Exon, Feb. 22, 1750.

Dear Madam,

I Rejoice to hear by your last kind letter, that the seed sown at Manchester begins to spring up. More especially, I desire to be thankful, that you have grace given you, Madam, to confess the Lord Jesus and his gospel before men. A blessed earnest this, of your being confessed by him before his Father and the holy angels in the kingdom of heaven. The inward peace and satisfaction you enjoy by so doing, I am persuaded far surpasses all you ever enjoyed, or could possibly enjoy in the polite world. With what unspeakable comfort can you now sing,

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.

And if the beginning of the divine life be so sweet, what must the end be, when this mortal puts on immortality, and the soul rises to all the fulness of God. Blessed be God, who has given you to choose that better part, that shall never be taken from you! What have you to do now, but daily to sit at the dear Redeemer’s feet and hear his word; I mean, search the scriptures, which testify of him: and for His great name’s sake, let your remaining life be one continued sacrifice of love to God and man. This is true faith, even a faith that works by love, and overcomes this wicked world. Well may it be stiled precious faith. It is precious in itself, and precious in its fruits. It lays hold on, and unites to Christ, and carries out the soul day by day after a nearer conformity to him. It goes on from strength to strength, and conducts the soul at length to the perfect and uninterrupted vision of the ever-blessed God. Methinks I hear you say, “Lord, evermore give me this faith.” He will, Madam, he will: for he giveth liberally, and upbraideth not. Be not afraid of asking too much. Lay your foundation deep in the knowledge of yourself, and you cannot build too high. O that the worthy Captain may bear you company to heaven! I trust he will. Perhaps some time in the Spring, I may have the pleasure of waiting upon you. I am now in the West, and have had blessed seasons in my way hither. Good Lady H――n hath been ill, but is recovering. There hath been an awakening at Ashby; but opposition begins to shew itself in these parts by the instrumentality of a dissenting minister. That the number may daily increase among you, and that you and yours may be watered every moment, is the hearty prayer of, Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER [♦DCCCXX.]

To Lady H――.

Plymouth, Feb. 25, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship my last letter, I preached three times, once at Kingswood, and twice at Bristol. In the evening I stood at Smith’s hall window and preached. It was a blessed day. The next morning our ascended Saviour gave me much of his presence, and I came on my way rejoicing. At Taunton I met with Mr. Pearsall, a Dissenting minister, a preacher of righteousness before I was born. At Wellington I lay at the house of one Mr. Darracott, a flaming successful preacher of the gospel, and who, I think, may justly be stiled (what Mr. Hieron was some years ago) the star in the West. He hath suffered much reproach; the common lot of all that are owned in the Lord’s vineyard: and in the space of three months, he hath lost three lovely children. Two of them died the Saturday evening before the sacrament was to be administred; but weeping did not hinder sowing. He preached the next day, and administered as usual. Our Lord strengthened him; and for his three natural, hath given him above thirty spiritual children: and he is in a likely way of having many more. He has ventured his little all for Christ; and last week a saint died who left him and his heirs two hundred pounds in land. Did ever any one trust in the Lord and was forsaken? At his place I began to take the field for this Spring. At a very short warning, a multitude of souls assembled, and the bread of life, that cometh down from heaven, was dispensed amongst them. The following evening I preached at Exeter, where there is a little flock, and last night and this morning I have preached here: I humbly hope to the comfort of many. This afternoon, God willing, I am to take the field again. What success I meet with here, and in Cornwall, your Ladyship shall know by another opportunity. I am now waiting for a letter from Mr. B――, which I hope will bring me the wish’d-for news of the confirmation of your Ladyship’s health. This is what I continually pray for from my inmost soul. I am sorry to inform your Ladyship (if it has not reached you before) that Mr. A―― of London is dead. I think he was one of the most lively, and like to have been the most successful Dissenting preacher in that great city: but our Lord orders all things well. The residue of the Spirit is in his hands. Blessed Redeemer, quicken my tardy pace, and make me also ready! Good Lady Ann I hope is now perfectly recovered. But why do I talk of a perfect recovery in this dying life? Then only shall we be perfectly recovered, when we awake in the morning of the resurrection after our Redeemer’s likeness; then, and not till then, will my poor soul be fully satisfied; then, and not till then, will your Ladyship fully know how much the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship is desired and prayed for by, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXXI.

