LETTER DCCCXCVIII.
To Lady H——n.
Belfast, July 7, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
LAST Monday about noon I left Dublin, but with what concern in respect to many poor weeping souls, cannot well be exprest. On Wednesday evening I came hither, and intended to embark immediately for Scotland, but the people by their importunity prevailed on me to stay. In about an hour’s time, thousands were gathered to hear the word. I preached morning and evening, and since that have preached at Lisburn, Lurgun, the Maize, and Lambag, towns and places adjacent. So many attend, and the prospect of doing good is so promising, that I am grieved I came to the north no sooner. The country round about is like Yorkshire in England, and quite different from the most southern parts of Ireland. I am now waiting for a passage to Scotland, which I hope to get either to-morrow or on Tuesday. From thence your Ladyship shall hear from me again; in the mean while, having preached to many thousands again this morning, I must content myself with praying, that the best of blessings may descend on your Ladyship, and subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXCIX.
To the Reverend Mr. Z——.
Glasgow, July 12, 1751.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
AT length, a good and gracious God hath brought me out of Ireland, where to the very last, the people heard the gospel gladly. In the northern parts, multitudes attended, and was I not bound for America, I would have stayed there much longer. People flock here as usual, and I am enabled to preach twice every day. In about ten days I purpose moving towards London in order to embark. How my wife is, I cannot tell, having not heard from her for some time; but I hope she will be resigned. This, this is the cry of my soul,—
Bind, Father, hand and foot thy son,
Nor leave thy work till all be done;
O never let me, Lord, go free,
Till all my heart’s resign’d to thee.
Then quickly to the altar lead,
And suffer me no more to plead;
No longer with the old Adam bear,
Lead on, dear Lord, consume him there.
Surely I shall be taken at my word. May Jesus support me in a trying hour! I still beg a continued interest in your prayers,—and hoping this will find you with a thriving soul in a healthy body, I subscribe my self, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, in the glorious Gospel,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCC.
To Lady H——.
Glasgow, July 12, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Think it long ere I send your Ladyship another letter.—My last was from Belfast, where I preached twice on yesterday sevennight, and immediately after took shipping and arrived the next evening at Erwin. On Wednesday morning, at the desire of the magistrates, I preached to a great congregation, and ever since have been preaching twice every day in this city. Thousands attend every morning and evening. They seem never to be weary, and I am more followed than ever. Though I preached near eighty times in Ireland, and God was pleased to bless his word, yet Scotland seems to be a new world to me. To see the people bring so many bibles, turn to every passage, when I am expounding, and hang as it were upon me to hear every word, is very encouraging. I feel uncommon freedom of heart here, and talking with the winter, as well as summer saints, feeds and delights my heart. My body is kept pretty healthy, and my voice greatly strengthened, so that I think God is preparing me for more work, or that some trial is at hand. This I suppose will find your Ladyship yet in the furnace, but Christ is in the midst of the bush, and in the fiery furnace too; he will quench the violence of the flames, or cause the fire of his love to burn higher. I could enlarge, but am straitened. Some ministers wait for me. Your Ladyship would be delighted with our morning and evening auditories. This day in the church we have had a blessed feast. To-morrow I take my leave, and then for Edinburgh. There I expect to stay near a fortnight. Glad shall I be to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. You have always my poor prayers, and my poor, but hearty thanks; being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCI.
To Mr. M——.
Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.
THROUGH the tender mercies of a never-failing Redeemer, I came here safe yesterday noon. In the evening, and this morning, I preached the everlasting gospel to thronged auditories, and met with a very kind reception from my friends. Lord make me humble, Lord Jesus make me truly thankful! As his interest seems to be concerned, and the King’s business requires haste, I take this first opportunity of writing about the Virginia affair. In that province, there has been for some years past, a great awakening, especially in Hanover county, and the ♦counties adjacent. As the ministers of the establishment did not favour the work, and the first awakened persons put themselves under the care of the New-York synod, the poor people were from time to time fined, and very much harrassed for not attending on the church service:—And as the awakening was supposed to be begun by the reading of my books, at the instigation of the council a proclamation was issued out to prohibit itinerant preaching. However, before I left Virginia, one Mr. D—— (an excellent young man) was licensed, and settled over a congregation. Since that, the awakening has increased, so that Mr. D—— writes, “that one congregation is multiplied to seven.” He desires liberty to license more houses, and to preach occasionally to all, as there is no minister but himself. This, though allowed of in England, is denied in Virginia, which grieves the people very much. The commissary is one of the council, and with the rest of his brethren, I believe no friend to the Dissenters. The late Lieutenant-Governor was like-minded.—I therefore think that Mr. D—— is raised up to succeed him, in order to befriend the church of God, and the interest of Christ’s people. They desire no other privileges than what dissenting protestants enjoy in our native country. This I am persuaded your brother-in-law will be glad to secure to them. I shall write to Mr. D—— to wait upon his Honour immediately after his arrival. I pray the God of the sea, and the God of the dry land, to send him a safe and speedy passage, and make him a long and great blessing to the inhabitants of Virginia. You may improve these hints as you please. I beg the prayers both of yourself and dear yoke-fellow, and assure you, that neither you nor yours are forgotten by, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCII.
