LETTER MCCCXXXI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Plymouth, July 12, 1765.
My dear dear Mr. K——n,
PERHAPS I am arrived a little before the expected time. We have had but a twenty-eight days passage, in the Hallifax packet, from New-York, which got into Falmouth last Monday. I left the vessel near the Lizard, and by the blunder of a drunken fellow, missed the Post on Monday evening. The transition hath been so sudden, that I can scarce believe that I am in England. I hope, ere long, to have a more sudden transition into a better country. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! I want a gown and cassock. Child, in Chancery-Lane, used to make for me, and perhaps knows my measure. Amazing, that I have not been measured for a coffin long ago! Lord Jesus, thy will be done! I am very low in body, and as yet undetermined what to do. Perhaps, on the whole, it may be best to come on leisurely, to see if my spirits can be a little recruited. You may write a few lines at a venture to Bristol. dear Mr. H——y shall hear more particularly the next Post, whatever rout I take. Had I bodily strength, you would find me coming upon you unawares; but that fails me much. I must have a little rest, or I shall be able to do nothing at all. Let no one stir to meet me, it being uncertain what rout I shall take. The Lord Jesus be with all your spirits! Ten thousand thousand thanks await you and your dear collegue, and all your dear friends, for all assistance given to, my dear dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bristol, July 18, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
JUST now, with great joy, I received your welcome letter, I fear the post will be gone, ere this can be put in. Blessed be God, I am a little better. I have a fine commodious house, and am kept from much company. You will certainly know my rout. Indeed and indeed, I long to see my dear Mr. K——n, and my dear Mr. H——y. Stand, my friends, and insist upon my not being brought out into action too soon. The poor old shattered bark hath not been in dock one week, for a long while. I scarce know what I write. Tender love to all.
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXIII.
To Mr. E——s.
London, August 3, 1765.
Dear Mr. E——s,
I AM very weak in body, but gratitude constrains me to send you a few lines of love unfeigned, for your labours of love during my absence abroad. I rejoice to hear they were blessed. Our friends tell me, that the sound of your Master’s feet was certainly heard behind you. To Him, and Him alone, be all the glory! Is not this encouragement, my dear brother, to go on, and to be instant in season and out of season? If God will work, who shall hinder?
Give us thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow and thunders roar:
Thy faithful witnesses we’ll be;
’Tis fix’d! we can do all through thee.
Thanks be to God, we do not go a warfare on our own charges; the Captain of our salvation will conquer for and in us. Let us but acknowledge him in all our ways, and He hath given us his royal word, that “He will direct and prosper all our paths.”
Fix on his work our stedfast eye,
So shall our work be done.——
Our enemies shall be at peace with us, and the very ravens, birds of prey, shall be obliged to come and feed us. O for an increase of faith! I hope you have refreshing times from the presence of the Lord, among your own flock. May grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied amongst you! If the common interest of the Redeemer be promoted, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. My earnest prayer is, that you, and all that labour in our Lord’s vineyard, may more and more be taught to give every one their portion of meat in due season; and may your rod blossom more and more! O to end life well. Methinks I have now but one more river to pass over, Jordan. And we know of one that can carry us over, without being ankle deep. How are Messrs. G——th, A——ge, &c. &c. S——k and his wife send cordial salutations. I left them labouring on their Bethesda plan, till the intended college is established. Yet a little while, and all true labourers shall enter into the joy of their Lord. Amen! Hallelujah! Cease not to pray for, dear Mr. E——s,
Yours, &c. in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXIV.
To Mr. D——n.
London, September 6, 1765.
My very dear Friends,
I AM sorry that matters have been so ordered, as to confine you so long at Bethesda. But you have learned to believe, that the Redeemer orders all things well. Soon after my arrival, Lord D——h was put at the head of the board of trade. This will soon bring Bethesda affairs to a speedy issue. You will then be released. But indeed and indeed, in my judgment you had best keep where you are. You will soon repent coming over. Mrs. R——l, whose husband is lame, is utterly against your coming. But you must follow your own judgment. Though people flock more and more, and my health is better, yet I make no secret of it, that my heart is abroad. Mrs. R——l tells me strange things of B——y, and disagreeable things of P——y. O my God! shall I have no prize tickets amongst those I would willingly serve! Well,—the faithful nurse shall be paid, whether the child lives or dies. You therefore shall verily have your reward. Excuse enlarging. Captain Gunn goes to-day. Mr. Wright sends cordial respects. My wife is gone for a little while into the country. God bless you! God bless you! More opportunities of sending will soon offer to, my very dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXV.
