LETTER DXCVI.
Philadelphia, June 1, 1747.
My dear Mr. H——,
I Make no apology for troubling you with the inclosed. I hear you have taken the Tabernacle outward affairs into your hands. I am glad of it, and pray the Lord of all Lords to make you a faithful steward of his manifold gifts. You will remember me most tenderly to dear Mrs. H——, and to all friends. Perhaps I may see you yet before I die. God is delivering me out of my embarrassments by degrees. With the collection made at Charles-Town, I have purchased a plantation and some slaves, which I intend to devote to the use of Bethesda. When a sufficient fund for the future support of that house is raised, so that it may not lie as a dead weight upon me when absent, I shall think my call clearer to England. At present I have full work here; the congregations yesterday were exceeding large, and for this month past I have been preaching to thousands in different places. I am sick and well, as I used to be in England; but the Redeemer fills me with comfort, and gives me to rejoice in his salvation day by day. I am determined in his strength to die fighting, and to go on till I drop. He is a Jesus worth dying for. Once more, remember us to all. We remember you, and am, as much as as ever, dear Mr. H——,
Your affectionate friend, brother and willing servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DXCVII.
To Mr. J—— S——.
Philadelphia, June 4, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my dear New-England friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time in July. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.—I have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me: for the Lord, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice exceedingly. Letters from England refreshed me; all of them call me home loudly. May Jesus direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the Lord I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak pull me down; but the Lord can and will raise and keep me up.—I preach here with great acceptance. Congregations are as large as ever. Next Monday sevennight I purpose, God willing, to set out for New-York. I wrote lately from New-Town, to Messrs. Prince, W——, R——, &c. but am apt to believe the packet has miscarried. I think to come by way of Long-Island, and to return by Connecticut. You will not be slack in getting all to pray for me, who am, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXCVIII.
To Mr. P——.
Philadelphia, June 5, 1747.
Very Dear Sir,
THOUGH this frail nature of mine has lately received several very great shocks, yet I cannot, if strength admits, omit writing you a line. Glad was I when I came to town, to hear by Captain G—— that you was so far recovered, as to be able once more to go to the house of God. I heartily wish you, dear Sir, what the noble Colonel Gardiner once wished me, “A thriving soul in a healthy body.” Or however it may be with the one, I earnestly pray that the other may prosper. Sickness is often made use of as a means, in the hands of an all-gracious Father, to ripen our graces and fit us for heaven. Through grace, I can say it is good for me to be sick, though I am afraid I am too impatient to be gone. Well! He that cometh, will come, and cannot tarry long: till then may I be resigned, and work the works of him that sent me whilst it is day, before the night cometh when no man can work. I could proceed, but indeed, dear Sir, strength faileth me. However, I hope to see you and my other dear Charles-Town friends in November. O that till then we may every moment grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I would write to many, but weakness forbids. I must refer you to Mr. S—— for particulars concerning me. My dear yoke-fellow joins in sending cordial respects to yourself and all friends. Neither you nor they are forgotten by, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXCIX.
To Mr. B——.
Philadelphia, June 6, 1747.
My very dear Friend,
I Love you dearly, and therefore must, though in much weakness, send you a line. It informs you of my being sick, but withal of the Lord’s comforting me, and causing me to triumph over the king of terrors. Mr. B—— I suppose, ere this reaches you, will let you know that the word has run, and hath been glorified in Mary-land. Satan has attempted to stop the progress of the everlasting gospel in Virginia; but I believe he has overshot himself. How can it be otherwise? since eternal Truth hath said, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.” I hope you find this true, by the daily conquest you get over the corruptions of your heart. Remember who hath promised to make you more than conqueror through his love. Our kind respects attend dear Mrs. B——, your son, and daughter, and all friends. O that we may meet grown in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I subscribe myself, very dear Mr. B——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DC.
To the Reverend Mr. S——.
Philadelphia, June 23, 1747.
