LETTER MCXXXI.
To Mrs. D——.
London, April 21, 1756.
Dear Madam,
I HAVE heard by several hands, that you are lately entered into a new relation of life. Gratitude constrains me to wish you joy, and earnestly to pray, that you and Mr. D—— may live together as heirs of the grace of life, and bring forth much fruit unto God in the decline of age. This is a changing world; but we are hastening towards an unchangeable state, where we shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but be like unto the angels of God. For this I am waiting day by day. Many seem to be quickened in this work too; though at the other end of the town, amongst some of the popish party, I have lately met with much opposition. But we know who hath promised to tread Satan shortly under our feet. I hope this will find you, my dear Madam, and my other Charles-Town friends, going on from conquering to conquer. I do not, I cannot forget them. I send them my most cordial love and respects, and beg you and Mr. D—— to accept the same from, dear Madam,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, April 21, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
YOUR last kind letter is come to hand.—By that, I find poor N—— P—— is engaged, and that some good friends in Carolina have been instrumental in drawing him from the care of a family, over which I thought divine providence had made him overseer, and where I imagined he intended to have abode at least for some years.—I know not what reason I have given him, to suspect my confidence was weakened towards him.—I could do no more than trust him with my all, and place him at the head of my affairs and family without the least check or controul.—Add to all this, that notwithstanding the disparity of age, I consented that he should have my dear friend’s sister, with whom I thought he might live most usefully and happily at Bethesda, if you pleased, as long as you both should sojourn here below: and you know what satisfaction I expressed when I took my leave.—But it seems my scheme is disconcerted, and my family like to be brought into confusion.—Alas, my dear Mrs. C——, if this be the case, whom can I send that I may hope will continue disinterested long? But you know, this is not the first time that I have been wounded in the house of my friends.—However, I trust the wound is not incurable.—Till I can procure a proper Latin master, I should think Mr. Dixon, &c. might do in the school, and if you think George Whitefield would do for the house, he might be gradually bred up for it.—If not, I shall write to Mr. T—— and Edn—— of Charles-Town to get him a place there: upon the whole, I believe this would be best. Joseph P—— I design for New-Jersey college, and shall send particular orders concerning him in my next by Cheeseman.—Your brothers are very fond of your marriage with Mr. D——. I am quite free for it.—May God bless you both together; I cannot think of parting with you for any body I know.—God bless and direct you to do his will! Never fear; God will be Bethesda’s God.—He knows the way that I take; when I am tried I shall come forth like gold.—Will not Mr. D—— and you be a proper check upon the overseer? As I think at the bottom he is honest, I can scarce provide myself with a better. Gladly would I come over, but at present it is impracticable. I must throw my affairs into the hands of my God and you. I pity those who without cause have troubled my envied camp. Well, my dear Mrs. C——, let us remember, that though the bush burned it was not consumed. And why? because the Lord was in the midst of it. He hath spoken to us many times out of the bush, and so he will again. I know you must have been in the furnace: but our affections must be crucified. I pity Dr. —— from the bottom of my heart. Never was I wrote to or served so by any from Bethesda before. Lord Jesus, lay it not to his charge! Lord Jesus, suffer us not to be led into temptation! I did not think to write so much. I rather choose to spread all before Bethesda’s God. But you will not misimprove it. By Maclellan I hope to hear more particulars. God willing, they shall be answered. My wife will get you the things sent for. I have no thoughts at present of her ever seeing the Orphan-house again. Blessed be God, we shall ere long see heaven. Some antepasts of it we are favoured with daily. Though lately my life hath been threatened at the other end of the town, Jesus can and will guard me. This evening I am to bury Wittern’s mother: she died triumphant. Adieu for the present. God bless you all. I am, dear Mrs. C——,
Your most affectionate, sympathizing friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXIII.
To Mr. C——.
London, April 25, 1756.
My dear Mr. C——,
BY this time I thought to have been moving towards Bristol, but am detained in town, by endeavouring to put a stop to the dreadful uproar made at Long-Acre chapel. Such an infernal continued noise, on such an occasion, at such a juncture, under such a government, I believe was never heard of before. To complete the scene, I have had three anonymous letters sent me, “threatening a certain, sudden, and unavoidable stroke, unless I desist from preaching, and pursuing the offenders by law.” You have guessed at the quarter from whence it comes. Blessed be God, it is for speaking in behalf of the glorious Jesus, and our dread and rightful sovereign King George and his government. Mr. S—— hath been so good as to go with me to the Earl of H——’s, from whom I hope this week some redress will be obtained. On Thursday next, I am to wait upon his Excellency again. Mine eyes are waiting on the blessed Jesus, from whom all salvation must come. Ere long I hope to shew you the letters; they are indeed very extraordinary. O the enmity of the heart! Lord, help us! What would become of us, if some folks were to have the upper hand? Our cause, in my opinion, is the cause of God, and the cause of civil and religious liberty; and if death itself should be permitted to befall me for defending it, I hope through Christ strengthening me, it would be gratefully received by, my dear Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXIV.
