LETTERS (continued 9)

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXLIX.

To Mr. T―― A――.

Edinburgh, July 7, 1750.

Very dear T――,

I Thought it long, yea very long since I heard from you; but as I believe your heart is upright towards the Lord Jesus, and to me your unworthy friend, for his great name’s sake, I have been quite easy. The news of your success, rejoices me. May the Lord increase it more and more! Pen cannot well express what hath been done in the North. I have preached above ninety times since I left London, and perhaps to a hundred and forty thousand people. It is amazing to see how people are prepared, in places where I never was before. What shall I render unto the Lord? I will beg him to make me humble and thankful. Here, I am received with as much affection as ever. Still I will cry, Grace! grace! Ere this reaches you, I suppose you will be thinking of London. Mr. C―― I believe wants a breathing. I hear he hath been blest much. You and Mr. C―― are the only persons I chuse to have at the tabernacle, as heads in my absence. Several of ―― have offered to join me; but you know I hate taking other persons as helpers, and as I desire no party, I give no encouragement. But future things belong to Him, on whose shoulders the government is put. You must still remember me before Him. His word is indeed running, and like to be glorified day by day. How matters go on here, you will know hereafter. In the mean while pray for, and write to, my very dear Tommy,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCL.

To Lady H――.

Edinburgh, July 7, 1750.

Ever-honoured Madam,

AFTER preaching at Cockermouth, and near Wigton, with great acceptance, last night I came here, and was received in a most loving and tender manner. At noon, I dined with a family that honours your Ladyship very much, and this evening I have been preaching to a great multitude of very attentive and affected hearers. At my return to my lodgings, I had the wished-for pleasure of your Ladyship’s two letters. They both led me nearer to, and laid me lower before Him, at whose throne I am daily pleading for the welfare of your Ladyship, both in temporals and spirituals. Indeed, ever honoured Madam, I have confidence with you that your Ladyship shall have all the deliverance you long for. By divine grace, I will let the Lord have no rest, till he fulfils all your desires. I quite forget myself, when I think of your Ladyship. Ever honoured Madam, the Lord as yet hath but begun to bless you; you shall, you shall, you will be made a greater blessing indeed. If dear Mr. H―― gets A――y, that will be making your Ladyship a blessing. He is a dear soul; I am glad that both he and Dr. D―― have been with your Ladyship. I would have all the good ministers come and visit your Ladyship. There are numbers would go scores of miles willingly for that purpose. I hope soon to send your Ladyship some pleasing particulars. I have heard from my family. May the blessing of many ready to perish descend on your Ladyship. I pity poor A―― B――. Your Ladyship I believe will soon get the better of him. Your Ladyship hath acted like yourself in forgiving the offenders. Such offences come, that Christ’s followers may give evidence of his blessed temper being wrought in their hearts. In my return, without fail your Ladyship may expect me at ungrateful Ashby. Out of those stones may the Lord Jesus raise up children unto Abraham! However God is pleased to deal with me, your Ladyship may be assured of hearing from me. In the mean while, your Ladyship and honoured relations and family will be continually remembered by, ever-honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLI.

To Lady H――.

Edinburgh, July 12, 1750.

Ever-honoured Madam,

THOUGH I am really burning with a fever, and have a violent cold, yet I must send your Ladyship a few lines by this post. They bring good news. People flock rather more than ever, and earnestly entreat me not to leave them soon. I preach generally twice a day,—early in the morning, and at six in the evening. Great multitudes attend. Praise the Lord O my soul! Your Ladyship’s health is drank and enquired after every day. Mr. N――, who married Lord ――’s sister, has given me three franks, and his family are in the number of those who are left in Sardis, and have not defiled their garments. Enclosed your Ladyship hath my last from Carolina, and an account of the affair mentioned by the Bishop of Cork. I fear I cannot reach Ireland this season. Your Ladyship’s message to Mr. Robe, I sent last post; he will think himself highly honoured. Some time next month I hope to see your Ladyship. In the mean time, whether sick or well, your Ladyship shall be sure to hear how the Lord of all Lords is pleased to deal with me and his people. His presence makes me to smile at pain, and the fire of his love burns up all fevers whatsoever. This your Ladyship knows by happy experience. That you may know it more and more every hour, and every moment, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLII.

To Mr. C――.

Glasgow, July 21, 1750.

Dear Jemmy,

I Have nothing but good news to send you. The entrance God has been pleased to give me into Scotland, demands the highest tribute of gratitude and love. I preached twenty times at Edinburgh, and thousands attended morning and evening. Many I hope got good. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory! Last night I came hither, and was most lovingly received, and this morning the Lord of all Lords hath given us a delightful meeting. Blessed news is sent from Kendal. Enclosed you have the marks of my friends bounty, who love me for Jesus sake. Be pleased to receive the bill, and as you live near Mr. S――, be so kind as to pay him the remainder of what is due for printing my last sermons. Take his accompt, and a receipt under; what is left, pray give to my wife to pay Wr―― the book-binder. For I would fain owe no man any thing but love.—I would have my worldly affairs so ordered, that let death come when it will, I may have nothing to do but to die. That is a blessed word to me; the thoughts of death gladden my heart, and cause me often almost to leap for joy. But perhaps our Lord has more work for me to do. His will be done in, by, and upon me, in time, and to all eternity. Pilgrims must not expect much rest here. In heaven we shall have enough. There I shall meet you and yours. I salute you both most tenderly, and beg you would all pray for, my dear friend,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLIII.

To Mr. R――.

Glasgow, July 23, 1750.

My very dear Friend,

WITH pleasure I sit down to perform my promise, and to thank you for all favours. The Lord is still adding to my obligations, to love and serve him. Friends here received me most kindly, and the congregations I think are rather larger than ever. Yesterday, besides preaching twice in the field, I preached in the college Kirk, being forced by Mr. G――. ’Twas a blessed season. Mr. R―― and Mr. E―― were very affectionate. I have met, and shaken hands with Mr. R―― E――. O when shall God’s people learn war no more! God willing, I shall leave Glasgow on Thursday next, and if you please, will sup quietly with you and your lady, or with Mr. G――, on Friday evening. I hope to be in early, because I intend lying at Mr. E――’s house, or at Kylsyth on the Thursday. Letters this post make me resolve not to visit Ireland this summer; Mr. W―― is there, and persecution increases. I send the inclosed open. A copy might be put into my wife’s, lest the other should miscarry. My stay in Edinburgh at my return must be very short. May the Lord Jesus make it sweet! You must remember me in the kindest manner to your dear lady, the other ladies, and all enquiring friends, and accept of most hearty love from, my very dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLIV.

To Mr. W――.

Glasgow, July 23, 1750.

Dear Sir,

I Received your kind letter last week, but till now had not time to answer you. Blessed be God, it brought glad tidings. Thanks be to the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus, for causing his arrows to stick fast in any sinners hearts! May he that hath wounded, in his own due time and way heal and ease them!—He is the awakened sinners only refuge. To Him the weary and heavy laden are invited. Let them but come to him, and he will, indeed he will give them rest. O that those who have begun to put their hands to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Awakening times are like spring times. Many blossoms, but not always so much fruit. However, glory, glory be to God, that the Winter of deadness is in some degree over, and that a Spring time of grace is seen at Kendal. Pray remember me in the kindest manner to all under awakenings, and exhort them all with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. Whether I can see you again in my return, is uncertain. If it be any way practicable, I shall comply with your earnest solicitation. Next week, God willing, I leave Scotland, and if I can come, you shall hear from me. In the mean time, as the Lord enables, I shall not cease to pray for all that are setting their faces Zionward. You know the many turnings that lie in the way thither, and therefore can direct young travellers. It is pretty work for you in the decline of life. Methinks you may be surprized like Sarah, who said, “who would have thought that Sarah should have given suck!” But is there any thing too hard for the Lord? O for faith, patience and humility! These are graces my soul thirsts after. How humble, how thankful ought I to be! After leaving Kendal, the word of the Lord ran and was glorified in several places, and in Scotland I think congregations are rather greater than ever. You must exhort all to pray for me, that I may be kept from flagging in the latter stages of my road. My love to Mr. G――. I shall take care to answer his letter when it comes to hand. I have ordered some volumes of my sermons to be sent to him. May God sanctify the reading of them to the carrying on his blessed work. I can now no more. The Lord be with you. I am, dear Sir,

Yours, &c. in Jesus Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLV.

To Lady H――.

Edinburgh, July 29, 1750.

