LETTER CLXXIV.
To Mr. H——.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
IT is now full time to answer your letter. You acknowledge me the first instrument, under God (for ever adored be the riches of his free grace) of awakening you to the divine life: and shall not I endeavour to quicken and inflame the heavenly spark infused into your soul? God forbid! Oh that my power was equal to my will! How should my dear brother H—— glow with divine love, and lean by faith on the bosom of his dearest Redeemer! But I trust ere now you have indeed received the Holy Ghost, and know what it is to feast on a crucified Jesus. Does he not, my dear brother, often manifest himself sweetly to your panting soul? Does he not often teach you the hidden things of the kingdom of God? Does he not tell you that he loves you, and will suffer nothing to pluck you out of his almighty hand? Thus often is he pleased to manifest himself to me: and who then dares despair? No; I can assure the worst, the chief of sinners, that Jesus Christ came to save them. My dear brother, here are glad tidings of great joy! The fire kindles whilst I am musing. Oh let us call all to come and see Him, who has forgiven us all the sins that ever we committed. Is not this the Christ? Adieu. My hearty and dearest love to all. Fail not writing to
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXV.
To Mr. C——.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
My dear Brother,
YOU, as well as your dear associates, are much upon my heart. I long to hear that you are advanced in grace, and grown in the knowledge of Christ Jesus your Lord. I say your Lord; for I hope, ere now, you can appropriate Christ to yourself, and, without the least diffidence or doubt, cry out assuredly, “My Lord and my God.” When the soul says this, then, but not till then, is it truly married to the dear Lord Jesus; then are we true children of the bridegroom, and are real partakers of the supper of the Lamb. This, this is faith: this is believing; not with the head; not in notion only; but with the heart, indeed and in truth. The soul now puts its amen, and sets the seal to God’s everlasting promises; it now soars upwards towards heavenly things, and feels continually the invisible realities of another world. Though sometimes overshadowed by a cloud, yet still it knows that its Redeemer liveth, and justifieth the ungodly. It cannot doubt of his favour, though sometimes he is pleased to withdraw his sensible presence. The root of the matter is twisted round every faculty of the soul, which daily is supported with this assurance, that Christ can no more forsake the soul he loves, than he can forsake himself. Oh my dear brother, I find myself much carried out to write of that divine life, that divine mystery of godliness, the hidden kingdom of God in the heart. If any thing I can say, or do, or write, may be any way serviceable to dear Mr. C——, it will much rejoice
His most unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXVI.
To Mr. I—— B——.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
My dear, dear Friend,
I Remember your words that day I took my leave of you, with Dr. John S——, at London. I have not forgotten you, therefore do I now write a line to my dear Mr. B——. May the Holy Ghost come upon him, and the power of the Highest overshadow him; and may our glorious Redeemer never cease striving with him, till he hath a witness within himself that he is a true child of God. Oh, when will you answer the character of your name-sake and forefather Isaac! When, like him, will my dear friend give himself up a whole burnt-offering unto the Lord! May I hear that you have recovered your first love, and are, as formerly, zealous of good works! I think I never yet really doubted of your return. If prayers to God, if entreaties to him, can bring my dear friend back, he shall not be led away captive by the world; he shall, he shall be a Christian indeed. I long to see you, and till then shall wrestle with strong cryings and many tears with my dear Lord Jesus, in your behalf. I feel, I feel Christ’s love; I can no more doubt of my interest in him, than I can of the shining of the sun at noon day. He fills, he sweetens and gladdens my soul; he loves me freely: he will bring me to behold his glory. I think I could now bid to men and devils defiance. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that justifies, who even now sitteth in heaven to make intercession for me. You see, my dear friend, I am upon the mount. I know not how to stop. It is true, I must come down; but it is only that I may go up again, and take a view of the heavenly Canaan. I am now near the port whither we are bound: yet a little while, and I shall be in heaven; and shall I not meet my dear I—— there? God forbid! No, no; I cannot bear the thought of it. Away, my dear, dear brother, to Jesus Christ. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness: look, look unto him by faith, and be saved. Call your dear wife to look also. Help, oh help her in the great work of her salvation; and breed up your dear child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Adieu. My heart is full. With sincerity I subscribe myself
Your’s most affectionately in our dearest, dearest Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXVII.
