LETTER CCXXI.
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Boston, Sept. 25, 1740.
Honoured Sir,
THIS is sent in answer to your letter dated March 25.—I think, I have for some time known what it is to have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. These, I believe, are the privileges of the sons of God: But I cannot say I am free from indwelling sin; no, I find a law in my members warring against the law of my mind: This makes me to cry out, even now, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” I thank God, our Lord Jesus Christ will. I cannot see wherein the heterodoxy of the article of our church doth consist, which says, “That this corruption remains even in the regenerate;” and if that after conversion we cannot sin in thought, word or deed, I do not know why our Lord taught us to pray to our heavenly Father, “Forgive us our trespasses.” I am sorry, honoured Sir, to hear by many letters, that you seem to own a sinless perfection in this life attainable. I think I cannot answer you better, than a venerable old minister in these parts answered a Quaker. “Bring me a man that hath really arrived to this, and I will pay his expences, let him come from where he will.” I know not what you may think, I do not expect to say indwelling sin is finished and destroyed in me, till I bow down my head and give up the ghost. There must be some Amalekites left in the Israelites land, to keep his soul in action, to keep him humble, and to drive him continually to Jesus Christ for pardon and forgiveness. I know many abuse this doctrine, and perhaps wilfully indulge sin, or do not aspire after holiness, because no man is perfect in this life. But what of that? must I therefore assert doctrines contrary to the gospel? God forbid. Whether the seventh to the Romans, is applicable to a converted person (as many very eminent saints have thought) is not at all to the purpose: There are other passages of scripture, which plainly shew that sinless perfection is not attainable here below. Such as these, “There is no man that liveth and sinneth not.” “In many things we offend all.” And I know no sin except the sin against the Holy Ghost, of which a child of God may not be guilty, if God should withdraw his grace.
Whatever you may think of David, the scripture says, “He was a man after God’s own heart;” yet how did he fall? And if you will not permit Peter to have been converted when he denied his Master; what will you say to St. Paul? Did not he sin, do you think, (at least were not his passions irregular, and what is that but sin) when he spoke to the High Priest, and called him whited wall? Besides, dear Sir, what a fond conceit is it to cry up perfection, and yet cry down the doctrine of final perseverance? But this, and many other absurdities you will run into, because you will not own Election: And you will not own Election, because you cannot own it without believing the doctrine of Reprobation. What then is there in reprobation so horrid? I see no blasphemy in holding that doctrine, if rightly explained. If God might have passed by all, he may pass by some. Judge whether it is not a greater blasphemy to say, “Christ died for souls now in hell.” Surely, dear Sir, you do not believe there will be a general gaol delivery of damned souls hereafter. O that you would study the covenant of grace! O that you were truly convinced of sin, and brought to the foot of sovereign grace! Elisha Cole on God’s sovereignty, and Veritas Redux, written by Doctor Edwards, are well worth your reading. But I have done; if you think so meanly of Bunyan, and the Puritan writers, I do not wonder that you think me wrong. I find your sermon has had its expected success; it hath set the nation a disputing; you will have enough to do now to answer pamphlets; two I have already seen. O that you would be more cautious in casting lots! O that you would not be too rash and precipitant! If you go on thus, honoured Sir, how can I concur with you? It is impossible; I must speak what I know.—Thus I write out of the fulness of my heart: I feel myself to be a vile sinner.—I look to Christ; I mourn because I have pierced him. Honoured Sir, pray for me. The Lord be with your dear soul. About Spring you may expect to see,
Ever, ever yours in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXII.
To Mr. G—— L——.
Boston, Sept. 26, 1740.
My dear Friend and Brother,
I Wrote to you about a month ago from Charles-Town.—Since I came here I have received two letters from you. May the great God of heaven and earth bless your dear soul for thus assisting his poor unworthy servant: A sense of my ingratitude almost melts me into a flood of tears.—Indeed I am the very chief of sinners.—O the love, the sovereign, distinguishing, everlasting love of God my Saviour! Praise him, praise him, dear Mr. L——, with all your soul.—I hope nothing will cause a division between me and Messrs. W——s: But I must speak what I know, and confute error wheresoever I find it. About Spring I hope to come over if the Lord will.—Be pleased to inform my friends, that last Sunday was sevennight I arrived at Rhode-Island, where I preached and read prayers in the church on Monday and Tuesday to very large and affected auditories.—On Wednesday I preached at Bristol, in my way to Boston.—On Thursday night I got there, and on Friday preached, and have preached once or twice every day since.—Almost all the ministers, and vast bodies of people, have been continually pressing to hear the word of God, sometimes in the fields, and sometimes in the meeting-houses. My health is much restored by the coolness of the air.—I intend staying about a month in these parts, then to go to Philadelphia by land, from thence to Georgia by water, and I hope to embark for England the beginning of the Spring.—You see by this, dear friend, how our Lord works by my unworthy hands. Ministers and people, I believe, will be much quickened.—I hope your dear soul prospers. For Christ’s sake avoid disputing; study your heart and the scriptures; get nearer and nearer to Christ, he will lead you into all truth. My most tender love to all; if opportunity any way offers, every letter received shall be answered by, dear dear Mr. L——,
The meanest of all your christian friends,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXIII.
