LETTER MCCCLXXV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Tottenham-Court, Saturday Morning, October 31, 1767.
My dear Friend,
I WISH some one hour could be fixed for the triumvirate, to meet once a week. Some business might then be done for both ends of the town. Regular dispatch is beautiful. What your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might, &c. I would settle every thing; perhaps I may be called suddenly, as well as ——. Transporting thought! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. I would reflect upon Wednesday with humility and gratitude¹. Lord, what am I? “Less than the least of all,” must be my motto still. I hope you have got the better of your pleasing fatigue. What an honour to do any thing for Jesus! in Him, I am, my dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXVI.
To Mr. G——s.
London, November 14, 1767.
My dear Sir,
ALL know my mind. Go forward, I think is the royal word of command. We may then indeed have a red-sea to pass through. But the threatening waves shall become a wall on the right hand and on the left. I am ashamed to find so many silenced by mere Bruta Fulmina. But I have done. If you will be more particular about the uproar, or if at any time you have a mind to unburden your heart, and let me know how you go forward, as business permits, you shall hear from me. Nothing but want of time hath prevented my answering you before. You will receive it in love, and be as serviceable as you can to the bearer of this, who is a brother to the late seraphic H——y, and comes to settle his two sons, but is not fixed as to college or tutor. May they turn out two H——y’s! May you be a burning and shining light! No greater honour can be desired for you, by, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in a never-failing Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Tottenham-Court, November 27, 1767.
My dear Friend,
NONE but God knows what a concern lies upon me now, in respect to Bethesda. Friends can guess, and a little sympathize, and I thank them for it; but the Friend of sinners alone can shew what is to be done. At present, as to this particular, I walk in darkness, and have no light. In other respects, blessed be God, the light shines as at noon-day. Grace, grace! As another voyage perhaps may be the issue and result of all at last, I would beg you and my dear Mr. H——y to let me have my papers and letters, that I may revise and dispose of them in a proper manner. This can do no hurt, come life or come death, or whether I stay at home or go abroad. Thanks be to God for a disinterested spirit. Though in helping others we fetter ourselves, yet in the end all will be well. I wait for thy salvation O Lord! In Him, I am, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXVIII.
London, December 1, 1767.
Dear Sir,
QUANTUM mutatus ab illo! As you now do not suffer outwardly, I expect to hear that you suffer inwardly. Nothing else can preserve you this winter season, or prepare you for another spring. A spring, I trust, you will yet have. Then shall poor Sampson’s locks grow again, and he be revenged of the Philistines for the loss of his eyes. Surely you have been wrong advised. Exitus acta probat. If you chuse to have our correspondence continued, write your whole heart; it may help to unload it. I shall not upbraid; though I do not expect letters now will smell of the divine fire as formerly. Well, if they smell of the prison of humiliation, by and by they may regain their usual and more solid permanent fervor. But, facilis descensus Averni.—You meet like apostles now; but when they met between the time of their Lord’s death and resurrection, what trouble did they endure, for fear of the Jews? But be not discouraged. Continue instant in prayer. A risen, an ascended Jesus will yet appear in the midst of you, (though the doors of your hearts may be now shut) renew your commission, endue you with power from on high; and then, woe be to the Jewish sanhedrim. O think of this, ye little college of cast-outs! Do not deny him in any wise. You see I write to you out of the fulness of my heart. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord cause his face to shine upon you, and then, but not till then, will you have peace.
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
P. S. Dear Mr. —— must hear from me next. God bring all your souls out of prison. Amen and amen.
LETTER MCCCLXXIX.
To the Hon. and Rev. Mr. S——y.
