LETTER CLVI.
To the Rev. Mr. W. T.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740.
My dear and honoured Brother,
BLESSED be God, who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servants.—I am abased to think what our all-gracious Redeemer hath done by my unworthy hands, and rejoice to hear that he is working by your’s. Oh that you may experience fresh anointings and teaching from above! O that you may be strengthened by God’s mighty power in the inner man, and pull down satan’s strong-holds daily. God willing, I hope to be with you at the Synod. I find as yet I scarce know any thing; but if I give out of my little stock, I trust the Lord will increase it, as he did the little lad’s loaves and fishes. My journal, which I have sent to Philadelphia, will tell you what God has done in Maryland and Virginia. A foundation of great things I believe is laying here. Oh pray that a sense of his own littleness, may be given to
Your affectionate, though unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLVII.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740.
My dear Sister,
I Rejoice to hear that you are enabled to see not only the freeness but eternal duration of God’s grace. Till the sinner is convinced of this, I am persuaded he can neither work from a principle of true love, nor give Jesus Christ the honour due unto his name. He must always be making his salvation to depend partly at least on his own doings; “If I do so and so, Jesus Christ will give me his grace:” But can any believer who knows himself, help confessing, that after he had received grace, he should have finally fallen from it, had the continuance of it depended on his own will? Indeed, my dear Sister, nothing so much comforts my own soul as the thought that God will never leave me nor forsake me; if he does, it must be for my unworthiness: But on that account it cannot be; for he never chose me on account of my unworthiness. He loved me freely, he prevented me by his grace; he chose me from eternity, he called me in time, and I am persuaded will keep me till time shall be no more.—This consideration makes my faith to work by love. Now, I can live not barely upon my frames, which notwithstanding are blessed things, but on the promises. Now, I can go on my way rejoicing, and, amidst all dejections, lift up my head in prospect of a certain and exceeding weight of glory. Though I fall, I know I shall rise again; for he that is brought truly to believe on Jesus Christ, his faith shall never die. The Lord Jesus will not suffer to be lost the purchase of his blood. He knew for whom he died, and neither men nor devils shall ever pluck them out of his hands. Such as have been taught most of God, I find, are thus minded. And I am persuaded were the effects of our Lord’s redemption to depend on a man’s own compliance, or was the continuance of God’s grace to depend solely on man’s improvement, Jesus Christ would have died in vain. Adam could not stand in paradise when left to his own free-will, how then can we? No, blessed be God, our salvation is put into better hands than our own. Jesus Christ has purchased not only wisdom, righteousness, and sanctification, but also eternal redemption for us. Let this thought, my dear Sister, lift up our hands when they hang down, and strengthen our feeble knees; God’s gifts and callings are without repentance. There is no condemnation to them that are truly in Christ Jesus. And I write thus peremptorily to you, because I find now you are able to bear it.—Blessed be God! my dear Sister, flesh and blood has not revealed this unto you. I hope ere long our brethren will lay all carnal reasoning aside, and see and preach the truth in this respect, as it is in Jesus. My kindest love to your sister.—What I write to one, I write to both. The Lord direct your going in his way, and cause you to continue instant in prayer for
Your weak brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLVIII.
To Mrs. Elizabeth W——.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740.
My dear Sister,
I Have been just reading over your letter, and felt a sweet sympathy with the writer. Oh that it may increase till we are filled with all the fulness of God! Some passages in your letter were dangerous to my soul. Whenever you see any growth of grace, pray that I may grow in humility in particular. Oh that I was lowly in heart! Honour and dishonour, good report and evil report would then be alike, and prove a furtherance to me in my christian cause.—I believe the time is shortly coming in which I am to endure something for my Lord and Master; then will I cry out, Who is on the Lord’s side? Nothing supports me under a prospect of a trying time, so much as a sense of God’s everlasting love. I am persuaded, that neither men nor devils shall ever pluck me out of his Almighty hands. Let this support you, my dear Sister, in your change of life. Wherever you are, I am confident you will have reason to say, “Surely God is in this place.” That you may wax stronger and stronger, and ripen daily for glory, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate brother and servant in our dear Emanuel,
G. W.
LETTER CLIX.
To Mr. J. N.
Savannah, Jan. 31, 1740.
