LETTER MCCCCXLVI.
To Mrs. H——e.
Bethesda, January 11, 1770.
Dear Mrs. H——e,
MY last to you left me just arrived at Charles-Town. This leaves me an old inhabitant of, or rather a worthless sojourner at Bethesda. Both, I hope, will find the worthy Mrs. H——e and her daughter enjoying thriving souls in healthy bodies. Every thing here exceeds my most sanguine expectations. I am almost tempted to say, “It is good for us to be here.” But all must give way to gospel ranging: Divine employ!
For this let men revile my name,
I’d shun no cross, I’d fear no shame:
All hail, reproach——
I hope London friends meet with enough of this. It is bad, more than bad, when the offence of the cross ceaseth. This cannot be, till we cease to be crucified to the world, and the world crucified to us: and when that is the case, things are very bad. As Mrs. H——s’s heart and house are opened to so many ministers of a despised Jesus, she must expect a double share. Not only reproach from the world, but judgings and censures from the narrow-hearted bigotted part of the Church. But she hath counted the cost; she knows in whom she hath believed, and who will be her exceeding great reward. God will not have us take up with any thing short of himself. Leaving you to cry, Grace! grace! with ten thousand thanks for all unmerited favours, I must hasten to subscribe myself
Your most obliged and ready servant, in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXLVII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Charles-Town, February 10, 1770.
My dear Friend,
LAST night a kind Providence brought me hither, where I received your kind letter, dated November 2d. Blessed be God, that all things go on so well at London! You reason well about ——. I entirely agree with you in sentiment concerning that matter. Through infinite mercy, this leaves me enjoying a greater share of bodily health than I have known for many years. I am now enabled to preach almost every day, and my poor feeble labours seem not to be in vain in the Lord. Blessed be God, all things are in great forwardness at Bethesda. I have conversed with the G——r in the most explicit manner, more than once, concerning an act of assembly, for the establishment of the intended Orphan-house College. He most readily consents. I have shewn him a draught, which he much approves of; and all will be finished at my return from the northward. In the mean while, the buildings will be carried on. As two ministers from the New-Jersies, and Rhode-Island, have been soliciting benefactions for their respective colleges, no applications of that nature can be made here: but the Lord will provide! My eyes wait upon Him, from whom all temporal and spiritual salvations come. Since my being in Charles-Town, I have shewn the draught to some persons of great eminence and influence. They highly approve of it, and willingly consent to be some of the wardens: near twenty are to be of Georgia, and about six of this place; one of Philadelphia, one of New-York, one of Boston, three of Edinburgh, two of Glasgow, and six of London. Those of Georgia and South-Carolina, are to be qualified; the others to be only honorary corresponding wardens. I have therefore taken the freedom of nominating ******; and as my name is to be annihilated, they may accept the trust without expecting much trouble, or suffering contempt for being connected with me. This, I think, is the chief of the plan: more particulars that may occur, together with the draught of the charter, you may expect hereafter. In the mean while, cease not to pray for, my dear steady friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXLVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Charles-Town, February 22, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
NO letters by the packet, or another ship that hath brought in above five hundred from London! As I hear Captain Rainier is bound for Savannah, I hope at my return to Bethesda to find a letter there. Your last, dated November 2, was immediately answered. Mr. B——s will accept my most grateful acknowledgments for his kind present of maps, charts, &c. In a few months, I hope, all will be compleated. But what may these few months produce? Lord Jesus, prepare us for whatever thou hast prepared for us, and give peace in our time, for thine infinite mercy’s-sake! You must expect another draught soon. God be praised for that saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” You would be pleased to see with what attention people hear the word preached. I have been in Charles-Town near a fortnight, am to preach at a neighbouring country parish church next Sunday, and hope to see Georgia the week following. Perhaps I may sail from thence to the northward, and perhaps embark from hence. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! I am blessed with bodily health, and am enabled to go on my way rejoicing. Grace! grace! Join in shouting those blessed words. I wrote by one Captain Watt, who was to sail from Georgia this week. In that, you will find something concerning my late visit to, and public entertainment at Bethesda. You see how often I pester you with letters. I can only add, that you may tell all, I am happier than words can express: which I take, in a great measure, to be owing to the prayers of my dear English friends, which are daily put up for, and I hope daily returned by, an unworthy worm. Remember me most affectionately to all, and expect to hear again very speedily from, my very dear, dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCXLIX.
To Mr. B——n.
Charles-Town, February 27, 1770.
