LETTER MCLXXII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Wednesbury, Staffordshire, August 7, 1757.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
THOUGH Mr. Hopper promised to write you an ♦historical, letter as last Thursday from Dublin, yet I cannot help dropping you a few lines from this place. Blessed be God, we had a passage, and last night we had a pleasant season. At Athlone, Limerick, Cork, and especially at Dublin, where I preached near fifty times, we had Cambuslang seasons. With the utmost difficulty I came away. O these partings! The blows I received some time ago, were like to send me, where all partings would have been over. But I find we are immortal till our work is done. Lord Jesus, help me to begin in earnest! My cordial love awaits my host and hostess. Be pleased to desire them to send my things by the first opportunity, directed to Mr. David Brown, at the Orphan-hospital, Edinburgh.—This morning our Lord hath met us.—I am to preach twice more.—Ere long we shall praise for ever. I hope dear Mr. N——’s son is better. I commend your whole self, and all dear friends, to his never-failing mercy, and entreat you never to forget, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in the best bonds,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXIII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, August 26, 1757.
Dear Mrs. C——,
I THINK myself quite happy, in finding that you are satisfied in your present situation.—I have no doubt of your being called to do it by Bethesda’s God, and heartily pray that you may be amply rewarded by Him.—I had rather have you preside over the orphan family, than any woman I know of in the world. I would gladly indulge Mr. B——, but though I have sent again and again, I cannot find that his wife hath the least inclination to come over; as this is the case, and she is provided for, I wish he could be easy. Mr. P—— and you may agree, as to the terms of his continuance at Bethesda. Mr. D—— seems fixed, and I have written to Mr. P——, to let John H——y have overseers wages for the two last years, and find himself; but perhaps it may be best not to give up the indentures.—As he is faithful, and the plantation flourishes, I would not part with him. I do not love changes. Sometimes I wish for wings to fly over; but providence detains me here. I fear a dreadful storm is at hand. Lord Jesus, be thou our refuge! At Dublin I was like to be sent beyond the reach of storms. But I find we are immortal till our work is done. A most blessed influence attended the word in various parts of Ireland, and here at London the prospect is more and more promising. We expect some important news from America. As to outward things, all is gloomy. Jesus can dispel every cloud. I hope Bethesda will be kept in peace. I am glad the Governor hath been to visit the house. May God make him a blessing to the colony! My kinsman hath met with an early trial. May the Lord sanctify it! I am glad G—— W—— is put out, and that you have sent the children; I pity them, but they must blame their parents. O ingratitude! I wish you would now and then mention B—— W——, and let me know how the English children are disposed of. I would fain have a list of black and white from time to time. Blessed be God for the increase of the negroes. I intirely approve of reducing the number of orphans as low as possible; and I am determined to take in no more than the plantation will maintain, till I can buy more negroes. Never was I so well satisfied with my assistants as now. God bless you! God bless you! My tender love and respects attend you all. I would have Joseph P——n sent to the college. I am glad Mrs. F—— is married. Continue to pray for me, and depend on hearing as often as possible from, dear Mrs. C——,
Your affectionate, obliged friend, and ready servant in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXIV.
To Mr. H——.
Exeter, September 28, 1757.
My very dear Sir,
JUST this moment I had the pleasure of receiving your very kind letter, and have but just time, before the post goes out, to return you my most hearty thanks. Blessed be God, I can send you good news from Plymouth.—The scene was like that of Bristol; only more extraordinary, to see officers, ♦soldiers, sailors, and the dock-men, attending with the utmost solemnity upon the word preached. Arrows of conviction fled and fastened, and I left all God’s people upon the wing for heaven. Blessed be the Lord Jesus for ordering me the lot of a cast-out!
For this let men revile my name,
I’d shun no cross, I’d fear no shame;
All hail reproach!
I am glad that Mr. M——n and V——n returned safe. May an effectual door be opened for both! If so, they will have many adversaries. Will my dear Mr. H—— tell Mr. P——, that I expect every thing to be compleated by the first Sunday in October? If the weather should alter I may be in town; if not, I may range further.—This spiritual hunting is delightful sport, when the heart is in the work. I expect to hear of a blacker cloud in America, but I am glad the expedition was diverted. Our enemies may triumph for a while; Christ can soon put a hook in the leviathan’s jaws.
