To Mr. R——.
London, Dec. 22, 1752.
My very dear Friend,
WITH great pleasure I received your kind and wished-for letter; and heartily bless God that your whole self is in such comfortable circumstances, and that honest D—— is so blest in his work. I read his two letters about ten days ago, and many joined in singing for him the following verses:
The isles in the North,
Remember, O God,
And feed thy sheep there,
With pure gospel food.
Lord, revive thy blest work
In every place,
Till thousands and thousands
Do triumph through grace.
Do you not think the blessed Jesus will say, Amen? Yes, assuredly he will. And if he will work, who shall hinder?
Thoughts are vain against the Lord,
All subserve his mighty word;
Wheels encircling wheels shall run,
Each in course to bring it on.
Fear not, my dear Sir; if Christ hath work for you to do, he will put you into a proper station. But would you be a Nehemiah, and have no Sanballat to oppose you? Building the walls of the New-Jerusalem, is what the profane and formalists do not approve of. We must expect the serpent will hiss, whenever the gospel seed of the woman is coming into a place to bruise his head. Courage, my dear Sir, courage. God is on your side.
The world, with sin and Satan,
In vain our march opposes;
Through Christ we shall
Break through them all,
And sing the song of Moses.
You see, my dear Sir, how freely I write. The love of Christ constraineth me. I am much indebted to you, and hope to see you in London soon. My wife longs to have you under our roof: she hath been ill, but blessed be God is now better. We both send cordial and grateful respects to your whole self and all enquiring friends. We have had most solemn sacramental occasions. I sympathize with both our suffering friends: from what unexpected quarters do troubles come! Who would sing a requiem to himself, whilst here below? Lord God, prepare us for whatever thou hast prepared for us! I must bid you farewel. A variety of business obliges me to hasten to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
To Lady ♦H——n.
London, Jan. 1, 1753.
Honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter hath added to the obligations already laid on me. I can only say, the Lord knows that you and yours, are remembered by me before his throne. This is the reward, which the Redeemer promises to those who do good to a disciple, in the name of a disciple. O happy they who are rich in faith and good works! These are the true riches; they are durable; they follow us beyond the grave, and we shall be reaping the fruit of them through the endless ages of eternity. Eternity! eternity! The very writing or hearing this word, is enough to make one dead to the world, and alive unto God. The Lord quicken my tardy pace! I am now thirty-eight years of age, and entering upon another new year; Alas! alas! How little have I done for that Jesus, who hath done and suffered so much for me! I want to begin to begin to act and preach for God. Blessed be his name, that his spirit is moving on precious souls at Bristol. For ever adored be his rich, free, and unmerited grace, the same may be said of London. We have had blessed holidays, and I have had good news from the Orphan-house.
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient at his call.
Had I a thousand lives, the Lord Jesus should have them. I wish your Ladyship, and honoured daughters, much of his divine love shed abroad in your hearts. That is the best new year’s compliment, and the best new year’s gift. I hope, the young ladies through grace are kept unspotted from the world. I would come and wait upon our elect Lady at Clifton, but am engaged in forwarding the building of a new tabernacle; I hope it will be accomplished, and that God’s presence will fill it when erected. I could enlarge, but am called away, and therefore subscribe myself,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Mr. L——.
London, Jan. 3, 1753.
My very dear Friend and Brother,
THOUGH I am very much straitened for time, yet I must sit down, (since you so earnestly desire it) and answer your kind letter. My love does not shift with my scene of action; I would have it in some degree, like my Lord’s to me and his people, “Permanent and unchangeable.” Blessed be God for such a Jesus, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. What can we want then? Or of whom should we be afraid? All his attributes are engaged to keep us on earth, and to set us upon thrones in his glorious kingdom in heaven. Last night I buried one, who I believe is seated there.—Ah lovely appearance of death! Surely my turn will come soon. I am now thirty-eight years of age; little did I think of staying in the land of the dying so long. Well, if it be to call more souls to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, Father, thy will be done!
If thou excuse, then work thy will,
By so unfit an instrument;
It will at once thy goodness show,
And prove thy power omnipotent.
