LETTER XXVII.
To the Same.
London, Oct. 25, 1737.
Dearest Sir,
MULTIPLICITY of business prevented my writing to you before. But though you have not heard from me by letter, yet you may assure yourself, dear Sir, I never forget mentioning you in my prayers. God knows that I and some other friends intercede most fervently for you, and very frequently even at midnight. May God, for Christ’s sake, hear and answer them! We sail not for Georgia this month. I suppose you have heard of my mighty deeds, falsely so called, by reading the news-papers; for I find some back-friend has published abroad my preaching four times in a day; but I beseech Mr. Raikes, the printer, never to put me into his news upon any such account again, for it is quite contrary to my inclinations and positive orders. God still works here. The collections for the charity schools, in all the churches where I preach, are very large. All London is alarmed. Many youths here sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ; and thousands, I hope, are quickened, strengthened, and confirmed by the word preached. I was never in better health, and never composed more freely. O praise the Lord, dear Sir, and pray that I may not be self-sufficient but humble. I am glad dear Mrs. H. is recovered. May she, with Peter’s wife’s mother, arise and minister to Jesus Christ. God reward her for all her works and labours of love. Blessed be God my hands are full of business. A third edition of my sermon on regeneration is coming out. Write to me quickly, accept my hearty thanks and love, and expect to hear again from, Dear Sir,
Ever your’s,
G. W.
LETTER XXVIII.
To the Same.
Nov. 14, 1737.
Dear Sir,
I Heartily thank you for your last, and having a few moments, sit down to answer it. Let not my friends trouble me with temporal offers, I shall accept (God assisting me) of no place this side Jordan. We embark for Georgia in about three weeks or a month at farthest. You wish me good luck in the name of the Lord. I hope to send to you again before I sail. Mr. M——n is going amongst the colliers again at Bristol, and a church, I hope, will be built for them. Prosper, O Lord, the work of his hands upon him!—Mrs. Farmer, whenever my circumstances will admit, shall be paid all that is due to her on my mother’s account. God still works more and more by my unworthy ministry. Last week, save one, I preached ten times in different churches; and the last week seven; and yesterday four times, and read prayers twice, though I slept not above an hour the night before, which was spent in religious conversation, and in interceding for you, Mrs. H., good Mr. Pauncefoot, &c. I now begin to preach charity sermons twice or thrice a week, besides two or three on Sundays, and sixty or seventy pounds are collected weekly for the poor children. Thousands would come in to hear, but cannot. This night I preached a funeral sermon before a most crouded audience, and God, I believe, worked upon the people’s hearts. O pray for me still, dear Sir, that I may renew my strength, that I may walk and not be weary, run and not be faint. Admire God’s free grace in Christ Jesus, and let his goodness to me, the worst of sinners, strengthen your faith, and make you never to despair of mercy. Farewell. My love to all, and am, Dear Sir, in sincerity,
Your friend, &c.
G. W.
LETTER XXIX.
To Mrs. H.
London, Dec. 23, 1737.
