LETTER MLIX.
To Mr. S——.
Newark, September 27, 1754.
My very dear Sir,
THE searcher of hearts only knows what struggles and tossings your last letter, as well as that of dear Mr. W——, hath occasioned in my breast. Affection, intense affection cries aloud, “Away to New-England, to dear New-England directly.” Providence, and the circumstances of the Southern provinces, point directly towards Virginia and the Orphan-house. In the former, I am told, the door is opening in earnest; and the business of the latter requires my presence this Winter. These being dispatched, my mind will be disburdened, and my heart free for a large range in New-England. For this, I hereby give you and my dear never to be forgotten friends, a promissory note of hand. Deo volente, I will perform it, before I leave America. I think I can take shipping from Boston for England. It will not do to go thence to the West-Indies, because I cannot go without a companion, and that companion (if possible) is to be Captain G——. These are my present thoughts. Have a little patience, and by delaying for a short time, I shall enjoy more of my dear friends company: this is what I want to be filled with. In the mean while, my enemies may be preparing their artillery. I have nothing but a sling and a stone. I trust that my determination is agreeable to the mind of Jesus. Many of his true ministers have been consulted, earnest prayers have been made, and I humbly hope the event will be glorious. What a pity is it that we can have but one body and one soul to glorify the blessed Redeemer with! Lord, accept my two worthless mites, and help me at length to begin to begin to do something for thy great name’s sake! The worthy President, who was to be my companion to Boston, will let you know how affairs go. Blessed be God, the shout of a king hath been amongst us. I am extremely well pleased with the synod and commencement. O that I had wings! then would I fly, if it was only just to have a sight of you and yours, and my dear and worthy friends.—But—I must say no more. Pray, pray earnestly, my dear friend, for him, who is less than the least of all, indeed and indeed, but
Yours most affectionately, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLX.
To Lady H——n.
Elizabeth-Town (New-Jersey),
September 30, 1754.
Ever-honoured Madam,
A LITTLE before I had the favour of your Ladyship’s kind letter, I had written from New-York. Since which time, I trust, through the efficacy of divine grace, many new creatures have been formed for God. Every where a divine power accompanies the word, prejudices have been removed, and a more effectual door opened than ever for preaching the everlasting gospel. I am now at Governor B——’s, who sends your Ladyship the most cordial respects. His outward man decays, but his inward man seems to be renewed day by day. I think he ripens for heaven apace. This last week was the New-Jersey commencement, at which the President and Trustees were pleased to present me with the degree of A.M. The synod succeeded.—But such a number of simple hearted, united ministers, I never saw before. I preached to them several times, and the great Master of assemblies was in the midst of us. To-morrow, God willing, I shall set out with the worthy President for New-England, and expect to return back to the Orphan house through Virginia, where the gospel I trust will have free course and be glorified. This will be about a two thousand mile circuit; but the Redeemer’s strength will be more than sufficient. Once this Summer, I thought my discharge was come; but it seems the shattered bark must put out to sea again. Father, thy will be done! I hope this will find your Ladyship safe at your beloved Clifton, where you may enjoy yourself and God, without the interruptions of a noisy town. This is indeed heaven upon earth. That you and yours may enjoy it more and more every day, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, dutiful, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MLXI.
To Mr. Z——.
Elizabeth-Town (New-Jersey),
September 30, 1754.