Ever-honoured Madam,

WHAT shall I say? Your Ladyship’s condescension in writing to unworthy me, lays me low before Him, who continues to follow me with his goodness and mercy every hour of my life. Ungrateful Ashby! O that thou knewest the day of thy visitation! Surely your Ladyship may shake off the dust of your feet against them. This was the command, that the meek and lowly Jesus gave to his apostles, when the gospel was not received. And he himself departed, when the Gadarenes desired him to go out of their coasts. This justifies your Ladyship in removing Mr. B――. What avails throwing pearls before swine, who only turn again and rend you? However, I bless God that your Ladyship’s house is made a Bethel. Glad would I be of the honour of joining your Ladyship’s little select company, but our Redeemer appoints me other work.—Indeed it is very pleasant work. No one can well describe the order, attention, and earnestness of the Scotch congregations. They are unwearied in hearing the gospel. I left thousands sorrowful at Glasgow, and here I was again most gladly received last night. By preaching always twice, and once thrice, and once four times in a day, I am quite weakened; but I hope to recruit again, and get fresh strength to work for Him, who shed his precious blood for ill and hell-deserving me. On Thursday next, God willing, I shall leave Scotland. Your Ladyship shall know whither I go. In the mean while, I send your Ladyship some Georgia letters, which I hope will afford you satisfaction. I have been upon the enquiry for some proper persons, for dear Captain G―― and his Lady to converse with at Dumfries, and last night I hear I have succeeded. Particulars they shall know hereafter. I can now only send them my most grateful and cordial respects, being obliged to stop to get strength even whilst I write this. O this mortal body! How does it weigh down my precious and immortal soul! Ere long it will be set at liberty, and body and soul shall be for ever with the Lord. I cannot enlarge. Your Ladyship is remembered every day by many here. I hope your Ladyship’s honoured sisters are prospering in soul and body. The searcher of hearts can tell how much I count it my honour to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

Their and your most obliged, dutiful, and chearful servant for Jesus Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLVI.

To Lady H――.

Berwick, Aug. 4, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

AT length I have taken a very sorrowful leave of Scotland. The longer I continued there, the more the congregations, and the power that attended the word, increased. I have reason to think that many are under convictions, and am assured of hundreds having received great benefit and consolation. The parting was rather more affectionate than ever, and I shall have reason to bless God to all eternity for this last visit to Scotland. Not a dog moved his tongue all the while I was there, and many enemies where glad to be at peace with me. Who is like our God, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders! Preaching so frequently, and paying so many religious visits, weakened me very much; but I am already much better for my riding thus far, and I trust the Lord will cause me to renew my strength. My obligations to spend and be spent for the blessed Jesus, are greatly increased. O that I may spring afresh, and soar aloft till I fly into the embraces of a sin-forgiving God! He hath prepared my way at Berwick. One of the ministers hath sent me an offer of his pulpit, and I hear of about ten more round this town that would do the same. I came hither this evening, and purpose, God willing, to set out for Newcastle on Monday morning. What success I meet with, your Ladyship shall hear in my next. Was it not so late in the year, I think I would go to Ireland. May the Lord direct my goings in his way! Kendal, I believe, must have another visit. The enclosed is from one of Mr. W――’s preachers. The contents I believe will please your Ladyship. Honoured Madam, what shall I say? The Redeemer’s goodness quite amazes me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. With regret, I send your Ladyship Mr. H――’s too, too much embellished and extravagant character of ill and hell-deserving me. It came from Plymouth last post. Your Ladyship desired to see it, or otherwise I could not bear to send it. To me, O blessed Jesus, nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. O that praise as well as contempt may humble this proud heart of mine! Then I shall never be hurt by having the honour to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLVII.

To Mr. L――.

Newcastle, Aug. 9, 1750.

My dear dying Friend,

THOUGH absent in body, yet I am present with you in spirit; and whilst you are in this tabernacle of clay, as our Lord enables, you shall not be forgotten before his throne. Ere long you will be called to sit upon it; Jesus himself will rise and take you in.—And why? He hath redeemed you unto God by his blood, and given you the first fruits of heaven already in your heart. Fear not therefore, my dear friend, to go through Jordan. The great High Priest stands ready to guide you, and will land you safe in Canaan. I præ, sequar.—Yet a little while, and my turn will come. In heaven we shall part no more. Till then, my dear dying friend, farewel! O that I may hear that you go off in triumph. But whether this be vouchsafed or not, I know you will die in peace. To the God of peace and love do I most earnestly commend you. Let this be your joyful language,

A guilty, weak and helpless worm,

Into thy arms I fly:

Be thou my strength and righteousness,

My Jesus and my all.

I send affectionate respects to both your sisters, and to Mr. B――. I pray that the Lord Jesus may love them as he loved Lazarus, Mary, and their sister Martha, and I entreat you to accept this as a token of unfeigned christian love, from, my very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLVIII.

To Mr. P――.

London, Sept. 4, 1750.

My dear Mr. P――,

I Received your kind letter yesterday, which was like the prophet’s roll, full of lamentation, and mourning, and woe. But what shall we say? It must needs be that offences come.—Wo to the inhabitants of the earth, and of the sea, for the devil is come down in great wrath, knowing he hath but a short time to reign; but let us look upwards. Every plant that our heavenly father hath not planted, shall be rooted up; only let him that standeth take heed lest he fall. You must salute dear Mr. R―― and the rest of the brethren in my name. As far as I know, we are like-minded as to principles, and I shall be glad to do all that I can to strengthen their hands, only let nothing be done through strife and vain-glory. Blessed be God, my poor labours never met with greater acceptance in England and Scotland than now, and I would gladly fly to Wales, but perhaps my coming had better be deferred to the cool of the day. Let us not fear. This storm will blow over.—Truth is great, and though driven out of doors for a while, will prevail at the last. Alas, what are we when a party spirit lays hold on us! I suspect the principles that are productive of such practices.—O that these things may lead us nearer to Christ, keep us closer to his blessed word, and be sanctified to the moulding us into a nearer conformity to his divine image. The meekness and lowliness of Jesus, I want to be a large partaker of. You must pray for me, and let me know how affairs stand. My tender love to all. I am, dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLIX.

To Lady H――n.

Portsmouth, Sept. 8, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

TO day my wife sent me the melancholy news of the death of your Ladyship’s eldest daughter, but withal wrote me that she died very comfortably. Indeed when I left her, God’s spirit seemed to be working so strongly upon her heart, that I thought she would soon go to heaven, or shine as a glorious saint on earth. It hath pleased a sovereign God to cut short his work in righteousness, and call her home. A trial this indeed, for your Ladyship! but a trial, in which I hope your Ladyship will have grace given to acquiesce. O that with Aaron you may be enabled to hold your peace, and with the bereaved Shunamite to say, “It is well.” And if the Redeemer should call your Ladyship to part with another daughter (hard trial for flesh and blood) may you be strengthened chearfully to give her up, and hear the Lord of all Lords saying unto you, “Now know I that thou lovest me, since thou hast not with-held two dear daughters from me.” Now is the time, honoured Madam, to prove the strength of Jesus to be yours. Now is the time to be strong in faith, and give glory to God. The Redeemer will be better to you than seven daughters. What a comfort is it, honoured Madam, for you to think that Miss C―― gave such comfortable evidences of her dying in the Lord. She is blessed indeed, and the language of her departed soul is, “weep not for me.” Comfort yourself, honoured Madam, with this thought, and say like David, “I shall go to her, but she will not return to me.” May this trial be sanctified to your Ladyship’s whole household, and may your surviving children learn to die betimes! I could enlarge, but am afraid of being troublesome. On Tuesday, God willing, I hope to be in London for one day, and shall be impatient to know how the all-wise God is pleased to dispose of your Ladyship’s other daughter. In the mean while, my poor prayers shall be put up night and day, that your Ladyship may have grace given you to glorify Christ in this time of need. I commend your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, as being, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLX.

To Mr. R――.

London, Sept. 14, 1750.

My very dear Mr. R――,

GLAD was I, yea very glad, to receive your kind letter about two days ago. I send you this in return, with ten thousand thanks for all favours conferred upon me, by you and yours. They are all numbered, and not one of them shall be forgotten before the Lord of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever. Surely, his goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and blessed be his holy name, I shall ere long dwell in his house for ever. At my return to town, I was received, though utterly unworthy, with great joy, and our Lord has manifested forth his glory in the great congregation. I have preached in Mr. W――’s chapel several times, and I trust a young lady of high rank was truly awakened about a fortnight ago, and who is since gone triumphantly to heaven. Mr. W―― breakfasted and prayed with me this morning, and Mr. H――y was so kind as to come up and be with me in my house. He is a dear man, and I trust will yet be spared to write much for the Redeemer’s glory. I have prevailed on him to sit for his picture, and it will be published in a short time. Two dozen of my pictures, as my friends so earnestly desired them, are sent directed to you. Be pleased to let them be disposed of, as shall be judged most proper. O that my heart might in some measure resemble the image of my dear Lord! You and yours will not fail to pray, that it may be written in lively characters, and that I may go on my way rejoicing. I never forget you or any other of my dear Scotch friends. Just now I have good news from Kendal; a young woman, whom God was pleased to awaken when I was there, went off lately (as my friend expresses it) “with flying colours.” Grace! Grace! Lord, make me humble! Lord Jesus, make me truly thankful! I am just now going for Chatham. Last Lord’s day I was at Portsmouth. Next week, God willing, I go to Gloucester. I hope good Lady D―― and her beloved son and daughter, &c. are prospering in soul and body. I send them my most dutiful respects, and ten thousand thanks, and beg you, my very dear Sir, to accept the same from,

Yours most affectionately in our blessed Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXI.