Dear Sir,
I Hope you will excuse my not answering your kind letter sooner.—The many avocations that at present surround me, prevented it. I rejoice to hear that our Lord Jesus is getting himself the victory in the hearts of poor sinners. I hope many will now rejoice in his salvation. One good sign is, that he has employed the meanest, as well as vilest wretch, that he ever yet sent forth.—When I hear that any good is done by my unworthy hands, it almost makes me to blush.—Oh that I could humble myself in the dust, that the Lord alone may be exalted in his strength. I purpose to revisit New-York at the appointed time. You told me, “Our Lord has not sent me into his vineyard at my own charge.” Indeed, I always find he furnishes me with things convenient: Nay, he is often so abundant in goodness and truth, that I am obliged to cry out in holy admiration, “My Lord and my God!” Dear Sir, help me to be thankful. Blessed be God, the Orphan-house affairs succeed well. Many souls will be redeemed by it from temporal, and I trust, from eternal bondage. I have taken in upwards of twenty children already, and I take in more daily.—I am building a large house, have many servants, and a good stock of cattle. It will cost much money.—But our Lord will see to that. My friends at New-York will assist me when I come amongst them. Oh that my coming may be in the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of peace! I am persuaded, you will not be wanting in your prayers on behalf of, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and servant in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLX.
To Mrs. Elizabeth D——.
Savannah, Feb. 1, 1740.
My dear Sister in Christ,
I Generally observe that whom the Lord loves, for the most part he keeps from preferment.—Your grandmother cannot do any more than she is permitted. It is God’s free grace alone, that has made the difference between us and others. Oh that we were duly sensible of electing love! Indeed it must necessarily constrain us to obedience. I am glad you like Boehm. His works are truly evangelical, and afford sweet nourishment to the new-born soul. The nearer we come to God, the better we shall relish searching books. It is an evident sign of a false heart, when it is unwilling to be probed. Blessed be God, you are not thus minded. I trust the Lord Jesus has apprehended you, and will henceforward never let you go. O that I may hear of your growth in grace, and of your zeal for the Lord of Hosts.—You do well to go about doing good; your Master did so before you. Dare, dear Miss, to follow his good example, and never fear the revilings of men. Set your face as a flint against all the adversaries of our Lord; for shortly you shall tread all your enemies under feet. I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus our Saviour, to keep up a close walk and communion with God. Nothing else can preserve you from idols; and you know when once the soul is off its watch, the devil makes sad ravages in it. There is nothing I dread more than having my heart drawn away by earthly objects.—When that time comes, it will be over with me indeed; I must then bid adieu to zeal and fervency of spirit, and in effect, bid the Lord Jesus to depart from me. For alas, what room can there be for God, when a rival hath taken possession of the heart? Oh my dear Sister, pray that no such evil may befal me. My blood runs cold at the very thought thereof. I cannot, indeed; I cannot away with it. In a multiplicity of business, have I wrote you these lines. I thank you for your kind letter, and hope I shall always retain a grateful sense of the many favours I have received from your dear family. My kindest respects attend your sister; I long to hear of her being brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God. How does your father? Oh that he may have a well-grounded interest in Christ! How does my dear brother Charles? I pray God to fill him with all joy and peace in believing. And how does your little sister? Dearest Redeemer, keep her unspotted from the world! My heart is now full. Writing quickens me. I could almost drop a tear, and wish myself, for a moment or two, in England. But hush, nature: God here pours down his blessings on
Your sincere friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXI.
To the Rev. Mr. D. R.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740.
My reverend and dear Brother,
I Received your kind letter just on my arrival at this place.—My journal, which I suppose you will have read ere this reaches Wales, can best inform you what God hath done for my own and other people’s souls.—Even here, he is pleased to be with and assist us. The Orphan-house goes on bravely. I believe I shall take in near fifty children before I return to England. He that feedeth the young ravens which call upon him, will not suffer them to want.—I rejoice to hear that the Lord Jesus is so publicly confessed among your countrymen.—If the Lord is pleased to send me, I shall gladly take a tour into Wales.—In this time of retirement, I expect many inward conflicts. How otherwise shall I be prepared for future mercies? Experience of God’s work upon our own souls, is the best qualification to preach it effectually to others. In about two months I take another tour round America. The gospel, I believe, will come with power in these parts. I expect to suffer in the flesh for what hath been done already: But what have we to do with the consequences of performing our duty? Leave them to God. Oh, my dear brother, pray for me that my faith fail not, and then I care not what persecution befals
Your weak unworthy brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXII.
To Mr. H. H.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740.