Dear Mrs. H.,
ONCE more I send you a line. Nothing but an excess of business, should have prevented me writing to you oftner. Your favours, I hope, will never be forgotten, and never cease to be mentioned before the throne of grace, God only knows, how earnestly I have recommended you and your’s to his never-failing mercy. On Wednesday night eighteen of us continued all night in praises, and praying for you and our other friends. I know, that passion is the sin, which most easily besets you, and therefore I always pray that you may have grace given you to conquer it, and to learn of Jesus Christ to be meek and lowly in heart. Then, and not till then, you will find rest to your soul. Pardon me, dear Mrs. H. for being thus free. Your kindness compels me to it. Had I not a sincere regard for you, I should not express myself thus. Besides, it’s the last time, perhaps, I shall write to you in this world, and therefore would have this letter contain some instructive hints. We sail, God willing, next week. Great things have been done for us here. Perhaps upwards of a thousand pounds have been collected for the poor, and the charity schools, and I have preached above an hundred times, since I have been here. A visible alteration is made also in hundreds. Last Sunday at six in the morning, when I gave my farewell, the whole church was drowned in tears: they wept and cried aloud, as a mother weepeth for her first born. Since that, there is no end of persons coming and weeping, telling me what God has done for their souls: others again beg little books, and desire me to write their names in them. The time would fail me, was I to relate how many have been awakened, and how many pray for me. The great day will discover all. In the mean while, I beseech you Mrs. H. by the mercies of God to pray, that the goodness of God may make me humble. As yet the divine strength has been magnified in my weakness. Many have opposed, but in vain. God’s power conquers all. I am now going as Abraham did, not knowing whither I go; but I commit myself to the guidance of God’s good providence and spirit. He that has and doth, will deliver me out of all my troubles. I only wish, I could debase myself low enough, that I might be more fitted for the high and lofty one who inhabiteth eternity, to work by. I am a proud, imperious, sinful worm; but God, I hope, in time, will conform me to the image of his dear Son. He has begun (for ever adored be his free grace), and I trust, he will finish his good work in me. Out of the money that God has sent me, I will pay all the debts I can. I have sent some of it to Mrs. Wells, with particular orders how to be disposed of; two guineas are for Mrs. Farmer towards the debt due to her from my mother. My farewell sermon will be published shortly, with two or three more. Dear Mrs. H. farewell. God reward you and your’s for all your works of faith and labours of love, and grant we may so believe, and so live here, as to meet in eternal glory hereafter,
Ever your’s,
G. W.
LETTER XXX.
To Mr. H.
Margate, Jan. 9, 1738.
Dear Sir,
HITHER the good providence of God has safely brought us; our ship cast anchor near this town, and my dear fellow-traveller and I came on shore (to our great comfort) to buy some things we wanted. We have been most courteously treated by the curate of the place, and had some christian conversation. The winds and storms are blustering about our ears, and teaching us lessons of obedience to him, whom winds and storms obey. God give us grace to learn them. Mr. B. can inform you, what other particulars have happened to us, since we left you; I need only add, that the divine goodness attends us wherever we go. Oh dear Sir! who would but leave their few ragged, tattered nets to follow Jesus Christ? Who would but follow the Lamb wheresoever he shall be pleased to lead? Pray, dear Sir, that I may always do so, and then, I am sure, God will never leave or forsake me. You see, dear Sir, I have answered your kind letter much sooner than expectation, in order to express how sincerely I value your friendship, though you differ from me in some outward modes. Indeed, Sir, I hope the favours I have received from you and others of your christian brethren, will never go out of my mind; but I shall often plead them (as I have done already) at the throne of grace. I would willingly be of so catholic a spirit, as to love the image of my divine master, wherever I see it: I am far from thinking God’s grace is confined to any set of men whatsoever: no, I know the partition-wall is now broken down, and that Jesus Christ came to redeem people out of all nations and languages and tongues; and therefore his benefits are not to be confined to this or that particular set of professors. I only wish, that I may have grace given me to preach the truth, as it is in Jesus; and then, come what will, I hope I shall (as I do, blessed be God) rejoice.
You know, Sir, what a design I am going upon, and what a stripling I am for so great a work; but I stand forth as David against Goliah in the name of the Lord of Hosts, and I doubt not, but he that has and doth, will still deliver unto the end. God give me a deep humility, a well-guided zeal, a burning love, and a single eye, and then let men or devils do their worst.—Dear Sir, I could write more, but nature calls for rest. Be pleased to give my hearty love to all you and I know, and acquaint them, how safe I am here; for otherwise the tempestuous night might put them and others in pain for, Dear Sir,
Your unworthy, though affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXXI.
To Mrs. H.
Deal, Jan. 11, 1738.