To Mr. I——.
Boston, Sept. 26, 1740.
My dear Brother, I——,
I Thank you for your kind letter. It is the first I have received from you since I left England.—I bless God the work goes on in Yorkshire.—May our glorious, sin-forgiving Lord bless you and your spiritual children more and more! I find, our friends are got into deputing one with another.—O that the God of peace may put a stop to it! I wish many may not be building on a false foundation, and rest in a false peace. They own free justification, and yet seem to think, that their continuance in a justified state depends on their doings, and their wills.—This, I think, is establishing a righteousness of our own. My dear brother, if we search the scriptures, we shall find that the word justified implies not only pardon of sin, but also all its consequences.—“Thus (says Saint Paul) those whom he justified, them he also glorified;” so that if a man was once justified, he remains so to all eternity.—Here lies the anchor of all my hopes.—Our Lord having once loved me, he will love me to the end.—This fills me with joy unspeakable and full of glory.—I now walk by faith.—I work not to keep myself in a justified state, (for men or devils can never pluck me out of Christ’s hands,) but to express my love and gratitude for what Jesus hath done for my soul. This, I think, is what the apostle calls “faith working by love.” My dear brother, my heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that we may all think and speak the same things.—For, if we are divided among ourselves, what an advantage will satan get over us? Let us love one another, excite all to come to Christ without exception, and our Lord will shew us, who are his. The work of God goes on exceedingly in America. The Lord is pleased to manifest himself unto my soul more and more. I am a naughty, stubborn child; but my dear Lord will have mercy because he will have mercy. It is owing to his distinguishing love that I am not hardened. Here is, and I believe will be a great quickning in these parts.—The cloud seems to be moving. Perhaps in the Spring we may meet face to face. With difficulty I get time to write this, but I must answer dear Brother I——’s letter.—May the Lord Jesus be continually with your spirit, and make your soul brimful of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. I love you in the bowels of the crucified Lamb. May he unite us more and more intimately to his dear self, and to one another. Salute all that love him in sincerity.—Brethren, pray for us.—That you may be kept by God’s power to eternal salvation, is the prayer of
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and poor weak servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXIV.
To Mr. W—— D——.
Boston, September 28, 1740.
Dear Brother W——,
I Thank you for your kind letter from Osset; I wish it was written with more life. I fear you are turning almost to a spirit of bondage: but it is good for you to be sifted, to make an experienced minister of Jesus Christ. I could not but smile, to find you wink at the decency of my dress. Alas! my brother, I have known long since what it is to be in that state you are (in my opinion) about to enter into. I myself thought once that christianity required me to go nasty. I neglected myself as much as you would have me, for above a twelvemonth: but when God gave me the spirit of adoption, I then dressed decently, as you call it, out of principle: and I am more and more convinced, that the Lord would have me act, in that respect, as I do. But I am almost ashamed to mention any such thing: rather let us talk and write of the love of Jesus; “Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Jesus Christ hath made us free, and not be again entangled in a yoke of bondage.” God only knows whether you have done right in leaving the university, or in declining to exhort. If you do not preach till you are perfectly free from all sin, I believe you will never preach again. I could never hear of such a minister or christian yet. My dear brother, I speak freely to you, because I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. He sent his disciples to preach before they were perfect; nay, when they were weak in grace. Exercise the talents you have, and that is the way to get more. Thus has God dealt with me for these seven years. “To him that hath, shall be given.” Many of our friends talk against election: a good reason may be given. I believe they have never taken pains to search into the true state of the case. What if some abuse that doctrine; is it therefore false? No; by no means. I am persuaded, if any of our friends would examine their experiences, they would find that Jesus Christ freely prevented them by his grace; that he compelled them to come in; and that it is not owing to themselves, but to the will and promise of God, that they are now kept in a state of grace. But I will say no more. My dear brother, I love you. May the Lord lead you into all truth. Our dear Master is doing wonders among us. Praise him lustily, and with a good courage. Adieu. Dear J—— S—— salutes you and the brethren, as does
Yours affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXV.