To the Rev. Mr. H――.

Plymouth, Feb. 25, 1750.

Reverend and dear Sir,

YOUR letters always fill me with sympathy. Your last I have just been reading; and in reading breathed out this ejaculation, “Lord, when will the days of his mourning be ended.” Surely you are not always thus to stick fast in the mire and clay. Certainly the time will come, when the dear Redeemer will put your feet upon a rock, and a song into your mouth, and order your going for the promoting his glory and his people’s good. Satan hath indeed desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but Christ, a sympathizing, compassionate high-priest, prays for you, and your faith shall not fail. Look up then, my dear Mr. H――; you shall find grace to help in time of need.

Leave to his sovereign sway

To choose and to command;

So shalt thou wond’ring own his way,

How wise, how strong his hand.

Far, far above thy thoughts,

His counsel shall appear,

When fully he the work hath wrought,

That caus’d thy needless fear.

This is the advice I give you. I know you will pray that I may take it myself. For I find, that sufficient for every day is the evil thereof. But the Lord causes me to renew my strength, and blessed be his name, enables me to go on my way rejoicing. In London we have had a blessed Winter. In the country we have seen a Spring time. Hither I came last night, and have preached twice since my coming. Thus I live a moving life. O that I may be a pilgrim indeed, and desire no continuing city till I come to the New Jerusalem, which is above, and the mother of us all. There, all that are born of God, whether Mysticks, Calvinists, &c. shall join in one common song, even the song of Moses and of the Lamb. Your hymn, for which I thank you, is a preparative for this. I sent it to good Lady H――n, who has been ill, but is now, I hope, recovered. Pray write to me often. Sorrows grow less, and joys greater, by being communicated. Load me as much as you will with all your grievances, and I will lay them before Him, who came to bear our sicknesses, and heal our infirmities. Pray what is become of Mr. S――? Will he preach, now he is sure of something in hand? But alas! the disease is in the heart. When the love of God reigns there, then and not till then will the love and fear of the world flee away. Blessed freedom, wherewith Jesus Christ makes his servants free! Remember me when at his footstool, and write long and often to, reverend and dear Sir,

Your’s, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXXII.

To Mr. F――.

Plymouth, Feb. 26, 1750.

My dear Mr. F――,

EVER since I received your last kind letter, I have been endeavouring to redeem some time to answer it, but till now have not had opportunity. Indeed even now a multiplicity of business obliges me to be much more brief than otherwise I should. However, I cannot help informing you, that I am glad that the gentlemen of Philadelphia are exerting their efforts to erect an academy. I have often thought such an institution was wanted exceedingly; and if well-conducted, am persuaded it will be of public service. Your plan I have read over, and do not wonder at its meeting with general approbation. It is certainly well calculated to promote polite literature; but I think there wants aliquid Christi in it, to make it so useful as I would desire it might be. It is true, you say, “The youth are to be taught some public religion, and the excellency of the christian religion in particular:” but methinks this is mentioned too late, and too soon passed over. As we are all creatures of a day; as our whole life is but one small point between two eternities, it is reasonable to suppose, that the grand end of every christian institution for forming tender minds, should be to convince them of their natural depravity, of the means of recovering out of it, and of the necessity of preparing for the enjoyment of the supreme Being in a future state. These are the grand points in which christianity centers. Arts and sciences may be built on this, and serve to embellish and set off this superstructure, but without this, I think there cannot be any good foundation. Whether the little Dutch book I have sent over, will be of any service in directing to such a foundation, or how to build upon it, I cannot tell. Upon mentioning your desire to the King’s German chaplain, a worthy man of God; he sent it to me, and thought, if translated, it might be of service. Glad should I be of contributing, though it was but the least mite, in promoting so laudable an undertaking; but the gentlemen concerned are every way so superior to me, both in respect to knowledge of books and men, that any thing I could offer, I fear, would be of very little service. I think the main thing will be, to get proper masters that are acquainted with the world, with themselves, and with God, and who will consequently naturally care for the welfare of the youth that shall be committed to their care. I think also in such an institution, there should be a well-approved christian Orator, who should not be content with giving a public lecture in general upon oratory, but who should visit and take pains with every class, and teach them early how to speak, and read, and pronounce well. An hour or two in a day, I think, ought to be set apart for this. It would serve as an agreeable amusement, and would be of great service, whether the youth be intended for the pulpit, the bar, or any other profession whatsoever. I wish also, that the youth were to board in the academy, and by that means be always under the master’s eye. And if a fund could be raised, for the free education of the poorer sort, who should appear to have promising abilities, I think it would greatly answer the design proposed. It hath been often found, that some of our brightest men in church and state, have arisen from such an obscure condition. When I heard of the academy, I told Mr. B――, that the new building, I thought, would admirably suit such a proposal; and I then determined in my next to mention some terms that might be offered to the consideration of the Trustees. But I find since, that you have done this already, and that matters are adjusted agreeable to the minds of the majority. I hope your agreement meets with the approbation of the inhabitants, and that it will be serviceable to the cause of vital piety and good education. If these ends are answered, a free-school erected, the debts paid, and a place preserved for public preaching, I do not see what reason there is for any one to complain. But all this depends on the integrity, disinterestedness, and piety of the gentlemen concerned.—An institution, founded on such a basis, God will bless and succeed; but without these, the most promising schemes will prove abortive, and the most flourishing structures, in the end, turn out mere Babels. I wish you and the gentlemen concerned much prosperity; and pray the Lord of all lords to direct you to the best means to promote the best end; I mean, the glory of God, and the welfare of your fellow-creatures. Be pleased to remember me to them and all friends as they come in your way, and believe me, dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXXIII.

