LETTER DXXVIII.
To Mr. B——.
Bristol, July 19, 1743.
Dear Friend,
I Have been so employed for some time past in preaching and travelling, that I could not possibly correspond with you or others as usual; but you see where I am; I came here to preach at the fair; because people from all parts flock hither at that season. Yesterday I preached four times, and twice statedly every day. O that sinners may be made willing to come and buy of Christ’s wine, and of Christ’s milk, without money and without price! Last night was such a time as I never saw in Bristol society before. To-morrow, God willing, I set out for Hampton, to see what can be done for the poor persecuted sheep of Christ there. I hear I am threatened, but Jesus will stand by me. In what manner, expect to hear again soon, from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXIX.
To the Same.
Hampton, July 25, 1743.
My dear Friend,
ON Thursday I came here, and expected to be attacked; because I had heard, that the mob which had been so outragious towards you and others for so long time, had now threatened, that if ever I came there again, they would have a piece of my black gown to make aprons with. No sooner had I entered the town, but I saw and heard the signals, such as blowing of horns, and ringing of bells for gathering the mob. My soul was kept quite easy. I preached in a large grass plat from these words, “And seeing the grace of God, he exhorted them with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord;” and as it happened, I finished my sermon and pronounced the blessing, just as the ring-leader of the mob broke in upon us, which I soon perceived disappointed and grieved them very much. One of them, as I was coming down from the table, called me coward; but I told him, they should hear from me another way. I then went into the house, and preached upon the stair case to a large number of serious souls; but these real troublers of Israel soon came in to mock and mob us. But feeling what I never felt before, as you know I have very little natural courage, strength and power being given us from above, I leaped down stairs, and all ran away before me. However they continued making a noise about the house till midnight, abusing the poor people as they went home, and as we hear they broke one young lady’s arm in two places. Brother A—— they threw a second time into the pool, in which operation he received a deep wound in his leg. John C——’s life, that second Bunyan, was much threatened.—Young W—— H—— they wheeled in a barrow to the pool’s side, lamed his brother, and grievously hurt several others. Hearing that two or three clergymen were in the town, one of whom was a justice of the peace, I went to them; but alas! I seemed unto them as one that mocked, and instead of redressing, they laid the cause of all the grievances at my door; but, by the help of my God, I shall still persist in preaching myself, and in encouraging those (as I know no law of God or man against it) who I believe are truly moved by the Holy Ghost. As I came out from the clergymen, two of the unhappy mobbers were particularly insolent, and huzza’d us out of town. “Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad,” for now I humbly hope, I begin to be a disciple of Jesus Christ; since to suffer for, as well as to believe and preach his precious truths, and own his despis’d people, is now given to,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXX.
To Mr. J—— S——.
Bristol, July 27, 1743.
My dear Friend,
ON Friday night I reached Gloucester, where I received your kind and animating letter. On Saturday I came hither. Yesterday was an high day: I preached four times in the fields, and the congregations were as large as at the beginning: blessed seasons indeed! Here are people from all quarters. I am just going out to preach again, and therefore can only add, that perhaps I may set out for Exeter on Wednesday, from whence you may expect to hear again, from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXI.
To the Same.
Exeter, July 31, 1743.
Dear Sir,
WE came hither in safety last night. Upon the road my soul was sweetly humbled before God, who hath given me near access to his throne. Good Mr. K——, our host, and his yoke-fellow, seem to be Israelites indeed. In all probability an effectual door will be opened for preaching the everlasting gospel. I am to begin this evening. Brethren, pray for us. I sleep but little; inward comforts support and strengthen both soul and body. Join me in crying, Grace! grace! In great haste and greater affection, I subscribe myself,
Yours affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DXXXII.
To the Same.
Exon, Aug. 2, 1743.
My dear Man,
I Wrote unto you on Saturday, and preached the same evening to a great body of people. Several of the clergy attended, with whom this city abounds. Some went off, others staid ’till I had done. All was quiet, and our Lord soon made way for himself into the people’s hearts. Yesterday evening I preached on Southean-hay to upwards of ten thousand; ’twas just like a Moor-fields congregation. God was with us of a truth. The people were very desirous of my longer continuance here; but so many things concurred to call me to London, that after close application to the throne of grace, and consultation with my friends, I am determined, God willing, to leave Exeter to-morrow morning, and to preach with Mr. D—— in my way to town. I find I am in my element, when evangelizing. Our Saviour fills my heart with his presence, and has in a particular manner prepared the people’s hearts in the West for receiving the gospel-message. He keeps me happy and chearful amidst all my various trials, for which I pray you to join in thanksgiving with
Your affectionate friend, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXIII.
