LETTER MCXCIV.
To Miss G——, at Clifton.
London, February 3, 1758.
Dear Madam,
I WAS glad, after so long a silence, to receive a line from Clifton, where I find by report there is like to be a total revolution. Your two worthy friends I have neither seen nor heard from; and good Lady H——n I have not visited, because I believe her Ladyship desired to be entirely private. I suppose she will now be soon in town. God comfort her under all her trials, and sanctify new creature-partings and disappointments to your further proficiency, dear Madam, in the divine life. There is a needs-be for all this. God help you to sing,
———— O happy rod,
That brought me nearer to my God.
I have been in hopes of being with him. But I cannot go, though at present reduced to the short allowance of preaching once a day, except thrice on a Sunday, At both ends of the town, the word runs and is glorified. The champions in the church go on like sons of thunder. I am to be at Clapham this evening: Mr. V—— will gladly embrace the first opportunity. May it be a Bethel! Bristol, in all probability, will be my first Spring excursion. O that I may begin to begin to spring for my God! I beg, dear Madam, the continuance of your prayers, as being, dear Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant in our glorious High-priest,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCV.
To Mrs. B—— B——, at Bath.
London, February 3, 1758.
Dear Madam,
I CANNOT help acquainting you and your honoured sister, and Mrs. G——, that the plan concerted some time ago is likely to be put in execution. The trenches for the wall, I believe are begun, and by the first of May, the houses are to be finished. If possible, I would furnish them, that the poor might be sure of goods, as well as a house. All things are possible with God. The thing hath scarce as yet taken wind. Such secret expeditions, I trust, God will favour. Both congregations and the divine influences increase. By thoughtfulness, frequent preaching, and a crazy tabernacle, my nightly rests are continually broken; but the joy of the Lord is my strength: and I hope ere long to be where I shall keep awake for ever. I most earnestly beg the continuance of your prayers, and you may be assured of being always remembered in the poor addresses of, dear good Ladies,
Your most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCVI.
To the Reverend Mr. Samuel S——, in Bath.
London, February 3, 1758.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter drove me to my knees, and as I do not hear of your dear and honoured father’s release, I suppose he is yet detained a prisoner. I shall make public and private mention of him, until I know he is gone beyond the reach of prayer, and entered upon his eternal work of praise. I pity the poor ministers, who will sorely miss him, but shall rejoice in his entering into his Master’s joy. Once more I send the good old saint my most cordial salutations and thanks unfeigned. At the great day, before men and angels, I shall do it openly. Then likewise, my dear Sir, I hope to see you and yours joining in one universal uninterrupted hallelujah, and casting your crowns before the throne of the glorious Emmanuel. In whose great name, with most sincere condolence with Mrs. S—— and all your afflicted family, I once more beg leave to subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCVII.
To Professor F——.
London, March 5, 1758.
Most reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I am almost ashamed to put pen to paper, yet the kind mention (as I hear from good Mr. Z——) you have been pleased to make from time to time of me, together with the importunities of that venerable man of God, have at length prevailed upon me to trouble you with this letter. O that an infinitely condescending Redeemer may excite you thereby, most honoured Sir, to be instant in prayer for one who is the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. Long, long before now did I think of entering into my wish’d-for rest. Times without number hath this tabernacle groaned; but having obtained help from God, I yet continue, in my poor way, to preach to all that are willing to hear, the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. Through grace the fields are as yet white, and as ready to harvest as ever. In the Summer I range, and with a table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my sounding-board, I am enabled generally thrice a day, to call to many thousands to come to Jesus that they may have life. In the Winter I am confined to this metropolis; but to my great mortification, through continual vomiting, want of rest, and of appetite, I have been reduced for some time to the short allowance of preaching only once a day, except Sundays, when I generally preach thrice. Thousands attend every evening at both ends of the town, and on Lord’s-days many, many go away for want of room. The divine presence is apparently amongst us, and every week produces fresh instances of the power of converting grace. Blessed be God, we meet with no disturbances in town, and very seldom in the country: but last year, while I was preaching in the fields in Ireland, a popish mob was so incensed at my preaching the Lord our Righteousness, and praying for our good old King, and the King of Prussia, that they surrounded, stoned, and almost killed me. But we are immortal till our work is done, and glad should I have been to have died in such a cause. Mr. W——y hath societies in Ireland and elsewhere; and though we differ a little in some principles, yet brotherly love continues. I generally, when itinerating, preach among his people, as freely as among those who are called our own. In London several new flaming preachers are come forth; and in various parts of the kingdom we hear of divers others, who seem determined to know and preach nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Thousands and thousands are now praying daily for success to the Prussian and Hanoverian arms. Your fast-days were kept here with great solemnity, and will be so again, God willing, when I know the day. Our Joshua’s are in the field. Many a Moses is gone up into the mount to pray. Nil desperandum Christo duce, auspice Christo. The ark trembles, but underneath are the everlasting arms of an everlasting God. He that wrought such wonders for the Prussian monarch last year, can repeat them this. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief! The distresses of German protestants, we look upon as our own. We have also endeavoured to give thanks for the great mercy vouchsafed your Orphan-house, and the protestant cause. Lord Jesus, repeat the occasions, for thine infinite mercy’s sake! Pardon, pardon, most worthy Sir, the length of this, and impute it to the encouragement given by the venerable Mr. Z—— to, most honoured Sir,
Your dutiful son and servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCVIII.
