LETTER DCCLXI.
To Dr. S——.
Landovery, June 14, 1749.
Dear Sir,
A Few days ago, I received a letter from Mr. C——, in which yours to him dated May 20th was inclosed. It gave me some concern, and would have given me more had not the same letter informed me that good Lady H——n had written to you herself. Alas, my dear friend, what needless trouble do you give yourself, and into what difficulties does your fear of man, your too great attachment to the world, and an over-weening fondness for your pretty character, every day bring you! Is it not time to drop our correspondence, when, on so slight an information, you could so much as suspect that I had betrayed that confidence you reposed in me, or believe that I read a letter wherein you declared yourself a Methodist, when I had never such letter from you. The only passage, as far as I can remember, that was read (and that too at my Lady’s request, if I mistake not) was that noble one wherein you said, “Let the world take my character, and tear it to pieces, &c.” Are you ashamed, my dear friend, of the resolution? Or think you to put that in practice, and shun being called a Methodist? You might as well attempt to reach heaven with your hand; for, blessed be God, such an honour has he put upon the Methodists, that whoever renounces the world and takes up Christ’s cross, and believes and lives the doctrines of Grace, must be stiled a Methodist whether he will or not. Formerly it was “You are a Puritan,” now it is, “You are a Methodist.” And why does my dear Mr. S—— take such pains to declare, he never will join the Methodists? Who ever asked him? Or what service could you do their cause by joining, unless your heart was more enstranged from the world than at present it is? Would to God you was more like-minded with Mr. H——! He seems to have set down, and counted the cost. He seems to have begun at the right end, and to be fully convinced that there is no reconciling Christ and the world, God and Mammon. My dear Mr. S——, suffer me to be free with you. Our Lord I trust has begun a good work in your soul: but indeed you have many lessons yet to learn. The great physician must give many a bitter portion, in order to purge out the opinion you have of your own importance, and the too great desire you have to keep in with the world. Reproach you cannot shun, if you appear but a little for Christ; and you will not have more, perhaps not so much, if you shew quite out. Perhaps you may say, I have done this already; do not then be ashamed of it, but go on, grow in grace, press forwards, and then I care not what declaration you make of your not intending to be a Methodist. Be a consistent christian, live above the world, call not the fear of man christian prudence, and then underneath you shall be God’s everlasting arms. Thanks be to his great name, they have upholden me for some weeks last past. I have now been a circuit of several hundred miles. At Portsmouth and Gosport the word ran and was glorified. In South Wales every where the fields have been white ready unto harvest. Not a dog stirs his tongue. Last Sunday I believe I preached to near twenty thousand souls. Grace! grace! In about ten days I hope to be at Bristol. Soon after I propose to go to London, and from thence to Yorkshire and Scotland.—Follow me with your prayers, and in return you shall be remembered by, very dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXII.
To the Reverend Mr. H——.
Landovery, June 14, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOURS, dated May 24th, gave me both pleasure and pain. I was pleased to read the sweet observations made up and down in it, but pained to find that you have been much indisposed. But what says our Lord? “Those that abide in him, he will purge;” but it is only in order that they may bring forth more fruit. Perhaps our Lord is about to employ you in some fresh work. I wish you may be enabled to draw your pen on the topic you mentioned; it may be of great service to the church of Christ. Your remark upon my pamphlet is just. I wrote short, because I know long compositions generally weary the reader. Perhaps hereafter I may write more; but at present I find I have enough to do, to travel, and preach, and answer my correspondents. I published my confession of some mistakes and imprudencies, to satisfy my own conscience, and stop the mouths of adversaries, and strengthen the hands of real disinterested hearty friends: but where are such friends to be found? That phantom called Contempt keeps them in fetters, and makes them afraid to appear in defence of a cause, which, (notwithstanding the many imprudencies that have attended it) is undoubtedly the cause of God. If we think to be free from these, in this imperfect state of things, and to see either a perfect saint or a perfect church till we come to heaven, we shall find ourselves much mistaken. Daily experience, and more mature consideration, may lessen our blunders and imperfections; but death alone will put a final stop to their mixing in all we do. Thanks be to God that we have a Christ, who amidst all does love, and can uphold us. If our infirmities lead us to his cross, and our sufferings only make us more willing to be conformed to him in his death, we are gainers by all our losses, and rise by all our falls. Blessed be the Lord, that you, dear Sir, have had grace given you to sit down and count the cost. I wish the beloved physician was more reconciled to the cross. I am persuaded, let him say what he pleases, that a too great attachment to the world makes him reason as he does in many things. Well,—he is in good hands. He must either come or be dragged to the cross. That pretty character of his must be crucified and slain: and as well as others, he must be content (as Mr. Gurnall expresses it) “to go to heaven in a fool’s coat.” O my dear Sir, what pains is the Lord Jesus obliged to take with us, before we can be reconciled to suffer shame for his great name’s sake!