To the Rev. Mr. Z—— M——.
Boston, Sept. 28, 1740.
Reverend and dear Brother,
I Received—I felt your letter. Surely there is a sympathy between souls that have drank into the same spirit. God willing, I purpose to come and see you; and will endeavour to send you timely notice: but oh do not expect too great things from me; for if you do, who knows but my Lord may desert me; and then what am I? Excuse the brevity of this. So many persons come to me under convictions, and for advice, that I have scarce time to eat bread. Wonderful things are doing here. The word runs like lightning. Dagon daily falls before the ark. I know you will, in spirit, pray that a due sense of his own vileness may be continually given to
Your affectionate, though unworthy, brother and servant in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXVI.
To Mr. W——, at Bristol.
Boston, Sept. 28, 1740.
Dear Brother W——,
WHAT mean you by disputing in all your letters? May God give you to know yourself, and then you will not plead for absolute perfection; or call the doctrine of election a “doctrine of devils.” My dear brother, take heed; see you are in Christ a new creature. Beware of a false peace: strive to enter in at the strait gate; and give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Remember you are but a babe in Christ, if so much. Be humble, talk little, think and pray much. Let God teach you, and he will lead you into all truth. I love you heartily: I pray you may be kept from error, both in principle and practice. Salute all the brethren. If you must dispute, stay till you are master of your subject; otherwise you will hurt the cause you would defend. Study to adorn the gospel of our Lord in all things; and forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXVII.
To Mr. G—— L——.
Boston, October 9, 1740.
My dear Brother L——,
I Write to you again by this ship, though I have scarce time to write a line. God works by me, I think, more than ever. I am quite well in bodily health. Ministers as well as people are stirred up, and the government is exceeding civil. In short, God is doing greater things than can be expressed. Oh exhort all to pray, and to give thanks for me with their whole hearts. The bearer brings the authentic copy of my appeal; I sent you another copy before from Carolina. Be pleased to keep this I have now sent, till you hear of my coming to England: if I come in the Spring, I will lodge it myself; if not, be pleased to lodge it for me, and I will pay all expences. O dear brother L——, what a scene of labours and sufferings lies before me! My dear Jesus will make me more than conqueror over all: he strengthens and comforts, he converses with me by night and by day: he gives me all peace and joy in believing. I pray God to keep our dear brother S—— and others from a false stillness. I am sorry to hear such errors are risen amongst the brethren. Adieu; the Lord be with your spirit. I have already collected upwards of four hundred pounds sterling for the Orphan-house. God shews me that America must be my place for action. Once more adieu. Cease not to pray for,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXVIII.
To Mr. J—— H——.
Newhaven, Oct. 24, 1740.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
YOUR letter, just now brought to me by dear brother N——, gave me great comfort. With fear and trembling, ever since the late disputations, have I opened letters sent from Savannah, but blessed be God, our dear Lord is with my dear friend H——. Blessed be God, my family dwell together in unity. The God of love fill you with all peace and joy in believing. I hope a supply for your then present wants, came to you soon after you sent your letters: since that, I have sent from Boston 100 l. sterling; next week I hope to send again from New-York, and before Christmas I trust I shall see you face to face. Wonderful things God does for me. I am enabled to preach and travel better than ever. There has been joy in heaven, I believe, over many souls repenting. There are some hopes of dear, dear brother N——’s coming with me. Mr. B——, one of the young ministers of Long Island, with his wife, accompanies me also; and another settled christian, who holds and experiences the truth as it is in Jesus. O that all my family may be thus minded! I suppose by this time you know how matters are determined for me, if Mr. C—— is arrived. God keeps me in suspense: suspense did I say? Blessed be his holy name, I am quite easy: I am persuaded he will chuse for me a daughter of Abraham. I know not but it may be the divine will that you should abide in Georgia, whilst I go to England. Be resigned: see if God does not bring all things about for your good: there is but little comfort to be expected in England. I find I must, if I am faithful, oppose the errors of many who, I believe, fear God: O that I may do it with meekness and wisdom. Methinks I now long to be with you all at Savannah. Pray for my speedy passage. I am glad God is scourging out the children of Belial: you have often heard me say God would do so. Never fear; a remnant will be left, which shall take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards, and yet fill the land. My dear brother, adieu: I am called away. I love you more solidly than ever. Dear J—— S——, Mr. F——, and P——, love you too: we travel very comfortably: thousands of prayers are continually put up for me and mine. My love to all, without exception. Feed the lambs, study the purity of their hearts, and thereby rejoice the soul of
Yours most affectionately and eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXIX.
