LETTER DCCCXXXIV.
To the Reverend Mr. M——.
Ashby, May 14, 1750.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Have desired to write you a long letter for a considerable time, but was so hurried when at London, that I could not be so explicit as the affair I wanted to write about, necessarily required. It is concerning the Presbyterian College in the New Jersies; the importance and extensive usefulness of which, I suppose you have long since been apprized of. Mr. A——, a friend of Governor B——, is come over with a commission to negotiate this matter; he hath brought with him a copy of a letter, which Mr. P—— sent to you some months past. This letter hath been shewn to Doctor D—— and several of the London ministers, who all approve of the thing, and promise their assistance. Last week I preached at Northampton, and conversed with Doctor D—— concerning it. The scheme that was then judged most practicable was this, “That Mr. P——’s letter should be printed, and a recommendation of the affair, subscribed by Doctor D—— and others, be annexed; that a subscription and collections should be then set on foot in England, and afterwards that Mr. A—— should go to Scotland.” I think it is an affair that requires dispatch. Governor B—— is old, but a most hearty man for promoting God’s glory, and the good of mankind. He looks upon the college as his own daughter, and will do all he can to endow her with proper privileges. The present President Mr. B——, and most of the Trustees, I am well acquainted with. They are friends to vital piety, and I trust this work of the Lord will prosper in their hands. The spreading of the gospel in Maryland and Virginia in a great measure depends upon it, and therefore I wish them much success in the name of the Lord. But more of this when we meet. As I am going further northward, I know not but I may go as far as Glasgow. Indeed there are so many doors opened in England, that I know not well where to go first. I have lately been in Cornwall, at Portsmouth, and London.—Since that I have preached at Oulney, Northampton and Kettering. For a few days I have been at good Lady H——n’s, who though weak in body, is always abounding in the work of the Lord. She sends you her kind compliments, and ordered me to beg the favour of you to acquaint Mr. R——, that she will answer his kind letter as soon as ever her strength will permit. I preach daily at her Ladyship’s, and this week, God willing, I shall preach in two or three churches. My bodily health is better than usual, and I long to be on the stretch for Him, who was stretched upon a cursed tree for ill and hell-deserving me. I beg a continued interest in your prayers. I salute you and yours, Mr. G—— and his wife, and all dear friends, in the heartiest manner, and am, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate brother, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXV.
To Doctor D——.
Ashby, May 19, 1750.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter found me happy at our good Lady H——n’s, whose path shines more and more bright unto the perfect day. She is strangely employed now.—Can you guess? The kind people of Ashby stirred up some of the baser sort to riot before her Ladyship’s door, while the gospel was preaching; and on Wednesday evening, some people in their return home, narrowly escaped being murdered. Her Ladyship has just received a message from the Justice, in order to bring the offenders before him. I hope it will be over-ruled for great good, and that the gospel for the future will have free course. This week I have preached in three churches, and tomorrow morning, God willing, I am to preach at a fourth. In the evening I shall preach at Nottingham, and purpose lying at the house of Mr. S——. Thus, reverend and dear Sir, you see I lead a pilgrim life. Blessed be God, it is quite pleasant, and I humbly intreat you to pray, that I may have a pilgrim heart, and be kept from trimming or nestling even to my dying hour. I rejoice, dear Sir, that you was blest at Kettering. Gladly shall I call upon you again at Northampton, if the Lord spares my life; and in the mean while shall not fail to pray, that the work of our common Lord may more and more prosper in your hands. I thank you a thousand times for your kindness to the very chief of sinners, and assure you, reverend Sir, that the affection is reciprocal. Good Lady H—— greatly esteems you. I go with regret from her Ladyship. Her Ladyship intends writing to you this evening. Do come and see her soon. I shall not be unmindful of your sick student. May the Lord Jesus sanctify all pain, and through his sufferings make him perfect. I would enlarge, but cannot. I write in great haste, but with greater love subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy younger brother and servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXVI.