Dear Mrs. H.,
HITHER has God safely brought us. Pray give thanks on my behalf. We have had two little storms, the one we escaped by being at Margate, the other we were enabled to bear manfully, and to pray for you and yours on open deck in the midst of it. All the officers are exceeding civil. The captain gives me the free use of his cabin, and some impression is made on the soldiers. I read prayers and preach twice every day, and, would you think it, the very soldiers stand out to say their catechism. Oh that they may be soldiers of Jesus Christ. God gives me great joy, and excites me to adore him more and more, when I behold his wonders in the deep. I am but a fresh-water sailor; but God’s strength will be magnified in my weakness, and I verily believe we shall arrive at the haven, where we wou’d be. Oh that we may all so pass thro’ the waves of this troublesome world, that at last we may arrive at the port of everlasting rest! Expect to hear from me at Gibraltar, and assure yourself your favours shall never be forgotten by
Your sincere friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXXII.
To Mr. ——.
Deal, Jan. 21, 1738.
SUPPOSE I answer dear Mr. —— before I reach Georgia, Will he be angry? I fancy not. I had a mind to write to you again, before I received yours. For as you have been so liberal in your presents, it would be unpardonable in me, was I niggardly in my letters. No, my dear friend, I hope I never shall cease praying for you and yours, so long as I live. Hitherto I have not. I was praying for you just as I received yours: I am glad to hear you prayed before you wrote to me. Surely God will bless such a correspondence. O my friend, let us still wrestle with God, that we may be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. For it is perseverance crowns our labours. He, and He only can be saved. The world, the flesh and the devil are three such potent enemies, that we must strive, we must persevere, if we will gain a conquest. Strive then; let us, my dear friend, strive as persons striving for eternity. Let us abstain from all appearance of evil, and avoid all company, that doth not directly tend to the promoting our spiritual welfare. Whether one of the societies you frequent, my dear friend, has a tendency that way, I leave you to judge. I think I have heard you say, it keeps you from family and secret prayer. If that is not a sufficient reason for absenting from it, I’ll say no more. I believe you to be sincere, and therefore, if you consult God by prayer and reading his word, your way will be made clear before you. I only add, that I could wish, instead of frequenting that, you would set up another society of a quite contrary nature on the same night of the week. I know Mr. —— had some such design on foot, and desired me to mention it. I wish you good success in this and every pious undertaking in the name of the Lord. May God reward you for all your kindnesses, and make you to abound in every good word and work! may you walk by faith and not by sight; and tho’ you are in the world, may you not be of it! I preach here, God willing, to-morrow; there’s likely to be a great congregation. O pray, that they may not be sent away empty, but converted by, dear Mr. ——,
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXXIII.
Deal, Jan. 25, 1738.
Dear Sir,
I Am ashamed of my ingratitude in not writing to you before; but you’ll not wonder I am ungrateful to my friends, when I tell you I am ungrateful to my God. However, as I always remark’d you for your charity, I know you will imitate Him you so resemble, and upon my promise of amendment for the future, will pardon what is past. Oh dear Sir, how shall I express my gratitude to dear ——? But above all, what return shall I make to my ever-blessed Redeemer for all the favours he hath bestowed upon me? Help, I entreat you, help me to be thankful, and as you abound in prayer, abound in praises. I find my heart too backward to this divine exercise. I am ready enough to ask for mercies, but alas! how slow to return thanks! Indeed sometimes God touches me from above, and my heart, hard as it is, is melted down and quite overcome with the sense of his free grace in Christ Jesus towards me. But I want always to go on my way rejoicing; I want the heart of a seraphim;
I want to sing as loud as they,
Who shine above in endless day.
I could almost say more than they, and why should I not return angelic thanks? But my heart is as yet unhumbled, I see not what I am, what I deserve, and therefore set not a due value on the divine mercies. Pray therefore, dear Mr. ——, that I may receive my sight, that my eyes may be opened, and that seeing what God hath done for me, I may break out into songs of praise, and by such heart-transforming divine exercises be gradually trained up for eternal uninterrupted communion with that heavenly choir, who cease not chanting forth day and night hallelujahs to Him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb for ever. Dear Mr. ——, I can relate to you fresh matter for praise and thanksgiving; a divine fire seems to be kindling in Deal. I preached on Sunday, and this day. The inhabitants are quite affectionate, and so desirous to hear the word, at my private lodgings, as well as at public churches, that I am obliged to divide them into two companies. And God, blessed be his free grace in Christ Jesus, helps me through. I suppose my dear friend has heard how affairs go on shipboard. I need only add, that God makes his power to be known among those that sail with me, and there are great hopes of the captain’s conversion. O pray, that he may not be an almost, but an altogether christian. Dear Mr. ——, farewell. It’s late, and many other friends must have a line to-night. May God reward you for all kindnesses, and keep you stedfast unto the end. Pray return my hearty thanks to all your Brethren; tell them I sincerely pray for their growth and perseverance in holiness, and am, dear Mr. ——,
Your affectionate, tho’ unworthy friend and servant in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER XXXIV.
