To Mr. G—— C——.
On board the Savannah for Georgia, Dec. 11, 1740.
Dear Brother C——,
YOUR late letters, especially that which you sent me by way of Charles-Town, made me smile.—I was glad to find that you had not so far thrown off all outward things, as to resolve not to write to any one; and I thought I knew the frame of your heart, as though I was within you. My dear, dear George C——, I love you tenderly in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and therefore would not have you be deceived. Alas, why do you pervert this text of scripture, “Be still, and know that I am the Lord,” as if it was designed to keep a christian from striving, or meant a stillness of body, or waiting upon God only in silence? The expression is taken out of the 46th Psalm, where God’s fury against the heathen is described in the most lively colours; and then lest his people should complain of the severity of his dispensations, God commands them to be still, “not to murmur or repine, knowing that he was the Lord, and might do what seemed him good.” Thus Tate and Brady in their translations explain it, and this is the true and genuine meaning of that sentence. It hath no reference to stillness in prayer, or stillness of body. Dear brother, I speak to you plainly, because I love you. I think I know what it is to wait upon the Lord in silence, and to feel the spirit of God making intercession for me with groanings which cannot be uttered. Often have I been at such times filled as it were with the fulness of God, and I do now daily carry on a communion with the most high God and the ever-blessed Jesus. But all this I fear is contrary to the false stillness, you and some others seem to have fallen into. I was just in the same case some years ago at Oxford, when I declined writing, reading, and such like exercises, because I would be still. The Lord convinced me; I pray he may also convince you of this delusion. Dear George, consider how contrary your maxim is to our Saviour’s. You say, “Be still.” He says, “Strive.” As in an agony, “Strive that you may enter in at the strait gate.” Indeed, my dear man, I pity you, knowing you have but a weak judgment, though a well-meaning heart. You once thought that you was born again; then, you found it was only an elapse of the Holy Ghost. You used to say, you wished you could believe from experience in the doctrine of election; now, you find as yet no evidence within yourself that you are a real christian. You take too much refuge, I fear, in the doctrine of universal redemption. It is the finest doctrine in the world to cause a soul to be falsely still, and to say Peace, Peace, when there is no peace. You seem to insist upon sinless perfection, and to think a man hath no real salvation till he literally cannot commit sin. From whose experience do you write this? Not from your own, dear George; for I much question, if ever your heart was truly broken or had a saving closure with Christ. You seem to mention Peter Bochler as an instance; but alas, though he has been washed in the blood of the Lamb, so as to be justified from all his sins, yet like me his feet want washing still, and will, till he bows down his head and gives up the ghost. I have conversed with him intimately. Take heed, brother, of having any thing too much in admiration, or of thinking you must necessarily find Christ at such and such a place. You have been at M——. I believe you have seen many dear children of God; but have you returned home with Christ in your heart? Your letters do not speak much improvement in the school of Christ. If God loves you, he will let you see the vanity of your present imaginations, and bring you to see that salvation is not of him that willeth, or of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Dear George, be not given to change; be not too fond of new things. “To the law and to the testimony,” and see what Christ and his apostles have spoken. I speak this out of love, and not in reference to myself. If God blesses another ministry to your soul, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. But if I see you fall into errors, do not be angry if I tell you the truth. If you are, I will notwithstanding love and pray for you. That errors are crept in among you, I think is too plain: but I suspend my judgment till the Spring, when, God willing, I hope to be in London. In the mean while pray for me, that I may with joy bear to be deserted by those, who once were blessed and awakened by my ministry, and to whom I am a spiritual father, though they may have many instructors. Dear George, may the Lord be with you. He only knows how dear you are to my heart. It is near midnight; but it was much upon my heart to write you this letter. That God may sanctify it to your edification and comfort, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To the Rev. Mr. C——.
