LETTER MCCCXCVII.
To Mr. S—— S——.
London, September 26, 1768.
My very dear Friend,
BLESSED be God for the art of writing! blessed be God for skill to read and understand what is written! Thus we understand each other, though at a thousand miles distance; thus I understand, and by understanding learn to sympathize with my dear fellow-sufferer Mr. S——. This is my comfort, that underneath him are the almighty Redeemer’s everlasting arms. Therefore, being the beloved of the Lord, he must dwell in safety. Though prevented by the weather from using or drinking the Ramsgate waters, nothing can prevent his using or drinking the waters of life freely. No, no: in every true believer’s heart the Holy Ghost is a well of water springing up to life eternal. Hence it is, that though he killeth, he maketh alive; though he wounds, yet he heals. These words I was enabled to feel and enlarge upon yesterday morning from my Tottenham-Court throne. For some days the flux of blood hath stopped entirely. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Lord Jesus, if it be thy blessed will, let me hear of the recovery of my dear friend! Most cordial respects attend dear Mrs. S——. God bless, support, and comfort her under her present circumstances. Mr. Middleton is now made perfectly whole. He was buried from the Tabernacle last Wednesday evening, and a subscription is opened for his four orphans. In the midst of his torturing pains, being asked by his daughter how he was, he answered, “A heaven upon earth.” Soon afterwards he fell asleep in Jesus. In Him I am, my very dear dear Sir,
Yours, yours, &c. &c. in our never-failing Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bristol, November 12, 1768.
My dear Mr. K——n,
THROUGH infinite mercy we arrived here in due season. Last night I hope the Redeemer manifested forth his glory. God willing, I stay till next Thursday or Friday morning. Friday evening, and the following Sunday, I shall preach at Bath. In three weeks expect to reach London, except called before that period to reside at the New-Jerusalem. The pleasing prospect lies day and night open before me. On Monday, I suppose, dear Mr. H——y sets out for Bath. All proper enquiry hath been made about his house. Particulars he will be acquainted with on his arrival. Pray for me. Bethesda lies upon my heart night and day. Something must be determined speedily. As I trust my eye is single, God will assuredly direct my goings in his way. Hitherto he hath helped: he will do so to the end. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God bless you and yours! Wonted cordial christian salutations to all, who are so kind as to be concerned for, and enquire after, my dear steady friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXCIX.
To Mr. A——s.
London, November 30, 1768.
My very dear Tommy,
TEN thousand thanks for your kind sympathy. Many thought I should not hold out from Bath to London. But I cannot as yet go to him whom, I trust, my soul loveth. Last Sunday I creeped up to my gospel throne: this evening the same honour is to be conferred upon me. Why me, Lord? why me? The prayers of God’s people detain me here: for what end, the event only can discover. To be tried, we may be assured. Mr. W——t is going with his brothers to Georgia, in order to finish the wings of the intended college, and repair the present buildings. I suppose they will sail in about a fortnight. You will pray that Abraham’s God may be my God and my guide unto death. He will, he will.
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
Lord, help my unbelief.
Cordial, most cordial respects await your whole self, and all who are so kind as to enquire after, my very dear Tommy,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCC.
To W—— P——, Esq.
London, December 14, 1768.
HOW unexpected a letter! what a kind present! Both came safe to hand; both call for most grateful acknowledgments. My poor prayers shall follow them: may they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth! They will, they will. He is a God hearing prayer. You and yours know it; otherwise how would you have been translated from darkness to light! Marvellous, soul-transforming light! This, I trust, you prove by daily experience, passing from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Hence you increase in boldness; hence your readiness to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, though it should be without the camp. Blessed be his name, for this honour conferred upon ill and hell-deserving me. This may make dear Mr. S——t easy, should I ever be called to Shropshire. I love the open bracing air. Preaching within doors is apt to make us nervous, especially to crouded auditories. These, I hope, he is blessed with. God make him a successful fisher of men! I hope he and his are enabled to walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless. Blessed saving fruits of a living faith! blessed proofs of having our past sins forgiven! As for those to come, I dare not to mention their being forgiven, till committed. Moderate Calvinism I take to be a medium between two extremes. I should not choose to use expressions that need an apology. This seems to be a blemish in Dr. Caisp, and other supralapsarian writers. A word to the wise is enough. You will excuse this freedom, because it proceeds from love unfeigned in, dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCI.
