LETTER DCCCL.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, July 7, 1750.
Ever-honoured Madam,
AFTER preaching at Cockermouth, and near Wigton, with great acceptance, last night I came here, and was received in a most loving and tender manner. At noon, I dined with a family that honours your Ladyship very much, and this evening I have been preaching to a great multitude of very attentive and affected hearers. At my return to my lodgings, I had the wished-for pleasure of your Ladyship’s two letters. They both led me nearer to, and laid me lower before Him, at whose throne I am daily pleading for the welfare of your Ladyship, both in temporals and spirituals. Indeed, ever honoured Madam, I have confidence with you that your Ladyship shall have all the deliverance you long for. By divine grace, I will let the Lord have no rest, till he fulfils all your desires. I quite forget myself, when I think of your Ladyship. Ever honoured Madam, the Lord as yet hath but begun to bless you; you shall, you shall, you will be made a greater blessing indeed. If dear Mr. H—— gets A——y, that will be making your Ladyship a blessing. He is a dear soul; I am glad that both he and Dr. D—— have been with your Ladyship. I would have all the good ministers come and visit your Ladyship. There are numbers would go scores of miles willingly for that purpose. I hope soon to send your Ladyship some pleasing particulars. I have heard from my family. May the blessing of many ready to perish descend on your Ladyship. I pity poor A—— B——. Your Ladyship I believe will soon get the better of him. Your Ladyship hath acted like yourself in forgiving the offenders. Such offences come, that Christ’s followers may give evidence of his blessed temper being wrought in their hearts. In my return, without fail your Ladyship may expect me at ungrateful Ashby. Out of those stones may the Lord Jesus raise up children unto Abraham! However God is pleased to deal with me, your Ladyship may be assured of hearing from me. In the mean while, your Ladyship and honoured relations and family will be continually remembered by, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, ready, obliged, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLI.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, July 12, 1750.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THOUGH I am really burning with a fever, and have a violent cold, yet I must send your Ladyship a few lines by this post. They bring good news. People flock rather more than ever, and earnestly entreat me not to leave them soon. I preach generally twice a day,—early in the morning, and at six in the evening. Great multitudes attend. Praise the Lord O my soul! Your Ladyship’s health is drank and enquired after every day. Mr. N——, who married Lord ——’s sister, has given me three franks, and his family are in the number of those who are left in Sardis, and have not defiled their garments. Enclosed your Ladyship hath my last from Carolina, and an account of the affair mentioned by the Bishop of Cork. I fear I cannot reach Ireland this season. Your Ladyship’s message to Mr. Robe, I sent last post; he will think himself highly honoured. Some time next month I hope to see your Ladyship. In the mean time, whether sick or well, your Ladyship shall be sure to hear how the Lord of all Lords is pleased to deal with me and his people. His presence makes me to smile at pain, and the fire of his love burns up all fevers whatsoever. This your Ladyship knows by happy experience. That you may know it more and more every hour, and every moment, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and chearful servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLII.
To Mr. C——.
Glasgow, July 21, 1750.
Dear Jemmy,
I Have nothing but good news to send you. The entrance God has been pleased to give me into Scotland, demands the highest tribute of gratitude and love. I preached twenty times at Edinburgh, and thousands attended morning and evening. Many I hope got good. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory! Last night I came hither, and was most lovingly received, and this morning the Lord of all Lords hath given us a delightful meeting. Blessed news is sent from Kendal. Enclosed you have the marks of my friends bounty, who love me for Jesus sake. Be pleased to receive the bill, and as you live near Mr. S——, be so kind as to pay him the remainder of what is due for printing my last sermons. Take his accompt, and a receipt under; what is left, pray give to my wife to pay Wr—— the book-binder. For I would fain owe no man any thing but love.—I would have my worldly affairs so ordered, that let death come when it will, I may have nothing to do but to die. That is a blessed word to me; the thoughts of death gladden my heart, and cause me often almost to leap for joy. But perhaps our Lord has more work for me to do. His will be done in, by, and upon me, in time, and to all eternity. Pilgrims must not expect much rest here. In heaven we shall have enough. There I shall meet you and yours. I salute you both most tenderly, and beg you would all pray for, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLIII.