Good-Hope (South-Carolina) Jan. 1, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I am now going to Charles-Town, in order to embark for England; the cloud of God’s providence seems to be moving that way; I have enjoyed much of the divine presence since I left Boston, and have had a comfortable Christmas with my dear family at Georgia. At my return, I found my Orphan-houshold removed from Savannah to Bethesda, and great improvements made during the time of my absence. The great house will be finished, God willing, so as to be habitable, in about two months. It would have been finished so far by this time, if the Spaniards had not taken a schooner loaded with bricks and other provisions to a considerable value; but God about the same time stirred up the heart of a planter in South-Carolina, lately brought home at the orphan-house to God, to send my family some rice and beef. At other times, when they have wanted food, the Indians have brought plenty of venison. God, every day, more and more convinces us that this work is of him. His power has been made known, especially among the young ones. I bless God, I have settled my family to my great satisfaction, and verily believe I shall live to see great things come from the Orphan-house. God works upon the hearts of the labourers. One woman hath had a glorious discovery of Christ made to her heart: last week, two or three men where brought into heart-distress, and another young man that came to see us, was made so sick of sin, as to feel the want of, and to enquire after the great and all-powerful physician of souls. My family, I think, consists now of 89 persons. Next year my expences will be contracted much; but at present, I am in debt about 500l. sterling. However, I know in whom I have believed, One who is able to pay it. My public accounts will be published as soon as I arrive at London, with a prospect of the Orphan-house, and other little houses and gardens annexed unto it. I am now at the house of one Mr. Jonathan B——, who, I trust, with his brother Mr. H—— B——, and another young man, lately a player in New-York, are settled by a living faith in Jesus Christ. The latter, I intend for the ministry. Mr. H—— B——’s wife died not long since, rejoicing in God her Saviour. Several others also in these parts are grown in grace, and Mr. C——’s ministry hath been much blessed.—Satan hath been sowing tares in old England. Oh that Boston ministers and people may pray for me! Indeed, I love them in the bowels of the blessed Jesus. Vale! longum etsi spero non in æternum, vale. That Christ’s kingdom may flourish in your heart, and that you may greatly promote it in the souls of others, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate unworthy fellow-servant, in our common Lord,
G. W.
To the Rev. Mr. C——.
Charles-Town, Jan. 12, 1741.
Dear and Reverend Sir,
LAST Saturday I was taken up for being concerned in correcting the inclosed printed letter, written by Mr. H—— B——n, whose conversion you have an account of in the other letter sent herewith. I think it may be for God’s glory to have them all printed in Boston. I am bound over to appear next sessions, as well as Mr. B——. He, I believe, for libelling the king, and I for libelling the clergy, in saying they break the Canons daily. I think, dear Sir, these are earnests of what I must expect to meet with in my native country. Opposition, as yet, seems to be only like a cloud rising out of the sea, no bigger than a man’s hand. Perhaps it will gather to a great body, and break upon the church of God. Our Lord will be our refuge in every storm. He is much with my soul, and fills me abundantly, I could almost say superabundantly, with his presence. We have seen precious times. One person had a glorious discovery of Christ about two days ago. I expect my family will be like the burning bush. I find I am in debt for them upwards of six hundred pounds: but the Lord will provide.—My most tender love awaits all that love him. I am to appear at the sessions by an attorney. Dear Sir, remember,
Ever yours in Christ,
G. W.
♦ ‘CXLII’ replaced with ‘CCXLII’
To the Rev. Mr. C——, at Rhode Island.
Charles-Town, Jan. 16, 1741.
Reverend and Dear Sir,
I Snatch a few moments to write you a line before I embark for England. Blessed be God, you are near your desired haven. Yet a little while, and you shall safely arrive in Abraham’s bosom. I præ, sequar, esti non passibus equis.—Great things God is doing daily. The kingdom of heaven (I hope) is at hand. I am bound over to appear at the sessions here, by my attorney, for libelling the clergy, because I corrected the letter inclosed. A scene of suffering lies before me, but wherefore should I fear? Our Lord strengthens me mightily in the inner man. We have had much of his presence in our assemblies. But I must have done. Dear and Reverend Sir, adieu. I scarce expect to see you again in the flesh; but this is my comfort, I shall see and rejoice with you above. There, I will sit and tell you what God hath done for
Your unworthy brother and servant in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
To the Rev. Mr. C——, in Boston.
