LETTER MCCLXXXIX.
To Mr. P——ks.
Within Virginia-Cape, August 24, 1763.
My dear Mr. P——ks,
I FULLY purposed to write to you before my embarkation for America, but sickness prevented. However, I dearly love you, and often remember you before his throne, who I am persuaded hath loved and given himself for you. This he hath told you, and assured you of again and again by his blessed word and Spirit. Be not therefore faithless, but believing. O that this may find you rejoicing with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory. It leaves me longing for that blissful state, where sorrow and sighing will flee away. There, there shall we meet, and in spite of all the suggestions of Satan, and the desperate wickedness of our own deceitful hearts, ere long join in singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Faithful is he that hath promised, who also will do it. Last night, but not till then, we cast anchor after near a twelve weeks passage. The last six weeks were very trying to my shattered bark. But Jesus is All in All. Help, help to praise him. To his infinite and never-failing mercy do I commend you, as being, for his great name’s sake, my dear Mr. P——ks,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXC.
To all my dear Tabernacle Hearers, that love the Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity.
Virginia, September 1, 1763.
Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
THOUGH absent in body, the Searcher of hearts knows that I have been present with you in spirit ever since I left London. Glad, very glad was I to hear from time to time whilst ashore, that the shout of a king was among you; and it was my continual prayer whilst at sea, that the glory of the Lord may so fill the Tabernacle, that all who come to hear the word, may be constrained to say, “Surely God is in this place.” I doubt not of your wrestling in my behalf. Certainly it must be in answer to your cryings unto the Lord, that I have been dealt with so bountifully. For some weeks I was enabled to preach once a day when in Scotland, and I trust not without some divine efficacy. But my late disorder kept me silent for some weeks afterwards, and put me upon thinking sometimes, that my intended voyage would be retarded, at least for one year longer. Having obtained a little more bodily strength, I ventured upon the mighty waters, and thanks, eternal thanks to a never-failing Redeemer, I have not been laid by an hour through sickness since I came on board. Every thing hath been providentially ordered, suitable to my low estate. A large and commodious cabbin, a kind Captain, and a most orderly and quiet ship’s company, who gladly attended when I had breath to preach. Scarce an oath have I heard upon deck, during a twelve weeks voyage; and such a stillness through the whole ship, both on week days and the Lord’s-day, as hath from time to time surprized me. Some concern hath appeared, but of what kind or duration the event alone can discover. The spiritual bread hath been cast on the waters: who knows but it may be found after many days. How it shall please my all-bountiful Master to dispose of me when I get on shore, you shall know hereafter. All that I can say is, (if I know any thing of my unspeakably deceitful, and desperately wicked heart) Lord Jesus,
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient to thy call;
A heart, that no desire can move,
But still t’adore, resign, and love,
Give me, my Lord, my life, my all!
You will not forget to persevere in praying for a poor, worthless, but willing pilgrim, who dearly loves you, and daily rejoices in the pleasing reflection, that he shall ere long meet you in a better world, where the inhabitants shall no more say, “I am sick.” Blessed prospect! Surely on the very mentioning it, you will break forth in singing,
Rejoice, the Lord is king, &c.
I will not interrupt you. Adieu. The Lord Jesus be with your spirits. Only when you have done singing, my dear fellow-labourers, my dear Tabernacle-hearers, forget not to subjoin at least one petition, that whether absent or present, Jesus may be more and more precious to,
Your affectionate friend, and willing servant, for his great name’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCI.
To all my dear Tottenham-Court Hearers, that love the Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity.
Virginia, September 1, 1763.
Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
THOUGH less than the least of all, and unworthy, utterly unworthy the notice of any, yet I cannot help thinking, but for Christ’s sake you will be glad to hear of the goodness of the Lord extended towards me since my departure from London. Surely it was trying, to leave so many at each end of the town, who, I hope, will be my joy and crown of rejoicing in the great day. Indeed, after being taken ill of my old disorder at Edinburgh, and remaining near six weeks silent in Scotland, I thought of seeing you soon again: but having obtained help, I embarked, for the eleventh time, in the ship Fanny; and though we have had a long and trying, yet, blessed be God, it hath not been an unprofitable voyage. Often, often have I thought of my dear London friends, when I guessed they were assembled together; and as often prayed, when I knew they were retired to rest, that he that keepeth Israel, and neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, would watch over them, and make their very dreams devout. How I am to be disposed of when on dry land, is best known to Him whose I am, and whom I desire to serve in preaching the gospel of his dear Son. Had I strength equal to my will, I could fly from pole to pole. Though wearied, and now almost worn out, indeed and indeed I am not weary of my blessed Master’s service. O love him, love him, for he is a good Master, and doth not leave us when our strength faileth. Make him your portion, and he will be your confidence for ever. According to my present views, if able to do any thing for you, through his leave I hope to see you again next year. In the mean while, as long as I have breath to draw, it shall be my heart’s desire and prayer to God, that the labours of the dear servants of Jesus, who are called to preach amongst you, may be so blessed and owned from above, that I may not be missed a single moment. May they, may you increase with all the increase, till you are all filled with all the fulness of God. When near his throne, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, pray that the same blessing may be conferred, my dear fellow-labourers, my dear Tottenham-Court hearers, on
Your most affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCII.
To Mr. A——.
Virginia, September 7, 1763.
My very dear Mr. A——,
MANY more letters did I intend to write to you and other dear friends, had I not been prevented by storms, &c. for some weeks before our arrival. If enabled, I shall take care to pay them as I move from place to place. We are now on dry land. Christian friends, whom I never before heard of, were prepared to receive me: and I have preached four times. This leaves me in my way to Philadelphia, still visited with my old disorder, which I now never expect to drop, till I drop for good and all this body of clay, this body of sin and death. I suppose you are in like circumstances, as well as thousands besides, who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Well: He that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Blessed are all they that wait for him. I hope you are favoured with precious gales of divine influence. Tender love to all our dear fellow-labourers, and to all our dear hearers of every denomination, in every place. You will not forget a poor pilgrim, who, though absent in body is present in spirit. Hoping to write in a few days to dear Mr. Middleton, &c. and wishing you and yours all that a blessed never-failing God can give you in time and eternity, I subscribe myself, my very dear old friend,
Ever yours, &c. in our precious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCIII.
To Mr. W——y.
Philadelphia, September. 29, 1763.
My dear Mr. W——y,
EBENEZER! Hitherto the Lord hath helped! I have been here above a week; but still an invalid.
Strange, that a harp of thousand strings
Should keep in tune so long!
Poor Wright is taking his American seasoning. He hath the ague and fever. This prevents his writing. Inform his relations of it. He wants for nothing. When you write, mention nothing but what relates to the eternal world. I have no thoughts to throw away on the trifling things of time. Tender love to all that are travelling to the New-Jerusalem. There, if no sooner, we shall meet and praise the never-failing Emmanuel, for whose great name’s sake I subscribe myself,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCIV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Philadelphia, October 21, 1763.
My very dear Mr. K——n,
THE bearer, Mr. R——d, is a young sober gentleman, intended for the temple, and will be very glad to see and hear Mr. Romaine, and other gospel ministers. I hope all are flaming for God, even a God in Christ. Here are some young bright witnesses rising up in the church. Perhaps I have already conversed with forty new-creature ministers of various denominations. Sixteen hopeful students, I am credibly informed, were converted at New-Jersey college, last year. What an open door, if I had strength! But—Father, thy will be done! blessed be His name, I can preach now and then. Last Tuesday we had a remarkable season among the Lutherans. Children and grown people were much impressed. Grace! grace! If possible, I intend returning with Mr. H——m (now here) to Georgia. You will hear the determination by the next ship, that goes very soon. I wrote to dear Mr. H——y very lately, by way of Bristol. Tender, tender love to him, and to all. I have scarce time to beg the continued interest of all your prayers, in behalf of, my dear steady old friend,
Yours, &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCV.
To Mr. D——, &c.
Philadelphia, November 8, 1763.