To Mr. J—— W——.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740.
Dear and honoured Sir,
I Received your’s, dated March 11, this afternoon. Oh that we were of one mind: for I am yet persuaded you greatly err. You have set a mark you will never arrive at, till you come to glory. I think few enjoy such continued manifestations of God’s presence as I do, and have done, for some years; but I dare not pretend to say I shall be absolutely perfect. O, dear Sir, many of God’s children are grieved at your principles; O that God may give you a sight of his free, sovereign, and electing love! But no more of this: why will you compel me to write thus? why will you dispute? I am willing to go with you to prison, and to death; but I am not willing to oppose you. My heart is now much affected: indeed I love and honour you. Dear, dear Sir, study the covenant of grace, that you may be consistent with yourself: hasten O Lord, the blessed time! I fancy I shall embark for England about Spring; but am not yet determined. God shews me his goodness plenteously every day. I dwell in Christ, and Christ in me: glory be to sovereign grace. I seem to have a new body, and the Lord Jesus greatly enriches my soul. O I am a poor sinner! but our Lord frequently manifests himself in such a manner, that it throws me into an agony which my body is almost too weak to bear. Honoured Sir, adieu. O build up, but do not lead into error, the souls once committed to the charge of
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant, in the loving Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXX.
To Mr. H—— H——, in Wales.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740.
My very dear Brother H——,
I Wrote to you from Boston. Your letter, written near a twelvemonth ago, came to my hand this afternoon. My soul is knit to you: we both speak and think the same things. The Lord be with your spirit. Jesus manifests forth his glory daily in these parts. Though I am such a vile, worthless, ungrateful wretch, yet the Lord fills me out of his divine fulness day by day. His word is like a fire, and a hammer: last week I saw many quite struck down. Our Lord is working upon little children. America, ere long, will be famous for christians. Surely the candlestick will shortly be removed from England. Little did I think, when Mr. E—— J—— wrote, that I should preach in all the chief places of America: but that is now done; glory be to rich, free, and sovereign grace! Perhaps about Spring I may embark for my native country: the Lord vouchsafe us a happy meeting. O Wales, thou art dear to my soul! My love to all the brethren. Dear brother H——, I pray God you may prosper, even as your soul prospers. Expect another journal shortly: but wait till we come to glory, fully to see and hear what God hath done for
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXI.
To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Esq., in Boston.
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 1740.
THOUGH late, I now snatch a few moments to send your excellency my acknowledgments for all honours received at Boston: they are much upon my heart. I pray God to reward your excellency a thousand-fold.
Great things hath the glorious Emmanuel done for me and his people on the way: the word has been attended with much power. Surely our Lord intends to set America in a flame. This week Mr. G—— T—— purposes to set out for Boston, in order to blow up the divine fire lately kindled there. I recommend him to your excellency as a solid, judicious, and zealous minister of the Lord Jesus Christ: he will be ready to preach daily: I suppose his brethren will readily open their doors: may the Lord at the same time open the people’s hearts, that they may diligently attend to the things that shall be spoken. Dear Mr. R—— grows in grace: I left him at Brunswick, full of gratitude for his late journey. I am persuaded it was of God. I hope he will be instrumental in quickening both ministers and people. He is worthy of your excellency’s particular regard: under God he may need it. I expect he will soon be reviled and persecuted for his blessed Master’s sake: may the Lord enable him to rejoice and be exceeding glad. Dear Sir, the welfare of dear Boston people, especially the welfare of your own soul, lies upon me night and day. I remember your tears: I remember your excellency’s words, “Mr. Whitefield, pray that I may hunger and thirst after righteousness.” O how did these words rejoice me! for I thought your excellency wanted a more clear view of your own vileness, and of the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ; I mean a more clear, experimental view: for what is all head-knowledge without that of the heart? it only settles people more upon their lees. May God give you to see and to follow the simplicity of the blessed Jesus. Whilst you are in the world, may you not be of it: may you be dead to magnificence, and alive to nothing but what leads you directly to your God.