My dear Mr. B——n,
I OWE you an answer to your kind letter. Blessed be God, I can send you good news from a far country! All things at Bethesda go on quite well. My bodily health is upon the advance, and the word, I trust, runs and is glorified. At present, my intended plan about returning continues the same: but all depends on news from home. Strange! that none could write a line or two by so many ships. Only one letter have I received from Mr. K——n since my arrival. Next week, God willing, I return to Georgia, and soon after I purpose to go to the northward. I know who will follow me with their prayers: they will avail much. The Lord Jesus be with all your spirits! I suppose you heard from Bethesda by Captain Anderson. Mr. Wright is the main spring with regard to the buildings, and all the other wheels move orderly and well. Praise the Lord, O my soul! O this pilgrim way of life! To me it is life indeed. No nestling, no nestling, my dear Mr. B——n, on this side eternity. This is not our rest. Ere long we shall sing,
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
Leaving you to add Hallelujah, and sending most hearty greetings to your whole self, and all enquiring friends, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. B——n,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
March 4.
Pray tell Mr. K——n, that I hope to write to him in a few days from Georgia. To-morrow, God willing, I return thither. I trust substantial good hath been done here. Grace! grace!
LETTER MCCCCL.
To Mrs. H——e.
Charles-Town, March 4, 1770.
Dear Mrs. H——e,
ALTHOUGH at such a distance, I cannot forget Mrs. H——e and her daughter, and all their works of faith and labours of love. I doubt not, but this will find them on the full stretch for heaven, and as usual abounding in the work of the Lord. It leaves me almost ready to return to Bethesda, from a place where, I trust, the word hath run and been glorified. Matters are now drawing near to a wished-for close. All things have succeeded beyond my most sanguine expectation. I expect to come according to the appointed time. But future things belong to Him who orders all things well. Through mercy I enjoy more bodily health than for many years last past. You will join in crying, Grace! grace! Next month, I purpose moving to the northward. As Mr. W——t is the main spring at the Orphan-house, I must leave him behind. Mr. Smith is with me: he behaves well, and is diligent and attentive. You will be so good as to remember me to all, as they come in your way. I hope my good old Mrs. Eades, at Tottenham-Court, is well. That she and all may ripen for heaven every day and every hour, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mrs. H——e,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Savannah, March 11, 1770.
My very dear worthy Friend,
BLESSED be God, the good wine seemed to be kept till the last at Charles-Town. Last Thursday I returned, and found all well at Bethesda. I am come to town to preach this morning, though somewhat fatigued with being on the water three nights: upon the whole, however, I am better in health than I have been for many years. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I have been sadly disappointed in receiving no letters by the Charles-Town packet. All knew that I was to be in these parts, only till the ensuing Lady-day: then I purpose to set off for the northward. I drew at Charles-Town for ——l. perhaps may draw again soon. Expect more particulars in a few days. This is waited for. God bless you all! Dearly beloved in the Lord, pray for us. Time is scarce allowed me to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLII.
To the Same.
Bethesda, April 6, 1770.
My very dear Sir,
I AM waiting here for a brig that is to carry me northward, and for a letter and news from England. Your last was dated, November 2: several months have intervened. I now almost despair of hearing from you again, till my arrival at Boston. But I hope that you and all remember us more frequently than you write. You are daily remembered at a throne of grace. How glad would many be to see our Goshen, our Bethel, our Bethesda! Never did I enjoy such domestic peace, comfort, and joy during my whole pilgrimage. It is unspeakable, it is full of glory. Peace, peace unutterable attends our paths, and a pleasing prospect of increasing, useful prosperity is continually rising to our view. I have lately taken six poor children, and, God willing, purpose to add greatly to their number. Dear Mr. D——n and his wife are to sail the beginning of next month in the Britannia, Captain Dean, bound for Portsmouth. We part with great respect. Fain would I retain such an old tried disinterested friend in the service of the sanctuary, and near my person. But what scheme to pursue, I know not, being so uncertain as to the path which I shall be called to take. A few months will determine: perhaps a few weeks. More particulars expect by the Britannia. In the mean while, I can only recommend you all to the blessed Jesus, and the word of his grace, and entreat the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLIII.
To the Same.
Bethesda, April 16, 1770.