To Lady H——n.
Nottingham, May 21, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
WITH regret I left your Ladyship; but I hope it was for the furtherance of the gospel. At Radcliff church, the divine influence was greater than at Millburn. I preached on these words, “But one thing is needful.” Many were impressed deeply. After sermon I conversed with Mrs. B—— and Mr. Law’s sister. The latter seems to be under awakenings, and the former in her first love. She carries high sail; our Lord knows how to put in proper ballast. In the morning I preached here to many thousands. I had a great cold, but the Lord strengthened me. This evening, God willing, I preach again, and to-morrow shall set off for Mansfield, where a friend has invited me to his house. What care does our Lord take of his poor pilgrims! As I go on, your Ladyship shall hear how I am dealt with. I know it will be bountifully, because I have got such a bountiful master. He will bless your Ladyship more and more. When Mr. B—— comes, I shall be glad to hear what becomes of the rioters. A line may be sent to Manchester. O that your Ladyship may live to see many of those Ashby stones become children to Abraham! I trust you will. I write in great haste, but with respect and gratitude greater than I can express; and beg leave to subscribe myself, very honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXVII.
To Dr. S——.
Mansfield, May 24, 1750.
My dear Doctor,
YOURS found me just as I was about to leave good Lady H——. Ever since, I have been engaged in travelling and preaching the everlasting gospel. In Radcliff church, at Nottingham, and Sutton, our Lord’s Spirit hath accompanied the word preached. This morning I preached here, and, God willing, purpose to do so again in the evening, and to-morrow morning. Little was expected here but rudeness; however the auditory was large and attentive. What cannot the Redeemer do? I am quite sorry that Mr. H——’s letter was printed:—But it was no Methodist that published it. Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum. I pray God to give my dear friend prudence and courage whilst he is in London. Remember, if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off;—if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. Now is your time to sacrifice your Isaac. Christ will have all the heart or none. I write thus, because I love you dearly. I pray for you from my inmost soul. O that you may be kept as in a garrison, by God’s mighty power, through faith unto salvation! Without Christ you can do nothing. Nil desperandum Christo duce. That he may strengthen you to do what you know to be his will, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXVIII.
To Lady H——n.
Mansfield, May 14, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Beg leave on my journey, to trouble your Ladyship with a few lines. They bring your Ladyship good news. I have been quite sick ever since I have left Ashby; but the glorious Emmanuel has been pleased to work by my unworthy ministry. At Nottingham several came to me, enquiring what they should do to be saved. I preached there four times. One evening Lord S—— and several gentlemen were present, and behaved with great decency. Many thousands attended. Yesterday morning I breakfasted with three dissenting ministers and Mr. P——’s, who told me that Lady P—— desired he would press me to preach at B—— church. Yesterday in the afternoon I preached at Sutton, and this morning I lifted up the gospel standard here. All was quiet; and this evening and to-morrow morning I am to preach again. As I travel on, your Ladyship shall hear. I must lie down to refresh this weary body: my soul, through grace, smiles at bodily weakness, and longs to take its flight. I doubt not but your Ladyship is happy in him, who alone killeth and maketh alive. Night and day do I look up to him in behalf of your Ladyship, as being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged, and chearful Servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXIX.
To the Countess D——.
Leeds, May 30, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Heard about a week ago, that your Ladyship was exceeding ill. I have been much concerned ever since, and have attempted to write more than once, but travelling and preaching twice a day prevented me. Ere now I trust the great physician has rebuked your Ladyship’s indisposition, and given you to rejoice in his great salvation. If not, his grace will be sufficient for you. He will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation make a way for you to escape. Sanctified afflictions are signs of his especial love. Love holds the rod, love strikes, love wounds, and love heals again. “Strike, Lord; (says Luther) now I know thou art my father.”—And, says that sweet singer Mr. Mason,
—— O happy rod,
That brought me nearer to my God.