To Mr. R——.
Glasgow, July 23, 1750.
My very dear Friend,
WITH pleasure I sit down to perform my promise, and to thank you for all favours. The Lord is still adding to my obligations, to love and serve him. Friends here received me most kindly, and the congregations I think are rather larger than ever. Yesterday, besides preaching twice in the field, I preached in the college Kirk, being forced by Mr. G——. ’Twas a blessed season. Mr. R—— and Mr. E—— were very affectionate. I have met, and shaken hands with Mr. R—— E——. O when shall God’s people learn war no more! God willing, I shall leave Glasgow on Thursday next, and if you please, will sup quietly with you and your lady, or with Mr. G——, on Friday evening. I hope to be in early, because I intend lying at Mr. E——’s house, or at Kylsyth on the Thursday. Letters this post make me resolve not to visit Ireland this summer; Mr. W—— is there, and persecution increases. I send the inclosed open. A copy might be put into my wife’s, lest the other should miscarry. My stay in Edinburgh at my return must be very short. May the Lord Jesus make it sweet! You must remember me in the kindest manner to your dear lady, the other ladies, and all enquiring friends, and accept of most hearty love from, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLIV.
To Mr. W——.
Glasgow, July 23, 1750.
Dear Sir,
I Received your kind letter last week, but till now had not time to answer you. Blessed be God, it brought glad tidings. Thanks be to the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus, for causing his arrows to stick fast in any sinners hearts! May he that hath wounded, in his own due time and way heal and ease them!—He is the awakened sinners only refuge. To Him the weary and heavy laden are invited. Let them but come to him, and he will, indeed he will give them rest. O that those who have begun to put their hands to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Awakening times are like spring times. Many blossoms, but not always so much fruit. However, glory, glory be to God, that the Winter of deadness is in some degree over, and that a Spring time of grace is seen at Kendal. Pray remember me in the kindest manner to all under awakenings, and exhort them all with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. Whether I can see you again in my return, is uncertain. If it be any way practicable, I shall comply with your earnest solicitation. Next week, God willing, I leave Scotland, and if I can come, you shall hear from me. In the mean time, as the Lord enables, I shall not cease to pray for all that are setting their faces Zionward. You know the many turnings that lie in the way thither, and therefore can direct young travellers. It is pretty work for you in the decline of life. Methinks you may be surprized like Sarah, who said, “who would have thought that Sarah should have given suck!” But is there any thing too hard for the Lord? O for faith, patience and humility! These are graces my soul thirsts after. How humble, how thankful ought I to be! After leaving Kendal, the word of the Lord ran and was glorified in several places, and in Scotland I think congregations are rather greater than ever. You must exhort all to pray for me, that I may be kept from flagging in the latter stages of my road. My love to Mr. G——. I shall take care to answer his letter when it comes to hand. I have ordered some volumes of my sermons to be sent to him. May God sanctify the reading of them to the carrying on his blessed work. I can now no more. The Lord be with you. I am, dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLV.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, July 29, 1750.