To the Reverend Mr. Z——.
Edinburgh, July 29, 1751.
Honoured Sir,
SINCE I wrote to you from Glasgow, a never-failing Jesus hath vouchsafed to help me every day in preaching the everlasting gospel. The congregations morning and evening amount to many thousands. People flock more than ever, and are desirous of my longer stay, but I purpose moving next week. I thank you, honoured Sir, for paying my wife a visit. The inclosed letter I believe helped to make her sick; I have sent it with this: be pleased to keep it to yourself, and let me have the letter at my return. I little thought I was so much behind hand; but God will keep me dependent. “Having nothing, yet possessing all things,” must be my motto still. Honoured Sir, I hear that a ship is going to Georgia with more Saltzburghers. Are you concerned? Could I go myself in her? Or could I send two or three little passengers? Mr. D—— shall call for an answer to these last questions. I trust, honoured Sir, you are enabled to pray for me. I dread coming to London, and think it would be best to part at a distance.—But, Father, not my will, but thine be done! In heaven these trials will be over. Lord, hasten thy coming! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! With difficulty I get time to write this. But whether I write or not, you and your collegue are never forgotten by, honoured Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCIII.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, July 30, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I Think it a long time, since I last wrote to your Ladyship. Continual preaching twice a day, and paying and receiving visits, quite prevented my putting pen to paper, as I would have done. However, thanks be to God, matters go on in Scotland better and better. The parting at Glasgow was very sorrowful indeed. Numbers set out from the country, to hear the word, by three or four in the morning. Congregations increase greatly. I now preach twice daily to many thousands. Many of the best rank attend. My body is almost worn out, but in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. I purposed to move as to-morrow, but through the importunity of friends, have been prevailed upon to stay till next Monday. O that it may be for a further blessing! I have been to Musselburgh to see Captain G—— and his Lady.—They hold on.—Mr. W—— has been there, and intends setting up societies, which I think imprudent. I was glad to hear that your Ladyship was strong in body, and rejoicing in your soul. The joy of the Lord shall be your strength. Letters from Georgia inform me, that my family is well. My eyes wait upon Jesus, from whom alone comes all my salvation. He gives me hints, that he will provide. I sometimes wish your Ladyship here. Such composed, thronged, continued, attentive, judicious auditories perhaps were seldom seen. Your Ladyship is often remembered by Scotch friends, and never forgotten by, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCIV.
To Lady H——n.
Kendal, Aug. 10, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam,
AS a good and gracious God hath vouchsafed to bring me thus far on my way, I cannot help dropping your Ladyship a few lines. Preaching, bodily weakness, and a variety of business, prevented my writing again before I left Edinburgh. O Edinburgh! Edinburgh! Surely thou must never be forgotten by me! The longer I stayed, the more eagerly both rich and poor attended on the word preached. Perhaps for near twenty-eight days together in Glasgow and Edinburgh, I preached to near ten thousand souls every day. It would have melted your Ladyship’s heart to have seen us part. Ninety-four pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear of seven or eight students awakened about ten years ago, that are likely to turn out excellent preachers. Praise the Lord, O my soul.—Two of them came with me on the road, and parted with broken hearts. Lord and Lady L—— behaved very respectfully. To the Lord of all Lords be all the glory! I am now on my way to London, in order to embark for America. Thanks be to God, the seed sown in Kendal last year hath sprung up, and borne fruit. One woman hath been with me, that seems to have received God’s pardoning love. I leave it on Monday, and hope to be in town on Saturday. Glad should I be, to hear of your Ladyship’s welfare. I threw up much blood in Edinburgh, but riding recruits me. O that I may begin to work for Him, who bled and died for me! To his most tender mercies do I humbly recommend your Ladyship, and beg leave, from the very bottom of my heart, to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and chearful servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCV.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
London, Aug. 29, 1751.