Thoughts are vain against the Lord,
All subserves his sov’reign word;
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.
Happy for you, my dear Sir, that have fled to this God for refuge. The more you know of Him, the more vilely you will think of yourself. God bless you and your dear relations. I must conclude, or the letter cannot go. In great haste, but far greater love and respect, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXV.
To Mr. K——n.
Bristol, October 4, 1757.
My very dear Mr. K——n,
HAD you encouragement enough last journey, to induce you and yours to take another trip? My wife informs me so; she hath the rout. I expect a line from her at Gloucester, to inform me of your determination. Whatever it be, may it be for the glory of our common Lord! I hope some souls that before were strangers to him, have begun to know him since we parted last. We have had pleasant seasons. Lord, what am I! God give us a warm winter! O how soon does the summer fly away! Lord Jesus, pardon and quicken me, for thy mercy’s sake! Adieu. I must away. My hearty love awaits your whole self, and all enquiring friends. In great haste, I subscribe myself, my very dear Mr. K——,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXVI.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
London, October 16, 1757.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I THANK you for your sympathizing letter sent to Ireland. The friend of sinners stood by me, or I had been stoned to death. They were thrown at me, not for speaking against the Papists in particular, but for exciting all ranks to be faithful to King Jesus, and to our dear sovereign King George, for his great name’s sake. Lord, what am I, that I should be honoured to suffer any degree of pain or shame in such a cause? Time will not permit me to descend to more particulars. A young man, who will bring you soon a few lines from me, can tell you the whole affair. He is a Methodist, and is coming from Dublin, (and from a Bishop’s family) to study at Glasgow. I know you will receive him gladly. O that God may qualify, and send forth thousands to blow the trumpet in Zion! Seven gospel ministers were together at Bristol, when the counsellor preached. A lawyer hath lately entered likewise into orders, and I humbly hope the blessed Jesus will not give us up. Both at home and abroad we are in great danger. But the Lord lives, and will live and reign for ever. The awakenings in New-Jersey, &c. are tokens for good. Lord, prepare us for whatever thou hast prepared for us! We have had blessed seasons for these six weeks last past, at Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Gloucester, and Gloucestershire. This comes from my winter quarters. You will pray, that Jesus may be with us. My most cordial respects and thanks await your whole self, and all dear friends who are so kind as to enquire after, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXVII.
To Lady H——.
London, October 21, 1757.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I BURNT, but I believe I shall never forget the contents of, your Ladyship’s letter. Who but the Redeemer himself, can possibly describe the yearnings of such a tender parent’s heart? Surely your Ladyship is called to cut off a right hand, and pluck out a right eye; “But it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good,” This was the language of Eli, whose sons were sinners before the Lord exceedingly. This hath often been the case of the best of people, and the greatest favourites of heaven; but none knows the bitterness of such a cup, but those who are called to drink it. If not sweetened with a sense of the love and mercy of God in Christ, who could abide it? O what physic, what strong physic do our strong affections oblige our heavenly Father to give us! What pruning knives do these luxuriant branches require, in order to preserve the fruit and delicacy of the vine. Blessed be God, there is a time coming, when these mysterious dignified providences shall be explained. I am glad Mr. L—— is with your Ladyship: he has a friendly heart. May the Lord Jesus raise up your Ladyship many comforters! Above all, may he come himself. He will, he will. Mr. H—— ask’d most kindly after your Ladyship. On Thursday Sir John M——, I am told, was at chapel, and many others. The prospect brightens at that end of the town. O for warm winter quarters! O that I could bear part of your Ladyship’s heavy load! But I can only in my feeble way bear it on my heart, before him who came to heal our sicknesses and bear our infirmities. That your Ladyship may come out of these fiery trials, purged and purified like the brightest gold, is the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, sympathizing, and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXVIII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, October 25, 1757.
My dear Mrs. C——,
I FIND by your last to your brother James, that you was in jeopardy. But I trust He that once drove away the Spaniards, will also preserve you and the rest of my dear family from a French invasion. God give you strength and courage! He will. Every thing seems to be in a critical situation. God knows the event.
Blest is faith that trusts Christ’s pow’r,
Blest are saints that wait His hour.