To Governor B――.

Plymouth, Feb. 26, 1750.

Honoured Sir,

I Was much rejoiced to hear, by a letter lately received from Mr. Bradford, that your Excellency was pretty well, and am very thankful that you was pleased to enquire so cordially after unworthy me. I take this first opportunity of returning my most grateful acknowledgements, and to assure your Excellency, you are not forgotten by me at the throne of grace. Ere now, I thought to have waited upon you in person, but it hath pleased Him, whose I am, and whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, to detain me longer than I expected in my native country. The door for usefulness opens wider and wider. The seed sown among the rich, springs up and bears fruit in some; and the poor in various places receive the gospel more gladly than ever. Last fall was a glorious seed-time in the North of England. In London we had a warm winter; and in the country we have had reason to sing, that “the voice of the turtle is again heard in the land.” God willing, I purpose ranging this Summer, and then to embark for my beloved America once more. Whether I shall see your Excellency is uncertain. You are upon the decline of life; and for my own part, I wonder that I live so long. But I trust I shall meet your Excellency in heaven, where the wicked heart, the wicked world, and wicked devil will cease from troubling, and every soul enjoy an uninterrupted and eternal rest. This I am waiting for every day; and according to the present frame of my soul, desire no continuing city, till I arrive at and take possession of the New-Jerusalem above. My Master makes ranging exceedingly pleasant; and I hope in his strength to begin now to begin to spend and be spent for him, who shed his own dear heart’s blood for sinful, ill, and hell-deserving me. O that death may find me either praying or preaching! I hope your Excellency will increase my obligations, by continuing to pray for me. My prayer for you is, “That your Excellency may bring forth much fruit in old age; and that whensoever you go off, you may be gathered like a ripe shock of corn into the Redeemer’s heavenly garner!” That you may till then go on from strength to strength, and increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest desire of, honoured Sir,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXXIV.

To Lady H――n.

Saint-Ginnys, March 5, 1750.

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXL.

To Lady H――n.