To Mr. N——.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
My Dear Brother,
I Have been a few days returned from Charles-Town, where our dear Lord Jesus, I trust, has begun a glorious work. Many came to me under convictions, and were made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” The people were exceeding desirous of my return amongst them. If I call there, as I come northward, it may prevent my being at New-York so soon as was proposed. The Lord direct my going in his way. A Fosterian Preacher lost ground there. I think you are not much to be blamed for going out of church; but perhaps it might be better, on another such occasion, to hear the whole discourse, and then go and converse with the preacher upon it; otherwise a man may say, you are angry, and could not judge, because you did not hear all. Praise is more dangerous than contempt: but when our Lord’s honour can be promoted by the display of our graces, we need not fear. His grace will be sufficient for us. I know not what person it is that you would not have me be so open to, unless it be Mr. ——. I had rather be too open than too reserved. Simplicity much becomes the Israel of God. A few days past, with full assurance of faith, I laid the first brick of our great house: Jeremiah bought land when the people were leading into captivity. My family daily increase, and, blessed be God, as yet I am kept from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of the Germans in America are holy souls, and deserve the character they bear. They keep up a close walk with God, and are remarkable for their sweetness and simplicity of behaviour. They talk little, and think much. Most of them, I believe, are Lutherans. But where there is the image of my dear Master, there are my affections drawn. This is the catholic spirit you breathe after: the Lord, I am persuaded, will give it to your soul. All that people do say of me, affects me but little; because I know worse of myself than they can say concerning me. My heart is desperately wicked. Was God to leave me, I should be a remarkable sinner. But redeeming love, I believe, will not let us go. Oh! dear Mr. N. pray, and give thanks for me. I daily taste that the Lord is gracious. All things go on well. My dear brethren salute you, as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXVIII.
To Mr. S——.
Willingtown, (Pensylvania) April 14, 1740.
READ where I am, and judge whether or not I am a stranger and pilgrim upon earth. Yesterday, after a short passage of ten days, did God bring us from Georgia to New-Castle: there I preached twice. To-day I shall preach here, and in the evening hope to reach Philadelphia. People are much alarmed already; and great things, I find, God has been pleased to do, by what he enabled me to deliver when last here. Two ministers have been convinced of their formal state, notwithstanding they held and preached the doctrines of grace. One plainly told the congregation he had been deceiving himself and them, and could not preach any more, but desired the people to pray with him. Another is as a flame of fire, and hath been much owned of God. An opposer reading my sermon, in order to convince them I did not preach as Mr. T——, was much disappointed; for power went along with the sermon, God’s spirit fell on the people, and formal opposers went affrighted away. It is unknown what a glorious stir here is in the province. Many, very many, I believe, of late have been brought savingly to believe on the Lord Jesus. The work much increases, and here is employment for many months: but I must return shortly to Savannah. A primitive spirit revives; and many, I hope, will be brought to live stedfast in the apostles doctrine, in fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayer. Perhaps dear Mr. S—— may be one of them. Pray how does that young man do? Is he deeply humbled, and closely united to the dear Lord Jesus? Does he feel himself a poor sinner, and daily experience the outgoing and incoming of the blessed spirit in the sanctuary of his heart? Blessed be God, I do: even whilst I am writing I feel his power. I am persuaded I shall be more than conqueror over every evil, through my Redeemer’s love. Oh! my dear friend, keep close to the dear Lord Jesus! Do not go without his leading, and then you are safe, though in the midst of devils. Adieu.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXIX.
To Madam C——.
New Brunswick, April 27, 1740.
Madam,
ALL things go on well in America—nay, better than I dare ask, or could think. Our Lord’s kingdom comes with power. It is amazing to see how God is present in our assemblies: I refer you to dear brother S—— for particulars. My animal spirits are exhausted, but I am filled within. Nature would sometimes cry out, “Spare thyself;” but when I am offering Jesus to poor sinners, I cannot forbear exerting all my powers. Oh that I had a thousand lives! my dear Lord Jesus should have them all. I long to be out of the body, that I may love and serve him as I would: but I must suffer before I can reign with him. That you and I may never deny our Lord, is the earnest prayer of, Madam,
Your obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXX.
To Mr. M——.
New Brunswick, April 28, 1740.