Reverend and dear Sir,
SINCE my last, I have been several times on the verge of eternity. To-day I have got a few more spirits. I would improve them in answering your kind letter, which I received yesterday. I am obliged to Charles-Town friends: their example will certainly influence many here. Something is upon the anvil. Particulars expect in my next. To-morrow, God willing, I set out for New-York, to see if I can gain strength. At present I am so weak, that I cannot preach.—’Tis hard work to be silent; but I must be tried every way. Friends are exceeding kind. What is the best of all, the friend of sinners looks in upon, and comforts my heart. I have had loud calls to England. Matters go on bravely there and in Wales. My State Sermon has gone through two editions. They have also my five last sermons, which have convinced my friends that I am firm to my principles. May Jesus keep me steady till I die! I am glad Mr. P—— went off so well. His children I look upon as my own. The things which he had belong to me. I would have them taken to Providence: for that also Deus providebit. Your father is well, and always talking of you. Why did you not mention his wife in your letter? She is a discreet woman, and desired to be remembered to you. Every day she expects to lie in. You will excuse my enlarging.—Strength begins to fail me. However, whilst I have strength I would employ it in praying for you and yours. I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCI.
To Mr. R——.
New-York, June 28, 1747.
My dear Brother,
THANKS be to God, for revealing his dear Son in you. Thanks be to his great name for calling you to preach his everlasting gospel. I give him all the glory, and adore him for making ill and hell-deserving me, the happy instrument of alarming and awakening your dead soul. Ere long I hope we shall meet in eternity, to sing endless praises to him who has redeemed us unto God by his blood, and has made us kings and priests unto God, and enables us to reign over death, hell, and sin, even whilst here on earth. I abhor all those bad principles which you mention, and cannot join so as to labour in the same place, and upon the same plan, with those that hold them. However, let us behave with meekness, my dear brother, and we shall soon find that every plant that our heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked up. “He that believeth doth not make haste.” Jesus reigneth; let our eyes wait on Him. All things shall work, and even now are working, together for good to all that love him. In due time you will see me, perhaps next year. I am as willing to hunt for souls as ever. I am not weary of my master or his work, though he might long ago have been weary of me. But his name is Love. Proclaim it, my dear Sir, proclaim it till thou diest. By the strength of God I will. My love to all. I can now write no more, being recovered from a great illness. Continue to pray over
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DCII.
To Dr. B——.
New-York, June 29, 1747.
Dear Sir,
SINCE I wrote to Doctor S——, I have preached to a very large auditory, and, blessed be God, do not find myself much worse for it this morning. As I am bound to thank you for all favours, so especially would I send my acknowledgments for promoting this northward excursion. I believe it will be a great means of restoring my health, which I value upon no other account, than as it renders me more capable of doing good to mankind. A pleasing prospect of action lies before me. I am willing once more, in the strength of Jesus of Nazareth, to enter the field, and hope through his blessing, I shall return to Philadelphia laden with fresh experiences of unwearied and redeeming love. Whether I shall leave New-York this week is uncertain. But wherever I am, assure yourself, dear Sir, your favours shall not be forgotten. That the great physician of souls may bless you and yours with the choicest of his mercies, is and shall be the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCIII.
To ——.
New-York, June 29, 1747.
My very dear, dear Brother,
IT is with much pleasure I now sit down to answer your kind and welcome letters, dated April 11th and 13th. And to keep you no longer in suspence, I would inform you, that they have had such an effect upon me, that, God willing, I am determined to embark for England or Scotland early next Spring.—’Till Christmas I am already under indissoluble engagements, and am making a strong effort, in dependance on the great Head of the church, to get free from my outward embarrassments.—I thank my dear English friends for what they have done for me in this respect, and must beg you, my dear and faithful brother, still to do what you can further. The Lord Jesus seems to assure me that the time of my deliverance is at hand.