To Mr. ——.
London, June 8, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
I WAS glad, at my return from a late excursion, to find a letter from you, especially as it bespoke your heart to be nearer than usual to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. May this intimacy increase daily, and the fruits of it appear in your abounding in every good word and work! I find more and more, that one’s whole life ought to be a continued sacrifice of love. I am glad Mr. R—— is owned. This gives me hopes, that he begins to preach as when he first set out, and as he told a friend, a little before his embarking, “that he hoped he should.” It never went better with his heart than then. God keep him and all from further entanglements by fleshly wisdom and worldly policy! which I think have nothing to do with the work of the Lord. Mr. S—— can tell you what concern the B——n’s awful conduct hath given me. Surely if the Redeemer had not supported me, I should within these two months have died with grief. But I will say no more:—Jesus knows all things. He will not long bear with guile. You know my temper. The Lord help me in simplicity and godly sincerity to have my conversation in the world, and in the church! By this time twelvemonth (if in the land of the dying) I hope to see you. In the mean while, let Mr. S—— speak. I hope he hath succeeded to his wishes; and I pray earnestly that the God of the seas and of the dry land, may bring him safe to the desired haven. Ere long we shall all arrive, I trust, in Abraham’s harbour; from thence we shall never put out to sea any more. There the wicked world, and even God’s own children, will cease from troubling, and our weary souls enjoy an everlasting rest. May you and yours enter with a full gale! Let us write to, though we cannot as yet see each other. Our hearty love and respects await Mr. P——, and all enquiring friends. I am glad to hear Mr. T—— is coming over with Mr. D——. If they come with their old fire, I trust they will be enabled to do wonders. I and Messrs. W——’s are very friendly. I like them, because they go out and let the world see what they are at once; I suspect something wrong, when so much secrecy is required. But I must have done. Only let me tell you, that the Redeemer still owns my feeble labours. I have been a circuit of about 700 miles, and preached to many thousands. My body yet is upheld, and my soul rejoices in God my Saviour. Help me, help me to praise him. I thank you for what you have done for Mr. H——, and for all past favours. That grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied upon you and yours, every day and hour, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Lady H——n.
London, June 20, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I HAVE been unaccountably detained in London longer than I expected, but am just now setting out for Portsmouth. However, I cannot help sending your Ladyship the inclosed. It hath set me at liberty, and fully convinced me, against what a disguised spirit I have been testifying. At present, I shall go on in my old way, preaching the everlasting gospel. Blessed be God, it is successful here. We had a most glorious sacrament last Sunday in our new Tabernacle; the Master of the feast was with us of a truth. As I purpose returning from Portsmouth next Tuesday, I should think myself highly honoured by receiving a few lines from your Ladyship. May this find you in the blissful enjoyment of him, who I am persuaded is your Ladyship’s all in all! I can only add, that words cannot well express how much I am, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To the Reverend Mr. T——.
Portsmouth, June 23, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
FROM April to near July, is a long time for a kind letter to lie by unanswered; but necessity hath no law. A great variety of circumstances hath occurred lately to prevent my corresponding with you, and many other dear friends. Some time next month perhaps you may be acquainted with them. I have thoughts of seeing Edinburgh then, though I must push hard to bring it about. I purpose at my return, to stay in London but one night, and then set out for the North. O for a gracious gale of divine influence! The sacred wind hath blown sweetly in our new Tabernacle; and I trust it will be said of this and that man, at the great day, that they were born of God there. At Bristol, in Wales, and Gloucestershire, our Lord was pleased to smile on my feeble labours; and here in this place are several who bring forth fruit unto God. Affairs go on well at Bethesda. Mr. T——, I find, is coming over in behalf of New-Jersey College. Lord, make us all flames of fire! The language of my soul is this, “Quicken me in thy way.” You must continue to pray for me; you must remember me in the kindest manner to all my dear friends, and to your father and relations in particular, as being assured, that I am, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. N——.