My very dear Friends,
MAN appoints, God for wise reasons disappoints. All was ready for my coming by land to you at Bethesda, with Mr. H——m; but several things concurred to prevent me, and the physicians all agree, that the only chance I have for growing better, is to stay and see what the cold weather will do for me. Fain would I say, however it may cross my will, Father, thy will be done! At present, I make a shift to preach twice a week. But alas, my strength is perfect weakness. What a mercy that Jesus is all in all! You will let me hear from you very particularly, by Captain Bolitha, or any other opportunity, either to this place or New-York. I want to know the present state of all your affairs in every respect. Surely the blessed Emmanuel, who hath brought me thus far, will give us an interview by and by. That it may be a very happy one here below, and a prelude to an infinitely more happy and never-ceasing one above, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Philadelphia, November 14, 1763.
My dear old Friend,
THIS comes by one Mr. R——, reputed to be a real christian and an expert tradesman, but greatly afflicted with a nervous head-ach. He will be glad of some spiritual acquaintance. Fain would he have had me under his roof. I wish he may get help, but I think we have got our life warrant. Mr. Cruttenden I find is released; and a dear minister of New-York got free on Saturday. I am here yet, left behind, and now about to make my first excursion to the New-Jersey college. Twice a week preaching, is my present allowance. Many of various ranks seem to be brought under real concern. Physicians are absolutely against my going to Georgia, till I get more strength. Besides, it is doubtful whether the southern Indians will not break out, and therefore a little stay in these parts may on that account be most prudent. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! Accept my wonted general salutation; tender love to all. You and yours will not cease to pray for, my dear steady friend,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCVII.
To Mr. D——n, &c.
Elizabeth-Town, November 26, 1763.
My very dear Friends,
HOW is this? Am I come four thousand miles to winter with you, and like to be disappointed at last? I fear so; for alas, only by travelling thus far from Philadelphia in my way to New-York, I am quite fatigued. But I do not despair yet, if God gives me any strength. Pray hard, and who knows what a God may do? Dear Mr. H——m will best acquaint you with northern particulars. He leaves me this morning, but I hope to see him at New-York the beginning of the week, and to write more. O that I may come with him! Abba, Father, all things are possible with thee! Adieu! My dear friend is going. Cease not to pray for, and write to,
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCVIII.
New-York, December 1, 1763.
My dear Sir,
HOW thankful should I be to the adorable Jesus, and to all that love me for his great name’s sake, for the blessed contents of your last, dated September 10. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise his holy name! May this be only an earnest of good things to come, both in England and Wales. Ere now, I suppose dear Mr. Davis is crying Gogunniant in London. We are essaying to echo it back from America. Some very good impressions have been made in Philadelphia, and we had four sweet seasons at New-Jersey college, and two at Elizabeth-Town, in my way hither. Some said they resembled old times. My spirits grow better. But thrice a week is as often as I can preach. To-day I begin here, and have thoughts of returning with Mr. H——m to Georgia, but am fearful of relapsing by such a fatiguing passage or journey. The Lord will direct. Mr. Cruttenden is got above these infirmities; God be praised that he went off so comfortably! may our expiring hour be like his! Surprized am I indeed to find that you have a little one coming into this world which others are leaving. Lord Jesus, spare root and branch, for thy own glory, and thy people’s good! Lord Jesus, convert us all more and more, and make us all like little children! Tender, tender love to all that love him in sincerity. I would write to many more, but company, low state of health, and travelling, render more frequent writing impracticable to, my dear steady friend,
Yours, theirs, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
New-York, December 4.
SINCE writing the above, blessed be God, I have preached. Persons of all denominations seem to be athirst. Grace! grace! Desire dear Mr. H——y to look into the Universal History of Arts and Sciences, volume the second, page 436, for an account of Methodism, by a papist. God bless you all. Amen and Amen. I am just now told that the ship is going. Several other opportunities of writing will soon offer, which, God willing, shall be embraced by, my dear steady friend,
Ever yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCIX.
To Mr. D——n, &c.
New-York, December 7, 1763.