My very dear worthy Friend,
HALLELUJAH! Praise the Lord! The books and letters both by Ball and Sunbury, are come safe. You have done quite right. Our Lord must choose his own means to bring about his own purpose. Mr. Smith (the clerk) was much rejoiced by receiving a letter. Poor Mr. Jacob W——t, an honest industrious creature, was as much dejected by receiving none. If Mr. G——s had added a line or two to his present, it would have been doubly acceptable. Next week, God willing, we sail for Philadelphia. I shall leave letters behind me to come by Mr. D——n. All is well, all more than well here! Never, never did I enjoy such an æra of domestic peace and happiness. I have taken in about ten orphans. Prizes! prizes! Hallelujah! Join, my very dear friends, join in praising Him whose mercy endureth for ever. If possible, I shall write a line to the Welch brethren. They have sustained a loss indeed, in the death of Mr. Howell Davies. God sanctify it! Surely my turn will come by and by. But I must away to Savannah. Real good, I trust, is doing there. The ship that brings this, is expected to sail to-morrow. I have desired Mr. W——r to send you the particulars of our voyage. All send due respects. God bless you! God reward you! Cease not to add to my obligations, by continuing to pray for, my very dear worthy friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLIV.
To the Same.
Bethesda, April 20, 1770.
My very dear Sir,
TO my very great joy, a few days ago I received your kind letters with all the papers. Give peace in our time, O Lord! We enjoy a little heaven upon earth here. With regret I go northward, as far as Philadelphia at least, next Monday. Though I am persuaded, as the house is now altered, I should be cooler here, during the summer’s heat, than at any other place I know of, where I used to go. I should be glad to treat you with some of the produce of our colony, which is much earlier than yours. The audits, &c. sent with this, be pleased to communicate to all my real friends. You have certainly determined quite right in a late affair. Every thing concurs to shew me, that Bethesda affairs must go on as yet in their old channel. A few months may open strange scenes. O for a spirit of love and moderation on all sides, and on both sides the water! I wish some books might be procured for our infant library. But more of this in my next. Letters may now be sent by way of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. I should be glad to hear often, if it be but a line. In all probability I shall not return hither till November. Was ever any man blest with such a sett of skilful, peaceful, laborious helpers! O Bethesda, my Bethel, my Peniel! My happiness is inconceivable. A few hundreds, besides what is already devoted, would finish all. I do not in the least doubt. I have had nine or ten prizes lately. You know what I mean. Nine or ten orphans have been lately taken in. Hallelujah! hallelujah! Let Chapel, Tabernacle, heaven, and earth, rebound with Hallelujah! I can no more. My heart is too big to speak or add more, than my old name,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLV.
To Mr. and Mrs. S——n.
Bethesda, April 21, 1770.
My dear Friends,
LONG before now, I hope you have found, that I have not forgotten you or your labours of love. This comes to inform you, that the Father of mercies hath not forgotten to be gracious to the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. On the contrary, he daily loads us with his benefits. Bethesda is a place, that the Lord doth and will bless. Dear Mr. D——n and his wife, will inform you of particulars. Among other things, they will tell you of our new chapel. I have sent for sundries for its use and completion. O help me to praise Him, whose loving kindness is better than life! I hope your daughter grows in grace, and will become like unto one of the polished corners of the temple. That root and branch may increase with all the increase of God, most earnestly prays, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLVI.
To Mrs. H——e.
Bethesda, April 21, 1770.
Dear Mrs. H——e,
NO such good news yet. Less than the least of all, is not drowned to this very day. Perhaps he may live to see his London friends in England, or at Bethesda. How would many rejoice to be in such a peaceful, commodious, and comfortable habitation! I cannot tell you half. Blessed be God, I was never better, at this season of the year, in bodily health; never more comfortable in my soul. Grace! grace! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Mr. D——n, a faithful disinterested friend, will acquaint you with particulars. He hath often heard me speak of Mrs. H——e and her daughter Phebe. Still employed in the old way. I am glad Mr. D——cy is under your roof. Put it all down to the old account. God bless you all! I am sure you pray for me at London. All join in sending cordial respects. Happy Bethesda! Help, help in praising Him, whole mercy superaboundeth to, dear Mrs. H——e,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLVII.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Bethesda, April 21, 1770.
Dear Sir,
ALTHOUGH I have scarce time to turn round, being just setting off for Philadelphia, yet I must drop a few lines to my old invariable friend. As I hear nothing to the contrary, I suppose he is yet in this dying world. Well! so that we die daily to ourselves and the world, all is well, and shall end well. This I am persuaded is your happy case. In some degree, I trust, it is mine. Would you think it? My bodily strength seems to be renewed, and every thing at Bethesda is in a most promising way. Dear Mr. D——n, the bearer of this, must be referred to for particulars. Never did I spend such a comfortable domestic winter, as the last. Never was a man blessed with a better set of skilful, peaceful, laborious helpers. All is of grace, with which, that you, your dear yoke-fellow, and other connections, may be filled brimful, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLVIII.