Charles-Town, Jan. 16, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I have packed up two letters for you already, yet I cannot refrain from sending you a third. Just now I was favoured with yours dated last December 1. Indeed, it gave me much comfort, and endeared the writer of it to me more and more. Sir, why am I thus highly favoured! I now wish to sink exceeding low, and cry out, Grace, grace! O the love of God! The sovereignty of Christ! The unchangeable loving-kindness of our heavenly Father! Excuse me, dear Mr. C——; my heart is full. I want for all men to love the Lord Jesus. It greatly rejoices me, to hear so many are coming to him. He is a loving tender master. He attends to my minutest wants, and surprizingly helps me in every emergency. I thank dear Mr. C——, for the kind token of his love. Good measure pressed down and running over, may God return into your bosom! You will be pleased to correct the press. I am filled with comfort to hear of the conduct of the dear governor, &c. I cannot but think our Lord will let his word run, and be abundantly glorified in America. Boston people are much upon my heart. The memory of their forefathers is precious to my soul. May you live to see the spirit of scriptural Puritanism universally prevail! I hope you will write every opportunity. If I am in prison, it will make me arise at midnight to sing praises to God, to hear that Boston people are alive to Christ. At present, my heart is full of peace and joy. We have had solemn meetings. I am much strengthened on every side; but I must not say more. Time is short. Dear Mr. C——, adieu. May the Lord be with you and yours. I could now drop a tear of love.—My love to all.
I am yours &c.
G. W.
To Mr. W—— D——, at Boston.
On board the Minerva, for England, Jan. 17, 1741.
Dear Sir,
MR. P—— hath just brought me your kind letter. Blessed be God, that his word runs and is glorified in Boston. Surely, dear Sir, I shall never forget that people; indeed, they are very near and dear unto my soul. May those of your own household, in particular, be not only convicted but converted; may the dear Jesus fill you with all peace and joy in believing, and enable you to pray for, dear Sir,
Yours in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
P. S. Excuse great haste; our ship is just under sail. My dear companions kindly salute you and yours.
To Mr. Wm. G——.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 8, 1741. in latitude 35, 24 N.
My dear brother,
SEE how soon I write to you, and from thence infer how I love you. Whether it proceeds from the pride and naughtiness of my heart, I cannot tell; but, I frankly confess, I love to see persons humble, kind, and courteous to those, whom God hath made their spiritual fathers. I believe it is well pleasing to God, and very amiable in the sight of all good men. Your christian grateful behaviour to me in this respect, hath much endeared you to me. God only knows how I love you. I bear you upon my heart, and often secretly sigh out before the Lord,—“O let my dear brother G—— live before thee.” This is the desire of my soul for you. I cannot wish you a better thing. Yet a little while, and we shall be together again. But, before that time, I expect to suffer great things. The Lord is able to deliver me out of all. I have just now experienced his divine assistance in composing a sermon. This is the sixth which he has enabled me to finish, since I have been on board. O my dear brother, love a precious Christ, and shew it by adorning his gospel in all things. He has highly favoured you, indeed he hath. If you and I are not eminently holy, if you and I think any thing too much to be done for the Lord, we are of all men the most ungrateful. O the love of Christ! I feel it, I feel it. God now sheds it abroad in my heart. May it abundantly also be shed on you by the Holy Ghost. Write to me if in prison, my friends will bring it to me there. God will hear me for you even in a dungeon. Methinks I see you weep; but weep not for me, unless it be before the Lord, and then I care not how soon you retire, and pour out your prayers in behalf of, dear Mr. G——,
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
To Mrs. L——, at Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 11, 1741.