My dear Brother,
WILL this find you in prison or not? Your last letter (which I received upon my arrival here) gave me some expectations that ere long you would be both in prison and bonds. By and by, I shall follow perhaps.—The Lord sanctify all his dispensations to us, and make us not only willing to be bound, but even to die for the sake of our dear Master. When I read how my letters, &c. are blessed to your comfort, it quite confounds me. Oh the free-grace of Christ Jesus our Lord! My dear Brother, let us continue instant in season and out of season.—Let us continually preach up free-grace, though we die for it; we cannot lose our lives in a better cause. As I am enabled, I remember you at the throne of grace; in general I sigh out my prayers.—But the spirit, I trust, makes intercession for me with groanings that cannot be uttered.
I have not had much enlargement in preaching, since I have been here; but my heart is often weighed down, and torn to pieces with a sense of my desperately wicked and deceitful heart. I can subscribe to what you say, “Was God to leave me to myself, I should be eminent for, and a ring-leader in sin.” I sometimes think my heart is more vicious and perverse than any one’s; and yet Jesus Christ will come and dwell in me.—Methinks I hear you say, “Glory be to free grace: All praise be given to electing love.”—Let all that love the Lord Jesus say, Amen! Pray write to me as often as possible.—God, I believe, is laying a foundation for great things in Georgia. I am building a large house, and taking in many children. Wrestle with God in behalf of, Brother,
Your’s eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXIII.
To Mr. H——.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740.
HOW is it with your heart? I hope the Lord Jesus leads you on from conquering to conquer, and gets himself the victory every day. I cannot but think that hereafter great things will be done in America. God seems to have given some earnests of it already. My next journal will acquaint you what they are. It often pleases me, to reflect how Christ’s kingdom is securely carried on in spite of men and devils, and that too by the weakest instruments in different parts of the world. Surely we shall unite at last, and that glorious time will come, when, with one heart and with one voice, we shall sing praises to him who sitteth upon the throne for ever. A glorious epiphany, I trust, will shortly be made in the hearts of many souls. My dearest Brother, let us do or suffer any thing, so we may be made instruments of beginning and carrying on so divine a work. As for my own part, I often stand astonished at the riches of free distinguishing grace, and I often feel myself so great a sinner, that I am tempted to think, nothing can be blessed which comes from such unhallowed hands and lips; but yet the Lord is with me, and attended his word with mighty power on Christmas day. Pray remember me to all friends. I expect you will receive the letters I sent from Philadelphia, ere this comes to hand. I depend on seeing your journal, and hope you will accept of my most cordial love from, dearest Brother,
Your’s eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXIV.
To Mr. H. G.
Savannah, Feb. 4, 1740.
My dear Brother,
WHAT shall I say to your kind letter? I bless the Lord for awakening you to see the necessity of trusting in a better righteousness than your own, and I adore him for making use of so mean an instrument as I am. It is a plain proof that the power is not of man, but of God alone. Labour, dear Sir, to keep up these convictions in your heart. Now God has called you, take care of lying down again.—Be always trimming your lamp, as though you were in expectation every moment to meet the heavenly Bridegroom.—Search more and more into the corruption of your heart, and never rest till God’s spirit witnesseth with your spirit, that you are a child of God. Let the deadness of those around you, excite your zeal. See that you are a burning and a shining light in the midst of such a crooked and perverse generation.—And let a sense of God’s distinguishing love to you above others, excite you to distinguish yourself by your obedience; still remembering that the Lord Jesus is our whole and everlasting righteousness. That we both may be found in him, is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXV.
To the Rev. Mr. J——.
Savannah, Feb. 29, 1740.
Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH great pleasure I answer your kind letter, and earnestly pray that God would be pleased to sanctify our correspondence. It rejoices my soul, when I find a clergyman that loves our Lord Jesus in sincerity. It is with regret that I speak against any of the sacred function; but when their preaching and walk are directly contrary to the gospel of our Lord Jesus, I cannot but speak to them, as well as to the laity. To the best of my knowledge, I preach the truth as it is in Jesus, and simply aim at bringing souls to him. Blessed be his free grace for the success he hath been pleased to give me. Not unto me, not unto me, but unto his holy name be all the glory! Daily I am convinced, that God’s hand is not shortened—He blesses me here as well as elsewhere. The Orphan-house is in great forwardness. I feed near an hundred mouths daily, and am assured I serve a God who will supply all our wants. It would rejoice me to see you at Savannah, if your business will permit.—I can now provide things convenient for your reception.—In about six weeks I propose, God willing, to go northward.—If you can, pray favour me with your company before that time.—My friends will rejoice to hear and see you.—They join with me in affectionate respects to yourself and Mrs. J——. I have sent you a few little tracts, and long for opportunities to convince you, reverend and dear Sir, how sincerely I subscribe myself
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXVI.
