LETTER CCLXXVI.
To Mr. H—— H——.
Bristol, April 28, 1741.
My dear Brother,
BLESSED be God for knitting us together in love. May it continue, and increase till consummated in eternity! The Lord Jesus direct you. It is now a trying time with the church. Our Lord is now chiefly wounded in the house of his friends. The Lord keep us both from a party spirit on one hand, and from too much rashness and positiveness on the other. I speak thus, because you seem offended that some affirm, “That there is no such thing as dominion over indwelling sin, nor rest from working for life wholly.” Now this is certainly true in one sense. We shall never have such a dominion over indwelling sin, as entirely to be delivered from the stirring of it; and the greatest saint cannot be assured, but some time or other for his humiliation, or punishment for unfaithfulness, God may permit it to break out into some actual breach of his law, and in a gross way too. Let us not be high-minded, but fear. It is equally true, that we shall not rest wholly from working for life. For whilst there is any part of us unregenerate, that part will be always leading us to the old covenant. Luther often complained of the propensity of his heart this way. If we know ourselves, we shall find it to be so with us; but I suppose you have been tinctured with the doctrine of sinless perfection. No wonder therefore you write thus. May God give you a right judgment in all things, and enable you rightly to divide the word of truth! As for assurance, I cannot but think, all who are truly converted must know that there was a time in which they closed with Christ: But then, as so many have died only with an humble hope, and have been even under doubts and fears, though they could not but be looked upon as christians; I am less positive than once I was, lest haply I should condemn some of God’s dear children. The farther we go in the spiritual life, the more cool and rational shall we be, and yet more truly zealous. I speak this by experience. Dear brother H—— will not be angry with me. I hope, and believe, you pray for me. The Lord Jesus carries me on. Many have been convinced at London. I preach here twice daily, to large congregations, with great power. The Lord, I believe, will yet bring mighty things to pass. I am, dear H——,
Your most affectionate brother in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXVII.
To the Rev. Mr. S——.
Bristol, May 1, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Am glad to hear by brother M——, that the Lord is with you. May you increase with all the increase of God. The more we do, the more we may do for the dear Lord Jesus. He strengthens me here mightily.—I am enabled to speak here with great power, rather greater than when at London. My congregations are as large as usual, and they go refreshed away. This is the Lord’s doings; may all that is within us praise his holy name! Exhort the dear London people to pray for us. The Lord be with you all. Dear Sir, pray for
Your affectionate brother and unworthy fellow-labourer in our Lord,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXVIII.
To Mr. S——, at Worcester.
Gloucester, May 5, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
WITH this, I send you my answer to brother Wesley’s sermon, and my account of the Orphan-house. I have seen your letter to Mr. N——, and thank you for espousing the cause of a poor despised minister of Jesus Christ. I hope as I make advances in the spiritual life, I shall show my zeal more and more tempered with true christian knowledge and prudence. I would willingly have none of my wild fire mingled with the sacred fire that comes down from God’s altar. I desire not only to do things for God, but to do them in the best manner. I am a poor unworthy sinner, and yet, (O sovereign grace!) the Lord works by me day by day. At Bristol, error is in a great measure put a stop to. The Lord manifested himself in the great congregation there, and doth likewise here. Last night, we saw and felt his power. I have had the pleasure of seeing dear Mr. P——, and I long for that time when I shall see you, Reverend Sir, and all the chosen of God in the kingdom of heaven. But I desire to wait till my change shall come. Dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me. I have prayed for you often. I am a weak sinful worm. As such pray remember, Reverend Sir,
Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXIX.
To Mr. Wm. W——, at Edinburgh.
Bristol, May 16, 1741.
Dear Sir,
I Received both your kind letters, and with this send you my hearty thanks for them. I also thank you for your kind invitation of me to Scotland. God only knows when I can come.—All I can say at present is, I will come when the Lord permits. Sad tares have been sown here. It will require some time to pluck them up. The doctrines of the gospel are sadly run down, and most monstrous errors propagated. They assert, “That the very in-being of sin must be taken out of us, or otherwise we are not new creatures.” O dear Sir, exhort all to pray for me, that I may be faithful to my Lord, and yet kept gentle in my temper. At present, our dear Lord causes me to triumph in every place. His gospel gets ground, and his power is manifested among us day by day. The fields are white, every where ready unto harvest. Our Lord I trust will gather his wheat into his heavenly garners. My kind respects attend Mr. M—— and Mr. D——. Had I time I would write a long letter to each. But I am interrupted. However, I am glad to snatch a few moments to beg a continuance of your prayers for a poor unworthy worm, and to assure you that I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXX.
