LETTER CCXCIX.
To Mr. J—— C——, at Bristol.
Hertford, July 1, 1741.
My dear Brother,
THE Lord has been with me greatly, ever since I left London.—I have been enabled to preach twice every day, and to ride several miles. The congregations have been every where very large. God’s presence has accompanied the word. People’s hearts have been enlarged. Within these few days, we have collected near a hundred pounds for the poor orphans. Numbers of souls, I believe, are under convictions. In some places we have had near ten thousand hearers. Invitations are so pressing, that I purpose going another circuit to Bedford, and to preach in the counties round about for near a fortnight, and then return to London. I hope the Lord is with you; I am somewhat weak in body, but sweet and comfortable in my soul. Dear J—— joins with me in love to you and all. Pray for,
Yours in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER CCC.
To Mr. J—— H——, at Savannah.
Colchester, July 12, 1741.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
I Have not heard from you since you wrote last January. I have been a circuit into Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk. I have been enabled to preach twice daily, and to ride several miles. Congregations have been surprisingly large; the word is attended with power, and the alarm in the country rather greater than ever. Contributions arise and increase. You are all much upon my heart. God will yet provide for you. I write this in great haste. God gives me much of his presence. I am more and more convinced, that evangelizing is my proper business at present. God gives me great access every where. The Lord be with you all, Amen and Amen! To the best of my knowledge, I have neglected no opportunity of writing. I am
Ever yours in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER [CCC.]
To Mr. J—— H——, at London.
Coggeshall, July 13, 1741.
I Received your letter at Bury; but cannot think matters are quite ripe, or you duly qualified for settling a church. God lets me see more and more, that I must evangelize. I find you are for settling: do as God shall direct, I am easy. I only wish you may find settled persons to be your assistants. Without this, a church cannot be rightly ordered. I have no freedom, but in going about to all denominations. I cannot join with any one, so as to be fixed in any particular place. Every one hath his proper gift. Field-preaching is my plan: In this I am carried as on eagles wings. God makes way for me every where. The work of the Lord increases. I am comforted night and day. O free grace to such an hell-deserving sinner! I pray God to give you a right judgment in all things. I am, dear brother H——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCI.
To Mrs. D——, at Gransden.
London, July 17, 1741.
My dear Sister,
I Bless God that I saw you at Gransden. The Lord was with us, and has been with me the remaining part of my journey. We shall yet see greater things than these. Wonderful things from abroad. The inclosed will shew you, how desirous my family is of corresponding with you. Pray write to my dear little orphans, boys and girls. God, I hear, hath been working powerfully upon their hearts. I would have you also write to Mr. J—— B——, a converted planter; to Mrs. B——, his kinswoman, who has lately received the assurance of faith; to Mr. C——, a dear baptist minister; to Mrs. S——, who is carried on the wings of faith and love; and to my dear Mr. H——, who is Superintendant of the Orphan-house affairs. You will excuse this freedom. I am willing your usefulness should be as extensive as may be. May the Lord bless you ever, more and more. I expect to go to Scotland shortly. A ship will soon sail towards Georgia. Write soon, dear Mrs. D——, to
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCII.
To Mr. G—— H——, in Gloucester.
London, July 18, 1741.
My dear Friend,
GOD has mightily blessed my journey in the country. Thousands, and ten thousands, have flocked to hear the word. It was attended with power, and near a hundred and eighty pounds were collected for the Orphan-house. I know you will give thanks on my behalf. On Thursday morning, God willing, I hope to embark for Scotland: I am persuaded the Lord calls me thither. Invitations, both from the Seceders, and others that do not secede from the Kirk, are very strong. I should be glad of a line next post. It is now near eleven at night. I hope my friends will accept my thanks for their kind benefactions to the dear orphans, and with their prayers follow, dear Mr. H——,
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCIII.
To Mr. B—— S——.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741.
Dear Sir,
THOUGH I have but little time, yet I must redeem a little to answer your kind letter. God is doing great things, both at home and abroad. The inclosed will in some measure inform you. Every day our Lord appears for us in the great congregations. Weak as I am in myself, the Lord is my strength. O, dear Sir, I am a worm and no man; I deserve to be the outcast of the people, and yet the Lord delights to honour me. Free, free grace! I long to be above, that I may praise God as I desire. In about two days I hope to embark for Scotland. I will come and visit you when providence permits. In the mean while, I beg that you will pray that the glorious Jesus would bless all my poor endeavours to promote his glory! My love to all that love the dear Emmanuel. In his great name, I subscribe myself
Your affectionate brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCIV.