Bath, December 8, 1767.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
HOW glad was I to hear by the London Shunamite, that you and your Lady were well; that God had given you a son; that you reflected on your preaching at Tottenham-Court chapel with pleasure; that you had gotten a curate; and, to compleat all, that you intended to visit England next spring. This news rejoiced me before I left town, and was most grateful to our good Lady H——n, whom I have the honour of waiting upon at this time in Bath. She hath been sick, nigh unto death, but through mercy is now somewhat recovered, though as yet unable to write much. This her Ladyship much regrets on your account; and therefore enjoins me to inform your whole self, that your letter did not reach her hands till many weeks after the proper time; that ever since she hath been visited with lingering sickness, but begs you will not linger in coming over to our Macedonia to help us. The thought of it seems to refresh her heaven-born soul. Blessed be God, her Ladyship still takes the lead. She is now doing honour to the remains of the Earl of B——n, who sweetly slept in Jesus last week. His corpse lies deposited in her Ladyship’s chapel, and is not to be removed till next Friday morning. There have been public prayers and preaching twice every day. The noble relatives constantly attend, and all is more than solemn. Great numbers of all ranks croud to see and hear; I trust many will also feel. The deceased Earl died like the patriarch Jacob; he laid his hands on, and blessed his children, assured them of his personal interest in Jesus, called most gloriously on the Holy Ghost; cried, Happy! happy! as long as he could speak, and then—You know what followed. I know how you and yours will improve this imperfect account, and therefore hasten to subscribe myself, dear and honoured friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXX.
To Lady S—— S——.
Bath, December 9, 1767.
Honoured Madam,
ALL hath been awful, and more than awful. On Saturday evening, before the corpse was taken from B——n-House, a word of exhortation was given, and a hymn sung in the room where the corpse lay. The young Earl stood with his hands on the head of the coffin, the Countess Dowager on his right hand, Lady Ann and Lady Isabella on his left, and their brother Thomas next to their mother, with Miss O——n, Miss Wh——r, Miss G——e; on one side all domestics, with a few friends on the other. The word of exhortation was received with great solemnity, and most wept under the parting prayer. At ten the corpse was removed to good Lady H——n’s chapel, where it was deposited within a place railed in for that purpose, covered with black bays, and the usual funeral concomitants, except escutcheons. On Sunday morning, all attended in mourning at early sacrament. They were seated by themselves, at the feet of the corpse, and with their head servants, received first, and a particular address was made to them. Immediately after receiving, these verses were sung for them:
Our lives, our blood, we here present,
If for thy truths they may be spent:
Fulfil thy sovereign counsel, Lord;
Thy will be done, thy name ador’d.
Give them thy strength, O God of power,
Then let men rave or devils roar;
Thy faithful witnesses they’ll be;
’Tis fix’d, they can do all through Thee.
Then they received this blessing, “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, the Lord cause his face to shine upon you, and give you peace,” and so returned to their places. Sacrament ended (and a blessed sacrament it was) the Noble Mourners returned to good Lady H——n’s house, which was lent them for the day. At eleven, public service begun. The bereaved relations sat in order within, and the domestics around the outside of the rail. The chapel was more than crouded. Near three hundred tickets signed by the present Earl, were given out to the nobility and gentry, to be admitted. All was hush’d and solemn. Proper hymns were sung, and I preached on these words, “I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” Attention sat on every face, and deep and almost universal impressions were made. The like scene, and if possible more solemn, was exhibited in the evening, and I was enabled to preach a second time, and a like power attended the word as in the morning. Ever since, there hath been public service and preaching twice a day. This is to be continued till Friday morning, then all is to be removed to Bristol, in order to be shipped off for Scotland. The inscription on the coffin runs thus;
“His life was honourable,—his death blessed,—he sought earnestly peace with God,—he found it with unspeakable joy alone in the merits of Christ Jesus, witnessed by the holy Spirit to his soul,—he yet speaketh.—Go thou and do likewise.”
I have oftened wished for your Ladyship here. Congregations are very large, attentive, and deeply impressed. Surely the death of this noble Earl, thus improved, will prove the life of many. He had great foretastes of heaven, cried, “Come Holy Ghost;” he came, and filled him with joy unspeakable. Happy, happy, were his last dying words. All surviving relatives still feel the influence. They sit round the corpse attended by their domestics and supporters twice a day. Good Lady S——x gets fresh spirits. She loves your Ladyship dearly. I am called to attend, and therefore must hasten to acknowledge innumerable obligations, and to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXI.