To Lady H――.

London, Sept. 17, 1750.

Ever-honoured Madam,

THOUGH it is a cross to me to be detained so long from coming to Ashby, yet I trust hitherto my steps have been guided by an over-ruling providence for good. Yesterday afternoon I returned from Chatham, where I think there is as promising a work begun as almost in any part of England. Last night the Redeemer’s glory was seen in the tabernacle, and your Ladyship’s letter revived my heart, and gave me some fresh hopes for ungrateful Ashby. My heart’s desire and prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may live to see much of the travail of the Redeemer’s soul. I am glad Mr. M―― is ordained, and hope Mr. B―― will be the next, soon. By Mr. L――’s letter to him, I find your Ladyship has acted in the affair like yourself. Your Ladyship shall have a copy of it, and you will then see how matters go. Mr. B―― is much for embarking in Christ’s cause, and if the D―― would but help him at this juncture, he might be a useful and happy man. Both he and Mr. H―― have the most grateful sense of your Ladyship’s great kindness. The latter I believe intends to winter with me in London. If possible, I will prevail on Mr. H――ly, at my return, to come and pay him a visit. To-morrow morning, God willing, I set out for Gloucester, and intend coming to Birmingham, and so to your Ladyship’s. In my way I hope to write to Lady B――, and be as particular as circumstances will admit. I am surprized at your Ladyship’s doing and going through so much. But what cannot a believer do, when strengthened by the blessed Jesus? Your Ladyship will be remembered most heartily before him this afternoon, it being our letter-day. That you may long live to shine in his church below, and after death be translated to shine with distinguished lustre in the realms of light and love above, is the continual prayer of, ever, ever-honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXII.

To Lady B―― H――.

Gloucester, Sept. 22, 1750.

Madam,

AS I know your Ladyship had a great esteem for the late honourable Miss H――, I cannot but think a short account of her behaviour, under her last sickness, must not only alleviate the concern your Ladyship must necessarily have for so intimate a friend, but also excite you to pray, that your latter end may be like hers. I think it is now near three weeks since good Lady G―― desired me to visit her sick daughter. She had been prayed for very earnestly the preceding day after the sacrament, and likewise previous to my visit in Lady H――’s room. When I came to her bedside, she seemed glad to see me, but desired I would speak and pray as softly as I could. I conversed with her a little, and she dropped some strong things about the vanity of the world, and the littleness of every thing out of Christ. I prayed as low as I could, but in prayer (your Ladyship has been too well acquainted with such things to call it enthusiasm) I felt a very uncommon energy and power to wrestle with God in her behalf. She soon broke out into such words as these, “what a wretch am I?” She seemed to speak out of the abundance of her heart, from a feeling sense of her own vileness. Her honoured Parent and attending servants were affected. After prayer, she seemed as though she felt things unutterable, bemoaned her ingratitude to God and Christ; and I believe would gladly have given a detail of all her faults she could reckon. Her having had a form of godliness, but never having felt the power, was what she most bewailed. I left her; she continued in the same frame; and when Mrs. S―― asked her whether she felt her heart to be as bad as she expressed herself, she answered, “yes, and worse.” At her request, some time after this, I gave her the holy communion; a communion indeed it was. Never did I see a person receive it with seemingly greater contrition, more earnest desire for pardon and reconciliation with God through Christ, or stronger purposes of devoting her future life to his service. Being weak, she was desired to keep lying on her bed. She replied, “I can rise to take my physic; shall I not rise to pray?” When I was repeating the Communion Office, she applied all to herself, and broke out frequently aloud in her applying. When I said, the burden of them is intolerable, she burst out—“yea very intolerable,” with abundance of such like expressions. When she took the bread and wine, her concern gave her utterance, and she spake like one that was ripening for heaven. Those around her wept for joy.—My cold heart also was touched, and I left her with a full persuasion, that she was either to be taken off soon, or to be a blessing here below. I think she lived about a week afterwards: she continued in the same frame as far as I hear, and I trust is now gone, where she will sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb for ever. The thoughts of this, comforts good Lady G――, and the same consideration, I am persuaded, will have the same effect upon your Ladyship. Only methinks I hear your Ladyship add, “No, I will not stop here. By divine grace I will devote myself to Jesus Christ now, and give him no rest, till I see the world in that light as dear Miss H―― did, and as I myself shall, when I come to die. I will follow my honoured mother as she follows Jesus Christ, and count the Redeemer’s reproach of more value than all the honours, riches and pleasures of the world. I will fly to Christ by faith, and through the help of my God, keep up not only the form, but also the power of godliness in heart and life.” That the glorious Emanuel may enable your Ladyship to put all this into practice, is the earnest prayer of, Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXIII.

Eversham, Sept. 28, 1750.

Dear Miss B――,

I Thank you for your kind letter, and thank our heavenly Father for blessing the seed sown to any of my hearers. Not unto me O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy free unmerited mercy, be all the glory!

If thou excuse, then work thy will,

By so unfit an instrument;

It will at once thy grace display,

And prove thy power omnipotent.

Hitherto our Lord continues to help me. Since my return from Scotland, I have been brought very low; but as my day is, so is my strength. At London, Portsmouth, Chatham, and lately in Gloucestershire we have had many pleasant seasons. I am now going to Birmingham, Coventry, &c. God only knows when I shall see my beloved Scotland again. Gladly could I live and die with my dear friends there. It is my comfort, that those who are friends to Jesus, shall live eternally together hereafter. I know several of late that went off triumphantly. O that we may be kept from being cumbered! O that nothing may draw us from the feet of Jesus! There, and there alone is solid peace to be found. Every thing is good that drives us thither. That this may be always your abiding place, is the earnest prayer of, dear Miss B――,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXIV.

To the Reverend Mr. Z――.

Ashby, Oct. 9, 1750.

I Should have written to you long before now, but I waited for the arrival of Mr. Habersham’s ship, in which I expected letters of consequence. They are now come, and two of the chief I send enclosed in this, and shall omit saying any thing further, till I have the pleasure of seeing you, which I hope will be some time next week or the week after. Immediately after I left you, I have reason to think that the glorious Redeemer (O infinite condescension!) vouchsafed to make me instrumental in the conversion of Lady H――’s eldest daughter, who I hope is gone to rest. I am now at her Ladyship’s house with four other clergymen, who I believe love and preach Christ in sincerity: but Ashby people reject the kingdom of God against themselves. At Portsmouth, Chatham, Gloucestershire, Birmingham, Wednesbury, Eversham, Nottingham, &c. our infinite High-priest has given us pleasant seasons. I am now waiting every day for my wife’s being delivered of her present burden, and hope ere long to rejoice that a child is born into the world. O that it may be born again and made an heir of the Redeemer’s kingdom. This is all my desire. Honoured Sir, you see how freely I open myself unto you. I count it a great privilege that you allow me this liberty, and I earnestly pray our blessed Lord to reward you ten thousand fold. He has been pleased frequently to comfort and encourage my heart this circuit, and in the midst of all, lets me know he is my God. O that he may be my glory! O that I may be never left to dishonour him! Reverend Sir, for Jesus’s sake continue to pray for me, who, with grateful acknowledgments for all favours, beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,

Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and fellow-labourer in the kingdom of Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXV.

To the Countess D――.