—I hope before this year is out, to stock my new plantation in South-Carolina as a visible fund for the Orphan-house, and upon news of something more being done in England, (so that my poor heart may no more be oppressed as it has been for many years by outward difficulties,) my answer shall be, Lo! I come once more to see my dear, very dear friends on the other side of the mighty waters. ’Till then, I shall as it were count the hours, and long for them to glide away a-pace. My dear yoke-fellow now at Philadelphia is like-minded, being exceedingly desirous to see her dear friends once more. May Jesus grant it, if it be agreeable to his holy will! Indeed, I have lately thought I should never see you any more. For some weeks past, I have been exceedingly indisposed. God has been pleased to bring my body to the very brink of the grave by convulsions, gravel, a nervous cholic, and a violent fever. But as pain and afflictions abounded, consolations much more abounded, and my soul longed to take its flight to Jesus. For this week past I have not preached; but since my leaving Philadelphia, about three days ago, I seemed to have gathered strength, and hope once more, to-morrow, to proclaim amongst poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. From hence I purpose to go to Boston, and return by land so as to reach Charles-Town by November.—Glad shall I be to receive an answer to this, about that time there.—For upon that in a great measure will depend my coming to you, or staying longer in these parts. Blessed be the Lord of all Lords, the door is yet open here, and I am exceedingly rejoiced to find it is kept so sweetly open at home. I can easily guess how my dear man has been tried. I find more and more that through much tribulation we must enter into glory, and by sufferings be prepared for farther usefulness here below.—O that patience may have its perfect work in our hearts. O that underneath thee may be the everlasting arms, and that by happy experience thou mayst daily prove the strength of Jesus to be thine. I intend, God willing, to write to brother J——, &c. I rejoice that brother E—— still continues in his place.—It is a token for good. You will return my most humble and dutiful respects to good Lady H—g—n, the Marquiss, and Mrs. E——n. If possible I will write to them.—I sent letters to the Marquiss, Lord L——n, and Lord R——a, about October last, but suppose they have miscarried.—I leave my affairs to you, and depend on you, under God, to transact them all.—The trouble is great, but Jesus will support and reward thee.—Near forty pounds yearly were subscribed in England to the Orphan-house, but I have not received I think above five.—I have rather more confidence in you, if possible, my very dear Man, than ever. May Jesus reward thee for all thy works of faith, and labours which have proceeded of love!—I wish you joy of your little one, and most heartily salute your dear wife, and all the lovers of the blessed Jesus every where. I wrote to you about a month ago in extreme weakness, and shall neglect no opportunity of sending to you.—I beseech you to continue to pray me over, and assure yourself none of you are forgotten by, my very dear Brother,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCIV.
To the Rev. Mr. S——.
New-York, July 4, 1747.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
LAST week I left a letter for you at Philadelphia.—Since that, through the divine blessing, I have recovered a little more strength, and find my appetite restored. I have been here about eight days, and to-morrow, God willing, intend posting away to Boston, and then I shall take a long, if not a final farewel of all my northward friends. I have preached twice with great freedom. People flock rather more than ever, and the Lord vouchsafes us solemn meetings. I hope to be back again in six weeks. I shall go, if Jesus gives strength, like an arrow out of a bow. I have therefore left my dear yoke-fellow at Philadelphia, and expect to meet her again at New-York. Among these three northward provinces, I trust something considerable will be done towards paying off the orphan-house arrears. When that is effected, I care not how soon I sing my Nunc dimittis; but I must wait ’till my blessed change come. You will be pleased to remember me to all, and you may expect, God willing, at the appointed time, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCV.
To Mr. A——.
New-York, July 4, 1747.
My very dear Brother A——,
I Have just now been reading over your kind letter, dated November 23d, the second or third time.—It affected me much; and with the other letters, have constrained me to set my face towards England.—What is due in America, for the Orphan-house, I hope to discharge this year.—I am of your mind in respect to the work in England, and therefore am willing so to settle my affairs, that when I come over, I may stay with you for a long season, if the Lord Jesus is pleased to give me health and strength.—At present I am very weakly, and scarce able to preach above once or twice a week.—But if our Saviour hath further work for me to do, he can make me young and strong as an eagle.—If not, I shall go to him whom my soul loveth, and whom I long to see.—Blessed be his Name that there are yet a few names left in Sardis, that have not defiled their garments, but have kept close to his truths and cause in this declining day.——You will remember me to all most tenderly.—I pray for you continually, and whilst I am writing, it being Friday¹, comfort myself with this consideration, that many are praying for me.—You will see my letter to dear brother H——, and excuse my being so short, because I am so weak.—Our Lord continues to deal graciously with me, and was I well, I have rather a wider door than ever opened before me.—But our thoughts are not as his thoughts.—For the present, adieu.—I send most cordial love to you, yours, and all, and am, more than ever,
Yours, &c. in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCVI.
To Mr. J—— C——.
New-York, July 5, 1747.