In the midst of all, the work goes on here. In Dublin I was like to be stoned to heaven: but I am on earth yet. We had glorious seasons both in Scotland and Ireland. O that the cloud pointed to America! But the Redeemer’s time is the best. He will bless you for taking care of his family in the wilderness. I wish it had been reduced more by the dismission of the R——s and B——l. But perhaps God may over rule all for the childrens future good. I hear that R—— is in a French prison; God give to him and his true repentance! They have acted an ungrateful part; but thus our Lord was used; and the servant must be as his Lord. The judgment-day will clear all. I wish Mr. B—— may be easy where he is. Mr. P—— may agree upon terms with him, and with I—— H——. I love old friends and servants, and desire to bless God that my family hath got such a governess. Pray let me know if you want any apparel, &c. I shall be quite concerned if you abridge yourself of any thing. I cannot reward you: but the God whom I desire to serve, can and will. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I most humbly commit you, and beg the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my dear Mrs. C——,
Your most affectionate, and obliged friend, and servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXIX.
To Governor E——.
London, October 26, 1757.
Honoured Sir,
I AM glad to hear from my nephew and other hands, that your Excellency’s administration is so universally approved of. I pray God to make you a lasting blessing to that colony, which hath long wanted the blessing of an active, skilful and disinterested Governor. I thank your Excellency for honouring Bethesda with your company. Lord Hallifax informed me, that you would send him your sentiments concerning its being enlarged into a college. I have drawn out my proposals, and have delivered them to his Lordship; but the uncertainty of the times prevents my pushing that affair. However, Georgia’s welfare lies much on my heart; and it is my full design, if providence should open a way, and I am assured of meeting with proper encouragement, (which I make no doubt of) to serve that colony, and pay it another visit. In the mean while, my heart’s desire and prayer to God is and shall be, that you may have the honour and comfort of making the people, over whom divine providence hath called you to preside, happy and prosperous. I must not longer, dear Sir, detain you from the public, and shall therefore only beg your acceptance of this, as a token of respect, from, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXX.
To J—— B——, Esq.
London, October 26, 1757.
My dear Friend,
I AM quite glad to hear, that you have met with encouragement to return again to poor Georgia, and that my nephew serves under you. I humbly hope that colony is not to be given over into the enemies hands; but God only knows what is before us. The cloud at present looks black; but it is always darkest before break of day. Our extremity may yet be God’s opportunity to help and deliver us. In the midst of all, the work of God goes on among us. At both ends of the town we have blessed seasons. In Scotland and Ireland the word ran and was glorified. Who knows but we may meet once more in Georgia. Blessed be God for a well-grounded hope of meeting in heaven! My hearty love awaits all who are travelling thither, and are so kind as to enquire after, my dear friend,
Yours &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXI.
To the Reverend Mr. M——.
London, November 3, 1757.
YOUR kind letter was very acceptable. Ere now, I trust, the Redeemer hath given you the prospect of the barren wilderness being turned in a fruitful field. Never fear; Jesus will delight to honour you. Every clergyman’s name is Legion. Two more are lately ordained.
Satan letts and men object,
Yet the thing they thwart, effect.
Thoughts are vain against the Lord,
All subserves his standing word;
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.
You need not remind me of praying for the noble pair: surely they are not to be prisoners another Winter. The kingdom of God suffereth violence, and really if we would take it by force, we must do violence to our softest passions, and be content to be esteemed unkind by those whose idols we once were. This is hard work; but, Abba, Father, all things are possible with thee! Blessed be God for putting it into your heart to ask the pulpit for a week-day sermon. Are we not commanded to be instant in season and out of season? If dear Mrs. M—— will take my word for it, I will be answerable for your health. The joy resulting from doing good, will be a continual feast. God knows how long our time of working may last. This order undoes us. As affairs now stand, we must be disorderly or useless. O for more labourers. I am told thousands went away last Sunday evening from Tottenham-Court, for want of room. Every day produces fresh accounts of good being done, and at this end of the town the word runs and is glorified more and more. Last Friday we had a most solemn fast: I preached thrice; thousands attended, and I humbly hope our prayers entered the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. More bad news from America about our fleet: God humble and reform us, for his infinite mercy’s sake! Go on, my dear Sir, and tell a sinful nation, that sin and unbelief is the accursed thing which prevents success. Thus at least we shall deliver our own souls, and be free from the blood of all men. But I forget: I suppose you are preparing for the pulpit: I dare not detain you. My best respects await Mrs. M——: your mother is well. That you may return to London in all the fulness of the blessings of the gospel of Christ, is and shall be the prayer of, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXII.