BLESSED be God, I can send you glad tidings of great joy. Our Lord Jesus is getting himself the victory in these parts. The Orphan-house affairs go forward beyond expectation. I have upwards of forty children in my house at Savannah, near seventy persons in family, and upwards of an hundred people to provide for every day. As yet we want for nothing. The great housholder of mankind gives us all things richly to enjoy, and, I am persuaded, will provide for us whilst we trust in him. I had rather live by faith, and depend on God for the support of my great, and yet increasing family, than to have the largest visible fund in the universe. About five weeks ago the Lord stirred up the Charles-Town people to contribute upwards of seventy pounds sterling towards the support of my little ones. A glorious work was also begun in the hearts of the inhabitants; and many were brought to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” A fortnight ago, after a short passage of ten days, I landed in Pensylvania, and have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing, that my poor endeavours for promoting Christ’s kingdom, when there last, were not altogether vain in the Lord. I cannot well tell you how many have come unto me, labouring under the deepest convictions, and seemingly desirous of finding rest in Jesus Christ. Several have, I humbly hope, actually received him into their hearts by faith, and have not only righteousness and peace, but also joy in the Holy Ghost. In short, the word hath run and been much glorified; and many Negroes also are in a fair way of being brought home to God. I daily receive fresh and most importunate invitations to preach in all the adjacent countries. God is pleased to give a great blessing to my printed Sermons: they are now in the hands of thousands in these parts, and are a means, under God, of enlightening and building up many in their most holy faith. Since such an effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, you will not be surprized if I acquaint you there are many adversaries. The Clergy, I find, are greatly offended at me. The commissary of Philadelphia, having got a little stronger party than when I was there last, has thrown off the mask, denied me the pulpit, and last Sunday preached up an historical faith, and justification by works. But people only flock the more to me. The power of God is more visible than ever in our assemblies; and more than ever before are convinced that I preach the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Some few bigotted self-righteous Quakers also, now begin to spit out a little of the serpent: they cannot bear the doctrine of original sin, or of imputed righteousness as the cause of our acceptance with God. One calls original sin “original nonsense;” and several have been to me, under the apprehension of being thrust out, for owning and confessing what I take to be the truth as it is in Jesus. God has now brought me to New Brunswick, where I am blessed with the conversation of Mr. G—— T——. Indeed he is a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and God is pleased in a wonderful manner to own both him and his brethren. The congregations where they have preached have been surprizingly convicted and melted down. They are unwearied in doing good, and go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor sinners to come in. Yesterday also I heard of two ministers in Long Island, near New-York, who had large communications from God, and have been instrumental in bringing many souls to Christ. I could add more; but I must away: the people are waiting for a spiritual meal. They fly to the doctrine as doves to the windows, and I trust the Lord is now reviving his work in the midst of the years. With great difficulty I have redeemed time to send you these few lines. I hope you and the rest of my dear friends continue to pray for me: for I believe never was so weak a wretch sent on such an important errand. But when I am weak, then am I strong. My bodily strength, by frequent journeying and continued speaking, sometimes fails me; but the Lord quickens and strengthens me by his mighty power. The more I am opposed, the more joy I feel; and the first fruits of God’s spirit, which he hath imparted to my soul, are so sweet, that I almost with impatience wait till I reap a full harvest in the fruition of my God. Continue, I beseech you, to intercede for me; and rest satisfied that both you and my other English friends are always remembered by
Yours,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXI.
To W. S. Esq.
Reedy Island, May 19, 1740.
My dear Brother,
I Know very well what it is to part from a friend which is as one’s own soul; and therefore could in some measure sympathize with you in what you felt when parting from me. The good Lord sanctify my friendship to you, and grant we may go hand in hand to heaven. One of the inclosed papers will shew you the event of what you inserted (unknown to me) in the News. However, be not disheartened; God shall make even this to work together for your good. The war between Michael and the dragon has much increased. Mr. C—— has preached most of his people away from him. He lashed me most bravely the Sunday before I came away. Mr. A—— also preaches against me. Mr. C—— did not come to take his leave of me; and Mr. J—— is very inveterate. Now I believe our Lord’s kingdom will come with power. At New-York the word ran. Twice or thrice our Lord appeared for us in a most glorious manner. Mr. T—— and his brethren glow with divine warmth; and I have conversed with one of the ministers of Long Island, whom God has lately sent forth: he is a sweet zealous soul. Last week, at Nottingham and Mr. B——’s, how did God manifest his glory! We had about twelve thousand hearers; and such a melting, such a crying, (they say) was scarcely ever seen. Blessed be God, the devil’s children begin to throw off the mask. I want to draw the lingering battle on. At Philadelphia affairs go on better and better; only Satan now begins to throw many into fits. I have generally preached twice and rode near thirty miles a-day since you left me. The Lord hath been my support, and has often so melted me with a sense of his free, sovereign, and everlasting love, that some thought I was giving up the ghost. Oh never let go your sense of God’s sovereign, everlasting love! It is food to my poor soul. Was it not for that, surely I must sink under the prospect of the labours and sufferings that are before me. My dear brother, What is the Lord doing in these parts? I believe the work will go on better here than in England. We are more united in our principles, and do not print one against another. Pray observe the hint given to Captain G——, and let the Lord order for me as it shall seem good in his sight. We are now at Reedy Island waiting for a wind. I heard of a ship going to Dublin, and could not lose the opportunity of writing to my dear brother S——. I need not remind you to hasten over as fast as possible—Our Lord has taught you not to stay by the way—I have rebuked Mr. C—— sharply, and I trust have gotten some gracious souls on board—The Lord is with me; I am somewhat better as to bodily health, but I live chiefly on inward supplies from above. My master never fails me. Oh exhort all to fall in love with Jesus, and to pray for,
Ever yours in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXII.