Ever-honoured Madam,
WHAT shall I say? Your Ladyship’s condescension in writing to unworthy me, lays me low before Him, who continues to follow me with his goodness and mercy every hour of my life. Ungrateful Ashby! O that thou knewest the day of thy visitation! Surely your Ladyship may shake off the dust of your feet against them. This was the command, that the meek and lowly Jesus gave to his apostles, when the gospel was not received. And he himself departed, when the Gadarenes desired him to go out of their coasts. This justifies your Ladyship in removing Mr. B——. What avails throwing pearls before swine, who only turn again and rend you? However, I bless God that your Ladyship’s house is made a Bethel. Glad would I be of the honour of joining your Ladyship’s little select company, but our Redeemer appoints me other work.—Indeed it is very pleasant work. No one can well describe the order, attention, and earnestness of the Scotch congregations. They are unwearied in hearing the gospel. I left thousands sorrowful at Glasgow, and here I was again most gladly received last night. By preaching always twice, and once thrice, and once four times in a day, I am quite weakened; but I hope to recruit again, and get fresh strength to work for Him, who shed his precious blood for ill and hell-deserving me. On Thursday next, God willing, I shall leave Scotland. Your Ladyship shall know whither I go. In the mean while, I send your Ladyship some Georgia letters, which I hope will afford you satisfaction. I have been upon the enquiry for some proper persons, for dear Captain G—— and his Lady to converse with at Dumfries, and last night I hear I have succeeded. Particulars they shall know hereafter. I can now only send them my most grateful and cordial respects, being obliged to stop to get strength even whilst I write this. O this mortal body! How does it weigh down my precious and immortal soul! Ere long it will be set at liberty, and body and soul shall be for ever with the Lord. I cannot enlarge. Your Ladyship is remembered every day by many here. I hope your Ladyship’s honoured sisters are prospering in soul and body. The searcher of hearts can tell how much I count it my honour to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Their and your most obliged, dutiful, and chearful servant for Jesus Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLVI.
To Lady H——.
Berwick, Aug. 4, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
AT length I have taken a very sorrowful leave of Scotland. The longer I continued there, the more the congregations, and the power that attended the word, increased. I have reason to think that many are under convictions, and am assured of hundreds having received great benefit and consolation. The parting was rather more affectionate than ever, and I shall have reason to bless God to all eternity for this last visit to Scotland. Not a dog moved his tongue all the while I was there, and many enemies where glad to be at peace with me. Who is like our God, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders! Preaching so frequently, and paying so many religious visits, weakened me very much; but I am already much better for my riding thus far, and I trust the Lord will cause me to renew my strength. My obligations to spend and be spent for the blessed Jesus, are greatly increased. O that I may spring afresh, and soar aloft till I fly into the embraces of a sin-forgiving God! He hath prepared my way at Berwick. One of the ministers hath sent me an offer of his pulpit, and I hear of about ten more round this town that would do the same. I came hither this evening, and purpose, God willing, to set out for Newcastle on Monday morning. What success I meet with, your Ladyship shall hear in my next. Was it not so late in the year, I think I would go to Ireland. May the Lord direct my goings in his way! Kendal, I believe, must have another visit. The enclosed is from one of Mr. W——’s preachers. The contents I believe will please your Ladyship. Honoured Madam, what shall I say? The Redeemer’s goodness quite amazes me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. With regret, I send your Ladyship Mr. H——’s too, too much embellished and extravagant character of ill and hell-deserving me. It came from Plymouth last post. Your Ladyship desired to see it, or otherwise I could not bear to send it. To me, O blessed Jesus, nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. O that praise as well as contempt may humble this proud heart of mine! Then I shall never be hurt by having the honour to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLVII.
To Mr. L——.
Newcastle, Aug. 9, 1750.
My dear dying Friend,
THOUGH absent in body, yet I am present with you in spirit; and whilst you are in this tabernacle of clay, as our Lord enables, you shall not be forgotten before his throne. Ere long you will be called to sit upon it; Jesus himself will rise and take you in.—And why? He hath redeemed you unto God by his blood, and given you the first fruits of heaven already in your heart. Fear not therefore, my dear friend, to go through Jordan. The great High Priest stands ready to guide you, and will land you safe in Canaan. I præ, sequar.—Yet a little while, and my turn will come. In heaven we shall part no more. Till then, my dear dying friend, farewel! O that I may hear that you go off in triumph. But whether this be vouchsafed or not, I know you will die in peace. To the God of peace and love do I most earnestly commend you. Let this be your joyful language,
A guilty, weak and helpless worm,
Into thy arms I fly:
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Jesus and my all.