To Mr. O——.
London, November 12, 1757.
My dear Mr. O——,
I THANK you very kindly for visiting Bethesda family, and for administering the Lord’s-supper. I am glad to hear that the Master of the feast was present. Ere long I hope we shall be called to the marriage-feast of the supper of the Lamb in heaven. God only knows what awaits us in our journey thither. I hope poor Georgia will be preserved. I trust the Lord of all lords hath said, “Destroy it not, for there is a blessing in it.” We are in equal jeopardy. Jesus is our common refuge. Conviction and conversion work goes on amongst us. But I long to see America once more. O that I may never cease itinerating, till I sit down in heaven. My hearty love awaits all that are bound thither. Hoping ere long to hear good news from you and yours, I haste to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. O——,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXIII.
To Mr. D——.
London, November 12, 1757.
My dear Mr. D——,
I AM glad you have received my letter. I know not that I have one of yours left unanswered. Blessed be God, for causing Bethesda to prosper. May it do so in every sense more and more! I hope you will be preserved from the hands both of temporal and spiritual enemies. God prepare us for all events! Pray let me know the names of all the children. I wish they could be reduced this war time to the number of fifteen; and I wish my nephew was not so hasty; and that the persons you mention were (spiritually) shot through the heart. Many here seem to be wounded in that manner. At Tottenham-Court chapel, as well as the Tabernacle, the word runs and is glorified. I am glad you have the ordinance now and then. That the God of ordinances may bless you all evermore, is the earnest prayer of, my dear Mr. D——,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
P. S. Pray be particular in the account of the family. The Lord Jesus smiles upon us here. He can, and I trust will preserve you from French, Spaniards, and every hurtful foe. This is my constant prayer.
LETTER MCLXXXIV.
To Mr. R——.
London, November 17, 1757.
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter to Mr. D—— gave me great satisfaction. The contents, no doubt, made angels to rejoice in heaven, and why not us embodied spirits here on earth. So many called out of one family, is a peculiar mercy. Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see, and the ears that hear the things you hear. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon you all! Who knows but we may see each other on this side eternity? I am wishing every day for wings to fly to my dear America once more; but at present the way seems to be hedged up. A fresh work is breaking out here, and the Redeemer seems to be manifesting his glory in many souls. This, with what has been done on your side the water, may give us some hopes, that though the enemy may be permitted to break in like a flood, yet the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. The death of Governor B—— and President Burr, are dark providences: but Jesus lives and reigns. I thank you and yours most heartily for your kind invitation: God willing, I will accept it whenever I come over. Lord, hasten the time, if it be thy blessed will! Be pleased to remember me in the kindest manner to all enquiring friends. I entreat the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my dear Sir,
Yours in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXV.
To Mr. S——.
London, November 17, 1757.
My dear Mr. S——,
I AM a letter in your debt: I should be glad to answer your last in person. The attraction towards America is as strong as ever, but at present I am stationed here. The word runs and is glorified. I fear the deaths of the Governor and President will hurt New-Jersey college: but Jesus lives and reigns. When will my turn come to live and reign with him for evermore! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! If young P—— should be sent from the Orphan-house to your college, be pleased to furnish him with plain necessaries. I am informed he is a promising youth. Lord, raise up Elisha’s in the room of ascended Elijah! The residue of the Spirit is in his hands. The late effusion was preparatory to your present trials. God make us ready for all events. Excuse great haste; I write in greater love, as being, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXVI.
To Mr. M——.
London, November 26, 1757.
My very dear Sir,
I AM very glad you have been so providentially detained at Thetford, and that your bow abode in such full strength. The Lord help you to give a good farewel stroke to-morrow! My poor feeble labours almost brought me to the grave this last week; but preaching yesterday three times on account of the Prussians late success, hath somewhat recovered me. It was a high day; thousands and thousands attended. Where the carcase is, there the eagles will gather together. The chapel is made a Bethel indeed. I am glad you are coming to see. Spiritual routs are blessed entertainments. I must prepare for my throne. It is near five in the evening, and to-morrow I am to preach thrice. Mr. Jon—— said he would write this post. I was glad to hear by Mr. D——, that the noble pair were growing. That you all may increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXVII.