Portsmouth, June 23, 1753.
Dear Sir,
NOT want of love, but leisure, prevented my answering your kind letter much sooner. As I lead a pilgrim life, have a weak body, and am almost continually surrounded with a variety of trials and temptations, I cannot write so frequently as I otherwise would choose to do. However, my friends are always upon my heart and some time next month, I hope to see you, amongst the rest of my Edinburgh acquaintances, grown in grace, and upon the full stretch for Him who bled, and groaned, and died for us. If your trials are not over, and you have indeed entered upon the field of battle, I wish you joy. Fear not, neither be dismayed. Nil desperandum Christo duce. Let this be the language of your heart and mine:
Give me strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow or thunders roar;
Thy faithful witness will I be:
’Tis fix’d—I can do all through Thee.
I need not inform you, dear Sir, that our Lord hath chosen the weak things of this world to confound the strong; and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are. If it was not so, what should such a poor, weak, helpless wretch as I am do? In Jesus, and in him alone, is all my strength and support found. Still he continues to uphold me, and crown my feeble labours with success. In Wales, Gloucestershire, and Bristol, we have lately felt his power; and in our new Tabernacle at London, he hath also manifested forth his glory. O for a good gale in the North! Who knows but we may see each other some time the next month? I have thoughts of setting forwards from London next week. May the good Lord direct my goings in his way! You must desire all of the hospitals, and in the society, and all my other dear friends, to pray most earnestly for me. I retain my old name: I am the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, but for Christ’s sake, dear Mr. N——,
Their and your most affectionate and willing friend and servant,
G. W.
To Mr. S——.
Leicester, July 1, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
I CANNOT go farther (as Mr. Middleton returns to London to-morrow) without sending you a few lines. They bring good news, even that the Redeemer hath much owned and blessed the first part of my circuit. At Oulney we had two good meetings; and at Northampton our Lord filled his people as with new wine. One aged saint told me, “that the meeting-place was no other to him than the house of God, and the gate of heaven.” Several thousands attended; and I could indeed say, “It is good for me to be here.” Last night I came to this place quite fatigued in my body, but willing, I hope, to employ a thousand souls (if I had them) for the dear Lord Jesus. This is a cold place, but people stood very attentive this morning, and some were affected. To-morrow I must move to Nottingham. You and yours must promise to follow me with your prayers. I hope you will hear that they are answered. You may be assured of mine; they are your due; they are a poor, but as they are the only return I can make, I hope they will be accepted by, my very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. S——.
Leeds, July 7, 1753.
My dear D——,
WHAT! just come from the borders of the grave, and still capitulating! Will you never give up your whole heart to Him, who hath dealt so bountifully with you? Was this once done, you would not (especially as you have a competency) talk of a hundred a year, but you would count the work of the ministry its own wages, and esteem the reproach of Christ above all the riches in the universe. Pray remember what Moses said to Pharaoh, “not a hoof must be left behind.” Christ will have all or none. Halt no longer between two; sin no more by withholding from God what is his just due, lest a worse evil befall you. Accept all this in love. Your letter hath extorted it from me. I pity you amidst all your gaudy shew. The pleasure I have had but this week in preaching the gospel, I would not part with for a thousand worlds. Blessed be God, we have had sweet seasons on the road; and last night at this place, the cups of many ran over. O Lord, keep me a pilgrim, till thou art pleased to call me home! I can now no more. My hearty love to our dear Mr. H——. O that you was like-minded with him! Accept this as from one, who is indeed, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
York, July 11, 1753.