I hope you have had a happy Christmas at Leeds. We have kept holidays here indeed. Sinners have been pricked to the heart, and saints refreshed in their spirits. To the Father of spirits be all the glory. I forgot none of you in my poor prayers: fear not; let us continue to pray, and we shall always find, that our extremity will be God’s opportunity to help and appear for us. But there must be a seeming death upon every promise.
Where reason fails with all its powers,
There faith prevails and love adores.
Lord, increase our faith.—Lord, quicken my sluggish heart! I commend you and yours to God, and to the word of his grace. I am sorry dear Mr. S—— is disabled from writing. When his hand is well, I hope to hear from him. In the mean while, tell him, and his, and all dear friends, that I am, for Christ’s sake, my dear Sir,
Theirs and yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
To Mr. C——.
London, Jan. 7, 1753.
My dear Mr. C——,
I Received your kind letter, for which I send you most hearty thanks. I see that you strive, and I fear you will succeed, to outdo me in love and kindness. However, I will endeavour to copy after you, and, if possible, not die in your debt. But who can ever pay his debt of love, either to God, or the brethren? Alas! Alas! I run in arrears every day. God’s favours are continually multiplied upon me, and he seems to let us know that we shall see greater things than ever. We have had a blessed Christmas season. I trust our Lord hath imparted many a new year’s gift. You know what that is, even a new heart. “A new heart also will I give thee.” Thus run the words of our Lord’s last will and testament. O for faith to prove this will! O for a willingness to receive so invaluable a legacy! Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!
Thou wilt give strength, thou wilt give power,
Thou wilt in time set free;
This great deliverance let us hope,
Not for ourselves but thee.
Come, my dear brother, let us take courage: “He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it.”
O unbelief, injurious bar,
Source of tormenting, fruitless care.
Surely it is the womb of misery, and grave of comfort. Had we faith but as a grain of mustard seed, how should we trample the world, the flesh, the devil, death, and hell under foot? Lord, increase our faith! I know you say Amen. “Even so Lord Jesus, Amen and Amen!” But whither am I going? Love makes me forget myself. Adieu—my dear Sir, adieu. Pray tell Mr. G—— that I intend answering his kind letter shortly. I send cordial love to him, and all the followers of the Lamb.
O may we find the ancient way,
Our wond’ring foes to move;
And force the heathen world to say,
See how these christians love!
I can now no more, but subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. H—— B——.
London, Jan. 7, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
BY this conveyance I send you a power of attorney to dispose of Providence Plantation, and leave it to your discretion to sell at what price you please. I would only observe, that I had rather it should be sold for somewhat less than its real value, than to keep it any longer in my hands. I do not choose to keep two families longer than needs must. Be pleased to pay what you receive for it, into the hands of Mr. Charles H——n of Charles-Town. Blessed be God for remembering mercy in the midst of judgments. O that with his rod he may also send his spirit! For without it, as dear Mr. V—— B—— observes, “We shall be chastened, but not changed.” The world after the deluge, was as bad as before. Nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ, applied by faith, can cleanse the soul from sin.—
To this blest fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate God I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul,
From sins of deepest dye.
My dear Sir, add to my obligations, by praying, that the foot of pride may never come against me. This is what turned fair angels into foul devils; and yet alas, how prone are we to it! Surely it is the first enemy we fight with, and the last that is totally conquered. O that I was humble! then would the Lord delight to own and honour me more and more. I am amazed he doth not throw me aside. But (O unchangeable love!) still he causeth my rod to bud and blossom. The Winter season hath been very blessed, and we hear daily of fresh inroads made into Satan’s kingdom. God seems determined to throw down Jericho’s walls by rams-horns, yea by very crooked rams-horns. Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight! My dear Sir, once more I intreat you to pray for me. Neither you nor yours are forgotten by me. The money you receive for Providence, will be immediately wanted to buy more land, and to pay for opening Bethesda’s new plantation.—I have desired your brother to agree with Mrs. P—— for hers, if she can give a good title. I am sorry to hear she is declining.—But why so? Is not death an entrance into life everlasting?
There sin and pain, and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
Hearty love and prayers attend her and all enquiring friends. That this new year may be filled with millions of new blessings, both to your souls and bodies, is and shall be the constant prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. S——.
London, Jan. 9, 1753.