To Mr. A—— K——n.
London, September 20, 1765.
My dear Timothy,
PRAY when are we to have the honour of a visit from you? I believe more than three weeks are elapsed since you came to Bristol. Mr. Adams is to be your collegue here. I purpose for both of you to preach at the chapel, as well as at the tabernacle. Write an immediate answer, fixing your time of coming; and you must not think of returning soon. Mr. Middleton sends me word, that he is blessed at Plymouth, and especially at dock, and that Kingsbridge christians are lively. I hope it is so at Bristol. Blessed be God, it is pretty much so in London. Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace! Through his never-failing mercy, I have been better in health for a week past, than I have been for these four years. O for a thankful and an humble heart! My wife also returned well, last night, from Bury. She indulges this morning, being weary. But I take it for granted, that you and I rise at five. Mr. Adams’s room will be large for you to breathe in. I shall never breathe as I would, till I breathe in yonder heaven.
There sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
Adieu. Cordial love awaits all where you are, all at tabernacle house, and all that are so kind as to pray for, and enquire after, my very dear Timothy,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXVI.
London, September 28, 1765.
My very dear Timothy,
THOSE that are Timothies indeed, shall be honoured of Him, whom they desire to honour, with a disinterested spirit. I am glad you find old Jacob’s prophecy to be fulfilling. “To Shiloh shall the gathering of the people be.” Nothing is wanting at Bristol, London, and elsewhere, but labourers full of the first old methodistical spirit. But where to get them is the question. Those that are thus minded, are almost worn out. I would gladly fly to Bristol if I could; but I see that it is best to be here for some time. And indeed, things have always been at such a low ebb, when I have been at Bristol, and matters carried on with so little spirit, that I have generally come mourning away. If a few, such as Mr. C——t, would exert themselves steadily, and perseveringly, and proper preachers were sent, something might be done to purpose. But as neither of these things is likely to happen, my expectations are not very much raised. However, the residue of the spirit is in the Redeemer’s hands. Our eyes wait upon Him. From Him, and Him alone, all kinds of salvation do come. Fain would I have you up at London for some time, at this season. Mr. D——r expects to see you in a clerical habit about Christmas. He asked me, if I would get him a scarf? I answered, that you must have one first. You may guess how he smiled. However, I really intend you shall preach in the chapel. I want you also to read the letters, and give me leave to comment upon them, as my breath will allow. You may return by way of Bristol, or if Sarah is worse, go from hence. I thank you heartily for making the collections. Never was a cause kept up at such a small expence; “not by might, or by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord.” This be our invariable rule. God bless and prosper you more and more. If I have not tired you, I have almost tired, my very dear Timothy,
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
P. S. Since writing the above, I find providence calls me to Bath, to open good Lady Huntingdon’s chapel. God willing, I purpose to set out next Tuesday. You must set out for London the same day; otherwise, it may be, Bristol people will not see me. Adieu. Your preaching orders, as to time and place, you will receive at your arrival. That you may do Satan’s kingdom much hurt, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear man,
Ever yours, &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bath, October 7, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
WHAT a providence (as matters have fallen out) that your Bath journey was prevented! Could you have come, and been present at the opening of the chapel, you would have been much pleased. The chapel is extremely plain, and yet equally grand. A most beautiful original! All was conducted with great solemnity. Though a very wet day, the place was very full, and assuredly the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls consecrated and made it holy ground by his presence. I preached in the morning, Mr. Townsend in the evening. Expect more particulars when we meet. My moving depends on Mr. M——n’s punctuality. I am to preach to-morrow night, and have hopes of setting off on Wednesday morning. God give us all grace to work whilst it is day! The time of sickness and lowness comes, when no man can work. Dear Miss H——y is happily fled from all. Happy, happy she. God comfort all surviving relatives. They, as well as you and yours, are never forgotten by, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in Him who is all in all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXVIII.
To Mr. D——n.