To Mr. H——, at Gloucester.
London, Aug. 20, 1743.
My dear Mr. H——,
HOW wonderfully does our all-wise Redeemer order things for the trial of his children! Alas! alas! how apt are they to judge, censure, and be needlessly prejudiced against each other. Being weak in body, and under great concern of mind upon several accounts, I desired dear Mr. G—— to acquaint you, that in our last association we agreed not to separate from the established church, but go on in our usual way. Indeed, the motion to separate, was only made by a very few of more contracted principles. By far the greater part most strenuously opposed it, and with good reason; for as we enjoy such great liberty under the mild and gentle government of his present Majesty king George, we think we can do him, our country, and the cause of God, more service in ranging up and down, preaching repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus, to those multitudes who would neither come into church or meeting, but who are led by curiosity to follow us into the fields. However disorderly this may seem to bigots of every denomination, yet it is a way to which God has affixed his seal for many years past, and therefore we have no reason to turn to the right hand or to the left, but to press forwards and to do our utmost towards enlarging the kingdom of our Lord Jesus; not doubting, but when we come to stand at his bar, we shall be received with as equal an Euge-bone as those, who thro’ prejudice, or want of better information, censure us as going beyond our line. That this may be our happy case, you will join in praying with
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXIV.
To Mrs. D——.
London, Sept. 2, 1743.
Dear Madam,
A Thousand thanks for your kind solicitude concerning me and mine. My wife has been in trying circumstances, partly through the unskilfulness of a chaise-driver, I mean myself. Being advised to take her out into the air, I drove her as well as myself, through in advertence, into a ditch. Finding that we were falling, she put her hand cross the chaise, and thereby preserved us both from being thrown out. The ditch might be about 14 feet deep, but blessed be God, though all that saw us falling, cried out, they are killed, yet, through infinite mercy, we received no great hurt. The place was very narrow near the bottom, and yet the horse went down, as tho’ let down by a pulley. A stander-by ran down and catched hold of its head, to prevent its going forwards. I got upon its back and was drawn out by a long whip; whilst my wife hanging between the chaise and the bank, was pulled up on the other side by two or three kind assistants. Being both in a comfortable frame, I must own, to my shame, that I felt rather regret than thankfulness in escaping what I thought would be a kind of a translation, to our wished-for haven. But O amazing love! we were so strengthened, that the chaise and horse being taken up, and our bruises being washed with vinegar in a neighbouring house, we went on our intended way, and came home rejoicing in God our Saviour. Not expecting my wife’s delivery for some time, I intend making a short excursion, and then you may expect further news from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXV.
To the Same.
London, Oct. 5, 1743.
Dear Madam,
MY last left me just entering upon another short excursion. Blessed be God, it was pleasant because it was profitable to my own, and I trust to many other souls. The last evening of it, I preached from a balcony to many thousands, who stood in the street as comfortable as at noon-day. Upon retiring to my lodgings, news was brought me, that God had given me a son. This hastened me up to London, where I now am, and from whence after I have baptized my little one, God willing, I purpose to set out again on my Master’s public business. You will not fail to pray, that I may be taught how to order the child aright, and thereby add to the many obligations already laid on, dear Madam,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXVI.
To Mr. S——.
Avon, Wilts, October 15, 1743.
My dear Friend,
I Must not be long from London without writing to you. Our Saviour brought me hither last night, and filled me as with new wine. I purpose staying till Monday; if you write, direct for me at Bristol. I trust our Lord hath much people here. This leaves me in spirit sitting at his feet. Praying this may find you there, I am
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXVII.
To the Same.
Cullompton, Oct. 25, 1743.
I Wrote to you on the 15th instant, at Avon. In the morning I walked to Tetherton, and preached there with much of the divine presence, and to the abundant satisfaction and comfort of God’s people. After sermon, I baptized four boys, each about three months old, as near as I can remember. The ordinance was so solemn and awful that Mrs. G—— (who you know is a quaker) had a mind immediately to partake of it. When I go to Wiltshire, I believe I shall baptize her and her children, with some adult persons that have tasted of redeeming love. About one o’clock I preached at Clack in the street. All was quiet. I then rode to Brinkworth, and was enabled to preach there with still greater freedom, and afterwards administred the Holy Sacrament to about two hundred and fifty communicants. Our Lord made himself known to many in breaking of bread. Some strangers, that came from Bath, went home filled with our Redeemer’s presence. I have preached at Chippenham. I hope I managed all things right about the affair of the Hampton rioters. It seems, they have compelled us to appeal unto Cæsar. Evidences shall be examined in the country, time enough to send their examinations up to town. We had a wonderful time in Wiltshire. On Saturday last, when I came to Wellington, the Reverend Mr. D—— persuaded me to stay there, because the country people had come from all quarters several times to hear me, and had been disappointed. I consented, and preached in his meeting-house in the evening to a large auditory. The Reverend Mr. F——t, formerly pupil to doctor D——, came there, and staid all night. The blessed Jesus gave us much freedom in conversation. I hope both will be instruments under God in promoting a good work in these parts. Sunday morning I preached again in the meeting-house, and in the evening to seven thousand in the fields. On Monday about ten in the morning, and in the afternoon about two, I preached at Cullompton with much freedom and power; was kindly received, met some reputable dissenters, and am now setting out for Exeter with dear Mr. K——, who came here to meet my dear friend.