Ashby, Oct. 11, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

IT would give me concern, was I to return to London, though from ever so short an excursion, without letting your Ladyship know that you are always remembered by me at the throne of grace. Upon such a throne the Redeemer sits, holding out his golden sceptre, and asking us, “What is your petition? And what is your request?” My request for your Ladyship is, that you may increase with all the increase of God. This I trust your Ladyship is daily doing, and consequently increasing in inward happiness, peace and joy. The riches of the divine life are indeed unsearchable. May your Ladyship dig for them as for hid treasure, till faith be turned into vision, and hope into the endless fruition of the ever blessed God! That time will shortly come. I have been labouring at Birmingham, in Gloucestershire, at Nottingham, &c. to awaken a sleepy world to a sense of it, and I trust not without success. On last Thursday I came here, and next Monday, God willing, shall set out for London. Good Lady H―― goes on acting the part of a mother in Israel, more and more. For a day or two she has had five clergymen under her roof, which makes her Ladyship look like a good Archbishop with his Chaplains around him. Her house is indeed a Bethel. To us in the ministry, it looks like a college. We have the Sacrament every morning, heavenly conversation all day, and preach at night. This is to live at Court, indeed. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a little flock that seemed to be awakened by the grace of God; so that even out of ungrateful Ashby, I trust there will be raised up many children unto Abraham. Your Ladyship, and the other elect Ladies, are never forgotten by us. I would write to good Lady F――, but I hear she is out of town. That the choicest of divine blessings, even the sure mercies of David, may follow you both all the days of your lives, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXVI.

To Lady ♦H――n.

Ashby, Oct. 11, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

IT is with great pleasure that I have heard of your Ladyship’s being so supported under your late bereavement, and of the good impressions made on surviving relations by it. Thus the Redeemer delights to magnify his strength in his people’s weakness, and causes the death of one, to be the life, as it were, the resurrection of another. O what amazing mysteries will be unfolded, when each link in the golden chain of Providence and Grace, shall be seen and scanned by beatified spirits in the kingdom of heaven! There all will appear symmetry and harmony, and even the most intricate and seemingly most contrary dispensations, will be evidenced to be the result of infinite and consummate wisdom, power, and love. Above all, there the believer will see the infinite depths of that mystery of godliness, “God manifested in the flesh,” and join with that blessed choir, who with a restless unweariedness are ever singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. There your Ladyship I believe will see your departed daughter, not struggling with a burning fever, but burning with love extatic, and with seraphic sweetness adoring that Redeemer, who at the eleventh hour, even on a dying bed, snatched her as a brand out of the fire. But what am I doing? I fear, making your Ladyship’s wounds to bleed afresh.—But, honoured Madam, is it not a pleasant bleeding, to think of bearing children for heaven! To see those nearest and dearest parts of ourselves go before us thither—O what a favour is this! May your Ladyship be always thus highly favoured: may you live to see all your surviving children taught and born of God. I must not enlarge. Neither have I room to acquaint your Ladyship, how that mirror of piety, good Lady H――, adorns the gospel of her Lord in all things. I wrote some particulars of our situation to the good Countess. I can now only add, that when I come to town, your Ladyship may at any time command, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXVII.

To Mr. T――.

Ashby, Oct. 13, 1750.

My very dear Mr. T――,

YOUR kind letter did not reach me till about two days ago. I embrace the first opportunity of answering it. If you write often, God willing, you shall hear oftener from me. You are peculiarly dear to me, and therefore I heartily wish you was thrust out into our Lord’s harvest. Vox populi, much more vox amicorum, is frequently vox Dei. I say to you, as a good old minister did to one whom you know, and who was as unwilling to go into the vineyard, as you can be, “I believe if St. Paul was alive, he would ordain you.” You have a moderate share of learning, an agreeable address, a good elocution, a little knowledge of mankind, and of yourself, and above all an experimental acquaintance with the Lord Jesus Christ, with a door of usefulness immediately opening; and what would you more? I wish some latent pride may not be at the bottom. Lose no more time, my dear man. The voice of Christ to you now is, “Follow me, and I will make thee a fisher of men.” The harvest is great, the labourers are few. Thousands are perishing for lack of that knowledge, which you have already. The world wants more heat than light. Crescit eundo, crescit agendo, is a young minister’s motto. I think the Itinerancy abroad would suit you well. By travelling before you take on you a settled charge, you will get a deeper insight into the world and the church; you will insensibly acquire larger and more sublime thoughts of God’s providence and grace, and consequently be more fit to serve whatever flock the Holy Ghost shall hereafter place you over. I believe that your honoured father loves Christ too well, to stand out long against a rational scheme for the extensive usefulness of his son. He is a dear man, whom I love in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Pray remember me to him in the kindest manner, and tell him I purpose writing to him as soon as possible. This leaves me at Ashby, at good Lady H――n’s, whose house is indeed a Bethel to those who are willing to follow her, as she follows Jesus Christ. One of high rank, I really believe, was converted lately on a dying bed, and her death I trust hath proved the life of one or two more. One of the Kendal converts is gone off in flying colours, and our blessed Lord has given us sweet seasons at Portsmouth, Chatham, Gloucestershire, Birmingham, Eversham, Wednesbury, Nottingham, &c. Next Monday, God willing, I go for London, in order to put into winter quarters. The Lord prepare me for a fresh campaign! Do you know any one fit for a Tutor at Georgia? I am glad that New Jersey college succeeds. I had lately a letter from Governor Belcher, which I suppose you have seen; it was sent to Mr. N――. Colonel W―― proposes that Mr. P―― shall come over with one of the Indians; I wish he may. I am sorry to hear that Mr. ―― is likely to destroy himself by hard study. I had rather he would kill himself with hard working, and going about to do good. Mr. G―― seems to me to have chosen the better part. How is dear Mr. R―― W――? I hope he is like a flame of fire. Pray salute him and all my dear, very dear friends in the tenderest manner. I could live and die with them. In heaven we shall live together. There we shall see our dear Mr. L――. I hope your little choir are every day learning more and more of the new song, in order to join him in the realms above.—You have all my hearty love and prayers. Accept the same yourself in a very particular manner from, very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in a precious Christ,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXVIII.

To Governor B――.

Ashby, Oct. 13, 1750.

Honoured Sir,

I Had the favour of your Excellency’s letter, and took the liberty of communicating it to good Lady H――n, who shines in the church of Christ on this side the water, as a star of the first magnitude. Her Ladyship will be very glad to open a correspondence with your Excellency; and seems to speak of New-Jersey College with great satisfaction. I rejoice to hear that it is in a prosperous situation. If Mr. P―― or Mr. B―― can be prevailed on to come over, I am persuaded liberal contributions will be raised both in England and Scotland. All was ready, if dear Mr. A―― had not been taken off by death; but even this our blessed Lord can and will over-rule for good. I think it forebodes good for America, that such a spirit is excited in so many provinces for promoting a learned and religious education. God only knows how much my heart is on that side the water. I should certainly have embarked about this time, did not my wife daily expect an hour of travail. I can only say, “It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good.” Blessed be his name, fresh doors for usefulness are opened every week. We had a blessed scene this Summer in Scotland, and ever since I have been ranging about, to see who will believe the gospel report. O that I may die in the field! I am now at my good Lady’s with three clergymen that love and preach Jesus Christ. Several souls have been awakened here. One of high birth was lately converted on her dying bed; and by that means I trust one or two more are put upon securing the one thing needful. On Monday I shall leave her Ladyship, to go for London, which is to be my Winter quarters. I shall long for Spring, that I may enter upon a fresh campaign. O that my soul may begin to spring indeed! spring for Him who was stretched upon the accursed tree to save my wretched soul. Blessed be his name, that your Excellency has got such a sweet retreat in the decline of life; where, free from noise and hurry, you and your consort may ripen for heaven, and consequently be more and more fitted for your last great change. That will now shortly come. Your Excellency is arrived to a good old age. You have by faith seen the Lord Christ. You have been instrumental in founding a christian college. Let death come when it will, with good old Simeon, you may say, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,” for my soul hath experienced thy great salvation! This I believe, honoured Sir, is all your desire. Our Lord will grant it to you. O that when you are near his throne, you may have a petition upon your heart for unworthy, ill-deserving, hell-deserving me! Your Excellency hath laid me under many obligations; let me entreat you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, to add to them by not ceasing to pray for me, that as I have had much forgiven me, I may, with Magdalen, love much; and being a brand plucked out of the burning, I may, in God’s own time and way, be translated to dwell with Jesus in his kingdom. As our Lord enables, the favour shall constantly be returned in behalf of you and yours, by, honoured Sir,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXIX.

To Baron Z――.

London, Nov. 9, 1750.

Honoured Sir,

THE love of Jesus Christ constrains me to send you a few lines. They flow from a heart truly sympathizing with your beloved Baroness, under your present trials. O that patience may have its perfect work in your souls! O that with your tempted, afflicted, agonizing Jesus, you may be enabled to say, “The cup, which our heavenly Father hath given us, shall we not drink it?” I doubt not, but you find it sweetened with his love:—“for he will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear; but will with the temptation make a way for us to escape.” The sacrificing our relations to his sovereign good will and pleasure, is no small trial, especially when unconverted. But what says the scripture? “Neither did his brethren believe on him.” Your Lord can sympathize with you under your present circumstances;

He knows what this temptation means,

For he has felt the same.

