LETTER CCCLXXVII.
To the Right Honourable Lord R——.
Gloucester, Dec. 19, 1741.
My Lord,
THIS comes to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s kind letter, dated November 9th. Business has prevented my answering it sooner. The Lord is yet pleased to deal bountifully with me. In England, as well as Scotland, the Redeemer is riding on from conquering to conquer. About Spring I hope to see Scotland again, and then, if possible, I will come as far as your Lordship’s house. I have lately been at Bristol, and London, and have had the pleasure of seeing the church walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. I have preached here twice every day, for some days last past. The Lord greatly countenances my administrations, and gives me constant peace and uninterrupted joy in believing. This is what, I trust, our glorious Emmanuel will confer upon your Lordship. Christ wills that our joy should be full; but we entangle ourselves with the world, we indulge ourselves in sensual pleasures, we trifle away our time in what the world calls innocent diversions, and thereby we grieve the spirit of God, and lose the comforts we should otherwise enjoy, from a close walk and communion with God. Most complain of a deadness and leanness in their souls; what is it owing to? Not to God, but to ourselves. We leave God, and then God leaves us. Not that we can keep ourselves by our own faithfulness; but notwithstanding, we must be faithful, and workers together with God. I know not why I am led to write thus to your Lordship, but nothing else occurs to my mind at present. I am athirst for holiness myself, and long to see others athirst also. O my Lord! I see such beauty and transcendent excellencies in Christ, that I long to have his whole mind and image stamped upon my soul. Nothing can satisfy me, but the highest degrees of sanctification and inward holiness. Here, I believe, I am laudably ambitious. My Saviour wills my sanctification, my Saviour would have me filled with all the fulness of God. Even so Lord Jesus come quickly! Dear Mr. S—— humbly salutes your Lordship, and prays for your temporal and eternal welfare, with, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXVIII.
To Mr. J—— C——, at London.
Gloucester, Dec. 22, 1741.
My dear Brother,
LAST Thursday evening the Lord brought me hither. I preached immediately to our friends in a large barn, and had my master’s presence. On Friday and Saturday I preached again twice. Both the power, and the congregation increased. On Sunday God by a particular providence opened a door for my preaching in St. John’s, one of the parish churches. The late incumbent was my grand opposer. He being dead, and the new minister not having taken possession, the power of the pulpit was in the church-wardens hands. God inclined them to let me preach there on Sunday morning, and yesterday afternoon. Great numbers came, and the Lord gave me unspeakable power. On Sunday afternoon, after I had preached twice at Gloucester, I preached at Mr. F——’s at the hill, six miles off and again at night at Stroud. The people seem to be more hungry than ever, and the Lord to be more amongst them. Yesterday morning I preached at Painswick in the parish church, here in the afternoon, and again at night in the barn. God gives me unspeakable comfort, and uninterrupted joy. Here seems to be a new awakening, and a revival of the work of God. I find, several country people were awakened when I preached at Tewksbury, and have heard of three or four that have died in the Lord, who were called under God by me. We shall never know what good field-preaching has done, till we come to judgment. Many who were prejudiced against me, begin to be of another mind, and God shews me more and more, “that when a man’s ways please the Lord, he will make even his enemies to be at peace with him.” To-morrow morning I purpose to set out for Abergavenny, and to preach at Bristol, in Wilts, Gloucester, and Gloucestershire, before I see London. The people in these parts seem excellently well disposed. I hope the work of the Lord prospers in your hand; though absent in body, I am present with you in spirit. May the Lord Jehovah comfort you continually with those comforts wherewith I am comforted in him! I hope my comforts are of a right nature; they humble at the same time that they exalt me. I find all my happiness lies in a crucified God.
To the blest fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate God, I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul,
From crimes of deepest dye.
A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
Into thy arms I fall;
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus, and my all.
Pray for
Your unworthy brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXIX.
To the Right Honourable the Lord L——.
Abergavenny, Dec. 24, 1741.
My Lord,
THIS day I received a letter from your Lordship, which, I find, your Lordship wrote before my third and last came to hand, wherein I gave your Lordship an account of the circumstance of my marriage. As soon as I received your Lordship’s letter, I kneeled down and prayed, that your Lordship might be entirely delivered from unbelief, and be made a partaker of that faith, which will make you more than conqueror over all. Blessed be God, for convincing you thus far. I hope the event will prove, that Jesus is taking possession of your whole heart. Your Lordship’s opinion of those who call themselves christians, is very just. Free grace has opened your eyes. Your Lordship can therefore join in the following verses, which I think applicable to your Lordship’s case.