My very dear Friend,
AT length the struggle is over;—I have been dying daily for some time, in taking leave of friends; and this afternoon I expect to go on board the Antelope, Captain Maclelan, bound for Georgia, with Germans.—I take several children with me.—Surely you will see the American land.—Mr. E——, with your other friends, seem to concur in thinking that a little travelling would do you service.—May the Lord direct and bless you! Will you not write to me by Cowan? If my dear friend Mr. P—— could speak to that brewer that is so well disposed, and he or any other would send in Cowan a little good beer, it would be acceptable in yonder wilderness.—Pray what says Mr. W——? If he should agree to go over, Mr. W—— R—— may be applied to for cash.—I have several sweet little ones to put under his care;—God’s will be done in this also! He reigneth, that is my unspeakable consolation.—By next ship I believe will come a parcel directed to Mr. T——, with a folio book, and an hundred pictures of Aaron the Indian preacher, from good Lady H——, who is yet but poorly.—Sixty may be disposed of among Edinburgh friends, and forty sent to Mr. M——. The book you are to peruse, and then it must go with the pictures to Glasgow.—Be pleased to apprize Mr. T—— of it, and desire him to send me a line by Cowan.—If possible, I will answer Mr. B—— before we leave the Downs. My tender love and thanks await your dear father, family, and all friends. The Lord be with you all, Amen and Amen! My horses sold for fourteen pounds. God reward my benefactors! Perhaps Mr. T—— and Dr. Doddridge may go off about the same time. I præ sequar. Mr. H—— is better. And now, my dear Sir, farewel! Be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCVI.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
On board the Antelope, Sept. 2, 1751.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
THOUGH I could not, through hurry of business, write to you on shore, yet I would fain send you a few lines from on board. We are now near the Downs, and, I trust, shall sail comfortably on.—The Captain is civil; and the cabin passengers seem to be very agreeable company. Parting seasons of late have been to me dying seasons.—Surely they have broken my very heart: but it is for Jesus, and therefore all is well. Remember, my dear, dear Sir, a floating pilgrim.—If possible, send me a line.—Young Mr. T——r knows how to direct. I shall rejoice to hear of your prosperity. Before my embarkation, I ordered forty of Aaron’s pictures, and the folio book concerning the Moravians, to be sent to Mr. M——. They will be committed to the care of Mr. T——, in Edinburgh. And now, my dear Mr. G——, farewel, farewel! The Lord be with you and Mr. M——, Mr. N——, Mr. S——, and all my dear, very dear Glasgow friends. I salute you all much in the Lord, and beg the continuance of your most earnest prayers in behalf of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCVII.
On board the Antelope, Oct. 6, 1751.
Dear Sir,
I Have been just writing to one, to whom I know you will gladly convey the inclosed. I must now send you a few lines: may the Redeemer attend them with his blessing! At the great day, you shall know how often you have been remembered by me at the throne of grace, this voyage. Blessed be God, hitherto it has been a short and easy one! We are now within a few hundred miles of shore; and He that hath hitherto helped, I trust will help us even to the end. O that the blessings bestowed upon us, may, through the thanksgiving of many, redound to thy glory, O God! O that I could do something to promote this! As yet alas! alas! how little have I done! Stir up then, my sluggish soul, and begin to exert thyself for Him, who hath shed his dear and precious heart’s blood for thee! O my dear Sir, is it not strange that we should forget this love? Strange, that a little silver dust, should blind our eyes, and divert us from beholding Him, who indeed is altogether lovely! A word to the wise is enough. Our Lord hath dealt wonderously kind with each of us, with us, and with ours. What shall we render unto him? My obligations are much increased by the mercies of this voyage. Your kind present was very useful. I pray the Lord of all lords to reward you ten thousand-fold. You will remember me to your dear partner, and all enquiring friends. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied on you all, is the earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCVIII.
To Mr. J—— T——.
Bethesda, in Georgia, Nov. 20, 1751.