Gibraltar Harbour, Feb. 24, 1738.
Dear Mr. ——,
I Bless God for inclining your heart to take my advice. I know it was intended well, and I hope proceeded from the spirit of God. The many fatal consequences I have daily seen, proceeding from conversing with lukewarm christians, makes me jealous of my dear friends, lest they should be infected by them; and the great tendency I find in my own heart to catch every infection, makes me to resolve for myself, and to put others on resolving to keep no set company but with religious persons. I hope by this time I may wish you joy of settling a new society with Messrs. ——; and I doubt not but your hearts have already burnt within you, whilst you talked to one another of the scriptures of truth. I am sure there is scarce a night has passed over my head but I have wrestled with God for you, and prayed that he would prosper this work of your hands upon you. My hearty desire and daily petition at the throne of grace is, that you may be saved; and tho’ I know not much of your dear wife’s temper, yet I pray, that she may be meek and lowly in heart, not easily provoked, nor answer unnecessarily again. I pray, that you both may walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did before the Lord blameless, that you may love one another, as Christ and the church, and see your children like olive-branches round about your table. I pray, that you may persevere in the good way you have begun, that you may abstain from all appearance of evil, and dare to be exemplarily good. I pray, that you may practice an universal self-denial, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. I could say much more, but must away to Gibraltar; one of the Majors of the regiments has sent for me, having provided a lodging at a merchant’s house unknown to me. Oh admire God’s goodness! Accept my thanks and love, and believe me to be, more than words can express,
Your affectionate friend in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER XXXV.
To Mr. ——.
Gibraltar, Feb. 25, 1738.
Dear Mr. ——,
I Should think myself unworthy of your friendship, did I not send you a line now God has brought me in safety hither. I know you will give thanks, and therefore, God forbid I should sin against the Lord in not informing you of it.—Your prayers have already been heard; for God (ever adored be his free grace in Christ Jesus) hath been with us of a truth. He hath led us through the sea, as through a wilderness, and brought us to a haven, where I am honoured with many honours.—Any one that knows Gibraltar would be apt to say, Can any good come out from thence? Yes, I assure you, there may; for there are some that are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. About six o’clock this morning I went to the church, where was assembled a number of decent soldiers praying and singing psalms to Christ as God. They meet constantly three times a day, and I intend, God willing, henceforward to meet them. For my delight is in the saints who are in the earth, and those that excel in virtue. I have talked with some of them, and, blessed be God, can find the marks of the new birth in them. They pray without ceasing, have overcome the world, hate sin, as sin, love their enemies and one another. They glory in the cross of Christ, and rejoice that they are accounted worthy to suffer shame for the sake of Christ. O, who would but travel to see how the spirit of God is moving on the faces of poor sinners souls up and down the world! God, I find, has a people every where; Christ has a flock, though but a little flock, in all places.—God be praised, that we are of this flock, and that it will be our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom!—Gibraltar is blessed with a governor, who hath not absented himself from public worship, unless when he was sick, for these seven years, and yet is very moderate towards the dissenters. Both conformists and nonconformists perform public worship, though at different times of the day, in the same place: They also have a religious society. The good Lord prosper this work of their hands upon them. Whenever we go away, may we leave a blessing behind us. He is a prayer-hearing God.—Yesterday a major of one of the regiments, unknown to me, took two handsome rooms, and sent for me from on board, desiring me to lodge in them; and I find the people of the house fear God.—“When I sent you without scrip or shoe, lacked you any thing?” said our Lord. They said nothing.—O, dear Mr. ——, I beseech you abound in thanksgiving, and pray that all these blessings may humble my proud heart, and make me willing to follow the Lamb whithersoever he shall lead me. Assure yourself, that you and all your christian friends are constantly prayed for by, dear Sir,
Your’s most affectionately in the Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER XXXVI.
