To Mr. and Mrs. S——n.
On board the Friendship, September 7, 1769.
Dear Friends,
ACCEPT a line of grateful acknowledgment for all favours. I know it will find you busy: and busy, I believe, for the Redeemer’s glory. You, therefore, shall and will prosper. This comforts me in my present gospel enterprize. I am persuaded it is of, from, and for Him who loved me, and gave himself for me, even ill and hell-deserving me. Glory be to his great name, I am comforted on every side. Fine accommodations. A civil Captain and passengers. All willing to attend on divine worship, and to hear of religious things. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Faithful mother W——d, and all at Tabernacle, will be glad to hear of this. Pray desire her to remember me in the kindest manner to Mr. P——ts, Mr. and Mrs. T——r, Mr. and Mrs. B——s, &c. &c. I remember parting tears. Jesus hath bottled them up. Brethren, pray and give thanks to Him, whose mercy endureth for ever. I am brave as to my bodily health. Grace! grace! God bless you and yours, and all who are so kind as to be concerned for, and enquire after, my dear old friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. W——hy.
On board the Friendship, September 8, 1769.
Dear Mr. W——hy,
O THESE partings! Without a divine support they would be intolerable. But with that, we can even do this and every thing besides, which we are called to do or suffer. You will be glad to hear that every thing turns out beyond expectation, as to bodily health, ship accommodation, civility of passengers, &c. I only want somebody that hath a little more brains about me: but we must have our buts in this trying imperfect state. Say what we will, without these things we could not have our graces kept in exercise. God preserve you and all my religious friends, amidst the exercises that I fear await them. Nothing less than an almighty power can preserve and keep them in a proper temper. Land-storms are often most dangerous. Tell all as they come in your way, that their prayers are heard. I serve a God whose mercy endureth for ever. Particular respects to Mr. H——s, Mr. B——n, Mr. S——s, Mr. W——e, and all that accounted it their privilege to assist an unworthy worm: not forgetting poor mother E——s. You would all be pleased to see how well I am. Grace! grace! O the privilege and honour of leaving a little All, for a great unfailing All the ever-blessed God! May you be kept unspotted, that are called to abide by the stuff. You are surprizingly improved as to politeness of behaviour: may the inward man be more than equally improved, and increase with all the increase of God day by day! You will not fail to pray, that this may be also the happy case of, my dear Mr. W——y,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mrs. M——.
On board the Friendship, September 8, 1769.
THOUGH on the mighty waters, I must not forget faithful friends that I have left behind. You, I am persuaded, are one of these. I have tried you many years. God bless you and yours! God guide and keep you in your new undertaking! You are launching into a wide sea. May Jesus be your pilot! He will, he will. He is the widow’s husband, and will therefore plead the widow’s cause. He is good to us on board. Praise Him, praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever. Cease not to pray for, dear Mrs. M——,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
On board the Friendship, September 8, 1769.
My dear steady Friend,
EBENEZER! Ebenezer! Hitherto the Lord helps. All things are very commodious on board, and hitherto I am comforted on every side. The Captain and passengers are civil, willing to oblige, and ready to attend on divine worship. We have had contrary winds in our way to the Downs, but not violent. The young soldiers not yet sick, though the ship hath some motion. I seem to be now, as I was thirty years ago. Grace! grace! Praise the Lord, O my soul! The prayers of the dear Londoners are and will be heard. May the mercies bestowed upon us in answer to their prayers, redound to thy glory, O my God! The care of my annual pensioners, with all money matters, I must beg you to take wholly into your hands. O how little can I do for Him, who hath done and suffered so much for me! God be merciful to me a sinner! Tender love to all. Cease not, cease not to pray forwards, and to pray back again, my very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. and Mrs. F——tt.
The Downs, on board the Friendship, September 10, 1769.