My dear John,
THOUGH I am quite sick and weak in body, yet the love I owe thee for Jesu’s sake, constrains me to answer your last kind letter, dated ♦February 5th. The other mentioned therein, never came to hand. I am sorry to hear there are yet disputings amongst us about brick-walls. I was in hopes, after our contests of that kind about seven years ago, such a scene would never appear again; but I find fresh offences must come, to search out and discover to us fresh corruptions, to try our faith, teach us to cease from man, and to lean more upon him, who by his infinite wisdom and power will cause, “that out of the eater shall come forth meat, and from the strong sweetness.” I am glad you find yourself happy in the holy Jesus. I wish thee an increase of such dear-bought happiness every day, and pray that thy mouth may not be stopped, as others have been before thee, from publishing the glad tidings of salvation, by a crucified Redeemer. It has been thy meat and drink to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. May’st thou continue and abide in this plan, and whether I see thee or not, whether thou dost ever think of, or write to me any more, I wish thee much success, and shall always pray that the work of the Lord may prosper in thy hands. Whether you have changed your principles with your situation, I know not. I would only caution thee against taking any thing for gospel upon the mere authority of man. Go where thou wilt, though thou shouldest be in the purest society under heaven, thou wilt find that the best of men are but men at the best, and will meet with stumbling blocks enough, to teach thee the necessity of a continual dependence on the Lord Jesus, who alone is infallible, and who will not give that glory to another. Blessed be his Name, for the trials I have met with from the friends of Zion. At present, I can rejoice in being deserted by one, and used unkind by another, who at the great day must own me to be their spiritual father. Such trials are very salutary.—They lead me to the Cross, and I trust in the end will conform me to him, who in his bitterest agony had no one to watch with him, no not for one hour. My dear man, you will excuse me, as my heart at present is affected with the thoughts of the divisions that subsist between the servants and churches of Jesus Christ. May Jesus heal them, and hasten that blessed time, when we shall all see eye to eye, and there shall be no disputings about houses, doctrine, or discipline in all God’s holy mountain! God willing, I purpose seeing England next year, and shall be glad to converse with thee once more, about the things which belong to our Saviour’s kingdom.—If my present sickness ends in death, we shall converse in a better world, and without the least discord and contention. Remember me to Brampton, and to all. I thank them for not forgetting the chief of sinners. Tell them Jesus is yet with me, and causes my rod to bud and blossom. The bush burns, but is not consumed. Adieu.
Thine in the glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER DCVII.
To Mrs. R——.
New-Port, August 20, 1747.
Dear Madam,
I Hope that since I left you, Mr. M——’s conversation has been blessed, and that you are steadily and deliberately resolved to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Indeed he is the fairest among ten thousand. The more you know him, the more you will love him. O what a happy change will you experience when you enter into the world of new creatures! May Jesus hasten the time, and enable you to come as a poor, lost, undone sinner, to be clothed with his everlasting righteousness! Accept these few hasty lines. They are the language of a heart truly concerned for your eternal welfare. I salute Miss M——; may Jesus make her a wise virgin, and give you and dear Mr. R—— grace to bring her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! I at present add no more. As opportunity offers, you shall hear again from me. Dear Madam,
Your affectionate friend and servant for Christ sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCVIII.
To Mrs. L——.
New-port, August 20, 1747.
Dear Madam,
DOES not Jesus take his lambs into his arms, and dandle his little ones on his knees? Ought not his ministers then to follow his good example, and strive with him, not to quench the smoaking flax or break the bruised reed. This consideration causes me to write you a few lines. May they find you as in an agony to enter in at the straight gate! Courage, dear Mrs. L——, courage. Christ, heaven, glory, are worth your acceptance. They are all yours, if you will give him your heart. May Jesus make you willing, and enable you to say henceforward, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of Jesus Christ.” You will remember me to Mr. L——, and all dear friends. As opportunity offers, they and you shall hear from, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate friend and willing servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCIX.
To Mr. D——.
New-York, August 27, 1747.