Leeds, May 30, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

I Cannot travel far without sitting down to refresh myself by writing to your Ladyship. Mansfield I hope was taken. After leaving that place, I went to Rotheram, where Satan rallied his forces again. However, I preached twice, on the Friday evening, and Saturday morning. The cryer was employed to give notice of a bear-baiting. Your Ladyship may guess who was the Bear. About seven in the morning the drum was heard, and several watermen attended it with great staves. The constable was struck, and two of the mobbers were apprehended, but rescued afterwards. But all this does not come up to the kind usage of the people of Ashby. I preached on those words, “Fear not, little flock.”—They were both fed and feasted; and after a short stay I left Rotheram, when I knew it was become more pacific. In the evening I preached at Sheffield, where the people received the word gladly. A very great alteration was discernable in their looks since I was there last. On Sunday great multitudes attended, and in the evening many went away that could not come near enough to hear. On Monday we had a parting blessing; and in the evening the Lord Jesus fed us plentifully, with the bread that cometh down from heaven, at Barly-Hall. Last night I preached to many, many thousands, and this morning also at five o’clock. Methinks I am now got into another climate. It must be a warm one, where there are so many of God’s people. Our Pentecost is to be kept at Mr. G――’s. I have seen him and Mr. J――, and hear that Mr. B―― died comfortably, being fully assured, “That not only all his sins before, but after conversion were forgiven him.” To-morrow, God willing, I move hence, and expect to-morrow evening to see Mrs. H――, and to reach Manchester next week. From thence I purpose writing to your Ladyship again. O that any thing I write, say, or do, may afford the least comfort to your Ladyship’s soul! This is my desire and hearty prayer: and I earnestly entreat the Lord, that you may live long, and prosper in soul and body. I send my usual and most dutiful respects to the honourable ladies, and am ever, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLI.

To Lady H――.

Manchester, June 8, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

I Thought to have troubled your Ladyship with a letter long before this time, but travelling, and preaching twice every day, prevented. Blessed be God, it is pleasant work, and I trust it hath prospered in my unworthy hands. Thousands and thousands for some time past have flocked to hear the word twice every day, and the power of God has attended it in a glorious manner. Good Lady H――n I left some time ago weak in body, but strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. The good people of Ashby were so kind as to mob round her Ladyship’s door, whilst the gospel was preaching. Alas! how great and irreconcileable is the enmity of the serpent! This is my comfort, “The seed of the woman shall at length be more than conqueror over all.” I hope that your Ladyship every day experiences more and more of this conquest in your heart. This is the christian’s daily employ; this the believer’s daily triumph, to die to self and sin, and to rise more and more daily into the image of the blessed Jesus. As it is our duty, so it is our unspeakable privilege. All the crosses we meet with, all the afflictions with which we are visited, are all intended by the good physician, to beat down, and keep under, and weaken the old man, and to raise up, strengthen, and give fresh vigour to the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Our business is to look continually to Jesus, and to lean on him hourly, nay every moment. May this be your Ladyship’s continual employ! May the Lord Jesus strengthen, stablish, and settle you more and more in his love. May he give you to see your honoured Relations partakers of a divine nature in this world, and grant you mansions of eternal bliss in the world to come! No less mercies shall, no greater can be desired for your Ladyship and family by, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLII.

To Mr. C――.

Rosindale (Lancashire), June 14, 1750.

Very dear Sir,

EVER since that I heard your journey into the country was deferred, I have been impatient to write you a line. Till now, I cannot say I have had a proper opportunity. Travelling, and preaching twice a day, as I generally do, is almost too much for my frail tabernacle. But he is faithful who hath promised, “That as our day is, so our strength shall be.” Though faint, I am yet pursuing, and, glory be to God, hitherto I have had a most delightful and successful circuit. I suppose you have heard of my reception at Northampton and Ashby, and of that people’s unkind treatment of good Lady H――. At Nottingham I lodged with Mr. S――, and in that place and several others found great success. In Yorkshire the work hath advanced most. In about a week’s time, within the compass of twenty miles, I preached, I believe, to above six thousand souls. This last week I have been beating up for recruits in and about Manchester, and I trust some have listed. Mrs. G―― behaves like a good soldier; and if I am not mistaken, her husband will follow her good example. I am now going towards Kendal, then to Whitehaven, and it may be to Scotland. I know you will pray, that the hand of the Lord may be with me. That is all in all! I hope this will find my dear friend quite busy for his God, even his God in Christ. We have not a moment to be idle here; the Judge is before the door. I want to have my lamp trimmed, and my loins girt, and to be always habitually and actually ready to meet the blessed Bridegroom. Then do we begin to live like ourselves, and to act like those who are redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and made kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion now and for evermore. My dear Sir, my cold heart is warmed when I think of this. O why am I not a flame of fire? Why am I not all life, all love, all humility, all zeal? O my naughty heart! May Jesus sprinkle it afresh with his precious blood, and help me this morning to begin to hunt for souls. Though aged, I wish you may be employed in the same work before you die. But future things belong to God. I must now bid you adieu. My cordial love and respects await Mrs. C――, Mr. G――, and all enquiring friends. Continue to pray for, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLIII.

