LETTER DCCXLIV.
To Mr. S——.
London, March 11, 1749.
My very dear Mr. S——,
I Wish you joy. I trust you may now say, “Now I begin to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.” You know who has commanded us to rejoice and be exceeding glad when men separate from our company, and speak all manner of evil against us falsely for his name’s sake. Thanks be to God, you have at length found out, that whosoever attempts to reconcile God and the world, is attempting to reconcile two irreconcilable differences. They are as opposite as light and darkness, heaven and hell. You have nothing to do, but to go on doing, and then sing with an holy triumph,
For this let men revile my name,
I shun no cross, I fear no shame;
All hail reproach, and welcome pain,
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.
You know he is faithful, who hath promised, “that he will never leave nor forsake you.” Wait on him therefore, dear Sir, and you shall renew your strength, nay you shall mount on wings like an eagle; you shall walk and not be weary, you shall run and not be faint. Various are the trials inward and outward that you will meet with. It is in the spiritual as in the natural birth. The after-pangs are sometimes sharper than those that precede the new-birth itself. If you are made use of by Jesus Christ, no wonder that satan desires to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But fear not; Jesus prays for you; your faith therefore shall not fail. How was Paul humbled and struck down before he was sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel? Prayer, temptation, and meditation, says Luther, are necessary ingredients for a minister. If God teaches us humility, it must be as Gideon taught the men of Succoth, by thorns. This I suppose is what dear Mr. H—— means; he has been conversant with Mr. L——, and writes much therefore in his way. I find he is for making thorough work of it, and digging deep in order to build high. He is certainly right; but why we should not press after and continually plead for assurance, which is every where through the holy scriptures spoken of as the common portion of God’s children, I cannot yet see. It is a false humility to be content without that which God offers and promises to give. Let him give it in his own way and time; but, “Lord give me a full assurance of faith, that I may joy and rejoice in thee evermore!” should be the constant cry of your soul. My dear Sir, I could enlarge, but I must away to our good Lady H——n’s. You must not expect to see her till August. I preached at her Ladyship’s on Thursday, and am to do so weekly. I expect to leave town in about a month. Pray let me see you if possible. A new scene will open to you, now you begin to act publickly for Christ; but I must bid you farewel. Adieu. May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit! Write often, and you shall be answered, God willing, as speedy as possible by, my very dear friend,
Ever yours whilst
G. W.
LETTER DCCXLV.
To the Rev. Mr. G——.
London, March 17, 1749.
My dear Brother,
WHAT a blessed thing it is, that we can write to, when we cannot see one another! By this means we increase our joys, and lessen our sorrows, and as it were exchange hearts. Thanks be to the Lord Jesus, that the work flourishes with you. I am glad your children grow so fast; they become fathers soon; I wish some may not prove dwarfs at last. A word to the wise is sufficient. I have always found awakening times like spring times. Many blossoms, but not always so much fruit. But go on, my dear man, and in the strength of the Lord you shall do valiantly. I long to be your way, but I suppose it will be two months first. My love awaits Mrs. H—— and all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Pray tell my dear Mr. I—— that I cannot now answer the Preston letter, being engaged in answering a virulent pamphlet, entitled, “The Enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists compared,” supposed to be done by the Bishop of E——. Thus it must be. If we will be temple builders, we must have temple builders lot; I mean, hold a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. The Lord make us faithful Nehemiahs, for we have many Sanballats to deal with! but wherefore should we fear? If Christ be for us, who can be against us? Nil desperandum, christo duce, is the christian’s motto. My dear brother, good night. May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and make you wise to win souls, even wise as an angel of God! Remember me in the kindest manner to honest hearted Mr. I——, and tell him, that in a post or two I hope he will hear again from
His and your most affectionate though unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in Christ’s vineyard,
G. W.
LETTER DCCXLVI.
To the Rev. Mr. W——.