Dear Mrs. L——,
YOU was upon the mount when I left Charles-Town; I hope you have not thrown yourself down. Keep close to Christ, and cast not off your first love. Remember what God has done for your soul. Forget not the glorious discovery Jesus Christ has made of himself to your heart; and though a cloud should overshadow you, let not Satan make you doubt of your being a child of God. O Mrs. L——, how holy ought you to be in all manner of conversation and godliness! Why are you taken? Why are you in the arms of everlasting love? Methinks I hear you cry out, Grace! grace! And well you may; for indeed you are saved by grace. The free grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and for ever more. Blessed be God, I experience much of it in the ship. I hope divine grace moves me to send you this small letter. If God blesses it to your soul, put up a short prayer for
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To Mrs. W——, at James-Island.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 11, 1741.
Dear Madam,
MY heart’s desire and prayer to God is, that you may be saved. I hope you will find, it is not impossible for you to be born again when you are old. God forbid. Though at the eleventh hour, I trust our Lord will meet you, and cause you, whenever you depart, with good old Simeon, to depart in peace. I heartily thank you, madam, for all favours conferred on me and mine. We have not forgotten you on board. I do not forget to mention you in my secret prayers. May God reveal his dear Son in your soul, and fill you with all peace and joy in believing! O what a staff will this be to you in your old age! How pleasantly then will you walk by your vault, and say, “There shall I lay my weary bones ere long.” I hope you do not startle at the thoughts of death. Believe in Christ. Get a saving interest in his blood, and then you may cry out, “O death, where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory?” Blessed be God, the prospect of death is pleasing to my soul. I would not live here always: I want to be gone. That you and I, whenever our appointed time is come, may live with Christ, is the earnest prayer of, madam,
Your obliged friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 12, 1741.
Dear Mrs. T.,
MUST I pray for you in the language of Martha and Mary, saying, “Lord, she whom thou lovest is sick!” Or hath he who touched Peter’s wife’s mother, rebuked the illness that was coming upon you, when I saw you last, and caused it to leave you? But, however the Lord has dealt with you, I hope he hath been glorified in and by you. I heard he had by his word and spirit spoken to your soul, and given you satisfaction, that he had loved you with an everlasting love. I rejoice in it from my soul. The Lord increase your comforts daily, and shew you all his glory. Dear Mrs. T——, think often of your departed sister. Follow her as she did Christ; and then shortly, where she is you shall be also. O the happiness she now enjoys! It is too dazzling for mortal eyes. I want to leap my seventy years, and fly away to God. Well, it will not be long. Dear Mrs. T——, let us patiently tarry till our change come. Our Lord will carry us safe through time, and waft us triumphantly into eternity. The love of Christ constrained me to write these lines; accept them for his sake, from
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To Mr. H——, at Port-Royal, South-Carolina.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Dear Mr. H.,
THE love of Christ constrains me to write you a line, though as yet no further than the western islands. I trust the Lord hath called you by name, and enabled you to say “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” Who knows but he may call you yet further, even to minister before him? Whether it be so or not, make it your daily study to prepare your heart to serve the Lord in any station. To be a doorkeeper in the house of God, is a glorious post. Surely, you and I may sing of mercy and electing love. How often have we acted a part for the devil? The remembrance of it is grievous unto me. Let us both now labour daily to act a part for God. He heaps kindnesses on me every hour. We have hitherto had a wonderful pleasant passage. I hope it is in some measure owing to your prayers. Let this encourage you to pray again. Our God is a God hearing prayer. I write now, lest excess of business should prevent my writing in England. The Lord is girding me for the battle, and strengthening me mightily in the inner man. “O give thanks unto the Lord of all Lords, because his mercy endureth for ever.” You will not fail writing to
Your affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To the Reverend Mr. C——, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.
