LETTER DCCCCXVII.
To Lady H——.
London, June 12, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THIS day about noon I received your Ladyship’s wished-for letter, which brought me the welcome news of your Ladyship’s safe arrival at Bath. May the waters be abundantly blessed to the restoring of your bodily health, and may the comforts of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, fill and refresh your soul! Your Ladyship judges right of dear Mr. Z——: he is a blessed man, a father in Christ indeed! I hope to see both him and your Ladyship, about the twenty-fourth of this month. Next week, God willing, I shall go to Portsmouth, from thence to Bath, then to the West, then to Wales, and from thence, may be, to Scotland and Ireland. O that I could fly from pole to pole publishing the everlasting gospel! Every day we hear of fresh conquests gained. Grace! Grace! Yesterday I had several pleasing particulars told me about Georgia. The having my work so divided, is a great trial to me; but what is undertaken for God, ought to be carried on for him. He can and will do wonders for those who put their trust in him. O for faith, precious faith! It is all in all. Old times seem to be coming about here. My body is much enfeebled, but the joy of the Lord is my strength. Hoping shortly to see your Ladyship prospering both in soul and body, and begging a continual interest in your Ladyship’s prayers, I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXVIII.
To Mr. I——.
London, June 16, 1752.
Dear Mr. I——,
YOUR last letter brought strange things to my ears, and put me upon considering how to act. You know, my dear friend, that I hate to head a party, and that it is absolutely inconsistent with my other business, to take upon me the care of societies in various parts. I therefore cannot promise to come to Ireland for that purpose, neither do I ever intend to engage in building any houses. My intention is to come your way, but whether it will be this summer or not I cannot tell. Mr. A—— was very desirous of seeing you and his sister, and goes through Wales to Ireland. As you seem to have taken Skinner’s Alley, I suppose he may preach there, and if a larger place could be procured, I doubt not of its being filled. The Lord direct you how to act, so as most to promote his glory, and the good of souls.—I hope you will all, if possible, avoid the very appearance of a party spirit, and evidence to the world, that the principles we hold are indeed of God, by their moulding us more and more into the divine image. This is indeed all in all. I hope the people here are in a growing way. Glory be to God, we have happy days. What shall we render unto the Lord? All he requires, is our poor hearts. May he have them without reserve! My hearty love to your wife, Mr. C—— and his wife, and all that love Christ Jesus in sincerity. If I am prayed over, come I must. The Lord be with you. I am so wearied by preaching, &c. that I can scarce subscribe myself, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXIX.
To Mr. L——.
Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.
Dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter I received immediately after my last return to Scotland, but I was so exceedingly busied in preparing for my voyage to America, that I had not time to answer it. Being once more unexpectedly brought back to my native country, I send my sincere, though late acknowledgments, and hope this will find you and yours, fighting the good fight of Faith, and resolved never to desist, till you have laid hold on eternal life. Let not what has happened, draw off your mind from the Captain of your salvation. He is altogether lovely, and worthy of your highest regard. But alas! All his servants, even the best of them, are but weak fallible men at the best. Happy they, who by seeing the imperfections of the creature, are led to adhere more closely to the all-sufficient and most adorable Creator. If you and yours are taught this lesson by past occurrences, you will have no reason to complain, but on the contrary will be excited to praise him, who causes, that out of the eater there shall come forth meat, and out of the strong shall come forth sweetness. Be pleased to accept this in love. I send my most cordial respects to your whole self and family, and beg their and your prayers in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXX.
To Mr. T——.
Portsmouth, June 19, 1752.
My dear Friend,
I Thank you for your very kind letter, and thank the Lord of all Lords for honouring dear Mr. G——. Now he will do more good in a week, than before in a year. Where the carcase is, there the eagles will be gathered together. Last Monday we sung for him the following lines;
Give him thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar;
Thy faithful witness shall he be,
’Tis fixed—he can do all through Thee.
How blind is Satan! What does he get by casting out Christ’s servants? I expect that some great good will come out of these confusions. We wait for thy salvation, O Lord! I hope your soul prospers. I long to see you, and my other Scotch friends, but question whether I can come this summer. The Lord direct me to act as shall be most conducive to his glory and the good of souls! We have had blessed seasons in London; there I must be again in about a fortnight. On next Tuesday the Trustees give up Georgia to the King; the King of Kings has appeared for Bethesda. I cannot think of seeing it again, till next year. In the mean while you must pray that I may be busy for Christ. And in so doing you will strengthen the hands of, my dear, dear friend,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXI.