My dear Mr. D——,
THUS far, but no farther, am I as yet advanced in my way to Scotland, and was I to comply with the pressing invitations of the Yorkshire people, I know not when I should get there. The fields are exceeding white, ready unto harvest; but by preaching thrice a day to great multitudes, my poor tabernacle is enfeebled, and I have such a cold that I cannot well write much. Strange, that I can do no more for Him who hath done and suffered so much for me! Be pleased to remember me to all; and acquaint dear Mr. and Mrs. S——, that I hope to send them an historical letter from Newcastle, where I expect to be next Lord’s-day. I shall be glad to hear that your soul prospers, and that all goes on well at the Tabernacle. I hope to see Edinburgh next week. My hearty love to all. Accept the same yourself, from, dear Mr. D——,
Your affectionate friend and servant for Jesus Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Mr. S——.
Newcastle, July 14, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
BEING, through the goodness of a never-failing Redeemer, just come hither, I sit down to perform my promise by writing to you. But where shall I begin, or where shall I end? Surely the goodness of the Lord to such a wretch as I am, is unspeakable. I will inform you of a little. After leaving Leicester, I went to Nottingham, where a great multitude came to hear, and I trust good was done, though a son of Belial endeavoured to disturb us. From thence I went to Sheffield, where we had two good meetings. The congregation in the afternoon consisted of several thousands. Here some dear friends from Leeds met me, two of which were my spiritual children, and all had been blessed under the word. The next morning we set out for Leeds, and in our way preached at Rotheram and Wakefield. At the former place, I had been disturbed twice or thrice, and was almost determined to preach there no more. But we are poor judges. A person told me, ♦“That God had made me instrumental in converting his wife and brother,” who had both been bitter persecutors, but now gladly received me under their roof. After preaching, a young man was set at liberty, who had been groaning under the spirit of bondage four years; and whilst I was baptizing a child, the Holy Spirit was pleased to baptize several, one in particular with a holy fire. What we saw, and felt, and heard at Leeds, cannot well be expressed. Thousands attended daily; and on the Lord’s-day it was computed that near twenty thousand heard at once. I preached thrice, and the next day at ♠Burstall and Bradford, where many thousands flocked also. Many were filled as with new wine; and as for myself, I scarce knew whether I was in heaven or on earth. On Tuesday morning, though we had drank plentifully before, yet our Lord kept the good wine till the last. We had a glorious parting-blessing. At York I preached four times. Twice we were disturbed, and twice we had sweet seasons. There is a good work begun there. The prospect all around is so glorious, I almost repent that I have engaged to go to Scotland. God willing, I shall come back as fast as possible. What a pity is it that I have but one body, and that a very weak one too. Lord, magnify thy strength in my weakness, and send me where thou wilt. Here I am most kindly received. How the Lord will be pleased to deal with me, you may know hereafter. I can now only entreat the continuance of the prayers of you and yours; and with repeated thanks for repeated favours, beg leave to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
To Lady H———n.
Newcastle, July 17, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I WROTE to your Ladyship just before I set out for Portsmouth, and thought to have written again at my return, but was hindered by staying only one night at London. Ever since I have been upon the range for lost sinners, and blessed be God, have been much owned by him who delights to work by the meanest instruments. In Northamptonshire our cup ran over. In Leicester, the Redeemer caused us to triumph; and in Yorkshire, at Leeds and the adjacent places, I have sometimes scarce known whether I have been in heaven or earth. I have been enabled to preach thrice a day, and once at Leeds, perhaps to near twenty thousand, as they were computed. Indeed we kept holy-day there. Many came to me that were awakened at my former visits. Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy free and unmerited mercy be all the glory! In my way hither I preached four times at York; twice we were disturbed, and twice all was quiet; and a sweet influence attended the word. I lodged at Mrs. G——’s, who keeps steady. She enquired most heartily after your Ladyship, and begged to be remembered in the most respectful manner. Hither I came on Saturday, and have preached seven times, and once at Sunderland, where a great multitude attended, and were deeply impressed. At five in the morning the great room is filled, and on Lord’s-day the congregation without was great indeed. Surely the shout of a king hath been amongst us. All is harmony and love. I am now going to a place called Sheep-hill, and shall return in the evening to preach here again. To-morrow, God willing, I set forwards to Scotland. I could almost wish this was to be the end of my circuit, for I want to go to various parts. Lord Jesus, magnify thy strength in my weakness, and send me where thou wilt! If your Ladyship pleases, this may be communicated to C—— W——, to whom I would write if I had time. I can only now entreat the continuance of your Ladyship’s prayers, and beg your Ladyship’s acceptance of repeated acknowledgments for repeated favours, from, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Mr. G——, at Glasgow.