London, December 15, 1768.
My dear Friend,
YOU will see the contents of my letter to Dr. E——e. I have considered the affair of the picture. What think you? A limner who lately drew me, and hung the picture up in the exhibition, asks forty guineas for a copy. I shall not mind him, but send a bust taken several years ago. It shall be paid for here, and presented as a token of my hearty, hearty love to the Orphan-house at Edinburgh, and its never-to-be-forgotten friends. Nothing but my disorder of body, God willing, shall prevent my engagement in the plains of Philippi: But, I fear, that will be an obstruction to so long a journey. You cannot tell how low my late excursion only to Bristol and Bath brought me. But I serve a God who killeth and maketh alive. I would leave future events to Him, and like you merchants improve the present Now: time is short; eternity is endless. The Judge hath sent this awful message, “Behold, I come quickly.” That we all may be ready to go forth to meet him, earnestly prays, my dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCII.
To Mr. T—— A——ms.
London, December 29, 1768.
My very dear Tommy,
MANY thanks for your kind sympathetic congratulatory letter. Mr. Wright is gone, or rather lies yet in the Downs. He is gone to build for Him, who shed his precious heart’s-blood for ill and hell-deserving me. Whether the unworthy Founder lives or dies, Bethesda affair, I trust, will now be compleated. Strange, that I am now living! Fifty-four years old last Tuesday. God be merciful to me a sinner! a sinner! a sinner! Less than the least of all, must be my motto still. As such, continue to pray for me. That you and yours, and all the elect people of God around you, may increase with all the increase of God, continually prays, my very dear Tommy,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCIII.
London, January 13, 1769.
My dear Sir,
WITH regret I send the inclosed; but alas! they were borrowed. May the prayers put up for the writers, enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. They will, they will. And what then? What then? Why, they will turn out good soldiers of Jesus Christ. That this may be their happy lot, earnestly prays,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCIV.
To Mr. C—— H——y.
London, February 4, 1769.
My dear Sir,
I HOPE this will find you safe arrived at Bath, in your way to London. I thank God that matters have turned out no worse at Plymouth. I see more and more every day, that things and persons are only what an all-wise, almighty Jesus is pleased to make them. Happy, happy they that have their all in Him, who is indeed our All in All! This, I believe, is your happy lot. Grace! grace! This may teach us to look to Jesus in all our concerns and motions. What his will may be concerning my voyage to Georgia, I know not. At present the cloud doth not move that way. But you may be assured, it never entered my heart to think of embarking without settling the minutest matter to mutual satisfaction. But more of this when we meet. Lord, hasten our glorious meeting in the kingdom of heaven.
There sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
I hope all is well in Green-street. Hearty love to all. All here send greeting. A good time at Mercer’s chapel. Grace! grace! I know you will join in saying Amen, with, my dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCV.
To Mr. S——e.
London, February 27, 1769.
My dear Mr. S——e,
NOT want of love, but of leisure, hath prevented my making proper acknowledgments for your kind letter, and late publication. I think it is well written; and I earnestly pray, that it may be blessed to many. One passage seems exceptionable, where you say, “That all believers were originally endowed with the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost.” The instances urged to prove it, seem quite deficient. This is not written to find fault, but to prevent fault finding. That you may be much owned in every thing you undertake, and, with all the Christian Sheerness brethren, increase with all the increase of God, is the hearty prayer of,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
P. S. Blessed be God, the shout of the King of kings is yet to be heard amongst us. Grace! grace!
LETTER MCCCCVI.
To Mr. A——s.
London, March 11, 1769.