To Mr. G—— H——, at Gloucester.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741.
My very dear Friend,
I Thought to have embarked this morning for Scotland, but am likely to be detained a day or two. I must therefore send you a line. Wonderful things is the Lord doing for me. In the country I meet with surprising success. In London I see such things that I never saw in England before. A mighty power almost continually accompanies the word. The Lord Jesus is pleased to strengthen me very much in the inner man. O, my dear friend, give thanks for, and pray that I may walk humbly with my God. The Lord be with you and yours. I hope both you and dear Mrs. H—— do keep close to God. My love to all that love the dear Lord Jesus. God willing, you shall have a line from Scotland. Wonderful news is come from abroad, which will ere long rejoice your heart, and cause you to give thanks in behalf of, my dear Mr. H——,
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCV.
To Mr. T——, at Colchester.
Lewisham, July 23, 1741.
Dear Sir,
PROVIDENCE detaining me one day more, I snatch a few moments to answer your kind letter, and to return Mr. A—— thanks for his kind present. How good is the blessed Jesus to me the chief of sinners! He takes care both of my body and soul. His power has attended me lately, more than ever it did before in England. God’s right hand is bringing mighty things to pass. I earnestly intreat our Lord, that you may live above the world, and be dead to all things here below. Dear Sir, there is nothing like a life of faith. It is a glorious thing to be able to say, “Not I live, but Christ liveth in me.” Then, are we christians indeed, when we come to live on the invisible realities of another world. This, and this only, is true and undefiled religion. May God make you a lively partaker thereof. I hope my kind respects will find acceptance with Messrs. V——, D——, J——, and all friends. Fail not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCVI.
To Mr. B——.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741.
My very dear B——,
TO-MORROW, God willing, I embark for Scotland, and hope to redeem time abroad to answer my dear lambs letters: They rejoiced me exceedingly. What I have done with yours, the inclosed will shew. Pray be particular in your accounts. Much good has been done by those sent already. You cannot tell how many hearty prayers are put up for you all, daily. May they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth! The work is beginning afresh in England. The Holy Ghost descends in a glorious manner, amidst the congregation. Weak, unworthy as I am, Jesus Christ works in and by me. O sovereign free grace! I have sent the letter to Mrs. D——. I have lately seen her. Her conversation is as weighty as her letters. You will receive more from her, I hope, before it be long. I believe you are where God would have you to be. I despair not of seeing your mouth opened remarkably for God. O that the dear Jesus may bless you, and the whole houshold! I should rejoice to see you, but God, I believe, will detain me here the Winter. Mr. P——’s brother is to pay for the use of the Orphan-house seventy-five pounds. Shortly I hope to send you fresh supplies. In the mean while I assure you all, that you are constantly upon my heart. My head pains me; good night. The Lord be with you all. Expect to hear again very speedily from, dear Brother B——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCVII.
To Mr. I—— B——, at South-Carolina.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741.
Dear Mr. B——,
WITH much pleasure I received your kind letter. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who I trust hath begotten you, and called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. What an honour is it, that we should be counted worthy to suffer the least degree of reproach for his great name sake? I am ashamed to think how little I do, or suffer for him. O free grace! sovereign and electing love! how sweet to the soul, who really feels the power of it! May we walk worthy of that holy vocation wherewith we are called! I hear your brother is dead; happy soul! you and I shall go and see him by and by. I thank you heartily for your kindness to the dear orphans. I am sure God will amply repay you. The Lord be with you and yours. I must away to the ship bound for Scotland. I will answer dear Mrs. B——’s letter, when I get on board. Adieu. O pray for
Ever yours in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCVIII.
To Mr. I—— F——, at Charles-Town.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741.