My dear Mr. T——,
ERE this can reach you, I suppose you will have heard of our safe arrival in Georgia; for which, I trust, you and my other dear friends will be thankful in our behalf. Blessed be God, I found the Orphan-house in as good a situation as could be expected. The children have much improved in their learning; and I hope a foundation is now laid for a future useful seminary. I want to know what answer Mr. W——’s hath given. I expect letters by C——, when I go to Charles-town next month. I was there about ten days ago, and had some close talk with Mr. L——, and several of Mr. S——’s congregation, concerning you. All seemed to be unanimous, in giving you a call. I need only observe, that if God should direct your course to them, you will find a generous, loving people, who will study to make your labours profitable and delightful to you. I doubt not but in the congregation there are many dear children of God. And as there will be such an harmony between you and Mr. L——, I hope you will be an happy instrument of promoting peace between all parties, and adding such to the church as shall be finally saved. Very near you, are several pious ministers of other denominations, who will be glad to keep up a christian correspondence with you, and strengthen your hands in the work of the Lord. As far as I can judge of your disposition, and all other concurring circumstances, your situation will be very agreeable to others, and to yourself. However, a trial can do no hurt to either side. A voyage to sea, and the seeing and conversing with many of God’s people and ministers on this side the water, will make it worth your while to leave your native country. Travelling improved, will enlarge your ideas, and promote your future usefulness. May the glorious Emmanuel direct your goings in his way! If it should appear to be the divine will that you should come over to Charles-Town, I am persuaded, the good old man your father will chearfully let his Benjamin go; and he will find his blessed Master to be better to him than seven sons. Pray salute him and all dear friends in the kindest manner. I would write to many, but as yet have not time. Brethren, pray for us. My very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCIX.
To Mr. K——.
Charles-Town, Dec. 26, 1751.
My dear Mr. K——,
MAY this find you getting out of your eclipse, and determining, through the strength of Christ, that the earth shall never get in between your soul and the Son of Righteousness any more! What mercies, signal mercies hath the Lord Jesus conferred on you and me! What shall we render unto the Lord? Shall we not give him our whole hearts? O let us not follow afar off. Let his love constrain us to an holy, universal, chearful obedience to all his commands. You have a wife that will provoke you to love, and to good works. Make much of her; and present her, and your mother, and all her children, with my most cordial salutations. I do not forget them, or you, or dear Mr. R——. For Christ’s sake forget not unworthy me. I am now returning to the Orphan-house, which I trust will be like the burning bush indeed. My poor labours are accepted here; and in the Spring I purpose going to the Bermudas. Jesus is very good to me. Help me to praise him; and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCX.
To Mr. William L——.
Bethesda, Jan. 25, 1752.
Very dear Sir,
MAN appoints, but God disappoints. Though we missed seeing each other on earth, yet if Jesus Christ be our life, we shall meet never to part again in the kingdom of Heaven. Your kind letter found me employed for the fatherless, in this wilderness, and am almost ready to enter upon my Spring campaign. The news from Ireland, does not at all surprize me. Weak minds soon grow giddy with power; and then they become pests, instead of helps to the church of God. You have done well, dear Sir, not to desist from doing good, on account of some rubs you meet with in the way. Benefacere et male pati, vere christianum est. Go on, therefore, to lay up treasures in heaven; and let the world see, that you have been with Jesus, by imitating him in going about doing good. I intend, by his assistance, now to begin; for as yet alas! I have done nothing. Continue to pray for me; and be pleased to assure our Irish friends, that they are not forgotten by me. Who knows but I may see them once more on this side eternity? As soon as possible, some of them shall hear from me. Thanks be to God, the Orphan-house flourishes. That the work of Christ may flourish amongst all persons of all denominations, and that you and yours may be always abounding in the work of the Lord, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXI.
To the Rev. Mr. H——.
Charles-Town, Feb. 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
I Long to write to, and inform you, that I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and earnestly pray, that you may go on from strength to strength, and increase with all the increase of God. This leaves unworthy me, endeavouring to do something for Him on this side the water. Glory be to his great name, he causes his work to prosper in my worthless hands. The Orphan-house is in a flourishing way, and I hope will yet become a useful seminary. My poor labours in this place meet with acceptance; and after one more trip to Georgia, I purpose setting out upon my Spring campaign. Follow me with your prayers; and who knows but we may meet once more on this side heaven. Our dear Mr. H—— I find is to be detained longer from thence. I think he will live to bury many stronger men. I wish Lisbon may be blessed to Dr. D——; and O how do I wish that dear Dr. S—— was fully employed in preaching the everlasting gospel! Pray salute him tenderly in my name, and beg him to renounce the world for Christ. I hope you both write to, and see our good Lady H——n frequently. I was rejoiced to hear, from my dear yoke-fellow, that her Ladyship was bravely: this was joy indeed. May she long live to be a blessing! That is all in all. O that I may begin to be in earnest! It is a new year; God quicken my tardy pace, and help me to do much work in a little time! This is my highest ambition. The Lord Jesus fill me with this ambition more and more! For the present, adieu. Accept this as a token of your not being forgotten by, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXII.