My very dear Tommy,
YOUR consciousness of my settled friendship, will not permit you to interpret my silence to a want of love. How great that is, and on what a solid basis it is founded, the great day will discover. Through infinite mercy, I am enabled to preach thrice a week, besides other occasional exercises; and indeed (O amazing condescension!) the shout of the King of kings is amongst us. After Easter, I hope to make an elopement to Gloucestershire, and some western parts. Could you, upon the receipt of this, go to Bristol? Mr. B——s must come immediately to London. I feel the loss of my right hand daily; but right hands and right eyes must be parted with for Him, who ordereth all things well.
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
O help my unbelief!
Leaving you to add a heart-felt Amen, I am, my very dear Tommy,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCVII.
To Mr. and Mrs. D——.
London, March 17, 1769.
My dear Friends,
I HOPE this will find you not only at, but fixed at Bethesda. Your brother James yesterday told me, “He thought it best.” It is not a time to think of leaving a happy wilderness now. There’s more noise in great cities. I am every day, every hour, almost every moment, thinking of and preparing for America. A pilgrim life to me is the sweetest on this side eternity. I am daily expecting Bethesda accompts. I am daily waiting for the kingdom of God. God bless my poor negroes. I am always, my dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. in the Friend of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCVIII.
To Mr. A——s.
London, March 31, 1769.
My very dear Tommy,
YOU will be glad to hear, that frequent preaching hath prevented writing. Through infinite mercy I have been enabled to preach four days successively. And indeed we have been favoured with a blessed passover season. All to make us shout louder and louder, Grace! grace! I have some thoughts of making Gloucestershire my first excursion: but at present the cloud abides over London. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! The books will be sent. Mr. S——e hath done as desired: I believe he goes to Bath next week. B——’s coming was, I think, of God. She seems happy in her present situation. In heaven we shall be perfectly so. Till then, some right hand or eye must be cutting off, and plucking out, and we shall feel the smart and want of both. But all is well, because all will end well. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Come, Lord, come! I can now no more. Adieu. God bless you all! Cease not to pray, my very dear Tommy, for
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCIX.
To the Reverend Mr. S——y.
London, April 1, 1769.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
HOW much am I obliged to you, for your two kind letters, and more especially for the repeated offers of your ministerial assistance. They will be most gratefully accepted, and I humbly hope remarkably succeeded, by Him who hath promised to be with us always even to the end of the world. Blessed be his name, we have been favoured with delightful passover feasts. The shout of the King of kings is still heard in the midst of our Methodist camps; and the shout of Grace, grace! resounds from many quarters. Our almighty Jesus knows how to build his temple in troublous times. His work prospers in the hands of the elect Countess, who is now gone to Bath, much recovered from her late indisposition. Worthy Lady F——y proposes soon to follow, in order to reside there. Some more coronets, I hear, are likely to be laid at the Redeemer’s feet. They glitter gloriously when set in, and surrounded with a crown of thorns.
Subjects of the Lord, be bold;
Jesus will his kingdom hold:
Wheels encircling wheels must run,
Each in course to bring it on.
I know who joins in crying, Hallelujah! Even a Waller, a Harriot, both heirs of the grace of life. That the Spirit of Christ and of glory may abide and rest upon them here, and that they may shine with distinguished lustre in his heavenly kingdom hereafter, most earnestly prays,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bath, April 18, 1769.
My dear Friend,
HITHERTO God hath helped us. A good opening at Chippenham. A precious season here on Sunday morning. This evening I am to preach again. To-morrow, God willing, I shall set out for Bristol, and return hither on Saturday morning. I hope to write to Mr. W——r, by to-morrow’s or Thursday’s post. I thank him for his punctual sending the papers. I find by them, who is dead, and by this time buried in Saint S——n’s chapel. The question is, whether there will be a resurrection, or what will be the consequence? Whatever it be, this is our consolation, “the Lord reigneth. Blessed be the God of our salvation!” I hope this will find dear Mr. E——s proclaiming it with abundant success. Tender love to him and to all. Surely they will not cease to pray for,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXI.
To Mr. W——hy.
Bristol, April 28, 1769.