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXVIII.
To the Same.
Exeter, October 28, 1743.
I Have strong conviction that our Lord intends doing something in the west. Since my arrival here, letters of invitation have come from many parts. I thank you for your kind sympathy under the many trials, with which I have been surrounded and exercised. I find there is a needs-be for all; for by our being acquainted with the enemy’s work in our own hearts, we see how he works on others, and are enabled to speak better to their hearts. “Whether we are afflicted (says the apostle,) or whether we are comforted, it is for your sake.” Besides, by temptation we are kept from sinking into formality, and consequently are taught better to handle our spiritual weapons, and discover what is amiss both in heart and life. For this cause, we are commanded to rejoice when we fall into divers temptations. I thank God for giving you some experience of these things. We must now all be Calebs; all heart, but at the same time, all humility. Feeling we can do nothing of ourselves, yet believing we can do all things through Christ strengthening us. Blessed be his Name, the common people begin to feel. I preached between two and three this afternoon on Southern-hay, and expounded in the evening at Mr. K——’s. Even some of the polite were much affected last night; and this morning, O what a blessed season had we! I believe I shall think it my duty to stay in these parts for some time. Continue to pray for me, and assure yourself that you are never forgotten by
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXXXIX.
To the Same.
Exeter, Nov. 6, 1743.
ALL being hushed and solemn around me, and my soul filled with the peace of God that passeth all understanding, I now sit down to give you a further account of my feeble labours. On Monday last I went to Axminster, and preached to about two thousand without, and afterward exhorted within the house, where I lay. The next day I preached to a greater number of people, and with more freedom. I gave an exhortation at night, and met the society. Our Lord vouchsafed us a gracious blessing. On Wednesday I went to Ottery, but just as I named my text, the bells rang. Upon this I adjourned to a field, whither the people ran in droves.—As I stepped into the inn, before I went into the field, a clergyman came, who asked me by what authority I preached, said it was a riot, and that the meeting was illegal. I answered him as I thought pertinently, and afterwards went and shewed him my authority, by preaching on these words: “Go ye to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Between six and seven in the evening, I returned to Exeter, where some hundreds were waiting to hear me expound. The Lord was with us. The Lord makes this place very comfortable to me. Prejudices fall off daily, and people begin not only rationally to discern, but powerfully to feel the doctrines of the gospel. To-morrow, God willing, I go with Mr. K—— to Biddeford. From thence expect to hear again from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
Postscript. Ten at night.—It would have pleased you to have been here this evening. I question, whether near a third part of Exeter were not attending on the word preached. All was solemn and awful, and the Lord gave me much assistance from his holy spirit. Help me to praise him. Adieu! Good night! The Lord be with you.
LETTER DXL.
To Mrs. D——.
Biddeford, Nov. 11, 1743.
Dear Madam,
I Thank you for your kind caution to spare myself; but evangelizing is certainly my province. Every where effectual doors are opened, and great freedom is given to me both in public preaching and private conversation. Many are blessed by both. The Rev. Mr. J—— N——, rector of St. Gennis, Cornwall, is here. God willing, I’ll go with him on Saturday. Here is also another clergyman about eighty years of age, but not above one year old in the school and knowledge of Christ. He lately preached three times and rode forty miles the same day. The dissenting minister and his wife were very hearty, and perhaps here is one of the most settled female christian societies in the kingdom. I cannot well describe with what power the word was attended. Yesterday in the afternoon, and in the evening, it was just like as at Edinburgh. The old clergyman was much broken. A young Oxonian, who came with him, and many others, were most deeply affected. I suppose there were upwards of two thousand in the evening in the Meeting-house. Dear Mr. H——y, one of our first Methodists at Oxford, and who was lately a curate here, had laid the blessed foundation. So far therefore from thinking of nestling at London, that I am more and more convinced that I should go from place to place, and therefore question if I shall see London for some time. If not too angry with me for prosecuting this rambling way of life, be pleased to pray for, dear madam,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
Postscript. Seven at night. To-day hath been as yesterday, and much more abundant. I am here, as in Scotland and ♦New-England. Praise to free grace! Here is work enough for some months. The weather is very favourable; range, therefore, I must and will.