London, April 5, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOU cannot well tell how much satisfaction your last kind letter gave me. It was like yourself, like a father in Christ, to write to strengthen the hands of one, who is not yet half your age, but I trust ready to spend and be spent for the good of precious and immortal souls. I see that you have heard how kind my enemies have been to me. They have told me of my faults, and by their opposition have given me an opportunity of confessing them. I am just now publishing a pamphlet, in answer to one published against the Methodists, upon the title-page of which I intend to have these words, “Out of the eater came forth meat.” O how good, how infinitely wise is Jesus Christ! How careful to cause all things to work together for good to those who love him. I have reason to speak well of him, as a promise-keeping Saviour. I doubt not, but he will greatly bless and own you in the latter stages of the road, and cause you to go off like a ripe shock of corn. It will rejoice you to hear that conviction work is going on in England and Wales. I believe the holy spirit is powerfully working on some of the Rich, and the Poor seem rather more eager than ever to hear the gospel. I am much engaged, so that I have scarce time to see or write to any; but in heaven there will be time enough, and but just enough too:
For O eternity’s too short,
To utter all Christ’s praise.
You will be pleased to return my most cordial salutations to your wife, and all that desire the welfare of such a worthless worm. As our common Lord enables, you and they shall be remembered by, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCXLVII.
To the Rev. Mr. H——.
London, April 5, 1749.
Rev. and dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter would not have lain by me unanswered so long, had I not been necessarily employed in affairs of immediate consequence. At Lady H——’s request, I read part of it to some of the nobility, who approved of it very much. By your leave, I will put a sentence or two of it, without mentioning names, into a pamphlet I am now fitting for the press. I suppose you have seen it advertised. I want to own and publicly confess my public mistakes. O how many, how great have they been! How much obliged am I to my enemies for telling me of them! I wish you could see my pamphlet before it comes out. I just now wrote to Doctor S—— to see if he cannot meet me this day sevennight, or contrive some way for conveyance of my little piece to him. O that it may be blessed to promote God’s glory, and the good of souls! You will be glad to hear that our Lord has given us a good passover, and that the prospect is still encouraging among the Rich. I intend leaving town in about a week, and to begin ranging after precious souls.—But I shall wait for the doctor’s answer. You judge right when you say, “it is your opinion that I do not want to make a sect, or set myself at the head of a party.” No, let the name of Whitefield die, so that the cause of Jesus Christ may live. I have seen enough of popularity to be sick of it, and did not the interest of my blessed Master require my appearing in public, the world should hear but little of me henceforward. But who can desert such a cause? Who, for fear of a little contempt and suffering, would decline the service of such a Master? O that the Lord Jesus may thrust out many, many labourers into his harvest? Surely the time must come, when many of the priests also shall be obedient to the word. I wait for thy salvation, O Lord!—But I must bid you farewel. Praying that you may grow under the cross, and be enabled to flourish unconsumed in fire, I subscribe myself, Reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCXLVIII.
To Lady H——n.
Gloucester, April 15, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
IT has given me some concern, to think that I was so long in town after I took leave of your Ladyship, and could neither see nor write to you. The last letter I was about to write, I found myself too ill to hold a pen long enough in my hand to finish it. Blessed be God, I find myself now much better. Travelling, as usual, does me service, and the joy of the Lord supplies the want of bodily strength. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some good news out of the country. I came hither this morning, and am to preach to night. In a post or two your Ladyship may expect to hear from me again. In the mean while my prayers will be continually putting up, that you may increase with all the increase of God. I hope the elect countess is perfectly recovered of her late indisposition, and that Lady Fanny, H——, C——, &c. are determined to go on in that narrow way which leads to everlasting life. Before I left town, I desired Mr. H—— to send your Ladyship a dozen of my pamphlets, to be presented to the foresaid Ladies, and to whomsoever your Ladyship shall please besides. As many more may be had as your Ladyship sends for. May the Lord give it his blessing, and cause me to grow wiser and better by all his various dispensations towards me. I shall now take my leave; and after wishing your Ladyship, and the other honourable women that are seeking Jesus, much of that rest which remains for the people of God, I shall subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCXLIX.