My dear Mr. W——hy,
I SUPPOSE you have heard, that all arrived safe at Georgia, February 26. The very moment they cast anchor, fifteen miles from Savannah, an opportunity offered to send a few lines. This is the reason no other letters are yet come. More may be expected daily. Be so good as to send a line of information to Essex. I believe an opportunity will soon present, to write by the ship bound for Savannah. My packet is to come up early next week. We finish at Bath next Sunday. About a week more I stay in Bristol, or thereabouts. Good seasons every where. What a mercy, that while the potsherds of the earth are dashing each other in pieces, the great Head of the church is building up his spiritual Jerusalem! That you and yours may be daily built up in the most holy faith, earnestly prays,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXII.
To Mr. R—— K——n,
Bristol, May 4, 1769.
My dear old Friend,
THIS evening we are to have a love feast; yesterday had a good field preaching at Kingswood. The night before I preached here. God willing, to-morrow here again. Sunday morning at Bradford. Monday at Frome. Then Chippenham, and other parts of Gloucestershire. I designed to go to Plymouth, but I have such a cold, and the weather begins to be so warm, that I know not how the issue will be. Hitherto, blessed be God, we have had golden seasons. A letter may be sent by Saturday’s post, to Mr. B——s, at Frome. I hope all continues to go on well. Brethren, pray for us! I sent some letters for Georgia, to the care of Mr. W——hy, but have heard nothing from him. I wish you would write one line to my humble friend, and tell him he is enquired after every where, and all are glad to hear of his safe arrival. Grace! grace! That all may prosper both in soul and body, earnestly prays, my dear old friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXIII.
To the Same.
Frome, May 8, 1769.
My dear Friend,
MANY thanks for your kind letter. A blessed day yesterday in Bradford church. A blessed day here in the fields; thousands attended, all more than solemn. Mrs. M——re I hope was touched at Bath last Tuesday sevennight. Glorious prospect in these parts. Grace! grace! I am now going to Chippenham, Castlecomb, Dursley, Rodborough, Painswick, Gloucester, ♦Cheltenham, in my way to London. The west circuit must be deferred, on account of the opening the chapel at Tunbridge. I am easy about London, being so well supplied. God bless you all! All send cordial respects. W——s’s inadvertencies grieve me. You will be punctual. I hope to answer Captain J——s in a post or two. Love and thanks to Mr. E——s. Lord prosper the gospel plough! Adieu, I must away. Cease not to pray for, my dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXIV.
To Mr. J——s.
Rodborough, May 11, 1769.
EBENEZER, Ebenezer! Through infinite mercy, I just now arrived here. Blessed seasons at Chippenham, Castlecomb and Dursley, in our way from Frome. Have been enabled to preach five times this week. It is good to go into the highways and hedges. Field-preaching, field-preaching for ever! Cannot yet determine what course to steer next. At present a very heavy cold lies upon me. Jesus’s warm love more than makes amends for all. God fill all your dear souls with it! I am easy, as you go on well in London. God bless you all. By Saturday’s post you may know further concerning, my dear Captain,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXV.
To Mr. T—— A——ms.
London, May 18, 1769.
My very dear old Friend,
ON Monday evening we reached Letchlade, on Tuesday Maidenhead, on Wednesday about noon, through infinite mercy, we got safe to town. Ebenezer, Ebenezer! My cold is about the same as when we parted. But who knows what the Father of mercies may do for less than the least of all his children, by next Lord’s-day morning? Perhaps we may be favoured with another Rodborough pentecost. Never was that place so endeared to me, as at this last visit. Old friends, old gospel wine, and the great Governor ordering to fill to the brim!
O to grace what mighty debtors! &c. &c.
I suppose you will sing that hymn soon; and if we should die in singing it? What then? Why then, welcome, welcome eternity! God bless you all! Yesterday I saw your sister J——s comforted under her trial. I see, whether married or single, thorns in the flesh we must have. But Christ’s grace will be sufficient for us. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Brethren, pray for us. Cordial respects to Mrs. A——s; I think her name is Phebe. I hope to send a few lines to Mrs. R——s and Mrs. H——r very soon; in the mean while entreat them, and all like-minded, to accept most grateful acknowledgments, and most cordial respects, and be assured of being always remembered in the poor prayers of, my very dear Tommy,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXVI.