To Mr. K——.
London, May 13, 1758.
My very dear Mr. K——,
I HOPE this will find you rejoicing in success given to dear Mr. A——’s labours. If he is with you, be pleased to desire him to prepare for coming to London immediately after Whitsuntide. He and dear Mr. D—— may be in town whilst I take my Welch and West-country range. I am unaccountably detained here; but I trust for good. The word seems to run and be glorified more and more. I am somewhat surprised that I hear nothing from Mr. P——, or my dear Mr. S——d: but all is well. My hearty love to him and all his dear relations. Can you fix no time for coming up? I do not hear of the cyder being arrived. When shall we be called to drink the new wine of the kingdom? Lord, give me patience to wait! I am quite puzzled. Mr. P—— W——, without sending me a line, is come to Bristol, and proposes staying there some time. The consequence of his coming, is division and uneasiness already. I care not to go and fish in troubled waters: neither can I advise you so to do: and yet I believe your going would be a very great blessing. I expect a line from Mr. D—— every hour, who, I suppose, is upon the road to London. If not set out, defer it for a few days, and you shall hear, God willing, more particularly from, my very dear man, in great haste, but greater love,
Yours, &c. &c. in our sympathizing Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCXCIX.
To Mr. ——.
Gloucester, May 22, 1758.
My very dear Sir,
I HOPE you got to London in great safety. Through divine goodness I arrived at Gloucester on Saturday afternoon, and preached thrice and gave the holy sacrament on Sunday. Thousands attended, and our Lord gave us a blessed opening of the Summer campaign. I am now writing in the room where I was born. Blessed be God, I know there is a place where I was born again. That is my native city indeed. After finishing this, I shall set out for Bristol, where I propose staying over Sunday: then for Wales. My very dear Sir, add to my obligations, by following me with your prayers. This tabernacle makes me to groan. The one-horse chaise will not do for me. As it will not quarter I am shaken to pieces. Driving likewise wearies me, and prevents my reading; and if the road be bad, my servant that rides the fore-horse is dirtied exceedingly. I have therefore sent to Mr. S——’s about the post-chaise, and desired him to beg the favour of you, my dear Sir, to look at it, and let me know your thoughts. This is giving fresh trouble: but you are my friend. May the friend of all richly reward you for all labours of love. He will, he will.—You shall have a hundred-fold in this life, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Being about to set off, I can only add my due and most cordial respects to all your dear relations and enquiring friends, and to beg the continuance of all your prayers, in behalf of, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCC.
To Mr. B——.
Bristol, May 24, 1758.
My dear Mr. B——,
DO not take my seeming long silence ill. Indeed it was unavoidable. Ever since the receipt of your kind letter, I have been so exceedingly and yet I trust profitably busied at London, that till I left it last week, I had not one moment to spare. However, your affair was not quite neglected. I communicated it to the physician of the Foundling-Hospital, who is my constant hearer, and he wrote me the enclosed letter, and sent me also the enclosed paper. I heartily wish your design may take effect at Edinburgh. Glad should I be to do any thing in my power to promote it, but I have little expectation of seeing Scotland this year. The English work is so extensive, and the blessed prospect of abundant success at London, hath kept me so long there, that I shall be much straitned in time;—but if friends pray, who knows what may be done. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! On Sunday we opened the summer campaign in Gloucestershire. Yesterday I came hither. In both places the fields are white ready unto harvest. Fresh labourers are raised up in Bedfordshire. A flamer (a learned clergyman) is broke forth, and almost a whole parish, (I think in Buckinghamshire) is lately brought to enquire after Jesus. I know you will say, may it spread far and near! I must conclude. Excuse my not writing to all my dear, never to be forgotten friends, and beg them to continue to pray for, dear Mr. B——,
Theirs and yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bristol, May 26, 1758.
