The works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., Vol. 2 (of 6)

LETTER [♦DCCCXX.]

To Lady H——.

Plymouth, Feb. 25, 1750.

Honoured Madam,

THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship my last letter, I preached three times, once at Kingswood, and twice at Bristol. In the evening I stood at Smith’s hall window and preached. It was a blessed day. The next morning our ascended Saviour gave me much of his presence, and I came on my way rejoicing. At Taunton I met with Mr. Pearsall, a Dissenting minister, a preacher of righteousness before I was born. At Wellington I lay at the house of one Mr. Darracott, a flaming successful preacher of the gospel, and who, I think, may justly be stiled (what Mr. Hieron was some years ago) the star in the West. He hath suffered much reproach; the common lot of all that are owned in the Lord’s vineyard: and in the space of three months, he hath lost three lovely children. Two of them died the Saturday evening before the sacrament was to be administred; but weeping did not hinder sowing. He preached the next day, and administered as usual. Our Lord strengthened him; and for his three natural, hath given him above thirty spiritual children: and he is in a likely way of having many more. He has ventured his little all for Christ; and last week a saint died who left him and his heirs two hundred pounds in land. Did ever any one trust in the Lord and was forsaken? At his place I began to take the field for this Spring. At a very short warning, a multitude of souls assembled, and the bread of life, that cometh down from heaven, was dispensed amongst them. The following evening I preached at Exeter, where there is a little flock, and last night and this morning I have preached here: I humbly hope to the comfort of many. This afternoon, God willing, I am to take the field again. What success I meet with here, and in Cornwall, your Ladyship shall know by another opportunity. I am now waiting for a letter from Mr. B——, which I hope will bring me the wish’d-for news of the confirmation of your Ladyship’s health. This is what I continually pray for from my inmost soul. I am sorry to inform your Ladyship (if it has not reached you before) that Mr. A—— of London is dead. I think he was one of the most lively, and like to have been the most successful Dissenting preacher in that great city: but our Lord orders all things well. The residue of the Spirit is in his hands. Blessed Redeemer, quicken my tardy pace, and make me also ready! Good Lady Ann I hope is now perfectly recovered. But why do I talk of a perfect recovery in this dying life? Then only shall we be perfectly recovered, when we awake in the morning of the resurrection after our Redeemer’s likeness; then, and not till then, will my poor soul be fully satisfied; then, and not till then, will your Ladyship fully know how much the temporal and eternal welfare of your Ladyship is desired and prayed for by, honoured Madam,

LETTER DCCCXXI.

To the Rev. Mr. H——.

Plymouth, Feb. 25, 1750.

Reverend and dear Sir,

YOUR letters always fill me with sympathy. Your last I have just been reading; and in reading breathed out this ejaculation, “Lord, when will the days of his mourning be ended.” Surely you are not always thus to stick fast in the mire and clay. Certainly the time will come, when the dear Redeemer will put your feet upon a rock, and a song into your mouth, and order your going for the promoting his glory and his people’s good. Satan hath indeed desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but Christ, a sympathizing, compassionate high-priest, prays for you, and your faith shall not fail. Look up then, my dear Mr. H——; you shall find grace to help in time of need.

This is the advice I give you. I know you will pray that I may take it myself. For I find, that sufficient for every day is the evil thereof. But the Lord causes me to renew my strength, and blessed be his name, enables me to go on my way rejoicing. In London we have had a blessed Winter. In the country we have seen a Spring time. Hither I came last night, and have preached twice since my coming. Thus I live a moving life. O that I may be a pilgrim indeed, and desire no continuing city till I come to the New Jerusalem, which is above, and the mother of us all. There, all that are born of God, whether Mysticks, Calvinists, &c. shall join in one common song, even the song of Moses and of the Lamb. Your hymn, for which I thank you, is a preparative for this. I sent it to good Lady H——n, who has been ill, but is now, I hope, recovered. Pray write to me often. Sorrows grow less, and joys greater, by being communicated. Load me as much as you will with all your grievances, and I will lay them before Him, who came to bear our sicknesses, and heal our infirmities. Pray what is become of Mr. S——? Will he preach, now he is sure of something in hand? But alas! the disease is in the heart. When the love of God reigns there, then and not till then will the love and fear of the world flee away. Blessed freedom, wherewith Jesus Christ makes his servants free! Remember me when at his footstool, and write long and often to, reverend and dear Sir,

Your’s, &c.