London, October 26, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
ACCEPT a few hasty but loving lines. Your letters came safe. I thank God for their contents. In return I can inform you, that Bethesda matters are likely to come to a speedy and happy issue. We talk of my coming over again. It is not impossible, if my health admits. At present, blessed be God, I am better than last year. The word runs and is glorified in London. Bet D——y must not come here. You have not been so explicit as was Mrs. R——l about her. Instead of her, pray send over a barrel of rice or two, directed to Mr. T—— C——a, in Winchester-street, near Moorfields. Pray inform Mr. H——m, that I hope to send him some pleasing particulars by the next ship. I have much to say, but have scarcely a moment left to send you my hearty thanks and blessing, and subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. in the glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXXIX.
To ——, at Sheerness.
London, January 18, 1766.
Dearly Beloved,
NOT want of love, but of leisure and health, hath occasioned you the trouble of writing a second letter. And now I am sorry to acquaint you, that it is not in my power to comply with your request. For want of more assistance, I am confined in town with the care of two important posts, when I am only fit to be put into some garrison among the invalids, to stand by an old gun or two. However, my former ambition still remains, and through the help of your prayers, who knows but this feeble arm may yet be strengthened to annoy the enemy? If others are blessed to do any execution, God forbid that I should hinder, though in all things they follow not with us. Let the Lord send by whom he will send. So that Christ is preached, and true evangelical holiness promoted, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. God keep us all from flagging in the latter stages of our road! Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace! How little, my Lord and my God, have I done for thee, who hast done and suffered so much for ill and hell-deserving me! Brethren, pray for us. Ere long we shall meet
Where sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
He is faithful who hath promised, who also will do it. Amen! Hallelujah! To his never-failing mercy do I commend you, as being, for his great name’s sake, dearly beloved,
Your affectionate friend and willing servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXL.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bristol, March 17, 1766.
My dear Mr. K——n,
THE uncertainty of my motions hath made me slow in writing, and a desire to be a while free from London cares, hath made me indifferent about frequent hearing from thence. In a day or two, I hope matters will be determined. If Mr. S——d comes, I have a mind to stay a little longer; and if dear Mr. Howell D—— will continue to officiate, I have a mind to visit Wales for him. Last Friday evening, and twice yesterday, I preached at Bath, to very thronged and brilliant auditories. I am told it was a very high day. The glory of the Lord filled the house. To-morrow, God willing, I return thither again. Mr. T——d is too ill to officiate. If any urgent business requires, be pleased to direct either to this place or Bath. Pray shew my wife this. I hope no news is good news. I trust that the holy Spirit is moving in Mr. ——’s family, both on the heads and the servants of it. Many do think old times are coming round again. Pray tell Mr. W——r, that I think the letters he hath sent need not go to Scotland as yet. I sent a packet thither last week. This I write in the midst of company. Lady H——n is mounting on her high places. I wished my two steady friends at Bath yesterday. Mr. S——t hath met with a great blessing. Pray, pray for us. All send due respects. Tuesday or Wednesday next I hope to write again to my wife. Cordial respects and love attend her, your whole self, dear Mr. H——y and sisters, Mr. Howell D——, and all that are so kind to enquire after and pray for, my dear Sir,
Theirs, yours, &c. &c. in our never-failing Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLI.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
London, April 25, 1766.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
NOT want of love, but of leisure and better health, hath prevented your hearing from me more frequently. I find I cannot do as I have done. But, through infinite, free, and sovereign mercy, I am enabled to ascend my gospel throne three or four times a week, and a glorious influence attends the word. People have indeed a hearing ear, but we want more preachers. I know the continual cry of your heart is, “Lord, let thy kingdom come.” The prospect of a large and effectual door opening among the heathen, blessed be God, is very promising. Mr. Occum, the Indian preacher, is a settled humble christian. The good and great, with a multitude of a lower degree, heard him preach last week at Tottenham-Court chapel, and felt much of the power and presence of our common Lord. Mr. R——n hath preached, and collected a hundred pounds, and I believe seven or eight hundred pounds more are subscribed. The truly noble Lord D——h espouses the cause most heartily, and his Majesty is become a contributor. The King of kings and Lord of all lords will bless them for it. O what an honour to be permitted to do or suffer any thing for Jesus of Nazareth! Indeed and indeed, I want to begin to begin: for hitherto, alas! I have done nothing.