Dear Mr. D——,
IS it not just, that I should pay off my old debts? consequently I must write to you. I owe you many letters, and more love. Accept this in part of payment. It brings you news of my safe arrival, through the good hand of my God upon me, at New-York. We were detained upon the water three or four days. I believe it was for good; for the Lord blessed it to the recovery of my health, so that I eat like a sailor. At present I find my nature recruited considerably, and met my dear yoke-fellow and friends well at this place. O that my heart glowed with thanks to the Lord of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever! Help me, my dear Sir, to be thankful. My obligations to my glorious Jesus are increased by my late excursion to Charles-Town, Portsmouth, Boston, and other places in New-England. If I forget her, let my right-hand forget her cunning. I think of, and pray for you and yours, and all my dear friends daily. O let us so live, that we may meet in heaven. You know the way; “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” Walk before him, look continually to him, and you shall be enabled to trample upon sin, death, and hell. Excuse the brevity of this. Next time, God willing, you shall have a longer letter. My tender love awaits your dear spouse and family. You will remember me to all enquiring friends, and as God enables, you shall all be remembered by, dear Mr. D——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCX.
To Mr. A——.
New-York, Aug. 27, 1747.
TO convince you that I remember your desire when at Boston, I send you almost my first letter. It comes full of thanks for all past favours. May the God whom I serve, reward you ten thousand fold! He will, he has promised, he also will do it. Will you give me leave to ask one favour more? You may guess what it is. I beseech you to entreat the giver of every good and perfect gift to grant me an humble and a thankful heart; for indeed, mercies are renewed to me every moment. God has given me a pleasant journey, and brought me this day to New-York in safety. My health is considerably restored, and I know not why my dear friends yet cruelly hinder me. Well, God’s will be done! O that it may be to the Redeemer’s glory, and the good of precious and immortal souls! I am of the same mind as when at Boston,—resolved to preach and work for Jesus, ’till I can preach and work no more. I doubt not, but in your sphere, you are like-minded. May the Lord strengthen, stablish, settle you in it, and give you to abound in every good word and work. Christ is a good Master: he is worthy of all our time, and of every thing that we possess. Is not one heart too little for him? And yet he requires no more. Amazing love! I am lost when I think of it. I can only say, Lord, I adore and worship! But how does dear Mrs. A——? Bid her, not be faithless, but believing. Jesus shall do more for her than she can ask or think. I salute you both most heartily, as does my dear yoke-fellow.—That Jesus may plentifully reward you for all favours, and give you so to live here, that you may sit at his right-hand eternally hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. A——,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCXI.
To Mr. W——, at Portsmouth.
New-York, Aug. 27, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
IS it right when we have committed a fault, to persist in, and not confess and amend it? By no means. I must therefore write to you, whom (though you have received no letter from me) I dearly love in the bowels of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. I thank you, dear Sir, for all favours, and exhort you, as the best return I can make, to walk worthy of that God, who has called you to his kingdom and his glory. May you be enabled to live above, and overcome the world! O that Jesus may be at all times, your only All! O that you may look up continually to him for light, life, and every thing! Then will he direct your steps, and cause every change and scene of life to be a means of changing and transforming your dear soul more and more into his own divine likeness. You are shortly to enter into a new and untried state. Dear Sir, call Jesus and his Disciples to your marriage; marry in and for the Lord, or your life will be exceedingly uneasy and miserable. Remember, that new states call for new strength. Let your eyes then be fixed on Jesus. From him every good and perfect gift cometh. He alone can teach you to use the world, and every worldly enjoyment, so as not to abuse it. I commend you to his tender mercy. I pray continually for you, and humbly intreat you to remember unworthy, ungrateful, ill and hell-deserving me. I can now only most heartily thank you for all favours, beg to be remembered to all friends, and subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours in Him that liveth for ever,
G. W.
LETTER DCXII.
To the Rev. Mr. G. T——.
New-York, Aug. 29, 1747.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
NOT want of love, but of leisure, has prevented my writing to you for some time past. Blessed be God, I can now send you good news from the Northward. My reception at Boston, and elsewhere in New-England, was like unto the first. Arrows of conviction fled and stuck fast. Many, I hear, were wounded. Congregations were rather larger than ever, and opposers mouths were stopped. Will you now take another trip? I believe it would be blest to the good of your own and many other souls. I would be more particular, did I not expect to see you next week. I am better in health than when I left New-York. God gives me grace to spend it to the utmost in the Redeemer’s service. I am determined in his strength, to die fighting, though it be upon my stumps. I trust you pray for me. I remember you and your flock. I salute all tenderly, and am, Rev. and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate younger brother and servant in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DCXIII.
To Mr. Henry S——, Junior.