I.
Long did my soul in Jesu’s Form,
No comeliness or beauty see;
His sacred name by others priz’d,
Was tastless still, and dead to me.
II.
Men call’d me christian, and my heart
On that delusion fondly staid;
Moral my hope, my Saviour self,
Till mighty grace the cheat display’d.
III.
Thanks to the hand that wak’d my soul,
That shew’d me wretched, naked, poor;
That sweetly led me to the rock,
Where all salvation stands secure.
IV.
Glad, I forsook my righteous pride,
My moral, tarnish’d, sinful dress;
Exchang’d my loss away for Christ,
And found the robe of righteousness.
If your Lordship from your soul can sing thus, fear not that Jesus will leave you.
O unbelief, injurious bar,
Source of tormenting fruitless fear;
Wherein thy loud objections fall,
“Tis finished,” still shall answer all.
Remember, my Lord, the Redeemer’s love is everlasting. If he has passed by, and said unto you “Live,” you shall live for evermore; for whosoever liveth and believeth in Jesus, shall never die. Does my Lord believe this? Then welcome into the new world, welcome among the despised Israel of God, welcome into the Mediator’s kingdom, where you shall have all peace and joy in believing. When first I was awakened,
Refreshed, I thought my joys compleat,
When lo! Immanuel’s bounties rise;
Still fresh discoveries he unfolds,
The lovely treasures yet surprize!
My Lord, I now wonder no longer at the choice of Moses. Well might he count the reproach of Christ of more value than all the riches of Egypt. God forbid, therefore, that you or I should henceforth glory, save in the cross of Christ. It will be more honour to be a suffering servant of Christ, than to be the king’s commissioner. Your Lordship will pardon this freedom. Methinks I hear you say, “There is no comparison.” Indeed there is none. I would not change my post for ten thousand kingdoms. Blessed be God, that has given you a distant view of the emptiness of all things here below, and the insufficiency of every thing to make us happy besides God. May these things be realized, and stamped upon your Lordship’s heart! Then what a happy creature will your Lordship be? How will it rejoice me to see your Lordship next Spring. I know not but my friends prayers may draw me there, about that time. In the mean while, I pray God from time to time to grant you a growth of grace, that you may know what it is to abide in God, and have a constant indwelling of the Holy Ghost. I rejoice to hear that lady Ann seems to look heavenward. May Jesus make her a wise virgin! For her encouragement, I have sent an extract of a letter lately sent to me by a friend in London; and that your Lordship may know how it is with me, I have sent a copy of a letter I wrote to that friend a day or two ago. Last night I came hither, and preached this afternoon. I purpose shortly to go to Gloucester, Bristol, Wiltshire, and so to London. The church there as well as elsewhere flourishes. The time for favouring Zion, I believe, is indeed come. You see, my Lord, how long my letters are, when I have freedom and leisure. I have thought several times to write to your Lordship, but was restrained till I received your Lordship’s letter this morning. Be pleased to direct your next to be left with Mr. P—— S——, Leadenhall-street, London. My prayers shall follow this. O may Jesus breath upon it, and then it must be blessed to your soul! I heartily and humbly salute the elect lady your wife.—May you both be filled with all the fulness of God! My dear wife and Mr. S—— join heartily with me. We all plead at the throne of grace in your behalf, and God alone knows, how often you are remembered and wrestled for, by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXX.
To the Right Honourable Lady Mary H——.
Abergavenny, Dec. 24, 1741.
Honoured Madam,
THIS morning I received your Ladyship’s kind letter; when perused, I laid it before the Lord of all Lords, and prayed for you and yours with all my power. My dear wife and Mr. S—— joined heartily with me, and by this send their most humble respects. We do not despair of waiting upon your Ladyship next Spring: but ere that time, we may be all launched into the world of spirits, where we shall sing glory to him that sitteth upon the throne for ever. Does not your Ladyship long for that happy hour? Methinks I hear you ready to say
I.
How long, great God! how long must I,
Immers’d in this dark prison lie?
When shall I leave this dusky sphere,
And be all mind, all eye, all ear?
II.
I long to see that excellence,
Which at such distance strikes my sense;
My soul attempts to disengage
Her wings from this her earthly cage.
III.
Wouldst thou, Great Love, once set her free,
Hast’ning she’d quick unite to thee;
She’d for no guardian angels stay,
But fly and love thro’ all the way.