Edinburgh, July 21, 1753.
YOURS I just now received, but know not what to say by way of answer. The inward discouragements I have felt for above a week, against coming to Scotland, have been very many. I have left a people full of fire. Thousands and thousands flocked to hear the glorious gospel. Awakenings I have heard of in every place; saints have been revived, and heaven as it were come down on earth. We have enjoyed perpetual Cambuslang seasons. My eyes gush out with tears of joy, (and I trust at the same time with godly sorrow for my vileness) at the very thought of it. My heart is quite broken, to think poor Scotland is so dead. O how gloomy hath been the aspect! I have been afraid of catching cold, though, alas! I am too too cold towards Him, who out of warm love bled and died for me. O that Glasgow friends, if I do come, may pray for me! I could scarce believe your letter, that your people would be glad to see such an ill and hell-deserving, good for nothing creature as I am. If I lose the opportunity of seeing you, I shall be disappointed indeed. I believe I shall keep to the time proposed. O time, time, how slowly dost thou go on! When shall I be wafted to an happy eternity? Often within these three weeks have I hoped to die in the embraces of my God. Had I a thousand souls and bodies they should be all itinerants for Jesus Christ. I want to see all on a flame of fire. You know, dear Sir, what fire I mean. O! break heart strings, break, and let the imprisoned soul be set at liberty. I want to go where I shall neither sin myself, nor see others sin any more. My tender love to all. I can no more for weeping. When I forget to pray for my ungrateful vile self,—then will my worthy and dear friend cease to be remembered by, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. B—— S——.
Glasgow, July 25, 1753.
BOTH your letters came safe to hand, and met with such a reception, as none but those who are knit together in the love of God can either experience, or have any idea of. What you mentioned concerning a certain gentleman, melted me down.—For having met with some unexpected pull-backs, I last night and this morning had been praying, that relief might come from what quarter our Lord thought most proper. How true is the saying of Luther:
Fix on his work thy stedfast eye,
So shall thy work be done.
This, I trust, will teach me more and more to be disinterested in what I do for Christ and souls, and then never fear; even ravens shall be sent to feed and nourish upright Elijahs. But above all, am I humbled and comforted at the good news from Leeds, and York. And will the high and lofty one then continue to delight to honour such a wretch as I am? Then, through the divine strength, let me now begin to preach more than ever. Yesterday I was enabled to preach five times, and I suppose the last time to near twenty thousand, and almost to as many in the morning. People flock and are more fond than ever to hear; at Edinburgh also, I preached twice every day to many thousands; among whom are many of the noble and polite.—Attention sits upon the faces of all, and friends come round me like so many bees, to importune for one week longer stay in Scotland. But I think I am fixed. God willing, on Thursday I return to Edinburgh, and the Tuesday following shall set out for Berwick, &c. Haste, time! Fly, fly on (so that I can but keep pace by filling thee up with duty) and bring me to see the face of God in heaven. I hope to write again soon; then you will know my rout. O that Jesus may direct my goings in his way! He will, he will. He will never leave nor forsake those that put their trust in him; and he knows, that as far as I know my heart, I think his work the very best wages that can be given to,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
To Mr. G——, at Glasgow.