To Mr. K——n.
Savannah, April 24, 1770, Five in the morning.
My very dear Mr. K——n,
I AM just going into the boat, in order to embark for Philadelphia. I hope the good wine was kept to the last, on Sunday. Mr. D——n and his wife are to sail in about a fortnight. He is an honest creature, and an excellent accomptant. I have written strongly in his behalf. He will bring a large packet, and is to have —— pounds of you, which I have given him as a present. I have also drawn on you for £.——; perhaps shall draw no more for some time. This will prove a blessed year for me at the day of judgment. Hallelujah! Come Lord, come! Mr. Robert W——t hath herewith sent you a power of attorney, begging you would settle his affairs in Essex. He is worthy, for whom you should do this. A quiet, ingenious, good creature, and his wife an excellent mistress of the family. Such a set of helpers I never met with. They will go on with the buildings, while I take my gospel range to the northward. It is for thee, O Jesus, even for thee, thou never-failing Bethesda’s God! But I can no more at present. Hoping to write again soon from Philadelphia, and praying that all may increase with all the increase of God, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear, dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLIX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Philadelphia, May 9, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
THIS leaves me a two days inhabitant of Philadelphia. I embarked at Savannah, in the Georgia packet, on the 24th ultima and arrived here the 6th instant. The evening following, I was enabled to preach to a large auditory, and am to repeat the delightful task this evening. Pulpits, hearts, and affections, seem to be as open and enlarged towards me, as ever. Praise the Lord, O our souls! Whilst I am writing, perhaps Mr. D——n and his wife are ready to sail from Savannah. By them you will receive a large packet concerning Bethesda. All is well, blessed be God, all is more than well there. As yet I have my old plan in view, to travel in these northern parts all summer, and return late in the fall to Georgia. All the letters and packets came safe. I believe you had best write by the New-York packet. But letters directed either to New-York, Boston, or this place, will reach or be sent to me. Through infinite mercy, I still continue in good health, and more and more in love every day with a pilgrim life. God bless you, and all my dear friends and hearers in the great metropolis. I know they pray for me. They are never forgotten day or night. That all may increase with all the increase of God, is the continual cry of, my very dear steady friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLX.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, May 24, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
I WROTE to you by the last New-York packet, as well as by Mr. D——n, who was to sail from Savannah the 10th instant. I have now been here near three weeks, and in about a week more I purpose to set off for New-York in my way to Boston. A wide and effectual door, I trust, hath been opened in this city. People of all ranks flock as much as ever. Impressions are made on many, and I trust they will abide. To all the episcopal churches, as well as most of the other places of worship, I have free access. My bodily health is preserved, and notwithstanding I preach twice on the Lord’s-day, and three or four times a week besides, yet I am rather better than I have been for many years. This is the Lord’s doing. To this long-suffering, never-failing Lord, be all the glory! Be pleased to excuse my enlarging. Whilst I am itinerating, little leisure will be allowed for writing. The New-York packet will be the best opportunity for you. The particulars herein mentioned, be so good as to send by the first opportunity. I can no more at this time. God willing, you will soon have another line from, my very dear steady friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLXI.
To the Same.
Philadelphia, June 14, 1770.
My very dear steady Friend,
THIS leaves me just returned from a hundred and fifty miles circuit, in which, blessed be God! I have been enabled to preach every day. So many new as well as old doors are open, and so many invitations sent from various quarters, that I know not which way to turn myself. However, at present I am bound to New-York, and so on further northward. Help me to praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever. As yet I am enabled to ride and travel chearfully; the heat not greater than yours in England. Expect to hear further, as we go along. The ship I find is going. Tender love to all. Cease not to stir up all to persevere in praying for, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLXII.
To the Same.