This, I believe, was the language of your honoured mother’s heart, who is now joined with the heavenly choir above. Methinks I hear her say, “Daughter, follow me as I followed Christ; aspire after the highest degrees of holiness, for the more holy you are, the nearer shall you sit to the God-Man Christ Jesus, the deeper insight shall you have into the beatific vision.” This, honoured Madam, is a great motive to my soul to copy after my glorious Jesus. Blessed be God, that made my letter savory to your soul. For this, and all other mercies, I desire to lie in the dust, and kiss the Redeemer’s feet. I do not wonder that Mary loved to sit there: I do not wonder that another Mary wiped them with the hairs of her head. Was my Lord here, I should wish for a thousand alabaster boxes of ointment, to break for him. But Jesus says, “Give me thy heart, and I desire no more.” My soul replies,
Take my poor heart, and let it be
For ever clos’d to all but thee;
Seal thou my breast, and let me wear
That pledge of love for ever there.
How blest are they who still abide,
Close shelter’d in thy bleeding side;
Who life and strength from thence derive,
And by thee move, and in thee live.
O honoured Madam, I am amazed at Jesus’s love. I willingly, join with you in saying, “Amen, Hallelujah! Worthy, indeed, is the Lamb that was slain.” I bless God for enlarging your heart, and giving you freedom to write. It is sweet to communicate our thoughts of Jesus. I hope the Lord will bless this to your Ladyship, and reward you for all past favours. My humble respects attend Mr. H——, and my hearty love to your little lambs. I prayed for them this morning. When I go to town, I hope to wait upon the Marquis.——I have been a short circuit into Gloucestershire, and find the divine presence accompanying me more and more. O that I was humble! O that I was thankful!
I.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour’s blood?
Died he for such as caus’d his pain,
Sinners who him to death pursu’d?
II.
’Tis mystery all, Messiah dies;
Who can explore this strange design?
In vain the curious seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
But whither am I going? Your Ladyship will excuse me; whilst I am writing, the fire kindles.
Thro’ all eternity to God,
A grateful song I’ll raise;
But O eternity’s to short,
To utter all his praise.
With expectation of another letter, and with hearty prayers for your temporal and spiritual welfare, I subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s obedient servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXI.
To Mr. Samuel M——, in London.
Bristol, Dec. 28, 1741.
Dear Mr. M——,
BOTH my wife and I received your letters. I send this, to thank you for them. I came from Abergavenny on Saturday night. My dear wife was pretty well; I expect her here on Friday. We shall bring no more goods to London, than we shall use; but I know not what to say about coming to your house, for brother S—— tells me, you and your family are dilatory, and that you do not rise sometimes till nine or ten in the morning. This, dear Mr. M——, will never do for me; and I am persuaded such a conduct tends much to the dishonour of God, and to the prejudice of your own precious soul. Sometimes I have looked upon you with grief; you have busied yourself about the outward affairs of religion in respect to others, and all the while I fear neglected to look into, and study the improvement of your own heart. I think you go backwards instead of forwards. I fear your present business will not answer, and I am sure you will have no solid comfort, till you look less abroad and more at home. Somebody said, you was like the Athenians, who desired to hear some new-thing. I thought the observation was too just. You are jealous about principles, (which is right) but all the while your own practice is not sufficiently watched over. I have heard that you spend much time in coffee-houses, and from your own house. I hope these things are not so; and it is with grief and out of tender love that I now mention them to you. For some time I felt my heart quite locked up from writing to you. Mr. M—— will not be offended with me for this plain dealing. You know I love you, and I am sure this letter proceeds from love. I know too much of my own weakness and infirmities to insult others; and when a brother is overtaken in a fault, I desire to restore him in the spirit of meekness. But I know how much the glory of God is concerned in our walk. The eyes of the world are now in an especial manner upon you. How holy ought you and I, dear Mr. M——, to be, in all manner of conversation and godliness! Labour therefore, my dear brother, to get an abiding presence of God in your heart. Be willing to be searched. Pray that you may feel the full power of the Redeemer’s blood; and walk in the continued comforts of the holy ghost. Be not slothful in business. Go to bed seasonably, and rise early. Redeem your precious time: pick up the fragments of it, that not one moment may be lost. Be much in secret prayer. Converse less with man, and more with God. Accept this advice, given in great love. I purpose staying here about a fortnight. Dear Mr. M——, I am
Your affectionate though unworthy brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXII.
To the Rev. Mr. W——, at Dundee.