To Lady H——n.
London, May 2, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
VARIOUS have been my exercises since I wrote to your Ladyship last. But I find, that out of the eater cometh forth meat, and that all things happen for the furtherance of the gospel. I suppose your Ladyship hath seen his Majesty’s promise of a pardon to any that will discover the letter writer; and this brings your Ladyship the further news of my having taken a piece of ground very commodious to build on, not far from the Foundling-Hospital. On Sunday I opened the subscription, and through God’s blessing, it hath already amounted to near six hundred pounds. If he is pleased to continue to smile upon my poor endeavours, and to open the hearts of some more of his dear children to contribute, I hope in a few months to have what hath been long wanted,—a place for the gospel at the other end of the town. This evening, God willing, I venture once more to preach at Long-Acre. The enemy boasts that I am frightened away: but the triumph of the wicked is short. Our people, Sir H—— C——, Mr. M——, &c. are all for bringing the rioters to the King’s-Bench, and perhaps upon the whole it may be best. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! On Tuesday next I hope to set out for Wales. For indeed my body is weakened through care and watchfulness, a variety of exercises, and want of sleep. But the Redeemer’s grace is all-sufficient. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I most humbly commend your Ladyship, and the other elect Ladies, and beg a continued interest in their prayers. With repeated thanks for repeated favours; I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXV.
To Mr. H——.
Bristol, May 20, 1756.
My very dear Sir,
FOR so I must address myself, having had you in a peculiar manner upon my heart, ever since I saw and read a letter that came from you some months ago. It bespoke the language of a heart devoted to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Mrs. B—— confirmed me in this opinion yesterday, and withal told me, she believed you would be glad of a line from me, who am indeed less than the least of all saints, but willing, if I know any thing of my own heart, to spend and be spent for the good of souls. They are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, whose cross, blessed be his name, hath been made delightful to me for some years. I thank God that I am cast out for my Master’s sake. Indeed, my very dear Sir, it is preferable to all other preferment whatsoever. It is the way to the crown. Glory be to God, that there are some young champions coming forth: methinks I could now sing my nunc dimittis with triumphant joy. Though I decrease, may you, my very dear Sir, increase. O that you may be kept from conferring with flesh and blood! O that you may be owned and blessed of God! I believe you will, and never more so than when you are reviled and despised by man. It is a fatal mistake, to think we must keep our characters in order to do good; this is called prudence; in most, I fear, it is trimming. Honesty I find always to be the best policy. They who honour Jesus, he will honour. Even in this world, if we confess him, his truth, and his people, we shall receive an hundred-fold. To lose all in this respect, is to find all. But whither am I going? Excuse, my very dear Sir, the overflowings of a heart, that loves you dearly for the glorious Redeemer’s sake. I am here preaching his cross, and expect to stay over Sunday. Next week I have thoughts of being at Bath and Westbury. I lead a pilgrim life. You will pray that I may have a pilgrim heart. Ere long I hope my heavenly father will take me home. I am ambitious; I want to sit upon a throne. Jesus hath purchased and provided a throne and heaven for me. That you may have an exalted place at his right hand, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXVI.
To Mr. B——.
Bristol, May 21, 1756.
My dear Mr. B——,
THE first part of your letter made me smile: for what? Because I was glad to find you had such an enlarged heart, and at the same time imagined, that I could build two houses at a time. If the top-stone of one is brought forth, I shall think we have reason to shout unto it, Grace! grace! This I hope will be the happy lot of you and your young fellow-soldiers, in respect to your spiritual building. Remember, war is proclaimed; the sword is unsheathed; the devil, the world, and the flesh will dispute every inch of ground, and you must fight or die. Angels stand by to see the combat, and Jesus stands ready to make you more than conquerors through his love. Provoke then one another, but let it be to love and to good works. Take heed of a trifling spirit when together. It will hurt you, and by degrees rob you of true and holy joy. I thank you for remembering unworthy me. I am called to travel, you to trade for Jesus. Last week, I trust, was a good week. The Lord of the harvest is pleased to smile upon us here. I hope to be in town at the appointed time. I hope that dear Mr. J—— prospers every day. Pray remember me to him, and your single circle, in the most tender manner, and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXVII.