To Captain H. M.
Savannah, March 2, 1740.
Dear Sir,
WITH pleasure I received your kind letter last night, and immediately prayed, that God would never leave you before he had finished the good work begun in your heart. He has given you a rational, I hope ere long, he will give you a spiritual conviction of sin and of Christ. When that comes, all opposition will fall before it. The world will be as nothing in your eyes, and you will act like a soldier of Jesus Christ. Indeed, dear Sir, I travail as it were in birth, till Jesus Christ be thoroughly formed within you. If I do not forget my promise, I do not forget your favours.—I make mention of you in my prayers. Linger not, dear Sir, but haste out of your spiritual Sodom. Flee, flee to Jesus Christ, whose sacred blood has made an atonement for sinners. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness, and chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy any thing which this world may afford, for a season. Accept the sermons I have herewith sent, and believe me to be, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXVII.
To Mr. James S——.
March 2, 1740.
Dear Mr. S.,
BLESSED be God, that you are yet alive as to your body; blessed be God, that some sparks of divine light are yet discernible in your soul. Indeed, I have been frequently distressed for you and your companions, lest satan, through the corruption of your hearts, and the deceitfulness of worldly business, should get an advantage over you. Oh watch, my dear friend, watch unto prayer; keep close to God through a living faith in his dear Son; forget not your first love; forget not a bleeding God; forget not that time, when your soul was about to take its last flight. O that I may meet you in triumph at the last day! Providence thwarts my seeing you. Adieu; write as often as you can. You have my prayers, and as a token of my love, be pleased to accept this letter and the books sent with it, from
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CLXVIII.
To the Hon. J. W.
Savannah, March 10, 1740.
Honoured Sir,
YESTERDAY, after public worship, I received with pleasure your kind letter, and was immediately ready to cry out, Why do so many of my Lord’s servants take notice of such a dead dog as I am. Surely sovereign, rich, and free grace was never exalted more than in the mercy shewn to me, who am in truth the unworthiest of the sons of men.—Honoured Sir, it rejoices me to hear that there are so many at New England, who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and dare to shine as lights in the world amongst a crooked and perverse generation.—I wish they may be all Aquila’s and Priscilla’s to me, and teach me the way of God more perfectly; for I long to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Oh he is a sweet master; even here do I feel his blessed influences, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.—He is often with us in the midst of his sanctuary, and much succeeds the Orphan-house.—I have digged low, and intend to build it high, because I have a great God to pay the charges. I have about thirty-six children which I maintain and cloath, and have upwards of forty persons more who are employed in the work. The plantation is in great forwardness.—Many families are kept here by my employing them, and I hope to see many a youth bred up for God; for I design to breed up for the ministry, all that at any time I shall perceive to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and endued with suitable natural abilities. The work, I am persuaded, is of God, and I know he will raise up instruments to support it. Let him chuse whom seemeth him good.—In about three months, God willing, I hope to be near, or at New England. I thank you from my soul, honoured Sir, for your kind invitation; but, I believe, am pre-engaged to one Mr. S——d. The Lord reward both him, and all others who receive me in his name! I have not yet received the books, which you was pleased to send me, because they are sent to the southward, but I expect them daily, and doubt not of their being profitable. I know not how to express my gratitude for your great condescension in writing to me, but that I may always behave so as not to be ashamed of subscribing myself
Your obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CLXIX.
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Savannah, March 26, 1740.
Honoured Sir,
SINCE I returned here, I received your letter and journal.—I thank you for both, and shall wait almost with impatience to see a continuance of your account of what God is doing or has done amongst you—He knows my heart, I rejoice in whatever God has done by your hands. I, præ, sequar, etsi non passibus equis.