Bristol, Dec. 30, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Should blame myself much, for not writing to you before now, was I conscious it was owing to any wilful neglect: but my master’s business hath so engaged me, that I really have not had an opportunity. God gave us a sweet journey to England. Since my return hither, I have been at Gloucester, Bristol, in Wales, and at London, and have great reason to bless our Emmanuel for what he has done for his church. My soul hath drank largely of the divine love. I have been carried as on eagles wings, and am now better in health than perhaps ever since I have been in the ministry. I preach here twice daily. In about a fortnight, I shall remove to London, where I purpose to continue, God willing, till the weather permits of field-preaching again. About Spring, if Providence favours, I hope to pay you a second visit. In the mean while, I should be glad to hear from you, what fruits you have seen spring from my first. I hope the Lord will make your latter end greatly to increase. I shall rejoice to hear of your success. My soul is much engaged for poor Scotland. I shall be glad to hear who has succeeded the good Mr. W—— of Perth. Ah dear man! He is now gone into the world of spirits, where there is no seceding, but all join in one common strife, who shall praise their Lord and master in the most exalted strains. I long to follow, but desire patiently to wait till my blessed change come. What a comfort, dear Sir, is it to think, that death is conquered. How sweet to be one of Christ’s waiting servants! It is a blessed post! And such honour belongs to all his saints. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift. Dear Sir, whilst I am writing, the fire kindles. I long to leap my seventy years. Welcome eternity; I want to see time swallowed up. But I must have done, having other letters to write. My kind love to your household and all friends. I hope ere long you will send a line to, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXIII.
To the Reverend Mr. O——, at Aberdeen.
Bristol, Dec. 30, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Long to write you a line, to testify the undissembled love my soul bears towards you. I also long to hear what Jesus hath done at Aberdeen. I believe he sent me thither, and I am persuaded he did not send me there in vain. I have experienced fresh wonders of mercy, since I saw you. The Lord has blessed my ministry in England, and in Wales, where I trust I was married in the Lord; and as I married for him, I trust I shall thereby not be hindered, but rather forwarded in my work. O for that blessed time when we shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but be as the angels of God! My soul longs for that glorious season. Perhaps, sometimes I am too impatient. But who that has tasted of Jesus’s love, can forbear longing to be with him? I long to see him as he is, and my soul will never be compleatly satisfied till I arise after his divine likeness. This, I believe, is the desire, and frequently the frame of dear Mr. O——’s soul. But I believe we both have crosses to take up, and many trials to undergo, before we shall be admitted to the beatific vision. Alas! What a stranger am I to the meekness which was in Jesus? How much acrimony is there in my temper, that wants to be taken away? Blessed be God, my Saviour is omnipotent. He can, he will deliver me. He can, he will conform me to himself. I think I can sing these lines,—
My root of holiness thou art,
For faith hath made thee mine:
With all thy fulness fill my heart,
Till all I have be thine.
Dear Sir, what a fulness is there in Jesus? What a pity is it, that we should not draw largely out of it? Why should we be content with low degrees of holiness? Why should we be always dwarfs in religion? I am quite ashamed of my low stature. I am an unprofitable servant. O dear Mr. O——, pray for me, that the Lord may purge me, and that I may bring forth more fruit. I have lately been at London, Gloucester, Wilts, and Wales. The work of the Lord prospers. I preach here twice every day. That God may bless and reward you all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mr. O——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXIV.
To the Rev. Mr. W——, at Gallishiels.
Bristol, December 30, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THE love of Jesus constrains me to trouble you with a letter at this time. Nothing but his work should have prevented my writing to you sooner. But you know how it used to be with me. O how little do I for Jesus, who has done so much for me! I abhor myself in dust and ashes. I run to hide myself in his wounds. His righteousness, his blood alone can recommend me to the Father. O that I was like Christ, that his whole mind was wrought in my soul! I am now panting after his image; I am now thirsting after his purity and holiness; help me, dear Sir, help me by your prayers, that I may feel the power of the Redeemer’s blood. He hath done great things already for me; but as yet I have asked nothing. Greater things are yet before me. There is an inexhaustible fulness, out of which the Redeemer would have me draw continually. O for faith, for strong faith!
I more would bless, I more would thank,
I more would live to Jesu’s praise.