To Mr. S—— S——.
London, May 26, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
HOW did I send all over Bath, to enquire for you and yours! How have I since prayed, that your present use of the baths may be blessed to the recovery of your valuable health, and your soul sweetly refreshed with drinking the waters of life freely! Both these things, I hope you do and will experience fully. However it may be on earth, glory, glory be to free grace! we are assured that we shall have a perfect consummation of bliss, both in body and soul, in heaven. Jesus, thou son of David! Jesus, thou Son of God! Jesus, thou God over all, God blessed for evermore! give us patience to wait till this wished-for time shall come! I suppose you have heard of my hoarseness, gotten, through mercy, in the highways and hedges. A delightful spring campaign. Many, I trust, were compelled to come in. Such news will gladden you, because it gladdens the angels which are in heaven. With regret I must shorten this. I shall send to know how you both do. God only knows, how you are beloved and remembered by, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXVII.
To the Same.
London, June 10, 1769.
My very dear old Friend,
HOW glad was I to find, that you could write so long a letter! Who knows but the withered hand may be yet stretched out? “Abba, Father!” all things are possible with thee! Grant it, if it be thy blessed will, for Jesus Christ’s sake! This leaves me a little recovering from my late indisposition, consequently it leaves me singing, “He will not always be chiding, neither will he keep his anger for ever.” How truly, how incomparably great, will these loving corrections make us in a future state? Then shall we sing without sorrowing,
O happy, happy rod,
That brought us hither to our God!
In patience, therefore, may we possess our souls! Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. God be praised, that your dear nurse and yoke-fellow holds out so well. Mr. M——s tells me she is brave. Mr. D——n dines with me, at his house, on Friday; both will then be remembered. The covenant of grace was made from eternity. Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Come Lord, come!
Ever yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
London, July 29, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
I THANK you for your intended benefaction. Our Lord will write himself your debtor for it. His interest is pretty good, “a hundred fold.” A hundred fold! what can the most avaricious trader desire more? It comes very opportunely; for in looking over my Georgia letters this morning, I find Mr. Dixon desires me to purchase negro cloth, and osnabrigs for the negroes, in London; it will be a great saving, and render double service to my dear orphan family. In about a month or five weeks I hope to set sail. I long for your return, wish you could shorten your Scarborough expedition. I want to consult you in many things; and in particular, to have proper writings drawn up, empowering you, as my attorney, to act in all things as if I was present. O that you may have the presence of our great Advocate, to guide, guard, and protect you in journeying! May he be a wall of fire round about you, and be your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and all in all! My hearty love to Mr. E——ds, Mr. G——th, Mr. A——ge, &c. &c. That the Lord may richly reward you for all your disinterested labours of love, and bless you and yours in time and eternity, is the constant prayer of, my dear dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in an unchangeable Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXIX.
To Mr. B——s.
London, July 30, 1769.
My dear Sir,
OLD friendship and love embolden me to send these few lines. Blessed be God! the orphan-house affairs go on well, and a lasting ample foundation is now laid, for the future support and education of both rich and poor. Perhaps providence may call me to Georgia this fall. Could you present the infant institution with a book or two of maps, or copies, or copper-plates, as you shall judge most proper? Sheet maps will not do in that hot climate. I should also be glad of some maps, shewing the different coastings, &c. for my own amusement when on board. Glory be to God, all sublunary coastings will soon be over. Yet a little while, and we shall get into an eternal harbour. Jesus is the way, Jesus is our pilot. To his almighty never-failing guidance and grace, I most earnestly commit you, and all your near and dear connections, as being, my dear old friend,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. &c. in our common Lord,
G. W.
P. S. If the motion is not approved of, silence shall serve for an answer.
LETTER MCCCCXX.
To Mr. J——s.
Tottenham-Court, August 9, 1769.