LETTER DXLI.
To the Same.
St. Gennis, Nov. 25, 1743.
Dear Madam,
GLAD I am that God inclined my heart to come hither. He hath been with us of a truth. How did his stately steps appear in the sanctuary last Lord’s-day? Many, many prayers were put up by the worthy Rector, and others, for an out-pouring of God’s blessed spirit. They were answered. Arrows of conviction fled so thick and so fast, and such an universal weeping prevailed from one end of the congregation to the other, that good Mr. J—— could not help going from seat to seat to speak, encourage, and comfort the wounded souls. The Oxonian’s father was almost struck dumb; and the young Oxonian’s crest was so lowered, that I believe he’ll never venture to preach an unknown Christ, or deal in the false commerce of unfelt truths. I could enlarge, but I must away to Biddeford, just to give satan another stroke, and bid my christian friends farewel, and then return the way I came, namely through Exeter, Wellington and Bristol, to the great metropolis: but journeying, and various other matters that lie before me, I expect will prevent your hearing so frequently as usual, from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXLII.
To Mr. J—— S——.
Brinkworth, December 18, 1743.
My dear Friend,
’TIS past eleven at night, but lest I should not have time to-morrow at Gloucester, which I intend to take in my way to Birmingham, I’ll rob myself of a little sleep to write to you now. On Friday evening we reached five miles beyond Reading. Last night about nine we got to Clack. It rained and snowed much for about seven miles, and the way was dangerous; but the blessed Jesus kept us in safety. In the morning I preached and gave the sacrament at Tetherton. This evening I preached here. They were good times. I have a cold, but our Lord warms my heart. To-morrow I must away to Gloucester. O follow, follow with your prayers.
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXLIII.
To the Same.
Birmingham, Dec. 27, 1743.
WANT of time, not of love, prevented my writing to you from Gloucester. Neither have I now leisure to be very particular. It is near eleven at night, and nature calls for rest. I have preached five times this day, and, weak as I am, through Christ strengthening me, I could preach five times more. I think I was scarce ever so happy before. Surprizing! how the Lord Jesus hath made way for me in these parts. I lose nothing by being quiet and leaving all to him. O was you here, what could I not tell you? The weather is just like Spring. That the day-spring from on high may visit your heart, till you rise to eternal perfect day, earnestly prays
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXLIV.
To the Same.
Birmingham, Dec. 31, 1743.
My dear Friend,
WHAT do you think? Since my last, I have stole a whole day to dispatch some private business: however, in the evening I expounded to a great room full of people, who would rush into my lodgings, whether I would or not. On Sunday morning at eight I preached in the street to about a thousand, with much freedom. I then went to church and received the sacrament, and afterwards preached to several thousands in the street. The hearers seemed much pleased and delighted. It happened by the providence of God, that no minister would come to preach at a house at Wedgbury, where a weekly lecture used to be kept up: I was therefore earnestly entreated to come. I went, after my afternoon’s preaching at Birmingham, and preached there at six in the evening to many hundreds in the street. It is about six miles from Birmingham. The word came with power, and only one or two made a noise at a distance. Afterwards we had a precious meeting in private. The power of the dear Redeemer was much amongst us. The person with whom I lodged was a widow fearing God. Her husband was an eminent saint, and had been refreshed by my writings, particularly my journals, as had many others that I met with. On Monday morning about eight I preached to a large company in a field. By eleven I returned to Birmingham, and preached to many thousands on a Common near the town. The soldiers were exercising; but the officers hearing that I was coming to preach, dismissed them, and promised that no disturbance should be made. All was quiet, and a blessed time we had. In the afternoon about three I preached again to about the same company, with the same success. Then I rode to Wedgbury and preached there, and afterwards exhorted: but I cannot well tell you, what a sweet melting time there was. Many were in tears. About one I went to bed exceeding happy. In the morning I broke up some fallow ground at a place called Mare-Green, about two miles from Wedgbury. Much mobbing had been there against Mr. Wesley’s friends. A few poor souls began to insult me, but Jesus strengthened me much. Several clods were thrown, one of them fell on my head, and another struck my fingers, while I was in prayer. A sweet gospel spirit was given to me. I preached again at Birmingham to larger auditories than before, about eleven the same morning and three in the afternoon. In the evening I expounded twice in a large room. Once to the rich, and once to the poor, and went to rest happier than the night before. In the morning I took my leave of the Birmingham people, who wept much and were indeed deeply affected, and shewed great concern at my departure. I then went to Kidderminster, about twelve miles from Birmingham, where I was kindly received by Mr. W——ms, with whom I have corresponded for near two years. Many friends were at his house. I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savour of good Mr. Baxter’s doctrine, works and discipline remained to this day.