G. W.

LETTER DCCCXXII.

To Mr. F——.

Plymouth, Feb. 26, 1750.

My dear Mr. F——,

EVER since I received your last kind letter, I have been endeavouring to redeem some time to answer it, but till now have not had opportunity. Indeed even now a multiplicity of business obliges me to be much more brief than otherwise I should. However, I cannot help informing you, that I am glad that the gentlemen of Philadelphia are exerting their efforts to erect an academy. I have often thought such an institution was wanted exceedingly; and if well-conducted, am persuaded it will be of public service. Your plan I have read over, and do not wonder at its meeting with general approbation. It is certainly well calculated to promote polite literature; but I think there wants aliquid Christi in it, to make it so useful as I would desire it might be. It is true, you say, “The youth are to be taught some public religion, and the excellency of the christian religion in particular:” but methinks this is mentioned too late, and too soon passed over. As we are all creatures of a day; as our whole life is but one small point between two eternities, it is reasonable to suppose, that the grand end of every christian institution for forming tender minds, should be to convince them of their natural depravity, of the means of recovering out of it, and of the necessity of preparing for the enjoyment of the supreme Being in a future state. These are the grand points in which christianity centers. Arts and sciences may be built on this, and serve to embellish and set off this superstructure, but without this, I think there cannot be any good foundation. Whether the little Dutch book I have sent over, will be of any service in directing to such a foundation, or how to build upon it, I cannot tell. Upon mentioning your desire to the King’s German chaplain, a worthy man of God; he sent it to me, and thought, if translated, it might be of service. Glad should I be of contributing, though it was but the least mite, in promoting so laudable an undertaking; but the gentlemen concerned are every way so superior to me, both in respect to knowledge of books and men, that any thing I could offer, I fear, would be of very little service. I think the main thing will be, to get proper masters that are acquainted with the world, with themselves, and with God, and who will consequently naturally care for the welfare of the youth that shall be committed to their care. I think also in such an institution, there should be a well-approved christian Orator, who should not be content with giving a public lecture in general upon oratory, but who should visit and take pains with every class, and teach them early how to speak, and read, and pronounce well. An hour or two in a day, I think, ought to be set apart for this. It would serve as an agreeable amusement, and would be of great service, whether the youth be intended for the pulpit, the bar, or any other profession whatsoever. I wish also, that the youth were to board in the academy, and by that means be always under the master’s eye. And if a fund could be raised, for the free education of the poorer sort, who should appear to have promising abilities, I think it would greatly answer the design proposed. It hath been often found, that some of our brightest men in church and state, have arisen from such an obscure condition. When I heard of the academy, I told Mr. B——, that the new building, I thought, would admirably suit such a proposal; and I then determined in my next to mention some terms that might be offered to the consideration of the Trustees. But I find since, that you have done this already, and that matters are adjusted agreeable to the minds of the majority. I hope your agreement meets with the approbation of the inhabitants, and that it will be serviceable to the cause of vital piety and good education. If these ends are answered, a free-school erected, the debts paid, and a place preserved for public preaching, I do not see what reason there is for any one to complain. But all this depends on the integrity, disinterestedness, and piety of the gentlemen concerned.—An institution, founded on such a basis, God will bless and succeed; but without these, the most promising schemes will prove abortive, and the most flourishing structures, in the end, turn out mere Babels. I wish you and the gentlemen concerned much prosperity; and pray the Lord of all lords to direct you to the best means to promote the best end; I mean, the glory of God, and the welfare of your fellow-creatures. Be pleased to remember me to them and all friends as they come in your way, and believe me, dear Sir,