Bristol, December 12, 1767.
My dear Captain,
I HOPE this will find you rejoicing with trembling, on account of an additional careful comfort. Thus it must be in this mixed state of things. Yet a little while, and our joy will be permanent, uninterrupted, and without alloy. For five days together we have been attending at the house of mourning. Many, I trust, were obliged to say, “How dreadful is this place.” Such a like scene, I never expect to see opened again on this side eternity. All is quiet, I trust, with you. But if diamond hath been cutting diamond, it will only be suitable to a church militant here on earth. Blessed be God for an almighty Jesus! who can by these mutual cuttings prepare the jewels for their respective places in the intended crown. Ere long he will count them up. Not one shall be wanting. Cordial love to all. I purpose being in town Tuesday se’nnight in the evening. Brethren, pray for us. I shall make all easy at Kingswood before I leave Bristol. That you may shine with distinguished lustre above, earnestly prays, my dear Captain,
Yours, &c. &c. in our Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bristol, December 16, 1767.
My dear Friend,
WE have been favoured with golden seasons here. I have been enabled to preach thrice, and to administer the holy sacrament. Thousands went away on Sunday, because they could not come in. The word hath been attended with great power. Grace! grace! What a pity that we cannot stay a week or two longer! But I must away to Bath to preach to-morrow, and the next Lord’s-day. Shall write, God willing, to Mr. S——s by Saturday’s post, to tell Rose where to meet me with the chaise. We come in the two days post-coach. Mr. A——s is come hither to see me. I thought to have brought him up with me, but the coach was full. Is it true, that Mr. J——ss hath two careful comforts at once? I wish him much joy. Pray tell my wife, that I intend doing myself the pleasure of dining at Tabernacle-house next Wednesday. Ere long we shall sit down and eat bread in the kingdom of heaven. Hallelujah! hallelujah! Come, Lord, come. Hearty love to all. Continue to pray for, my dear friend,
Yours and dear Mr. H——y’s, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXIII.
To the Reverend Mr. G——.
London, December 28, 1767.
Reverend and dear Sir,
WHY do you and I exchange letters so seldom? Perhaps it would be better to correspond more frequently. This brings you the good news of the triumphant death of the late Earl of B——n. He behaved like the patriarch Jacob, when by faith leaning upon his staff, he blessed his children. The Earl added, “Yea, and they shall be blessed.” “Had I strength of body, (cried the Earl) I would not be ashamed before men and angels to tell what the Lord Jesus hath done for my soul. Come, holy Ghost, come, holy Ghost; happy, happy, happy!” and then sweetly slept in Jesus. The present noble Earl, I believe, hath got the blessing indeed, and seems, upon the best evidence, to determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. He hath behaved in the most delicate manner to the Countess, and other noble survivors. He stands here in town, against all opposition, like an impregnable rock; and I humbly hope will prove the Daniel of the age. He must be, nay he hath been already thrown into a den of lions; but he hath one with him, that stops the lions mouths. You will encourage all God’s people to pray for him. What if you wrote him a line? I am sure it will be taken kindly; for I know he honours and loves you much. You will communicate this to dear Mr. M——ch, who, I suppose, like me, is groaning, being burdened. I am now fifty-three years old. Did you ever hear of such a fifty-three years old barren fig-tree? So much digging, so much dunging, and yet so little fruit. God be merciful to me a sinner! A sinner—a sinner—a sinner. He is merciful; he is gracious: his mercy endureth for ever. He yet vouchsafes to bless my feeble labours. You would have been delighted to have seen the awful scene exhibited at Bath, whilst the late noble Earl lay in state. Two sermons every day; life and power attended the word; and I verily believe many dead souls were made to hear the voice of the Son of God. Since that we have been favoured with comfortable seasons in town. I hope you are blessed in Glasgow. Who knows but we may have one more interview in Spring? Whether we meet next on earth or in heaven, you will find that with great sincerity I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in our glorious Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXIV.