My dear Brother,
THE Lord hath been with me, and is now with me in an especial manner. I have been enabled to prepare nine discourses for the press. My body waxes stronger, and last night the great God in a glorious manner filled and overshadowed my soul. I am panting after the compleat holiness of Jesus my Lord. I have various scenes of action lying before me, and am waiting upon the Lord my God for direction. He assures me that he will be with me. He saith unto me, “Fear not, speak out, no one shall set upon thee to hurt thee.” Dear Mr. C——, God’s goodness quite surprizes me. I cannot express myself better, than in a stanza or two of Erskine in his Paraphrase upon Solomon’s song.
I.
What wonders Lord dost thou perform,
That stoopest thus so low,
To put thy beauty on a worm,
And then commend it so.
II.
What, dost thou praise a native black?
I blush to find it true;
O lend me words to render back
The praise to whom ’tis due.
I hope my love will find acceptance with all your flock who know me, and who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. I have often comforted myself and companions with this saying, “Now Mr. C—— and our other friends are praying for us.” At the receipt of this, turn your prayers into praises, and then turn your praises again into prayers, in behalf of, dear Mr. C——,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
To Mr. H. B.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
My dear brother in Christ,
BEFORE this is brought to your hands, I suppose you will have been arraigned before the Chief Justice. I am persuaded our Lord will plead on your behalf, and strengthen you with his mighty power in the inner man. The greater progress you make in the divine life, the more you will discover of the enmity that is in the seed of the serpent. It bruised our master’s heel; it will also bruise ours. Here is our comfort, God who cannot lie, hath told us, that “we shall bruise his head.” In the strength of this promise, I can give men and devils the challenge. Whole legions are ready to beset me. By the help of my God, I shall triumph over all.—I hope we shall grow in grace before we meet again. You and I have weak crazy tabernacles; I hope you rejoice in the prospect of putting them off shortly; blessed be God, I do.—Dear Sir, get acquainted more and more with electing love; study the covenant of redemption, and see how God loved you with an everlasting love. This will cause you to glory only in the Lord, and to pass through the valley of the shadow of death, with a full assurance of faith; knowing that Christ hath engaged to lodge you safe in eternal glory. Thither your dear wife is gone before us; I often think of, I could almost say envy her; but perhaps that is wrong. Yet a little while, and our precious Lord shall take both you, and
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
♦ ‘CLII’ replaced with ‘CCLII’
To Mr. B——, at Port-Royal.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Dear Mr. B.,
I Hope you will never forget that day, hour, or moment, wherein God met you at Savannah. If you have in some measure, do so no more. “Awake thou that sleepest, and Christ shall give thee light.” Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. No man can serve two masters. Use the world, but let it be as though you used it not. The fashion of this world will soon, very soon, fade away. Dear Mr. B——, I am persuaded, will not be offended at this plain dealing. He knows I love him. God knows it also. With much affection, I subscribe myself