To Mr. E—— E——, at Sterling.
Bristol, May 16, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Owe you much love. Only want of time, prevents my writing to you oftner. This morning I received a kind ♦letter from your brother Ralph, who thinks it best for me wholly to join the associate presbytery, if it should please God to send me into Scotland. This I cannot altogether come into. I come only as an occasional preacher, to preach the simple gospel to all that are willing to hear me, of whatever denomination. It will be wrong in me to join in a reformation as to church government, any further than I have light given me from above. If I am quite neuter as to that in my preaching, I cannot see how it can hinder or retard any design you may have on foot. My business seems to be, to evangelize, to be a Presbyter at large. When I shall be sent into your parts I know not. I write this, that there may not be the least misunderstanding between us. I love and honour the associate Presbytery in the bowels of Jesus Christ. With this I send them my due respects, and most humbly beg their prayers. But let them not be offended, if in all things I cannot immediately fall in with them. Let them leave me to God. Whatever light he is pleased to give me, I hope I shall be faithful to it. Our dear and precious master still carries me on. God enables me to fight my way through. The gospel doctrines, I believe, will yet prevail. I feel a divine power attending my ministrations. I preach twice daily, and am invited to many places. I believe the Lord intends to keep me on this side the water for some time. Blessed be God, all places are alike to me. O dear Sir, pray for me.—I am a poor unworthy worm. I love you tenderly, but am almost ashamed to subscribe myself
Your brother in the best of bonds,
G. W.
♦ ‘lettter’ replaced with ‘letter’
LETTER CCLXXXI.
To D—— A——, in London.
Bristol, May 16, 1741.
I Am glad to receive a line once again from dear brother A——. I rejoice that God lets you see more and more into the corruptions of your heart. The more perfect you are, the more will you see and bewail your imperfections in thought, word, and deed; the more will you be made to sing, “In the Lord alone, and not in myself, have I compleat righteousness and strength.” The doctrine of electing love, is precious to my soul. I am enabled to speak of it feelingly to others. My soul is kept in peace and sweetness. Our Lord’s cause needs not noise and rashness. I desire that none of my wild-fire may be mixed with the pure fire of holy zeal coming from God’s altar. I think it my duty to wait, to go on simply in preaching the everlasting gospel, and I believe we shall yet see the salvation of God. Methinks, the cloud begins to break off your mind; I pray God to keep you from extremes. Brother H—— is more and more enlightned; but withal, more and more quickened every day. He finds there is no such thing as sinless perfection, and yet is pressing after holiness of heart and life rather more than ever. May God make my dear brother A—— thus minded! For indeed I love him in the bowels of Jesus Christ. We have had frequently sweet communion with God, and one another. I should have rejoiced to have conversed with you at Bristol. This is my comfort, yet a little while and we shall converse in the kingdom of heaven, for ever and ever. My soul is waiting for this salvation. I know not when I shall go to Axminster. When I do, you shall have timely notice. God blesses my ministry, wherever he sends me. I am invited to fresh places daily. Dear Mr. A——, I, even worthless I, subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately in the loving Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXII.
To Mr. I—— C——.
Bristol, May 18, 1741.
Dear Brother C——,
I Received your letter this morning, and am just setting out for Wiltshire. The Lord hath been much with us. Yesterday I preached three times. At every sermon, a sweet melting was observed in the congregation. Last night I gave your sister the sacrament; she is recovering. I afterwards, administered the sacrament at Mr. T——’s, and had a love feast. Jesus was in the midst of us. I know not but I may come towards London next week. I wonder not at your heaviness.—Before every increase of your work, you must expect some trials. Humblings are necessary for your spirit, and mine. I return my love to all. I must away. Brother H—— rejoices in spirit, and joins with me, who am,
Ever yours in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. J.
Bristol, May 23, 1741.