I Was much rejoiced to hear, by a letter lately received from Mr. Bradford, that your Excellency was pretty well, and am very thankful that you was pleased to enquire so cordially after unworthy me. I take this first opportunity of returning my most grateful acknowledgements, and to assure your Excellency, you are not forgotten by me at the throne of grace. Ere now, I thought to have waited upon you in person, but it hath pleased Him, whose I am, and whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, to detain me longer than I expected in my native country. The door for usefulness opens wider and wider. The seed sown among the rich, springs up and bears fruit in some; and the poor in various places receive the gospel more gladly than ever. Last fall was a glorious seed-time in the North of England. In London we had a warm winter; and in the country we have had reason to sing, that “the voice of the turtle is again heard in the land.” God willing, I purpose ranging this Summer, and then to embark for my beloved America once more. Whether I shall see your Excellency is uncertain. You are upon the decline of life; and for my own part, I wonder that I live so long. But I trust I shall meet your Excellency in heaven, where the wicked heart, the wicked world, and wicked devil will cease from troubling, and every soul enjoy an uninterrupted and eternal rest. This I am waiting for every day; and according to the present frame of my soul, desire no continuing city, till I arrive at and take possession of the New-Jerusalem above. My Master makes ranging exceedingly pleasant; and I hope in his strength to begin now to begin to spend and be spent for him, who shed his own dear heart’s blood for sinful, ill, and hell-deserving me. O that death may find me either praying or preaching! I hope your Excellency will increase my obligations, by continuing to pray for me. My prayer for you is, “That your Excellency may bring forth much fruit in old age; and that whensoever you go off, you may be gathered like a ripe shock of corn into the Redeemer’s heavenly garner!” That you may till then go on from strength to strength, and increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest desire of, honoured Sir,

Though the above was begun at St. Ginnys, yet I have not been able to go on with it till now. Every day I have been travelling and preaching, and could I stay one month, it might be spent to great advantage. At a place called Port-Isaac the Redeemer’s stately steps were seen indeed, and his people were filled as with new wine. At Camelford I preached with great quietness in the street. At St. Andrews we had a very powerful season, and yesterday at Redruth several thousands attended, and the word was quick and powerful. Invitations are sent to me from Falmouth, and several other places. I want more tongues, more bodies, more souls for the Lord Jesus. Had I ten thousand, he should have them all. After preaching, about noon I am to go to St. Ives, and in about nine days I hope to be at Exeter. Your Ladyship shall be sure to hear how the Lord prospers the gospel plough. Mr. T—— is mighty hearty, and gone to his parish in a gospel flame. The people here want it much. Surely, God will some time or another turn their captivity. Mr. T—— desired his most dutiful respects might be presented to your Ladyship. Blessed be God, that you are better. I am not forgetful of your Ladyship by night or by day. I hope the souls of your honoured sisters do prosper, and that you will yet live to see Jesus Christ formed in all your relations hearts. That every thing your Ladyship writes, says, or does, may be mightily blessed and owned of the dear Redeemer, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,

I Think it is now almost an age since I wrote to your Ladyship, but travelling and preaching have prevented me. Immediately after writing my last, I preached to many thousands, at a place called Gwinnop. The rain dropped gently upon our bodies, and the grace of God seemed to fall like a gentle dew and sprinkling rain upon our souls. It was indeed a fine spring shower. In the evening I rode sixteen miles to St. Ives, and preached to many that gladly attended to hear the word; a great power seemed to accompany it. On the morrow, being Lord’s day, I preached twice to large auditories, and then rode back again rejoicing to Gwinnop. In my way, I had the pleasure of hearing that good was done, and had fresh calls to preach elsewhere. In the morning I went to church, and heard a virulent sermon from these words, “Beware of false prophets.” On Saturday the preacher was heard to say, “Now Whitefield was coming, he must put on his old armour.” It did but little execution, because not scripture proof, and consequently not taken out of God’s armory. On Monday I preached again at Redruth, at ten in the morning, to near (as they were computed) ten thousand souls. Arrows of conviction seemed to fly fast. In the evening I preached to above five hundred, at twelve miles distant, and then rode about sixteen miles to one Mr. B——’s, a wealthy man, convinced about two years ago. In riding, my horse threw me violently on the ground, but by God’s providence, I got up without receiving much hurt. The next day we had a most delightful season at St. Mewens, and the day following a like time, at a place called Port-Isaac. In the evening, I met my dear Mr. Thompson again at Mr. Bennet’s, a friendly minister aged fourscore, and on Thursday preached in both his churches. Blessed seasons both! On Friday we went to Biddeford, where there is perhaps one of the best little flocks in all England. The power of God so came down while I was expounding to them, that Mr. Thompson could scarce stand under it. I preached twice; a commanding, convincing influence went forth a second time, and one came to me the next morning under awakenings. The Lord Jesus has here brought home a lawyer; and one of the youngest but closest reasoners that ever I met with, is now under deep convictions. On Monday evening I came to Exeter, and with great regret shall stay till Friday. For I think every day lost, that is not spent in field preaching. An unthought of and unexpectedly wide door is opened in Cornwall, so that I have sometimes almost determined to go back again. I beg the continuance of your Ladyship’s prayers, and hope Mr. B—— will let me know of your Ladyship’s welfare. You will not be forgotten by, honoured Madam,