Look up, therefore, to him, honoured Sir, who has promised never to leave nor forsake you. He hath helped you out of six, he will also help you out of seven troubles. I write this out of the fulness of my heart. My poor prayers are continually ascending to the throne of grace in your behalf. I hope you will not be offended at my freedom in writing. Love and gratitude are my only motives. Good Lady H――n will sympathize with you, when she hears how you are situated. I left her some little time past abounding in the work of the Lord. I had a pleasant excursion into the country, and my Winter quarters are made very agreeable in town. What shall I render unto the Lord? Honoured Sir, I beg a continued interest in your prayers, and those of your honoured Baroness.—You know my name,—I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for Jesus Christ’s sake,

Your sympathizing ready servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXX.

To Mr. S――.

Canterbury, Nov. 20, 1750.

My dear Mr. S――,

BY that time yours reached London, I suppose my last will have reached Dublin, and find you on the full stretch for him, who was stretched upon the cross for you and me. As far as I can judge of the circumstances you related to me, settling as you propose, will not hinder, but rather further you in your present work. Only beware of nestling. If you do, and God loves you (as I believe he does) you shall have thorns enough put into your nest. O that I may be enabled, even to the end, to evidence, that nothing but a pure disinterested love to Christ and souls, caused me to begin, go on, and hold out, in pursuing the present work of God! I have seen so many that once bid exceedingly fair, and afterwards, Demas like, preferred the world to Christ, that I cannot be too jealous over myself, or others whom I profess to love. This is my motive in writing to you, love, even love unfeigned; love for Christ’s sake, and the good of souls. O let no one take away your crown. If you marry, let it be in the Lord, and for the Lord, and then the Lord will give it his blessing. Only remember this, marry when or whom you will, expect trouble in the flesh. But I spare you. Seven years hence, if we should live and meet, we can talk better of these things. In the mean while, let us go on leaning on our Beloved. He, and He alone, can keep us unspotted from the world. Does the work prosper among you? It increases here. At Canterbury I find several souls are awakened. God willing, I leave it to-morrow. You must pray for me, and exhort all to continue their prayers also. I expect, one day or another, to see some glorious days in Ireland. I am called away.—For the present, adieu.

Yours most affectionately in our blessed Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXI.

To Mr. T――.

London, Nov. 30, 1750.

My dear Mr. T――,

AS I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and look upon you as an aged friend of the blessed Bridegroom, and my friend for his great name’s sake, I cannot help dropping you a few lines. They are lines of gratitude; lines of thanks for all favours conferred upon me when in Scotland. They leave me pleasantly sojourning in my Winter quarters, and longing for the Spring that I may enter upon a fresh campaign. Now and then I make little excursions, and can inform you, that there is a sweet work begun and carrying on at Canterbury and Chatham. I long to hear that your son John has put his hand to the gospel plough, and am not without hopes that his lot will be to itinerate, at least for a while. He seems to be qualified for such an employ. I shall be glad to see him on the other side of the water. Had I the management of a thousand youths, if circumstances would allow, they should travel for one year at least, before they took upon them a settled charge. Methinks I hear you say, “What! will you take my Benjamin away?” This was old Jacob’s infirmity. You love Christ too well to refuse giving up the young lad, if it should appear in providence that the Lord hath need of him either at home or abroad. I pray God to direct and bless you both, and to establish his covenant with you and your seed for ever. You are now on the decline of life. I have been just reading about the year of jubilee. How joyful were the prisoners when they heard of the approach of that wish’d-for day! How much more joyful may those be, who having an interest in Jesus Christ, are waiting for the last trump, to proclaim our eternal jubilee in heaven! This, my dear friend, is your happy lot. Rejoice, and again I say, rejoice. The day of our complete redemption draweth nigh. Let us then lift up our heads, and let us lift up our hearts to praise him, from whom alone cometh our salvation. I could enlarge, but am called away. My hearty love to all enquiring friends. I think to write to your son soon. We had a happy day yesterday among the Great Ones. I am, my very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our dear Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXII.

To Doctor W――.

London, Dec. 17, 1750.

My dear Doctor,

I Received your kind letter, and would have answered it much sooner, had I not been prevented by sickness. For near a fortnight past, I have been confined to my room; but through the divine blessing, am now enabled to preached again. Praise the Lord, O my soul. My disorder was a violent fever: Jesus hath rebuked it. I am raised up once more. O may it be that I may minister unto him! For me to live is Christ. But alas! how little do I live to his glory! Yesterday I entered upon my seven-and-thirtieth year. I am ashamed to think I have lived so long, and done so little, and yet every year, day, and hour of my life hath been crowned with the divine goodness. O my dear friend, let this be our motto, Vivimus ut viviamus. It is enough when we come to our last moments, to have nothing to do, but to die. Blessed be God, that you have courage given you to speak to the dying. A word spoken in such a season how good is it? May the great physician take you under his peculiar care, forgive you all your sins, and heal all your diseases! I purpose writing to my friend J―― T――, and others, as I get strength. At present, I must content myself with sending general, but cordial salutations, and begging the continual interest of your prayers in behalf of, my very dear Sir,

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXIII.

To Mr. T――.

London, Dec. 21, 1750.

I Have been lately near the gates of death, which has hindered my answering your kind letter as soon as I proposed. Accept a few, though loving lines now. I hope they will find you entered upon your trials, and longing to preach the gospel, which you have felt to be the power of God to the salvation of your soul. Every line of your letter seemed to have this call in it, “Rise, T――r, rise,—the harvest is great; the labourers are few: pray the Lord of the harvest to send thee, and many more like-minded, into the harvest.” I cannot write much at present. Inclosed you have a few extracts. That from Lady H――n, came last week when she was dangerously ill. May the Lord continue her useful life! I am now entering upon my seven-and-thirtieth year. O that I may begin to live to him, who hath lived and died for me! I shall be glad to know your friend’s answer about Georgia. If the Lord raises up a solid, heavenly-minded, learned young man for a tutor, I shall be glad. Nothing, I believe, but sickness or death, will prevent my going over next year. Methinks the winter is long; I want to take the field again. Could you send me all Mr. G――’s weekly papers. We prayed heartily last Monday for the awakened Hollanders. I have heard of several lately awakened here. To the blessed and glorious Jesus be all the praise. My dear friend, my heart leaps at the very mention of his name. When I muse of him, the fire kindles. O that you and I may shew forth his praise while we have a tongue! Pray remember me to all in the kindest manner, and beg them not to forget unworthy me. Let not my being so slow in answering your last, prevent your writing speedily to, my dear Mr. T――,

Yours most affectionately in our dearest Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXIV.

To Lady S――.

London, Dec. 25, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

I Had the favour of your Ladyship’s letter on Saturday afternoon, and immediately communicated what concerned him, to my ingenious and devout friend Mr. H――. With this, your Ladyship will receive a line from him. I persuaded him, that your Ladyship would not take it ill. Poor Mr. B―― is much obliged to your Ladyship for speaking in his behalf. He happened to be with me, when your Ladyship’s letter came. The Reception that your Ladyship’s kind motion met with, convinces me more and more, that “Be ye warmed, and be ye filled,” without giving any thing to be warmed and filled with, is the farthest that most professors go. Words are cheap, and cost nothing; and therefore many can say, “they pity,” and that extremely too, when at the same time, their practice shews it is only a verbal, and not a real compassion. I often told the poor man, that his dependance was too strong; and that I was afraid least help would not come from that quarter where he expected most. He sends ten thousand thanks for what your Ladyship hath done already. Surely he is worthy. He is a lover of Christ, and his outward circumstances very pitiable indeed. Your Ladyship will not be offended at the freedom I take. You love to help the distressed to the utmost of your power; and your Ladyship shall find that good measure, pressed down and running over, shall be returned into your bosom. That your Ladyship may experience the truth of this, in respect to temporals and spirituals, more and more every day, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXV.

To Mr. S――.

London, Jan. 4, 1751.