My very dear Friends,
WHAT a mortification do you think it must be to me, to part thus from, and not to accompany my dear Mr. H——m to Bethesda? Thus it was near twenty years ago, and yet I came, though he left me so ill at New-England. Assure yourselves, I shall come as soon as possible. In the mean while, I have desired Mr. H——m to assist in supervising and settling the accompts, and to give his advice in respect to the house, plantation, &c. &c. I beg you will be so good as to let me have an inventory of every individual thing, the names and number of the negroes, and what you think is necessary to be done every way. I would only observe in general, that I would have the family lessened as much as may be, and all things contracted into as small a compass as possible. And now once more adieu, though I trust but for a short season. My heart is too full to enlarge. I have not got the account of the children taken in since the first institution; it is left I believe in New-England. I purpose going thither now from the southward. But it will be better to go to heaven. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Dear Mr. H——m will inform you of all particulars concerning the gospel ministrations of, my very dear friends,
Yours, ever yours, &c. &c. in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER MCCC.
To Mr. H——y.
New-York, December 8, 1763.
Dear Sir,
BLESSED be God, I am enabled to preach thrice a week. But such a flocking of all ranks, I never before saw at New-York. A great number have been to see me, and several come to me in the evening, as it should seem, to hear something of the kingdom of God. My stay here is undetermined. Perhaps it may be till Christmas. Many thanks are due to my London friends, for their kind assistance, from time to time, in carrying on outward matters, and particularly to those who were so ready to assist in compleating the tabernacle job in such an honourable way. All with you will continue to pray for me. I would write more, but amidst such a throng of company and bodily weakness, it is indeed impracticable. I now repeatedly send all my tender love; and still praying that all may be filled with all the fulness of God, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCI.
To Mr. S—— S——.
New-York, December 16, 1763.
My very dear Friend,
I SEE by what you have done lately for the tabernacle, that you do not forget absent friends. I think you and yours are not forgotten by them, neither I believe are forgotten by the Friend of all. He remembers us, though he is advanced to so great a kingdom; remembers us in our low estate, and remembers that we are but dust. What a blessing this to worthless, ill and hell-deserving me! What a mercy, to meet with such a friend in the latter stages of our road! Surely he is altogether lovely. Having loved his own, he loves them to the end; witness his yet continuing to own the feeble labours of an almost worn out pilgrim. Every day the thirst for hearing the word increases, and the better sort come home to hear more of it. I must now go soon to New-England. Cold weather and a warm heart suit my tottering tabernacle best. The ship is going. God bless you and yours! I hope that all related, and all who are near and dear to you, are alive for God,—a God,—a God in Christ; in whose great name, I beg leave to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
New-York, Deuteronomy 18, 1763.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
BLESSED be God, I am better in health than when I wrote last. Preaching thrice a week agrees pretty well with me this cold season of the year. I am apt to believe my disorder will be periodical. It was so with Mr. Postwick, who is now with God. Our turn must come by and by. Who would have thought Mr. Robert Scot would have went off so soon? Lord, what is man? O to be always ready! O for thousands to go forth to alarm a drowsy world! New-Jersey college is a blessed nursery; one of the purest perhaps in the universe. The worthy President and three tutors, are all bent upon making the students both saints and scholars. I was lately there for a week. The Redeemer vouchsafed to own the word preached. Some said it was like old times. Prejudices in this place have most strangely subsided. The better sort flock as eagerly as the common people, and are fond of coming for private gospel conversation. This is all of grace. O for an humble and thankful heart! Perhaps I may soon go to Boston. I know you will pray that the glorious Emmanuel may accompany me in all my removes. That this may be the happy lot of your whole self, and of all dear enquiring friends, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, theirs, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
P. S. I wrote to Mr. Niven last week.
LETTER MCCCIII.
To Mr. D——n, &c.
New-York, January 12, 1764.