Very dear and honoured Sir,
JUST two months ago, I arrived at New-York from South-Carolina, and ever since have been endeavouring to labour in my poor way for the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Many things have concurred, to prove that my coming at this time was of God. Sinners have been awakened, and saints quickened, and enemies made to be at peace with me. Grace! grace! In general, I have been enabled to travel and preach twice a day. Every where the door hath been opened wider than ever. At Philadelphia, I had a most comfortable evening with Mr. B—— and his collegues; and at the New-Jersey commencement I was much refreshed with the company of a whole synod of ministers, that, I believe, do indeed love the Redeemer in sincerity. I write this from Governor B——’s, who is indeed singularly good, and whose latter end greatly increases as to spirituals. O that this may be my happy lot! About a month ago, I thought my great change was coming, but I soon was sent back to sea again. To-morrow I steer for New-England, and from thence purpose returning to the Orphan-house through Virginia, where the door for preaching I hear is opening wide. Sometimes I have thoughts of going to the West-Indies, but fear it will not be practicable, before I see England. Lord Jesus, direct and strengthen, and then send me where thou pleasest! I beg, most earnestly beg the continuance of your prayers, and am, very dear, honoured Sir,
Your most dutiful, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXII.
To Mr. H——.
Boston, October 13, 1754.
My very dear Friend,
IT hath given me concern, that I have not been able to write one letter to Georgia, since my arrival at New-York. But it was impracticable. Sickness, travelling, and preaching prevented me. However, I must snatch a few minutes now. They leave me at Boston, where as well as in other places, the word hath run and been glorified, and people rather more eager to hear than ever. Lord, what am I? O that I could sink into nothing before thee! After staying a short time, I purpose, God willing, to go through Connecticut to New-York, and so on by land to Georgia. Blessed be God, that a Governor is at length nominated. I wish you joy of your new honour, which I find, by this week’s post, is conferred upon you. May the King of kings enable you to discharge your trust, as becomes a good patriot, subject, and christian! The Lord help us to look to the rock whence we have been hewn. I wish I knew when the Governor intends being at Georgia, I would willingly be there to pay my respects to him. But this must be left to divine Providence. If we acknowledge God in all our ways, he hath promised to direct our paths. O my dear old friend and first fellow-traveller, my heart is engaged for your temporal and eternal welfare. You have now, I think, a call to retire from business, and to give up your time to the public. May the Lord of all lords direct, assist, and bless you and yours more and more. I hope Mrs. H—— is well: I have much to say when we meet. God deals most bountifully with me. Enemies are made to be at peace, and friends are every where hearty. Remember me in the kindest manner to all with you, and continue to pray for
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLXIII.
To Mr. V——.
Boston, October 14, 1754.
My very dear Friend,
SURELY my coming here was of God. At Rhode-Island I preached five times. People convened immediately, and flocked to hear more eagerly than ever. The same scene opens at Boston. Thousands waited for, and thousands attended on the word preached. At the Old North, at seven in the morning, we generally have three thousand hearers, and many cannot come in. Convictions I hear do fasten, and many souls are comforted. Doctor S—— hath engaged me once to preach his lecture. The polite, I hear, are taken, and opposition falls. What art thou, O mountain? before our great Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain. I preach at the Old and the New North. Mr. P—— and Dr. S—— continue to pray for me. A Governor for Georgia being nominated, determines my way thither. O that I may always follow God, even a God in Christ! This week I set out for Mr. S——’s. The door opens wider and wider. Pray tell Mr. H——, that I left his horse a little lame at Long-Island, with one who is called in contempt Saint Dick. All hail such reproach! I could enlarge, but must away. Adieu. My hearty love awaits your whole self, and all who are so kind as to enquire after the chief of sinners, but for Christ’s sake, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MLXIV.
To Dr. S——.
Boston, October 14, 1754.
My very dear Doctor,
SHALL I promise and not perform? God forbid.—Accept, therefore, a few lines of grateful love. They bring you good news. At Rhode-Island and this place, souls fly to the gospel like doves to the windows. A divine power hath hitherto accompanied the word, and opposition seems to fall daily. Next week I purpose to go Eastward, and then I intend making as much haste as can be back to you. A Governor, I find, is appointed for Georgia, and my friend H—— made Secretary. Those that honour God, he will honour. I have preached in four large meeting-houses, and the prospect of doing good is very promising. I was received with an excess of joy. Lord, what am I? Give me humility, for thy mercy’s sake! Adieu. Remember me to all enquiring friends, and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXV.