To Mr. J—— R——.
Bristol, May 21, 1756.
My dear Sir,
THIS morning, (which is the first leisure time I have had since my leaving town) looking over my letters, I found one from you, who I suppose to be the person whom I have taken notice of at Long-Acre chapel. As your behaviour there, and your letter before me, bespeak you to be in earnest about your soul, you will be quite welcome to come to my house; and if God should vouchsafe to bless any thing that I may drop for the furtherance of your faith, to him and him alone be all the glory. I desire to bless him for what he hath already done. O amazing mercy! to be translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son; to be brought from the swine’s trough to feed upon the fatted calf; what a heaven upon earth is this! Be not discouraged, though you are obliged to fight every inch of your way. Jesus will pray for you, and your faith shall not fail. He can and will enable you to overcome yourself and the world. To his never-failing mercy do I most earnestly commit you, as being, for his great name’s sake,
Your friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXVIII.
To the Reverend Mr. V——.
London, June 4, 1756.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
GLAD, yea very glad was I to hear by Mr. A——, that you grew better and better every day. Surely your late sickness was only to purge you, that you might bring forth more fruit unto God. Such trying and threatening dispensations are glorious presages of future usefulness. It is in the furnace, that both our gifts and graces are purified and increased. How gradually doth our great, compassionate, and all-wise High-priest train up his chosen ones for the services appointed to them! Happy they that can eye his providences, and with a disinterested spirit be ready to follow the Lamb whithersoever he is pleased to lead them.
Through winds and clouds and storms,
He gently clears our way;
Wait we his time, so shall each night
Be turn’d to joyous day.
I rejoice in the prospect of your coming forth like gold that is tried. May you increase though I decrease! Justly might my Master throw me aside; but he is patient and long-suffering, and will send by whom he will send. Since we parted, I have been led to several new places. Travelling and preaching thrice a day was made delightful. Blessed be God for my airy pluralities! O what am I, Lord, that I should be sent into the highways and hedges!
All hail reproach, and welcome pain,
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain!
These I cannot bear. A Father’s, a Saviour’s frowns are intolerable. But what am I doing? Excuse this freedom, because it flows from love. How does dear Mr. D——? How are the elect Ladies? If possible I shall write to-night; if not, very soon. I am glad Miss G—— is in such a promising way. She nor any of our honoured friends are forgotten in my poor prayers. If I should be prevented from writing, be pleased to present my most dutiful respects, and accept most cordial love and salutations from, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXIX.
To Lady H——n.
London, June 4, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
MAN appoints, but God disappoints. In hopes of seeing your Ladyship, I hastened to Bristol, but found your Ladyship had been in London whilst I was there. Sorry was I for the occasion of your Ladyship’s journey, and yet glad to hear that Master H—— was so well recovered. At Bristol the Redeemer caused us to triumph, and likewise in Gloucestershire, at Bradford, Frome, Warminster, and at Portsmouth, whither I have been these three weeks last past. I am now come up for about ten days to keep Pentecost; I trust it will be a Pentecost to many souls at Long-Acre. Blessed be God, a new building is now erecting at Tottenham-Court Road: Mr. J—— promises to assist me. We have consulted the Commons, about putting it under your Ladyship’s protection. This is the answer: “No nobleman can licence a chapel, or in any manner have one put in his dwelling house; that the chapel must be a private one, and not with doors to the street for any persons to resort to at pleasure, for then it becomes a public one; that a chapel cannot be built and used as such, without the consent of the parson of the parish, and when it is done with his consent, no minister can preach therein, without licence of the Bishop of the diocese.” There seems then to be but one way,—to licence it as our other houses are: and thanks be to Jesus for that liberty which we have. O that I could begin to work while it is day. My God! half the year gone, and so little, yea very little done for thee! I have need of being purged, that I may at length bring forth some fruit unto God. Glory be to his great name, he doth not say, “Let him alone.” Outward and inward trials frequently surround me; but, by the help of my God, I shall leap over every wall. I know your Ladyship will not forget to pray for me. My poor prayers are always offered up for your Ladyship and honoured family. That is the only pepper-corn of acknowledgment that can be made by, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXL.