Gibraltar, Feb. 27, 1738.
Dear Sir,
EVER since I left Gravesend, I remember the fulness of your heart. I have been a constant petitioner at the throne of grace for you, and intended writing to you before, but was ♦let hitherto. However, God has now brought me safe to Gibraltar, and as I have time, I should think myself inexcusable, did I not send a line to dear Mr. ——, to assure him, I forgot not his tears, and wish him to be not only an almost, but an altogether christian. Dear Sir, you are young and in the bloom of youth, and it would rejoice my heart to see you triumph over the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, and to become a poor despised servant of Jesus Christ. Others, indeed, may wish you wealth, may wish you pomp and grandeur; but believe me, my dear friend, these will not, these cannot, make you happy: No, nothing but God can satisfy the heart of man; nothing but an assurance, that we are born again, that we are members of Christ, that we are united to him by one and the same spirit with which he himself was actuated. Without this, if we were to have our appetites regaled with the richest dainties, be cloathed with purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day, yet the hand-writing upon the wall, the consideration, that all these things are quickly to be taken away, would make our visage to change, and our knees, like Belshazzar’s, to smite one against another. Strive then, my dear friend, to get the spirit of Christ, who will keep close to you, when all other comforts fail; will make you happy here, and unspeakably happy hereafter.—Never fear the contempt you will meet with; yet a little while, and they that call you fool, will call themselves so, and curse that worldly wisdom, which tempted them to evade the cross of Christ. Strange! that any one should let a little reproach deprive them of an eternal crown! Lord, what is man! How blind as to the knowledge of his true interest! How backward in the pursuit of his eternal good! O, dear Mr. ——, let us not be of the number of those, who desire the honour that cometh of man; but be content with that which cometh from God. In a short time, we shall have praise enough. Heaven will echo with the applause that shall be given to the true followers of the Lamb, and then you will see how sincerely I was, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
♦ ‘lett’ replaced with ‘let’
LETTER XXXVII.
To Mrs. H.
At Sea, April 14, 1738.
Dear Mrs. H.,
THOUGH through excess of business, and the shortness of the time, that was allotted me, I wrote but a few lines to you from Gibraltar, yet, what hinders, but that I may send you a longer letter now? It’s true we are now near a thousand miles from Georgia; but as I shall have an opportunity of sending immediately on our arrival, I chuse to take time by the forelock, and embrace the first opportunity of acknowledging my obligations to dear Mrs. H. and her husband; for whom I pray without ceasing. Your past favours are seldom out of my mind; I plead them daily before God in prayer, and hope, if it is ever in my power, I shall imitate the example of pious David in yesterday evening’s first lesson, and requite my friends, particularly dear Mrs. H. and her spouse, for the kindnesses they have shewn me. However, supposing this should not happen, they will in no-wise lose their reward. But I know you do not care I should dwell on this. You want to be informed, how God has dealt with me since I left Gibraltar? Exceeding graciously indeed. He has comforted me on every occasion, most remarkably blessed my unworthy ministry on board the ship, sent us most delightful weather, and made us to ride as it were on the wings of the wind. We live in perfect love and harmony one with another. I know but little difference between sea and land, and have great reason to bless God for sending me abroad. A grievous sickness has been sent amongst us, by which most of the ship have been chastened and corrected but only two given over unto death; and God hath been so good to me, that, except for a little time after we sailed from Gibraltar, I have been in perfect health, and now God satisfieth my mouth with good things, making me strong and lively as a young eagle. I have nothing to disturb my joy in God, but the disorder of my passions. Were these once brought into a proper subjection to divine grace, O well would it be with me, and happy should I be. But so long as I am angry for trifles, and throw myself into needless disorders, so long must my heart be like the troubled sea, so long consequently must I be unhappy. Pray therefore, dear Mrs. H. that I may lay the ax of mortification to the root of my most darling corruptions, and since I have but little, if any thing, to disturb me without, O pray that I may meet with no disturbance from myself within. The farther particulars of my voyage, you will see in my journal, which I have sent to Mr. Hutton, and for the blessings contained therein, I beseech you to return God most humble and hearty thanks. About Christmas next, God willing, I purpose to come to England to take priests orders, and to return as soon as possible to Georgia. In the mean while, dear Mrs. H. let us strive to enter in at the strait gate, that we may be christians indeed, and know what it is truly to be born again from above, and to be renewed by the spirit in our minds. Remember me most affectionately to all friends. I am,
Your’s, &c.