My dear Mr. S――,

IMMEDIATELY upon the receipt of your last from Limerick, I wrote you an answer, directed for you at Limerick post-office, as you desired. As you are going that way, ere this reaches you, I hope you will have received it. I pray the Lord of all lords to give you such grace, that all may see, that the doctrines of the gospel are indeed productive of righteousness, and true holiness in heart, lip, and life. Mind this, and then fear not. Continue as you are, until you are absolutely rejected. I want not to proselyte persons to myself, but to the glorious Emmanuel, my Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Perhaps He may send me to Ireland; though some weeks ago I hoped that he was about to take me to heaven. I kept my room near a fortnight, and still continue very weak. This obliges me to be brief. My wife is now expecting an hour of travail. Some time this month I trust she will be delivered. She desires to be remembered to you. God willing, Mr. Z―― shall hear from me. I do not yet hear who is to be the person. Unless you have thoughts of going abroad, I see no objection against your altering your condition. May the Lord direct and bless you and all in that important step! It is a change for life. We have had blessed seasons here; but methinks the Winter is very long. O that I was entering upon a Spring campaign! It is a new year. My dear Mr. S――, why should we not begin to begin to live to that Jesus, who has done and suffered so much for us! I trust this is the language of your heart,

A life that all things casts behind,

Springs forth obedient at thy call;

A heart, that no desire can move,

But still t’adore, believe, and love,

Give me, my Lord, my life, my all!

I hear you say, Amen, Amen. Hallelujah! I must have done. Bodily strength fails me. My love to all that love Christ Jesus. Brethren, pray for us, is the earnest request of, my dear Mr. S――,

Yours most affectionately in our dearest Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXVI.

To Mr. L――.

London, Jan. 13, 1751.

Dear Mr. L――,

BEFORE I had the pleasure of your letter, I had heard some particulars of the late commotion at Canterbury. Ere now I hope you have been directed to the choice of such means, as may, under God, open the door wider than ever for preaching the everlasting gospel in your parts. Satan has done at Canterbury as he always does elsewhere; I mean, he has overshot his mark. Such proceedings are too violent to hold long. Exhort, therefore, my dear Sir, your fellow-soldiers, to quit themselves like men, and be strong. Put ye on the whole armour of God; and always remember, that through much tribulation we must enter into glory. Now is the time for you to prove the strength of Jesus to be yours. Your way to fight, is upon your knees. That weapon all-prayer will do wonders. The devil has lost some servants, and he is afraid of losing more. Therefore he rallies his forces as Pharaoh harnessed his chariots, and wants to bring you back to Egypt. Your business is to go on. Though Pharaoh is behind, and a red-sea before you,—ere long you shall pass through the one, and see the other totally destroyed. In patience possess ye your souls. God is able to bring the counsel of every Achitophel to nought. You know in whom you have believed. He never did, he never will, he never can fail those that put their trust in him. Think of those farewel words, which he spake in the days of his flesh to his dear disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; in the world ye shall have tribulation:—But I have overcome the world.” That is enough to raise every drooping heart. He hath overcome for us; he will overcome in us, and ere long call us to reign with him for ever in glory. O blessed hope! Whilst I am musing on it, the fire kindles. Brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you. The Lord strengthen you, and give you to pray for

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXVII.

To Mr. X―― Y――.

London, Jan. 15, 1751.

Dear Sir,

YOUR letter came safe to hand. I pray God enable me to answer it agreeable to his will. Your call to enter into the ministry, seems to be pretty clear, and if your health would permit you to be a tutor, and courage be given you to act like a good soldier of Jesus Christ, you might do unspeakable good in residing at college. If a person’s health will not admit of such a residence, I think by the laws of God and man, his absence may be dispensed with. Originally, Fellows were appointed to reside; but there is no general rule without an exception. Particular circumstances can only determine particular cases. Mr. W―― I know hath been dispensed with many years:—and though I cannot say I have approved of this part of his conduct, yet as he is called elsewhere, and applies the college income to good purposes, I suppose he thinks he acts an honest and christian part. As for the difficulties you seem to place before you, I can only say, “Nil desperandum Christo duce.” Every new scene brings its new temptations; but faith in the Son of God, will make us more than conquerors over all. His love shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is the best director and support in all circumstances whatsoever. For want of an establishment in this, and through the prevalency of an hypocondraical disorder, you seem to have particular scruples about particular things. It is what all persons, entering on the divine life, are more or less exposed to. “Meditation, prayer, reading, and temptation, (says holy Luther) make a minister.” Your levity of spirit, and fickleness of temper, are your greatest diseases. These are to be watched and prayed against, and by divine grace will be overcome. Look up, therefore, dear Sir, to the blessed Jesus. Out of weakness he can and will make you to become strong, and turn your lightness of spirit into solid joy. Till then, be content rather to appear stupid, than by giving way to the luxuriancy of unsanctified wit, bring guilt upon your soul. Thus, dear Sir, I have endeavoured to answer your letter; though I must confess, as you are so near, I had rather converse with you personally. You may use freedom with me. I rejoice that the glorious Jesus hath in any degree blessed my poor administrations to you. I need not, therefore, remind you to give him all the glory, and entreat you to pray for me, who am the very chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, but for Christ’s sake, dear Sir,

Your very ready servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXVIII.

To Mr. B――.

London, Jan. 18, 1751.

My very dear Friend,

YOUR kind letter I received this morning. The love I owe you for Christ’s sake, constrains me to send you an immediate answer. From the same motive I just now wrote to Mr. B――. Poor man! This is a home-stroke indeed! I hope he and his yoke-fellow will now take a large step to heaven. May God prepare us, my dear friend, for the finishing trials! We must all have them in our turns. But wherefore should we fear? Out of very faithfulness, our heavenly Father causes us to be troubled. Of his infinite mercy he hath lately been pleased to visit me with a threatening illness. I was just casting anchor;—but it seems I must put out to sea again. O that it may be to direct others to the way that leads to the haven of eternal rest! Who knows but I may sound the gospel once more in Scotland? I have some thoughts of coming for a little while, before I embark for America. You will desire all the societies to pray, that the Lord would order my goings in his way. I rejoice that they hold on their way. May they hold on and hold out to the end! My constant prayer for them is, that they may increase with all the increase of God. Many in town have been awakened this Winter. O that I was humble! When shall that once be? O that I was thankful! Fain would I burn with love and gratitude like a seraph.

With arms of love, and wings of faith,

I’d fly and take the prize.

Well! Let faith and patience hold out a little longer, and all will be well. He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it. Believers should look more to Jesus. It is the only way to keep their hands from hanging down, and to strengthen their feeble knees. Exhort all to this: and pray salute every enquiring friend, every member of the societies, in the most endearing manner; for indeed I love my Scotch friends in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Whilst I am writing to and thinking of them, tears, but tears of love, are ready to gush from mine eyes. O that I may meet them all in the kingdom of our Father! O that their lamps may be always trimmed, and their loins girt! Behold Jesus comes quickly, and his reward is with him: let us not leave him. Let us not flag in the latter stages of our road. O our bleeding, agonizing, dying Jesus, how have we pierced thee! At least how have I! O that we may look and love, look and mourn, even as one that mourneth for a first-born or an only son. Dear Mr. B―― can now comment on this text. May the Lord comfort his heart, and be better to him than seven sons! I can no more. Affections of various kinds quite overflow. I long to begin to do something for Jesus. A sense of my vileness and unfruitfulness, quite breaks my heart. Surely I shall sing, free grace in heaven.—I write this to you as a friend. The Lord be with you, and reward you and all, for their sympathy with me and mine. Fail not to pray for me; and believe me to be, my very dear Mr. B――,

Yours in the best of bonds,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXIX.

To Dr. W――.

Ashby-Place, Jan. 29, 1751.

My very dear Sir,

IT is high time to answer your kind letter. I am doing it at Ashby, whither I rid post, not knowing whether I should see good Lady H――n alive. Blessed be God, she is somewhat better, and I trust will not yet die, but live and abound more and more in the work of the Lord. Entreat all our friends to pray for her. Indeed she is worthy. Her sister-in-law, Lady Frances H――, lies dead in the house. She was a retired christian, lived silently, and died suddenly without a groan. May my exit be like hers! Whether right or not, I cannot help wishing that I may go off in the same manner. To me it is worse than death, to live to be nursed, and see friends weeping about one. Sudden death, is sudden glory. Methinks it is falling a sleep indeed, or rather a translation. But all this must be left to our heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us and others. Let it be our care to have all things ready. Let the house of our hearts, and our temporal affairs be put in order immediately, that we may have nothing to do but to obey the summons, though it should be at evening, cock-crowing, or in the morning. Physicians that are always attending on the dying, one would imagine should in a peculiar manner learn to die daily. May this be your daily employ! I believe it is; though, like me, you must complain that the old man dies hard. Well, has he got his deadly blow? Die then he shall, even that death to which he put our Lord. O that the language of our hearts may always be, “Crucify, crucify him.” This is painful. But the Redeemer can help us to bear it.

Thou wilt give strength, thou wilt give power;

Thou wilt in time set free;

This great deliverance let us hope,

Not for ourselves, but thee!

