LETTER CCCCLXI.
To the Reverend Mr. E—— J——, in Wales.
Edinburgh, Oct. 6, 1742.
My very dear Brother,
YESTERDAY your kind and profitable letter came to hand. My dear wife being embarked, I opened, read, and now snatch a few moments to answer it. I took your hints upon Jacob’s ladder, and preached upon it with freedom yesterday in the afternoon. I trust some will be induced to begin to climb, and others be stirred to climb faster; at least I shall myself for one, for indeed I am ashamed I have mounted no higher yet. Blessed be God, I am ascended so far as to have the world almost out of my sight, and I see my dear master standing at the top reaching out his hand, ready to receive me up into heaven. Indeed, my dear brother, the Lord hath dealt most bountifully with me; he gives me to rejoice in all his dispensations towards me. It well becometh God’s children to give thanks for all things that befal them, since it is God’s will concerning them. I am taught more and more every day to live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me. God keeps me, and brings me where I would desire to be, at his feet, waiting his will, and watching the motions of his blessed spirit, word, and providence. Here I find safety and refuge amidst the various storms of opposition and reproach which I daily meet with. God is on my side, I will not fear what men nor devils can say of, or do unto me. The dear Messrs. E——s have dressed me in very black colours.—Mr. G——’s pamphlet will shew you how black. Dear men, I pity them. Writing I fear will be in vain. Surely they must grieve the holy spirit much. O for a mind divested of all sects and names and parties! I think it is my one simple aim to promote the kingdom of Jesus, without partiality and without hypocrisy, indefinitely amongst all. I care not if the name of George Whitefield be banished out of the world, so that Jesus be exalted in it. Glory be to his great name, we have seen much of his power and greatness in Scotland. The work in the west still goes on and increases. Last sabbath-day, and Monday, very great things, greater than ever, were seen at Kilsyth. There is a great awakening also at Muthel, and many living stones building up in Edinburgh. I preach twice every day with great power, and walk in liberty and love. At the same time I see and feel my vileness, and take the blessed Jesus to be my righteousness and all. I purpose, God willing, to go through Newcastle and Yorkshire to England. Ireland I believe must be left till another circuit. In about three weeks, I purpose, God willing, to leave Scotland, and hope to spend a month ere long in Wales. My dear and honoured brother, I hope the Lord will give you an heart to pray for me, for indeed I am a very poor sinner, and many are waiting for my halting; but Jesus is able and willing to make me stand. I have been much strengthened, since the Spaniards have invaded Georgia. I think I am like the ark surrounded on all sides with waves, but through free rich grace am enabled to swim above all. Ere long, I shall rest on mount Zion in the arms of my beloved Jesus. Here is love would make me drop a tear, and set my pen a writing quicker, but other business calls for me. Dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me, and remember me to your dear wife, and all the followers of the Lamb. Pray write to Mr. McC—— immediately, and send as often as you can, dear Mr. J——, to
Your weak, unworthy, but truly affectionate brother and servant, in the kingdom and patience of Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXII.
To Colonel G——.
Edinburgh, October 7, 1742.
Honoured Sir,
THOUGH I never had the pleasure of seeing you, yet I have often prayed for you, and can assure you I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I hope you will not be offended with me, for troubling you with this. Your honoured lady tells me, you will not. Love, I am persuaded, inclines me to write, and I doubt not but you will receive it in the same spirit. Dear Sir, I rejoice to hear that you are a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and that you delight to fight the Redeemer’s battles. May you be covered with all his armours and filled with all his fulness! I have the pleasure often to go without the camp, and to bear a little of his sacred reproach, and I prefer it to all the treasures in the world. Weak as I am, my Jesus makes me more than conqueror through his love. He has brought mighty things to pass here, and gotten himself the victory in many hearts. I trust, there is not a day passes but some poor creature or another is plucked as a brand out of the burning. I wish I could hear God was more in the camp. Blessed be his name for raising you up, honoured Sir, to lift a standard for him. May you be endued with the meekness of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and a large portion of the blessed spirit of Christ! I hope, honoured Sir, you will now and then remember me a poor sinner, and speak a word for me to the King of kings and Lord of lords, that I may not turn my head in the day of battle, but rather die for, than deny him in any wise. Neither you nor yours are forgotten by me. Indeed I am a poor creature, but happy, very happy in the once crucified, but now exalted Jesus. For his sake, and in his great name, I beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your affectionate humble servant, &c.
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXIII.