G. W.
LETTER XXXVIII.
To Mr. ——.
On board the Whitaker, April 17, 1738.
Dear Mr. ——,
TO assure you I do not forget you, I write to you, as yet, eight hundred miles off shore. Your honest heart has won my affections. I make mention of you and your’s continually at the throne of grace in my prayers, and shall have no greater pleasure than to hear you walk in the truth. In your last, I think you said, you would desist from frequenting any other societies, but what immediately tended to the promoting of true religion, and ere now, I doubt not but you have seen the benefit of it. I have often pleased myself with the hopes, that you, dear Mr. ——, had set up another society among yourselves, and often have I thought, I felt the benefit of your prayers; for God hath blessed me exceedingly, and brought us on our way rejoicing; and has shewn me, that he doth not send me abroad in vain.—How God will deal with me at Savannah, I know not; however, let my friends be always lifting up their hands in intercession, and then our spiritual Amalek will not prevail. Hitherto I have been made to go on from conquering to conquer. God gives me a chearful spirit, and crowns my feeble labours with success. And why should I despair of future assistance? Are not these earnests of future mercies? And may I not expect, when I am duly prepared, to see greater things than these? Cry therefore mightily unto the Lord, that I may be humble, and that I may tremble at his word, and then he will delight to honour me. I live in hopes of seeing you and your wife again (growing in grace) in England. You told me, she desired I would draw her picture; but alas! she has applied to an improper limner. However, though I cannot describe what she is, I can tell what she ought to be.—Meek, patient, long-suffering, obedient in all things, not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, swift to hear, slow to speak, and ready to every good word and work. But I can no more, I dare not go on in telling another what she ought to be, when I want so much myself; only this I know, when possessed of those good qualities before-mentioned, she will then be as happy as her heart can wish, and afford great reason of thanksgiving to, dear Mr. ——,
Your and Mrs. ——’s affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXXIX.
To Mr. ——.
On board the Whitaker, May 6, 1738.
My dear Friend,
HOW goes time? I can scarce tell; for I have been some time past, as one would think, launching into eternity. God has been pleased graciously to visit me with a violent fever, which he notwithstanding so sweetened by divine consolations, that I was enabled to rejoice and sing in the midst of it. Indeed, I had many violent conflicts with the powers of darkness, who did all they could to disturb and distract me; but Jesus Christ prayed for me: And though I was once reduced to the last extremity, and all supernatural assistance seemed to be suspended for a while, and satan as it were had dominion over me, yet God suffered not my faith to fail; but came in at length to my aid, rebuked the tempter, and from that moment I grew better. Surely God is preparing me for something extraordinary: For he has now sent me such extraordinary conflicts and comforts as I never before experienced. I was as I thought on the brink of eternity. I had heaven within me; I thought of nothing in this world; I earnestly desired to be dissolved and go to Christ; but God was pleased to order it otherwise, and I am resigned, though I can scarce be reconciled to come back again into this vale of misery. I had the heavenly Canaan in full view, and hoped I was going to take possession of it; but God saw I was not yet ripe for glory, and therefore in mercy spared me, that I may recover my spiritual strength before I go hence and am no more seen. Oh pray, my dear friend, that I may not grow lukewarm, or slothful, but arise from my late bed of sickness, and administer with ten times more alacrity to my blessed Master, than ever I did before. I would write more, but my strength faileth me. We hope to be at Savannah on Monday.
Your’s,
G. W.
LETTER XL.