Honoured Sir, I make no apology for this freedom: your excellency bid me not spare rulers; no, not the chief of them. Indeed I long after your salvation; O that I could do any thing to promote it! If my prayers, or any thing within my power may be instrumental thereunto, your excellency may command, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency’s obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXII.
To Mr. M——, at London.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1740.
My dear Brother,
STILL my Lord shews me greater things. At New-York the Holy Ghost came down like a mighty rushing wind. At Baskenridge still a greater awakening among young and old. One that received Christ cried out, “He is come! He is come!” &c. The poor creature was wrapped up in the Lord Jesus: and both there and at New-York my soul was taken almost out of the body. At Newark the Lord worked wonderfully amongst some young men; and here at Philadelphia the word runs very swiftly. This afternoon, how beautiful did the Lord appear in his sanctuary! I would cry out, “How amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of hosts!” In several places, almost as large as Northampton, are many faithful labourers. We all think and speak the same things: O that it was so at London! The Lord enables me to confute error wherever I see it. Pray for me, that I may be made faithful to my Lord and Master: he is dearer to me every day: he will have mercy, because he will have mercy. See brother L——’s letter. Another journal comes out shortly. My hearty love to all. Stand fast in the faith: quit yourselves like men: be strong. Above all, give thanks to God; and pray in behalf of, dear Mr. M——,
Your most affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXIII.
To Mr. G—— L——.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1740.
Dear Brother L——,
I Wrote to you last week from New-York. You may give friends this brief account of me: On last Saturday evening I arrived at this place, having preached at Staten Island, Newark, Baskenridge, New Brunswick, and Trenton, in my way hither from New York. A wonderful presence of God was observable at New-York, Baskenridge, and Newark. I preached here twice yesterday, and also to-day, in a large house built by the people since I was here last. It is an hundred feet long, and seventy feet wide; and is intended for a school, as well as a place for public worship. The walls are brick, and the roof is now almost ready to be put up. God hath remarkably appeared in the carrying on the building; and the holy spirit hath sweetly moved on the hearers souls every time I preached in it. I intend, God willing, to stay here this, and to embark for Georgia the latter end of next week; and propose, God willing, to return to England for a short time, in the Spring.
The Lord highly favours me; I am more sick of myself, and more in love with Christ daily: he is a dear, dear Master: Oh that all would love him with all their hearts! Adieu: it is late. The Lord be with your spirit.
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXIV.
To the Rev. Mr. D——, at New Brunswick.
Salem, Nov. 20, 1740.
My very dear Brother,
EXCESS of business, not a want of love, prevented my writing to you from Philadelphia. I feel that I love you in the bowels of the dear Jesus, our ever blessed and glorious Emmanuel: he hath done great things for me since you left us. Yesterday at Cohansie the spirit of the Lord moved over the whole congregation: what reason have we to be thankful for the great things we both see and hear! My dear brother, indeed I desire to lie in the dust. O how good is my Lord to me! thoughts cannot conceive, or words express it! I long to be in glory, that I may praise him as I would. I rejoice to hear that the Lord is with you. Shortly, I believe, you will evangelize. All friends kindly salute you. Adieu. In great haste, I am
Your very affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXV.
To Mr. J—— H——.
Bohemia, (Maryland) Nov. 24, 1740.
My very dear Brother,
I Rejoice to hear that you are married: I salute your wife and my sister in Christ: may you love one another, as Christ and his church. I have lately conversed closely with P—— B——: alas! we differ widely in many respects; therefore, to avoid disputation and jealousies on both sides, it is best to carry on the work of God apart. The divisions among the brethren sometimes grieve, but do not surprize me. How can it be otherwise, when teachers do not think and speak the same things? God grant we may keep up a cordial undissembled love towards each other, notwithstanding our different opinions. O how do I long for heaven! Surely, there will be no divisions, no strife there, but who shall sing with most affection to the Lamb that sitteth upon the throne. Dear James, there I hope to meet thee; for the dear Jesus, I believe, hath locked thee fast in his almighty arms. Lean thou on his sacred bosom night and day; keep close to him, and be what I long to be, a little child. Adieu. I am ready to weep tears of love. My dear brother, I should be glad to wash any of the brethren’s feet: indeed I am now willing to be the servant of all. The more the Lord honours me, the more I feel my unworthiness. I am sometimes sick of love, and often, often sick of self. O that God should have mercy on such a sinner! Help me, dear James, to praise my Saviour. A glorious church is raising in America. The Lord mightily reveals his arm. It would please you to see his outgoings, his stately steps in the great congregation. I only want fellow-labourers. I look to Jesus for this, and for every thing. I desire you to print nothing against your conscience: only do not immediately censure every thing that may not seem clear to you: our Lord may guide me, even into things which as yet you may not see into. The day of judgment will discover all. Adieu.