To Mr. N——.
Bristol, July 13, 1752.
Very dear Sir,
I Am quite sorry to hear that you are so much indisposed. But what shall we say? The Lord Jesus orders all things well. He knows of what we are made; he remembers that we are but dust. As our day is, so shall our strength be. I see more and more, that, like our great Exemplar, we must be made perfect through sufferings. Ere long, the time of reigning will come, and one sight of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, will make amends for all. O glorious prospect! Well might the apostle say, “that the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” O gloriam quantam et qualem! Courage then, my dear Sir; he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. I dare not give vent; business obliges me to be short. Here, as well as at London, the fields are white, ready unto harvest. This week I pass over to Wales. I am a poor, but happy pilgrim. Thanks be to free grace for it. My dutiful respects await good Lady Jane, and the young Ladies. Be pleased to accept the same from, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXII.
To Mr. S——.
Cardiff, July 17, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
WHEREVER I am, you and yours, you and your kindnesses, are always upon my heart. I think of them at my down-sitting and mine up-rising, and to refresh myself, must express my gratitude. Indeed I thank you both ten thousand times, and as a poor tribute, I send you word that the Lord of all Lords is pleased to smile upon, and bless my feeble labours. I was at Bristol four days, and preached nine times. To my great surprize, thousands (very near as many as attended at Moorfields) came out every evening to hear the word. A blessed influence attended it; and I have reason to believe much good was done. Old times seemed to be revived again. Praise the Lord, O my soul! The last evening it rained a little, but few moved. I was wet, and contracted a cold and hoarseness; but I trust, that preaching will cure me again. This is my grand Catholicon. O that I may drop and die in my blessed master’s work!
For this let men revile my name,
I’ll shun no cross, I’ll fear no shame;
All hail reproach, and welcome pain;
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.
I am now entering upon Wales. What success my Master gives me, you may hear some time hence. I beg your prayers, that I may be kept from robbing God of his glory, or of any more of my precious time. What said my dear Mr. S—— when I saw him last? What!—“You the biggest robber? No, no,—I am the man.” But thanks be to God, as you observed, “our judge is our advocate.” I thank you for the hint. The Lord give me to improve it! Farewell! I must soon away, to preach about eight miles off. We have had a comfortable meeting this morning. My tender love to dear Mrs. S—— and your little daughter; accept the same in the most endearing manner from me, who in the strongest terms that words can express, am, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXIII.
To Lady H——.
Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
AS this is the first day of rest from journeying, since my coming into Wales, and also the extent of my Welch circuit, I must not omit sending your Ladyship a few lines. They inform your Ladyship of the continued goodness of my blessed master, to the most unworthy servant he ever sent forth. As my day, so hath my strength been. Abundance of souls, especially in Pembrokeshire, have attended; and I hope that seed hath been sown, which will spring up to eternal life. On Monday next, I shall begin to return back, and some time this day sevennight hope to wait upon your Ladyship at Clifton. On the following day, I propose to preach at Bristol, and the next day shall set out for Gloucestershire, to keep an association there. The Lord help me to hold on and hold out unto the end! I dread the thoughts of flagging in the latter stages of my road. Jesus is able to keep me from being either weary or faint in my mind. In him, and in him alone is all my strength found. I hope your Ladyship finds both your bodily and spiritual strength repaired day by day. That you may mount on wings like an eagle, walk and not be weary, hold on and not be faint, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ever ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXIV.
To Mr. R—— W——.
Haverford-west, July 25, 1752.