To Mr. S——.
Portsmouth (New-Hampshire), October 24, 1754.
My very dear Sir,
ABOUT a month ago I wrote you a few lines from the New-Jersies. Since that I am advanced about three hundred miles further northward. But what have I seen? Dagon falling every where before the ark; enemies silenced, or made to own the finger of God; and the friends of Jesus triumphing in his glorious conquest. At Boston a most lovely scene hath opened. In the morning before seven o’clock, though the meeting-houses will hold about four thousand, yet many were obliged to go away, and I was helped in through the window. The prospect is most promising indeed. In the country a like scene opens; I am enabled to preach always twice, and sometimes thrice a day. Thousands flock to hear, and Jesus manifests forth his glory. I know you will rejoice, and join in crying Grace! grace! I am now come to the end of my northward line, and in a day or two purpose to turn back, in order to preach all the way to Georgia. It is about a sixteen hundred miles journey. Jesus is able to carry me through. Into his almighty and all-gracious hands I commend my spirit. I hope to write to you in the way. Gladly would I embark now for England, but I shall leave my American business but half done, if I come over now. Lord, help me! How little can I do for thee! And the little I can do, alas! with what a mixture of corruption and infirmities is it attended. Behold I am vile. Increase my obligations, my very dear Sir, by continuing to pray for
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLXVI.
To Mr. S——.
Portsmouth, October 25, 1754.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR letter, as well as another from Rhode-Island, helped to lay me low before him, who delights to work by the meanest instrument. Still the Lord of all lords stoops to accompany my feeble labours with his divine presence. At Salem we were favoured with a sweet and divine influence. Sunday was a high day at Ipswich; twice I preached for Mr. R——, and once for Mr. W——. Hundreds were without the doors. On Monday at Newbury the like scene opened twice. Here Mr. S—— met me, and on Tuesday morning we had a blessed season. Too many came to meet and bring me into Portsmouth, where I preached on Tuesday evening, also twice the next day, and just now I have taken my leave. The blessed Spirit vouchsafed to be with us each time. Yesterday I preached at York and Kittery: at both places the Redeemer manifested forth his glory. In the evening I waited on general P——, who, with his Lady, were very glad to see me. I am now going to Greenland and Durham, and to-morrow shall preach at Exeter. The sabbath is to be kept at Newbury. Monday I am to preach thrice,—at Rowley, Byfield, and Ipswich; Tuesday, at Cape Ann, and Wednesday night or Thursday morning at Boston, if the prisoner is to die, though I want another week in these parts. Excuse great haste; I must away. Pray write a line by next ship to London. Salute all friends, and continue to pray for, very dear Sir,
Yours in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MLXVII.
To Mr. S——.
Rhode-Island, November 22, 1754.