To Mr. S—— C——.
Charles-Town, Feb. 5, 1752.
AS I love you most tenderly in the bowels of Jesus Christ, you may easily guess, what great pleasure both your kind letters gave me. They came attended with a great blessing, and knit my heart, if possible, nearer to you than ever. Part of the first, indeed, I mean that which respected the Tabernacle-house, gave me uneasiness; but your last removed it, and made me thankful to our common Redeemer, who in spite of all opposition, I find will cause his word to run and be glorified. Poor Mr. W—— is striving against the stream; strong assertions will not go for proofs, with those who are acquainted with the divine life, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit even to the day of redemption. They know, that their stock is now put into safe hands; that the covenant of grace is not built upon the faithfulness of a poor fallible, changeable creature, but upon the never-failing faithfulness of an unchangeable God. This is the foundation whereon I build. “Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief! Having once loved me, thou wilt love me to the end; thou wilt keep that safe, which I have committed unto thee: establish thy people more and more in this glorious truth; and grant that it may have this blessed effect upon us all, that we may love thee more, and serve thee better!” All truths, unless productive of holiness and love, are of no avail. They may float upon the surface of the understanding; but this is to no purpose, unless they transform the heart. This, I trust, the dear Tabernacle preachers and people will always have deeply impressed upon their minds. Let us not dispute, but love. Truth is great, and will prevail. I am quite willing that all our hearers shall hear for themselves. The Spirit of Christ is a Spirit of liberty. You remember what I have often told you about Calvin. He was turned out of Geneva for several years; but in less than twelve years time they wished for their Calvin again. But what is Calvin, or what is Luther? Let us look above names and parties; let Jesus, the ever-loving, the ever-lovely Jesus, be our all in all.—So that he be preached, and his divine image stamped more and more upon people’s souls, I care not who is uppermost. I know my place, (Lord Jesus enable me to keep it!) even to be the servant of all. I want not to have a people called after my name, and therefore I act as I do. The cause is Christ’s, and he will take care of it. I rejoice that you go on so well at the Tabernacle. May the shout of a king be always in the midst of you, and the glory of God be your reward. I am apt to believe you will pray me over. But future things belong to him, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve. After one more trip to the Orphan-house, I purpose going to the Northward, where I expect more letters by Captain Grant. Thanks be to God, all is well at Bethesda. A most excellent tract of land is granted to me very near the house, which in a few years I hope will make a sufficient provision for it. Pray give my tenderest and most hearty love to all your dear family, and all the Tabernacle people, and all enquiring friends. Entreat them, I pray you, to be mindful of a poor pilgrim, who night and day is never unmindful of you or them. Doctor Doddridge I find is gone; Lord Jesus prepare me to follow after!—With real and great affection, I subscribe myself, very dear Jemmy,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXIII.
To Mr. J—— H——.
London, May 26, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
HEARING that Mr. N—— is to go shortly from Leith, I cannot help sending you a few lines. They leave me at London, where, through the divine goodness, I am safely arrived, after a passage of near five weeks on board the Henry. People have received me with great affection; and I never saw the work of God go on in a more promising way. Thousands and thousands hear the gospel gladly. Lord, what am I? Not unto me, not unto me, but unto thy free grace and unmerited mercy be all the glory! I wish I could send you good news about your minister. But alas! I now almost despair of procuring one. I waited upon Dr. G—— immediately after my arrival;—he gave me no hopes. The person that was fixed upon, declined it. Several of the large congregations in London, besides many more in the country, are without pastors: they are obliged to make use of our preachers. O that the Lord of the harvest may thrust out more labourers into his harvest! Who can tell but some ministers may be raised up at Bethesda? At Midsummer the King takes Georgia into his own hands: blessed be God for sending me over at such a juncture. He hath given me already good success concerning Mr. B——’s scheme. I am come to a determination, if I can dispose of Providence plantation, to carry all my strength to the Orphan-house. May the Lord Jesus prosper more and more this work of our hands upon us! Prosper thou, O God, this handy work! I trust he will. I could enlarge, but have not time. You may expect to hear from me again by Dr. B——, whom I expect to see next week. Your Rapin is bought, and shall be sent with the other; I thank you for the loan of it, and for all other favours. The God whom I serve, will richly reward both you, and all my other dear Charles-Town friends. My very dear Sir, cease not to pray for
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXIV.