To the Reverend Mr. J—— W——.
Edinburgh, October 11, 1742.
Reverend and dear Sir,
ABOUT ten days ago, I sent you a packet by my dear wife, which I hope you will have received ere this comes to hand. Yesterday morning I had your kind letter dated October 5. In answer to the first part of it, I say, “Let old things pass away, and all things become new.” I can heartily say, “Amen” to the latter part of it. “Let the king live for ever, and controversy die.” It has died with me long ago. I shall be glad to see the extract of your journal. Be pleased to send it immediately, under cover, to Mr. E——, member of parliament in Edinburgh. I shall not leave Scotland in less than three weeks. Before yours came, I had engaged to go through Newcastle in my way to London. I rejoice to hear the Lord has blessed your dear brother’s labours. I am enabled to preach twice daily with great power, and find I walk in light and liberty continually. Like the ark, I am surrounded on all sides, but enabled to swim triumphantly over all. O free grace! I thank you, dear Sir, for praying for me, and thank our common Lord for putting it in your heart so to do. I have been upon my knees praying for you and yours. O that nothing but love, lowliness, and simplicity may be among us. It grieves me to see what a sad spirit prevails among Mr. E——’s people. Father, forgive them! I trust you will remember my poor orphans. God gives me strong faith for them, though no news yet of the Spaniards leaving Georgia. Yesterday morning a dear little hospital girl went off in triumph. The work is still increasing in Scotland, especially at Kilsyth. Surely we shall see great things ere long. Dear friend, my soul is on fire. O let us not fall out in the way! Let us bear with, and forbear one another in love. God be praised for giving you such a mind. My kind love to all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. In much haste, and with great thanks for your last letter, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though younger brother, in the gospel of our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXIV.
To Mrs. Ann D——, in Huntingdonshire.
Edinburgh, October 13, 1742.
My very dear Sister,
WITH great pleasure I received your kind letters. They increased that love, which I had before to the writer of them. I redeem a few moments to return you an answer to them, and am ashamed to think how I put you off; but I see you consider my circumstances, and love to our dear Jesus inclines you to excuse me. Blessed be God, I can still send you an account of the increase of Emmanuel’s kingdom. I preach always twice, sometimes three or four times in a day. The people are more eager than ever, and much solid work is done for God. My strength is daily renewed. Still I desire to cry, grace! grace! I am fondled exceedingly, I scarce have any damp. My soul continually magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. I know you will help me to praise him. I collected last week 128l. for my poor orphans. I have sent you an account of them. You will continue writing to, and praying for my dear family. I hope to see you before I embark. By this, you will receive a line from one Mr. R——, an humble walker with God, and Mr. T——, a bookseller, who I believe loves the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Pray answer them. I would have your correspondence enlarged, and therefore I set other people writing to you, though I cannot write so much myself. My dear sister, adieu. The Lord be with you, and yours. I am now in a lady’s family, whom God has blessed.—We have several such here. With great sincerity and affection, I subscribe myself,
Ever yours, in yours and mine,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXV.
To Mr. T——, in Edinburgh.
Glasgow, October 20, 1742.
Dear Mr. T——,
YOUR letter much refreshed me. Thanks be to God, for putting it into your heart to write to unworthy me. The blessed Jesus hath been the author of our friendship, and therefore it will be blessed. I rejoice much, that the Lord is with you and your ministers. May you all increase with all the increase of God! O that the societies may remember to pray and give thanks on my behalf. Dear Mr. T——, what deliverances hath the Lord wrought for me? Before the news came of the Spaniards leaving Georgia, the words came to my mind, that were pressed on me in the park with great power: “These enemies which you have now seen, you shall see no more.” What a life is a life of faith? I know I am reckoned enthusiastic, even by many christian friends, in respect to my Orphan-house; but “he that believeth, doth not make haste.” I find we must be tried by friends, as well as by foes. All is intended to bring us nearer to the friend of all. I hope I improved my interest in him just now, for you and yours, and for all Edinburgh friends. As soon as we had perused the letters, we kneeled down, and prayed, and gave thanks. Good news came from London, I hope, next post, to hear that our dear friends have got safe thither. O what reason have I to be thankful! Help me still, my dear Mr. T——, to praise the Lord. I hope to be with you next week. In the mean time pray for, and if leisure permit, drop a line to, dear Mr. T——,
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXVI.
To Mr. J—— T——, in Edinburgh.
London, Nov. 6, 1742.