To Mr. W——b.
London, February 4, 1768.
My dear Sir,
WHO would but converse when together, like persons that may never meet again till launched into an endless eternity. I hope this was in some measure our case, when we dined lately at Mr. H——t’s. One of the company, I find, is gone, and I trust to eat bread in the kingdom of heaven.
She is happy now, and we
Soon her happiness shall see.
In the midst of all your sorrow for the loss of so near and dear a relation, methinks such a consideration may make you cry out, Hallelujah! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Blessed be God, our turn will come by and by. Be ye also ready, is the loud call of the present afflictive providence. That it may be duly heard, and practically applied, is the hearty prayer of
Your sympathizing friend, and servant in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXV.
To Mr. D——n.
London, April 6, 1768.
My very dear Friends,
IF you choose it, you may now be released; but the aspect of affairs at home, is by no means promising. Many, many think of going abroad. However, you will be so kind as to see the bearers of this settled before you remove. Mr. C——ne, a worthy disinterested creature, is to be steward of the house: he is a particular heart-friend of Mr. W——t’s. Mr. W——t’s sister is an approved housekeeper, and the little female orphans are to be committed to her care. Mr. L——y hath had an university education, is a good writer and accomptant, hath been with me some time, and is to be a school-master. I long to know how poor Peter and Ephraim go on, and likewise his sister at Savannah. I and Mr. W——t hope to follow soon. But future things belong to Him who orders all things well. I believe; Lord, help my unbelief. His work prospers. That is all in all. Be pleased to have all accounts settled and audited, and take what you please for your passage, if determined to return. But—but—God keep you, through too fond affection, from taking a false step! My heart is full. If you come away, and Mr. S——k also goes away, I would have a letter of attorney given to Mr. C——ne. But it would be well if I could hear from you first. God direct and bless you all. I can only commend you to God and the word of his grace, and with ten thousand thanks for all your labours of love, subscribe myself, very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in our glorious Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXVI.
To Mr. J——ss.
London, May 17, 1768.
My dear Man,
GO forward, go forward, is the watch-word of the present day. Never mind the envious cry of elder brethren. Had they been harkened to, the prodigal must never have come home, nor Goliah’s head have been cut off. All temple builders, especially when called out to work in the field, must endure not only the contradictions of sinners, but the contradiction of saints also. Happy are they who are so deeply engaged in building, as not to have time to hearken to either. I long to come and lend an helping, though feeble hand. But Welch horses move slowly. If the Welch apostle comes, I purpose, in the Whitsun week, to make a short excursion into Sussex and Kent, and then for Bristol. Blessed be God, the shout of a king is heard in our camps! All your family is well. All will be more than well, when we come to our house in heaven. Let us march forward with palms of victory in our hands, crying, “Hallelujah! the Lord God omnipotent reigneth!” Tender love to all. I hope to answer Mrs. R——s person. The Lord Jesus be with your spirits! Cease not to pray for, my dear man,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Edinburgh, June 15, 1768.
My dear Mr. K——n,
I HOPE this will find you and yours safe returned to London. I am glad to hear by dear Mr. H——, that you left your daughter better: may she be spared, not in judgment, but in mercy! Then all will be well: nay, at all events, you may be assured all shall work for good, because you love God. Glorious assurance this! Thanks be to God for this unspeakable gift. Thanks be to his great name, for ordering my steps this way. You would be delighted to see our Orphan-house park assemblies; as large, attentive, and affectionate as ever. Twenty-seven year old friends and spiritual children, remember the days of old; they are seeking after their first love, and there seems to be a stirring among the dry bones. I cannot yet tell when I shall move. Probably within this fortnight. I must away to my throne. Love to all at Tabernacle, and to all that are so kind as to enquire after,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXVIII.
To Mr. A—— K——n.
Edinburgh, July 2, 1768.