My dear Brother,
I Bless God for making any thing of mine useful to your soul. May the blessed Jesus breathe upon you day by day, and make you eminently useful to the church of God. I think you write with a kind of prophetic spirit. The Lord only knows how he will be pleased to dispose of me. Great afflictions I am sure of having, and a sudden death, blessed be God, will not be terrible. I know that my redeemer liveth. I every day long to see him, that I may be free from the remainder of sin, and enjoy him without interruption for evermore. I desire patiently to wait, till my blessed change shall come. The Lord hath been with me here. There is a great awakening in Wiltshire, and the work is most wonderfully carried on in New-England. I hope to send you a letter, shortly, that will rejoice your heart. I leave Bristol, and go through Wiltshire to London next Monday.—I then purpose going to Staffordshire, and then through Wales to Scotland. A wider door than ever is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel. I have now only time to beg your prayers, and to assure you that I am
Your most affectionate though weak and unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXIV.
To Mr. I—— R——, at Philadelphia.
Bristol, May 23, 1741.
Dear I——,
I Rejoice to find, that you see, feel, and bewail, the plague of your heart. May the Lord shew it you more and more! It will excite your love to the dear Lord Jesus more fervently.—I return my love to your sister. I thought ere now she had been with Jesus. I believe, she has the grace of God in truth, and therefore our Lord will make her conqueror over all. I am glad to hear of the success of the gospel in Boston. It is a gathering time there, but a winnowing time with us here. All is ordered for the good of the church, by Christ Jesus: Let us, my dear brother, keep close to him in this and every trying time. We shall find but few, very few, true followers of the Lamb of God. May you and I be in the happy number! God is pleased to give success to the word preached. Though I am opposed much, Jesus is my strength. The Lord will enable me to fight his battles. My love to Peggy, and all that love Jesus. Forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXV.
To Mr. T——.
Bristol, May 23, 1741.
Dear Sir,
I Am glad to receive a letter from you. I was fearful, lest I had done something to offend you. I thank you and the other gentlemen for their kind invitation of me to Scotland. I believe it will be near three months before I can see Edinburgh. On Monday I set out for London: then I purpose, God willing, to go into Essex, and then to return through Bristol and Wales in my way to you. I intreat all the brethren to pray for me, that I may come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. I am a poor, weak, unworthy worm. God hath been with me here, and in Gloucestershire. In Wiltshire there is a great awakening. Abroad in New-England the work goes on wonderfully. O dear Sir, never was such a weak wretch sent on such an important errand. I have many trials of various kinds. Jesus supports me; Jesus makes me more than conqueror. He is a dear and a tender master. Dear Sir, help me to praise him. I will write to all the gentlemen that wrote to me, if I can any way redeem time. In the mean while, be pleased to remember me to them in the kindest manner, and believe me to be
Your affectionate though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXVI.
To Mr. J—— H——, at Savannah.
London, June 1, 1741.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
I Received a short letter from you, but it was dated in January last.—I have sent several to Georgia, and lately also a parcel of things for the children. God appears much in our congregations. We seldom or never have a dry meeting. As to outward things, I never was more embarrassed; but my consolations are equivalent. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I am apprehensive of no opposition from the government. I have waited on the Speaker. He treated me kindly, and assured me that there would be no persecution in this king’s reign: they know I am loyal from principle, but I believe I shall yet be greatly humbled. The story of Joseph in the prison, and David in his troubles before he came to the throne, has been much and comfortably pressed upon my soul. I hope you enjoy peace! May the Lord bless you and the whole household. I am sometimes enabled to pray with great faith for you all. The Lord will yet provide. I am to preach thrice to day. It is now past five in the morning. I am going to the tabernacle lately erected for a morning lecture. We have sweet meetings, blessed be God! In the bowels of our common Jesus, I subscribe myself
Yours eternally,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXVII.
To Mr. I. C——, at Bristol.
London, June 3, 1741.
I Have enjoyed the especial presence of God ever since I came to London. I preach three times daily. The Lord is remarkably with me. Congregations increase. I am going to have a society-room joined to the tabernacle. The Lord is really on our side.—O let us be meek and quiet! O let us wait, and we shall see the salvation of God. I preach daily at Deptford. Our dear master helps me to preach and pray with great power. Your ministry hath been blessed. Let us both give all the glory to everlasting Love. Salute the dear brethren. Remember me most kindly to all in Wine-street.