My very dear Friends,
AS we are now at our first baiting-place, and I have been thinking of and praying for my tried, steady, uniform friends, no wonder that you two came strongly upon my mind. Accept cordial thanks for all favours, and add to my manifold obligations by praising Him, whose mercy endureth for ever. He deals bountifully with us on board, and gives us a prospect of being comfortable with all about us. You are called to stay by, but blessed be God you are called to live above the stuff. A pilgrim life is my lot. I am more than content with it. I shall have time enough to rest in heaven. This heaven is begun on earth. You know it, you know it. Ere long the budding flower will be full blown. Afflictions, temptations, ordinances, providences, will all concur to bring it to maturity. When this is done, death shall transplant it to a better soil where it shall never fade, but increase in fragrance and beauty through the endless ages of eternity. But I must not detain you. This is your busy day. You have been gathering manna. A little hath fallen round our floating camp. I know you wish us a trading voyage. That you may sail into harbour with a very full and choice cargo of heavenly wares, with your top-gallant sails flying, and shouting from every quarter, Grace! grace! earnestly prays, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
P. S. Tell Mr. K——n I was in hopes of one line by Saturday’s post. We had a violent gale yesterday. One ship we hear is gone. Blessed be God we are all well.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Deal, September 14, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
IT hath really given me some concern, that notwithstanding I have written so many letters, not a single friend hath wrote at a venture, though if we had been sailed, the letter might have been returned. The Captain hath been answered; Winter hath been answered. But—all is well. For wise reasons we are detained in the Downs. Who knows but it may be to awaken some souls at Deal? A peculiar providence brought me here. Warm-hearted Dr. G——ns came on board to pay me a visit, was sick, lay in my state room, and learnt more experimentally to pray for those who occupy their business in the great waters. Mr. B——y of Ramsgate, and young Mr. G——ner, who was ordained here yesterday, followed after. At their request I came ashore yesterday morning. The ordination was very solemn, and I have not been more affected under any public ministrations a great while. At the request of many, I preached in the evening to a crouded auditory, and spent the remainder of the night in godly conversation. Dr. G——ns will acquaint you with some pleasing particulars. If the wind continues contrary, perhaps I may make an elopement to Margate. I wish I could see my sermon that is printed. You may at a proper season, in a proper way, hint as from yourself to ——, that I have often thought he would do for Bethesda academy. If I die, let not the hymn book be cashiered. I am glad to hear of the Amens at Tottenham-Court. I doubt not but it is the same at ♦Tabernacle. I design to write to both, and to the conference, &c. But I cannot enlarge now. The young sailors begin to be more handy, and are attentive to oblige. This is the thirteenth time of my crossing the Atlantic Ocean. God bless you all! If further detained, you will hear again from, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
P. S. A parcel might be sent by Saturday’s coach, directed to the care of ——: he would return it if we are sailed. I should have the papers and the sermon. The ship that was lost hath been taken up and brought in. The passengers escaped in the boat. What are we that we should be preserved? Grace! grace!
To Mr. G——d.
The Downs, on board the Friendship, September 15, 1769.
My dear Mr. G——d,
I CANNOT forget your old readiness to serve and attend upon me. I cannot forget your last parting conversation. Alas! alas! how little do we know of the bitter cups that await us in the decline of life! May Jesus sweeten them with his love! He will, he will. This will make them palatable. This and this alone can make us cry from our inmost souls, “The cup which my heavenly Father hath given me to drink, shall I not drink it?” Though bitter, there is no death in this cup: on the contrary, nothing but life, nothing but life. Courage then, my dear Mr. G——d, courage. Yet a little while and we shall see
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
Adieu. God bless you and yours. Hearty love to all that are so kind as to enquire after and pray for me. Pray go to Dr. G——ns, and tell him I hope he got home well. I had a pleasant season at Deal with him and some other servants of our common Lord. What will heaven be? I am lost in contemplation of it. And therefore must hasten to subscribe ♦myself, dear Mr. G——d,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Deal, September 15, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
YOUR letter was quite refreshing. It found me on board. But Mr. B——y came, put me under an arrest, and is carrying me away to Ramsgate: I hope to arrest some poor run-away bankrupts for the Captain of our salvation. You would be glad to be here. How mysterious and yet how wise are his ways! Fain would I follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. Blessed be God that all is so well at London. I trust all will be better and better. For Christ’s sake, let all means be used to keep up and increase Tottenham-Court and Tabernacle societies. Pray be particular about church and state. A shaking season awaits both. Happy they who have cast anchor within the veil. All send due respects. Cordial love to your whole self, to all that sent their love, and to all who are so kind as to enquire after, my very dear steady friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Downs, September 16, 1769.