Dear Sir,
I Love and honour you too much, to have let yours lie so long unanswered, had not travelling and preaching prevented me. This is the only quiet day that I have had for a long season. At London, the work seemed to be as it were but just beginning. At Bristol we had blessed seasons indeed, and in Wales the fields are white, ready unto harvest. Had I not been pre-engaged in these parts, I should certainly have come, and mounted my despised throne. I love state too well, especially in Scotland, not to take it upon me as often as possible. I think sometimes, that it is almost a pity one cannot have more bodies and more souls. They should all run about, and be employed for Jesus. What an honour to be employed in doing or suffering for him? Happy Mr. G——; I fancy he must preach quite well now. I dare say, you had no hand in casting him out; God forgive those that had. In heaven there will be none of this stuff. Thanks be to God, the church is militant only here below. The Lord help us to fight the good fight of Faith, till we lay hold on life eternal! Dear Mr. H—— hath taken up his weapons again; he is now Rector of a parish, and preaches twice every Lord’s day. I thank you and yours, for your kind invitation of us to your pleasant villa; had I wings I could fly thither to talk of Jesus, and sing an hymn, but the cloud seems to move westward, and I fear my visit to beloved Scotland must be deferred till next spring. May the Lord enable me to fill up every hour, every moment with duty! I believe dear Mr. R—— had a narrow escape the other day: if with you, pray remember me to him and his, in the kindest manner. I most heartily salute all enquiring friends, beseeching you all, for Jesus Christ’s sake, never to cease praying for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXV.
To Mr. S——.
Bristol, August 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE I wrote my last, I have been off my horse but one day. The glorious Emmanuel hath carried me through the Welch circuit in peace and comfort. In the fortnight past, from my leaving this place, I preached twenty times, and have travelled above three hundred miles. Congregations were very large. Last Lord’s day was a high day indeed; the number of hearers at seven in the morning, as well as in the evening, at Haverford-west, was almost incredible. The Lord was in the midst of them. My body was weak in speaking to them, but Jesus hath strengthened me again. O that I was humble and thankful! In my way hither, we held an association; there were present about nine clergy, and near forty other labourers. I trust all are born of God, and desirous to promote his glory, and his people’s good. All was harmony and love. Yesterday I came here. It is fair time, and to-morrow, God willing, I purpose to expose the gospel wine and milk to sale. This I have been doing this morning. O that the hearers may be made to come down to the price, and willing to be saved by grace:—God knows I have nothing else to depend upon.
Grace!—it’s a sweet, a charming theme,
My soul exults at Jesu’s name;
Of him, who did salvation bring,
I could for ever speak and sing.
But how poorly do I speak of and for him? God be merciful to me a sinner! He does show he will have mercy, and therefore it is that I am not consumed.
If all the world his goodness knew,
They must adore and love him too.
Blessed be God for manifesting himself to us, as he doth not unto the world! You will join in crying Grace! Grace! Grace! Love bids me to enlarge, though business obliges me to be brief. In about ten days I hope to be in London. In the mean while, pray accept these poor lines as a token of love unfeigned, and of grateful respect, from, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXVI.
To Mr. F——.
London, Aug. 17, 1752.
Dear Mr. F——,
INCLOSED you have a letter for Mr. R——. I hope that promotion will do him no hurt. May God help him to make a stand against vice and prophaneness, and to exert his utmost efforts in promoting true religion and virtue! This is the whole of man. I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world. As you have made a pretty considerable progress in the mysteries of electricity, I would now humbly recommend to your diligent unprejudiced pursuit and study the mystery of the new-birth. It is a most important, interesting study, and when mastered, will richly answer and repay you for all your pains. One at whose bar we are shortly to appear, hath solemnly declared, that without it, “we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” You will excuse this freedom. I must have aliquid Christi in all my letters. I am yet a willing pilgrim for his great name sake, and I trust a blessing attends my poor feeble labours. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory. My respects await your whole self, and all enquiring friends, and hoping to see you yet once more in this land of the dying, I subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your very affectionate friend, and obliged servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXVII.
To Mr. S——.
Chester in the street, near Newcastle, Aug. 28, 1752.