Ever yours in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXVIII.
To Mr. R—— E——.
London, June 4, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Have now a little time to myself. I must improve it and answer your kind letter. Blessed be God, for enabling me to write any thing, that may be of service to his church, and of comfort to your soul. Glory be to our dear and common Lord, his cause here succeeds. Truth gets ground. The Lord strengthens me mightily. His power is manifested in our congregations. Conversion work is going on apace among us. I am not yet determined, about the exact time of coming to Scotland: but I believe, I shall be with you in about three months. I can’t but think the associate presbytery, are a little too hard upon me. If I am neuter as to the ♦particular reformation of church government till I have further light, it will be enough. I come simply to preach the gospel, and to be received only as an occasional itinerant preacher by all, and not to enter into any particular connection whatever. The Lord, I hope, will order my goings in his ways. I desire to hear frequently from you. I have need of your prayers. My trials are great, my comforts far greater. I am a poor worm, and yet Jesus delights to honour me. We are likely to have settled societies in several places. Jesus rides on from conquering to conquer. I am, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy fellow-labourer and affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
♦ ‘parcular’ replaced with ‘particular’
LETTER CCLXXXIX.
London, June 6, 1741.
My Brother H—— H——,
I Do assure you, that my heart is as your heart. I am quite sick of Christless consenters. They talk, and that is all. I (like you) am heartily despised by most of them. I am resolved to open against their luke-warmness, and worldly-mindedness. May God open my mouth wide when I come to Wales. Outward enemies are now more quiet. Enemies within the church, carnal professors, and self-righteous Pharisees, most try us. Let us not fear, Jesus Christ will give us the victory over all. God mightily strengthens me. Our congregations are very large and solemn. I never had greater freedom in preaching. God enables me to cast all my care upon him, with a full assurance that he careth for me. You need not fear my believing any reports to your disadvantage. I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I was not in the least offended, when B—— H—— wrote me word that “you thought in some things I did not act as a little child.” The more open you are with me the better. If nature and pride rise in my heart, I will go to Jesus, abhor myself, and pray for my dear reprovers. All that I can say is, that I desire to be a very little child. All things are possible with Jesus Christ. He is wonderfully kind to me. Truth, I believe, will prevail. I want to see you face to face. Satan does not love that Christ’s ministers should come together. I wish you could come up immediately, and stay at London whilst I am in the country: or rather go and preach at B——l, Gloucester, and Wiltshire, for about a fortnight, and then come up to London. This, I believe, will be best. About that time, God willing, I shall return from Essex, and then we can consult what is best to be done for the cause of our dear master. O Jesus is love! I am glad to hear brother Rowl—d is with you. Go on in the strength of our dear Lord, and you shall see satan like lightning fall from heaven. Times are not yet dark enough for the dawning of a thorough reformation. At even-tide God speaks. My love to all that follow Jesus Christ with an unfeigned simplicity. May the Lord hide your precious soul under the shadow of his almighty wings! Cease not to pray for
Yours eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCXC.
To the Rev. Mr. D——, at Dedham in Essex.
London, June 6, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
MULTIPLICITY of business has prevented my answering your kind letter. However, I have often borne you upon my heart before the Lord. Your case, methinks, is somewhat like that man of God, J. Bunyan’s. He was often so depressed with a sense of sin in the pulpit, that he has been tempted to hold his peace. This has been my case also both in public and in private. I find the best way is to press forward, and to look up to Jesus Christ. He is faithful to his promises. I write but short, having but little time, and because I hope soon to see you in Essex. I pray God to clear up your evidences, and give you no rest till he fills you with a full assurance of faith. Our Lord rides on triumphantly here. He enables me to go on from conquering to conquer. I am a poor weak unworthy worm. As such, be pleased to remember, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in the gospel,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCI.
To Mrs. R——.
London, June 6, 1741.
Dear Mrs. R.,
I Have been much hindred in answering your letter. Perhaps you have expected too much comfort from man. That comfort is alone lasting, which comes from God. I know not your experiences, and therefore cannot so well judge of your case: however, I would have you press forward, and labour after a full assurance of faith. Judge not yourself by others joys and comforts. Look not too much upon the happiness you think others may enjoy. This may lead you to repine and murmur against God. Look to yourself, and to Christ. Remember, you deserve nothing, and therefore he does you no wrong. Remember also, that he is full of love, and therefore in his own due time will manifest himself to your soul. That you may patiently tarry the Lord’s leisure, and be blessed with abundance of peace, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mrs. R——,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCII.