I could now send a particular answer to your last; but, my honoured friend and brother, for once hearken to a child, who is willing to wash your feet. I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, if you would have my love confirmed towards you; write no more to me about misrepresentations wherein we differ. To the best of my knowledge at present, no sin has dominion over me, yet I feel the strugglings of indwelling sin day by day; I can therefore by no means come into your interpretation of the passage mentioned in the letter, and as explained in your preface to Mr. Halyburton—The doctrine of election, and the final perseverance of those that are truly in Christ, I am ten thousand times more convinced of, if possible, than when I saw you last—You think otherwise: why then should we dispute, when there is no probability of convincing? Will it not in the end destroy brotherly love, and insensibly take from us that cordial union and sweetness of soul, which I pray God may always subsist between us? How glad would the enemies of the Lord be to see us divided? How many would rejoice, should I join and make a party against you? And in one word, how would the cause of our common master every way suffer by our raising disputes about particular points of doctrines? Honoured Sir, let us offer salvation freely to all by the blood of Jesus; and whatever light God has communicated to us, let us freely communicate to others. I have lately read the life of Luther, and think it in no wise to his honour, that the last part of his life was so much taken up in disputing with Zuinglius and others; who in all probability equally loved the Lord Jesus, notwithstanding they might differ from him in other points. Let this, dear Sir, be a caution to us, I hope it will to me; for by the blessing of God, provoke me to it as much as you please, I do not think ever to enter the lists of controversy with you on the points wherein we differ. Only I pray to God, that the more you judge me, the more I may love you, and learn to desire no ones approbation, but that of my Lord and master Jesus Christ.—Ere this reaches you, I suppose you will hear of my late excursion to Charles Town. A great work I believe is begun there. Enclosed I have sent you Mr. Garden’s letters—They will serve to convince you, more and more, of the necessity you lie under to be instant in season and out of season. Oh, dear honoured Sir, I wish you as much success as your own heart can wish. Was you here, I would weep over you with tears of love, and tell you what great things God hath done for my soul, since we parted last. Indeed and indeed, I often and heartily pray for your success in the gospel: May your inward strength and outward sphere increase day by day! May God use you as a choice and singular instrument of promoting his glory on earth, and may I see you crowned with an eternal and exceeding weight of glory in the world to come! This is the hearty desire of, honoured Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXX.
To Mr. W.
Savannah, March 26, 1740.
AND how does dear Mr. Wal—? His letter lies by me, and I now am inclined to answer it. My dear brother, how do you feel your heart? Is it grown sick of original and actual sin? Is it grown sick of unbelief and self-righteousness? Is it closely united to the holy Jesus? Do you feed on him in your heart by faith? And do you receive of his fulness day by day? I ask these questions, because I want to see you write of the inward life, and to hear you talk of your having a feeling possession of your God. For he that believeth aright, hath the witness within himself. How do the brethren? I hope there is no more saying “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” but that you are only desirous of being one in Christ. I pray for, though distant from you. I believe I am preparing a place for many. Our work goes on bravely. I have near forty little ones now in my house. Some of them I trust will be effectually wrought upon, and made christians indeed. We all live in love and unity, and most I hope are seeking after Jesus Christ. He is pleased from time to time to manifest himself to my soul, and to shew me how unworthy I am of the least mercy. Shortly I shall go northward, to preach the gospel and collect fresh contributions for my orphans. God has given me an earnest of what he will do in America, by the large collection that was made at Charles Town—I live every day in expectation of hearing from my London friends. My brother, the captain, refreshed my soul with glad tidings and letters from Bristol. God gave me great comfort and satisfaction in conversing with him, and I hope he will be a christian indeed. Adieu. All salute you and the brethren.
I am yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXI.
To the Rev. Mr. B. I.
Savannah, March, 28, 1740.
HOW glad should I be of a letter from dear brother I——? When shall my soul be refreshed, with hearing that the work of the Lord prospers in his hand? I suppose before now you have received my letters, and seen my journal, and I believe God is yet preparing great things for us. Many at Charles-town, lately were brought to see their want of Jesus Christ—Next week, God willing, I purpose going to Philadelphia, and then perhaps may see England the latter end of this year, or beginning of the next. The orphan-house goes on bravely. I have forty children to maintain, besides workmen and assistants—The great housholder of the world does, and will I am persuaded richly provide for us all. The colony itself is in a very declining way. But our extremity is God’s opportunity—Our brethren I trust go forwards in the spiritual life. I have often great inward trials—Pray that I may be kept in all changes, and seeming chances of this mortal life. I believe it to be God’s will that I should marry. One, who may be looked upon as a superior, is absolutely necessary for the due management of affairs. However, I pray God, that I may not have a wife, till I can live as though I had none—You may communicate this to some of our intimates; for I would call Christ and his disciples to the marriage. If I am deluded, pray that God would reveal it to
Your most affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXII.