I send affectionate respects to both your sisters, and to Mr. B——. I pray that the Lord Jesus may love them as he loved Lazarus, Mary, and their sister Martha, and I entreat you to accept this as a token of unfeigned christian love, from, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLVIII.
To Mr. P——.
London, Sept. 4, 1750.
My dear Mr. P——,
I Received your kind letter yesterday, which was like the prophet’s roll, full of lamentation, and mourning, and woe. But what shall we say? It must needs be that offences come.—Wo to the inhabitants of the earth, and of the sea, for the devil is come down in great wrath, knowing he hath but a short time to reign; but let us look upwards. Every plant that our heavenly father hath not planted, shall be rooted up; only let him that standeth take heed lest he fall. You must salute dear Mr. R—— and the rest of the brethren in my name. As far as I know, we are like-minded as to principles, and I shall be glad to do all that I can to strengthen their hands, only let nothing be done through strife and vain-glory. Blessed be God, my poor labours never met with greater acceptance in England and Scotland than now, and I would gladly fly to Wales, but perhaps my coming had better be deferred to the cool of the day. Let us not fear. This storm will blow over.—Truth is great, and though driven out of doors for a while, will prevail at the last. Alas, what are we when a party spirit lays hold on us! I suspect the principles that are productive of such practices.—O that these things may lead us nearer to Christ, keep us closer to his blessed word, and be sanctified to the moulding us into a nearer conformity to his divine image. The meekness and lowliness of Jesus, I want to be a large partaker of. You must pray for me, and let me know how affairs stand. My tender love to all. I am, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLIX.
To Lady H——n.
Portsmouth, Sept. 8, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
TO day my wife sent me the melancholy news of the death of your Ladyship’s eldest daughter, but withal wrote me that she died very comfortably. Indeed when I left her, God’s spirit seemed to be working so strongly upon her heart, that I thought she would soon go to heaven, or shine as a glorious saint on earth. It hath pleased a sovereign God to cut short his work in righteousness, and call her home. A trial this indeed, for your Ladyship! but a trial, in which I hope your Ladyship will have grace given to acquiesce. O that with Aaron you may be enabled to hold your peace, and with the bereaved Shunamite to say, “It is well.” And if the Redeemer should call your Ladyship to part with another daughter (hard trial for flesh and blood) may you be strengthened chearfully to give her up, and hear the Lord of all Lords saying unto you, “Now know I that thou lovest me, since thou hast not with-held two dear daughters from me.” Now is the time, honoured Madam, to prove the strength of Jesus to be yours. Now is the time to be strong in faith, and give glory to God. The Redeemer will be better to you than seven daughters. What a comfort is it, honoured Madam, for you to think that Miss C—— gave such comfortable evidences of her dying in the Lord. She is blessed indeed, and the language of her departed soul is, “weep not for me.” Comfort yourself, honoured Madam, with this thought, and say like David, “I shall go to her, but she will not return to me.” May this trial be sanctified to your Ladyship’s whole household, and may your surviving children learn to die betimes! I could enlarge, but am afraid of being troublesome. On Tuesday, God willing, I hope to be in London for one day, and shall be impatient to know how the all-wise God is pleased to dispose of your Ladyship’s other daughter. In the mean while, my poor prayers shall be put up night and day, that your Ladyship may have grace given you to glorify Christ in this time of need. I commend your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, as being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, sympathizing, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLX.
To Mr. R——.
London, Sept. 14, 1750.