To Mr. M——, an Indian Trader.
Reedy Island, May 19, 1740.
Dear Mr. M——,
I Received your letter, and have been reading part of your journal. I think it your bounden duty to go amongst the Indians again, not as a minister, but as a private christian, whose duty it is, when converted himself, to strengthen his brethren. An effectual door, I would hope, is opening amongst some of the heathen. I remember, when it was first impressed upon me, that I should go to Georgia, this promise came with such power as never will be forgotten, and that too, long before I had any outward call—“I have made thee the head of the heathen.”—I speak this for your encouragement, but desire you would not mention it to others. Who knows but that time may be now near at hand?—However that be, it is plain God calls you, and I wish you good success in the name of the Lord. Be sure you keep a close walk with God.—Be much in prayer, and prepare for the greatest hardships. Your greatest perils will be amongst your own countrymen. The heathens will be stirred up by them, as the Gentiles were by the Jews; but the Lord Jesus will make you more than conqueror over all. The word of the Lord will make its own way. Beg of God to give you true notions of our free justification by faith in Jesus Christ. Bring your Indian hearers to believe, before you talk of baptism, or the supper of the Lord. Otherwise they will catch at a shadow, and neglect the substance. Improve the leisure you now enjoy, and see that you feel the truths you speak. Feed on this promise, “It shall be given you in that hour what you shall say.” Your circumstances call for a fulfilling of it—Tell them what God has been doing here, and how happy Jesus Christ will make them. Be sure tell them, tell them, that true faith is not merely in the head, but in the heart, and that it will certainly be productive of good works. Frequently meditate on God’s free love to yourself, and that will best qualify you to speak of it affectionately to others. I could say more, but time will not permit. Pray for me. All with me salute you. My poor petitions you may depend on, as the Lord shall enable me. My love to all, and believe me to be
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXIII.
To the Allegany Indians.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740.
My Dear Brethren,
FOR so I call you, because you, and I, and all, have one common father, One God, in whom we live, move and have our beings. We all came at first out of the dust of the earth. For after God made the sun, moon, stars, and every thing you see, he also made a creature called man, and breathed into him the breath of life; he then became a living soul. He could not only walk and speak, but he could also think, and reason, and was full of goodness, peace, and joy. This man, this happy creature God placed in a garden, which his own right hand had planted. He then cast him into a deep sleep, and out of one of his ribs made what we call a woman, that she might be his wife. Their names were Adam and Eve. With these, God made an agreement that they should eat of every tree of that garden, except one; but if they ate the fruit of that particular tree, they should die; they should return to the dust from whence they were taken, lose the comforts they enjoyed in their souls, and be unhappy for ever in another world. But if they did not eat this fruit, none of these things should come upon them. A being, which we call the devil, (and who for his pride had been cast out of heaven) envying their happiness, tempted them to eat the forbidden fruit. They consented, they ate, they died. Their bodies became mortal, their souls were deprived of the presence and love of God; and unless a way was found out to make satisfaction for what they had done, they must have been lost for ever. These were our parents, and God made this agreement with us their children, as well as with them. For they acted in our name, as a king acts in the name of his people, or a father in the name of a child—What therefore befel them, befel us. We died in them; and come into this world poor and miserable, blind and naked, as they were, when they had eaten of the forbidden tree. Hence it is, that we are given to lust, anger, envy, hatred, pride, and malice, and all those troublesome passions which you all must feel in your own hearts, and cannot but see even in the hearts of your children. If then, you only look into yourselves, you must confess these things are so. But God hath given us a book, wherein he assures us of the truth of all this:—And we know that book came from God, because none but God could tell us the things therein contained. And I speak first of this, because ’till you feel and believe this, you cannot come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ; and without the knowledge of Jesus Christ you cannot be saved. For after our first parents, Adam and Eve, had taken the forbidden fruit, and with all their children, thereafter to be born, became guilty before God, God