My dear Timothy,
I AM much obliged to you for staying at London, till I return from Scotland. My journey hither was certainly of God. Could I preach ten times a day, thousands and thousands would attend. I have been confined for a few days, but on Monday or Tuesday next hope to mount my throne again. O to die there! Too great, too great an honour to be expected. My wife will see my letter to Mr. S——ks. I thank her for her kind letter just received. Pray tell Mr. K——n that no Indian money will be remitted to the London trust from hence. The interest of what is collected, which is near two thousand pounds, is to be sent, as occasion requires, to Mr. Wheelock and the Connecticut trust. Be pleased to send to Mr. Dilly, and desire him to forward by the first ship, fifty of my letters to the Archbishop, directed to Mr. Herdie at the custom-house, Leith. I am here only in danger of being hugged to death. Friends of all ranks seem heartier and more friendly than ever. All is of grace. Grace! grace! I thought to write you a long letter: but company forbids. I go on in my old way, without turning to the right hand or to the left. Providence says every day, “This is the way, walk in it.” Tender love to all, particularly to my dear wife. Next post she may expect to hear from,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCLXXXIX.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
Edinburgh, July 4, 1768.
My dear Friend,
WHAT various interruptions do we meet with in this lower world! Sickness, preaching, and company, have prevented my answering your kind letter more speedily. I strive to stir and fly as formerly; but the earthly house of this tabernacle pulls me down.
Strange, that a harp of thousand strings,
Should keep in tune so long!
However, this is my comfort, the Redeemer still vouchsafes to smile upon my feeble efforts. In London the word runs and is glorified, and in Edinburgh, I trust, the prospect is promising. The fields are white ready unto harvest. Who knows but some wheat may be gathered into the heavenly garner? Many of my old friends are safely housed.
They are happy now, and we
Soon their happiness shall see.
Hallelujah!
Perhaps we may have one interview. I have thoughts of going to M——. A week or a fortnight, at most, is the longest time I can stay here. I desire to move, till I can move no more. O to die in the field! I pray God to send Mrs. T—— a safe delivery. My wife is as well as can be expected. Both descending in order to ascend
Where sin and pain and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
I add one more hallelujah; and must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXC.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Edinburgh, July 9, 1768.
My very dear Friend,
GOD be praised that all is so well at London. Every thing goes on better and better here. But I am so worn down by preaching abroad, and by talking at home almost all the day long, that I have determined, God willing, to set off for London next Tuesday noon. I shall mind all you say. You have acted quite right. As you do not mention my wife, I suppose she is out of town. God prepare you and yours for whatever he hath prepared for you, and support you under your present and impending trial. Company prevents my enlarging. Thus it is continually. Grace! grace! Hoping to see you soon, with tender love to all, I beg leave to subscribe myself, my dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCI.
To Mr. J——ss.
London, August 16, 1768.
Dear Mr. J——ss,
BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath so mercifully preserved you in your going out and coming in, and caused you to triumph in every place! You may continue your gospel range, till Mr. E——ds leaves London; then we must think of Winter quarters. Let us work whilst it is day. The late very unexpected breach, is a fresh proof that the night soon cometh when no man can work¹. Pray where may I find that grand promise made to Abraham after Sarah’s death? May it be fulfilled in you, whilst your Sarah is yet alive! Sweet bereavements, when God himself fills up the chasm! Through mercy I find it so. Adieu. Tender love to all. Brethren, pray for us. I suppose I must direct to brother Adams at Rodborough. He expects you there. That you may be owned in every place more and more, heartily prays, my dear man,
Yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Trevekka, August 26, 1768.
My dear Friend,
I HAVE had the return of my old disorder; but blessed be God, I am strengthened to preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. We reached Gloucester on Monday, and came hither on Wednesday afternoon. All we have met with exceeds description. Early next Monday I purpose to set off for Bristol, and soon after shall return to London. Brethren, pray for us. I believe you do; for God is with us of a truth. I hope you and yours are supported. The Redeemer is a present help in every time of need. Cordial respects await all that love him in sincerity. Mr. L——d and a Londonner left us to-day. I hope Mr. P——d and B——s make all possible dispatch. God send dear Mr. H——y a good passage and safe return! Amen! Amen! Lord, quicken my tardy pace!