My very dear Mr. S——,
THUS far hath a good and gracious God brought a poor and worthless pilgrim on his way towards Edinburgh. Last Lord’s day I preached twice at Lutterworth, the famous John Wicliffe’s parish, and have since received a letter giving me an account of the Redeemer’s blessing my poor labours. On the Monday, I began in the name of the almighty husbandman, to plow up some fallow ground at Leicester; several thousands attended, and some endeavoured to disturb us, but the opposition was nothing like what I expected. In the evening all was hushed, and I trust our Lord left a blessing behind us. In my way to Lutterworth, my heart was encouraged by the coming of a young man, who had been awakened under my preaching about four years ago at Oulney. He was before that time a bitter scoffer, but hath now been a student for a year and a half under Doctor Doddridge, and I believe will be admitted into the London academy. You may know more of him hereafter. Is not this as much as to say, “Go forwards.—In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with-hold not thy hand, since though knowest not which may prosper, this or that.” Yes, my blessed Jesus, through thy grace strengthening me, I will continue to go out into the highways and hedges; only vouchsafe to uphold me with thy right hand, and keep me from flagging in the latter stages of my road. I know you will say, Amen and Amen. This will increase my obligations, which are already more than I can express. God will reward both you and yours for them, a thousand fold. Accept repeated thanks for repeated favours, and depend on hearing as often as possible, how the ever-lovely, ever-loving Jesus is pleased to deal with, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXVIII.
To Mr. B——.
Newcastle, Aug. 30, 1752.
My dear Mr. B——,
YOUR last kind letter came to hand, only a few days before I left London. Business prevented my answering it then: accept a few lines from hence. They leave me on my way to Scotland. Thither the cloud seemed to move, and I purpose to call on you, God willing, in my return to London. Could you meet me at Leeds? I have thoughts of coming that way back. I have written to Mr. S——, and as I expect to see him, you need say nothing about the books. I wrote also to Mr. G——. A short interview will settle every thing. Do not let my friend be so solicitously anxious about persons or things. “The Lord reigneth,” was the answer that Luther sent to over-careful Melancthon. Never fear.—Our Lord knows how to over-rule all for good. So that his work goes on, let you and I be content to be forgotten, nay to be trodden under foot, and slighted by our own spiritual children and friends. This is bitter, but wholsome physic. The all-wise physician I trust will make us drink it, till every evil, fretful, and uneasy temper be purged out of us. Let us then, my dear man, chearfully take the cup out of his blessed hands, and leave all to Him. A word to the wise is enough. I must not enlarge. How goes on brother W——b? I hope he does not preach in a controversial way; I suppose I shall see him in the North. My stay in Scotland will be about a month. You may direct for me at Edinburgh. I hope that a door is opened at Leicester and Lutterworth for field-preaching. We have had glorious seasons in Gloucestershire and London. O for a good gate in the North! It is harvest time.—All hands to work. My love to Mrs. B—— and all that love Christ, whether they think in all things as I do or not. I send Mr. ——ly my cordial respects, and beg you to accept the same from, my dear Mr. B——,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXIX.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship, I left London, and in my way to Scotland I preached twice at Lutterworth.—The auditories were very numerous, and very quiet; but at Leicester some turnips were thrown at me during the first sermon; at the second all was hushed, and I hear since that good was done. Some of Ashby society came thither to hear me. At Aberford I called on Lady Margaret, who behaved very friendly, and enquired much after your Ladyship’s welfare. At Newcastle I was, as it were, arrested to stay. ♦I preached four times, and indeed a whole shower of divine blessings descended from heaven on the great congregations. I came hither last Wednesday was sevennight, and have preached twice a day in the open air, to very large and polite auditories. Abundance of the better sort constantly attend. Next Tuesday I thought to move, but they have prevailed upon me to stay a little longer. I hope the great God will give me a useful journey back again to London. I design keeping from thence as long as I can, before I go into my Winter quarters. Alas, how little is to be done even in the Summer season! One had need work whilst it is day; the night comes on a pace, when no man can work. I need not tell your Ladyship of this, who are always employed for your God. O that the rich and great would learn to copy after your example! Surely all your Ladyship’s efforts will not be lost upon them! My heart’s desire and continual prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may be long continued, and find your rod budding and blossoming more and more every day. Hoping to send your Ladyship more good news in my next, and commending my poor unworthy self to your Ladyship’s prayers, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXX.