To the Countess D——.
Bristol, April 19, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THE unfeigned regard I have for your Ladyship, will not suffer me to be long out of London without sending a line to enquire after your Ladyship’s welfare. I hope this will find you perfectly recovered from, or meekly resigned under, your late bodily indisposition. I believe your Ladyship hath reason to say, “It is good for me, that I have been afflicted;”—and sanctified afflictions are undoubtedly signs of special love. To come purified out of the furnace, and to find that some of our dross is purged away by the Lord’s putting us into the fire, is indeed an evidence that he is praying for us, and that our faith, however tried, shall not finally fail. O Madam, what a blessing is it to be able to say, “I know in whom I have believed!” How does such an assurance sweeten every bitter cup, and make even death itself to appear with an angel’s face! O that all who are destitute of this unspeakable gift, were convinced of their want thereof, and set upon hungering and thirsting after it! I hope your honoured sister will be one of these. I have her Ladyship much upon my heart, and do earnestly pray that she may be strengthened, established, and settled in the love of God, and determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified. I send her Ladyship my most dutiful respects, and beg you would accept of the same, from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCL.
To Lady H——n.
Portsmouth, May 8, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
GLAD, very glad was I to hear, in a letter sent me by Mr. H——, that your Ladyship was better; and glad am I, yea very glad, that I can send your Ladyship good news from this part of the country. The night after I came here, I preached to many thousands, a great body of whom was attentive, but some of the baser sort made a little disturbance. A very great opposer sent for me to his house immediately, and could scarce refrain weeping all the time I was with him. On the Friday evening I preached at Gosport, where the mob has generally been very turbulent, but all was hushed and quiet, and as far as I could find, all approved. Every time the word has seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the people’s hearts, and their affections seem to be more and more drawn out. In short, I hope I can inform your Ladyship that Portsmouth is taken, and that we shall hear of many who will in earnest seek after the one thing needful. I have a great mind to go to the isle of Wight, but am not yet determined. Here is a knot of sincere souls, that seem to love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Several date their awakenings from their hearing T—— G——, who I hear is to be ordained by the Bishop of W——, but I doubt it. Last night I had sweet conversation with two of the devout soldiers that have been abroad. They are soldiers indeed. Blessed be God, that there are so many of his children scattered up and down, who I trust will give him no rest, till he makes Jerusalem a praise through the whole earth. I do not forget Lady F——, the Countess, or any of those who seemed inclined to follow Jesus of Nazareth. O that they may be steady, and be enabled with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord! I beg that my most humble and dutiful respects may find acceptance with them and your Ladyship, from, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLI.
To the Rev. Mr. M——.
Portsmouth, May 11, 1749.