This, I believe, will be the language of your Ladyship’s heart. Look, therefore, honoured Madam, to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. In all your afflictions, he is afflicted. He will bring you out of this furnace, like gold purified seven times in the fire. Good Lady H—— is weak too, but I trust will yet live to declare the works of the Lord. Ashby is not worthy of so rich a pearl. Was I not afraid of hurting your Ladyship, I would give you some particulars of my circuit. Let it suffice to inform your Ladyship, that the gospel plough seems to prosper. New ground has been broken up, and seed sown, that I trust will bear fruit to life eternal. I am here amongst a multitude of souls that seem to love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. To-morrow I move Northward; and if I hear that your Ladyship is recovered, I shall take the freedom of writing now and then. I purpose sending a few lines also to Lady F—— and Lady H——. All were constantly remembered at Ashby at the holy table. All shall still be remembered, as our Lord enables, by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXL.
To Lady H——n.
Leeds, May 30, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Cannot travel far without sitting down to refresh myself by writing to your Ladyship. Mansfield I hope was taken. After leaving that place, I went to Rotheram, where Satan rallied his forces again. However, I preached twice, on the Friday evening, and Saturday morning. The cryer was employed to give notice of a bear-baiting. Your Ladyship may guess who was the Bear. About seven in the morning the drum was heard, and several watermen attended it with great staves. The constable was struck, and two of the mobbers were apprehended, but rescued afterwards. But all this does not come up to the kind usage of the people of Ashby. I preached on those words, “Fear not, little flock.”—They were both fed and feasted; and after a short stay I left Rotheram, when I knew it was become more pacific. In the evening I preached at Sheffield, where the people received the word gladly. A very great alteration was discernable in their looks since I was there last. On Sunday great multitudes attended, and in the evening many went away that could not come near enough to hear. On Monday we had a parting blessing; and in the evening the Lord Jesus fed us plentifully, with the bread that cometh down from heaven, at Barly-Hall. Last night I preached to many, many thousands, and this morning also at five o’clock. Methinks I am now got into another climate. It must be a warm one, where there are so many of God’s people. Our Pentecost is to be kept at Mr. G——’s. I have seen him and Mr. J——, and hear that Mr. B—— died comfortably, being fully assured, “That not only all his sins before, but after conversion were forgiven him.” To-morrow, God willing, I move hence, and expect to-morrow evening to see Mrs. H——, and to reach Manchester next week. From thence I purpose writing to your Ladyship again. O that any thing I write, say, or do, may afford the least comfort to your Ladyship’s soul! This is my desire and hearty prayer: and I earnestly entreat the Lord, that you may live long, and prosper in soul and body. I send my usual and most dutiful respects to the honourable ladies, and am ever, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLI.
To Lady H——.
Manchester, June 8, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Thought to have troubled your Ladyship with a letter long before this time, but travelling, and preaching twice every day, prevented. Blessed be God, it is pleasant work, and I trust it hath prospered in my unworthy hands. Thousands and thousands for some time past have flocked to hear the word twice every day, and the power of God has attended it in a glorious manner. Good Lady H——n I left some time ago weak in body, but strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. The good people of Ashby were so kind as to mob round her Ladyship’s door, whilst the gospel was preaching. Alas! how great and irreconcileable is the enmity of the serpent! This is my comfort, “The seed of the woman shall at length be more than conqueror over all.” I hope that your Ladyship every day experiences more and more of this conquest in your heart. This is the christian’s daily employ; this the believer’s daily triumph, to die to self and sin, and to rise more and more daily into the image of the blessed Jesus. As it is our duty, so it is our unspeakable privilege. All the crosses we meet with, all the afflictions with which we are visited, are all intended by the good physician, to beat down, and keep under, and weaken the old man, and to raise up, strengthen, and give fresh vigour to the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Our business is to look continually to Jesus, and to lean on him hourly, nay every moment. May this be your Ladyship’s continual employ! May the Lord Jesus strengthen, stablish, and settle you more and more in his love. May he give you to see your honoured Relations partakers of a divine nature in this world, and grant you mansions of eternal bliss in the world to come! No less mercies shall, no greater can be desired for your Ladyship and family by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLII.