Bristol, June 24.
Thus far I wrote, but was obliged to stop, being called out to preach. Yesterday God brought me here, after having carried me a circuit of about eight hundred miles, and enabled me to preach, I suppose to upwards of a hundred thousand souls. I have been in eight Welch counties, and I think we have not had one dry meeting. The work in Wales is much upon the advance, and likely to increase daily. Had my dear Mr. H—— been there to have seen the simplicity of so many dear souls, I am persuaded he would have said, “Sit anima mea cum Methodistis!” But every one to his post. During this excursion I have been kept happy inwardly, and well in body till the latter end of last week, when the Lord was pleased to lay his hand upon me, so that I was almost brought to the grave. But he that wounds, heals also. Thanks be to his holy name for ever and ever! On Monday or Tuesday next, God willing, I set out for London. Good Lady H—— is here, and goes on in her usual way, doing good. She is recovered from her indisposition. I hope this will find you recovered also. That the Lord of all Lords may give you a thriving soul in a healthy body, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXIII.
To the Reverend Mr. P——.
London, July 10, 1749.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter came safe to hand, and it was the more welcome, because it gave me a proof of your being recovered from your late threatening indisposition. Blessed be God, it found me as well as can be expected in my body, and I trust steady in promoting the welfare of precious and immortal souls. I have lately seen great things in Wales, and the seed sown among the Rich, has in some sprung up and brought forth fruit; but what you have heard from Scotland is all a mistake. I heartily wish all was true. The time I hope will come, when princes shall adorn the Redeemer’s train. Is there no prospect of your coming over? Your Mr. T—— might do much for New-Jersey college; but I have told you my mind in a former letter. May God direct for the best! I am looking up, to know what the great Head of the church would have me to do. I have a great mind to return to my beloved America this fall, but am not yet determined. My wife arrived about a fortnight ago, and joins in sending cordial salutations to all. O that we may all increase with all the increase of God! Your sentiments concerning Mr. H——’s book, are very just. It has gone through six editions. The author of it is my old friend; a most heavenly-minded creature, one of the first of the Methodists, who is contented with a small cure, and gives all that he has to the poor. He is very weak, and daily waits for his dissolution. A neighbouring clergyman near him preaches the gospel; and a physician, formerly a noted Deist, has lately espoused the interest of Jesus of Nazareth. We correspond with, though we cannot see one another. We shall ere long meet in heaven:
There pain, and sin, and sorrow cease,
And all is calm, and joy, and peace.
I recommend myself most earnestly to your prayers, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXIV.
To Mr. J—— D——.
London, July 12, 1749.
My dear Friend,
I Am obliged to you for your kind letters; for the trouble you have been at about the money, and for all favours. Was I to follow my own inclinations, I would come and thank you in person; but I fear providence will not permit me to embark for America this fall. However, I am looking up, and looking about me, and trust our Lord will point out his way before me. I am not at all uneasy at what one of your clergy may have said of me; I am only sorry upon his own account; having known more than once, that God delights to plead the cause of the injured. I trust I can say, that with simplicity and godly sincerity I desire to have my conversation in the world; and I hope it is my daily study to keep a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man. Whilst this is the case, we need not fear what men or devils can say, or do unto us. They can only speak all manner of evil against us falsely: and that our Lord hath taught us to expect. They can only kill the body; blessed be God, the soul is out of their reach. I am content to wait till the day of judgment for the clearing up of my character: and after I am dead, I desire no other epitaph than this, “Here lies G. W. what sort of a man he was, the great day will discover.” O my dear Sir, what a blessed thing is it to have the Redeemer to be our friend. If we can but truly say, “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” how safely may we put our souls into his hands, as into the hands of a faithful creator! I hope my dear Mr. D—— will not rest till he can say so.—The frequent indispositions of body that you are under, are so many loud calls to prepare for another world.—Nothing but the righteousness of Christ imputed, and the holiness of Christ imparted to your soul, can make you happy in a dying hour. I could enlarge, but must away. With this, I have sent you a dozen of my nine sermons, to be disposed of as you think best. I would send more, but have very few left. I would write to Esquire R——, and some other gentlemen, but have not the least leisure. Be pleased to remember me to them in the kindest manner, as they come in your way, and let them know they are not forgotten by me. Will your dear yoke-fellow, and all your family, accept of my hearty love? I owe you much. May the Lord Jesus reward you a thousand-fold! He will, he will. Last night Capt. H—— did me the pleasure to sup with me. I took it extremely kind, and should be glad to wait upon Bermudas friends every day. My wife hath been arrived about a fortnight, and joins in sending cordial salutations with, my dear Mr. D——,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXV.