My very dear Mr. K——n,
REPEATED acts of kindness and love, call for repeated acknowledgments.—Accept therefore hearty thanks for your last Salt-Hill favour, and assure yourself, that neither this nor any former labour of love, will be forgotten by Him, who takes notice of a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple. Through his divine goodness I got safe into Gloucestershire, where I opened the summer campaign last Sunday. Ever since Tuesday evening, I have been preaching here twice daily. Multitudes fly like doves to the windows. Abiding impressions seem to be made.—This is the Lord’s doing: to Him be all the glory! On next Monday, God willing, I set out for Wales. I know you will follow me with your prayers. I am sure mine always attend you and yours: I love such old steady friends. It is Christ-like, not to be given to change.—Blessed be God for an unchangeable Jesus!
To feel his power, to hear his voice,
To taste his love, be all our choice!
I must away to my throne.—Adieu! The Lord be with you and yours! My hearty love to Mr. J——, and all who are so kind as to enquire after, my very dear Mr. K——n,
Yours, &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCII.
Bristol, May 28, 1758. Nine in the morning.
My very dear Sir,
I AM quite ashamed, that I should give you so much trouble:—but you are my friend indeed. May the never-failing friend of sinners bless and reward you a thousand fold! I have been just now preaching the unsearchable riches of his grace, to a multitude of souls, in a fine square.—Presently, at eleven o’clock, the blessed talk is to be repeated at Kingswood, and then once more in the evening here. Yesterday I went to Bath. But every thing wearies this shattered bark. To-morrow, God willing, I go for Wales. The chaise must be my carriage. I would part with that, and my other, and then if I could have a good four wheel carriage for thirty or forty pounds, the expence would not be so great. I would not lay out a single farthing but for my blessed Master. Mr. S—— is an honest friendly soul.—I leave it entirely, my very dear Sir, to you and him. The Lord give you to ride daily on in the chariot of his love. I return cordial thanks to your mother and sisters for their concern for unworthy me.—Mrs. G—— and B—— long to see them. I had a good season of christian conversation at Bath, and found Sir C—— H——m really converted unto God.—I doubt not but dear Mr. D——s will enjoy much of his blessed presence.—Be pleased to present my hearty love to him, and all, and accept the same for yourself and family, from, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCIII.
To Countess D——.
Bristol, June 16, 1758.
Honoured Madam,
FOR this fortnight past, I expected never to have wrote to, or seen your Ladyship, till I saw you sitting at Christ’s right hand. Never was I brought so low as on my late Welch circuit. But as far as I can hear, it was one of the most prosperous I ever took. Twice every day, thousands and thousands attended in various towns in South-Wales, and on the Sundays the numbers were incredible. Surely they fled like doves to the windows. Welcome, thrice welcome death in such a cause! Here, and in Gloucestershire, like scenes were opened. Blessed expeditions these. I hope expeditions of another nature will not be the worse for the prayers put up on such occasions. They must and will enter the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Blessed be God, that Sir Charles is so honestly and openly embarked in Christ’s cause. My poor prayers are for him and his, night and day. I hope to see good Lady G—— in my way to London. In the mean while, praying that your Ladyship may more and more be blessed in the latter stages of your road, and at last be admitted with triumph into your Master’s joy, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCIV.
To Lady Fanny S——.
Bristol, June 16, 1758.