To Mr. G——.
London, June 10, 1756.
My very dear Friend,
WHAT shall I say? Had I wings, how gladly would I fly to my dear America? But alas! the glittering sword is now unsheathed, and I fear it would not be proper for me to cross the water now. However, all the provinces are continually upon my heart: night and day do I remember them before God. Satan hath been angry with me for appearing for my Jesus, my King, and my country. If you examine the Gazette for the latter end of April, or beginning of May, you will see what it hath produced. My life hath been threatened, but we are immortal till our work is done. A new building is now erecting at the other end of the town, the top-stone of which, I trust, will be brought forth with shoutings, and we shall cry Grace! grace! People are rather more eager than ever to hear the word. I remark what you say about Georgia, and shall talk with Mr. D——. The good Lord Jesus direct you in every step! What if you went and lived at Bethesda, and took all my outward affairs upon your hands, and furnished the family with all it wanted. Glad should I be of such a steward, and of such a steward’s wife as I know dear Mrs. G—— would prove. Poor P—— hath served me as others before him have done. God keep us from that prosperity which destroyeth! In all time of our wealth, good Lord deliver us! Let me hear from you concerning Bethesda. Watch and pray. I send most cordial respects to you and yours, and all dear friends that are so kind to enquire after, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLI.
To Lady H——n.
London, June 10, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
BEING just come off the bed, where I have been sweating for a cold and cholic that had seized me this day, I met with your Ladyship’s very kind and condescending letter. I see your Ladyship is touched in a very tender point: generous minds are always thus affected, when a friend is abused. But I find more and more, honoured Madam, that our own mother’s children will be permitted to be angry with one. The contradiction of saints, is more trying than that of sinners:—but it is all to teach us to cease from man, and wrap ourselves in Him, in whom alone dwells consummate perfection. That I might say, “some of Mr. L——’s principles, in my opinion, are wrong,” I do not deny; but that I put Mr. W——y upon writing, or had any active hand in his pamphlet, is utterly false. I think it is a most ungentleman-like, injudicious, unchristian piece. However, Mr. L—— knows too much of the divine life, not to see some call even in this cross; and I hope your Ladyship will not suffer it to burden your mind any longer. Satan wants to disturb your Ladyship’s repose. Ere long, blessed be the glorious Emmanuel, he will be bruised under our feet. This last week I have had some respite from his artful and perplexing suggestions, and have been enabled to ride upon my high places. My present work at London seems to be over, and Monday or Tuesday next, God willing, I hope to set out for Bristol, where I purpose preaching next Thursday. If divine Providence should not direct your Ladyship thither, I have thought of coming through Leicestershire, in my way to Scotland. This circuit, I hope, will be a three months circuit. The prospect in London is very promising. Every day we hear of fresh conquests. To thee, and thee alone, most adorable Redeemer, be all the glory! Want of strength forbids my enlarging. O this vile body! Surely our treasure is in earthly vessels. When it is breaking to pieces, and the rattles are in my throat, I hope with my latest breath to acknowledge the innumerable unmerited favours which have been conferred by your Ladyship on, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, June 21, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
NOTHING concerns me in your last letter, but your having the least suspicion that I was not pleased with your conduct, or was not satisfied with your being at Bethesda. I know of no person in the world that I would prefer to you, neither had I ever one thought to the contrary. I think myself happy in having such a mother for the poor children, and am persuaded God will bless and own you more and more. I pity poor Mr. P——, but doubt not of Bethesda’s being well supplied. I think if Mr. R—— manages outward things, and Mr. D—— takes the accounts, and keeps to the children, affairs may be managed very well. I care not how much the family is lessened. As it is a time of war, this may be done with great propriety, and then the plantation will have time to grow. J—— H——y writes that you use him quite well, and seems very contented. Never fear, my dear Mrs. C——, Jesus will stand by a disinterested cause. I have aimed at nothing in founding Bethesda, but his glory and the good of my country. Let Lots then chuse the plain, God will be Abrahams’ shield and exceeding great reward. All is well that ends well. Faith and patience must be exercised by means of friends as well as by foes. I hear that my nephew is married. Alas, what a changing world do we live in! Blessed be God for an unchangeable Christ! Amidst all, this is my comfort, his word runs and is glorified. A new building is now erecting at the other end of the town, and many souls, I trust, are daily built up in their most holy faith. To-morrow, God willing, I set out upon a long range. Fain would I have all concerned with me to be happy. Just now Mrs. F—— hath determined to come over and marry H——. I have advised her to go with M——, and told her she should be welcome to my house till she goes to Carolina. I know you will receive her kindly. It is her own choice, and therefore she must look to the consequences. The Lord give us all a right judgment in all things. Near this time, I suppose, you know my mind about Mr. D——. I have no objection, and your brothers are quite fond of the match. Perhaps, take all together, it may be more agreeable than the other. We seldom choose well, when we choose for ourselves. God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. Take courage, my dear Mrs. C——; Bethesda’s welfare doth not depend on a single person. God will provide: I think he hath already. I care not if all the boarders were gone. Mr. R—— and D—— and you are hearty. Enough, enough! God will bless and prosper you. I am more than contented. My blessing to all the children. That the God of all grace and mercy may fill you with all his fulness, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. C——,
Your very affectionate, sincere friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLIII.