Ever yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCIII.
To the Same.
Bristol, August 30, 1768.
My very dear Friend,
WHAT we have seen and felt at the college is unspeakable. Through mercy last night we came hither. My disorder has returned. This may hasten me up: or rather hasten me to heaven. I hope your daughter will have it revealed in her before she goes hence. That is all in all. Is there any thing too hard for the Lord?
Surely, O God, thy grace is free,
For, O my God, it found out ME!
In a day’s time my rout may be determined. P——d, &c. must make haste. Captain J——ss comes up at the appointed time. Hearty love awaits dear Mr. E——s, &c. &c. &c. Cease not to pray for, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
P. S. Since writing the above I received yours. I find the threatened blow is given. I hope both are enabled to say, “The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away: and blessed be the name of the Lord.” Be pleased to send what letters you have for me, and accept these few lines of condolance from, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in an all-compassionate Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCIV.
To Mr. D——n.
London, September 1, 1768.
My very dear Mr. D——n,
I WAS exceeding glad to find, by your last kind favour, that you and Mrs. D——n thought of deferring your embarkation for England till the Spring. You will then see the newcomers quite settled, and I wish I could add, see also your reasons for leaving Bethesda but of little weight. I know your mind. Would to God your dear yoke-fellow was like-minded. She will certainly be so very soon after her arrival in her native country: but I would not grieve her. God bless you both! Brownhill’s situation I much approve of. Poor Peter often engages my thoughts. It pleases me to find that he goes on well; but I want to have him settled. If not likely to make a scholar, or be in some good station in the house, I wish he was put out to some proper business. Not one prize as yet among all the young relations I have endeavoured to provide for. Father, not my but thy sovereign will be done! I wish you could enquire what is become of ——, sent over with Mr. Wooldridge, Provost-Marshall at Augustine. You may guess that I long to see the accompts. I doubt not of their being quite compleat. Could you not send me a duplicate before your intended embarkation, it would be very acceptable for many reasons. All your dear relations on this side the water are well. My nearest relation hath been quite well above a month. Mr. Middleton hath soon followed after. His wife died a few weeks before him.
They are happy now, and we
Soon their happiness shall see.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Come, Lord, come! Praying still that, if it be the divine will, you may be constrained to abide at Bethesda, I subscribe myself, dear and faithful friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCV.
To Mr. S—— S——.
London, September 6, 1768.
My very dear Friend,
WHY should not one invalid write to another? What if we should meet in our way to heaven unembodied, and consequently freed from every thing that at present weighs down our precious and immortal souls? But perhaps we are yet to sojourn a little longer on earth. For these two days past, I have been unable almost to write. To-day I am what they call better, and must improve my first strength in sending a few lines to him whom I dearly love in the bowels of Jesus Christ. May they find you and your dear partner leaning on his bosom, who alone is able to bring out of every wilderness. Neither are forgotten before his throne. Though absent in body, I am present in spirit. Accept of love and sympathy unfeigned. I am persuaded you are not unmindful of, very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
London, September 19, 1768.
My dear Sir,
I APPROVE very much of Mr. Brooksbank’s motion, especially as dear Mr. Middleton is gone. His burying is fixed for Wednesday evening. Would you choose (with some other friends to whom I shall write) to condescend to be a pallbearer. The conference to follow the children as mourners. The children to be sent for in my carriage, and sit with the pall bearers in my parlour. All to be invited that have a mind to follow in mourning. The corpse to be brought privately to Tabernacle on Tuesday night. I must away, for fear of the evening air. I should be glad to see you at Tottenham-Court to-morrow afternoon. By that time, I shall know Dr. C——r’s answer to Mr. Middleton’s daughter’s letter. By which we shall judge the better how to act, in regard to opening the intended subscription for the benefit of his fatherless children. Blessed be God, I am better, but am ordered to decline preaching. God’s will be done! Pray let Mrs. K——n make free at Tabernacle-house as usual. God bless you both! God give me patience to wait till my change comes! I am, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.