To Mr. K——.
London, June 8, 1741.
Dear Sir,
I Like your last letter best. There is one thing you still lack, “to be convinced of unbelief.” By faith, and not by works, are you to be justified in the sight of God. Make use of the means. You must take care that you do not rest in them. You must not think any thing you can do, will in the least recommend you to the favour of God; and yet you must strive, as if you were to be saved by your striving. The only cause of our acceptance with God lies at the feet of sovereign mercy, through Christ. Entreat the Lord to give you faith, and who knows but he may have mercy upon you. Remember you are a poor sinner, and deserve nothing. That God may reveal his dear Son in you, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCIII.
To Mr. J—— C——, at Kingswood.
London, June 8, 1741.
My dear Brother,
HOW sweetly does providence order all things for us! Just before yours came, I was resolved to send you 20l. to begin the society-room at Kingswood. Mrs. C—— gives it, and I believe will make it up fifty. This gentlewoman hath been made happily instrumental in relieving me out of my late distress. You know how I was threatened to be arrested, soon after my arrival, for above three hundred pounds, due on account of the Orphan-house in Georgia, and I do not know but a writ was actually taken out. This drove me to my knees. God gave me to wrestle, with strong cryings and many tears, both before and after I went to rest—I could plead with him that it was not for myself but his poor. The example of Professor Frank encouraged me to pray, tho’ I found he ventured only week by week; but my situation in such a foreign climate constrained me to run upon larger arrears.—God was pleased to give me an answer of peace. Having as I thought a full assurance of immediate help from some quarter or another, I went to sleep most comfortably. Early the next morning a friend came to me to enquire, if I knew where a gentlewoman of his acquaintance might put out three or four hundred pounds. I replied, let her lend it to me, and in a few months, God willing, she shall have it again.—Upon being acquainted with my circumstances, she most chearfully sent me the sum I wanted, and thus my enemies were disappointed of their hope. Praise the Lord, O my soul!—But to return. I would have you lay the foundation immediately, but take care of building too large or too handsome. Notwithstanding my present embarrassments, who knows, but it may be in my power to discharge my Orphan-house debt, and make collections here for Kingswood-school too? When I could get no assistance at all from my old friends and spiritual (prejudiced) children, and was almost quite pennyless, and left to sit alone like a sparrow upon the house-top, a serious person, whom I never saw or ♦heard of, came the other day and put a guinea into my hand. At receiving it, something as it were said to me, “Cannot that God who sent this person to give thee this guinea, make it up fifteen hundred?” As I told a friend immediately, to whom I ran down, so I shall tell you; I doubt not but this will be the case. My debt is all for God, and contracted in providing for the fatherless and widow. As to the work here, though perhaps I may be blamed by some for venturing so far, blessed be God, it goes on sweetly. All things happen for the furtherance of the gospel. I have wrote brother S—— to let you have twenty pounds.
Yours eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
♦ ‘heared’ replaced with ‘heard’
LETTER CCXCIV.
To the Rev. Mr. S——, at Charles-Town.
London, June 9, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Wrote you a few lines lately from Bristol. Since that, I have had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you; for which I thank you heartily. What Mr. P—— brings with him, will inform you how affairs stand here. Blessed be God, the word runs and is glorified. The heat of the battle is now, I hope, pretty well over. God is pleased to give me great power, and to strengthen me both in body and soul. Our congregations are large and awful. We generally see and feel much of the divine presence in the sanctuary. Many are pricked to the heart. I have three truly experienced young men that joined me. Affairs being somewhat settled here, I am going a long journey of several months, thro’ several counties in England, Wales, and Scotland. The door was never opened wider for my preaching the everlasting gospel. I am glad to hear by Mrs. S——, &c. of your faithfulness to our common Lord.—O, dear Sir, what are we that we are called out to speak in his great name! Let us never fear suffering for owning his eternal truths.—The witnesses cannot be slain ’till they have finished their testimony. At present here is no great fear of opposition from the men in power; tho’ I hear the House of Lords intend to give a hearing to my appeal. However it be, I am easy. The Lord Jesus over-rules every thing for the good of his church. I suppose I cannot come over to you ’till about next Spring. In the mean while, tho’ absent in body, I am present with you in spirit, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Your very affectionate, but unknown brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCV.