Rev. and very dear Sir,
IT concerns me much, that one whom I so much honour, and so dearly love in the bowels of Jesus, should hear so seldom from me. Twice have I endeavoured to answer your last kind letter, but have been prevented, by want of health, a multiplicity of business, and frequent removes from place to place. About three weeks ago I was sent for up to London to see my wife, but she is not yet arrived. However, it has been over-ruled to the bringing me here, where I have been preaching every day for this week past, to very large and attentive auditories, who come to hear with great eagerness. I hear of many that are brought under convictions, prejudices seem to be universally removed, and a people that but a week ago were speaking all manner of evil against me, are now very desirous of my staying longer amongst them to preach the everlasting gospel. What cannot God do? After I remove hence, I purpose, God willing, to take a tour into Wales, where Mr. H—— tells me the work is upon the advance. We have lately renewed our connection, and whether I stay in England or go abroad, he and some more have agreed, in the strength of the Lord, to continue preaching at the Tabernacle and elsewhere as formerly. At London, matters have advanced successfully. Real good has certainly been done among the Rich, and the Poor receive the gospel with as much gladness as ever. My outward embarrassments are much lessened, and I hope ere long to be able to say, “I owe no man any thing but love.” Many doors are open, and I have thoughts, if possible, of seeing Scotland this year. But at present I am in a strait, and continually saying, “Lord, what wouldest thou have me to do?” Sometimes I think I must either drop my English or American work; but our Lord knows best how to dispose of me. I would be as clay in his hands, and ready to go whithersoever he is pleased to call me. I should be glad to hear of a revival at C——; but, dear Sir, you have already seen such things as are seldom seen above once in a century. I am afraid that some good men’s calculations about the latter-day glory are premature, and that it is not so near at hand as some imagine. This is our comfort, a thousand years in the Lord’s sight are but as one day. He that comes, will come, and will not tarry. Take courage, my dear Mr. M——; look up, and go on your way rejoicing. You will remember me most kindly to your dear yoke-fellow, Nathaniel, little R——, and the young student in your house, and all dear friends. Indeed I do not forget though I cannot write to you. God will not forget your works of faith, and the many favours conferred on, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLII.
To the Countess D——.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Just now rose from my knees, and have been interceding for you at the throne of grace. The same principle that led me to pray for, excites me also to write a few lines to your Ladyship. Ere now your late bodily indisposition, I hope is entirely removed, and you are up and ministring to Jesus Christ. I doubt not but your Ladyship will be helped to sing with a dear saint now with God,
——O happy rod,
That brought me nearer to my God.
The end of all affliction, outward and inward, is to make us more and more partakers of a divine nature. The father of mercies hath dealt bountifully with your Ladyship; he hath blessed you in the decline of life. O that your latter end may greatly increase! May you be filled with all the fulness of God! This, Madam, is the privilege of a real christian, always growing, and making perpetual advances in the divine life. The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day. The way, thanks be to God, your Ladyship knows. We must always come by faith, and be continually drawing out of the Redeemer’s inexhaustible fulness. If we are enabled to lean on him, we shall go comfortably on in a wilderness. That is the best name this world deserves. Cieled houses, gaudy attire, and rich furniture, do not make it appear less so to a mind truly enlightened to see the beauties that are in Jesus of Nazareth. These are things, which a watchful, well-informed christian will always look on with a jealous eye, lest they should divert him from looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of his faith. But I need not write thus to your Ladyship, the native language of whose heart I trust is, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” The preaching of the cross hath been much blessed here. Multitudes daily attend, and many are much affected. It would please your Ladyship to see the alteration that has been made in a week’s time. But what cannot God do? All things are possible to him. I hope your Ladyship will not forget a poor pilgrim in your prayers. Neither you nor your honoured sister are forgotten by him. I send most dutiful respects and grateful acknowledgments to her Ladyship and Lady G—— H——, and shall only now add, that I am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLIII.