I Did not think of being so long out of London, without sending your Ladyship a letter; but I have been so employed in travelling and preaching and answering letters, that I have scarce had any time at all. However, I bless the glorious Redeemer, that I can now send your Ladyship good news. Every where the word of God has ran and been glorified. I am just returned from near the land’s end, where thousands and thousands heard the gospel gladly. I have generally preached twice a day, and rode several miles; but my greatest grief is, that I can do no more for the blessed Jesus. Wherever I am, your Ladyship and honoured sister, with the other honourable ladies, are continually remembered by me at the throne of grace. I hope all are determined with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. The earthquake hath been an alarming providence. Happy they, that have an interest in Christ, and are always ready! On Him alone is my strength and safety founded. Did not this support and comfort your Ladyship under the awful alarm? Go on then, honoured Madam, and by a constant looking to Jesus, make continual advances in the divine life, which I believe hath been communicated to you from above. The more you see of his excellencies, the more will all created things sicken and die in your view and taste. I commend your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, and beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,

AS I am persuaded your heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that the kingdom of the Lord Jesus may be set up on earth, I cannot return to London without informing your Ladyship, that the gospel has been most gladly received in these western parts. I have been very near the land’s end, and every where souls have fled to hear the word preached, like doves to the windows. The harvest is great, yea very great; but the labourers are few. O that the Lord of the harvest would thrust out more labourers! Something out of the common road must be done, to awaken a thoughtless world. God has been terribly shaking the metropolis. I hope it is an earnest of his giving a shock to secure sinners, and making them to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” I trust, honoured Madam, you have been brought sweetly to believe on the Lord Jesus, and have experienced the beginnings of a real salvation in your heart. What a mercy is this! To be plucked as a brand out of the burning, to be one of those few Mighty and Noble that are called effectually by the grace of God; what consolation must this administer to your Ladyship under all afflictions! What can shake a soul whose hopes of happiness, in time and eternity, are built upon the rock of ages? Winds may blow, rains may and will descend even upon persons of the most exalted stations; but they that trust in the Lord Jesus Christ never shall, never can be totally confounded. That your Ladyship may every day and hour experience more and more of this blessed truth, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,

LAST Friday evening I came to town, and would have answered your kind letters (which I found waiting for me here) last post, had not fatigue and a multiplicity of business prevented me. Surely the distress of our suffering friends is great, but he that dwelleth on high is greater. I have already laid your account before some particular persons, and shall use all possible means to have our dear friends grievances redressed. In the interim, let us besiege the throne of grace, and by earnest prayer engage his assistance, who has promised that the gates of hell shall never prevail against his Church. As I hear Mr. John W—— is now in Ireland, I suppose he will best answer your question about “coming out from amongst them.” For my part, I think my business is to preach the gospel unto all, without setting up any particular party. The acceptance which the glorious Emmanuel is pleased to give to me, and the various calls sent, as well as the freedom I find in complying with them, confirm me more and more that this is my province. I am just returned from the West, where I have seen the fields every where white ready unto harvest. Though thousands flock to hear the word in town, yet I almost think every day lost in which I am not preaching about the country, now the summer is coming on. God only knows whether I shall reach as far as Ireland. Pray continue your accounts. I cannot help thinking, but that this opposition is a blessed presage of a future glorious harvest in the kingdom of Ireland. Yet a little while, and he that will come, shall come, and will not tarry. That your soul may be filled with all the divine fulness, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,