Whene’er you see a barren tree,
Then, O my friend, pray think of me.
Lord Jesus, make me willing to be made willing that thou shouldst dig and dung around me, that I may at length bring forth some fruit unto thee. However it may be with unprofitable, ill, and hell-deserving me, I trust your whole self and all my other dear G—— friends are so grown as to become tall cedars in the spiritual Lebanon. I pray for, though I cannot write to them. Hearty, special love attend my dear host, and his yoke-fellow. If possible they shall hear from me soon. I hope all is well at Cambuslang. Blessed be God, all will be well in heaven. Yet a little while and we shall enter into perfect rest. He that cometh will come, and will not tarry.
We soon shall hear th’ archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, Rejoice!
I will not interrupt you. You want to say, Amen! Hallelujah! I only add, when upon the mount, put in a word for an old friend, who retains his old name, the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for Jesus Christ’s sake, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your willing servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLII.
To W—— P——, Esq.
Tottenham-Court, May 15, 1766.
THOUGH at present in almost a breathless state, by preaching for the best of Masters last night, yet a weak worm hopes to be strengthened to give the holy sacrament at seven next Sunday morning, and, if able, to preach afterwards at ten. If good Mr. R—— and Lady will come at near seven to the chapel house, they shall be conducted to a proper place. I wish them a Pentecost, not only on Whitsunday, but every day, every hour, and every moment of their lives. Our privilege, as christians, is not to be afraid of, but looking towards, and waiting for the coming of the Son of God. He expects that our lamps should be trimmed, our loins girded, and our lamps burning. There is oil enough in him, our glorious Aaron, to keep them so. It runs to the very skirts of his garments, even to the least member of his mystical body, and therefore to the heart and soul of, dear happy pair,
Your most willing servant for Jesus Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLIII.
To W—— P——, Esq.
Tottenham-Court, June 2, 1766.
WHAT a mercy, that God’s elect, knit by the blessed Spirit, (that common centre of unity) in one communion and fellowship, can, though absent, be present with each other on earth! What an infinitely greater mercy, that they are assured they shall meet never to part again in heaven! This may reconcile them to all interruptions of mutual concern here below. My cloud seems to point towards Bristol and Bath; yours towards Brighthelmstone. All travelling the same road, all engaged in the same errand. How glad will the truly noble Countess be of the intended visit! How will the hearts both of the visited and visitors be made to burn within them! She meets with that, which all fond fathers and apostolic mothers in Israel must meet with; I mean, rebuffs from her spiritual children. That monstrous doctrine of sinless perfection, for a while turns some of its deluded votaries into temporary monsters. Happy they who strive to be holy as he who hath called them is holy, and yet are continually going out of themselves, and relying only on the glorious, compleat, imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. This hath a certain happy pair learned, and received Christ. Thus may they be helped continually to walk in him! They will, they will. The meek, the humble, hungering and thirsty soul will he guide in his ways. But what am I doing? writing a parting letter? The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So wishes, so prays, dear honoured and happy pair,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in an unchangeable Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLIV.
To Mr. H——y.
Bath, June 12, 1766.
LAST night we lay at the Devizes. This morning we breakfasted at Shaw-House, near Melksom, with Mr. C——n. In my way hither, I called upon Mrs. E——n. Her account of Miss Winter’s decease, was by no means unpleasant. She was taken suddenly, and though speechless, continued to smile upon all in a very remarkable manner, till the last gasp, which was with much struggle. Mr. P——s is left executor of the will. Being weary with riding, I think to stay here till after Sunday morning’s sermon, and then shall set off for Bristol. The horse turns out exceeding well in every respect. I hope you, my dear Sir, got safe to London. That you and all your dear relations, and all dear friends in town, may, in the glorious Emmanuel’s due time, arrive triumphant in heaven, earnestly prays, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLV.
To Mr. K——n.
Cottam, near Bristol, June 19, 1766.