To Mrs. B——.
London, December 14, 1757.
Dear Madam,
THE event only can prove, whether what I am going to mention, is of God. Blessed be his holy name, by new-year’s day I hope we shall be able to discharge our chapel debts. Every day proves more and more that it was built for the glory of Jesus Christ, and the welfare of many precious and immortal souls. But my attendance on that, and the Tabernacle too, with a weak body, outward cares, and inward trials, have frequently brought me of late to the apprehensions of being near my wished-for port; but I am afraid I must keep out at sea some time longer. However, I am brought to the short allowance of preaching but once a day, and thrice on a Sunday. O that this feeble carcase could hold out more for God! I want to begin to begin to do something for God. I shall be glad if he is pleased to bring our present design to a prosperous issue. You must know then, dear Madam, that round the chapel there is a most beautiful spot of ground, and some good folks have purposed erecting alms-houses on each side, for some godly widows. I have a plan for twelve. The whole expence will be four hundred pounds: we have got one hundred. The widows are to have half-a-crown a week. The sacrament money, which will more than do, is to be devoted to this purpose. Thus will many godly widows be provided for, and a standing monument left, that the Methodists were not against good works. I beg you’ll mention this to good Lady C—— and Mrs. G——; for I would not have it public till the sum is raised, and we are sure of effecting the thing. If I did not know, dear Madam, your benevolent, disinterested heart, I should not thus make free. Be pleased to excuse, if you do not approve the motion. I only mention it, because I believe such a thing would much promote the glory of God. I leave this and all with him. I commit you and good Lady C—— to his protection, and beg a continued remembrance in your prayers, in behalf of, dear Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXVIII.
To Doctor S——.
London, December 15, 1757.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
IF yet in this dying world, be pleased to accept a few grateful lines, from one who highly esteems you for the sake of our common Lord. Thousands can witness how often I have prayed for you in public, and the great day will discover how earnestly your lingering case hath been mentioned in my poor addresses to our God in private. Surely, in a literal sense, reverend Sir, you are called to die daily. But I trust and believe, the more the outward man decayeth, you will be strengthened so much the more in the inward man. He that hath loved you, will love you to the end; he that hath honoured you to be so useful to church and state, will not leave you in the latter stages of your road. A radiant crown awaits you. God, the righteous judge, will give it you in that day. O gloriam! quantum & qualem! O that I could leap my seventy years. But I forget I am writing to a sick friend. Pardon me, dear Sir, it being only a pepper-corn of acknowledgment for all kind offices done in the behalf of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate, sympathizing friend, and ready servant in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXXIX.
To Lady H——.
London, December 15, 1757.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I WISH your Ladyship joy of being for once so long alone: and why? because I am persuaded your Ladyship is never less alone, than at such seasons. Then the Father is in a particular manner with his dear children: and though they seem in themselves to be like pelicans in the wilderness, yet he is near at hand to hear their cry, and to bottle up every tear: he that seeth in secret, will ere long reward your Ladyship openly. O how are your Ladyship’s children indebted to you, for your more than maternal tenderness! What a comfort is it, ever-honoured Madam, that Jesus Christ is to come, and to be our judge! O that he would come quickly! Why does he delay? I was near port, and am now put out to sea again. O that it may be to pilot in some more dear souls! The work seems but to be beginning. At Tottenham-Court the word runs and is glorified. By new-year’s day I hope the debt will be discharged. Several have proposed building some alms-houses for godly widows, on each side the chapel. I have a plan for twelve. The whole expence will be four hundred pounds: we have got a prospect of two. I purpose allowing each widow half-a-crown a week. The sacrament money will more than do. The ground is most commodious, and near the high road. If effected, I think it must bring glory to God, and be a standing monument that we are not against good works. I only mention it to your Ladyship. May that God, whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, direct and bless us in this and every thing we undertake for his glory. But I fear I am detaining your Ladyship too long. O that I could offer any thing adequate to your Ladyship’s repeated kindnesses to such a worthless worm! My poor prayers and unfeigned sympathy, is all the testimony I can give of my being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your most dutiful, obliged, and very ready servant in our compassionate High-priest,
G. W.
LETTER MCXC.
To Lady G—— H——.