My very dear Friend,
YESTERDAY as I was riding along, I felt a love for you, which only friends experience, and was determined to write to you immediately. In the evening my faithful Gaius Mr. S—— brought your kind letter, which I now take the first opportunity of answering. But what shall I say? What you have heard is more than true. A more effectual door I never saw opened, than lately at Boston, and indeed in every place where I have been in New-England; not a hundredth part can well be told you. With great difficulty I am got to this place, where people, as I am informed, are athirst to hear the word of God. I shall therefore stay, God willing, till Monday, and then set forward to Connecticut in my way to New-York, which I hope to reach in about a fortnight. O that you may see me grown in grace, and humbled under a sense of those amazing mercies which I have received during this expedition! It seems to me to be the most important one I was ever employed in. Much, yea very much have I to tell you when we meet. I wish for the season, and entreat you in the mean while not to forget me at his throne, who alone can uphold me with his right hand. O what a friend is Jesus! A friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is indeed the pilgrim’s stay and staff; few choose to try him in such a station. This be my happy lot! I write this at Mr. C——’s who hath lately buried his wife. What a changing world! Thanks be to God for an unchangeable Christ! To his most tender and never-failing mercy, do I most earnestly commend both you and yours, and hoping ere long to see you, and rejoice together in our common Lord, I subscribe myself, very dear Mr. S——,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXVIII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Rhode-Island, November 25, 1754.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
IS it true that your father-in-law and your dear yoke-fellow are dead? I sympathize with you from my inmost soul. At the same time as I rejoice on their account, who are happily arrived,
Where pain and sin and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
Surely your turn and mine will come ere long. In the mean while, may I be doing something for my God! This shews you where I am at present, going towards Georgia from Boston, where my reception hath been far superior to that fourteen years ago. In that and other places in New-England, I have been enabled to preach near a hundred times since the beginning of October, and thanks be to God, we scarce had so much as one dry meeting. Not a hundredth part can be told you. In Philadelphia, New-Jersies, and at New-York also, the great Redeemer caused his word to run and be glorified. I am now returning through those and the other Southward provinces again, in my way to Georgia, where I expect to see our new Governor. Blessed be God, Bethesda is in growing circumstances, and, I trust, will more and more answer the end of its institution. I was exceedingly delighted at New-Jersey commencement. Surely that college is of God. The worthy president (Mr. Burr) intends to correspond with you. O that I could do it oftener: but it is impracticable. Travelling, and preaching always twice, and frequently thrice, engrosseth almost all my time. However, neither you nor any of my dear Glasgow friends, are forgotten by me. No, no: they are engraven upon the very tables of my heart. O that the Lord of all lords, whose mercy endureth for ever, may give you hearts to remember poor sinful, ill, and hell-deserving me! Fain would I continue a pilgrim for life.
Christ’s presence doth my pains beguile,
And make each wilderness to smile.
I have a fourteen hundred miles ride before me; but nil desperandum, Christo duce, auspice Christo. When I have seen Governor D——, I hope to write to dear Mr. M——. How is my dear Gaius, S——, &c.? But I must not begin to mention names. Affection rises, and I shall be too eager to see them. Lord Jesus, hasten that blessed time, when we shall together see and enjoy thee for ever in glory! To this comforting and never-failing Jesus, do I most heartily commit you, as being, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MLXIX.
To Mrs. C——.
Bohemia (Maryland). December 27, 1754.
Dear Madam,
I HAVE just now taken leave of the northern provinces, where I have been travelling and preaching for near these five months. I suppose in all, I may have rode near two thousand miles, and preached about two hundred and thirty times; but to how many thousand souls cannot well be told. O what days of the Son of man have I seen! God be merciful to me an ungrateful sinner! I am now forty years of age, and would business permit, would gladly spend the day in retirement and deep humiliation before that Jesus for whom I have done so little, notwithstanding he hath done and suffered so much for me. Well! to-morrow, O blessed Jesus, through thy divine assistance, will I begin, and travel for thee again! Lord, is the call to Virginia? Who knows but an infinitely condescending God may improve me there! About February I hope to reach Georgia, and at Spring to embark for England. There, dear Madam, I expect to see you once more in this land of the dying. If not, ere long I shall meet you in the land of the living indeed, and thank you before men and angels, for all favours conferred on, Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MLXX.
To Mr. O——.
Bohemia, December 27, 1754.