To Mr. C——.
Rosindale (Lancashire), June 14, 1750.
Very dear Sir,
EVER since that I heard your journey into the country was deferred, I have been impatient to write you a line. Till now, I cannot say I have had a proper opportunity. Travelling, and preaching twice a day, as I generally do, is almost too much for my frail tabernacle. But he is faithful who hath promised, “That as our day is, so our strength shall be.” Though faint, I am yet pursuing, and, glory be to God, hitherto I have had a most delightful and successful circuit. I suppose you have heard of my reception at Northampton and Ashby, and of that people’s unkind treatment of good Lady H——. At Nottingham I lodged with Mr. S——, and in that place and several others found great success. In Yorkshire the work hath advanced most. In about a week’s time, within the compass of twenty miles, I preached, I believe, to above six thousand souls. This last week I have been beating up for recruits in and about Manchester, and I trust some have listed. Mrs. G—— behaves like a good soldier; and if I am not mistaken, her husband will follow her good example. I am now going towards Kendal, then to Whitehaven, and it may be to Scotland. I know you will pray, that the hand of the Lord may be with me. That is all in all! I hope this will find my dear friend quite busy for his God, even his God in Christ. We have not a moment to be idle here; the Judge is before the door. I want to have my lamp trimmed, and my loins girt, and to be always habitually and actually ready to meet the blessed Bridegroom. Then do we begin to live like ourselves, and to act like those who are redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and made kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion now and for evermore. My dear Sir, my cold heart is warmed when I think of this. O why am I not a flame of fire? Why am I not all life, all love, all humility, all zeal? O my naughty heart! May Jesus sprinkle it afresh with his precious blood, and help me this morning to begin to hunt for souls. Though aged, I wish you may be employed in the same work before you die. But future things belong to God. I must now bid you adieu. My cordial love and respects await Mrs. C——, Mr. G——, and all enquiring friends. Continue to pray for, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLIII.
To Lady H——n.
Newby-Cote, June 16, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
IT is late, and I am somewhat fatigued, but I cannot rest without finishing my week’s work in writing to your Ladyship. Blessed be God, I have still good news to send to your Ladyship. All was quiet at Manchester; and I humbly hope the Redeemer will gather to himself a people there. Kind Captain G—— and his lady will acquaint your Ladyship with particulars. I hope he will prove a good soldier of Jesus Christ. I advised him to send your Ladyship word of their coming to Ashby, that they might be directed the best road from Derby. We had sweet seasons at the places adjacent to Manchester. Only at ♦Bolton a drunkard stood up to preach behind me, and a woman attempted twice to stab the person that was putting up a stand for me to preach on, in her husband’s field. However, the Lord got himself the victory. Since that, we have had very large and powerful meetings, where formerly were the most violent outrages. Perhaps within these three weeks, sixty-thousand souls or upwards have heard the gospel. I am now in Mr. J——’s circuit, and purpose being at Kendal next Thursday. I hope that there, or at Whitehaven, where I am to preach to-morrow se’nnight, I shall hear from Mr. B—— concerning your Ladyship’s welfare.—His letter I received to-night, and will answer it the first opportunity. Nature now calls for rest. I shall retire, praying that your Ladyship and honoured relations may be blessed with all spiritual blessings. I am a sink of sin and corruption; but Jesus comforts and supports me, and, I believe, will hear your Ladyship’s prayers in behalf of one, who, next to being a poor despised minister of the glorious Emmanuel, thinks it his highest honour to subscribe himself,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
June 17th, seven in the morning.