To Lady Fanny S——.
Bristol, Aug. 1, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I had the pleasure of hearing of your welfare, by your last to good Lady H——n, yet I cannot help taking the freedom of sending your Ladyship a few lines. They come to inform you, that you never are, and, by divine assistance, never shall be forgotten by me at the throne of grace. To that, I trust, your Ladyship finds free access every day, and every hour, through the blood of the Lamb, who was slain to take away the sins of the world. Your Ladyship’s present situation, I hope, will be sanctified to this end. It is in the school of affliction that we must learn the way to, and reap benefit from the cross.—Happy they who come purified out of the furnace, and, like the burning bush, flourish unconsumed in fire. This, Madam, is the privilege of all believers. Trials, which harden others, purify and soften them. The love of God turns every thing into what is more valuable than gold. It brings light out of darkness, and causes others blindness to increase our spiritual sight. O glorious privilege! happy change! How much are you indebted, honoured Madam, to free grace, for making you in any degree a partaker of it! Alas! alas! but few of your Ladyship’s station in life choose to strive to enter into that strait gate which leadeth unto life eternal. The noise of coaches, and the continual attention to what they call innocent diversions, drowns the small still voice of God’s blessed Spirit speaking in their hearts. Since I have been here, many in high life have attended; whether to any valuable purpose, the great day will discover. Good Lady H——n still continues to abound in the work of the Lord, and is brightening her crown every day and hour. She is quite well, and intends staying some days longer for the benefit of the waters. Your Ladyship is remembered when we are feasting at the Redeemer’s table. In a few days I shall move hence; and it may be, that I shall go to Georgia this fall. May the Lord direct me, and bless all those who are the orphan’s friends! That your Ladyship may be blessed with all the blessings of the everlasting gospel, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXVI.
To Mr. L——.
Bristol, Aug. 4, 1749.
Dear Mr. L——,
PROVIDENCE, for wise reasons, prevented my seeing you both at Gloucester, and at the Hill. This comforts me, “What is, is best.” Since I came here, I have seen your letter about the intended charity-school, and wish you success in the name of the Lord. I communicated it to our elect lady, who immediately contributed five guineas, another two, and Colonel G—— one. These I have sent for you, to Mr. ——, who, I suppose, will take care to convey them to you. Mrs. E——, I believe, intends to do something. Mr. C—— likewise spoke to the Bishop, who, I think, has promised to contribute: so that you see no time has been lost. Only, my dear friend, take this caution, “sit down, and count the cost, before you begin to build.” Do not lay out more than you know you can pay. Go the cheapest way to work; and if you cannot build, rather keep a stock in hand to pay the schoolmaster, and hire a house convenient from year to year, and, if possible, find the children in books. You well know what I have suffered for running too far into debt for others. I am glad you are likely to settle at S——. May the Lord Jesus bless you and yours more and more! He continues to be kind to me, and will at length, I am persuaded, (though I pass through many tribulations) land me safe in glory. There we shall meet, never to part again. In the mean while, that we may both behave like good soldiers of Jesus Christ, is the hearty prayer of, my dear friend,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXVII.
To the Bishop of W——.
Bristol, Aug. 7, 1749.
My Lord,
THE occasion of my troubling your Lordship in this manner, is as follows. I have, more then once, been very credibly informed, that your Lordship has been pleased to charge me, at the public Wells, with being guilty of Perjury. This comes, therefore, to beg the favour of your Lordship, only to let me know, (in whatever manner your Lordship shall judge most proper) upon what foundation such a charge is built: and I hereby promise, by divine assistance, that a full, fair, and explicit answer shall be given to your Lordship, by, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s dutiful son and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXVIII.
To the Bishop of W——.
Bristol, Aug. 7, 1749.