out of his own free love sent his only begotten Son into the world, to die, and so to make an atonement for the sin of fallen man, and also to obey the law, which man had broken; so that though fallen man had no righteousness of his own, yet upon believing in God’s Son, he should find a perfect righteousness in him. This Son is called Jesus, “A Saviour,” because he was to save us from the guilt and power of our sins. He was truly God, and therefore could satisfy; he was truly man, and therefore could obey and suffer in our stead. He was God and man in one person, that God and man might be happy together again. My dear brethren, (for so I must call you, though I never saw you) these are strange things. But if you are willing to learn, the holy spirit shall teach you. For Jesus Christ by dying, and obeying God’s law, hath bought for us the holy spirit, who shall change your corrupt natures, and fit you for happiness hereafter with the ever-blessed God, if you do but believe in your hearts.—Thousands of white people only believe in their heads, and therefore are no more christians than those who never heard of Jesus Christ at all. They call Christ, “Lord, Lord,” but they do not live as Jesus Christ hath commanded. No, they curse and swear, they break the sabbath, they get drunk, they play, they whore, they commit adultery, and have taught many poor Indians to do these abominable things as well as themselves. Do not you therefore learn of them. For true christians are sober, chaste and holy. They will not get drunk, they will not play the whore, they will not cheat, lie, curse or swear; but they will bless and praise God, keep the sabbath, and do all the good they can; for thus Jesus Christ, their Lord and master, lived when he was here on earth. I say, when he was here on earth; for after he died, he rose again, and went up into heaven from whence he came, and there he sits praying for all that shall believe on Him to the end of the world. For as the world had a beginning, so it also will have an end. And Jesus Christ will come again in the clouds to judge all mankind; and then he that hath believed in Christ, and hath shewn forth his faith by his works, shall be saved; and he that hath not believed in Christ, shall be damned for ever, and be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone. But before he comes, he hath promised that the heathen shall be brought to believe on him, and therefore I write this letter to you. I would come myself, and preach the glad tidings of salvation among you, as the bearer of this could interpret for me; but my other business will not permit. I am a minister of the same Jesus, and once was as ignorant of Him comparatively as you may be. I once lived like other people; but the Lord Jesus hath brought me to believe on Him, and I now do so no more. I once was full of envy, hatred, malice, and such like cursed tempers; but now I have love, and peace, and joy. And because Jesus Christ hath shewn such mercy to me, I desire that all others should be made as happy, nay happier than I am myself.—Hearken therefore now to the voice of the Lord. Pray to God that you may feel yourselves poor, miserable sinners, and come by a living faith to Jesus Christ. Then he will pardon you of all your sins, make you holy by his spirit here, and take you into everlasting happiness hereafter. Your traders, some of them at least, will tell you, that you must be miserable, if you will be christians. But these know nothing of Jesus Christ; for they are ungodly men, walking after their own wicked lusts. Whosoever will follow Jesus Christ, though happy in himself, must be looked upon as a fool by others. The spirit of the world, and the spirit of Jesus are quite contrary one to the other; and therefore if you will live godly in Him, you must suffer persecution; you must have all manner of evil spoken against you falsely, and be called madmen and fools; but let not that daunt you, or make you afraid. There is a world to come, there is a judgment-day, and then Jesus Christ shall crown all those with glory, who have suffered for his name’s sake. Once more, therefore, hearken to the voice of the Lord. For the Lord Jesus died for you, as well as for the white men among you, and that you might be taught the gospel; but they have made you worse than you were before, and therefore shall receive the greater damnation. He who brings this, no doubt, will be despised amongst them, because he will, I hope, neither get drunk, nor curse, nor swear.—But I trust the Lord will strengthen him, and cause him to shew many of you the true way of salvation—I shall not fail to pray for him, and for you; for though I know you not, yet if I could thereby save your precious souls, I think I could die for your sake. May the Lord Jesus bless you, and bring you out of darkness into his marvellous light, for his infinite mercy’s sake. This is the prayer of, dear brethren,
Your soul’s well-wisher and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXIV.