To Mr. D——.
London, July 10, 1756.
My dear Mr. D——,
YOUR letter gave me satisfaction. I read it on our Letter-day, and you and the rest of my dear family had many prayers put up for you. May they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth! Ere now, I hope you have agreed upon what plan to act. I shall send no one over. As I would have the family lessened as much as possible, you that are left upon the spot will be sufficient. Debts may then be paid, and the plantation brought into good order, by the time Providence opens a door for my seeing America again. What think you of J—— P——? If not truly serious, I would not have him sent to the college. Lord Jesus, do thou shew all concerned, what thou wouldst have them to do! Surely Bethesda will be a house of mercy still. God blesses my feeble labours here. Last night I came from Bristol. There the word ran and was glorified. In a few days I set out for Scotland. God continue my moving life, till I am moved at last to glory! Continue to pray for me, and assure yourself of not being forgotten by, my very dear Mr. D——,
Yours most affectionately, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCXLIV.
To Lady H——n.
London, July 17, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter found me just returned from Bristol, and just setting out for Maidstone and Chatham, where I have been to preach the gospel, and to visit a poor murderer. I hope that my poor feeble labours were not altogether in vain in the Lord. A divine influence accompanies the word preached here, and I am now preparing for my northern expedition. If your Ladyship removes not from Donnington soon, perhaps I may have the honour of waiting upon your Ladyship there. My motions must be very quick, because I would hasten to Scotland as fast as possible, to have more time at my return. Eternity! eternity! O how do I long for thee! But alas, how often must we be like pelicans in the wilderness, before we arrive there? Solitariness prepares for the social life, and the social life for solitariness again. Thus doth an all-wise Redeemer set one over against another. Jesus is the alone center of peace and comfort in either situation. Your Ladyship knows this by happy experience. Perhaps our consolations come sweetest, when immediately derived from the fountain head. Springs fail, the fountain never can nor will. That your Ladyship may every moment be refreshed with its living waters, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLV.
To Mrs. C——.
Islington, July 27, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
SINCE my last, which I believe is not yet gone, I have given an order to have Mr. R——’s children delivered to him or his mother, or whomsoever they shall appoint: and pray lessen the family as much as possible. I wish I had none in the house, but what were proper orphans. The plantation would then suffice for its support, and debts be paid: but we must buy our experience. Troubles seem to beset us here: but we are all secure in God, even in a God in Christ. His gospel flourishes in London. I am just returned from preaching it at Sheerness, Chatham, and in the camp. This afternoon or to-morrow I set off for Scotland. I can only add, that with continual prayers for your temporal and spiritual welfare, I am, dear Mrs. C——,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
P. S. My hearty love to all. The Lord be with you! Amen, and Amen!
LETTER MCXLVI.
To Mr. Z——.
Sunderland, August 14, 1756.