Honoured Madam,
I SHALL not for a good while forget my Twickenham journey. It was a day much to be remembered by unworthy me. Lord, why am I thus highly favoured? And yet (O unwearied goodness!) he continues to bless me, vile as I am, more and more. O what delightful field gospel-scenes have been displayed in Gloucestershire, Bristol and Wales! There I have been feebly labouring for above a fortnight.—Thousands and thousands attended twice every day in various places, and on Sundays the numbers were almost incredible. A blessed influence ran through the whole circuit, and sundry times, I humbly hoped my longing soul would have taken its wished-for flight; but I am preserved to return hither, as last night, and perhaps next week shall see London. The Lord Jesus direct my goings in his ways! Your Ladyship will remember a poor worthless, but I trust willing pilgrim. You are called to enjoy your Bethel at home; I meet with them abroad. The same God is rich unto all that call on him faithfully. I hope your Ladyship hath seen dear Mr. J—— grown in grace. It will be pleasant to see Sir Charles and the Earl striving who shall go fastest to heaven. Your Ladyship will scorn to be outstript by any. The almighty God approves the ambition, and angels look down with pleasure to see the event. Blessed be God, that is certain. All believers here do run, and all hereafter shall obtain the prize. That your Ladyship may lay hold of it with exulting joy, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCV.
To Captain H——y.
Bristol, June 16, 1758.
My very dear Sir,
THE Welch roads have almost demolished my open one-horse chaise, as well as me. But it is in Jesus’s cause. Grace! grace! I am almost ashamed to think of your being put to so much trouble, in procuring a close chaise for unworthy me. I like the purchase exceeding well, and send a pepper-corn of acknowledgment for this and all other unmerited favours. The God whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, knows and will reward all. Though I thought I heard the sound of my blessed Master’s chariot wheels ready to carry me to heaven, yet it should seem I am once more to see you, and your dear relations, and my other christian friends on earth. Some time next week I hope to be there. The legacy is wonderful; much better left for the poor than me. I can give it away with a good grace: at present I think the Orphan-house shall have the whole; it is much wanted there. See, my dear Sir, how the christian’s blessings must be brought out of the fire. It is inconceivable what I have undergone within these three weeks. I never was so before. I trust some lasting blessings have been left behind in Wales. Welcome shocks, both of body and mind. In such a case it is worth dying for. Dear Mr. D—— hath felt them in London, as I have done in Wales.—All for the Elect’s sake. Welcome, thrice welcome the bitter sweets, which the all-wise and compassionate Physician prescribes; but I am a stubborn patient. O what gripings of the old man are discovered by such dispensations! I must away to preach. I thank you heartily, dear Sir, for the continuance of your prayers, and with most cordial respects to your dear and near relations, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCVI.
To Lady H——n.
Bristol, June 17, 1758.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THIS leaves me returned from Wales. It proved a most delightful trying circuit. I suppose your Ladyship hath heard how low I have been in body, scarce ever lower; not able to sit up in company all the time, yet strengthened to travel without bodily food, and to preach to thousands everyday. Never were the fields whiter, and more ready to harvest. The Lord Jesus seemed to ride in triumph through the great congregation in Haverford-west. Perhaps the auditory consisted of near fifteen thousand. Tears flowed like water from the stony rock. The cup of God’s people quite runs over. Many were sick of love. Welcome then bodily pain, and bodily sickness! O for a hearse to carry my weary carcase to the wished-for grave! “There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest.” But perhaps I must see London first. With regret I turn my back on this blessed itinerating weather, but Mr. Dav—— must be released. O for some disinterested soul to help at the chapel during the summer season! Spiritual, divine ambition, whither art thou fled! But I see such honours are reserved for few. I rejoice in the increase of your Ladyship’s spiritual routs. I can guess at the consolations such uncommon scenes must afford to your Ladyship’s new-born soul. No wonder you are distressed from other quarters. Indeed, my most noble and ever-honoured patroness, thus it must be. Christ’s witnesses must be purged at home. Inward domestic trials, fit for outward public work. Nature recoils, when constrained to take the cup; and it may be from a near and dear relation’s hand: but infinite Wisdom knows what is best. O that I could be more passive! O that I could let the good and all-wise Physician chuse my medicines, and the hands that shall convey them to me! but I am a stubborn reasoning creature, and thereby force almighty love frequently to drench me. O, I am sick! I am sick! sick in body, but infinitely more so in my mind,—to see what dross yet remains in, and surrounds my soul. Blessed be God, there is one, who will sit as a refiner’s fire, and purify the sons of Levi. O for an heart to bear its scorching, soul purging heat! When I am tried, I shall come forth as gold. I write this to your Ladyship out of the burning bush. Blessed place! Christ is there! Christ is there! To his never-failing mercy do I most humbly commend your Ladyship, and with ten thousand thousand thanks for honouring such an unfruitful unworthy worm with your unmerited patronage, I beg leave to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCVII.