Ever, ever yours in our blessed Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXVI.
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Bohemia (Maryland) Nov. 24, 1740.
Dear and Hon. Sir,
LAST night brother G—— brought me your two kind letters. O that there may be harmony, and very intimate union between us! Yet it cannot be, since you hold universal Redemption. But no more of this. Perhaps, in Spring, we may see each other face to face. This evening, God willing, I propose to embark for Georgia. Wonderful things our Lord brings to pass, in these parts, every day. Here is a close opposition from some of the Presbyterian Clergy. The seed of the serpent is the same in all, of whatever communion. I expect much more opposition every hour. The devil rages in London. He begins now to triumph indeed. The children of God are disunited among themselves. The king of the church shall yet over-rule all things for good. My dear brother, for Christ’s sake avoid all disputation. Do not oblige me to preach against you; I had rather die. Be gentle towards the ——. They will get great advantage over you, if they discover any irregular warmth in your temper. I cannot for my soul unite with the Moravian Brethren. Honoured Sir, Adieu!
Yours eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXVII.
Saint George’s (Pensylvania) Nov. 24, 1740.
Dear Brother T——,
GOD has revived his own work in Philadelphia. His glory filled the great house. The affairs belonging thereto, I believe, are well settled. We have had precious times at Cohansi, Salem, Fogs-mannor, Nottingham, Whiteclay, Creek and Bohemia. Brother G—— is come from England very opportunely. Brother S—— comes about Christmas. The brethren I think do grow, though sadly divided. But our Lord will order all for good.—Upon several accounts, I think it best to embark for England as soon as possible in the Spring. O pray for me, that I may not by any means grieve the children of God. I hope the weather is warm enough for you. I trust our Lord has warmed and filled your dear soul. Your brother Charles is with me. My dear fellow travellers salute you and our dear brother R——. My love to all that love the Lord Jesus. The war goes on bravely between Michael and the Dragon. Our dear Lord (O condescending love!) is wonderous kind to your poor, weak, unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXVIII.
Reedy-Island, Nov. 26, 1740.
Dear Mr. F——,
I Thank you for your letter.—You may print my life, as you desire. God willing, I shall correct my two volumes of sermons, and send them the very first opportunity.—Pray write to me by every ship, that goes shortly to Charles-Town.——
I shall embark for England, God willing, about February.—I desire I may hear from you there also, as often as possible. I have prefaced Jenks, and Presumptuous sinners detected. Mr. Bradford has the last, because he said he was to print it. You may have it of him.—The Ornaments of the daughter of Sion, you may have hereafter. Dear Sir, Adieu. I do not despair of your seeing the reasonableness of christianity. Apply to God; be willing to do the divine will, and you shall know it. I have heard from Mr. S——; all is well. To-day several friends have taken leave of me at this place, waiting for a fair wind in order to embark for Georgia. I think I have been on shore 73 days, and have been enabled to travel upwards of 800 miles, and to preach 170 times, besides very frequent exhortations at private houses. I have collected, in goods and money, upwards of 700l. sterling, for the Orphan-house; blessed be God! Great and visible are the fruits of my late, as well as former feeble labours, and people in general seem more eager after the word than ever. O the love of God to
Your unworthy friend,
G. W.
LETTER CCXXXIX.
To Mr. N. in New-York.
Charles-Town, Dec. 10, 1740.
My very dear Brother,
IN eight days, the Lord brought us hither. We arrived last night, when the Redeemer vouchsafed so to fill me with his divine consolations, that I could scarce sleep. I have been preaching this morning on the fire that happened of late from these words, Isa. i. 9. “Except the Lord of Hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as ♦Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.” I am now determined to see England as soon as possible. I have had much of God’s presence in our passage hither from Philadelphia, and have many precious letters to send you. O follow me with your prayers. I leave Charles-Town, God willing, to-night, in order to hasten to their relief, and shall go in the same sloop which brought me here, to my beloved Georgia. As soon as possible, I will send you a long letter. In the mean while, accept of my love from, dear Mr. N——,
Your very affectionate friend and brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
♦ ‘Sodam’ replaced with ‘Sodom’