To Lady F—— S——.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AS I am uncertain whether good Lady H—— be in town, I make bold to inclose a line to your Ladyship in a letter I have just written to the elect Countess D——. Gratitude constrains me to take the freedom, and the conviction I have that your Ladyship’s face is set Zion-wards, makes me think it will not be altogether unacceptable. With great pleasure I often reflect on that good work, which I trust the ever-blessed God has begun in your soul. My heart’s desire and continual prayer unto him is, that your Ladyship, having put your hand to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Satan will not be wanting to exert his utmost efforts to divert you from the cross. He knows of what influence your Ladyship’s example must necessarily be, and therefore will always be striving to persuade your Ladyship at least to compound matters, and to attempt to reconcile two irreconcilable differences, Christ and the world. But your Ladyship is too well grounded to hearken to his delusive insinuations, and too noble to refuse to give your whole heart to Him who has bought it with no less price than that of his own most precious blood.—What a price is now put into your Ladyship’s hands! What a glorious opportunity is now afforded you, to shew even before kings, that we are made kings indeed, and priests unto God, and that it is our privilege as christians to reign over sin, death, hell, the world, and ourselves, even whilst here on earth. Methinks I see angels gazing to see how your Ladyship acts your part. O that the angel of the everlasting covenant may always accompany you, and by the power of his eternal and all-conquering spirit, enable your Ladyship to fight the good fight of faith, and run with patience the glorious race that is set before you! He is never wanting to those that put their trust in him. Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, be always knocking, and a door of mercy shall be always opened unto you. O the happiness of a life wholly devoted to, and spent in communion and fellowship with the ever-blessed God! It is indeed heaven begun on earth. May your Ladyship taste of it more and more every day and every hour! Blessed be God, I trust some in these parts, who a few days ago had never heard of, now begin to look after this kingdom of God. A more visible alteration I have not seen made in a people for some time. At first some of the baser sort made a noise, but ever since, thousands have attended in the greatest order, numbers have been and are affected, and through their importunity I have been prevailed on to stay longer than I designed. O to be instrumental to bring only one soul to Jesus Christ! But whither am I running? Honoured Madam, your goodness will excuse this freedom. I believe your Ladyship will be glad to hear such tidings. It is the best way I can think of to express my gratitude for the many unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLIV.
To the Countess of H——.
Portsmouth, May 13, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
WITH some degree of impatience have I been waiting to hear from your Ladyship, being very solicitous for your Ladyship’s welfare. This morning your Ladyship’s unexpected letter surprized me. I only expected to have a line from Mrs. C——. Your Ladyship’s writing under such weakness, put me in mind of Mr. C——, who, when his friends advised him not to write on account of his illness, made this reply, “What! would you have my master come and find me idle?” Perhaps our Lord is fitting your Ladyship for some new work. Luther observed, that “he was never employed in any new thing, but he was beset with some temptations, or visited with a fit of sickness.” I only wish I could bear it for your Ladyship; but then your crown would not be so bright, nor the inward purity of your heart so great. The more trials when sanctified, the more conformed we shall be to the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus. O that the Lord of all Lords may water you every moment, and cause you to flourish like the burning bush unconsumed in fire! I have more good news to send your Ladyship from Portsmouth. Ever since my last, the prospect of doing good has increased. Thousands have attended, and even when it rained, when one could reasonably expect but very few, some thousands came to hear the word. I have contracted a cold by preaching in the rain; but what is that, if any soul can but get good!
My life, my blood, I here present,
If in thy cause they may be spent;
Fulfil thy sov’reign counsel, Lord;
Thy will be done, thy name ador’d.
On next Monday evening I intend, God willing, to set out for Salisbury, and from thence shall write to your Ladyship again. Yesterday I wrote to the Countess and Lady F——, but did not send the letters to your Ladyship, not knowing but you might have set out for Bristol. My brother would be highly delighted to have your Ladyship under his roof. That God may restore you to perfect health, and make you a blessing to thousands, is and shall be the constant prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, dutiful, sympathizing, though unworthy humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLV.
To Lady H——n.
Bristol, May 22, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE I wrote last to your Ladyship, several things have concurred to prove that Providence directed my way hither. I have preached three times, and each time our Lord caused the word to leave a blessing behind it. Yesterday, congregations were very large in the fields. This evening I am to preach again, and to-morrow, God willing, I set out for Wales.—Though my brother is sorry for the occasion, yet he rejoices very much that he is to be honoured with your Ladyship’s company. I believe you will find his house very commodious, and I am persuaded your Ladyship’s coming will prove a blessing to him. Surely our Lord is only purging you that you may bring forth more fruit. I am always thinking of, and praying for your Ladyship’s perfect recovery. I am now reduced to great weakness myself, but the joy of the Lord is my strength, and through his help I shall leap over every wall. Gladly would I help to bear all your Ladyship’s burdens, and thereby evidence how much I am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s dutiful, sympathizing, obliged, though most unworthy servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLVI.
To Lady H——.