To Lady H――n.

Newby-Cote, June 16, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

IT is late, and I am somewhat fatigued, but I cannot rest without finishing my week’s work in writing to your Ladyship. Blessed be God, I have still good news to send to your Ladyship. All was quiet at Manchester; and I humbly hope the Redeemer will gather to himself a people there. Kind Captain G―― and his lady will acquaint your Ladyship with particulars. I hope he will prove a good soldier of Jesus Christ. I advised him to send your Ladyship word of their coming to Ashby, that they might be directed the best road from Derby. We had sweet seasons at the places adjacent to Manchester. Only at ♦Bolton a drunkard stood up to preach behind me, and a woman attempted twice to stab the person that was putting up a stand for me to preach on, in her husband’s field. However, the Lord got himself the victory. Since that, we have had very large and powerful meetings, where formerly were the most violent outrages. Perhaps within these three weeks, sixty-thousand souls or upwards have heard the gospel. I am now in Mr. J――’s circuit, and purpose being at Kendal next Thursday. I hope that there, or at Whitehaven, where I am to preach to-morrow se’nnight, I shall hear from Mr. B―― concerning your Ladyship’s welfare.—His letter I received to-night, and will answer it the first opportunity. Nature now calls for rest. I shall retire, praying that your Ladyship and honoured relations may be blessed with all spiritual blessings. I am a sink of sin and corruption; but Jesus comforts and supports me, and, I believe, will hear your Ladyship’s prayers in behalf of one, who, next to being a poor despised minister of the glorious Emmanuel, thinks it his highest honour to subscribe himself,

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

G. W.

June 17th, seven in the morning.

Honored Madam,

THIS last night Satan hath shewed his teeth. Some persons got into the barn and stable, and have cut my chaise, and one of the horse’s tails. What would men do, if they could? The Lord be with your spirit. Amen.

LETTER DCCCXLIV.

To the Rev. Mr. H――.

Kendal, June 21, 1750.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

I Guess this will find you returned from good Lady H――n, with whom undoubtedly you have taken sweet counsel, and been mightily refreshed in talking about the things which belong to the kingdom of God. This leaves me at Kendal, where I arrived this morning, and where, God willing, I shall preach the everlasting gospel this evening. An entrance is now made into Westmoreland; and pen cannot well describe what glorious scenes have opened in Yorkshire, &c. Perhaps since I saw you, seventy or eighty thousand have attended the word preached in divers places. At Howarth, on Whitsunday, the church was almost thrice filled with communicants, and at Kirby-Steven the people behaved exceedingly well. It was a precious season. In my way I have read Mr. Law’s second part of The Spirit of Prayer. His scheme about the Fall, &c. I think is quite chimerical; but he says many things that are truly noble, and which I pray God to write upon the tables of my heart. Several things at the end of his treatise on regeneration, in my opinion, are entirely unjustifiable: but the sun hath its spots, and so have the best of men. I want to see my own faults more, and others less. It will be so, when I am more humble. If mercies would make a creature humble, I should be a mirror of humility. But I am far from the mind that was in Jesus. You must pray, whilst I go on fighting. Though faint, I would yet pursue. Next week I hope to reach Edinburgh. God willing, you shall have notice of my return. Glad shall I be to meet such a friend upon the road. May the friend of sinners bless and support you, and give you always an heart to pray for, reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLV.

To the Rev. Mr. B――.