I write this out of the fulness of my heart. You will receive it as such, and remember me in the best manner to all friends. We have had good times. All glory be to Jesus through all eternity!

Yours, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXX.

To Lady M―― H――.

Ashby, Jan. 30, 1751.

Honoured Madam,

LAST Monday evening, through the goodness of an ever-blessed Redeemer, I got safe to Ashby, where I found good Lady H――n very sick, though I trust not unto death. All advise her Ladyship to take a journey to Bristol, for the benefit of the waters, which her Ladyship seems determined to do. The death of Lady Frances, has not affected her Ladyship so as to hurt her. She rejoices at the thoughts of her sister’s being so quickly translated out of this house of bondage, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Her death was a translation indeed. Her Ladyship died without a groan. She seemed as it were to smile at death; and may be said, I trust, truly “to fall asleep in Jesus.” Ere long, she and all that sleep in Jesus, shall come with him. I hope it hath been a purging time in this family. Almost all have been sick in their turns. Lady Selina has had a fever, but is better. Lady Betty is more affected than ever I saw her. A letter now from one of the young ladies, I hope would do service. Lady Ann bears up pretty well, but Miss W――r is inconsolable. It is a house of mourning; that is better than a house of feasting. The corpse is to be interred on Friday evening. May all that follow it, look and learn! I mean, learn to live, and learn to die. This is a lesson which you and yours, honoured Madam, I trust are learning every day. We had need be careful to get our lesson perfect, since we know not when the Son of Man will come, whether at evening,—cock-crowing,—or in the morning. To be ready at that hour, is all in all. Good Lady H――n sends her sincerest compliments. If any thing extraordinary happens before my return, your Ladyship shall hear again from, honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXI.

To Doctor S――.

Ashby, Feb. 4, 1751.

My dear Doctor,

YOUR letter distresses me. God hasten the time when you shall sing chearfully,

Be gone, vain world, my heart resign,

For I must be no longer thine;

A nobler, a diviner guest,

Has got possession of my breast.

Why will you not shake off your chains? Why will you be stricken any more? You must come back, or be undone for ever. What have you gained by running from your father’s house? His servants have bread enough, whilst you are perishing with hunger. Say, say, I pray you, without delay, “I will arise and go to my Father.” His love keeps you uneasy; his love hedges up your way; his love follows and pursues you with this mighty famine. The language of all is, “Give me thy heart.” Be content to become a fool for Christ’s sake. Your body as well as soul, will suffer even in this world, if you do not comply. You are half dead already. Faith in Christ, and the love of God shed abroad in your heart, can alone cure you. You know too much to be happy without it: and O that dreadful sentence, “It had been better for them never to have known ―― &c.” For Christ’s sake, remember Lot’s wife. You are almost become a pillar of salt already. Out of anguish I write this. May Christ’s love so constrain you, that you may never rest till you find solid rest in him! Good Lady H――n is gone to take the air. Your message shall be delivered. She is but poorly; and my wife writes me word, that she is exceeding bad. This must hasten my remove from hence. I insist upon Mr. H――ly’s coming directly to Ashby, if he has any regard for good Lady H――n. She ought always to have a christian friend with her. That you may have a feeling possession of Christ in your heart, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Sir,

Yours, &c. in great haste, but greater concern for you,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXII.

To Mr. B――.

London, Feb. 8, 1751.

Dear Sir,

YESTERDAY I saw your letter to Mr. V――, which made me to think a line would not altogether be unacceptable to you. And what shall I say? Your case is affecting. O that your present confinement may be sanctified to the setting of your imprisoned soul at liberty, and bringing you home (after having so long fed on husks with swine) to feed upon the fatted calf! You know the father’s behaviour to the returning prodigal. He saw him when he was yet a great way off.—He ran towards him,—filthy as he was, he fell upon his neck, and kissed him. Thus, if you resolve with the prodigal, to arise and go to your Father, will the ever-blessed God deal with you. He will embrace you in the arms of his love; he will also cloathe you with the righteousness of his dear Son, and cause joy to be in heaven even over you, on repenting and returning to him. Is not this enough to encourage you to lay hold on his golden sceptre? to resolve, in divine strength, to mortify and bid adieu to all those sins, by which you have dishonoured your glorious Maker? You see, Sir, what wages Satan gives; death even in this world, and alas! eternal death in the world to come. God keep you from this second death, and then temporal shame will be but little. The way you know; Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is mighty, and willing to save to the uttermost all that come to the Father in and through him. Come then, dear Sir, and throw yourself at the feet of his mercy. He will not only pardon, but abundantly pardon you. In Jesus Christ there is a fountain opened for sin and for all uncleanness. “Wash ye, make ye clean,” is the call of God to all, and now the particular call of God to you. May the Spirit of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, bring it home to your soul, and make it effectual to your thorough conversion! Let this be your sole care. For this and this only is the one thing needful. As for seeing Mrs. ――, if I was to advise (as it hath been hitherto deferred) I would have you both decline it a little longer. Wait and see the issue of your trial; she can do you no good, and by coming may do herself harm. But this is a tender point. May Providence point out what is best! If we acknowledge the Lord, we have a promise, “that he will direct us in all our ways.” I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and beg you to accept this from, dear Sir,

Your sympathizing friend and servant for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXIII.

To Lady H――n.

London, Feb. 26, 1751.

Ever-honoured Madam,

YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter, which came to hand yesterday, was an unexpected as well as undeserved favour, and for which I return your Ladyship ten thousand thanks. Surely the Lord of all lords will at length answer the prayers of his people, and raise you up to the joy of many souls. It would rejoice your Ladyship much to see what has been doing here. I have not known a more considerable awakening for a long time. The Lord comes down as in the days of old, and the shout of a king is amongst us. Praise the Lord, O my soul! The inclosed, which came from abroad, I believe will give your Ladyship satisfaction. I think it is an earnest of good things to come. To-morrow I purpose to leave London; but whether the rain and wind will permit me is uncertain. I am at present quite feverish, by my late hurry and fatigue; but God is my portion and my confidence for ever. Underneath your Ladyship are his everlasting arms; you cannot sink with such a prop. Your Ladyship must be made conqueror, yea more than conqueror, through his love. That, is engaged to bring you through whatever sufferings may be yet before you. He is faithful, who hath promised, “that we shall not be tempted above what we are able to bear.” This is my daily support. To explain God’s providence by the promise, and not his promise by his providence, I find is the only way both to get and to keep our comforts. Above all, I find that looking unto Jesus, is an universal, never-failing antidote against every evil. This is what your Ladyship knows by happy experience. May you know it more and more so every day and hour! But I fear I weary your Ladyship, and therefore hasten to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXIV.

To Mr. ――.

London, March 1, 1751.

Very dear Sir,

YOUR generous conduct much affects me; it hath drawn me to the throne of grace in your behalf. If any of my poor writings should be rendered either entertaining or beneficial to you, I hope it will make me more thankful to him, who is the father of lights, and from whom every good and perfect gift cometh. Mr. H―― writes me word, that his heart is knit to you. I wish the colony affairs may not lie too hard upon him. Whenever he dies, I believe he will die as it were a martyr for the welfare of Georgia. He mentions Mr. H―― for a magistrate in his stead; if I might advise, nothing should be denied, that might strengthen Mr. H――’s hands. I know him to be a tried friend, and one who has the good of that poor province exceedingly at heart. Young M――, he thinks, might be ordained for an itinerant preacher among the negroes. A good beginning amongst them might be of vast consequence. Mr. Z―― hath this affair much at heart. I give you these hints to be improved as you think proper. My views to serve Georgia are disinterested; so I believe are yours. Such intentions the great Redeemer will own and bless one way or another. I wish I could have my packet from Westminster, ♦before I leave town. I think you do right to send the young gentleman to B――. If he inquires for Mr. J―― S―― a merchant, he will be taken care of. B―― is no good place however for young men, for there young B―― has been hurt. But alas, if people’s hearts are not upright, change of place will avail but little. This consideration induces me to send the inclosed. I commit it to your care, and commend your better part to his mercy, who hath loved and given himself for us. That you may experience all the unsearchable riches of his superabundant grace, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,

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

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXV.

To Mr. ――.

London, March 1, 1751.