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I suppose your Ladyship will not be at Bristol so soon as this reaches it, yet as this is the most leisure time I am likely to have these three weeks, I cannot help writing a few lines to wait for your Ladyship at my brother’s house. I think (as I am persuaded he does also) that he is highly honoured in having your Ladyship under his roof, and I earnestly pray the Lord of all Lords to bless the waters, for the recovery of your health. Though I want to die myself, yet methinks I would have others live, especially such as, like your Ladyship, are placed upon a pinnacle, and in a particular manner set up as lights in the world. For two days past I have been at my wife’s house for the sake of a little retirement. It has been sweet, yea very sweet, so sweet that I should be glad never to be heard of again. But this must not be. A necessity is laid upon me, and woe is me if I do not preach the gospel of Christ. God willing, I therefore purpose to-morrow to begin a three weeks circuit, and to see what the Lord will be pleased to do by me. The country is alarmed, and I hear very numerous congregations are expected. Your Ladyship shall hear from time to time. May the ever blessed God fill you with all his fulness, and after you have done and suffered what he hath appointed for you here, translate you to partake of an exceeding and eternal weight of glory in his kingdom hereafter. So prays, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obedient, obliged humble servant, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCLVII.
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
INCLOSED you have a letter for our good Lady H——, whom I suppose you will have the honour of receiving in a few days under your roof. Both before, and ever since I left Bristol, I have been frequently thinking of the unspeakable mercies, that the infinitely great and glorious God is pleased to pour down upon us.—Surely the language of both our hearts ought to be, “What shall we render unto the Lord?” For my part, I am lost in wonder, and want a thousand lives to spend in the Redeemer’s service. O let not my dear brother be angry, if I intreat him at length to leave off killing, and begin to redeem time. A concern for your eternal welfare so affects me, that it often brings bodily sickness upon me, and drives me to a throne of grace, to wrestle in your behalf. Even now, whilst I am writing, my soul is agonizing in prayer for you, hoping I shall see that day, when you will have poured out on you a spirit of grace and of supplication, and look to him whom we have pierced, and be made to mourn as one mourneth for a first-born. Till this be done, all resolutions, all schemes for amendment, will be only like spiders webs. Nature is a mere Proteus, and till renewed by the spirit of God, though it may shift its scene, will be only nature still. Apply then, my dearest Brother, to the fountain of light and life, from whence every good and perfect gift cometh. A worthy woman in all probability is going to throw herself under God, into your hands. A considerable addition will be then made to your present talents, and consequently a greater share of care and circumspection necessary to improve all for the glory of Him, who hath been always preventing and following you with his blessings. Should you prove any otherwise than a pious husband, it will be one of the greatest afflictions I ever met with in my life. At present you can only hurt yourself, which is hurt enough; but then (forgive me, my dear Brother,) I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. My fears shall be turned into prayers, and I will follow this letter with strong crying unto God in your behalf. My retirement here these two days hath been very sweet; but to-morrow I begin a three weeks circuit. Next sabbath I am to be at Carmarthen, the Friday following at Haverford-west. For the present, adieu. That you may take Christ to be your All in All, and that the remainder of your life may be one continued sacrifice of love to him, who hath shed his precious blood for you, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Brother,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLVIII.
To Mr. D——.