My Lord,
I Thank your Lordship for your kind and cordial letter. I shall take care to do your Lordship justice, by shewing it to such persons as I think have been more immediately concerned. This, I imagine, will be as much satisfaction as your Lordship will desire. I suppose the mistake has lain here: your Lordship might have insinuated, that by my present way of acting, I had broken the solemn engagement I had entered into at my ordination: and that might have been interpreted to imply a charge of Perjury. The relation in which I stand to the Right Honourable the Countess of H——, made me desirous to clear myself from such an imputation; and at the same time to give your Lordship an opportunity of vindicating yourself in the manner you have done. Was I not afraid of intruding too much upon your Lordship’s time, and of shewing the least inclination to controversy, I would endeavour, in the fear of God, to answer the other part of your Lordship’s letter; and, as far as lies in me, give your Lordship a satisfactory account of whatever may seem irregular and exceptionable in my present conduct. This I would be glad to do, not only before your Lordship, but all the Right Reverend the Bishops; for I highly honour them on account of the sacred character they sustain, and would make it my daily endeavour to obey all their godly admonitions. This, I presume, my Lord, is the utmost extent of the promise I made at my ordination. If I err or deviate from this, in any respect, it is through ignorance and want of better information, and not (as far as I know my own heart) but of obstinacy or contempt of lawful authority. But I forget myself. I beg your Lordship’s pardon for taking up so much of your time; I thank your Lordship for your prayers in my behalf; and beg leave to offer mine in return for your Lordship’s present and eternal welfare, who am, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s dutiful son, and obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXIX.
To Lady H——.
Plymouth, Aug. 15, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Hope this will find your Ladyship recovered from the fatigue of your journey, and sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with unspeakable delight at Ashby-Place. My prayers have constantly followed you, ever since I left your Ladyship at Bristol; and the Lord of all lords has dealt bountifully with me in my way Westward. At Wellington, as I was riding through the town, a good woman stopped me, and entreated me to give the people a sermon. I complied, and preached to a great company; and the next day to a much larger at the same place. I have also preached once at Exeter, twice at Kingsbridge, and once here at Plymouth, where, by the providence of an infinitely condescending God, I came yesterday in the afternoon. Several, I find, were awakened when I was here last; and the fields are every where white, ready unto harvest. My late pamphlet has been greatly blest. My Lord of Exeter was asked, Whether he had seen it? He answered, “Yes,” and said, “I wrote like an honest man, had recanted several things, but he goes on in the same way yet.” Being asked, Whether he did not intend publishing his second part? he replied, “You may expect a second.” God be praised! I wish it may come out before I embark. I find he did not proceed to sentence Mr. T——; he only threatened to pull off his gown. Mr. T—— immediately pulled it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and went out. Upon which the Bishop sent after him, and soothed him. In a few days I hope to see Mr. T——, and then your Ladyship shall have further particulars. Blessed be God, all things turn out for the furtherance of the gospel. “Out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong comes forth sweetness.” In about a fortnight I hope to reach London, and in the mean time shall take care to send your Ladyship historical letters. I count it my highest honour and privilege to wait upon your Ladyship; but I fear shall never have it in my power to express my gratitude as I ought, for those unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXX.
To Mr. S——.
Plymouth, Aug. 18, 1749.
Dear Sir,
I Thank you for your kind letter, which I have not had an opportunity of answering until now. I rejoice that so much gospel seed has been sown in Yorkshire, and that so much hath sprung up and brought forth fruit. No wonder that the enemy has been busy to sow tares of various kinds amongst it. This always was, and, in all probability, will always be the case, till time shall be no more. Happy they! who are enabled to distinguish truth from error, and who, amongst the different sentiments of Christ’s disciples, maintain a catholic love for all. Your letter bespeaks you to be thus minded. This is what I would aim at, because it is the glory of a christian, and a temper of mind which sweetly prepares us for the communion of saints in heaven. Be pleased, therefore, to give my love to all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. If any of my poor writings have been blessed to any, let Christ have the glory, and me your prayers. I want them much. I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints; but, I trust, am willing to spend and be spent for souls. The beginning of next month, I have thoughts of being your way. If it is best, providence will direct my course thither. In the mean while, and at all other seasons, whether I come or not, I recommend myself to your prayers, as being, though unknown, yet, for Jesus Christ’s sake,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXI.
To Captain W——.
Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1749.