To Mr. H.
Savannah, June 10, 1738.
Dearest Sir,
ABOUT five weeks I have been at Savannah, where providence seems to intend continuing me for some time. God has graciously visited me with a fit of sickness; but now I am lively as a young eagle. All things have happened better than expectation. America is not so horrid a place as it is represented to be. The heat of the weather, lying on the ground, &c. are mere painted lions in the way, and to a soul filled with divine love not worth mentioning. The country, mornings and evenings, is exceeding pleasant, and there are uncommon improvements made (considering the indifference of the soil) in divers places. With a little assistance the country people would do very well. As for my ministerial office, I can inform you, that God (such is his goodness) sets his seal to it here, as at other places. We have an excellent christian school, and near a hundred constantly attend at evening prayers. The people receive me gladly, as yet, into their houses, and seem to be most kindly affected towards me. I have a pretty little family, and find it possible to manage a house without distraction. Provisions we do not want to feed on, though we are cut off from all occasions to pamper our bodies. Blessed be God, I visit from house to house, catechise, read prayers twice and expound the two second lessons every day; read to a house-ful of people three times a week; expound the two lessons at five in the morning, read prayers and preach twice, and expound the catechism to servants, &c. at seven in the evening every Sunday. What I have most at heart, is the building an orphan-house, which I trust will be effected at my return to England. In the mean while, I am settling little schools in and about Savannah; that the rising generation may he bred up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Lord prosper my weak endeavours for promoting his glory and his people’s good. Oh, dear Mr. H. pray for me. For I do, indeed I do, pray for you and your’s. Remember me to dear Mrs. H. and exhort her to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Remind Mr. W——, (since he will not hearken to me) to work out his salvation with fear and trembling, and beg him to pray for, though he will not write to, dear Mr. H.
Ever, ever your’s,
G. W.
LETTER XLI.
To Mr. ——.
Kilrush, (Ireland) Nov. 16, 1738.
Dear Mr. ——,
I Have not forgot you; and as a proof of it, send you this to acquaint you of my safe arrival here. I know you will rejoice and give thanks, and pray that my coming to London may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. God has done for me more abundantly than I could dare ask or think. The seed of the glorious gospel has taken root in the American ground, and, I hope, will grow up into a great tree. By my friends prayers I believe it hath been planted. Oh that they may continue to water it with the same means, and then our great God will give it an effectual increase.—I hope to see you in a few days at my old lodgings, and to rejoice with you for what God has done for our souls. Indeed, I have felt his power; I have tasted and known of a truth, that the Lord is gracious! America, infant Georgia, is an excellent soil for christianity; you cannot live there without taking up a daily cross. Therefore, I shall hasten back as soon as possible after Christmas. Oh! that, in the mean while, I may be enabled to be instant in season and out of season, and preach with demonstration of the spirit, and with power! Methinks I see Mr. —— lifting up his eyes towards heaven, and silently saying, Amen.—I hope you will excuse Mr. D.’s letter. I have forgot his house, though not his person and his love. No, all your kindnesses, O my friends, are engraven upon my heart, and I trust will never be forgotten by, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and humble Servant,
G. W.
LETTER XLII.
To Mr. H.
London, Dec. 30, 1738.
My dear Friend,
I Am appointed by the trustees to be minister of Savannah. The bishop of London (Doctor Gibson) accepts the title, and has given me letters demisory to any other bishop. I have waited also on Doctor Secker, bishop of Oxford, who acquaints me that our worthy diocesan, good Bishop Benson, ordains for him to-morrow fortnight at Oxford, and that he will give me letters demisory to him. God be praised; I was praying night and day, whilst on ship-board, if it might be the divine will, that good Bishop Benson, who laid hands on me as a deacon, might now make me a priest.—And now my prayer is answered.—Be pleased to wait on his Lordship, and desire him to inform you, when I must be at Oxford in order to receive imposition of hands. Oh pray that I may be duly prepared. It will be a month before I can see Gloucester. I long to see you. I love you and your’s in the bowels of Jesus Christ; but I have scarce time to subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your’s eternally,
G. W.