My very dear Mr. R——,
GLAD was I, yea very glad, to receive your kind letter about two days ago. I send you this in return, with ten thousand thanks for all favours conferred upon me, by you and yours. They are all numbered, and not one of them shall be forgotten before the Lord of all Lords, whose mercy endureth for ever. Surely, his goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life, and blessed be his holy name, I shall ere long dwell in his house for ever. At my return to town, I was received, though utterly unworthy, with great joy, and our Lord has manifested forth his glory in the great congregation. I have preached in Mr. W——’s chapel several times, and I trust a young lady of high rank was truly awakened about a fortnight ago, and who is since gone triumphantly to heaven. Mr. W—— breakfasted and prayed with me this morning, and Mr. H——y was so kind as to come up and be with me in my house. He is a dear man, and I trust will yet be spared to write much for the Redeemer’s glory. I have prevailed on him to sit for his picture, and it will be published in a short time. Two dozen of my pictures, as my friends so earnestly desired them, are sent directed to you. Be pleased to let them be disposed of, as shall be judged most proper. O that my heart might in some measure resemble the image of my dear Lord! You and yours will not fail to pray, that it may be written in lively characters, and that I may go on my way rejoicing. I never forget you or any other of my dear Scotch friends. Just now I have good news from Kendal; a young woman, whom God was pleased to awaken when I was there, went off lately (as my friend expresses it) “with flying colours.” Grace! Grace! Lord, make me humble! Lord Jesus, make me truly thankful! I am just now going for Chatham. Last Lord’s day I was at Portsmouth. Next week, God willing, I go to Gloucester. I hope good Lady D—— and her beloved son and daughter, &c. are prospering in soul and body. I send them my most dutiful respects, and ten thousand thanks, and beg you, my very dear Sir, to accept the same from,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXI.
To Lady H——.
London, Sept. 17, 1750.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THOUGH it is a cross to me to be detained so long from coming to Ashby, yet I trust hitherto my steps have been guided by an over-ruling providence for good. Yesterday afternoon I returned from Chatham, where I think there is as promising a work begun as almost in any part of England. Last night the Redeemer’s glory was seen in the tabernacle, and your Ladyship’s letter revived my heart, and gave me some fresh hopes for ungrateful Ashby. My heart’s desire and prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may live to see much of the travail of the Redeemer’s soul. I am glad Mr. M—— is ordained, and hope Mr. B—— will be the next, soon. By Mr. L——’s letter to him, I find your Ladyship has acted in the affair like yourself. Your Ladyship shall have a copy of it, and you will then see how matters go. Mr. B—— is much for embarking in Christ’s cause, and if the D—— would but help him at this juncture, he might be a useful and happy man. Both he and Mr. H—— have the most grateful sense of your Ladyship’s great kindness. The latter I believe intends to winter with me in London. If possible, I will prevail on Mr. H——ly, at my return, to come and pay him a visit. To-morrow morning, God willing, I set out for Gloucester, and intend coming to Birmingham, and so to your Ladyship’s. In my way I hope to write to Lady B——, and be as particular as circumstances will admit. I am surprized at your Ladyship’s doing and going through so much. But what cannot a believer do, when strengthened by the blessed Jesus? Your Ladyship will be remembered most heartily before him this afternoon, it being our letter-day. That you may long live to shine in his church below, and after death be translated to shine with distinguished lustre in the realms of light and love above, is the continual prayer of, ever, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and most cheerful servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXII.
To Lady B—— H——.
Gloucester, Sept. 22, 1750.