New-York, Aug. 29, 1747.
My dear Mr. S——,
LAST Thursday noon the keeper of Israel, who neither slumbereth or sleepeth, brought me hither in safety. We were detained three days on the water. It was over-ruled for good. I recovered my appetite, and am now much better than when I left New-England. Next Tuesday, God willing, I shall set forward, and hope to be at Charles-Town the beginning of November. Will you write to me? God willing, you shall hear from me every opportunity. I have good news from Providence, my plantation in South-Carolina, and from Bethesda: both families are well, and several negroes are under conviction. I hope those that were under concern at Portsmouth, find their convictions to abide. I pray God, they may have no rest, ’till they find rest in Jesus Christ! I salute them, and all the Redeemer’s true followers. I join with my dear yoke-fellow, in sending you, and dear Mrs. S——, ten thousand thanks for all favours, and am, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and brother, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCXIV.
To Mr. D——.
New-York, Aug. 30, 1747.
MY dear brother Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, why weepest thou? Why art thou so cast down? All is forgiven, all is forgotten long ago; be strong, and God shall establish thy heart. Look up, and put thy trust in the Lord. He is a merciful Redeemer; otherwise what could worthless, ungrateful, unfruitful, ill, hell-deserving I do? O how great is his love to us-ward! How kindly hath he brought me to New-York! Pray let your mourning be turned into praise, and give thanks to the Lord of all lords in behalf of your unworthy friend. You are my old friend. I have loved thee, and do love thee with a peculiar love. May the Lord increase thee more and more, even thee and thy children! I send you and yours most cordial salutations. We set out, God willing, to-morrow on our southern journey. I have good news from the Orphan-house, and my new Plantation. Some negroes are brought under conviction. Mr. B—— was well the latter end of July. I shall take care of his father’s letter. My dear yoke-fellow intends writing to you soon. In the mean while accept hearty love from, yours as usual,
G. W.
LETTER DCXV.
To Mrs. S——, at New-York.
Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1747.
SHALL I promise and not perform? God forbid. I must then drop a line to my afflicted friend. How is your little one? Is it yet languishing? Is it quite emaciated and panting for breath? Or is it gone into the world of spirits? Whatever be your answer, I am ready to reply, Remember your father Abraham; how chearfully did he offer up his dear Isaac, his son, whom he loved? How kindly did the Lord take it at his hands? Go thou and do likewise. If Jesus hath restored it to you, nurse it for him; pray to him continually for grace to order it aright, and learn how soon God may imbitter the dearest comforts to us. Happy, happy they, who can lean on and trust in Jesus, whilst they are going through this howling wilderness, this world of woe. I trust you are one of these happy ones. O free grace! Sovereign, electing, distinguishing love! You will join with me in saying, “Why me, Lord, why me?” I could enlarge. Whilst I am writing, the fire kindles; but my Master’s business calls me away. He is with me here. Remember the Pilgrims. My dear yoke-fellow is gone forward; perhaps I may follow this week. I desire to be remembered in the kindest manner to dear Mr. S—— P——, wife, and all friends. I thank them and you a thousand times for all favours, and am, dear Mrs. S——,
Your affectionate and willing servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCXVI.
To Captain S——.
Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1747.
My very dear Mr. S——,
THOUGH I wrote to you lately by my friend Mr. V——, yet the receipt of your kind letter makes me to write again. The deadly blow I see is given. Well! Thanks be to God, you are so resigned. You doubtless remember, that you took one another only “’till death you should part.” That shocking clause, as Mr. B—— calls it, is very instructive. Blessed be God, that she gave you any comfortable evidences of her being for ever with the Lord. If so, do not wish her here again, but remember how soon your own great change must necessarily come. You are now on the decline of life. You have seen that all below is vanity. O that you may bring forth much fruit in old age! Take heed, watch and be sober, since you know not at what hour the blessed bridegroom may come to call you. I write thus freely to you; because you are pleased to stile me your father. Pray for me then, that I may give to Jesus all the glory, and study to glorify him more and more. Next Monday, God willing, I intend leaving this place. Be pleased to acquaint our dear friend Mr. V—— that I intend writing to him soon. I hope he reached home in safety. I salute him, Mr. P——, and all friends most heartily. Accept of the same yourself, in the most cordial manner, from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.