Honoured and very dear Sir,
HOW swiftly doth my precious time fly away! It is now a fortnight since I came to Leeds in Yorkshire, where the gospel had indeed free course, did run, and was glorified. On the Sunday evening, a few hours after my arrival, many thousands were gathered in the fields, to whom, I trust, Jesus enabled me to speak with some degree of power. The following week I preached in and about Leeds, thrice almost every day, to thronged and affected auditories; and on Sunday last the fields were indeed white ready unto harvest. At Bradford, about seven in the morning, the auditory consisted of about ten thousand; at noon, and in the evening at Burstall, to near double the number. Though hoarse, the Redeemer helped me to speak, so that all heard. Upon every account it was a high-day. In the evening several hundreds of us rode about eight miles, singing and praising God. Indeed it was a night much to be remembered. The next morning I took a sorrowful leave of Leeds, preached at Tadcaster at noon, and at York the same night. God was with us. On Tuesday I preached twice at York (delightful seasons!); on Wednesday at Warstall, about fifty miles off; on Thursday twice at Yarm, and last night and this morning here. All the way I have heard of a great concern since I was in these parts last year, and of many glorious trophies of the power of redeeming love. In heaven, honoured Sir, you will know all. There I shall throw my crown before the Lamb, and there you shall be rewarded for strengthening the hands of the most unworthy creature that ever was employed by God. After spending my sabbath here, and visiting Shields, Newcastle, and some adjacent places, I purpose to go on to Scotland. From thence I hope to have the honour of writing to you again. This is the first time I have had a proper opportunity of refreshing myself in that way. Praying that you may increase with all the increase of God, and begging your acceptance of repeated thanks for repeated unmerited favours, I subscribe myself, honoured and very dear Sir,
Your most dutiful, though most unworthy son in the glorious gospel,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLVII.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
Edinburgh, September 9, 1756.
My very dear Friend,
GLAD, yea very glad should I have been to have waited upon you at C——. But it seems it was not to be. However, if I should return from Glasgow, God willing, I shall call upon you; if not, in heaven, in heaven we shall meet. God be with you and yours! I am just going off. O these partings! they are cutting. I trust Jesus hath been walking amidst the golden candlesticks. You will hear particulars from others. I have only time to beg the continuance of your prayers, and with hearty love to your yoke-fellow, Mr. C——, and his spouse, to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLVIII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Edinburgh, September 21, 1756.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I THANK you most heartily for your kind letter, and for all other tokens of your regard and love. I can only send you a pepper-corn of acknowledgment. My Master, my long-suffering, ever-loving, ever-lovely Master, will pay you all. I hope he hath directed my steps. On Saturday I received a message from our new Governor of Georgia, desiring to see and converse with me, before he embarks. This could not have been done, if I had went to Ireland now. Our Lord orders all things well. O remember me before his throne. To-morrow I leave Edinburgh. Your letter shall be delivered to Mr. R——. Be pleased to give the inclosed to Mr. Scot, to put in his Philadelphia-Packet. I am busy, and yet, alas! I do nothing. Impressions seem to be promising here. Lord, what am I? less than the least of all, but for Christ’s sake, my very dear friend,
Yours indissolubly in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER MCXLIX.
To Lady H——n.
London, October 27, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
HOPING that they would find your Ladyship at Bristol, I wrote a few lines not long ago from Leeds. Since that I have been in honest Mr. G—— and Mr. J——’s round, preaching upon the mountains to many thousands. One that was awakened three years ago, is gone to heaven, and desired to be buried upon the spot where she was awakened. The sacrament at Mr. G——’s was most awful, and the Welch night at Leeds exceeding solemn. I would have continued my circuit, but found that preaching so frequently in those cold countries, was bringing on my last year’s disorder. Being therefore grown very prudent, I am come to open our new chapel in Tottenham-Court Road, and in my poor way to recommend the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Lord, what am I, that thou shouldest suffer me to put a pin in thy tabernacle! O for grace to stand in a trying hour. Something very extraordinary lies before us: “Prepare to meet thy God,” seems now to be the call to all. Blessed be God, his Spirit hath not done striving for us. This, I hope, is a token for good. Never did I know the fields more ready unto harvest, than I have seen them in the North. May I wish your Ladyship joy of what hath happened at the other end of the town. May his Lordship be made a long and public blessing to this sinful nation! If the other elect Ladies are all at Clifton court, I wish you all the blessings of the everlasting gospel. Though utterly unworthy of such an honour, offering my poor pepper-corn of acknowledgment for all your Ladyship’s unmerited kindnesses, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCL.
To Mrs. C——.
London, October 30, 1756.
Dear Mrs. C——,
I CAN only drop you a few lines. I am just returned from a thousand miles northern circuit, and Mr. Graham is just a going. All your relations are well. The fields have been white ready unto harvest. In about a week, a new building at the other end of the town is to be opened. I expect to see your new Governor every moment. By his ship I hope to send letters to you all. May God bless and prosper you! J—— H——’s relations are well. You will give him all the encouragement you can. I am still for lessening the family as much as possible. My wife wrote lately. I have scarce time to subscribe myself, dear Mrs. C——,
Your most affectionate, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.