To the Rev. Mr. I——, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740.
My dear Brother,
STILL our Lord is with me both in the ship and on the shore. Adore him for his free grace. Sailors, I believe, are coming to Jesus. One or two of our crew are under convictions. The Lord does not keep me here for nothing. I desire to learn of winds and storms to obey Him. I pray daily for your success. May the Lord make you a happy instrument of bringing many sons to glory. Your weakness need not discourage you. The Lord is pleased to make use of me. He strengthens me mightily in the inner man. Oh grace, grace! “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. I need not exhort you to feed the flock of God; he has purchased them with his own blood. Oh admit of a mixed communion. I think the glory of God requires this at your hands. May the Lord give you a right understanding in all things, and enable you to remember
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXV.
To Mr. M——, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 21, 1740.
Dear Mr. M.,
AS the Lord is pleased to detain me here by contrary winds, why should I not send you a line? You have stood up for the truths of God, and, I trust, will not be ashamed of our Lord and his gospel. I expect a great falling away amongst those that followed me: But I hope dear Mr. M. will continue stedfast and unmoveable to the last. The only way, is to keep a constant eye to Christ, to go forth in his strength, and never to rest till you feel his blessed truths copied and transcribed on your heart. You have often heard me exclaim against resting on a head-knowledge. You are a man of strong passions, and sprightly imagination, and therefore (I know you will not be affronted) you will make either a great saint, or an accomplished ——. I believe the former, though, as a friend, I remind you of, and caution you against the latter. You love to be dealt plainly with. Oh, dear Sir, I feel that I love you, and have a real concern for you and your houshold.—What would I give to see your daughters become wise virgins, and fallen in love with the blessed Jesus. How amiable would they then appear! But before this can be done, all pertness, and lightness of spirit, must be taken away, and they must not only leave off dancing, but be made new creatures. How is your son? Pray tell him it is time for him to come home. The fatted calf waits for him. I could say more; but time will not permit. Dear Sir, pray for me. Indeed I will endeavour to return the favour; many are waiting for, and would rejoice at my halting; but the Lord is my helper. He is with me in my little cabin, and gives me a feeling possession of his blessed spirit. May the Lord enrich you with a great measure of it, and fill you with all his fulness! Methinks I see you lifting up your eyes, and saying, Amen.—And so saith, dear Mr. M.
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXVI.
To Mr. R——, at Philadelphia.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740.
Dear R.,
LET nothing said to you in my absence affect you. God has lately delivered you out of one snare; take heed how you fall into another. If you watch unto prayer, who knows but God may bless your endeavours amongst the poor negro women and children? I could not wish you more happily situated.—My love to all the society.—Exhort them not to rest in good desires. Shew them, O shew them the necessity of being deeply wounded, before they can be capable of healing by Jesus Christ. Bid them to beware of a light behaviour, and light company. Both do grieve the blessed spirit of God. Take heed, take heed of those accursed snares. I could say more, but time will not permit. My love to the Negro Peggy, and all her black sisters. Bid them to pray for me. May the blood of Jesus wash away all the pollutions of their sin-sick souls! What if they were put into a society by themselves, and you, or some white woman, meet with them? The good Lord direct and bless you in all things.—This is the hearty prayer of
Your sincere friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXVII.
To Mr. E——.
Reedy Island, May 22, 1740.
GOD only knows when the wind will favour our removal hence; I desire patiently to tarry the Lord’s leisure, and to wait the moving of the cloud of his providence. However, in the mean while I send you a line amongst my other friends. God, I believe, hath struck you to the heart, and shewn you the rottenness of that foundation whereon you was once building. O keep close to our dear Lord Jesus, and never fear what men or devils can say of, or do unto you. I am persuaded you must be buffeted.—You must be persecuted, if you will live godly in Christ Jesus. Let this be your comfort, when the world forsakes you, the Lord whom you serve, shall take you up. I pray for you, and my other dear Philadelphia friends daily. The Lord be with you all. Adieu. You would do well to publish, “that all who have not been baptized already, and shall appear to be prepared for it, I will, by God’s leave, baptize, at my return to Philadelphia.” O that all who followed me were baptized with the Holy Ghost! But there must be a falling away.—Dear Mr. E——, I trust, will not desert his Lord. Trust in his, and not in your own strength, and you shall be safe. Once more farewel. All with me salute you. The people on shore wait for me. Remember me in your prayers as
Your affectionate servant in Christ,
G. W.