Newcastle, August 12, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
I WOULD have answered your kind letter before I left Edinburgh, but I had not a moment’s leisure. With great difficulty I got away, after a heart-breaking parting on Tuesday about noon. On Wednesday evening, and the Thursday morning, I preached at Berwick, and on Thursday evening at Alnwick, in the street. It being the time of the races, I discoursed on these words, “So run that ye may obtain.” Whilst I was discoursing, the gentlemen came down from the race, and surrounded the congregation, and heard very attentively. The next morning at five I preached again, and about noon at a place called Placy, and in the evening about nine at Newcastle, where a great number expected me. My text was “At midnight a cry was made, behold the bridegroom cometh.” The next morning I received the following note, “Dearly beloved in the Lord, I write to you good news. Your labour was not in vain last night, for my wife answered to the midnight cry, and received Christ into her soul.” O that we may all praise the Three in One! Last night I prepared for, and this morning I opened the gospel fair from these words, “Ho! every one that thirsteth.” Much of the divine presence was in the congregation, and I believe many tasted of Christ’s wine. I am to preach three times almost every day this week. This promise supports me. “As thy day is, so shall thy strength be.” By the inclosed, you will see the devil owes me a grudge for what was done at Glasgow. Would it not be proper to insert a paragraph to contradict it? Thousands and thousands come to hear notwithstanding. Lord, what am I? A poor hell-deserving creature; and yet the Lord makes use of such to thresh the mountains with. May the Lord help me so to do, and then let him deal with me as seemeth good in his sight. Please to remember us in the kindest manner to dear Mr. M——n, our kind host and hostess, and all friends. I shall not forget you and yours, or your undertaking. The Lord prosper this, and every other work of your hands upon you! My lot is to be a pilgrim, a run-about for Christ. Commend me to Him who gives strength to the weak, and for whose sake I am,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
To Mr. B—— S——.
Newcastle, August 13, 1753.
My very dear Friend,
MY rout is now fixed. After having preached here and hereabouts three times each day, I am to leave this place on Thursday, to be at Stockton on Sunday, at Osmotherly on Monday noon, lie at Topcliff, and reach York, God willing, by way of Burrough-bridge, on Tuesday next, and then come forwards to Leeds. I trust that our meeting will be like that of Jonathan and David. Only sometimes I must change names; where it is said “David exceeded,” there I will be David, and you Jonathan. Where Jonathan exceeds, there I will be Jonathan and you David. But more of this hereafter.—I must now tell you good news. I could not finish this letter last night, it is now Tuesday morning. But surely heaven came down amongst us, under the last evening preaching: it was almost too much for my body. O that the prison door was set open, and the bird suffered to fly out of the cage! Then would I fly to heaven, and upon one of the boughs of free grace sing the praises of redeeming love for ever and for ever. Till then, may we be employed in singing here on earth! But I must away to Horsey to preach, from whence I am to return to preach again in the evening. Thrice a day tries me, but in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. If you hear of a mob’s being raised by my preaching at Glasgow, assure all your friends that there was none, but Satan owes me a grudge for speaking against the playhouse. Particulars expect when we meet. In the mean while, give my tender love to all, and forget not to pray for, my dear friend.
Yours in our precious Christ,
G. W.
To Lady H——.
Newcastle, August 13, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
NOT want of respect, but leisure, hath prevented my writing to your Ladyship. Since my last, I have been travelling and preaching twice or thrice, and once five times a day. I cannot tell your Ladyship of one thousandth part of what we have seen and felt. In Scotland the congregations were larger than ever. At Glasgow, the man who owned the playhouse was made so uneasy by the word preached, that he took down the roof himself. For this Satan owes me a grudge, and therefore it is put in the paper, that a mob was raised. But there was not the least appearance of any such thing. Our weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of Satan’s strong-holds. At Newcastle our Lord fills his people with new wine. Last night much of heaven was let down into the congregation. I am now going into the country, and am to return in the evening to preach. Thrice a day is almost too much for this weak tabernacle, but in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Next week I am to be at York; the word I find fastens. On Sunday I hope to see Mr. H——. Ere long I hope to see our common Lord in glory. O that I may be one day lifted up from the pulpit to the throne. Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit; deal with me as seemeth good in thy sight! I doubt not but he deals bountifully with your Ladyship; that you and yours may greatly increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, dutiful and ready servant,
G. W.
To Lady F—— S——.