My dear Mr. S——,
I Received your kind letter yesterday, and suppose, ere this can reach you, my last will be come to hand. What say you? If I should be detained in England this year, are you willing to put your life in the Redeemer’s hands and go immediately? A ship is bound for Savannah about ten miles from the Orphan-house, the beginning of next month. Methinks I hear you say to the glorious Emmanuel,
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient at thy call.
Such a spirit is fit for Bethesda; such a spirit becomes one who desires to be a teacher of youth, and a faithful minister of the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus. Let me know your mind. If you come immediately, may the Lord come and go with you! That is company enough.—But there are others going in the same ship. The Lord direct and bless you! He will vouchsafe to countenance my feeble labours. I have yet more good news from the North. Last night was an awful night, we carried three saints together to the grave; thousands attended, and both within and without doors, the word I trust came with power. O that the dead may be made to hear the voice of the Son of God, and to come forth! I rejoice if any of his dear people have been quickened at Glasgow. Perhaps next Summer, I may see them in my way to, or return from Ireland. The Lord help all to pray for me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be still my motto. To me nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. I must away. The Lord direct and bless you. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am
Your assured friend for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Mr. Z——.
London, Jan. 10, 1753.
Honoured and very dear Sir,
THIS morning, before I received your kind packet, I was finishing my answer to the good Professor, and then intended to send it to you with the inclosed extracts. Lord, what am I, that any of thy faithful servants should write to, or concern themselves about me or my affairs! With all thy other favours, give me, O God, an humble and grateful heart; so shall thy mercies not prove my ruin! I hope to answer good Mr. U—— and dear Mr. B——s speedily. A ship goes to Savannah the ♦beginning of next month. Mrs. V—— B—— is safely delivered of a daughter; the forts being destroyed by the late dreadful hurricane, the Governor and Council of South-Carolina, have sent for her husband to Charles-Town. Blessed be God, Bethesda hath received but little damage. Several of the orphans have sent me pretty letters, and I trust it will yet prove an useful seminary for both white and black persons. I wait to see this great salvation, O Lord! To-morrow, God willing, I shall dine with Mr. L——, and on Friday morning if possible will endeavour to wait upon you. My hands are full of work, and I hear every day of fresh persons awakened; but I can do so little, and what I do is done so badly, that I fear sometimes my Lord will throw me aside like a broken vessel.—Very dear and honoured Sir, for Christ’s sake do you and your worthy collegue continue to pray for me; surely it is an act of the greatest charity. Less than the least of all, shall be my motto still. My heart is full; God forgive me. I am now beginning to enter upon my thirty-ninth year. Lord Jesus quicken my tardy pace! I can no more. But hoping to see you on Friday, and to be furthered in my work and way by your fatherly counsel and instruction, I subscribe myself, very dear and honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged son, and ready servant in our glorious Head,
G. W.
To Lady H——n.
London, Jan. 13, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
YOUR Ladyship’s very kind and christian letter, I have read over and over again. It drew my heart towards the Redeemer, and caused me to pray, that your present retirement, may be a glorious preparative for further, and yet more public usefulness in his mystical body. To have one’s hands or tongue tied from acting or speaking for God, is, to a new and heaven-born soul, one of the greatest pieces of self-denial in the world. But this hath been the lot of many of the most choice and holy souls under heaven. It is a mercy, that where there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, and not according to that which he hath not. I beg that your Ladyship would not have the least thought about my concerns, otherwise than at a throne of grace. Your Ladyship wants a bridle, rather than a spur. My highest ambition is to spend and be spent for Jesus, and to be not the head, but servant of all. When your Ladyship mentioned the word ambition, I could not help thinking of the saying of the Eunuch, “Speaketh the prophet this of himself, or of some other man?” But we know not what is in our hearts. Lord, keep me from being led into, and falling by temptation. I wish your Ladyship much success with B——, but worldly wise men, serpent-like, so turn and wind, that they have many ways to slip through and creep out at, which simple-hearted single-eyed souls know nothing of, and if they did, could not follow after them. Honesty is the best policy, and will in the end (whether we seek it or not) get the better of all. Your Ladyship’s intended letter to Governor B——, will be very acceptable. I hope the inclosed will give your Ladyship pleasure. O that I may be enabled to give the Lord Jesus all the glory! To me nought belongs, but confusion of face. Surely I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for Christ’s sake, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant,
G. W.
To Mr. C——.