To Mr. T——.
London, June 4, 1752.
My dear Mr. T——,
I Doubt not of your being directed in your late choice. If we acknowledge God in all our ways, he hath promised to direct our paths. I pity poor Carolina. But what shall we say? Jesus may do what he will with his own. I must look out for a tutor for my orphans. When our Lord’s time is come, some one or other will be stirred up to care for these sheep in yonder wilderness. Blessed be God, it begins to smile. You will see by the inclosed, what a prospect I have of providing for Bethesda’s future support. The letter was sent me by Mr. J—— B——, a worthy christian planter, who is lately come from Carolina to settle in Georgia. He was awakened at the Orphan-house about ten years ago. At Midsummer, Georgia is to be taken into the Government’s hands. It will then be put on the same footing with the other provinces; and in all probability will be a flourishing province. I am come in the very best time. O what a blessed thing is it to follow Jesus blindfold! He hath enabled me once more to take the field. The fields seem as white as ever; and I never saw the Tabernacle so well attended. If God should so direct me, would the middle of August not be too late to come to Edinburgh? I cannot well come before. Does Mr. R—— go directly for Charles-Town? How will he be paid for the Ossnaburghs he was so kind as to send over? I would fain send a few letters by him. My hearty love to him and his. Ten thousand thanks to you, for caring so friendly for my dear wife in my absence.—The Lord Jesus will care for you and my other kind friends. She is pretty well, and joins in sending cordial respects and thanks.—My young man returns his. Letters from those you mention, will be very acceptable. I hope to write to several shortly. I must now away; but not before I have wished Mr. Gillespie joy. The Pope I find has turned Presbyterian. O this power, when got into wrong hands, what mischief does it occasion! “The Lord reigns:”—that is enough for us. Adieu. My love to your honoured father, and all dear friends. Accept the same in the tenderest manner from, my dear Timothy,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXV.
To Mr. H——.
London, June 9, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
I Have received and read your manuscripts; but for me to play the critic on them, would be like holding up a candle to the sun. However, before I leave town, I will just mark a few places as you desire, and then send the manuscripts to your brother. I foretell their fate: nothing but your scenery can screen you. Self will never bear to die, though slain in so genteel a manner, without shewing some resentment against its artful murderer. I am glad you have written to South-Audley-street. You are resolved not to die in my debt. I think to call your intended purchase Weston, and shall take care to remind him by whose means he was brought under the everlasting gospel. O that Doctor S—— may be brought out to preach it! If you do not take the other living yourself, I think your giving it to the Doctor is a glorious scheme. I lay at your brother’s house last week: your sister seemed to love to talk of Jesus Christ and her own heart. She got up early, and came after me and my wife to Madam T——’s. You know how to improve this hint at a proper season. Your brother hath been so kind as to let me have the little mare again. My Master walked, I ride to preach the glorious gospel. Whether riding or walking, Lord Jesus, let my whole heart be taken up with thee! Adieu, my dearest Sir, adieu. Cease not to pray for,
Ever yours whilst
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXVI.
To Dr. S——.
London, June 9, 1752.
My dear Doctor,
GLAD shall I be to hear that you are a poor despised preacher of the everlasting gospel. I long to direct to the Reverend Mr. S——. I believe if you once was gone so far that you could not retreat, you would do very well. If Mr. H—— does not take the two livings, I think your scheme is glorious. May the Lord thrust you out some way or another! I am sure the harvest is great: people seem more eager than ever to hear the word. May I die preaching! Next Thursday se’nnight I leave London, and purpose to take a long circuit. I should be glad to see you in the mean while. O that the love of Christ may burn all the love of the world out of your heart! Adieu. Never fear the Bishop: let your eye be only on the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls! He will make your way plain. I must away. Business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.