Dear Mr. T——,
ABOUT five this evening, our ever blessed Jesus brought us hither, and gave us a happy meeting with our dear friends. How good is Jesus to the chief of sinners! He solaced my soul all the way, and gave his angels charge concerning us, otherwise we must have been frequently hurt in our ways: but he heard the prayers of his people. I am persuaded he gave them a spirit of supplication in our behalf. I felt it, I feel it now, and long to preach again. My dear friend, remember us in the dearest manner to all. I hope to write to several on Monday next. How sweet is rest after fatigue! How sweet will heaven be, when our journey is ended. Forgive the brevity of this.
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXVII.
To Mr. J—— H——, at Bethesda.
London, Nov. 12, 1742.
My dearest Friend and Brother in a crucified Jesus,
HOW do I long to come over to see you, and the rest of my dear family? How do I long to hear how it is with your dear souls, and that you are returned to Bethesda in safety! The cloud seems now to be moving toward America. I trust I shall be with you in a few months. Wonderful great things did the Lord perform for me and his people in Scotland. The concern expressed at my departure, was really unspeakable. O my dear, my very dear brother, the love of God to such an unworthy wretch quite amazes me. I rode post, and came here in rather less than five days from Edinburgh on Saturday last, and here seems to be a new awakening. We have been obliged to enlarge the tabernacle. The Lord’s glory does indeed appear in it. Dear brother H—— has been sent with a sweet searching commission. Brother C—— is much blest in Wiltshire. The word runs and is glorified in Wales, and God is raising some fresh witnesses of the power of his dear Son’s blood in Gloucestershire. Blessed are the eyes that see the things that we see. God doth greatly countenance us indeed. O free grace! O electing love! The collections in Scotland were large. At Edinburgh, I collected 128l. at one time, and 44l. at another; at Glasgow about 128l. with private donations. I think we got about 300l. in all. Blessed be God, I owe nothing now in England on the Orphan-house account; what is due is abroad. I think since I have been in England, we have got near 1500l. The Lord will raise up what we want further; glory be to his name. He keeps my faith from failing, and upholds me with his right hand, and makes me happier in himself every day. My wife lies now very weak. She was tossed for ten days in her voyage from Scotland: The ship was in imminent danger, but the Lord gave her much of his presence, and I trust she will be ready shortly for another voyage. She heartily and most lovingly greets you all, as does in haste,
Ever, ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXVIII.
To Lady Frances G——.
London, Nov. 13, 1742.
Honoured Madam,
MINDFUL of my promise, which I made before I left Edinburgh, I now steal a few moments to send your Ladyship a letter of thanks, and which I trust will find you sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with great delight. It rejoiced me when I heard that our infinitely condescending God had blessed my unworthy ministry, to recover your Ladyship from a state of darkness and spiritual desertion. Glory, glory be to rich, free and sovereign grace! I trust your Ladyship will now be kept in the love of God, and no idol interpose between the Redeemer and your soul. I hope the dear Colonel is now in his proper place, and that you can think of him without anxiety or distracting care. This is that freedom, wherewith Jesus Christ makes us free. To love all things in him, and for him, and to love him above all. Thus we have peace and joy. Whenever we deviate from it, we fall into darkness and distress of soul. I pray God your Ladyship may be thus kept, and enabled to rejoice in God all the day long. For ever adored be free grace. I have enjoyed much freedom of soul since I left Edinburgh. Very good was my master to us on the road, and still better to me now I am in London. We have blessed seasons. O who can express the loving-kindness of the Lord, or show forth all his praise! We beg your prayers; and wishing you and your honoured Colonel all manner of prosperity, I beg leave to subscribe myself, with unfeigned thanks for all past favours, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXIX.
To Miss S——.
London, Nov. 13, 1742.
AS I have been writing to the honourable lady Frances, I am willing to inclose a line to you. I trust it will find you walking by faith, and trampling upon the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. This is the happiness which Jesus Christ has purchased for poor sinners. This is that better part, which I hope you have been enabled to choose, and in which, I trust, through grace you will be enabled to persevere even to the end. Dear Miss, if this be the case, well will it be with you, and happy, exceedingly happy shall you be. Methinks I hear you say, “I feel my happiness begun.” Keep close, Dear Miss, keep close to the lovely Jesus, and you will find it increase day by day. Many, many temptations and difficulties you will meet with; but fear not; look unto Jesus, and he will make you more than conqueror through his love. Never rest without looking up to him, in and for every thing you stand in need of. He will richly supply all your wants. I speak this by happy experience. Many blessings have I received since I came hither. O help me to praise our prayer-hearing God.