Abergavenny, May 27, 1749.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR kind letter I received at Bristol, but have not had time to answer it till now. You know what a moving life I lead. It is for one, who laid down his life for me. I want my last remove to come. Blessed be God for your recovery from your late indisposition. Many of God’s people will have reason to be thankful on your behalf. I trust I am; and earnestly pray the Lord of all Lords, that as your day is, so your strength may be. I thank you for minding the poor widows, and the other poor tabernacle petitioners. What an honour is put upon you! To be Christ’s almoner is no mean office. You shall be rewarded ere long before men and angels. Mrs. D—— shall share with you; and as you have been helpers of each others faith, so shall you be partakers of the same glory. May your latter end greatly increase, and may you be enabled to bring forth fruit even to a good old age! I hope good has been done at Bristol. We had three good seasons there. To-morrow I set out on a three weeks circuit through Wales. I have been here these two days for a little retirement: it has been very sweet. On Thursday I saw Mr. E—— I——, the dissenting minister I before spoke of, and found him very meanly apparelled. He is a most worthy man, and from his zeal for God some time ago, he sold fifteen pounds worth of his books to finish a small Meeting-house in which he preaches. He has but three pounds per annum from the fund, and about as much from his people. He lives very low, but enjoys much of God, and hath as great understanding in the figurative parts of scripture as any one I know of in the world. He is a Zachary, and his wife an Elizabeth. Four or five guineas might be bestowed on them. What a scene will open at the great day! How many rich Priests will stand confounded, whilst the poor despised faithful Ministers of Christ shall enter, after all their tribulation, into the joy of their Lord. I tremble for the one, I rejoice in the foresight of the happiness of the other. May my latter end and future state (however I may be disposed of in the mean while) be like theirs! I know you will say, Amen. But what am I doing? I am robbing the poor of your time. Away to your work in the strength of God, and whilst you are feeding others, may the Lord Jesus feast your soul! My heartiest respects attend Mrs. D——. She always shares in the petitions put up for you by, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLIX.
To Mr. I—— C——.
Carmarthen, June 5, 1749.
Dear Jemmy,
AS I have a peculiar love for you and your wife, I need not inform you that your letter, which gave me an account of her great illness, affected me much. I have not failed to remember her at the throne of grace, and I trust this will find her either relieved from her pain, or resigned to his will who orders all things well. Parting is hard to those who, like you two, have walked in love. But we can do all things through Jesus Christ strengthening us. She, when dead, will live for ever, and God will be to you better than seven wives. Pray salute the dear woman for me in the tenderest manner. O that she may be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and be enabled to say, “the cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” I sympathize with poor Mrs. N—— as well as you. God comfort and support you all. We must all be tried. I am still in suspense about my wife: but, what is best, (Glory be to God!) the gospel runs and is glorified! I have been enabled to preach fourteen times within these eight days, and the word has every where fallen with weight and power. Yesterday was a great day here indeed. This morning I am going toward Haverford-west, and am to be at Abergavenny to-morrow fortnight. I know you will continually pray for me. You know under what character, even as the chief of sinners, but
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCLX.
To Lady H——.
Haverford-west, June 8, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE my coming into Wales, and leaving Carmarthen, the infinitely great and infinitely condescending Redeemer has been pleased to ride on in the chariot of the everlasting gospel. Congregations grow larger and larger, and all the towns here about are quite open for the word of God. Yesterday I preached very near Pembroke, to-day and next Lord’s day I am to preach here, and to-morrow at St. David’s. Not a dog stirs a tongue. The mayor and gentlemen at Pembroke were very civil, and the justices here are very fond of having me in Haverford-west. I wish I had more time in these parts. The fields are indeed white, ready unto harvest, and the young men bred up at Carmarthen Academy were much taken. The congregations consist of many thousands, and their behaviour is very affecting. Indeed we have blessed seasons. O free grace! Here is a dear young man, just ripe for orders. He has good parts, and hath made some proficiency in the languages, is solid, and of some influence in this town. He can get testimonials, and if ordained I believe would be eminently useful in the church. I wish a way could be found out for his admission: but I fear it is impracticable. However, I thought it my duty just to hint it to your Ladyship. May the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls find out means for sending him, and many more like-minded, into his vineyard! But how is your Ladyship’s health? I begin to be quite uneasy, because I have received no letter from my brother. I despair of hearing now till Tuesday sevennight, when I hope to be at Abergavenny again. In the mean while, my prayers are always going to the throne of grace in behalf of your Ladyship, and every branch of your noble family. That they may take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards, is the ardent desire of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant,
G. W.