Dear Mr. F——,
I Rejoice to hear the Lord is carrying on a good work in your soul. I hope you will not think all is done, because you have been baptized and received into full communion. I know too too many that “make a Christ of their adult baptism,” and rest in that, instead of the righteousness of the blessed Jesus. God forbid that you should so learn Christ. O my dear friend, seek after a settlement in our dear Lord, so that you may experience that life which is hid with Christ in God. Dear Mrs. F——, I thank you heartily for your kind letter. It rejoices my soul to hear, that you and Mr. F—— are going on hand in hand to heaven. This is the sacred end of marriage; to be helpers of each other in the great things of God. I am not yet entered into that state. I am looking up to Christ, and shall wait his direction. The gospel runs, and is glorified. The work is beginning a fresh in England. Never was my preaching attended with so great power on this side the water. Our Lord pours his comforts into my soul, and rejoices me with the glad news I hear from your parts. May you all increase and multiply in every good word and work. My most tender love to all. As fast as possibly I can, each shall hear from, my dear friends,
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCCIX.
To Mr. H——, at Georgia.
Greenwich, July 24, 1741.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
BEFORE the boat comes to take me down to the ship, I would write you a line or two. I greatly rejoice to hear that you live in love. But I shall not be surprised, if, after this remarkable work of the spirit, you meet with some trials. But fear not: we are all in the Mediator’s hands. I find all things work together for my good, and so I am sure you will. My dear friends, I know you sympathize with me.—Indeed, I also do with you. My dear, dear family, you are continually upon my heart. I redeem a moment or two as often as I can to write to you. God only knows how I love and long after you in the bowels of the ever-blessed Jesus. O may you lean on his bosom, and may his banner over you be love. Adieu! for the present. I must soon away to the ship. I have ordered hats and shoes for the children, and intend sending brother H——’s order and other things, with some cash, very shortly. But the arrears hang on me yet. My Lord bears my burden; may he bear all yours for you! I am persuaded he will. With great tenderness I subscribe myself, dear Mr. H——,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCX.
To Mrs. S——, at Charles-Town.
In a boat going to Gravesend, July 24, 1741.
Dear Mrs. S——,
I Am now in a boat, in order to embark for Scotland. I have the conveniency of writing upon a trunk, and therefore cannot be easy without sending you a line. I rejoice to hear that you are carried upon the wings of love. Methinks I see you sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with great delight, and exalting his free grace in plucking you as a brand out of the fire. O when shall we go to heaven, that we may praise God for what he hath done for our poor souls! The Lord is better to me than ever. Conviction, and conversion, both in town and country, are beginning again. The divine presence is much manifested in our assemblies. Blessed be the Lord, who is also working with you. The spiritual prosperity of the orphan family, rejoices my heart. God will ere long, I believe, make a separation between the precious and the vile. Poor Mr. G——, Commissary G——d, and Chief Justice W——, bitter, bitter, though unsuccessful persecutors, what will become of you? O that God may grant them repentance unto life! What reason have you and I, dear Mrs. S——, to exalt rich distinguishing grace! ’Tis that alone hath made the difference. I believe I need not remind you to pray, dear Mrs. S——, for
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXI.
To Serjeant B——, at Gibraltar.
On board the Mary and Ann, bound from London to Leith, July 25, 1741.
Dear Mr. B——,
I Am glad to hear that you are yet alive, and what is more, I trust you are alive to God. Perhaps I may never see you again on this side eternity. O that we may approve ourselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ! How bright will our crown be then, at that last great day! I find there is nothing like being valiant for the truth. Jesus Christ is a glorious captain. He makes me more than conqueror through his love. I have seen great things, within these few months. I should have answered you sooner, but could not get time till now: I am embarked for Scotland. I hope you take particular care to beat down self-righteousness, and exalt the Lord Jesus alone in your hearts. I find, the only happiness is to lie down as a poor sinner at the feet of the once crucified, but now exalted Lamb of God, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. I rejoice to hear, that some even at Gibraltar still dare to own a too too much neglected Saviour. Blessed be God, the governor is so favourable to you. This is a great motive to love and thankfulness. The work of God still goes on in England, and other parts. O for that glorious period, when the whole earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the seas! That our dear Lord may every day reign as king in all your souls, is the prayer of, dear Serjeant,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXII.