Your most affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXX.
To the Honourable Lady Jane H——, in Edinburgh.
London, Nov. 13, 1742.
Honoured Madam,
IT is with some regret, that I look back upon my not writing to you, when I was at Glasgow. I resolved ever since, to send your Ladyship a line as soon as possible, after I reached London. Being now somewhat settled, I attempt in the divine strength to put my design in execution. And now, honoured Madam, what shall I say? I hope this will find you a very poor sinner, and sitting at Jesu’s feet. With pleasure I have often thought your Ladyship has been made willing to become truly, inly poor, and to feel the full power of the Redeemer’s precious blood. If I mistake not, your soul is athirst for God, yea to be filled with all the fulness of God. Go on, dear Madam, for God shall satisfy all your desires: He has promised, and he will perform. I find my happiness in Jesus increasing daily, and that there is no end of his goodness. Greatly did he strengthen me on the road; greatly has he blessed me since I came hither. I believe your Ladyship will hear shortly from Mr. H——. He is a dear soul indeed, and left London on Thursday morning last, full of simplicity and love. The work goes on bravely in Wales, and elsewhere. Surely it is the midnight cry; Surely the bridegroom is coming. Methinks I hear your Ladyship say, “Then I will make ready to go forth to meet him.” That you may be always ready to obey the most sudden call, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXI.
To Miss N——’s.
London, Nov. 13, 1742.
Dear young Ladies,
THIS week I wrote a few lines to your honoured mamma. I now snatch a few moments to send a line to you. And why? Because I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and wish above all things, that your dear souls may prosper. I saw a happy alteration in you for the better, whilst I was at Edinburgh, and my constant prayer is, that you might still go on from strength to strength. Here seems to be a new awakening. We had a glorious fast-day indeed. I trust you had the same at Edinburgh. I am sure we prayed heartily, it might be so. O Edinburgh! Edinburgh! I think I shall never forget thee. Surely many can say, “Our fellowship has been with the Father and with the Son.” And now though absent, we may have fellowship together in and through the eternal Spirit. Thus it is with me, and thus it is, I believe, with my dear wife. She most heartily joins with me in saluting your most honoured mamma, as well as yourselves. Wishing that your lamps may be always trimmed, and your loins always girded, and that you may be continually in readiness to meet the heavenly bridegroom; I subscribe myself, dear young ladies,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXII.
To ——.
London, Nov. 15, 1742.
My Lord,
IT has given me some concern, that I could not write to your Lordship before I left E——. My departure from thence was very sudden, and it was but a few days before that I heard of your Lordship’s illness. However, I have not been unmindful of your Lordship, and I trust, in answer to prayer, our Lord has rebuked your fever, and that this will find you risen and ministring unto him. O, my Lord, I think I can say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted;” for had it not been so, I should have gone astray. How apt are we when in health, to follow Jesus afar off, and sink into tepidity and a laodicean spirit? May this sickness be sanctified to the purging of your Lordship’s soul, and be a means of drawing you nearer to God! Our glorious High-priest still continues to load me with his benefits. He dealt most tenderly with me on the road, and blesses me much here. I am now in my winter quarters, preparing for a fresh campaign. Happy they that fight under the Redeemer’s banner! That your Lordship may be always fighting the good fight of faith, and at length lay hold on eternal life, is the earnest prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient and obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXIII.
To Mr. S——, of Bristol.
London, Nov. 15, 1742.
My dear Brother S——,
I Gave thanks on your behalf, when I read your letters; being encouraged thereby to hope, that Jesus Christ is indeed about to take full possession of your soul. A proper season this to enter into the marriage state, an union representing the mystical union between Jesus Christ and his Church. My brother, you cannot think of it with too much solemnity. It is a matter of great importance, in which the future comfort of your life much depends. I would advise you to read over the matrimonial office, and turn it into a prayer. As for outward affairs, I think it quite proper to have them settled, as I am a minister of Jesus Christ, and ought therefore to be freed as much as may be from all worldly incumbrances. Be pleased to draw out your account, and when the captain comes, desire him to draw out his, that receipts may pass on both sides. I shall pay Mr. N—— as desired. I am glad you are so friendly with Mr. W——. I trust we shall learn more and more to love one another.
Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXIV.
To the Bishop of Bangor.