Very dear Sir,
HOW condescending is true Friendship! And how does love, founded upon the love of God, like its blessed Author, delight to stoop to its beloved object! Your kind letter, which I received last week from worthy Governor B——, is a proof of this. An affection, a reciprocal affection something like your own, would have constrained me to answer it sooner, but travelling and preaching (my old excuse) have prevented me. At length I am got into Maryland, and into a family, out of which, I trust, five have been born of God. Gladly would I spend this whole day in deep humiliation and prayer: for I am now forty years of age. Fy upon me, fy upon me. Alas! how little have I done for Jesus! O that my head was water! O that my eyes were fountains of tears! What mercies, what infinite mercies have I received! What poor returns have I made! Behold, I am vile! Am not I treating you like a friend, even like a Boston friend, my dear Sir? Yes, I am; and since you commanded me, I will. Your letter bespeaks you to be worthy of that sacred name, and to be acquainted with that which few, very few know any thing about; I mean the delicacies of true disinterested friendship. This is a secret that none but beloved disciples are let into. May you always remain in the number of these, and when you are leaning on that bosom, where all that is lovely centers, may you have a heart to remember one who is called to travel, whilst you are acting in another sphere for God! Blessed be his name, heaven is at the end of the journey. Happy Mrs. L——! she hath had a speedy translation. May my latter end be like hers! How ought such events to teach us to converse when together, that if we should be called before the next intended meeting, we might have no trifling conversation to reflect upon. To-morrow, God willing, I move again. Ere long my last remove will come; a remove into endless bliss, where with you and all the redeemed of the Lord, I trust you will see, very dear Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXI.
To Mr. R——.
Virginia, January 17, 1755.
I AM just now on the borders of North-Carolina, and after preaching to-morrow in a neighbouring church, I purpose to take my leave of Virginia. Had I not been detained so long at the northward, what a wide and effectual door might have been opened.—Here, as well as elsewhere, rich and poor flock to hear the everlasting gospel. Many have come forty or fifty miles, and a spirit of conviction and consolation seemed to go through all the assemblies. One Colonel R——, a person of distinction, opened one church for me, invited me to his house, and introduced me himself to the reading desk. As I was riding in his chariot, he informed me of his intention to see Boston next Summer. If my friends would be so good as to mention my name, and shew him some respect when he comes amongst you, it would add to my obligations. Blessed be God, I see a vast alteration for the better. O for more time, and if possible for more souls and bodies! Lord Jesus, twenty times ten thousand are too few for thee, and yet (O amazing love) thou art willing to accept of only two mites! These, I trust, you, my very dear Sir, have put into his sacred treasury. O that the trifling thing called honour, may never, so much as for a single moment, draw you from your God! I hope Colonel P—— stands to his colours. Then I live, if my dear friends stand fast in the Lord. My most cordial respects and tender love await them all. I doubt not of your improving Mrs. L——’s sudden dissolution; another call to be always ready. That this may be the happy lot of you and yours, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXII.
To Mr. P——.
Virginia, January 17, 1755.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
THOUGH at this distance of time and place, yet I do not forget our solemn and mournful parting. Blessed be God, there is a time coming, when these cutting trials will be over. I long, I long for it, and yet when fresh doors of usefulness are opening, I am content to stay below. This I trust is the case at present in Virginia. The prospect is promising indeed. People have flocked from all parts to hear the word, and arrows of conviction have fled, and I believe stuck fast. Seed sown several years ago, hath sprung up and brought forth fruit. Doth not the Lord of the harvest by this say, “Go forward.” Do, my dear Sir, help me by your prayers; I want to have my tardy pace quickened. I am now forty years old. Surely it is high time to awake out of sleep. I doubt not but this will find you and yours all alive for Jesus. Being straitened for time, I must beg you to remember me in the most tender manner to all dear, very dear friends as they come in your way, and accept the same for your whole self, from, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, brother, and servant in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXIII.
To Mr. F——.
Virginia, January 17, 1755.
My dear Mr. F——,
I HOPE that this will find you safely arrived at Philadelphia, from your northward expedition, and ready to come further southwards. This leaves me in my last Virginia stage, near the borders of North-Carolina. People as I came along have been very willing to attend on my feeble labours, and I hope that some real good hath been done. If this be effected, it matters little how the labourer himself may be sometimes fatigued.
His presence doth my pains beguile,
And makes the wilderness to smile.