The sweet remembrance of the just,
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.
I preached about three in the afternoon to a large auditory near the church. Some unkind men, though they promised not to do so, rang the bells; but our Saviour enabled me to preach with power. In the evening and next morning I preached in the meeting house. I then went with Mr. W—— to Bromsgrove, about seven miles from Kidderminster, and was kindly received by one Mr. K——y, a good man, and several others, among whom were two or three Baptist and one Independent ministers. About three in the afternoon I preached in a field. Some rude people kicked a football and sounded a horn at some distance, but the Lord enabled me to preach with boldness. About six I preached in the Baptist Meeting-house, left Kidderminster at eight, and reached Worcester about ten at night. Mr. W——ms and another friend accompanied us. In the morning the good old Mr. S——y, who was supposed to be sanctified from the womb, came to us while we baited. In the evening I reached Gloucester, very thankful for my week’s progress, and rejoicing greatly in Christ for giving me such a delightful and happy Christmas. This day I have preached twice here, and have been enabled to dispatch some private affairs. It is now near twelve. My dear friend, I wish you an exceeding happy new year. This time twelve-month I was writing to you from Bristol. O what has the dear Lord Jesus done for me since that, and since I was born! And O what does he intend to do for me before I die, and when time shall be no more? I am lost in wonder! I must away and cry Grace! grace! Praying that you may be filled with all the fulness of God, I subscribe, my dearest friend,
Ever, ever yours whilst
G. W.
LETTER DXLV.
To Mr. H——, at Gloucester.
Mashfield, Jan. 7, 1744, (past 7 at night.)
My very dear Mr. H——,
IT being wet and dark, we thought it prudent to stay here this night. I cannot employ part of the evening better than in writing to you, and blessed be our God, I can send you good news. Our gracious Lord was with me at Pitchcomb and Hampton. We have had a wonderful sweet association in Wales, with much of the Redeemer’s presence, especially when I began to speak about the law affair. The brethren were very generous, according to their circumstances, and one gentlewoman sent me five pounds. After mature deliberation, we determined to prosecute the affair to the utmost, and to set apart next Tuesday fortnight (the first day of the term) for a day of fasting and prayer, and to make collections for that purpose. The cause is the Lord’s, and much depends on our getting the victory. I believe we shall. I have had a favourable answer from Colonel S——, and also from Colonel Gar——. Hitherto the Lord prospers us. I am now going to London very happy, and in some measure thankful for the many blessings I have received. Help me, my dear friend, to cry Grace! grace! Inclosed you have some letters: be pleased to peruse and deliver them. I bless God that affairs have taken such a turn. I have been at Abergavenny, and am settled as to my dear wife’s coming down. Blessed be God, she and the little one are pretty well. I shall be glad to hear from you when I come to London. I hope our Lord blesses you, both in body and soul, and shews you the way wherein you should go. That you may be continually guided by his counsel, and after death conducted to his glory, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DXLVI.
To the Same.
London, Jan. 18, 1744.
THIS afternoon I received your kind letter, and thank you a thousand times for your great generosity in lending me some furniture, having little of my own. I know who will repay you. Next week, God willing, my dear wife and little one will come to Gloucester, for I find it beyond my circumstances to maintain them here. I leave London, God willing, this day sev’nnight. Your affairs and concerns are mine. I shall lay them before our common Lord. My brother will receive a letter about my wife’s coming. She and the little one are brave and well. But why talk I of wife and little one? Let all be absorbed in the thoughts of the love, sufferings, free and full salvation of the infinitely great and glorious Emmanuel. Blessed, for ever blessed be his holy Name, for such happy beginnings of another year! How would it rejoice you to see the many thousands in this metropolis, like new-born babes, desiring to be fed with the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby. This, if I know any thing of my heart, is all my salvation, and all my desire. In respect to other things, at present I know this is, and I trust always will be the habitual language of my heart: O blessed God,
Thy gifts, if call’d for, I resign,
Pleas’d to receive, pleas’d to restore;
Gifts are thy work; it shall be mine,
The giver only to adore.
That both of us may be always kept thus minded, is the earnest prayer of
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.