Dear Sir,

YOUR acknowledgment for my poor present, is more than it deserved. If it is made of use to your precious soul, I have my desired end. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that his goodness may lead you to a thorough repentance, and that you may have no rest, till you truly believe on Jesus Christ. Reformation is not renovation: and unless the heart be totally and thoroughly changed, when the fear of hell and other outward restraints are gone, good impressions will gradually wear off, and the seeming convert return again to folly. The love of Christ therefore constrains me, dear Sir, to exhort you to make thorough work of it, and to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Now indeed is the accepted time! Surely you may say, “Am I not a brand plucked out of the burning?” Satan will not care that you should leave him without some attacks. When you are abroad, old habits, and old corruptions will strive to renew their ancient acquaintance with you: merry company will endeavour to redebauch you, and your grand adversary the devil will labour to render all the amazing mercies you have received, fruitless and abortive.—Be upon your guard. Distrust yourself. Be instant in prayer. Look continually to Jesus, and then as your day is, so shall your strength be. Be pleased to accept this in love. If I may judge of your aspect and letter, you will. Glad shall I be to find you a new creature in Georgia. My prayers shall follow you, and I hope ere long we shall meet with our brother and all the redeemed of the Lord in paradise. Be pleased to remember me to Mr. R――; and if you would mind me, as the chief of sinners and less than the least of all saints, when you get access to the throne of grace, you would oblige, dear Sir,

Your real friend for Christ’s sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXVI.

To the Reverend Mr. H――.

Bristol, March 17, 1751.

My very dear Friend,

THIS comes with a summons from good Lady H――, for you to appear in Bristol, and abide for a month or two at my brother’s house. You must not refuse. The God who has carried that elect Lady through such bad roads from Ashby hither, will take care of you, and I am persuaded you will not repent your journey. Her Ladyship made the motion to me, and intends writing herself. Blessed be God, she is much better, and I trust will do well. She will have nobody to give her the Sacrament unless you come. I hope this will find you at the tabernacle house, and trust shall hear of your sister’s safe delivery. My tender and cordial respects await her, your dear brother, and his whole houshold. I ventured the other day to put out a guinea to interest for you. It was to release an excellent christian, who by living very hard, and working near twenty hours out of four-and-twenty, had brought himself very low. He has a wife and four children, and was above two guineas in debt. I gave one for myself and one for you. We shall have good interest for our money in another world. O for a mind like his, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might become rich! I have been recommending him this morning, and purpose doing so again this evening. In Gloucestershire the word hath been gladly received, and here we have had pleasant gales. O my dear Sir, follow me with your prayers. The Lord be with your spirit. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXVII.

To Mr. B――.

Bristol, March 22, 1751.

Reverend and very dear Sir,

I Lately received your last kind letter, and am glad to find that you are enabled to joy in tribulation, and to say, “Father, not my will, but thine be done.” May the Lord increase your faith, and if you should be called to give up your Isaac, your dear yoke-fellow, may you, Aaron like, hold your peace, and by an undissembled resignation to the divine will, glorify your God! My wife has been in pitiable circumstances for some time. The Lord only knows what will be the issue of them. This is my comfort, “all things work together for good to those that love God.” He is the father of mercies, and the God of all consolation. He can bring light out of darkness, and cause the barren wilderness to smile. This I trust will be verified in Georgia. Thanks be to God, that the time for favouring that Colony seems to be come. I think now is the season for us to exert our utmost for the good of the poor Ethiopians. We are told, that even they are soon to stretch out their hands unto God. And who knows but their being settled in Georgia, may be over-ruled for this great end? As for the lawfulness of keeping slaves, I have no doubt, since I hear of some that were bought with Abraham’s money, and some that were born in his house.—And I cannot help thinking, that some of those servants mentioned by the Apostles in their epistles were or had been slaves. It is plain, that the Gibeonites were doomed to perpetual slavery, though liberty is a sweet thing to such as are born free, yet to those who never ♦knew the sweets of it, slavery perhaps may not be so irksome. However this be, it is plain to a demonstration, that hot countries cannot be cultivated without negroes. What a flourishing country might Georgia have been, had the use of them been permitted years ago? How many white people have been destroyed for want of them, and how many thousands of pounds spent to no purpose at all? Had Mr. Henry been in America, I believe he would have seen the lawfulness and necessity of having negroes there. And though it is true, that they are brought in a wrong way from their own country, and it is a trade not to be approved of, yet as it will be carried on whether we will or not; I should think myself highly favoured if I could purchase a good number of them, in order to make their lives comfortable, and lay a foundation for breeding up their posterity in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You know, dear Sir, that I had no hand in bringing them into Georgia; though my judgment was for it, and so much money was yearly spent to no purpose, and I was strongly importuned thereto, yet I would not have a negro upon my plantation, till the use of them was publicly allowed in the colony. Now this is done, dear Sir, let us reason no more about it, but diligently improve the present opportunity for their instruction. The trustees favour it, and we may never have a like prospect. It rejoiced my soul, to hear that one of my poor negroes in Carolina was made a brother in Christ. How know we but we may have many such instances in Georgia ere it be long? By mixing with your people, I trust many of them will be brought to Jesus, and this consideration, as to us, swallows up all temporal inconveniencies whatsoever. Thus, my dear Sir, I have opened my mind to you on this head; if it satisfies you, I shall be glad; though I suppose what holy Mr. Z――n has already written, has been sufficient. His heart seems touched with a sympathy for these poor creatures, and in the fall, God willing, I intend seeing what can be done towards laying a foundation. Lord prosper this work of our hands upon us, prosper thou, O God, our handy work! I am now entering upon my spring campaign, and long for the time to embark for Georgia. This I believe will shortly come. Blessed be God, the work on this side increases daily. You will help me with your prayers, and you will remember me in the kindest manner to your collegue, your wife and dear congregation, and believe me to be, reverend Sir,

Your most unworthy, but affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the kingdom of our Lord,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXVIII.

To Mr. H――ly.

Plymouth, March 30, 1751.

My very dear Friend,

I Am persuaded you was surprized to find our elect Lady gone from Ashby, and I was as much surprized to see her Ladyship at Bristol. I hope her journey was of God. The waters agree with her wonderfully already, and I trust she will be restored to perfect health. As dear Mr. H―― cannot be prevailed upon to come down, if it would any way suit you to be with her Ladyship a month, it would much refresh her, and I believe be very agreeable to you. Some pulpits would be open for you, and who knows but you might catch some great fish in the gospel net? But I need not enforce this, since her Ladyship hath written to you herself. May the blessed Redeemer direct your going in his way! Put up the same request for me. I have thoughts of going to Wales, Ireland and Scotland. We have had good seasons in Gloucestershire, and at Bristol, and the Lord enabled me to sow some gospel seed at Taunton and Wellington in my way hither. O that ever such a wretch as I should be thus honoured!

If thou excuse, Lord, work thy will

By so unfit an instrument;

It will at once thy goodness shew,

And prove thy power omnipotent.

For the present adieu. It is a grief to me that I cannot write oftener and longer. I suppose the death of our prince has affected you. It has given me a shock. “The Lord reigneth.” That is our comfort. That he may reign more and more every day, and every hour, in our souls, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear friend,

Yours most affectionately,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXIX.

To Mr. M――.

Plymouth, March 30, 1751.

Dear Sir,

YOUR letter came safe to hand in due season, but I have been straitened how to answer it. I would write as I preach; I mean I would speak the truth as it is in Jesus, without endeavouring to blacken any denomination whatsoever. I think Gamaliel’s advice is good at all times, and in all ages, and our Lord’s promise will be fulfilled, “That every plant that our heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” This makes me to bear and forbear with many who widely differ from me both in principles and practice. This, as you observe, dear Sir, you may know by my poor discourses, and I find as yet no reason to alter my sentiments. I doubt not but there are many holy souls among the M――s; but their not preaching the law, either as a Schoolmaster to shew us the need of Christ, or as a rule of life after we have closed with him, is what I can in no wise concur with. These seem to be two grand mistakes, and which with their various unscriptural expressions in their hymns, and several superstitious fopperies lately intruded among them, make me to think, they are sadly departed from the simplicity of the gospel. But to their own master they stand or fall. Exitus acta probat. My prayer for myself and all God’s children is, “Lord Jesus, rectify all that is wrong, and bless and prosper all that is right!” I bless God, dear Sir, that you are appearing valiant for the truth. You will find more and more by happy experience, that to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Christ never sends a person on a warfare at his own charges. Do not despair of Mr. G――. As the love of God comes in, the fear of man goes out. By and by I trust he will set his face on a flint. It is high time for some to appear for Jesus. What pain did he endure? What shame did he suffer for us? Strange! that we should be so unwilling to go without the camp, to share with Him in his sacred reproach. Alas, what cowards are we! Dear Sir, let us pray for each other, that we may be strong in the grace which is in the Christ Jesus, and never fear what men and devils can say, or do unto us. Christ is worth all, or he is worth nothing. I thank you for your invitation in his great name. If providence should bring me into the North, I hope to wait upon you. At present, I am bound for Wales. I have good news from abroad, and I believe the work is upon the advance at home. That you may be abundantly blessed, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,