol and Kingswood. Last Lord’s-day was a great day of the Son of Man. The power of the Lord attended the word, as in days of old, and several persons, that had never heard me before, were brought under great awakenings. A counsellor came once, and was so affected, that when he got home he invited others to come and hear, which so alarmed his lady, (ready to die of a consumption) that she is afraid her husband will go mad. Last night I came hither, and had the pleasure of seeing some spiritual children that were begotten unto God when I was here last. This evening I am to begin to spread the gospel-net; and shall continue in Exeter till Monday. Affairs have been so confused, that it requires some time to settle them. I find a death must come upon all we do, that the life of it may appear to be wholly of God. I hope your Ladyship finds that the Redeemer’s work flourishes in your hands. I long to hear, whether my letters were kindly received, and whether the seed sown by me or any other springs up. Whoever plants, or whoever waters, I know it is the Lord must give the increase. Mr. C―― is vastly attached to your Ladyship’s interest, and, I believe, prays continually for your success. Many do so, whom your Ladyship knows not. Your Ladyship’s letter to Mr. R―― I find is blessed much. It is the good man’s lot, that whatsoever he doth shall prosper. May this be fulfilled in your Ladyship more and more every day! I could enlarge, but must away to my delightful work. People are waiting. This late journey has been blessed to the recovery of my health. I have not had any of my usual disorders since I left town. I am sometimes faint. But, “Faint, and yet pursuing,” must be the christian’s motto. I hope my most dutiful respects will find acceptance with those honourable persons whose faces are set Zion-wards, and that your Ladyship will accept the same from, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCXXXIII.

To Lady H――n.

Plymouth, Feb. 16, 1749.

Honoured Madam,

THE last time I wrote to your Ladyship, I was at Exeter, where I begun on Sunday evening to preach in the open air.—Abundance of souls attended, and I trust real good was done. In the morning, grace flowed richly round the congregation; and many knew experimentally that Christ was risen, by his giving them to experience the power of his resurrection in their hearts. On Monday I went to Bovey-Tracey, about 12 miles from Exeter, where I found several poor simple souls. Here also the fountain of life was open, and I believe some drank at, and others felt the want of it. The next morning I preached at a place called Mary-Church, where are supposed to be near a score of awakened souls, who have undergone much outward trouble for adhering to the cross of Christ. Most of their bitterest opposers were present. All was calm; and the power of the Lord accompanied the word. After sermon I rode twenty miles to Kingsbridge, where, to my great surprize, I found about a thousand souls waiting till eight in the evening to hear the word. Though nature said, “Spare thyself,” I thought faith and duty said, “Venture upon the Lord’s strength, and speak to them.” I did, from these words of our dear Lord’s: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” I preached in the street. The moon-shone. All was quiet; and I hope some begun to think of working out their salvation with fear and trembling. The next morning I preached there again; four ministers attended. Our Lord was pleased to make it a very fine season. After sermon I had the pleasure of hearing, that by two or three discourses preached at this place about 5 years ago, many souls were awakened. One young man, then called, is since a preacher; he was in a tree partly to ridicule me. I spoke to him to imitate Zaccheus, and come down and receive the Lord Jesus. The word was backed with power—He heard, came down, believed, and now adorns the gospel. From Kingsbridge to Plymouth, is near twenty post miles. Hither I came last night. About ten miles from the town, I met several of my spiritual children, who came on horseback to see me. When I came into the town, many hundreds were waiting to hear the word, and received me with great joy. Though it was past seven at night, and I had preached at Kingsbridge in the morning, I thought it my duty to comply with the people’s importunity, and accordingly I called upon them, (in a place stiled the tabernacle, built since I have been absent) to behold the Lamb of God. I find a strange alteration in the people since I came first here, now above four years ago. Many were then awakened, and truly converted to the blessed Jesus. I write in a house belonging to a married couple, who call me their spiritual father. Plymouth seems to be quite a new place to me. I have also just now parted from a truly converted neighbouring clergyman, who has invited me to preach in his church. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some more good news. In the mean while, I wish your Ladyship the best of blessings; and entreat your Ladyship to pray, that a chearful, humble, simple, and guileless heart may be given to, honoured Madam,