Kendal, June 21, 1750.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

ON Saturday last I received your kind letter, but have not had an opportunity of answering it till now. I have been preaching the gospel amongst the poor knitters, whose simple manner of life pleased me much. I am glad you have sounded the silver trumpet in London; crescit eundo must be your motto, and mine. There is nothing like keeping the wheels oil’d by action. The more we do, the more we may do; every act strengthens the habit: and the best preparation for preaching on Sundays, is to preach every day in the week. I am glad you have peace at Ashby. What a fool is Satan always to overshoot his mark! I hope that Mr. G――, as well as Mr. S――, will hold on. They will be glorious monuments of free grace indeed. I am like-minded with you in respect to the Doctor’s comment; he is indeed a glorious writer. May the Lord Jesus strengthen him to finish the work! My dear Mr. B――, what blessed opportunities do you enjoy for meditation, study, and prayer! Now is your time to get rich in grace, to search into the depths of divine love, and the mystery of iniquity hid in your own heart. Such an example, and such advantages no one in England is favoured with but yourself. I do not envy you; but I pray the Redeemer, from my inmost soul, to sanctify your situation, and give you to increase with all the increase of God. I am called forth to battle; remember a poor cowardly soldier, and beg the Captain of our salvation, that I may have the honour to die fighting. I would have all my fears in my breast. Methinks I would not be wounded running away, or skulking into an hiding-place. It is not for ministers of Christ to flee or be afraid.—And yet alas!—Well—Nil desperandum Christo duce. For his great name’s sake, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate, obliged friend and brother,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLVI.

To the Countess of H――n.

Kendal, June 26, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

STILL (O amazing love!) the Lord of all lords vouchsafes to prosper the gospel plough. Such an entrance hath been made into Kendal, as could not have been expected. I preached twice to several thousands last week, and the people were so importunate, that I was prevailed on to return hither again last night. The congregation was greatly increased, and the power of the Lord was displayed in the midst of them. On Saturday evening, and on the Lord’s-day, I preached at Ulverston, a town about sixteen miles distant from this. There Satan made some small resistance; a clergyman, who looked more like a butcher than a minister, came with two others and charged a constable with me; but I never saw a poor creature sent off in such disgrace. Good I believe was done in the town. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory! Thus, honoured Madam, a poor pilgrim goes on. How I am to succeed at Whitehaven, your Ladyship shall know hereafter. God willing, I set forward after preaching this evening. I hear Mr. W―― has been much abused in Ireland, but that the Mayor of Cork hath quite overshot himself. I have some thoughts of seeing Ireland before my return. May the Lord direct my goings in his way! I am persuaded that this will find your Ladyship travelling apace towards Canaan, and increasing your reward daily. Great shall it be indeed in heaven.—I shall be extremely glad of the honour of a line when at Edinburgh. In the mean while, your Ladyship shall not fail, with your honoured sisters and family, of being prayed for, and hearing from, ever-honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLVII.

To Mr. K――.

Kendal, June 26, 1750.

My dear Mr. K――,

YESTERDAY I read in the public papers, that you was married. This morning I sit down to wish you joy. God hath given you, a choice help-mate. May you love her as Jesus Christ loveth the church; and may both of you be enabled to live together as heirs of the grace of life! The Lord of all lords has been daily pouring down his benefits on you and me. O that his goodness may lead us to repentance, and his love constrain us to obedience! You have now another blessing given you; one who, I believe, will strengthen your hands in the Lord, and stir you up in the good ways of God. Now for Joshua’s resolution, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” You are now entered on a new state; you will want new supplies of grace. It is hard to govern; it is much easier to obey. To come into a flow of business, and at the same time to keep the heart near to God, what a task is this? Jesus alone can make you sufficient for it. Look then, my dear friend, continually to him, and take heed that nothing drowns the sound of this small still voice speaking in your heart. When I come to town, God willing, I will pay you a visit. In the mean while let us meet at the throne of grace. I am travelling, and you trading, for Jesus Christ. His strength is my joy. Every where the gospel plough hath prospered. These Northern parts promise well. Adieu! The Lord be with you both! Pray remember me in the kindest manner to your mother and brothers. You are come into a family that I dearly love. That you all may sit down with the glorious family of the first-born, whole names are written in heaven, is the earnest prayer of, my dear friend,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLVIII.

To Mr. B――.

Whitehaven, June 29, 1750.