To Miss R——.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear Miss,
A Few hours ago I came on board. To shew that you are in my mind, I employ some of my first leisure time in answering your letter. The condition you are in now, ought not to make you think that Jesus Christ has cast you off, and that it will be presumption in you to believe on him. The Lord is now shewing you, that you are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked, and such only are the persons that think they want his almighty aid. I fear you look too much into yourself, and from thence are discouraged. Whereas you should look directly to Christ, and come to him in all your blood. You will always fly from him, as long as you count him your enemy. But do not think so hardly of him; Jesus is the sinner’s friend. O how doth his bowels yearn towards you! Are you made willing to be made whole? Christ invites and commands you to come to him; venture then upon him. If you never have believed yet, it is time for you to believe now. “Lord, give me faith!” for faith is the free gift of God. What if your heart be hard, Jesus can soften it. What if you have yet no marks of your election? surely you dare not say, “You are not elected,” or that Christ hath not died for you, even for you. It is, indeed, a bad thing to have only notions in the head, and no solid experience in the heart. But it is a good thing to be convinced of this. Blessed be God, who hath given you to bewail it. Look upon this as a token for good.—Trust not to means; when they are taken from you, Christ can and will work without them. The Lord may bring you help in a way, and at a time you know not of. Your extremity shall be God’s opportunity. If the Lord vouchsafes to bless this letter in the least degree to your comfort, it will much rejoice the heart of, dear Miss,
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXIII.
To Mr. J—— H——, at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
My dear Brother,
WITH much pleasure I have again read over your kind letter. God is a God hearing prayer. My dear brother H—— is awakened out of sleep. Help me men, help me angels, to praise God in his behalf! My dear brother, I pray God you may never lie down again. Christ is now giving you light; walk and rejoice in that light. Keep close, keep close, my dear man, and let nothing steal away your poor heart from the blessed Jesus. Give it all to him, give it to him, hard, earthly, sensual, devilish, as it is. He will wash it in his precious blood. Do not tie him down to any degree of conviction. So that he brings you home, let him do it in that way he shall think best. What a loving Saviour have you to deal with! You cannot conceive how kind he is, even to me every day. I feel and see his power more and more. He seems to be beginning his work afresh in England, and it gladdens my heart to hear he is among you at Bethesda. O do nothing to grieve the blessed spirit! Let your conversation be such in all things, as becomes the gospel of the blessed Jesus. Have the greatest regard for the little lambs. Do nothing that may prove a stumbling block to their precious souls. Warm yourself by talking to them. Be not one moment idle. Redeem your precious time; for you know not when your Lord may come. My brother, my heart is full of love to thee.—May you be a beloved physician! Beloved of the Lord, beloved of the Lord’s people, and a continual comfort to
Your most unworthy, though truly affectionate brother, and servant in the dear Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXIV.
To Mr. Wm. G——.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
My dear Brother G——,
YOUR kind letter I have just been reading over a second time. It gave me comfort; but the high stile extorted a smile or two from me. I believe you have been reading over Mrs. D——’s letters. You wanted to imitate her way of writing, but fail for want of her experience. It is a good thing not to go out of our depth. Methinks I see you look down and blush; but look up again immediately to Jesus Christ: He knows whereof we are made, and remembers we are but dust. Indeed I write to my dear man out of much love. Blessed be God, that all things are carried on with such decency and order. I pray God that you may so live, that all who come to see you may say, “Surely God is in this place.” Your prayers in my behalf are heard. I am quickened, and strengthened mightily both in soul and body: controversial points are ended, and the Lord Jesus Christ triumphs gloriously. I find my heart often drawn towards Bethesda. I hope I shall yet meet you again in the flesh, and embrace you one by one in my unworthy arms. In the mean time, I commit you to the bosom of Jesus. May you lean upon his breast, and sit under his shadow with great delight! May you be truly simple, truly childlike, and every way conformable to our great exemplar the spotless Lamb. I long for that time, when we shall sit down at his marriage supper: though I have the lowest place, it will suffice, dear brother G——,
Your affectionate brother, friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXV.