To Mr. S——.
Newcastle, July 31, 1758.
My very dear Sir,
THUS far, a never-failing Redeemer hath brought on the most worthless and weak pilgrim, that was ever employed in publishing his everlasting gospel. All the last week was taken up in preaching at Everton, Saint Neots, Kayso, Bedford, Oulney, Weston, Underwood, Ravenstone and Northampton. Four clergymen lent me their churches, and three read prayers for me in one day. I preached also in Mr. Bunyan’s pulpit, and at Northampton I took the field. Good seasons at all the places. Mr. B——e, who was lately awakened at Everton, promises to be a burning and shining light. Yesterday we had good times here, and to-morrow, God willing, I shall set off for Edinburgh. My bodily strength increases but very little. Sometimes I am almost tempted to turn back, but through divine strength I hope to go forward, and shall strive, as much as in me lies, to die in this glorious work. God will bless you and yours, my very dear Sir, for strengthening my feeble hands in it, so often as you have done. Jesus knows, and will reward all labours of love and works of faith. They are more precious than rubies. God willing, you shall hear from me again, when I see how the Lord deals with me in Scotland. In the mean while, be pleased to add to my obligations by the continuance of your prayers, and accepting of thanks unfeigned, and cordial love to your whole self, and dear daughter, from, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCVIII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Edinburgh, August 10, 1758.
My very dear Friend,
I THANK you most heartily for your kind letter of invitation to G——. But alas! what shall I say?—I fear it cannot be complied with. For above these three months last past, I have been so weak in my animal frame, that I can scarcely drag the crazy load along. With great difficulty I came here, and if I should stay to come westward, it would make my journey to London too far in the year, as I have many places to call upon in the way. Blessed be God, the work prospers in London more than ever. I am strengthened to preach here twice a day; but alas, I grow weaker and weaker in preaching, and in all I do for the ever-loving and altogether lovely Jesus. I suppose you have heard of the death of Mr. Jonathan Edwards.—Happy he!—You will add to my obligations, by continuing to pray, that the divine strength may be magnified in my weakness, and that I may speedily (if it be the divine will) be sent for to my wished-for heaven!—Praying that we may have a happy meeting there, with ten thousand thanks for all past unmerited kindnesses, I subscribe myself, very dear friends,
Yours, &c. in our common glorious Head,
G. W.
P. S. My tender love awaits all enquiring friends.
LETTER MCCIX.
To Mr. ——.
Edinburgh, August 15, 1758.
My very dear Sir,
NOT till last Saturday, did your first long wished-for letter come to hand. I wonder that I—— C—— did not dispatch it immediately. As I knew not what its contents would be, I did not write to Staffordshire; for I was and am determined to fix upon nothing without advising with you. And indeed, I think the whole must be put off till we can have a free conference. In the mean while, I shall write to our young friend, and pray that the friend of all would direct in this important affair. He will, he will. It is not with Mr. S—— as you imagine. He is quite free. But more of this when we meet.—When we meet! strange words for a dying man!—But it seems I am growing better. Within these four days I have felt a great alteration.—Perhaps it may continue. God’s will be done. Surely, never was there so weak a creature ever employed in such a work for God,—and yet people flock rather more than ever. Doctor W—— and Mr. R—— often wish you here. We have two lovely scenes every day. I hope the Redeemer will come with dear Mr. D——. I bless him for returning you, my dear Sir, in safety. My most cordial respects attend your dear relations, and beg the continuance of your prayers, for, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCX.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
Edinburgh, August 17, 1758.
My very dear Friend,
IT is a little hard, that we should be so near, and not have a personal interview. But our Lord orders all things well. Most of my christian meetings must be adjourned to heaven. Thither I have been in hopes of going for many weeks last past: but it will not do. This preaching is a strange restorative. I wish you may take it every day. If things are not right at home, it is well if we can take or catch fire abroad. Would strength permit, I could tell you much good news from London. But time is short, and this my body weighs me down. I have thoughts of leaving Edinburgh on Tuesday next, in order to return to England. Friends object much against it. May the friend of all, guide and influence. I find no diminution in the auditories, and I trust good is done. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory! I commend you and yours to his never-failing mercy, and beg the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXI.
To Mr. S——.
Edinburgh, August 19, 1758.