Leeds, August 23, 1753.
Honoured Madam,
HITHERTO the Lord hath helped me. Blessed be his glorious name, the fields have been every where white, ready unto harvest. I have been of late generally enabled to preach thrice a day, and in all appearance the word never was attended with more success. Satan rages and belies me, about the taking down the Glasgow play-houses; but I hope my letter lately published in the Newcastle journal, will set all things right. Thanks be to God, without the assistance of mobs and riots, (which my soul abhors) the christian’s weapons, through divine assistance, are mighty to the pulling down of Satan’s strong-holds. Alas! how many of these hath he gotten in every unregenerate person’s heart! Blessed be his holy name for any begun conquests there; surely his name is wonderful that hath done it. What a miracle of grace is it, honoured Madam, that a spark of fire should be kept in, amidst an ocean of corruption! that the bush should burn, and yet not be consumed! Such a standing miracle I trust your Ladyship will be. To be a martyr, a living witness for Jesus, amidst the tip-top allurements of high life—by this we prove the strength of Jesus to be ours indeed. May the Lord of all Lords help you, honoured Madam, to hold on and hold out. My prayer to him for you is, “That your progress may be made known to all men, and that you may increase with all the increase of God.” Glory be to free grace, I find the happiness of the divine life an increasing happiness indeed.—Lately our common Lord hath taken his people into the banqueting house, and caused their cup of consolation to run over. Surely we have been in the suburbs of heaven: ere long we shall enter into the city itself. Our Lord is gone before to prepare the way. To the tender and never-failing mercy of this gracious forerunner, do I humbly and heartily recommend your Ladyship, as being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Lady H——n.
York, September 11, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
LAST Saturday I returned to Leeds, from whence I had been absent a fortnight. But what the glorious Emmanuel gave us to see and feel, is indeed inexpressible. What a sacrament at Howarth! We used thirty-five bottles of wine on the occasion. I have been as far as Bolton, Manchester, and Stockport. At the last place so much of the divine presence came amongst us, that it was almost too much for our frail natures to bear; at the former, our cup was also made to run over. Every where the congregation looked like swarms of bees, and the more I preached the more eager they seemed to be. At ♦Burstall last Lord’s day, perhaps there were near twenty thousand, and on Monday morning at Leeds, the parting was the most affecting I ever saw: it has been almost too much for me. I have not as yet half recovered it. Lord, hasten the time when thy people shall part no more! Last night I came hither, and preached with quietness. This morning I am setting out for Lincolnshire, and have some thoughts of taking a trip to Ireland. Lord Jesus, what am I that I should be called to go out into the high-ways and hedges? Besides travelling, I have been enabled to preach thrice a day frequently. Arrows of conviction have fled, and of souls I hear scores have been awakened; they tell me that a hundred have been added to Sunderland society. O that the leaven may ferment till the whole be leavened! Never did I see the work more promising. God be merciful to me a sinner, and give me, for his infinite mercy’s sake, an humble thankful and resigned heart! Surely I am viler than the vilest, and stand amazed at his employing such a wretch as I am; but his name is Love. I could enlarge, but must away to preach. Ever-honoured Madam, let me intreat the continuance of your prayers, and thereby increase the innumerable obligations already conferred on the unworthiest of the sons of men, but, for Christ’s sake, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant,
G. W.
To Lady H——.