London, December 15, 1757.
Honoured Madam,
HAVING lately heard of your Ladyship’s being returned to Bath, I cannot help wishing your Ladyship joy of Sir Charles’s most agreeable marriage. May your Ladyship’s present joy be consummated, in seeing them and all your honourable relations sitting down together at the marriage-feast of the supper of the Lamb. I have had frequent prospects of this, since I saw your Ladyship. Often do I groan in this earthly tabernacle. I long to be cloathed with my house from heaven. O that the great God may vouchsafe to improve me, till he is pleased to call me to my wished-for rest. Hitherto he owns my feeble labours. The work in London seems to be but as it were beginning. We live in troublesome times; I trust the streets of the spiritual Jerusalem will be built in them. Happy they who have fled to Jesus Christ for refuge: they have a peace that the world cannot give. O that the pleasure-taking, trifling flatterer knew what it was! He would no longer feel such an empty void, such a dreadful chasm in the heart which nothing but the presence of God can fill. But I forget myself. I shall tire your Ladyship; besides I must drop a few lines to good Lady H——n; she is in the furnace. When she is tried, her God will bring her forth like gold. But I must detain your Ladyship no longer, than while I add my dutiful respects to your Ladyship’s daughters, and beg your Ladyship’s acceptance of the same from, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCI.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
London, January 12, 1758.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR kind letter puzzles me. As the case is so very peculiar, I think you cannot be too particular in writing down what you have been an eye and ear witness to. I think that the calling some ministers together for the ends proposed, is the best method that can be taken. Where two or three are gathered together, and are agreed touching the thing they shall ask, our Lord hath promised it shall be given to them. I shall be glad to hear of their success. Ah, my dear man, little do we think, when we first set out, what trials we shall meet with ere we arrive at our journey’s end. I find more and more, that I am a mere novice in the divine life, and have scarce begun to begin to learn my A B C in the school of Christ. But by the grace of God I am what I am. He hath helped out of six, and will also help out of seven troubles. I find you have heard of the Irish expedition. Lord, what am I, that I should be counted worthy to suffer shame for thy great name’s sake! A more effectual door than ever seems to be opening in this metropolis. A counsellor, lately ordained, turns out a Boanerges. Thousands and thousands flock to hear the everlasting gospel. The new chapel, where I now write, turns out quite well. The Lord Jesus hath made it a gate of heaven to many souls. This, with the signal deliverances lately vouchsafed the protestant arms, makes me hope that our extremity will yet be God’s opportunity to help and deliver us. Let us wrestle in prayer for each other. O that the Lord may abundantly bless both you and yours! Accept cordial love from me and mine. We are neither of us likely to put into harbour yet. The voyage seems to me very long. But I find we are immortal till our work is done. That we all may at last enter port with a full gale, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our compassionate High-priest,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCII.
To Mrs. S——.
London, January 17, 1758.
Dear Madam,
I WISH you joy of the happy breach made in, or rather happy addition made to your dear family. I thought I should never see it in the same circumstances any more. You may chearfully let Rebekah go. I trust she hath met with an Isaac. May they love one another as Christ and the church! The Lord now make you to laugh! I hope your latter end will greatly increase. I send the surviving ones my most cordial love; and praying that you may have more and more comfort in every one of them, I subscribe myself, dear Madam,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCXCIII.
To Mr. K——.
London, January 17, 1758.
My very dear Timothy,
YOU will deliver the enclosed. I am glad to write a few lines on such an occasion. God grant that the remaining dear single ones may be as well disposed of! I bless the Lord that you are enabled to preach at all. I often think of and sympathize with you. Lord, help me! What an impatient creature should I be, was I to be visited in that manner! But we know who hath promised, “that as our day is, so shall our strength be.” Mrs. Pearce is now out of the state of trial, and I am to bury one of the same name next Thursday. Both, I believe, are gone to heaven. Lord Jesus, when will my turn come? What can reconcile us to a longer stay on earth, but the prospect of seeing his kingdom advanced? It is very promising at London. Mr. M——n is a Boanerges. The chapel is made a Bethel. Blessed be God, all is paid. I hope to be with you in the Spring. Adieu. The Lord bless and comfort you! My wife is poorly, but joins in hearty love to your whole self, and all enquiring friends, with, my very dear man,
Yours, &c.
G. W.