My very dear steady Friend,
I MUST not leave sight of the Downs, without sending you a few grateful, sympathizing, parting lines. I know in what a situation they will find you, filling up the measure of Christ’s sufferings which are behind. Amazing! even bodily sufferings, when brought on by working for Him, he accounts his own.
He knows what this temptation means,
For he hath felt the same.
What a mercy this, when wearisome nights and days are appointed for us! O that patience may have its perfect work in our souls! It will, it shall. Faithful is he that hath promised, who also will do it. Fine sayings these for an old weather-beaten almost worn-out pilgrim, just on his entrance upon a new voyage. But Ebenezer! Ebenezer! He that hath helped and delivered twelve times, will not fail the thirteenth.
I would believe thy promise, Lord;
O help my unbelief!
Hitherto the prospect is comfortable. Accommodations good. All on board civil, and willing to attend upon divine worship. Above all, Jesus is kind, yea very kind to the better part of, my very dear never-to-be-forgotten friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
P. S. Most grateful acknowledgments await your whole self, and dear daughter and worthy son-in-law. Pray for us.
To Mr. R—— H——n.
In the Downs, on board the Friendship, September 17, 1769.
My dear old Friend,
I SYMPATHIZE with you from my inmost soul. What prickles have our sweetest roses! How does God’s promise seemingly cross hands with his providence! We would fain direct him: but his answer is, “I know it, my son, I know it:” and hereafter we shall know it too. That hereafter will soon come. It is coming every moment. Yet a little while, and we shall see
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
I have no doubt, but this will be the happy lot of your dear yoke-fellow. At present she walks in darkness, and sees no light. But God will lighten her darkness, and the days of her mourning shall be ended. Beg her to accept my most sincere and sympathetic salutations; and assure yourselves, that neither of you are forgotten in the poor prayers of, my dear friends,
Less than the least all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Deal, September 17, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
AS I have no parcel, I am ready almost to think somebody is coming. I am just returned from Ramsgate, and going on board. Never did any creature shew greater civility, heartiness, politeness, and generosity than Mr. B——ry. His friends were hearty too. Indeed and indeed I believe solid good was done at Ramsgate. I preached on Friday and Saturday. It was hard parting this morning. I expect a long passage. But all is well. I am kept comfortable. I could not go to Margate. Friends that write, should direct where the letters are to be returned. I am glad Mr. S——y is come. I shall write to Bath. Is my farewel sermon printed? That is what I meant; no packet is come. Tender love to all, to all. Never fear,
Satan thwarts and men object,
And yet the thing they thwart effect.
Hallelujah!
I wish this may be the last letter, any may receive dated at the Downs, from, my very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. John W——r.
The Downs, on board the Friendship, September 18, 1769.
My dear Friend,
I MUST not forget you and your dear yoke-fellow, whom I cannot but number amongst my old first friends and children. I hope this will find bodily pain subsided, or grace given to make it more than tolerable. Little do we know what trials await the declines of life. But these are like the finishing strokes of a limner’s hand before the picture is sent for home. Yet a little while, and it shall be hung up in God’s house above, as a trophy of the Redeemer’s blood and Spirit, to be admired for ever and ever.
O heights of grace!
O depths of love!
Lord, fit us for
This house above!
Adieu! God bless you and yours and all your connections. The post-boat is come. Though detained in the Downs, yet I hope we are sailing to heaven. Hallelujah! Cease not to pray for, my dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. G——, and to all in conference.
The Downs, on board the Friendship, September 19, 1769.