Your friend and servant,
G. W.
To Mrs. B.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Dear Mrs. B.,
WHEN you read that Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and their sister Martha, do you not make a particular application to your own family? I think our Lord has been equally kind to your houshold. Walk as becometh members of the houshold of faith. I hope you have had full satisfaction about your state, and know assuredly that Christ is your Saviour. If not, be not discouraged; go on the way of duty, is the way of safety. By-and-by your soul shall magnify the Lord, and your spirit rejoice in God your Saviour. This is the hearty desire of, dear Mrs. B——,
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To Mr. J—— B——.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Dear Mr. B——,
YOUR name, Jonathan, puts me in mind of a good old testament worthy. Follow him in his faith, and dare to scale the wall of the Philistines. Be not afraid, though already bound over as a libeller; shortly you shall shine in the kingdom of your Father; I say, your Father; for God is your God, and will be your guide and guard unto death. Does not this astonish you? Do not you feel your heart melt? Are you not ready to cry out, “Why me, Lord?” The oftener you repeat such language the better. I love to see a soul lie in the dust under a sense of electing love; you and yours have been highly favoured. May God give you all grace to walk worthy of the holy vocation wherewith you are called. I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Though not present, yet I fain would converse with you. O that I may see you grown in grace! Remember me to your wife. The Lord be with you both: He hath been, he is now with me. You are often upon my heart. God reward you for your kindness to the Orphans. Do not slack your hands towards them. Our bountiful master will richly reward you. Go on steadily in the use of, but do not trust in ordinances. You know what I mean. Be steady and bold, yet meek and catholic in your conversation and practice; and if God hath influenced you by my ministry, give him the glory, and for Christ’s sake pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To Mr. B——, in Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Dear Mr. B.,
I Think of you often, indeed I do, I long to hear that complete salvation is come to your soul. I say complete salvation, for my dear friend knows that reformation is not conversion. O that you may experience a life hid with Christ in God! Some who seemingly put their hands to the plough, have already shamefully looked back; will Mr. B. also go away? Methinks I hear him say, “Whether shall I go? Jesus Christ alone hath the words of eternal life.” True, Jesus alone is the way, the truth and the life; flee, flee to him, my dear friend; with arms he stands ready to embrace, and will save you to the uttermost. Remember, my friend, the vows of the Lord are upon you. These hands reached out to you the sacred symbols of his precious body and blood. These eyes saw you eat and drink of his bread and his wine. O do not betray, but manfully stand up for the Lord Jesus. You was once bold for satan, be now bold for your Christ. His love excites me to write to, and pray for you. Your wife also I intreat the Lord to bless, together with your children. My friends join me in hearty wishes for your welfare. I am, dear Mr. B——,
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
To the Rev. Mr. D——, at Edinburgh.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IF I mistake not, Mr. M. informed me, that you was entered into the ministry; I pray God to enable you to make full proof of it. O dear Sir, how holy ought we to be, who are called to stand before the Lord.—When I consider the greatness of the office and my own unworthiness, I am sometimes quite abashed. This promise, “Lo I am with you always,” is my daily support. Blessed be God, I find it fulfilled in my soul. A great work is begun in America, at Georgia, South-Carolina, New-York, Philadelphia, and New-England. God has confirmed the word by spiritual miracles and signs. You will see what I have wrote to dear Mr. T——. Your assistance in respect to the Orphan-house will be very acceptable. I am several hundreds of pounds in debt on that account. The God whom I serve is able to discharge it. You have heard of the liberality of the New-England people; dear Mr. D—— God’s goodness astonishes me. What! can I think any thing too much to do, or to suffer for so dear a Master? I was lately bound over at Charles-Town in South-Carolina, for libelling the clergy. The libel, falsely so called, I shall soon send you after my arrival. Thus opposition is coming on gradually: pray that the Lord may cover me with all his armour. I am a weak defenceless creature in myself; Jesus alone is my strength and my Redeemer. I write this on board, that you may know, you are not forgotten; no, tho’ I never saw you in the flesh, you are much beloved by, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in our dear Lord’s vineyard,
G. W.
To the Rev. Mr. T——, at Edisto.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.
Dear Mr. T.,
PROVIDENCE prevented my coming to see you at Edisto,—however, I must not omit writing to you now. How is it with your heart? I hope you are not nimis uxorius; take heed, my dear B——, take heed. Time is short. It remains that those who have wives, be as tho’ they had none. Let nothing intercept, or interrupt your communion with the bridegroom of the church. I hope you do not feel such damps of soul, as you used to complain of. May the Lord of glory dispel every black cloud, and cause you continually to rejoice in his salvation. You have strong passions. The Lord Jesus is stronger: In his strength may you subdue them, till you are meek as a lamb, and are become a very little child. I write thus, because I pray for you most heartily.—Deal with me in the same manner; and now, dear brother, farewel. The Lord be with you. He is pleased to refresh my soul, and give me the prospect of a short passage. I commend myself and affairs to the prayers of your flock, and I earnestly recommend you to the God of all grace. That he may bless you and give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified, is the earnest prayer of, dear Mr. T.——,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the Lord,
G. W.