My dear Captain,
MY last to ——, will make you guess that my hands and heart are full. Last night I went on board the Friendship; the Captain is to dine with me to-morrow. I expect to sail the first week in September at furthest. You must be then in town. Mr. Brooksbanks (if Mr. K——n does not come) will supply your place. I hope all things will be settled on a right plan. You may be assured of my having, under God, the greatest confidence in you. I only wish some means may be found out to save the late great expence of coach hire. It hath mounted very high. But more of this when we meet. Blessed be God for smiling on your labours. This is the way; you need not be exhorted to continue to walk in it. God bless you! God bless you! Mr. K——n is expected from his Yorkshire tour on Saturday. All is well at home. Cordial love to all. Brethren, pray for us. With regret I am obliged to hasten to subscribe myself, my dear man,
Yours, yours, &c. &c. &c. in our never-failing Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXXI.
To Mr. T—— A——ms.
London, August 19, 1769.
My very dear Tommy,
TALK not of taking a personal leave. You know my make. Paul could stand a whipping, but not a weeping farewel. My heart and hands are full. What a letter-night last Thursday evening! a night much to be remembered. Many thanks for your intended present. In ten days I expect to sail. God bless you and yours! God bless all our never to be forgotten Gloucestershire friends! I can no more. Adieu. Cease not to pray for, my very dear steady old friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXXII.
To Mr. J——ss.
London, August 19, 1769.
My very dear Man,
BLESSED, for ever blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for causing his word so to run, and so to be glorified in your hands. No wonder that you meet with a thorn in the flesh. But we know who hath said, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” I have no objection against your circuit westward. I believe it will be a blessing to many souls. In a few days I expect to hear that either Mr. D——cy or S——y will be in town. If so, you may proceed; if not, I must beg you to be here at the time of my departure. Ten days, and then. What then? You may guess. God bless you and yours. God bless all dear, christian, never-to-be-forgotten Bristol friends. Last Thursday evening was a parting letter-night indeed. A night much to be remembered. Your flaming letter was read. That God may make you flame more and more, till you are called to be a flaming seraph in yonder heaven, earnestly prays, my very dear man,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXXIII.
To Mr. T—— A——ms.
On board the Friendship, Captain Ball, September 5, 1769. Six in the Morning.
My very dear Tommy,
ALTHOUGH I could not write to you whilst ashore, yet I must drop you a few lines now I am come aboard. Just now we have taken up the anchor: and I trust my anchor is cast within the veil, where the ground will never give way, otherwise, how should I have stood the shock of parting, and put to sea at this time, or rather at this decline of life? But our God can, and our God does renew both bodily and spiritual strength. I have not been in better spirits for some years; and I am persuaded this voyage will be for the Redeemer’s glory, and the welfare of precious and immortal souls. I am assured I fare the better for the prayers of my dear very dear Gloucestershire friends. Our parting solemnities have been exceedingly awful; and I thank God for giving me the honour of taking my leave on Sunday afternoon at Gravesend market-place. O for this rambling way of preaching till I die! If Mrs. H——ker gets into harbour before me, she will be well off. Cordial respects await her, your wife, Mrs. R——ts, and all the friends of Zion. O England! England! God preserve thee from and divert every threatening storm! Follow, follow with your prayers, and assure yourselves of not being forgotten by, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXXIV.
To Mrs. H——ge.
On board the Friendship, September 6, 1769.
Dear Mrs. H——ge,
REPEATED labours of love demand repeated acknowledgments. God bless and reward you and your daughter! I hope you both returned home laden with the grapes of the New-Jerusalem. Gravesend Bethels, I trust, will not easily be forgotten. I am sure you do not forget to pray for a very worthless worm: a worm, and no man! And yet, (O amazing love!) Jesus, a never-failing, ever-loving, altogether-lovely Jesus, careth for and comforts him on every side. Hitherto it seems like my first voyage. Grace! grace! What hath God wrought? With all thy mercies, glorious Emmanuel, deny not the mercy of a thankful heart! Had I more humility, I should be more thankful to God and man. But I once more bid you and yours farewel. Salute all dear friends as they come in your way, and tell them their prayers are and will be heard in behalf of, my dear Mrs. H——e,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.