My dear Mr. B――,

YESTERDAY, upon my arrival hither, I received your kind letter, and am now seated to send you an answer. May the Lord Jesus cause it to be answer of peace! You need make no apology for your openness and freedom; reserves to me are odious. I would willingly be a father, brother, and friend to all concerned with me; and consequently I would gladly bear a part with them in their sorrows and their joys. Your suspicions about Messrs. S――, G――, and N――, were groundless. The sole cause of your not hearing from me, was my not knowing where to direct to you. As I am utterly unconcerned in the discipline of Mr. W――’s societies, I can be no competent judge of their affairs. If you and the rest of the preachers were to meet together more frequently, and tell each other your grievances, opinions, &c. it might be of service. This may be done in a very friendly way, and thereby many uneasinesses might be prevented. After all, those that will live in peace must agree to disagree in many things with their fellow-labourers, and not let little things part or disunite them. I know not well, what my dear Mr. B―― means, about concealing the gospel privileges. There is no doubt but milk must be given to babes, and meat to strong men; but this all depends on the skilfulness of the preacher, and his being taught of God rightly to divide the word of truth. In general, gospel privileges may be spoken of to encourage awakened sinners and quicken saints. If by gospel privileges you mean love-feasts, bands, &c. these I think are only prudential means, and therefore no doubt prudence should be exercised in the use of them. I am of your opinion, that too much familiarity in these things is hurtful. But it is hard to keep a medium, where a multitude is concerned. As ill effects are discovered, they should be corrected and avoided. The question and answer you refer to, I do not like. I know nothing of Christ’s righteousness being imputed to all mankind. It is enough to say with the scriptures, “That it is imputed to all believers.” What does my dear Mr. B―― think of that assertion of the Apostle, “He made him sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God, in him.” And again, “Who of God is made to us, wisdom, righteousness, &c.” cum multis aliis, vide Romans, ivth and vith.—Is it not as express as can be, that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers? Consequently, it is sufficient for us, as preachers, to declare, “That all believers are actually delivered from the guilt of both actual and original sin, from the power of their corruptions here, and that at the hour of death they shall be delivered from the very in-being of sin, and be admitted to dwell with the glorious Jesus, and the spirits of just men made perfect, hereafter.” Another seven years experience, will teach some to handle the word of life in a better manner. Our business is to shew believers their compleatness in Christ, and to point them to Him for strength for every good word and work; and all to be done out of gratitude and love for what he hath done and suffered for them. But you know my sentiments; you have heard them all in my sermons. I have no reserves. What Mr. S―― says, I know not; I believe Christ’s redemption will be applied to all that shall believe. Who these are, we know not, and therefore we are to give a general offer and invitation; convinced of this, that every man’s damnation is of himself, and every man’s salvation all of God. You would do well to read more; but whether it would be best for you to pursue, or re-assume your old studies, unless you are determined to settle, I cannot tell. Reading a Latin author, a little every day, to be sure could do you no hurt. Terentius Christianus, Castalio’s Scripture Dialogues, and Selectæ Prælectiones Veteri Testamenti, would both delight and profit you. It has long since been my judgment, that it would be best for many of the present preachers to have a tutor, and retire for a while, and be content with preaching now and then, till they were a little more improved. Otherwise, I fear many who now make a temporary figure, for want of a proper foundation, will run themselves out of breath, will grow weary of the work, and leave it. May the Lord Jesus direct! This is the plan I purpose to pursue abroad. Whether God will be pleased to succeed it, I know not. All I can say is, that I am willing to lend an helping hand wherever I see the interest of Christ promoted. This is my motive, dear Sir, in answering your last. I hope it is satisfactory. If not, let me know. You may direct for me at Mr. T――’s, Edinburgh. I hope to be there next week. We have had good seasons since I parted from you. At Kendal a most promising door is opened. Follow me with your prayers.—Look up to Jesus, and let not little things disappoint and move you. If this be your foible, beware, and pray that Satan may not get an advantage over you. He will be always striving to vex and unhinge you. “The Lord reigneth.” Let this consideration support and comfort you, under the various changes you must necessarily meet with in the church. She is now militant, ere long she shall be triumphant. Till then, as the elect of God, let us put on bowels of compassion, meekness, long-suffering and humbleness of mind. But what am I doing? Adieu. The Lord be with you and yours, and give Mrs. B―― faith and courage in her approaching hour! All with me salute you. I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. B――,