My very dear Brother,
I Do not love to be long out of Bristol without writing to you. I want to know how it is with you after the loss of my noble patroness, and whether dear Mr. H—— goes on. I have been preaching as usual in the West, and for some days past have been comforted and refreshed in a peculiar manner. Last night I heard that the Bishop had published a second pamphlet, of half-a-crown price, with a preface to me. Have you seen it, or do you think it worth answering? He told a clergyman some time ago, that he might expect a second part. He said, “My answer was honest; that I had recanted many things, but that I went on in my usual way still.” God forbid I should do otherwise. I am informed, that upon threatening to pull Mr. T——’s gown off, he threw it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and so withdrew. Upon which the Bishop sent for him in, and soothed him. Particulars I expect to hear on Tuesday at Biddiford, where I hope to see Mr. T——; and to-morrow se’nnight, God willing, I intend to preach at Exeter, in my way to London. I hope you find retirement blessed to you. Whether retired, or in public life, that you may be entirely devoted to the most adorable Redeemer, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
Postscript to Lady H——n.
Honoured Madam,
SINCE I wrote the above, God has given me a glorious season at the dock, where I preached to a great multitude. This morning the King of kings shewed himself in the gallery of his ordinances indeed; and this evening I preached to many thousands in Plymouth fields. It was a solemn meeting. Since that, a youth, laden with a sense of sin, came crying, “What shall I do to be saved?” May Jesus give him rest! May the same Jesus still fill your Ladyship with all his fulness! To-morrow, God willing, I set out for Biddiford. I have now a clergyman with me, who is made a rural Dean, and who, I believe, preaches Christ in sincerity.
LETTER DCCLXXII.
To Lady H——n.
Biddiford, Aug. 24, 1749.
SINCE I had the honour of writing to your Ladyship, I have seen the Bishop’s second pamphlet, in which he hath served the Methodists, as the bishop of Constance served John Huss, when they ordered some painted devils to be put round his head, before they burned him. His preface to me is most virulent. Every thing I wrote in my answer, is turned into the vilest ridicule, and nothing will satisfy, but giving up the glorious work of the ever-blessed God, as entirely cheat and imposture. I cannot see that it calls for any further answer from me. Mr. Wesley, I think, had best attack him now, as he is largely concerned in this second part. I hope to be in London some time next week. I think of leaving this place to-morrow, and to preach at Exeter next Lord’s-day. The glorious Emmanuel has given me several spiritual children in this place, who do indeed adorn the gospel of God their Saviour. Here is a little flock, to whom, I believe, it will be our heavenly Father’s good pleasure to give an eternal kingdom. I have preached once publicly to a large auditory, and this evening am to preach again. I am ashamed I do no more for Him, who hath done and suffered so much for me. O what shall I render unto the Lord of all lords, whose mercy endureth for ever! A thought of his infinite patience and long-suffering strikes me dumb. His goodness, in bringing me into the acquaintance of your Ladyship, quite amazes me; and the many peculiar providences that have attended me this last year, encourage me to believe that goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and that I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. There, shall I see your Ladyship; and will there thank you before men and angels for all you have done for unworthy me, and that blessed cause in which I am embarked. That your Ladyship in the mean while may be watered every moment by the dew of the Redeemer’s heavenly blessing, is and shall be the continued prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXIII.
To the Countess of D——.
Biddiford, Aug. 24, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AS I am always praying for, so I cannot help sometimes writing to your Ladyship. I think I can say, “The love of Christ constrains me.” Thanks be to God that your Ladyship knows what these words mean. I hope you find it every day constraining you more and more to every good word and work. My greatest pain is, to find that I can do no more for Him, who has done and suffered so much for me. Blessed be his name, that the fields are yet every where white, ready unto harvest. Since I have been in the West, I have been preaching as usual, and a divine influence hath every where attended the word. This, I think, is the best way to answer those that oppose themselves. If God be for us, who can be against us? I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop’s second pamphlet. Surely it is an original. May the Lord Jesus open his eyes, and change his heart! Well might the glorious Emmanuel break out into this blessed exclamation, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” Honoured Madam, how much are you indebted to divine grace, that hath singled you out from among the Mighty and Noble, and placed your Ladyship to the number of those happy few to whom it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God! I trust your honoured sister will ere long bear you company, and travel with you in that narrow road which leads to eternal life. When I remember you, I always think of her, and beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with her Ladyship. Some time next week I hope to be in town for a few days, and then shall do myself the honour of calling upon your Ladyship. In the mean while I recommend you to the tender mercies of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, and beg an interest in your Ladyship’s prayers, in behalf of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXIV.
To Lady Fanny S——.