To Mr. J—— S——, at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear John,
YOUR case puts me in mind of that passage, where we are told that our Lord looked upon Peter. Surely, he has looked upon and prayed for you, otherwise how would Satan have sifted you? But see what comfort another passage may afford you, “Go tell my brethren and Peter.” Poor, weeping, penitent Peter must in no wise be forgotten. “Go tell them that I am risen.” Here are glad tidings of great joy to a disconsolate soul. May God apply it to your’s in particular. Dear John, may you learn from hence to stab your dear Saviour no more. I wonder not that you are in darkness. God will surely visit your offences with a rod, and your backslidings with some spiritual scourge. That is enough to keep us from sinning, though we know that his loving-kindness he will not utterly take from us, nor suffer his truth to fail. How dearly did David pay for his stolen sweets? What anguish has your poor soul felt, since I left you. Blessed be God, that he has awakened you out of sleep. O free grace! I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice. That you may never provoke God to leave you to yourself, is the earnest prayer of, dear John,
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXVI.
To Rebekah B——, an Orphan at the Orphan-house.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear Bekky,
AND is the Lord still striving with you? O then admire his patience, and give him your whole heart. I had no other end in bringing you to Bethesda, but that you might be brought to Jesus. I hope you will yet find it a house of mercy to your soul. Take heed of resting in conviction. You know by experience how sadly it wears off. You may well wonder, that God has not sent you to hell long ago. I pray God, that his goodness may lead you to repentance, and that you may walk before the Lord in all well-pleasing, so long as you live. What sweet opportunities do you enjoy! How freely may you go into the woods, and pour out your heart before the dear Jesus. How early was Samuel acquainted with the Lord, and why should not you be acquainted with him? Unless you are, you can never be at peace. Come then, my dear lamb, and wander no longer; return to the shepherd and bishop of your soul. Behold, he shed his blood for you, and will carry you to heaven, rejoicing over you to all eternity. Away to him then in all your blood, just as you are; and when you are near to God, forget not
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXVII.
To Elizabeth G——, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear Betty,
I Am glad you begin to feel the hardness of your heart, and your utter inability to pray. I pray God you may in all things see your helplessness, that you may come as a poor helpless nothing to Jesus Christ, and take him for your all in all. I wonder not that satan endeavours to terrify your soul. You know how he tore the young child in the Gospel, whilst he was coming to Jesus Christ. Your convictions at present seem to arise from a fear of hell; but before you receive this, I hope the Lord Jesus will have sealed your pardon, and have said, “Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee.” O Betty, why has God singled you out? Why was you brought to Bethesda? Away when you read this, and bless God for it, and devote yourself again and again to that Lord, who has bought you with his precious blood. Having much forgiven you, love much. Lie down in the dust, and be continually looking to the rock from whence you are hewn. To hear that you, and my dear family, love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, will much rejoice the heart of
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXVIII.
To Mary A——, an Orphan.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741.
Dear Molly,
UPON reading your letter, I put up this prayer, “Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon her soul.” You once had joy. I found it puffed you up. I pray God to humble you by your present darkness. You may now see what a poor wretch you are, how proud, how earthly, how sensual, how devilish; and yet, stupendous love! Jesus Christ will still receive you. Your loving Saviour opens his arms, and invites you to throw the whole of your load upon him. I am persuaded he will receive you: go to him then, and confess that you have sinned. He will receive you; for what says the scripture? “Look unto me, all ye ends of the earth, and be ye saved.” Surely Molly A—— is included here. The dear Jesus is all love. He has brought you to a house of mercy. Out of love, keep his commandments, and love all that are around you. Be willing to be the servant of all, and from gratitude to God study to be a comfort to
Your sincere friend in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXIX.
To the Honourable J—— B——, Esq.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741.