Honored Madam,
THIS last night Satan hath shewed his teeth. Some persons got into the barn and stable, and have cut my chaise, and one of the horse’s tails. What would men do, if they could? The Lord be with your spirit. Amen.
LETTER DCCCXLIV.
To the Rev. Mr. H——.
Kendal, June 21, 1750.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Guess this will find you returned from good Lady H——n, with whom undoubtedly you have taken sweet counsel, and been mightily refreshed in talking about the things which belong to the kingdom of God. This leaves me at Kendal, where I arrived this morning, and where, God willing, I shall preach the everlasting gospel this evening. An entrance is now made into Westmoreland; and pen cannot well describe what glorious scenes have opened in Yorkshire, &c. Perhaps since I saw you, seventy or eighty thousand have attended the word preached in divers places. At Howarth, on Whitsunday, the church was almost thrice filled with communicants, and at Kirby-Steven the people behaved exceedingly well. It was a precious season. In my way I have read Mr. Law’s second part of The Spirit of Prayer. His scheme about the Fall, &c. I think is quite chimerical; but he says many things that are truly noble, and which I pray God to write upon the tables of my heart. Several things at the end of his treatise on regeneration, in my opinion, are entirely unjustifiable: but the sun hath its spots, and so have the best of men. I want to see my own faults more, and others less. It will be so, when I am more humble. If mercies would make a creature humble, I should be a mirror of humility. But I am far from the mind that was in Jesus. You must pray, whilst I go on fighting. Though faint, I would yet pursue. Next week I hope to reach Edinburgh. God willing, you shall have notice of my return. Glad shall I be to meet such a friend upon the road. May the friend of sinners bless and support you, and give you always an heart to pray for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLV.
To the Rev. Mr. B——.
Kendal, June 21, 1750.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
ON Saturday last I received your kind letter, but have not had an opportunity of answering it till now. I have been preaching the gospel amongst the poor knitters, whose simple manner of life pleased me much. I am glad you have sounded the silver trumpet in London; crescit eundo must be your motto, and mine. There is nothing like keeping the wheels oil’d by action. The more we do, the more we may do; every act strengthens the habit: and the best preparation for preaching on Sundays, is to preach every day in the week. I am glad you have peace at Ashby. What a fool is Satan always to overshoot his mark! I hope that Mr. G——, as well as Mr. S——, will hold on. They will be glorious monuments of free grace indeed. I am like-minded with you in respect to the Doctor’s comment; he is indeed a glorious writer. May the Lord Jesus strengthen him to finish the work! My dear Mr. B——, what blessed opportunities do you enjoy for meditation, study, and prayer! Now is your time to get rich in grace, to search into the depths of divine love, and the mystery of iniquity hid in your own heart. Such an example, and such advantages no one in England is favoured with but yourself. I do not envy you; but I pray the Redeemer, from my inmost soul, to sanctify your situation, and give you to increase with all the increase of God. I am called forth to battle; remember a poor cowardly soldier, and beg the Captain of our salvation, that I may have the honour to die fighting. I would have all my fears in my breast. Methinks I would not be wounded running away, or skulking into an hiding-place. It is not for ministers of Christ to flee or be afraid.—And yet alas!—Well—Nil desperandum Christo duce. For his great name’s sake, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and brother,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLVI.
To the Countess of H——n.