Exeter, Aug. 26, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THOUGH I took the freedom of writing to your Ladyship before I left Bristol, and though I hope to be in town by next Thursday evening, yet gratitude and respect even compel me to trouble your Ladyship with another letter from this place. Here I came last night, after having preached the everlasting gospel to many thousands in the West. Sometimes I have been weak in body; but He, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, hath carried me through, and greatly refreshed and comforted my soul. Alas! to what a heaven are they strangers, who deny the influence of the Blessed Spirit, and cry down the felt and abiding joys of the Holy Ghost, as fancy, enthusiasm, and delusion. Ye poor dry Rationalists! I honour your parts in other respects, but pity your ignorance in the things of God. By this time, I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop’s second performance. I think it is an original, and so very scurrilous, unchristian, and profane, that I cannot think it will be worth my while to answer him again. I have satisfied my conscience in publishing my last pamphlet; and I now commit our cause to him who judgeth righteously. O honoured Madam, what a happy thing is it to be despised for the sake of Jesus! When John Huss was burnt, the Bishop of Constance painted devils upon paper, and put them round his head; how soon were they exchanged for a crown of glory! Yet a little while, and He that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Till then, may your Ladyship be kept by the mighty power of God through faith, and stand impregnable as a wall of brass! May you be kept a stranger to names and parties, and by a holy, humble, uniform imitation of the blessed Jesus, evidence to the world, that you are indeed experimentally acquainted with the power of his resurrection. High is your station, great are your difficulties; but he that dwelleth on high is mightier, and hath engaged to make you more than conqueror through his love. To his tender mercy do I now, and likewise every day, commend your Ladyship; and this, by divine assistance, shall always be the employ of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged, ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXV.
To Lady H——n.
London, Sept. 4, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
BY the providence of good and gracious God, I came to town on Thursday evening, after having had a pleasant circuit in the West. The day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I preached twice at Exeter, and in the evening I believe I had near ten thousand hearers. The Bishop and several of his clergy stood very near me, as I am informed. A good season it was. All was quiet, and there was a great solemnity in the congregation; but a drunken man threw at me three great stones. One of them cut my head deeply, and was like to knock me off the table; but, blessed be God, I was not discomposed at all. One of the other stones struck a poor man quite down. As I came from Exeter, I visited one John Hayne, the soldier that, under God, begun the great awakening in Flanders. He is in Dorchester ♦gaol for preaching at Shaftsbury, where there has been, and is now a great awakening. Every where the work is upon the spread; and since I have been here, we have had some of the most awful, solemn, powerful meetings, as I ever saw at the Tabernacle. Congregations have been very large, and I have had several meetings with the preachers. On Saturday I had the honour of being almost all the day long with Lady F——, Lady H——, Lady C——, and the Countess of D——. Lady F—— and the Countess received the blessed sacrament before the others came: and I think they both grow. If I stay over Sunday, (as perhaps I may) I hope to have another day with them. I am sorry to inform your Ladyship, Mr. D—— died last Sunday about noon. He had been sick about a fortnight, was in doubts for a while, but two or three days before his death he rejoiced in God his Saviour. This morning I had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. P—— and two German ministers, who have been labouring among the Jews, and been made instrumental of converting many of them. They seemed to be dear souls. They have preached at the German chapel with great power. That your Ladyship may always enjoy a thriving soul in a healthy body, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXVI.
To Mr. B——.
Oundle, in Northamptonshire, Sept. 15, 1749.
My very dear Mr. B——,
THOUGH I have not written to you, yet I know of no one in America, for whom I have a more real and abiding esteem. The account of your temporal affairs, which I received from my wife, gave me great concern. I often wish it was in my power to assist you; but as it is not, all I can do is to pray for you, and exhort you to look up to Him, who has engaged, that all things shall work together for good to those who love him in sincerity. This, I am persuaded, may be said of you; and therefore, dear Sir, be of good courage. These light afflictions are but for a moment, and are intended to work out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Thanks be to God, all the hell we are to have, is on this side the grave; there is none for believers beyond it: and even in the midst of our deepest temporal misery, we may enjoy an antepast of heaven. This you know by experience. Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift in and through Christ Jesus our Lord. Though faint, my dear friend, yet still pursue. Yonder stands the blessed Jesus with a crown in his hand, ready to put on the conqueror’s head. Let this animate you, for you shall certainly reap in due time, if you faint not. I could write much, but am surrounded with business from many quarters. Blessed be God, my hands are full of work, though I stand amazed that the Redeemer does not lay me aside. But his grace is free. I commend you and your dear yoke-fellow to his never failing mercy, and begging a continued interest in your prayers, subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.