To Mr. and Mrs. D.
On board the Savannah, bound to Philadelphia from Georgia, April 4, 1740.
My dear friends,
SINCE I wrote last, we have buried our Sister L——. Rachel I left at Philadelphia, and sister T—— seems to be in a declining state; so that sister A—— alone is like to be left of all the women which came over with me from England. I find by experience, that a mistress is absolutely necessary for the due management of my increasing family, and to take off some of that care, which at present lies upon me. Besides, I shall in all probability, at my next return from England, bring more women with me: and I find, unless they are all truly gracious (or indeed if they are) without a superior, matters cannot be carried on as becometh the gospel of Jesus Christ. It hath been therefore much impressed upon my heart, that I should marry, in order to have a help meet for me in the work whereunto our dear Lord Jesus hath called me. This comes (like Abraham’s servant to Rebekah’s relations) to know whether you think your daughter, Miss E——, is a proper person to engage in such an undertaking? If so; whether you will be pleased to give me leave to propose marriage unto her? You need not be afraid of sending me a refusal. For, I bless God, if I know any thing of my own heart, I am free from that foolish passion, which the world calls Love. I write, only because I believe it is the will of God, that I should alter my state; but your denial will fully convince me, that your daughter is not the person appointed by God for me. He knows my heart; I would not marry but for him, and in him, for ten thousand worlds.—But I have sometimes thought Miss E—— would be my help-mate; for she has often been impressed upon my heart. I should think myself safer in your family, because so many of you love the Lord Jesus, and consequently would be more watchful over my precious and immortal soul. After strong crying and tears at the throne of grace for direction, and after unspeakable troubles with my own heart, I write this. Be pleased to spread the letter before the Lord; and if you think this motion to be of him, be pleased to deliver the inclosed to your daughter—If not, say nothing, only let me know you disapprove of it, and that shall satisfy, dear Sir and Madam,
Your obliged friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXIII.
To Miss E——.
On board the Savannah, April 4th, 1740.
BE not surprised at the contents of this:—The letter sent to your honoured father and mother will acquaint you with the reasons. Do you think, you could undergo the fatigues, that must necessarily attend being joined to one, who is every day liable to be called out to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ? Can you bear to leave your father and kindred’s house, and to trust on him, (who feedeth the young ravens that call upon him) for your own and childrens support, supposing it should please him to bless you with any? Can you undertake to help a husband in the charge of a family, consisting perhaps of a hundred persons? Can you bear the inclemencies of the air both as to cold and heat in a foreign climate? Can you, when you have an husband, be as though you had none, and willingly part with him, even for a long season, when his Lord and master shall call him forth to preach the gospel, and command him to leave you behind? If after seeking to God for direction, and searching your heart, you can say, “I can do all those things through Christ strengthening me,” what if you and I were joined together in the Lord, and you came with me at my return from England, to be a help meet for me in the management of the orphan-house? I have great reason to believe it is the divine will that I should alter my condition, and have often thought you was the person appointed for me. I shall still wait on God for direction, and heartily intreat him, that if this motion be not of him, it may come to nought.—I write thus plainly, because, I trust, I write not from any other principles but the love of God.—I shall make it my business to call on the Lord Jesus, and would advise you to consult both him and your friends—For in order to attain a blessing, we should call both the Lord Jesus and his disciples to the marriage—I much like the manner of Isaac’s marrying with Rebekah, and think no marriage can succeed well, unless both parties concerned are like-minded with Tobias and his wife—I think I can call the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to witness that I desire “to take you my sister to wife, not for lust, but uprightly;” and therefore I hope he will mercifully ordain, if it be his blessed will we should be joined together, that we may walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did, in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless. I make no great profession to you, because I believe you think me sincere. The passionate expressions which carnal courtiers use, I think, ought to be avoided by those that would marry in the Lord. I can only promise, by the help of God, “to keep my matrimonial vow, and to do what I can towards helping you forward in the great work of your salvation.” If you think marriage will be any way prejudicial to your better part, be so kind as to send me a denial. I would not be a snare to you for the world. You need not be afraid of speaking your mind. I trust, I love you only for God, and desire to be joined to you only by his command, and for his sake. With fear and much trembling I write, and shall patiently tarry the Lord’s leisure, till he is pleased to incline you, dear Miss E——, to send an answer to
Your affectionate brother, friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.