To Mr. S——.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
My very dear friend,
AS you are no day out of my thoughts, so you must needs think it hath seemed a long time since I wrote to you last. But what has hindered me? Not want of love, but opportunity. For this fortnight last past, I have been preaching twice every day at Edinburgh, where a great multitude, as well of polite as common sort of people, attended continually. I wondered they were not wearied, but the more they heard, the more they seemed desirous of hearing. Many young ministers and students were close attendants, and I trust through grace good has been done. I expected to have left Scotland as last Tuesday, but through the importunity of friends have been prevailed on to come to Glasgow, and shall not return for England till Tuesday sevennight. Then I hope to begin to preach my way up to London. In this blessed delightful work, I hope to live and die; I think it is worth dying for. The Lord make me sensible of the honour put upon me, and lay me lower at his feet every day, every hour, and every moment! I have here a flaming minister that is my friend, and I hear sweet work is going on in the highlands. Praise the Lord, O our souls! Inclosed you have a letter from the young student mentioned in my last. I think it is a pity that such a youth, when pious students are so much wanting, should go back to business for want of a little help. I doubt not but the Lord will provide for him some way or other. He generally brings those low, whom he intends to exalt, and make use of. I have glad tidings from Newcastle and Leicester. Methinks every thing concurs to bid me go out into the highways and hedges.
Lord, at thy command I’ll go,
And unto sinners gladly tell,
That they a risen Christ may know,
That they the love of Christ may feel.
This is a heaven upon earth. Of this, I pray the God of love to give you and yours a double portion. I know you pray for me. I send you and your dear yoke-fellow ten thousand thanks, and am, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXI.
To Madam C——.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
Dear Madam,
IT is no small pleasure to me, that providence hath once more opened a way for a further correspondence with one, who for many years hath been my friend, and strengthened my hands in the work of our common Lord and master Jesus Christ. He will richly reward you for it in the great day of accounts; though I am persuaded you think the work itself, its own reward. Indeed it is. Blessed be God, I find Christ’s service to be perfect freedom. He hath vouchsafed to encourage and comfort me in Scotland. At Edinburgh great multitudes, among whom were abundance of the better sort, attended twice every day. After a short continuance here, I am to return to Edinburgh, and next Tuesday sevennight purpose to set out for England. Many young ministers and students have given close attendance, and I hear of several persons that have been brought under deep convictions. As soon as they are put into my hands, I intend to send you copies of two letters from a High-land schoolmaster, who is honoured of God to do much good among the poor Highland children.—By this post I have also sent a letter to Mr. D——, which I received from a young student; he wants some little assistance, to help him to go on in his studies, but I did not send his letter to you, because he informs me that you had taken one of Mr. G——’s spiritual children under your care. Blessed be God, that makes you, Madam, a mother in Israel. Every student’s name is Legion. Helping one of those, is helping thousands. I think this young man’s case, as laid down in the letter, is very remarkable, and matter of praise. Lord Jesus add to the blessed number, for thy great name’s sake! I have brave news sent me from Leicester and Newcastle, and have strong invitations to Yorkshire and Lancashire. What a pity is it, that the year goes round so soon? O my God, my God in Christ, how little can I do for thee! Dear Madam, be pleased to increase my obligations by praying for me. I never forget you or your ♦houshold, and as a proof of it, promise that you shall hear at all opportunities, from, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXII.
To Mr. A——.
Glasgow, Sept. 29, 1752.
Dear Mr. A——,
I Received your kind letter, but till now have not had time to answer it. However, I have not, and, God willing, shall not be unmindful of you. I think you have nothing to do, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to make your wants known unto God. He careth for you, and will some way or other provide both for soul and body. I have always found him a present help in every time of need. As means ought to be used, I have just written to some London friends, who under God may serve you. When we meet, you shall hear what success.—The hearts of all are in Christ’s hands. Wait on him, and your eyes shall behold his great salvation. If he calls you to the ministry, as I hope he does, he will make your way plain. The cloud of his providence shall go before you, and you shall hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Though your father should die, and your mother forsake you, the Lord Jesus Christ will take you up. Keep close to your God, and your book. Prayer, reading, meditation, and temptation make a minister. The Lord be with you. Pray for me, and assure yourself of my being, for Christ’s sake,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXIII.
To G—— P——, Esq.
Glasgow, Sept. 30, 1752.