To Mr. J—— P——, in Georgia.
London, June 9, 1741.
Dear brother P——,
I Am sorry to hear you are still in darkness. Let the little light you have, make you hold up your head, and think not of changing your station without a proper call. We are apt to place our happiness in places, and often think we do not please God, because we do not please ourselves. But I find the fault is in the heart, not the place. Wait, therefore, my dear brother, still patiently upon the Lord. Who knows, but by and by Jesus Christ may lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon your soul? Why should you doubt it? My dear brother, Christ is love. He tries, but yet supports me; nay, makes me more than conqueror thro’ his love. You will hear by other letters, how it goes with the church in England. She is shaken, but it is only that she may be the more settled. My love to your wife. I hope you find her an help-meet for you. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, bless, preserve, and keep you. May you both walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and be edified; and may God give you hearts to remember
Your affectionate friend, and brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCVI.
To the Rev. Mr. F——, at Southampton.
London, June 13, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
JUST now I received your kind letter, and the generous benefaction of you and your friends for the Orphan-house. It came very opportunely, and strengthens my faith in the blessed Jesus. I find he will help me by ways I know not. O, dear Sir, the love of God to such an unworthy worm quite amazes me. Surely, if I did not stand up for free distinguishing grace, the very stones would cry out against me. Blessed be our glorious Emmanuel, the gospel runs and is glorified. A wonderful power attends the word preached. Every day, I believe, some or other are pricked to the heart. I have also glad tidings from abroad. In New-England there is an extraordinary work of God. I hope the dear Jesus will set the whole world in a flame. Dear Sir, help me with your prayers. The archers shoot sore at me that I may fall, but the Lord is my helper. I hope my thanks will find acceptance with your other friends, who joined in helping my poor Orphans. Good measure pressed down and running over, may the Lord return into your bosoms. Dear Sir, I pray God to make you a flaming fire, and fill you with a holy burning zeal for promoting our dear Redeemer’s kingdom. I find but few truly zealous. The love of too, too many is waxed cold. I thank you, dear Sir, for encouraging me, and beg leave to subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCVII.
To the Rev. Mr. H——.
London, June 13, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Received your kind letter. You do not know, and therefore think too highly of me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. Providence is pleased to prevent my leaving London on Monday next. I must necessarily defer my journey to Hertfordshire and Essex, till the Monday following.—I approve of the circuit you have fixed, but I chuse to preach at each place twice. Dear Sir, I most heartily thank you for promising me your assistance in respect to the orphans. I am persuaded our Lord will be well pleased. He gives me great encouragement. We daily feel and see his presence in the great congregation. I hear glorious news from abroad: New-England is in a holy flame. O that we at home, may be stirred up to spend ourselves, and be spent, for the good of souls! Dear Sir, pray that such a mind may be given to
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXCVIII.
To the Rev. Mr. S——, at Worcester.
London, June 13, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Thank you heartily for your last kind letter: As you are so aged and infirm, I take it as an especial favour, that you are pleased to write to me. You need make no apology, reverend Sir, for your plain dealing: I love those best, who deal most sincerely with me. Whatever errors I have been, or shall be guilty of in my ministry, I hope the Lord will shew me, and give me grace to amend. This is the language of my heart;
Correct me when I go astray,
And lead me in the perfect way.
I also thank you, dear Sir, for your kind benefaction. My arrears upon the Orphan-house are yet large; but I hope ere long the Lord will enable me to pay them all. At present, I am kept from doubting. Unworthy as I am, Jesus Christ is yet with me, and is pleased daily to strengthen me both in soul and body. My ministry (for ever adored be sovereign grace) is attended with a continual power. I am shortly going a large circuit, perhaps as far as Scotland. Dear Sir, let your prayers follow after me.—I am a poor, weak, unworthy worm; as such be pleased to remember, reverend and dear Sir,
Your obedient, though unworthy brother and servant in our common Lord,
G. W.