London, Nov. 17, 1742.
My Lord,
THE inclosed was sent by a young man, who was coming up to London, and was in his way as far as Ludlow, on purpose to wait on your Lordship about the contents of it. If your Lordship pleases, I will wait upon your Lordship for your Lordship’s answer. The character your Lordship has for candour and moderation, makes me believe, your Lordship will not favour any persecuting proceedings against those that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. If your Lordship thinks proper to speak with me, upon the least intimation, you shall be attended by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient son and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXV.
To Mr. J——, of Toven in Wales.
London, Nov. 18, 1742.
My dear Brother,
HOW sweetly does the blessed Jesus guide the meek in his way! I believe your turning back from Ludlow was of God. Dear brother H—— was about that time going into Wales, and the Lord sending me hither (unworthy as I am) to transact affairs for you. I have seen your letter to Mr. L——, and likewise that from brother C——, to the bishop of Bangor. I am just now sending it to him, with a letter from myself, desiring leave to wait upon his Lordship. What the event will be, our Lord only knows. This, however, we know, “All things shall work together for good to those that love God;” and the gates of hell shall never prevail against the church of Jesus Christ. What you have met with, is no more than might be expected long ago. There has been a hook in the Leviathan’s jaws, or otherwise our mouths had been stopped long before this time. I had once the honour of being publickly arraigned, for not reading the Common Prayer in a Meeting-house. At another time, I was taken up by a warrant for correcting a letter wherein were these words, “Shall our Clergy break the Canons.” The prosecutions were unjust, but there is our glory. I remember when Socrates was about to suffer, his friends grieved, that he suffered unjustly. What, says he, would you have me suffer justly? If we are buffetted for our faults, and take it patiently, says a greater than Socrates, we are not to glory; “but if we are reproached for Christ, and suffer as Christians, happy are we.” I think our present sufferings are for him. Surely the spirit of Christ and of glory will rest upon you. However, I trust this storm will soon blow over. If possible, let an open separation from the church be avoided. Mr. H—— can tell you more by word of mouth. I trust the glorious Jesus has sent him amongst you, in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. He is a dear soul. I am persuaded you are dear to him: I find you are dear to me, though I never saw you. It is enough, that we have drank into one spirit. This creates an indissoluble union. Pray remember my kind love to dear brother C——. I wish him joy with all my heart; but would not have him deny that exhorting is preaching. The Chancellor will be too many for him; for to be sure, exhorting is at least one part of preaching. Granting this, he has warrant enough, notwithstanding, from scripture, to tell others what God has done for his soul, and to bid them come and see and believe in a precious Christ. O that word! How sweet is it to my soul? It is like ointment poured forth. Had I time, I could tell you much of his love. He has been exceeding good to me in Scotland: He is still so to me here. Vile, base, ungrateful as I am, he lets me lean on his bosom night and day. My dear brother, help me to praise him, and engage all the brethren’s prayers in behalf of one, less than the least of all saints, but
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXVI.
To the Reverend Dr. C——, in Boston.
London, Nov. 18, 1742.
Rev. and dear Sir,
GLAD was I to receive another letter from you, before I sent off my packets. I thank our loving Lord, for granting me the continuance of his ministers affections. I hope this, and all his other mercies, will lead me nearer and nearer to himself the fountain of all mercies. Surely the friends of Jesus pray in my behalf; for I am still strengthened more than ever, and enabled to rejoice in his goodness all the day long. The confusion at New-England has given me concern; but our Lord will over-rule all for good. I was sorry to hear of Mr. D——’s imprisonment; and to be imprisoned for an unguarded expression, I think is too, too severe, and not for the honour of Boston at all. Had I been in his place, I should have accepted bail. When I shall come to Boston, the Lord Jesus only knows. I believe it will not be long. I find I shall come in perilous times; but that all-gracious Saviour, who has helped me hitherto, will guide me by his council, and give me a true scriptural zeal. This is what I desire all my friends to beg in my behalf. How hard is it to keep in the true narrow path, when speaking for the Lord Jesus? God preserve me, and all his ministers, from defending his truths and cause in our own, or under the influence of a false spirit! It destroys the very cause we would defend. As yet, in Scotland there have been but few of the disorders complained of amongst you. But as the work increases, I suppose the enemies stratagems will increase also. This is my comfort, Jesus reigns. The gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against his church. I have had a late instance of his power and goodness, in driving the Spaniards out of Georgia. I hear they are gone. I hope the Orphans are now at Bethesda in peace. The continuation of my account, I have sent with this, and a parcel of my sermons. Be pleased to dispose of them, as you shall think proper. I salute all my Reverend brethren that preach Jesus Christ in sincerity. I wish them prosperity with all my heart, and pray for them every day, Reverend Sir, my soul is now filled with a sense of redeeming love. O why me, Lord, why me? Even so my Saviour, for so it seemed good in thy sight! But I can write no more, having much business on my hands. We go on well here. Our Lord blesses us much. I am, with much affection, Rev. Sir,
Your most unworthy and younger brother in the gospel of Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXVII.