Dear Sir,
MR. S——, in a letter, insists upon my sending you a few lines: I care not to refuse him, and yet I know not well how to use so much freedom. If it be too great, you will excuse it; it proceeds from love, love to your better part, for I have nothing to write about, but the invisible realities of another world. These I trust, dear Sir, you and yours will be experimentally acquainted with more and more every day. Herein lies all our present peace, and the only solid preparation for future comfort in the coming world. The love of Jesus shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, is indeed all in all; this is glory begun; this is the opening of the kingdom of heaven in the soul; this is a never-failing well of water, which will at last spring up to life eternal. And yet all this is the gift, the free gift of God in Christ Jesus. It cost him dearly, even his own heart’s blood, but flows down to us in a free channel; yea and that too even to the very chief of sinners. Therefore I have hope, and, blessed be God, good hope through grace. Is not the same grace, dear Sir, sufficient for you and yours? Let us then come boldly to Christ’s throne. He sits encircled with a rainbow; his name and his nature is Love. He came into the world, to seek and save those that feel themselves lost; this I trust you do. Salvation then is just coming to your soul, even a present and great salvation. Only believe, and yours is the kingdom of heaven. But whither am I running? I forget myself when writing of redeeming love. O, my dear Sir, do not rest, do not let God have any rest, till your heart is filled with it. It is worth asking, seeking, knocking, and striving for. But I must have done. My cordial respects await your Lady. That you may both go on hand in hand to heaven, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXIV.
To Lady H——n.
Newcastle, Oct. 15, 1752.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THUS far hath a never-failing Redeemer brought me in my way towards London. With all humility and thankfulness of heart I desire to set up my Ebenezer: for surely hitherto hath the Lord helped me. Since my writing last to your Ladyship, I went and preached for about a week at Glasgow, where the word of the Lord ran and was glorified. I preached twice a day, and rather more attended than at Edinburgh. We had a sorrowful parting at both places. For about twenty-eight days, I suppose I did not preach to less than ten thousand every day. This hath weakened my body, but the Redeemer knows how to renew my strength. At present, I am as well as a pilgrim can expect to be. About seventy pounds were collected for the Edinburgh orphans, and I hear that near a dozen young men that were awakened about ten years ago, have since entered upon the ministry, and are likely to prove very useful. Praise the Lord, O my soul!—In my way hither, I preached at Berwick, Alnwick and Morpeth; and next Monday, after preaching at Sunderland, as is intended, I am to go into Yorkshire. I know your Ladyship wishes me much prosperity. That your Ladyship may prosper more and more, and be in health both in soul and body, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXV.
To Mr. S——.
Sheffield, Nov. 1, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE I left Newcastle, I have scarce known sometimes whether I have been in heaven or on earth. At Leeds, Burstall, Howarth, ♦Halifax, &c. thousands and thousands have flocked twice and thrice a day to hear the word of life. A gale of divine influence hath every where attended it. I am now come from Bolton, Manchester, Stockport and Chinly.—Yesterday I preached in a church, where I believe execution was done. Four ordained ministers, friends to the work of God, have been with me. The word hath run so swiftly at Leeds, that friends are come to fetch me back, and I am now going to Rotheram, Wakefield, Leeds, York, and Epworth, and purpose returning to this place next Lord’s day. God favours us with weather, and I would fain make hay whilst the sun shines. My dear Sir, pray follow me with your prayers. Fain would I spend and be spent for the good of souls. This is my meat and drink. The Lord bless you and yours! I can no more, but only subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXVI.
To the Reverend Mr. Z——.
Wakefield, Nov. 3, 1752.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Have been upwards of three weeks out of Scotland, but scarce ever had more encouragement in preaching the everlasting gospel, since the Lord of the harvest was pleased to send me forth into the harvest. At Newcastle, Sunderland, and several places in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, thousands and thousands have daily attended on the word preached. The glorious Emmanuel caused life and power to follow it, and I hear that the arrows have stuck fast in many hearts. The stir hath been so great at Leeds, that at the desire of friends, I am returning thither again. From thence I shall go to York, and several places in Lincolnshire, and am to preach at Sheffield next Lord’s day. My return to London must be determined by the weather. It hath been uncommonly favourable, and methinks it is pity to go into Winter quarters, so long as work can be done in the fields.—O that I had as many tongues, as there are hairs upon my head! The ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus should have them all. Be so good, honoured Sir, to pray that he may not turn me out of his service, but employ me as a poor pilgrim till I die. Fain would I die preaching.—I hear that Mr. H—— is gone. The Lord Jesus quicken my tardy pace, and prepare me to follow! I know you say Amen in my behalf, and thereby add to the obligations you have already laid upon, honoured and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy son and servant in the glorious gospel,
G. W.