London, Jan. 15, 1753.
My dear Mr. C——,
I Owe you a letter and much love. The one I will now pay you, the other debt our ♦common Lord must discharge. I despair of doing it, because I run upon fresh arrears to him and his dear people every day and every hour. I willingly therefore own myself a debtor to high and low, rich and poor, to all, of all denominations whatsoever.—What have we to do with a party or sectarian zeal? Why should not our heaven begin on earth?
All that we know they do above,
Is, that they sing, and that they love.
O for some fresh anointings of the blessed spirit! Then will the scales fall more and more from our eyes, and the veil of ignorance be taken more and more from our hearts. Then shall we be more and more content to think, and let think, and be studious to be of one heart, where we cannot be of one judgment or mind. The sweetness of such a spirit, is unspeakable; it brings with it its own reward; it frees the soul from a thousand needless jealousies, and selfish passions, and enables it to put the reins of government into his hands, who alone orders all things well. Lord, increase in us this spirit, and give us more and more to love all that bear thy image, though they may not in all things agree with us!
O may we find the ancient way,
Our wond’ring foes to move;
And force the heathen world to say,
See how these christians love!
My dear brother, your kind letter constrains me to write thus.—Blessed be God for what has been done at any time, by any instrument, at Newcastle. I still pray that the town may be full of new creatures. In London we have reason to rejoice. Yesterday was a great day of the Son of man; both at the sacrament, and under the word preached, our Lord gave us to drink of the wine of the kingdom. On Monday last we followed three believers to the grave, and triumphed over death on his own ground. O what a Christ have we! God help us to love him more, and serve him better! I salute all most heartily with whom you are in fellowship.—Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you. I beg a continued interest in all your prayers, and subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To C—— W——.
Chatham, Jan. 19, 1753.
My dear Friend,
A Multiplicity of business prevented my answering your kind letter, before my coming out of London. Lest I should be prevented by the same means at my return thither, I write you a few lines in the way. I have been among some new-awakened souls, who seem to be taking the kingdom of God by a holy violence. At London, God hath lately caused his people’s cups to run over with strong consolation, and many sturdy sinners have been made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” I thank you for the caution about the new building; a burnt child dreads the fire. I shall not begin, till we have a thousand pounds in hand, and then shall contract for a certain sum for the whole. This affair will detain me till the days are long enough to travel, and set out upon a fresh pursuit after poor sinners, who have wandered from their God.—The Lord be with you and yours. May the gospel plough be prospered, whatever hand is employed to lay hold of it. This, as far as I know my treacherous heart, is the sincere language of, dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. O——.
London, Jan. 23, 1753.
My dear Mr. O——,
I Received your kind letter, and have since shewn it to the secretary for Georgia, who approved of it very much. I am glad we are to have you in that infant province, and could heartily wish you was nearer Bethesda. I doubt not of its becoming a seat of learning in time, but it is good for every thing to rise gradually. I have engaged a dear youth, who I trust will suit the Orphan-house infant state very well. It hath scarce learnt as yet to stand upon its own legs; as it grows I expect it will give me more trouble. To have young men educated there, and then turned out into the church graceless and unconverted would break my heart. Father, if it be thy will, let this cup pass from me! I suppose we shall now soon know, who is to be Governor; every thing is to be ordered as I informed you in my last. My eyes are waiting upon Him, from whom alone cometh all our salvation. We see wonders every day on this side the water. Glorious days of the Son of man indeed! Notwithstanding, I long to take another trip to yonder new world. Time will determine, wherefore this attraction. He that believeth doth not make haste. God forbid that “Chastened, but not changed,” should always be Charles-Town motto. Lord, let them hear thy rod, and who hath appointed it! What a dreadful thing is it to come cankered out of the furnace? It bespeaks further trials yet behind;—but I need not tell you this.—Excuse this freedom: be pleased to give my hearty love to all, and I beseech you continue to pray for, my dear friend and brother,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. V—— B——.