To Mr. J—— E——.
London, Nov. 18, 1742.
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter pleased me much. As soon as I read it, I kneeled down, prayed, and gave thanks on your behalf. How faithful is he that hath said, “I will never leave thee, or forsake thee.” Surely the Lord intends to honour you, in making you an instrument in bringing many sons to glory. I hope he will bless your first public essays to serve the interest of his great name, and enable you to go on from strength to strength. I cannot think you will be long without a feeling possession of your God. Shortly, I trust, you will be touched with a coal from the heavenly altar, and be made to say, “Lord send me.” I think our Saviour has given you great knowledge in the scriptures. May you be kept close to and be daily taught of him. My prayer for you is,
Take his poor heart, and let it be
For ever clos’d to all but thee.
I think you may study conveniently in Scotland; but in this and every thing else, I pray the Lord Jesus to direct and guide your soul. I most heartily love you, and wish you prosperity in the name of the Lord. Our blessed Saviour has been exceeding kind, since I have been here. I go on my way rejoicing, and am strengthened day by day. That you may abundantly experience the same, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXVIII.
To Mr. M——, Isle of Man.
London, Nov. 19, 1742.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Am concerned to find by your last, dated November 4th, that the letter I sent you from Scotland did not come to hand. But providence over-ruleth all things; even this shall work for good. I wonder not, if the Lord has given you more zeal, that you meet with more opposition. However, I would not have you rash, or over hasty in leaving the Isle of Man. Wait, continue instant in prayer, and you shall see the salvation of God. I have not heard from my family abroad for some time, and cannot give you any determinate answer about your going to Georgia, because I know not how their affairs stand. God will yet shew you what he would have you to do. Even so Lord Jesus, Amen and Amen! Our glorious Emmanuel blessed me exceedingly after we parted from Scotland, and blesses me in like manner, now he has brought me to England. Vile, ungrateful as I am, he vouchsafes to give me much of his presence, and keeps me under the shadow of his wings. Let his goodness to me, encourage you to hope and trust in him. Remember, dear Sir, Jesus came to make poor sinners happy, and to give them victory over their lusts and passions. Plead his promises, be much in secret prayer, and never give God rest, ’till your soul is filled with all his fulness. That the Lord may hasten that blessed time, wherein his kingdom shall come with full power into your dear soul, is the earnest prayer of, Rev. and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXXIX.
To Mr. B——, at Bethesda.
London, Nov. 19, 1742.
BLESSED, blessed be God, the packet is not gone; so that I have just time to tell you, I received your kind, very kind letter, though I have not time to read it thoroughly, least I should miss this opportunity. God only knows how I sympathize with you and my dear family. Though I have no money to pay Mr. Jones, &c. yet, if I can take up two or three hundred pounds upon my own account, I will come over, God willing, the very first opportunity. The time of your fasting, I hope is now near over, and the days of your mourning ended. Remember the burning bush; it was on fire, but not consumed. Surely some great good is to come out of the Orphan-house. Blessed be God, for strengthening you to stay with my dear family. Ten thousand blessings descend upon your soul! I wish dear brother G—— joy. I am much obliged to my dear friend and faithful steward. Next ship, I hope to answer his letters distinctly. O my dear man, I do not forget any of you. God, and not my own will, has kept me on this side the water so long. But surely you must judge me sometimes. You need not make any apology for moving; it is what I wished you might do. Your care and tenderness towards me, makes me long to embrace and weep over you one by one. Forget you! no, no; I think I could rather die for you. My brother, my dear brother, go on. Surely God is with us. Great things are to come out of Georgia. Remember Abraham, how did he sojourn in the land of Promise, as in a strange land? The Lord increase your faith. My tenderest love, and ten thousand thanks, to dear Mr. J——s. God will bless him for helping you. The Lord Jesus be with you all.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.