London, September 26, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
YESTERDAY about noon, a good and never-failing Redeemer brought me and mine in safety to town, where I expect to stay only a few days. Thanks be to God for this last circuit! I think this day three months I left London; since which time I have been enabled to travel about twelve hundred miles, and to preach about one hundred and eighty sermons to many, very many thousands of souls. More glorious seasons I never saw; parting has almost killed me. My last excursion hath been to York, Lincolnshire, Rotheram, Sheffield, Nottingham, Northampton, where I believe near ten thousand souls came to hear last Lord’s day. It was a Lord’s day indeed. Praise the Lord O my soul! I hope your Ladyship received Governor B——’s letter. I hear that your Ladyship hath honoured me with one, but find it is gone to Nottingham; I expect it to-morrow; but though somewhat fatigued, could not omit thanking your Ladyship to-night for this and all other favours. Innumerable are my obligations.—But the all-gracious and all-glorious Jesus must discharge them for me. My poor prayers, is the only pepper-corn I have got to offer by way of acknowledgment. O that I could do something to express my gratitude! By the help of my God, I will now begin to begin to love him. I am sure it is high time.—And in doing so, and studying to promote by my feeble letters his glory and the good of souls, I shall make the best return your Ladyship desires. I have some thoughts of seeing Ireland; the Lord direct my goings in his way! I must now wish your Ladyship a good night. My wife joins in sending most dutiful respects, with, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
To Mr. D——.
Northampton, October 7, 1753.
WHAT! have the birds of prey been pursuing, pecking at, and wounding one of Christ’s doves? Come, my dear man, play the man, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, and be not like a silly dove that hath no heart. Look to him, and you shall be saved;
He will give strength, he will give power,
He will in time set free.
These enemies which so perplex us, ere long, blessed be God, we shall see no more. Pharaoh and his host shall be drowned in the sea.
Through Christ we shall
Break through them all,
And sing the song of Moses.
Courage then, my dear Mr. D——; Christ’s blood shall yet purge out all remaining gall. Alas! alas! how little do we know of our hearts? What feathers are we, when tossed in the wind of temptations? What greater and greater abominations shall we find, when the spirit leads us more and more into the chambers of imagery that are within us! We shall find, that, comparatively speaking, we know nothing as we ought to know. O my ignorance! my ignorance! My leanness, my leanness! Pray for me, dear Mr. D——, and salute all dear friends in my name. I will write as soon as I can. My stay in London was but short, yet I trust profitable and sweet to many. The new tabernacle was filled with God’s glory under the word preached, on the letter day, and at sacrament. I am now bound for Staffordshire; follow me with your prayers, and believe me to be
Your affectionate sympathizing friend, in our dear Lord,
G. W.
To Mr. S——.
Northampton, October 10, 1753.
My very dear Sir,
IT is now near eleven at night, and I am to ride beyond Coventry to-morrow: but I cannot close my eyes without sending you a short account of my week’s work. On Saturday last, I preached at Oulney, and had a blessed season. On the Lord’s day we had two glorious opportunities in this place, where the congregations were much larger than before. On Monday I went to Oxen near Harborough; it was their feast-day, but if I mistake not, some of their feasting was spoiled. In the evening I preached at Bosworth; the congregation was large as well as that at Oxen, and the power as great. About nine at night I got to Kettering, where I preached the next morning to many souls; the Redeemer gave us a spiritual breakfast. About five in the evening I reached Bedford, and preached in the Green last night, and this morning. This afternoon we had another blessed season at Oulney, and this evening I sojourn here, in order to set out for Birmingham to-morrow. A new scene of usefulness hath opened this week. O that nothing may retard me in my pilgrim life! It is worse than death to me, to be stopt in that. You, my dear Sir, are called to trade, I to travel for my God. Whilst trading, you are in effect travelling and preaching to thousands; for you greatly strengthen my hands in the Lord. Great shall be your reward in heaven. O what a bountiful master do we serve! I am loath to go to sleep, and yet this vile body stands in need of it. My dear, very dear Sir, good night. God bless you and yours. I pray for your dear yoke-fellow, and little maid, incessantly. As you learnt long ago to look through and above unworthiness, I must still beg you to increase my obligations, by following with your prayers.
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.