Lovely delusion this! Living, dying, and after death I hope to be possessed of it. I have seen your Epitaph. Believe on Jesus, and get a feeling possession of God in your heart, and you cannot possibly be disappointed of your expected second edition, finely corrected, and infinitely amended. Verbum sapienti sat est. I could say more, but time is short. Glad shall I be to wait on you and Mr. H—— at the Orphan-house. I send you both my cordial respects, and praying that you may have what good Colonel G——r once wished me, “A thriving soul in a healthy body,” I subscribe myself, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate, obliged friend and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXIV.
To Mr. ——.
Virginia, in Hanover County, January 23, 1755.
My very dear Jonathan,
THAT ever-loving and ever-lovely Redeemer that owned my feeble labours in the northward, still continues to bless and succeed me in my journey southward. I have not been here a week, and have had the comfort of seeing many impressed under the word every day. Two churches have been opened, and a third (Richmond) I am to preach in to-morrow. Prejudices I find do subside, and some of the rich and great begin to think favourably of the work of God. Several of the lower class have been with me acknowledging what the Lord of all Lords did for them, when I was here before. O that I may be humbly thankful, and improve every smile to quicken my tardy pace, and make me all alive for Jesus! About this day month, I hope to reach Georgia; from thence, I intend writing to you again. But be where I will, dear Boston is much upon my heart. This may serve as a proof that you and yours are not forgotten. Indeed and indeed I often think of, and pray for you from my inmost soul. Blessed be God, that we can meet at the throne of grace! Jesus sits thereon, even Jesus our advocate, our God, and our All. You must add to my obligations, by continuing to pray, that I may begin to love and serve him in earnest, and thus you will appear a Jonathan indeed, to,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXV.
To Mrs. C——.
Charles-Town, March 3, 1755.
Dear Mrs. C——,
THROUGH divine goodness we arrived here last Wednesday afternoon, on Thursday Mr. E—— was solemnly ordained, and on Friday Andrew H——n and his wife, and R——, came in a schooner from Port-Royal. I believe they will settle here.—The trials I have met with on various accounts, have brought my old vomitings upon me, and my soul hath been pierced with many sorrows.—But I believe, (Lord help my unbelief!) that all is intended for my good.—Amidst every thing, I am comforted at the present situation of Bethesda.—I hope you will love and walk in love, and the children also grow in years and grace.—I purpose sending all the things by Mr. R——n, who comes shortly by water. Then I purpose writing to dear Mr. Dixon and others, and hope by that time to be determined what course I shall steer. O that it may be heaven-wards, go where I will! This I know will be your prayer, and the prayer of the rest of my dear family in my behalf.—I pray for you all night and day.—I would have you write to Mr. H——t by the bearer, who is an experimental Baptist preacher from the northward.—O that he may say something, that may do my dear family some good.—Mr. Z——y will be with you in about three weeks. The Lord be with you all. Hoping to write again ere long, and wishing you all much of his presence, that is better than life, I subscribe myself, dear Mrs. C——,
Your most assured friend, brother, and servant in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MLXXVI.
To the Same.
Charles-Town, March 17, 1755.
Dear Mrs. C——,
HAD I wings like a dove, how often would I have fled to Bethesda since my departure from it. I could almost say, that the few last hours I was there, were superior in satisfaction to any hours I ever enjoyed. But I must go about my heavenly Father’s business.—For this, I am a poor but willing pilgrim, and give up all that is near and dear to me on this side eternity.—This week I expect to embark in the Friendship, Captain Ball; but am glad of the letters from Bethesda before I go.—They made me weep, and caused me to throw myself prostrate before a prayer-hearing and promise-keeping God.—He will give strength, he will give power. Fear not; you are now I believe where the Lord would have you be, and all will be well.—I repose the utmost confidence in you, under God, and verily believe that I shall not be disappointed of my hope.—I should have been glad if the apples had been sent in the boat; they would have been useful in the voyage.—But Jesus can stay me with better apples.—May you and all my dear family have plenty of these! I imagine it will not be long before I return from England. Now Bethesda would be pleasant. God make it more and more so to you and to all. I can only recommend you in the most endearing manner to the ever-blessed Jesus, and my unworthy vile self to your continual prayers, as being, dear Mrs. C——,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed Lord,