My very dear Sir,
I CAME here a fortnight ago, very low indeed; but by preaching about thirty times, blessed be God, I am a good deal better. Multitudes, of all ranks, flock twice every day. A divine influence attends the word, and though sown in so much weakness, I trust it will meet with a divine increase. On Tuesday next, I thought to have moved; but as it is race week, and my health is improving, friends advise me to stay, to stir them up to run with patience the race which is set before us. O that my sluggish soul may be quickened, and I may begin to press forwards, for the prize of my high calling! I doubt not but this will find my dear friend upon the wing for heaven. That you and yours may mount higher and higher like an eagle, till you fly into the bosom of a waiting God, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
Edinburgh, August 24, 1758.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
AFTER long meditation and earnest prayer, I cannot come to any determination about my journey to Glasgow. For these four months last past, I have been brought so exceeding low in my body, that I was in hopes every sermon I preached would waft me to my wish’d-for home. Scotland, I hoped, would finish my warfare; but it hath rather driven me back to sea again. By force I have been detained here this race week; but if I come to Glasgow, I shall be detained in Scotland a fortnight longer, which will greatly hinder me in my English work. However, I will continue to look up; and by Saturday’s post my dear Gaius may expect a positive answer. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! I am much obliged to you and other dear Glasgow friends for taking notice of such a worthless creature. All I can say is, that I am less than the least of all, but for Christ’s sake, reverend and very dear Sir,
Theirs and yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXIII.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
Edinburgh, September 9, 1758.
My very dear Friend,
IT is strange that you and I cannot be more together. I believe Satan doth not like it: ere long we shall get out of his reach. In heaven we shall enjoy our God and each others company for ever. O that I moved faster towards it! Complain not. I am the drone, the dwarf, the all that is worthless and unworthy; but Jesus’ grace is free and infinite. He owned my feeble labours at Glasgow. Indeed we had good seasons: some quite remarkable. I hear of another clergyman lately awakened in the north of England. Something uncommon is upon the carpet. Lord, prepare us for whatever thou hast prepared for us. Wednesday next is execution-day; I mean, I am to take my leave. I now bid you and yours farewel. God bless you. Forget not to pray, my very dear friend, for,
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCXIV.
To Mr. S——.
Darlington, September 21, 1758.
My very dear Friend,
SURELY it is an age since I had the pleasure of writing to you last. I was then appointed by Providence to stay at Edinburgh the race week: since then, I have been at Glasgow, and returned to Edinburgh again. At both places my health grew better, and I was enabled to preach always twice, and sometimes thrice a day, to very large and affected auditories. The partings from both places were very cutting. In heaven all this will be over. In my way to Newcastle I preached twice; and thrice in and about that place. Yesterday I hope some gospel seed fell on good ground at Durham and Bishop-Aukland. I am now in my way to Yarm, and hope to be next Lord’s-day at Leeds. God only knows where will be my next remove: I fear not to glory. I am put out to sea again. If to take some fresh prizes, I shall rejoice. Lord, what am I! a worthless worm, the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. And yet what wonders is God doing day by day! The fields are white ready unto harvest: nothing is wanting but labourers. Lord Jesus, thrust more out for thine infinite mercy’s sake! You have had victorious scenes at London. O that God’s goodness may lead us to a national repentance! Without this, I fear our rejoicing will only be like the crackling of a few thorns under a pot. However, God is a prayer-hearing God. Thousands and tens of thousands, I trust, are besieging the throne of grace. I am persuaded you are always busy this way. May you be a prince with God, and prevail more and more! I hope this will find your whole self, and only daughter, enjoying thriving souls in healthy bodies. That you may increase in every respect with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir, under innumerable obligations,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXV.
To Mr. S——.
Leeds, October 11, 1758.
HOW is my very dear friend? I hope, prospering in soul and body. Though absent from, I am often present with him. Ere long we shall be for ever with the Lord. But preaching does not kill me, though twice and sometimes thrice a day, for above this fortnight past. God hath been displaying blessed seasons: thousands and thousands have attended in various parts. By next Lord’s-day I am to be at Rotheram and Sheffield. Change of weather will alone drive me to Winter quarters. Lord, prepare me for Winter trials! they are preparatives for an eternal Summer. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! We have had a most sorrowful parting this morning. I must away. Love and gratitude would not suffer me to take horse without dropping another line. I fear I am troublesome, but you must impute it to the love and regard due to you from, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.