Kendal, June 26, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
STILL (O amazing love!) the Lord of all lords vouchsafes to prosper the gospel plough. Such an entrance hath been made into Kendal, as could not have been expected. I preached twice to several thousands last week, and the people were so importunate, that I was prevailed on to return hither again last night. The congregation was greatly increased, and the power of the Lord was displayed in the midst of them. On Saturday evening, and on the Lord’s-day, I preached at Ulverston, a town about sixteen miles distant from this. There Satan made some small resistance; a clergyman, who looked more like a butcher than a minister, came with two others and charged a constable with me; but I never saw a poor creature sent off in such disgrace. Good I believe was done in the town. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory! Thus, honoured Madam, a poor pilgrim goes on. How I am to succeed at Whitehaven, your Ladyship shall know hereafter. God willing, I set forward after preaching this evening. I hear Mr. W—— has been much abused in Ireland, but that the Mayor of Cork hath quite overshot himself. I have some thoughts of seeing Ireland before my return. May the Lord direct my goings in his way! I am persuaded that this will find your Ladyship travelling apace towards Canaan, and increasing your reward daily. Great shall it be indeed in heaven.—I shall be extremely glad of the honour of a line when at Edinburgh. In the mean while, your Ladyship shall not fail, with your honoured sisters and family, of being prayed for, and hearing from, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and very chearful servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLVII.
To Mr. K——.
Kendal, June 26, 1750.
My dear Mr. K——,
YESTERDAY I read in the public papers, that you was married. This morning I sit down to wish you joy. God hath given you, a choice help-mate. May you love her as Jesus Christ loveth the church; and may both of you be enabled to live together as heirs of the grace of life! The Lord of all lords has been daily pouring down his benefits on you and me. O that his goodness may lead us to repentance, and his love constrain us to obedience! You have now another blessing given you; one who, I believe, will strengthen your hands in the Lord, and stir you up in the good ways of God. Now for Joshua’s resolution, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” You are now entered on a new state; you will want new supplies of grace. It is hard to govern; it is much easier to obey. To come into a flow of business, and at the same time to keep the heart near to God, what a task is this? Jesus alone can make you sufficient for it. Look then, my dear friend, continually to him, and take heed that nothing drowns the sound of this small still voice speaking in your heart. When I come to town, God willing, I will pay you a visit. In the mean while let us meet at the throne of grace. I am travelling, and you trading, for Jesus Christ. His strength is my joy. Every where the gospel plough hath prospered. These Northern parts promise well. Adieu! The Lord be with you both! Pray remember me in the kindest manner to your mother and brothers. You are come into a family that I dearly love. That you all may sit down with the glorious family of the first-born, whole names are written in heaven, is the earnest prayer of, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLVIII.
To Mr. B——.
Whitehaven, June 29, 1750.
My dear Mr. B——,
YESTERDAY, upon my arrival hither, I received your kind letter, and am now seated to send you an answer. May the Lord Jesus cause it to be answer of peace! You need make no apology for your openness and freedom; reserves to me are odious. I would willingly be a father, brother, and friend to all concerned with me; and consequently I would gladly bear a part with them in their sorrows and their joys. Your suspicions about Messrs. S——, G——, and N——, were groundless. The sole cause of your not hearing from me, was my not knowing where to direct to you. As I am utterly unconcerned in the discipline of Mr. W——’s societies, I can be no competent judge of their affairs. If you and the rest of the preachers were to meet together more frequently, and tell each other your grievances, opinions, &c. it might be of service. This may be done in a very friendly way, and thereby many uneasinesses might be prevented. After all, those that will live in peace must agree to disagree in many things with their fellow-labourers, and not let little things part or disunite them. I know not well, what my dear Mr. B—— means, about concealing the gospel privileges. There is no doubt but milk must be given to babes, and meat to strong men; but this all depends on the skilfulness of the preacher, and his being taught of God rightly to divide the word of truth. In general, gospel privileges may be spoken of to encourage awakened sinners and quicken saints. If by gospel privileges you mean love-feasts, bands, &c. these I think are only prudential means, and therefore no doubt prudence should be exercised in the use of them. I am of your opinion, that too much familiarity in these things is hurtful. But it is hard to keep a medium, where a multitude is concerned. As ill effects are discovered, they should be corrected and avoided. The question and answer you refer to, I do not like. I know nothing of Christ’s righteousness being imputed to all mankind. It is enough to say with the scriptures, “That it is imputed to all believers.” What does my dear Mr. B—— think of that assertion of the Apostle, “He made him sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God, in him.” And again, “Who of God is made to us, wisdom, righteousness, &c.” cum multis aliis, vide Romans, ivth and vith.