G. W.
P. S. I hope that one of the players is snatched as a brand out of the burning. Grace! grace!
LETTER MLXXVII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
London, May 10, 1755.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
THE love which I owe and bear to you for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, constrains me to send you a few lines immediately upon my arrival at my native country.—I arrived at New-haven in Sussex the 8th instant, after a six weeks passage. Hither the cloud seemed to move, though I must own that I left America with regret.—Never was the door opened wider in those parts for preaching the everlasting gospel, than now.—Perhaps this may shorten my stay at home, but future things belong to Jesus. It is not in man to direct his steps.—Prepare us, O Lord, for whatever thou hast prepared for us! I hear, you have met with changes since my departure.—What have we to do to expect any thing else? Dear Mr. M——n!—Whither is he gone? Where Jesus reigns, and where, through rich and sovereign grace, even ill and hell deserving I, hope ere long to be.—Hasten, glorious Emmanuel, that wished-for time!—If your dear yoke-fellow is also gone, she I trust is happy too.—Sequar, etsi non passibus æquis.—You will write soon, and send me some news about the upper world.—This is scarce worth a thought.—I hope my dear host and hostess, Mr. S——, Mrs. M——, and all friends are well.—I can only send them and you my hearty love, and beg the continuance of your prayers for, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXXVIII.
To Lady H——n.
London, May 13, 1755.
Ever-honoured Madam,
SINCE I put my letter into the office on Saturday night, I have heard that your Ladyship was gone to Ashby, and therefore make bold to trouble your Ladyship with a few more lines. They leave me safely arrived at my desired port, and endeavouring to begin to do something for him, who hath loaded me with his benefits, and still continues to smile upon my feeble labours. Glad am I to hear, that so many have lately been stirred up to preach a crucified Saviour. Surely that scripture must be fulfilled, “and many of the priests also were obedient to the word.” The work is of God, and therefore must prosper. Blessed be his great name, for continuing to hold your Ladyship as a star in his right-hand. May you shine more and more till the perfect day! I find your Ladyship still delights to do good. The late benefaction for Bethesda came very opportunely; God will provide! That institution begins to rise. But I cannot descend to particulars now; ere long I hope to wait on your Ladyship at Bristol. My first circuit is to be in the west. Hoping to be favoured soon with a line to acquaint me of your Ladyship’s welfare, and earnestly praying that your Ladyship and honoured relations may be filled with all the fulness of God, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MLXXIX.
To the Marquis of L——.
London, May 14, 1755.
BEING but lately arrived in my native country, I take the first opportunity of returning your Lordship thanks for your great zeal in promoting the welfare of New Jersey college. Surely it is the purest seminary that I have known. Your Lordship’s name is precious in America, and children yet unborn will be bound to bless God for what you have done. I think, if the degree of Doctor of divinity could be procured for Mr. A—— B——, their present worthy president, it would still make an addition to the honours of the college. He is a most excellent man; your Lordship will not be offended at my making the motion. Blessed be God, in various places abroad, the gospel runs and is glorified. In Virginia a wide and effectual door is opened. The Indian mission can never I think come upon a proper establishment, till some lands are purchased, and the Indians brought to live together upon them. The plan that was laid, I mentioned to Mr. D—— some months ago, and ere now, I suppose your Lordship hath seen it. O for that happy time, when the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ! Blessed Emmanuel, may thy temple be built in troublesome times! But I forget myself. Your Lordship will excuse my freedom. I am writing to one who delights to serve the Redeemer’s interest. That your Lordship may have the continued honour of confessing him upon earth, and be confessed by him after death in the kingdom of heaven, is and shall be the prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.