Since my return, I have been visiting the churches. They grow and increase daily. I preach twice every day. The Lord is among us. I hope I shall hear the same from you. In about fourteen days I go to London. About Spring I hope to see Scotland once more. I have good news from the Orphan-house. As yet, I have not freedom to write out the sermon which you mention. Through inadvertence, I did not send you Mr. M——’s letter. God’s time is best. Perhaps disputes about church-government had better subside. I am determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Be pleased to remember me to dear Mr. O——, at Kelso. I hope he behaves like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. My kind respects attend your son. Be pleased to accept of the same in a most tender manner from dear Mr. S——, and from, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXV.
To Mr. R—— S——, in London.
Bristol, Jan. 2, 1742.
My dear Brother S——,
I Find freedom to answer your kind letter immediately. I thank God for blessing my writing to your poor soul. Your salvation I long, and pray for. So that souls are built up in their holy faith, let the Redeemer make use of what instrument he pleases. Brother Robert, it is a blessed thing to have always a Catholic spirit. I am persuaded, Jesus will give it to me. I am resolved never to rest, ’till self-love, bigotry, prejudice, and all narrowness of spirit be expelled out of my soul. Blessed be the Redeemer’s free grace! I see more and more into the inward recesses of my mind. Dear Robert, there is such a thing as passing from glory to glory. For Jesus Christ’s sake, strive to enter in at the straight gate, and never cease striving ’till you enter into that rest which awaits the people of God. It is a sweet thing to abide in Jesus’s wounds, and from a feeling possession of God in the heart, to be able to say, “My fellowship is with the Father and the Son.” It is true we are not to live, or rely on our frames. The righteousness of Jesus Christ alone, and not our doings or sufferings, can recommend us to the Father. But however, we ought always to labour to be in a sweet and humble frame, and be watchful against any thing whatever, that may interrupt our communion with God. Peace and joy should flow in a believer’s soul, like a river. If any thing should obstruct the passage, he should not rest ’till faith overflows, and drives it away before him. I know not what others may say, but thro’ grace I can sing with bishop Ken,
“To my soul it’s hell to be,
But for a moment void of thee.”
O the fulness that there is in Christ! It fills my heart, and out of the abundance of my heart my pen writeth. Dear Robert, may the Lord bless it to your soul, and that will greatly rejoice
Your most unworthy, though most affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXVI.
To Mr. I—— H——, in London.
Bristol, Jan. 2, 1742.
My dear Brother H——,
I Owe you a letter, and very much love. I thank you for calling to see me, when last in London. May the love of Jesus be shed abroad abundantly in your heart by the Holy Ghost. My soul is now thirsting after the Redeemer’s love. I trust you and I, and all the brethren, shall watch and pray against every thing in our hearts, that is any way selfish, or contrary to the boundless love of our exalted head. I long after a solid, real, undissembled union with all that bear the Redeemer’s image. If I know any thing of my heart, I care not how the old man be crucified and cut to pieces, so that I may put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Blessed be the free, rich, and sovereign grace of our glorious Redeemer! who has begun the good work in my soul. Great, very great things hath Jesus done for me, a worthless worm: but I see infinitely greater things lying before me. There is an inexhaustible fulness in Jesus Christ, out of which I hope to draw to the endless ages of eternity. O the meekness, the love, purity and holiness, that is in Jesus. Why should we be dwarfs in holiness? If Christ came into the world, that we might have life, and so much the more abundantly, why should we not ask and seek for it, especially since we are sure to obtain? My dear brother, you see how free I write. Love constrains me to do so. O that I was a flame of fire! I have lately been at Gloucester. The Lord was with us of a truth. In Bristol, God attends me with his mighty power. Last night Jesus rode on triumphantly indeed. Sometimes my heart is so full, that I am tempted to think
——My joy complete:
When lo! Emmanuel’s mercies rise,
Still fresh discoveries he unfolds,
The lovely treasures yet surprize.
Unbelief says, this will not hold to-morrow; when lo, “to-morrow is as the day past, and much more abundant.” I find there is yet oil, if there be yet a vessel, and an empty heart to contain it. Pray that my heart may be emptied of self, and that Jesus may be my all in all. I pray God, that none of us may give in to narrowness of spirit, but look up to Jesus for power over self, in all its shapes. Yesterday I went to hear Mr. C——. The Lord helped him, I believe, in some part of his discourse. I would be free; I would meet more than half way; but we are all too shy. The Lord fill his soul with more of the disinterested love of Jesus. To-night I begin a general monthly meeting to read corresponding letters. Pray give thanks for the success of the gospel in my unworthy hands. It shall be returned, as Jesus shall enable
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXVII.
To Mrs. K——, in London.
Bristol, Jan. 4, 1742.