Madam,
AS I know your Ladyship had a great esteem for the late honourable Miss H——, I cannot but think a short account of her behaviour, under her last sickness, must not only alleviate the concern your Ladyship must necessarily have for so intimate a friend, but also excite you to pray, that your latter end may be like hers. I think it is now near three weeks since good Lady G—— desired me to visit her sick daughter. She had been prayed for very earnestly the preceding day after the sacrament, and likewise previous to my visit in Lady H——’s room. When I came to her bedside, she seemed glad to see me, but desired I would speak and pray as softly as I could. I conversed with her a little, and she dropped some strong things about the vanity of the world, and the littleness of every thing out of Christ. I prayed as low as I could, but in prayer (your Ladyship has been too well acquainted with such things to call it enthusiasm) I felt a very uncommon energy and power to wrestle with God in her behalf. She soon broke out into such words as these, “what a wretch am I?” She seemed to speak out of the abundance of her heart, from a feeling sense of her own vileness. Her honoured Parent and attending servants were affected. After prayer, she seemed as though she felt things unutterable, bemoaned her ingratitude to God and Christ; and I believe would gladly have given a detail of all her faults she could reckon. Her having had a form of godliness, but never having felt the power, was what she most bewailed. I left her; she continued in the same frame; and when Mrs. S—— asked her whether she felt her heart to be as bad as she expressed herself, she answered, “yes, and worse.” At her request, some time after this, I gave her the holy communion; a communion indeed it was. Never did I see a person receive it with seemingly greater contrition, more earnest desire for pardon and reconciliation with God through Christ, or stronger purposes of devoting her future life to his service. Being weak, she was desired to keep lying on her bed. She replied, “I can rise to take my physic; shall I not rise to pray?” When I was repeating the Communion Office, she applied all to herself, and broke out frequently aloud in her applying. When I said, the burden of them is intolerable, she burst out—“yea very intolerable,” with abundance of such like expressions. When she took the bread and wine, her concern gave her utterance, and she spake like one that was ripening for heaven. Those around her wept for joy.—My cold heart also was touched, and I left her with a full persuasion, that she was either to be taken off soon, or to be a blessing here below. I think she lived about a week afterwards: she continued in the same frame as far as I hear, and I trust is now gone, where she will sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb for ever. The thoughts of this, comforts good Lady G——, and the same consideration, I am persuaded, will have the same effect upon your Ladyship. Only methinks I hear your Ladyship add, “No, I will not stop here. By divine grace I will devote myself to Jesus Christ now, and give him no rest, till I see the world in that light as dear Miss H—— did, and as I myself shall, when I come to die. I will follow my honoured mother as she follows Jesus Christ, and count the Redeemer’s reproach of more value than all the honours, riches and pleasures of the world. I will fly to Christ by faith, and through the help of my God, keep up not only the form, but also the power of godliness in heart and life.” That the glorious Emanuel may enable your Ladyship to put all this into practice, is the earnest prayer of, Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXIII.
Eversham, Sept. 28, 1750.
Dear Miss B——,
I Thank you for your kind letter, and thank our heavenly Father for blessing the seed sown to any of my hearers. Not unto me O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy free unmerited mercy, be all the glory!
If thou excuse, then work thy will,
By so unfit an instrument;
It will at once thy grace display,
And prove thy power omnipotent.
Hitherto our Lord continues to help me. Since my return from Scotland, I have been brought very low; but as my day is, so is my strength. At London, Portsmouth, Chatham, and lately in Gloucestershire we have had many pleasant seasons. I am now going to Birmingham, Coventry, &c. God only knows when I shall see my beloved Scotland again. Gladly could I live and die with my dear friends there. It is my comfort, that those who are friends to Jesus, shall live eternally together hereafter. I know several of late that went off triumphantly. O that we may be kept from being cumbered! O that nothing may draw us from the feet of Jesus! There, and there alone is solid peace to be found. Every thing is good that drives us thither. That this may be always your abiding place, is the earnest prayer of, dear Miss B——,
Your affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXIV.
To the Reverend Mr. Z——.
Ashby, Oct. 9, 1750.
I Should have written to you long before now, but I waited for the arrival of Mr. Habersham’s ship, in which I expected letters of consequence. They are now come, and two of the chief I send enclosed in this, and shall omit saying any thing further, till I have the pleasure of seeing you, which I hope will be some time next week or the week after. Immediately after I left you, I have reason to think that the glorious Redeemer (O infinite condescension!) vouchsafed to make me instrumental in the conversion of Lady H——’s eldest daughter, who I hope is gone to rest. I am now at her Ladyship’s house with four other clergymen, who I believe love and preach Christ in sincerity: but Ashby people reject the kingdom of God against themselves. At Portsmouth, Chatham, Gloucestershire, Birmingham, Wednesbury, Eversham, Nottingham, &c. our infinite High-priest has given us pleasant seasons. I am now waiting every day for my wife’s being delivered of her present burden, and hope ere long to rejoice that a child is born into the world. O that it may be born again and made an heir of the Redeemer’s kingdom. This is all my desire. Honoured Sir, you see how freely I open myself unto you. I count it a great privilege that you allow me this liberty, and I earnestly pray our blessed Lord to reward you ten thousand fold. He has been pleased frequently to comfort and encourage my heart this circuit, and in the midst of all, lets me know he is my God. O that he may be my glory! O that I may be never left to dishonour him! Reverend Sir, for Jesus’s sake continue to pray for me, who, with grateful acknowledgments for all favours, beg leave to subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and fellow-labourer in the kingdom of Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXV.