My dear Friend,
HERE I am, in a large vacant country house, where Mrs. Wollaston was last Summer. She hath got the start of me; but my turn must come by and by. As my feverish heat continues, and the weather is too wet to travel, I have complied with the advice of friends, and have commenced an hot-well water drinker twice a day. However, twice this week, at six in the morning, I have been enabled to call thirsty souls to come and drink of the water of life freely. To-morrow evening, God willing, the call is to be repeated, and again on Sunday. By that time, perhaps, the cloud may point to some particular corner. Dear Mr. H——y shall know in due time. Good seasons at Bath. Good seasons here. Large auditories. Grace! grace! I hope that my wife, and yours, and all dear friends, are well. Cordial love awaits them and dear Mr. E——s, and all who are so kind as to enquire after, and pray for, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLVI.
To W—— P——, Esq.
London, November 1, 1766.
Happy Heirs of the Grace of Life,
BY your giving young Mr. R—— H—— hints about a proper direction, I have inferred, that a line, though from one who is less than the least of all, would not be altogether unacceptable. I am sure my poor prayers are continually ascending to the throne of grace in your behalf. I want to have you great, yea very great in the kingdom of heaven. Have you not found, by your heart’s being warmed with the conversation of gospel ministers, that your heaven is begun on earth? Dear Mr. F——er is become a scandalous Tottenham-Court preacher. I trust he will come down into your parts, baptized with the Holy Ghost as with fire. Dear Mr. R——n hath been much owned in good Lady H——n’s chapel. Ill and hell-deserving I, am to go thither next week. Dear Mr. M——n is detained at Aldwinckle, by his children having the small-pox in town. The shout of a king is yet heard in the Methodist camp. The glorious cry, “What shall I do to be saved,” is frequently sounding in our ears. Had we more reproach, and were we more scandalous, more good would be done. Several promise well. Some say shibboleth with a good grace, and very proper accent; others, as yet, can only say sibboleth: but I have heard of one who can teach the tongue of the stammerer to speak plain. Good Lady H——n is an excellent school mistress in this way. The writer of the letter on the other side, seems to be an apt scholar. The person referred to, keeps house where dear Mr. S——t constantly expounds. He is in a consumption. What a mercy that such a confessor should be sent to prison! I want all the followers of the Lamb in general, and a certain gospel happy pair in particular, to grow higher and richer every day towards God. Time is short; eternity is endless; the Judge and judgment are at the door.
We soon shall hear th’ archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, Rejoice!
Amen! Hallelujah!
But I must have done. A dear company of ministerial cast-outs are coming to breakfast under my despised roof. It stinks too much for worldlings. If you would be so good as to let dear Mr. Hill see the Oxonian letter, it may be of service. Next Tuesday, God willing, I shall read an account of his servant’s death. May the last end of every christian master be like his! But I cannot die: cold bathing, and cool weather, brace up my tottering tabernacle. I hope that both to whom I am writing, enjoy thriving souls in healthy bodies. That they may increase with all the increase of God, earnestly prays,
Their, &c. &c. &c. in a once crucified, but now exalted Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bath, November 12, 1766.
My dear Friend,
THROUGH mercy I slept at Mr. C——’s, as proposed, but have been low ever since my coming here. Bath air, I believe, will never agree with me long. However, if good is done, all will be well. They tell me, that Sunday and last night were seasons of power. Some we trust were made willing. I hope you enjoy much of God in town. Surely London is the Jerusalem of England. Happy they who know the day of their visitation! Mr. Whitaker writes me word, that he is to be at Exeter the 18th instant: but I have no heart to draw with, or act for him, till the trust is settled in a proper manner. Besides, I see no opening here: and Mr. S——t writes me word, that the door is shut at Oxford. As I am so poorly, I question whether I shall go to Bristol at all. God help us to look up, and look out, and our path will be made plain before us. Remember me to all at Tabernacle, &c. &c. I hope to write to Mr. F——r to-morrow or next day, and also to Mr. H——y. I am just now obliged to go out, and have only time to entreat the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my dear friend,
Yours, &c. in an unchangeable Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLVIII.
To the Same.
Bath, November 20, 1766.