My very dear Friends,
CAPTAIN Bolitho is returned, and not one line from Bethesda! Surely you were not informed of his sailing, or you expected to see me with Mr. H——m. That which lets will surely by and by be taken out of the way. Blessed be God, the cold braces me up a little. I am enabled to preach twice or thrice a week. Congregations continue very large, and I trust saving impressions are made upon many. Some students also in Philadelphia and New Jersey colleges, I hear are much awakened. O for a blessed gale of divine influences when we meet at Bethesda! From thence, or Charles-Town, I purpose to embark for England. But future things belong to Him, who (whatever may be our thoughts) always orders all things well. To his never-failing guidance and most tender mercy do I commit you all, as being, for his great name’s sake, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCIV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Boston, March 3, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
AS I find by letters from my wife and Mr. T—— C——, dated in October and November, and by another from Mr. D——t, dated in December, that my friends had heard from me more than once, I was in hopes of receiving a few lines from you by the last New-York packet. But I suppose you thought I was gone to the southward. Providence shut up my way: I believe for wise reasons. The inclosed will let you see how matters went at New-York. Since leaving that place, a sweet influence hath attended the word at Easthampton, Bridgehampton, and South-hold upon Long-Island, at Shelter-Island also, and at New-London, Norwich, and ♦Providence on the main land. At Boston I have been received with the usual warmth of affection. Twice have we seen the Redeemer’s stately steps in the great congregation. But as the small-pox is likely to take an universal spread through the town, I purpose making my country tour, and then return to Boston in my way to the southward. Invitations come so thick and fast from every quarter, that I know not what to do. I cannot boast of acquiring much additional bodily strength, any otherwise than as the cool season of the year helps to keep me up. Twice a week is as often as I can with comfort ascend my throne. The Redeemer vouchsafes to speak for himself there, and private conversation is greatly blessed. Thus the taper keeps burning a little longer: when extinguished on earth, it will be removed where it shall burn with uninterrupted lustre in the kingdom of heaven. Till I hear from you, and see what is determined concerning Bethesda, I cannot think of undertaking a long voyage. Sometimes I fear my weakness will never allow me to go on ship-board any more. But I will wait. I will endeavour to watch and pray, and doubt not but I shall hear a voice behind me saying, “This is the way, walk thou in it.” In the mean while, I rejoice to find that dear Mr. Davis is come to his winter quarters, and do earnestly pray night and day, that he and all my dear fellow-labourers and hearers may increase with all the increase of God. Perhaps they may pray me over once more. Whenever the way is clear, I am ready to say, “Lord Jesus, lo I come.” Tender, most tender love awaits you all. I must not enlarge, lest my affections should overpower this feeble frame. In heaven it will be otherwise. My very dear Sir, farewel. I must away to preach at Charles-Town, a neighbouring town to Boston. Hoping ere long to join with you all in praising God for evermore, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCV.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Concord, 20 miles from Boston,
March 10, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE my last I suppose you have heard one way or another of my being in this dying world, and in some measure improved for propagating the glorious gospel. New York was New-York indeed. We saw blessed days of the Son of Man there. Since that, in my way to these parts, a divine influence attended the word preached in various places. And how would you have been delighted to have seen Mr. Wheelock’s Indians? Such a promising nursery of future missionaries, I believe was never seen in New-England before: pray encourage it with all your might. I also wish you could give some useful puritanical books to Harvard-college library, lately burnt down. Few perhaps will give such; and yet a collection of that kind is absolutely necessary for future students and poor neighbouring ministers, to whom I find the books belonging to the library are freely lent out from time to time. You will not be angry with me for these hints. I know your ambitious greedy soul: you want to grow richer and richer towards God. O that there may be in me such a mind! But my wings are clipped. I can only preach twice or thrice a week with comfort. And yet a wider door than ever is opened all along the continent. A beginning is made in Boston. But as the small-pox is spreading there, I purpose preaching for a while in adjacent places. With what success, you may know hereafter. I send you and yours these few lines as a token of gratitude, respect, and love unfeigned; but must still beg you to add to my obligations, by continuing to pray for, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCVI.
To C—— H——y, Esq.
Portsmouth, March 23, 1764.
Very dear Sir,
HOW was my heart eased by receiving yesterday your kind letter, dated October 22d? If you and dear Mr. K——n will continue to manage when I am present, as well as when I am absent, it may give another turn to my mind. Who knows what a never-failing God may do in a few months! At present, my way is clear to go on preaching till I can journey southward. The inclosed will inform you what hath been done by one sermon at Providence, formerly a most ungodly place, forty miles south of Boston. At Newbury, which I left yesterday, is a stir indeed. On Lord’s-day I shall begin here. O for daily fresh gales! That they may every day more and more increase with you and all your dear relations, and all dear friends, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir, in great haste, but greater love,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCVII.
To Mrs. M——h.
Portsmouth, March 30, 1764.