To the Countess D——.
Ashby, Oct. 11, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
IT would give me concern, was I to return to London, though from ever so short an excursion, without letting your Ladyship know that you are always remembered by me at the throne of grace. Upon such a throne the Redeemer sits, holding out his golden sceptre, and asking us, “What is your petition? And what is your request?” My request for your Ladyship is, that you may increase with all the increase of God. This I trust your Ladyship is daily doing, and consequently increasing in inward happiness, peace and joy. The riches of the divine life are indeed unsearchable. May your Ladyship dig for them as for hid treasure, till faith be turned into vision, and hope into the endless fruition of the ever blessed God! That time will shortly come. I have been labouring at Birmingham, in Gloucestershire, at Nottingham, &c. to awaken a sleepy world to a sense of it, and I trust not without success. On last Thursday I came here, and next Monday, God willing, shall set out for London. Good Lady H—— goes on acting the part of a mother in Israel, more and more. For a day or two she has had five clergymen under her roof, which makes her Ladyship look like a good Archbishop with his Chaplains around him. Her house is indeed a Bethel. To us in the ministry, it looks like a college. We have the Sacrament every morning, heavenly conversation all day, and preach at night. This is to live at Court, indeed. Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a little flock that seemed to be awakened by the grace of God; so that even out of ungrateful Ashby, I trust there will be raised up many children unto Abraham. Your Ladyship, and the other elect Ladies, are never forgotten by us. I would write to good Lady F——, but I hear she is out of town. That the choicest of divine blessings, even the sure mercies of David, may follow you both all the days of your lives, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLXVI.
To Lady ♦H——n.
Ashby, Oct. 11, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
IT is with great pleasure that I have heard of your Ladyship’s being so supported under your late bereavement, and of the good impressions made on surviving relations by it. Thus the Redeemer delights to magnify his strength in his people’s weakness, and causes the death of one, to be the life, as it were, the resurrection of another. O what amazing mysteries will be unfolded, when each link in the golden chain of Providence and Grace, shall be seen and scanned by beatified spirits in the kingdom of heaven! There all will appear symmetry and harmony, and even the most intricate and seemingly most contrary dispensations, will be evidenced to be the result of infinite and consummate wisdom, power, and love. Above all, there the believer will see the infinite depths of that mystery of godliness, “God manifested in the flesh,” and join with that blessed choir, who with a restless unweariedness are ever singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. There your Ladyship I believe will see your departed daughter, not struggling with a burning fever, but burning with love extatic, and with seraphic sweetness adoring that Redeemer, who at the eleventh hour, even on a dying bed, snatched her as a brand out of the fire. But what am I doing? I fear, making your Ladyship’s wounds to bleed afresh.—But, honoured Madam, is it not a pleasant bleeding, to think of bearing children for heaven! To see those nearest and dearest parts of ourselves go before us thither—O what a favour is this! May your Ladyship be always thus highly favoured: may you live to see all your surviving children taught and born of God. I must not enlarge. Neither have I room to acquaint your Ladyship, how that mirror of piety, good Lady H——, adorns the gospel of her Lord in all things. I wrote some particulars of our situation to the good Countess. I can now only add, that when I come to town, your Ladyship may at any time command, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.