My dear Sister,
THIS morning, in a letter from brother C——, I heard that your dear husband was dangerous ill of the small-pox. I was touched with a tender sympathy of your case; I immediately kneeled down, and laid your circumstances before our compassionate high-priest. I doubt not, but he is touched with a feeling of your afflictions, and will give you grace to help in time of need. I hope the language of your heart is this:
Thy gifts, if call’d for, I resign,
Pleas’d to receive, pleas’d to restore;
Gifts are thy work, it shall be mine
The giver only to adore.
I was, before I received the news of your dear husband’s illness, thinking that God’s people must meet with uncommon trials. We shall often find God’s providences as it were contradicting his promises. Thus it was with Abraham and Jacob, and thus I believe it is in some degree or other with all the children of God; for otherwise, how can faith be exercised? I doubt not but the enemy of souls will now be very busy with you, and break in with his fiery darts upon your soul; but I pray Jesus to keep you from staggering through unbelief. May you be strong in faith, giving glory to God! Against hope, may you believe in hope. However your husband may be disposed of, my prayer for you is, “Lord! make her still and resigned.” I think the love of Christ constrains me to write you this letter. Who knows but the Lord may bless it to your soul? However, as you love the Lord Jesus, I hope you will receive it as a token of unfeigned christian sympathy and affection from, dear Sister,
Your most unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXXXVIII.
To Mr. Peter S——, in London.
Bristol, Jan. 7, 1742.
I Have been obeying your request: I mean, bowing my knees before the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in your behalf. O that he may live before thee; that he may escape the pollutions that are in the world through lust; that he may be filled with all the fulness of God, was the breathing and language of my heart. I trust the Lord is now working upon brother S——. He seems to have had some discoveries of the Redeemer’s love. May my dear Peter receive the full assurance of faith, and be truly fixed upon the rock of ages! “Even so Lord Jesus come quickly. Amen and amen.” Excuse my writing to you in this manner, but God has put into my heart such an undissembled love for you, and your dear brothers, that I cannot be satisfied ’till I see the Redeemer’s love shed abroad in all your hearts by the Holy Ghost. Ah Peter, Peter, I trust Jesus prays for thee, and then the world shall not steal away thy heart from God. Satan hath been sifting me severely, these two or three days. I have had some close combats with the great dragon, but Jesus hath gotten himself the victory. I am enabled greatly to rejoice. For, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptations; when he ♦is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” The brightness of it, even at this distance, dazzles my sight. Yet a little while, and Jesus Christ shall give it unto us. Dear brother K—— has got the start of us. Happy man! He is at the end of his race. I sympathize with, and have been praying for his surviving friends. The Lord enable us all to walk so circumspectly, that the common enemy may not have an occasion to speak reproachfully of us. But whither am I running? Excuse me, dear Peter. God gives me freedom in writing to, and praying for you. I hope dear brother R—— received my last in good part. God only knows how the happiness of both of you is longed for by, dear brother,
Yours in the crucified Jesus,
G. W.
♦ ‘his’ replaced with ‘is’
LETTER CCCLXXXIX.
To Mr. J—— C——, in London.
Gloucester, Jan. 28, 1742.
My very dear Brother,
ON Friday last I left Bristol, having first settled affairs almost as I could wish. At Kingswood, I administred the sacrament. On Wednesday night it was the Lord’s passover; on Thursday we had a sweet love-feast; on Friday the Lord was with me twice at Tockington; on Saturday morning I broke up some fallow ground at Newport, by preaching with power to about two thousand people, and in the evening to many thousands at Stroud with wonderous power; on Monday morning at Painswick, and ever since twice a day here. Our congregations I think are larger than at Bristol. The word proves sharper than a two-edged sword. Every sermon is blessed. These words follow, “I have much people in this city.” I am just now going to Chafford. To-morrow I expect my wife. In my next, I will send you word what I intend to do. I was one day at Bath. I should be glad to see brother R——’s defence before it be published. I told him of it; I believe he will be upon his guard. His soul prospers. Sinless perfection I fear will be propagated in these parts. The Lord in his due time will root out that pernicious weed. I thank you for writing to me. Pray write to me often. God willing, I shall examine Hampton Society to-night. The same I think to do in Wiltshire. I want to be in London as soon as may be. Pray that I may know the Lord’s will. We must away to Chafford. The Lord be with you, and abundantly refresh you. My most tender love awaits all. Brethren, pray for
Yours most affectionately in Jesus,
G. W.