I Wrote to your Excellency last from Plymouth, where, as well as in many other places in the west, the Lord of all lords has been pleased greatly to bless my poor unworthy ministrations. I am now (after having seen much of the Redeemer’s power in London) making a short elopement to Portsmouth, and from thence I purpose to go into the North, where I trust thousands are already awakened to seek after the things which lead to life eternal. The harvest in England is exceeding great. I know that your Excellency will pray, that the Lord of the harvest may thrust out more labourers into his harvest. I am glad your Excellency hath been honoured by providence, to put New-Jersey college on such a footing, that it may be a nursery for future labourers. I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. A—— and Colonel W——, and have introduced them to such of my friends, as I believe, under God, may serve the interest in which they are engaged. Glad shall I be of every opportunity offered me, of promoting the Redeemer’s cause in New-England or New-Jersey. By the divine blessing, I hope that something considerable will be done in England and Scotland for New-Jersey college. I wish your Excellency joy of the relation into which I hear you have lately entered. I hope my dutiful respects will find acceptance with Madam Bel——, and I earnestly pray that you may live together as heirs of the grace of life. May God honour you both to bring forth much fruit in old age! Here I would end; but the love I owe to the bearer, Mr. S——, for Christ’s sake, constrains me to recommend him to your Excellency. He is I think an Israelite indeed. I pray the Lord Jesus to succeed and bless him. He can give your Excellency an account, how the work prospers on this side the water. That every wilderness in America may blossom like a rose, and that your Excellency’s province may be like the garden of the Lord, is the hearty prayer of,

YOUR letter should have had an immediate answer, if the least leisure had offered when in town. But there I am continually hurried, and had scarce time to eat bread. However, our Lord gave me meat which the world knows not of, and enabled me to preach three or four times a day to great multitudes, and I trust with great blessings. Fear not your weak body; we are immortal till our work is done. Christ’s labourers must live by miracle; if not, I must not live at all; for God only knows what I daily endure. My continual vomitings almost kill me, and yet the pulpit is my cure, so that my friends begin to pity me less, and to leave off that ungrateful caution, “Spare thyself.” I speak this to encourage you. Persons whose writings are to be blessings, must have some thorns in the flesh. Your disorders, like mine, I believe are as yet only to humble, not to kill us. Though I long to go to heaven, yet I am apt to think we are not to die presently, but live and declare the works of the Lord. You by your pen, I by my tongue. May the glorious Emmanuel bless us both! I believe he will. Courage, my dear, very dear Mr. H——; Courage. When we are weak, then are we strong.—But to your letter. I am glad Dr. S—— preaches, and that Mr. H——, is at work. In working we shall be blessed. To him that hath, shall be given. How shall we contrive to meet. I purpose being at Oulney next Sunday sevennight, and in a day or two after at Northampton. I wish I could have a line from you. In the mean while I shall endeavour to get Dr. W——. There is a glorious plan set on foot by the Great and Good, for a college in the New-Jersies; the particulars will ere long be published. I wish it much prosperity. Your Meditations are now printing in Philadelphia. Why do you not sit for your picture?—The seed sown here months ago, hath sprung up. People hear with great attention. What cannot God do? The Lord be with you! I love you most tenderly. I thank you ten thousand times for all favours, and am, very dear friend,

THOUGH I am somewhat fatigued with my journey, yet I cannot help answering your very kind and wished-for letter. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who delights to multiply his benefits upon us! I wish you and dear Mrs. D—— joy of your twins. May Jesus sanctify them from the womb, and spare them with their tender mother, to be lasting blessings to yourself and others! What shall I render unto the Lord for removing prejudices from Taunton people? It is his doing; and the same grace was shewn at Portsmouth, from whence I am just now come. I was there this time twelvemonth, and now had the pleasure of hearing that many were then awakened, who hold on their way. Thousands came to hear, and the word seemed to strike like a pointed arrow. You have been misinformed about Moor-fields. I have preached there twice lately to many thousands, but without molestation. A blessed power attended the word, and we have had most delightful seasons in London. Help me to cry Grace! grace! I am now going Northward, and hope next week to have another interview with Messrs. H——, H——ly, Dr. D——, and Dr. S——. I rejoice in the success of the Doctor’s books, and pray the Lord earnestly to bless all his labours more and more. Poor Lady H——n is ill. I say of her, as I would to you, serius in cœlum redeas! You may direct to her Ladyship at Ashby-place. I am glad to hear that your brethren begin to envy you; It is a good sign. You have heard of the viper and the file. Their biting will only make their own teeth to bleed. We are to go on. I pray God you may, and increase with all the increase of God. I salute you and all your family. My wife joins, very dear Mr. D——, with