My dear Friend,
ON Tuesday evening I preached at Bristol to a very crouded auditory, though the weather was very foul. Last night I administered the sacrament there also. We used near eight bottles of wine. I trust some tasted of the new wine of the kingdom. This morning, upon my arrival here, your kind letter gave me great comfort. I want just one week more to settle Bristol affairs; and have, therefore, written to dear Mr. J——e to stay two or three weeks at London: Mr. D——s, who they say is expected here next week, may then officiate for that space of time at Bath, and at Mr. J——e’s leaving London, may go up to town. Satan hath had leave to give Captain J——s a fine parting blow. Mr. C—— may be dismissed immediately; and I beg that Captain J——s would go through with the Tabernacle work, and stick to it with his whole heart. I hear nothing as yet of the Americans. Letters may be reserved till my return. I hope at farthest to be in London by next Tuesday se’nnight, and to preach at Tabernacle the following evening. I was afraid my wife would get cold by her late excursions, as at other times she is so confined. My hearty love awaits you all. Be pleased to shew her this. I am afraid that in my next to her, she will hear of the death of J—— S——. He is now ill of the present dangerous fever. O for a heart broken with a sense of sin! Then shall we look to Him whom we have pierced, and mourn. May this be our habitual frame! God bless you all.
Ever yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXLIX.
To the Same.
Bristol, November 23, 1766.
Dear Sir,
SUCH a numerous brilliant assembly of the mighty and noble, I never saw attend before at Bath. Every thing is so promising, that I was constrained to give notice of preaching next Sunday. I hope the Redeemer will give us a blessed sabbath. I trust already the arm of the Lord hath been revealed. Congregations have been very large and very solemn. O what Bethels hath Jesus given to us! We were filled as with new wine! O that God would make my way into every town in England! Methinks I long to break up fresh ground, and to begin to begin to do something for Jesus. I am just come here weary, but am going to speak a few words. This prevents my enlarging; but I could not refrain writing to one I so dearly love, and to whom I am so greatly obliged. God bless you! God bless you and yours! Accept most unfeigned love and acknowledgments, and still add to my innumerable obligations, by praying for, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCL.
To W—— P——, Esq.
At my Tottenham-Court Bethel, Six in the Morning, December 30, 1766.
My very dear Sir,
THE Christmas holiday season hath prevented my sending an immediate answer to your last kind letter. The order therein given shall be readily complied with, and the love therein expressed, returned, by praying for the writer’s whole self, and the honourable, christian, and ministerial circle with which they are at present happily surrounded with, four Methodist parsons. Honourable title! so long as attended with the cross. When fashionable, (and blessed be God there is not much danger of that) we will drop it. Four Methodist parsons! enough (when Jesus says, Loose them and let them go) to set a whole kingdom on fire for God. I wish them prosperity in the name of the Lord. I pre sequar etsi non passibus æquis. Fy upon me, fy upon me, fifty-two years old last Saturday; and yet, O loving, ever-loving, altogether lovely Jesus, how little, yea how very little have I done and suffered for thee! Indeed and indeed, my dear and honoured friends, I am ashamed of myself: I blush and am confounded. To-morrow, God willing, and Thursday also, with many hundreds more, I intend to take the sacrament upon it, that I will begin to begin to be a christian. Though I long to go to heaven to see my glorious Master, what a poor figure shall I make among the saints, confessors, and martyrs, that surround his throne, without some deeper signatures of his divine impress, without more fears of christian honour. Our truly noble mother in Israel, is come to London full of them. Crescit sub pondere virtus. She is come out of her cell, with her face shining again. Happy they who have the honour of her acquaintance! Highly honoured are those ministers, who have the honour of preaching for and serving her. Good and honest and dearly beloved Sir C——s, and all your happy circle, male and female, I am persuaded are of my mind. O this single eye, this disinterested spirit, this freedom from worldly hopes and worldly fears, this flaming zeal, this daring to be singularly good, this holy laudable ambition to lead the van; O it is, what? an heaven upon earth! O for a plerophory of faith! To be filled with the Holy Ghost. This is the grand point. God be praised that you have it in view! All our lukewarmness, all our timidity, all our backwardness to do good, to spend and be spent for God, is all owing to our want of more of that faith, which is the inward, heart-felt, self-evident demonstration of things not seen. But whither am I going? Pardon me, good Sir: I keep you from better company. Praying that all (if you live to be fifty-two) may not be such dwarfs in the divine life as I am, I hasten to subscribe myself, most honoured friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.