Dear Mrs. M——h,
I HAVE just now heard of your loss. Accept a few sympathizing lines. I hope those that are dead, died in the Lord: if so, we had need weep only for ourselves and for children that are left behind. You are now more at liberty for the Redeemer’s work. I need wish you no greater honour than that you may be a widow indeed. Though desolate, she puts her trust in the Lord, and she continues in prayer night and day. This hath been your old employ. By and by you shall have nothing to do but praise.
O glorious seat! Our God our king,
Us thither bring, to kiss thy feet.
I hope ere now, that many more in the neighbouring market have thus begun their heaven upon earth. I hear God is with you at the chapel. Praise the Lord, O my soul! You will know from others, what cheer the Redeemer gives us in America. Good cheer, Mrs. M——h, good cheer. He rains down righteousness; he rains down bread from heaven on the congregations. This supports (and at times overcomes) my tottering tabernacle. In heaven we shall have a glorious body. Hoping and believing that yourself and sister, Mr. and Mrs. K——g, and Mr. and Mrs. W——, with many others, will speedily meet there, I subscribe myself, dear Mrs. M——h,
Yours, theirs, &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCVIII.
To Mr. and Mrs. D——n.
Boston, April 20, 1764.
My very dear Friends,
I WISH you much joy. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon you both! It will, it will. Your match was certainly made in heaven. How do I long to see you! I have been at my ne plus ultra northward, and am now more free and capable of settling my affairs southward. When that is done, how chearfully, with a Christ in my heart instead of my arms, could I sing, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace!” I hope you are not offended at my giving a power of attorney to Mr. H——m. The Redeemer knows it was not owing to a distrust of any of you, but only in case of my death, that he might testify to the world the integrity of your actions, and the veracity of your accounts. I am persuaded he will not desire to interfere, but act and consult jointly, as occasion offers; and you will go on in your old way. O that I was assured of your stay at Bethesda! Of this I am satisfied, that you will not distress me by leaving the place destitute of proper help. And I assure you, if I thought we should have the least demur, I would not come at all. My tottering tabernacle will not bear grief, especially from those whom I so dearly love, and who have served the institution so faithfully and disinterestedly for so many years. Verily you shall in no wise lose your reward. What I have in my view for Bethesda, may be better spoke of when me meet, than by letter. Lord Jesus, hasten the wished-for time! At present, by my late excursions I am brought low; but rest and care may brace me up again for some little further service for our glorious Emmanuel. A most blessed influence hath attended the word in various places, and many have been made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” O for such a cry at the southward! Abba, Father, all things are possible with thee! To his tender and never-failing mercy do I commit you, as being, my very dear friends,
Yours most affectionately in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCIX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Boston, April 25, 1764.
My very dear Mr. K——n,
YOU are a friend indeed. The Friend of sinners, the King of saints, will bless and reward you for all your works of faith and unfeigned labours of love. Nay, he will bless both you and your children. God grant, that roots and branches may all increase with all the increase of God. I find I can do but little for him, and by a late return of my disorder, was in danger of doing less. But, blessed be his name, I am recovered, and yesterday got upon my throne again. Words cannot well express the eagerness of the people to hear. I was meditating an escape to the southward last week; but Boston people sent a gospel hue and cry after me, and really brought me back. Lord Jesus, let it be for thy glory, and thy people’s good! Blessed be his name for giving you so much prudence in the management of the Chapel and Tabernacle affairs, and for countenancing the ministerial labours at both ends of the town. The burning bush may still be our coat of arms. By a ship that will soon be going for London, I purpose to write to you and dear Mr. H——y more particularly. I have very little time allowed to write this, lest the vessel should be gone. Adieu. Tender love to all. Ten thousand thanks, and most affectionate love await all mentioned in your last, and all who are so kind as to enquire after, and pray for, dear Mr. K——n,
Theirs, yours, &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Boston, May 19, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR letter by the packet came safe, but I fear you must write again. There can be no coming to England till I have settled Georgia affairs. Thither I cannot go till the fall: a few months will soon glide away. Your Isaac is well off. Of such is the kingdom of heaven. People here beg earnestly for a six o’clock morning lecture. I hope to get strength to gratify them. To be able to do what you say, will fully satisfy! I would fain die preaching. Tender love to all. By the next opportunity your worthy collegue shall hear from, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.