—Is it not as express as can be, that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers? Consequently, it is sufficient for us, as preachers, to declare, “That all believers are actually delivered from the guilt of both actual and original sin, from the power of their corruptions here, and that at the hour of death they shall be delivered from the very in-being of sin, and be admitted to dwell with the glorious Jesus, and the spirits of just men made perfect, hereafter.” Another seven years experience, will teach some to handle the word of life in a better manner. Our business is to shew believers their compleatness in Christ, and to point them to Him for strength for every good word and work; and all to be done out of gratitude and love for what he hath done and suffered for them. But you know my sentiments; you have heard them all in my sermons. I have no reserves. What Mr. S—— says, I know not; I believe Christ’s redemption will be applied to all that shall believe. Who these are, we know not, and therefore we are to give a general offer and invitation; convinced of this, that every man’s damnation is of himself, and every man’s salvation all of God. You would do well to read more; but whether it would be best for you to pursue, or re-assume your old studies, unless you are determined to settle, I cannot tell. Reading a Latin author, a little every day, to be sure could do you no hurt. Terentius Christianus, Castalio’s Scripture Dialogues, and Selectæ Prælectiones Veteri Testamenti, would both delight and profit you. It has long since been my judgment, that it would be best for many of the present preachers to have a tutor, and retire for a while, and be content with preaching now and then, till they were a little more improved. Otherwise, I fear many who now make a temporary figure, for want of a proper foundation, will run themselves out of breath, will grow weary of the work, and leave it. May the Lord Jesus direct! This is the plan I purpose to pursue abroad. Whether God will be pleased to succeed it, I know not. All I can say is, that I am willing to lend an helping hand wherever I see the interest of Christ promoted. This is my motive, dear Sir, in answering your last. I hope it is satisfactory. If not, let me know. You may direct for me at Mr. T——’s, Edinburgh. I hope to be there next week. We have had good seasons since I parted from you. At Kendal a most promising door is opened. Follow me with your prayers.—Look up to Jesus, and let not little things disappoint and move you. If this be your foible, beware, and pray that Satan may not get an advantage over you. He will be always striving to vex and unhinge you. “The Lord reigneth.” Let this consideration support and comfort you, under the various changes you must necessarily meet with in the church. She is now militant, ere long she shall be triumphant. Till then, as the elect of God, let us put on bowels of compassion, meekness, long-suffering and humbleness of mind. But what am I doing? Adieu. The Lord be with you and yours, and give Mrs. B—— faith and courage in her approaching hour! All with me salute you. I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. B——,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLIX.
To Mr. T—— A——.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1750.
Very dear T——,
I Thought it long, yea very long since I heard from you; but as I believe your heart is upright towards the Lord Jesus, and to me your unworthy friend, for his great name’s sake, I have been quite easy. The news of your success, rejoices me. May the Lord increase it more and more! Pen cannot well express what hath been done in the North. I have preached above ninety times since I left London, and perhaps to a hundred and forty thousand people. It is amazing to see how people are prepared, in places where I never was before. What shall I render unto the Lord? I will beg him to make me humble and thankful. Here, I am received with as much affection as ever. Still I will cry, Grace! grace! Ere this reaches you, I suppose you will be thinking of London. Mr. C—— I believe wants a breathing. I hear he hath been blest much. You and Mr. C—— are the only persons I chuse to have at the tabernacle, as heads in my absence. Several of —— have offered to join me; but you know I hate taking other persons as helpers, and as I desire no party, I give no encouragement. But future things belong to Him, on whose shoulders the government is put. You must still remember me before Him. His word is indeed running, and like to be glorified day by day. How matters go on here, you will know hereafter. In the mean while pray for, and write to, my very dear Tommy,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.