Hon. Sir,
WITH much pleasure I received yours by the hands of your son, who offered to do me any service that lay in his power. This, as well as your other past favours, quite surprize, and ought to humble me; for who am I, that I should be thus highly honoured? O sovereign grace! O distinguishing love! If I did not stand up in defence of that, the very stones would cry out against me. Indeed, honoured Sir, your kindness makes me almost to blush, and the love of Jesus quite confounds me. I am lost, I want to sink into nothing whenever I think of Christ’s dying for me. I really think, I am the most ungrateful sinner that ever was, and yet the Redeemer follows me with his mercies every day. Unspeakable are the trials wherewith I have been visited since my arrival. But out of all the Lord delivers me. I experience daily much of his divine presence; a wider door than ever is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, and God seems to be beginning his work again in Old-England: it adds to my joy, to hear what the Lord is doing amongst you. Blessed, for ever blessed be God, for causing such a stirring among the dry bones. I pray the glorious Redeemer, to carry on the good work begun, and to make New-England the joy of the whole earth. I suppose you have heard, honoured Sir, of the remarkable effusion of the spirit among the children of the orphan-house. Surely, Jesus Christ is about to bring mighty things to pass. Whilst the kings of the earth are enlarging their dominions, I trust our Lord will usher in his.—I shall not be surprized, if after this great commotion in New-England, I hear that some outward troubles befal them. The removal of you, honoured Sir, from being governor, I take to be no good sign. I hope this has no other effect upon your own heart, than to make you more and more hunger and thirst after that righteousness, which neither men nor devils shall ever be able to take from you. God only knows, how often I have prayed, that this affliction may be sanctified unto you. I think, honoured Sir, I cannot forget you and your people. Both are dear, very dear to my soul. I sometimes long to see Boston again, that I may rejoice in what great things the Lord has done; but various circumstances concur to detain me on this side the ocean, all the next Winter. I am now in my passage to Scotland. What the Lord is pleased to do there, your honour may hear in my next. I rejoice, that I am a little retired from the world, and have the opportunity, honoured Sir, of writing to you. How sweet is retirement when Christ is present in the heart? Having him, I find I possess all things. Happy they that can wrap themselves in God. May you and yours be thus happy! This will enable you, honoured Sir, to rejoice in tribulation, and give thanks for every thing that does befal you. Tho’ the ship is moving, and I am somewhat sick, I know not how to leave off. Indeed, I love and honour you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. That you and yours may be rooted and grounded in his love, and filled with all the fulness of God, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXX.
To the Reverend Dr. C——, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Had the pleasure of yours, and have taken the freedom to publish part of it, because I thought our Lord’s cause might be promoted thereby. Glory be to the ever blessed Jesus, for the great work begun in your province. Glory be to his great name, for raising up instruments to carry it on; especially for working so powerfully among the sons of the prophets. A most promising omen this for dear New-England. Reverend Sir, the searcher of hearts only knows, how deeply the welfare of your people is impressed upon my soul. I continually make mention of them in my poor prayers, both public and private, and have not failed to give thanks in their behalf. You seem a little offended, that I did not mention old Mr. W——s. It was, because by his conversation I could not find he came up to that character which you gave him. Mr. S—— I truly value, and lately have had reason to think much better of him than formerly, when his experiences to me seemed too superficial; but I am a poor, weak, fallible worm, and therefore my judgment is of little worth. I rejoice to hear that the ministers with you help forward the work of God. I find no such enemies to the cross of Christ, as those who keep up the form of religion, and are orthodox in their notions, but are ignorant of an experimental acquaintance with Jesus. However, the work of God is beginning afresh. I have free access every where, and have been upon the full stretch preaching to large auditories twice a day, for some time past. The Lord is pleased to strengthen me both in body and soul. His presence fills the assemblies, and, I verily believe, we shall yet see glorious days. I have sweet accounts from the Orphans. I thank you, dear Sir, for your care concerning them. I have been in great straits; but the dear Jesus helps me through them all. Help me, dear Sir, help me to praise him. My tender love awaits both you and your people. I am glad to hear, that my kind hostess is recovered. May the Lord strengthen her mightily, and cause her to go down to the grave in peace! I earnestly desire a continuance of your own and people’s prayers in behalf of, reverend Sir,
Your affectionate brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXXI.
To John D——, at Boston.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741.
My dear child,
I Thank you for your letter: I neither forgot you nor my promise. O that God may effectually work upon your heart betimes, for you cannot be good too soon, or too good. The little orphans at Georgia are crying out, “What shall we do to be saved?” And I am glad to hear, that this is the language of some little ones in New-England. If you know any of them, pray give my love to them, and tell them, I pray that Jesus Christ may be revealed in their dear hearts. How early was Jesus Christ in the Temple, first hearing, and then asking questions? How did he love the little children, how did he take them up in his sacred arms and bless them; and when he was just ascending to the highest heaven, how tenderly did he speak to Peter, and bid him “feed his lambs.” Let all this encourage you to come unto him. He will certainly receive you, tho’ you have been wicked; nay, he will abundantly pardon you. And what comfort will you enjoy, when you know your sins are forgiven you? You will then have a heaven upon earth. In expectation of seeing you a christian indeed, and grown in grace, I subscribe myself
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.