London, Jan. 19, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
A Few days ago I was with good Mr. Z——, who assured me that Mr. V—— had written him, that two hundred pounds sterling were ordered you to be disposed of as you should judge proper. I hope you will find this to be true, if you have not found it so already. Is there no way of making the breach up between you and Mr. B——? Mr. U——r, from whom I heard very lately, and also all your German friends, desire it extremely. I promised Mr. Z—— that I would use my interest for your own sake, but above all for the sake of Jesus Christ our common Lord. My very dear Sir, do forgive and forget, and if you are conscious you have been too hasty in any respect, pray send to Mr. B—— a few lines of love. We never lose any thing by stooping.—God will always exalt the humble soul. O that the prince of peace would honour me to be a peace-maker!—Do, my dear friend, comply with my request, and thereby give further proofs that you are indeed converted, and become a little child. May this blessing descend on your new-born babe! Our joint respects await Mrs. V—— and yourself. You may well wish yourself at the tabernacle. All is alive there.—Thousands flock to hear, and thousands feel the power of the living God.—Dear Charles-Town, I pity thee! O that thou knowest the day of thy visitation! If this meets you there employed as an engineer, may the Lord own, bless and direct you, and keep you unspotted from the world! If elsewhere, I hope you are where God would have you be, and that is enough,—I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and desiring a continued interest in your prayers, beg leave to subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
To the Reverend Mr. H——.
London, Jan. 27, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
I Thank you a thousand times for the trouble you have been at, in revising my poor compositions, which I am afraid you have not treated with a becoming severity. How many pardons shall I ask for mangling, and I fear murdering your dear Theron and Aspasia? You will see by Monday’s coach; which will bring a parcel directed for you, to the care of Doctor S——. It contains one of your dialogues, and two more of my sermons, which I do not like very well myself, and therefore shall not wonder if you dislike them. If you think they will do for the public, pray return them immediately, because the other two go to the press next Monday. I have nothing to comfort me but this, “that the Lord chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong, and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are.” I think to sell all four sermons for six-pence. I write for the poor, you for the polite and the noble; God will assuredly own and bless what you write.—As yet I have only had time to peruse one of your sweet dialogues; as fast as possible I shall read the rest. I am more than paid for my trouble by reading them. The Lord be with your dear heart! Continue to pray for me. The Lord be with us. Grace! Grace! I am, dearest Sir, in very great haste, but greater love,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
To the Reverend Mr. B——.
London, Jan. 31, 1753.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
YOUR kind letter came safe to hand, and according to your desire, I send you a little bell, as a small token of my unfeigned love to your dear congregation. I have written strongly to Professor Frank for some Negroes for you, and heartily pray the Lord of all Lords to put it into our power to serve that black generation. Their souls are equally precious in the eyes of an all gracious Redeemer, as ours. O that we may yet see some good come out of Georgia. I would take another trip over this spring, but am hindered by our building a new place of worship, and by the continual calls that are given me to preach the everlasting gospel.—Indeed we see most glorious days of the Son of man. The cup of God’s people is made to run over, and every day we hear of somebody or another brought under new awakenings, and pricked to the heart; notwithstanding this, I find a continual attraction to America. The event will prove wherefore all this happens to me. Lord help me to walk by faith and not by sight! My dear Sir, you and yours will not forget to pray for me. I am the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints—What shall I render unto the Lord? Write every opportunity. Dear Mr. Z—— will take care of your child. Cannot matters be made up between you and Mr. V——? Is it not a pity that any of us should fall out in our way to heaven? When we meet next, remember that a floor and blanket is all the lodging, and a chick or fowl, boiled or roasted, is all the food I desire at Ebenezer. What is a pilgrim life without a pilgrim heart? O that I was like my Lord! Then should I endure hardness, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.—The encouragement for raising silk will be continued. O that Georgia may prove a fruitful soil for raising children unto Abraham! We wait for thy salvation, O Lord. For the present, reverend Sir, adieu. My wife joins in sending cordial salutations to your whole self, to Mr. L—— and his wife, and all the dear people at Ebenezer. That you all may at all times have reason to say, “hitherto hath our Lord helped us,” is the earnest prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and fellow-labourer in our common Lord,
G. W.
The End of the Second Volume.