New-York, June 30, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
I HAVE been here just a week. Have been enabled to preach four times, and am to repeat the delightful task this evening. Congregations are rather larger than ever. You will see by the inclosed packet, what numerous invitations from every quarter I am daily receiving. Blessed be God, I have been strengthened to itinerate and preach daily for some time. Next week I purpose to go to Albany. From thence, perhaps, to the Onoida Indians. There is to be a very large Indian congress; Mr. Kirkland accompanies me. He is a truly christian minister, and missionary. Every thing possible should be done to strengthen his hands and his heart. I shall write, God willing, at my return. The letters dated February 22, with the packet of papers, I have received here from Charles-Town. The New-York packet is the surest conveyance. Perhaps I may not see Georgia till Christmas. As yet, I keep to my intended plan, in respect to my returning. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! The heat begins now to be a little intense; but through mercy I am enabled to bear up bravely. What a God do we serve! By this time I hope Mr. D——n and his wife are arrived. Hearty love to them, and to all who find it in their hearts to pray for, and enquire after, my very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLXIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
New-York, July 29, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
SINCE my last, and during this month, I have been above a five hundred miles circuit, and have been enabled to preach and travel through the heat every day. The congregations have been very large, attentive, and affected, particularly at Albany, Schenecdady, Great Barrington, Norfolk, Salisbury, Sharon, Smithfield, Powkeepsy, Fishkill, New Rumburt, New Windsor, and Peckshill. Last night I returned hither, and hope to set out for Boston in two or three days. O what a new scene of usefulness is opening in various parts of this new world! All fresh work, where I have been. The divine influence hath been as at the first. Invitations croud upon me both from ministers and people, from many, many quarters. A very peculiar providence led me lately to a place, where a horse-stealer was executed. Thousands attended. The poor criminal had sent me several letters, hearing I was in the country. The Sheriff allowed him to come and hear a sermon under an adjacent tree. Solemn, solemn! After being by himself about an hour, I walked half a mile with him to the gallows. His heart had been softened before my first visit. He seemed full of solid divine consolations. An instructive walk. I went up with him into the cart. He gave a short exhortation. I then stood upon the coffin, added, I trust, a word in season, prayed, gave the blessing, and took my leave. Effectual good, I hope, was done to the hearers and spectators. Grace! grace! But I must not enlarge. The Ship is going, and I keep at home to write this. O that you had only dropped a line by the New-York packet! That is convenient for all parts of the continent. My next may be from Boston. Pray excuse me to all; for travelling and preaching entirely prevent my writing as I would. All are continually remembered by, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLXIV.
To Mr. W——t.
Boston, September 17, 1770.
Dear Mr. W——t,
I AM afraid, as Mr. E——n mentioned your writing, that your letter hath miscarried. But, blessed be God! I find all was well; only I want to know what things are wanted, that I might order them from Philadelphia, by Captain Souder. Fain would I contrive to come by him, but people are so importunate for my stay in these parts, that I fear it will be impracticable. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! He will, he will! My God will supply all my wants, according to the riches of his grace in Christ Jesus. By a letter, received last night from Mr. W——y, of July 5, I find that Mr. D——n was arrived, Anderson sailed, and that all orders would be immediately complied with. Two or three evenings ago, I was taken in the night with a violent lax, attended with reaching and shivering, so that I was obliged to return from Newbury, &c. &c.; but, through infinite mercy, I am restored, and to-morrow morning hope to begin to begin again. Never was the word received with greater eagerness than now. All opposition seems as it were for a while to cease. I find God’s time is the best. The season is critical as to outward circumstances. But when forts are given up, the Lord Jesus can appoint salvation for walls and for bulwarks; he hath promised to be a wall of fire round about his people. This comforts me concerning Bethesda, though we should have a Spanish war. You will be pleased to hear I never was carried through the summer’s heat so well; I hope it hath been so with you, and all my family. Hoping, ere long, to see you, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. W——t,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCCLXV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 23, 1770.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR letters, of May 2 and 22, came to hand. New-York packet is always the surest and most centrical medium of conveyance. Before I left Boston, on Friday afternoon, I left a large packet in the hands of a young man, who promised to deliver it to you safely. You and Mr. H——y may peruse all, and communicate what you think proper. By this time I thought to be moving southward. But never was greater importunity used to detain me longer in these northern parts. Poor New-England is much to be pitied; Boston people most of all. How falsely misrepresented! What a mercy, that our christian charter cannot be dissolved! Blessed be God for an unchangeable Jesus! You will see, by the many invitations, what a door is opened for preaching his everlasting gospel. I was so ill on Friday, that I could not preach, though thousands were waiting to hear. Well, the day of release will shortly come,¹ but it does not seem yet; for, by riding sixty miles, I am better, and hope to preach here to-morrow. I trust, my blessed Master will accept of these poor efforts to serve him. O for a warm heart; O to stand fast in the faith, to quit ourselves like men, and be strong! May this be the happy experience of you and yours! I suppose letters are gone for me, in Anderson, to Georgia. If spared so long, I expect to see it about Christmas. Still pray and praise. I am so poorly, and so engaged when able to preach, that this must apologize for not writing to more friends. It is quite impracticable. Hoping to see all dear friends about the time proposed, and earnestly desiring a continued interest in all your prayers, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear, very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
End of the Letters.