Dearly beloved in the Lord,
THOUGH absent in body, I am present with you in spirit. Not want of love, but of leisure, prevented my holding a conference with you before my embarkation. My hands and heart were full. Ere long, we shall go no more out. In the mean while, may you all be pillars in the house of our God! You are engaged in a good cause, and in a branch of the Redeemer’s work, which hath, and I am persuaded will prosper more and more. What a mercy, that fresh instruments are raised up, to preach to poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. I hope that the sound of his blessed feet hath been heard behind young Mr. D——; he seems to come out in the first, old, itinerant methodistical way. No way like this. Light and life must go together. Principles and power, principles and power conjointly, alone can satisfy my dear tabernacle hearers souls. Though dying, I should live, when I find that they and you stand fast in the Lord, and go on, and are terrible like an army with banners. This be your happy lot! Whatever becomes of ill and hell-deserving me, may you increase with all the increase of God! Most cordial love awaits Mr. C——, Mr. B——, Mr. D——, Mr. I——, or as many of them as are in town. May all be helped, to give one and the same mighty gospel all-powerful blast, till Jericho’s towering walls fall down before them. Outward troubles, I am persuaded, await us. But in Jesus we shall have peace. To his never-failing mercy I commend you and yours, and all your near and dear connections. Brethren, pray for us; I know you do. The Redeemer, in answer to your prayers, deals bountifully with us. I am comforted on every side. Never less alone, than when alone with my God. My anchor is cast within the veil. Though detained in the Downs, I hope we are sailing towards our eternal haven. Still help us forwards, and pray us back. Once more, God bless you all! God bless the dear tabernacle society, bands and classes, and all that come to hear a preached gospel under that despised yet highly honoured roof. I am sure you will add, and God bless him, who from his inmost soul subscribes himself,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. J——s.
On board the Friendship, in the Downs, September 19, 1769.
My very dear Captain,
I WRITE a few lines at a venture, uncertain whether you are in town or not. You see where they leave me; at our first baiting place. Had not our Captain loitered at London last Lord’s-day, we might have been out of the channel. But then perhaps I might have lost the sale of some gospel goods at Gravesend market-place. I hope you, and all my dear fellow labourers, will meet with thousands of moneyless customers, who will come down to the price. Blessed news for bankrupts!
Surely, O Christ, thy grace is free,
For, O my God, it found out me!
He is good to us on board. All are civil and studious to oblige. I am glad of the third cabin passenger. The steerage ones are old hearers, and in distress. Who knows what a trading voyage we may have. When you write to Bristol, pray tell Miss B——ne to acquaint Mr. G——n, that I am sorry I did not know who sent me the kind present in so genteel a manner. He hath my grateful acknowledgments. The young sailors have been a little sick. The Steward is very handy. I am kept comfortable in soul and body. Pray on, my dear friends, pray on. Remember our partings, our partings. Surely they will never be forgotten by, my dearly beloved Captain,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. B——s.
The Downs, on board the Friendship, Captain Ball. September 19, 1769.
My dear old Friend,
THOUGH my hands and heart were too full, to come and give you personal thanks on shore, be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgments for your kind present, and yet kinder letter, now I am on board. I know your heart is formed for friendship, and therefore some kind of trials of the affectionate kind, must make such impressions, as persons of leaden souls and iron bodies, are utter strangers to. What a mercy, that we have a compassionate High-Priest to apply to, who is most sensibly touched with a feeling of our infirmities!
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For he hath felt the same.
Courage therefore, my dear Sir, courage. Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. In the mean while, may both of us be enabled to sing,
O happy, happy rod,
That brought us nearer to our God.
I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Old friendship more than revives. God bless you, and all your near and dear connections! Through infinite mercy, this leaves me comforted on every side. I want a thousand tongues to praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever, and in whom I am, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
P. S. I should be glad if you would be pleased to send the Atlas to Mr. K——n, woollen-draper, in the Minories. A ship goes soon to Georgia.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
On board the Friendship, off New-Romney, September 26, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
MAN appoints, but an all-wise, all-gracious God disappoints. Dear Mr. H——y guessed right. This day sevennight we weighed anchor, and sailed, though very slowly, as far as Fair-Lee. But for near five days we have been tossed by violent gales, and last night, through infinite mercy, cast anchor off Dungenness and New-Romney. The new sailors have been quite sick, but are now almost recovered. I have felt very little, comparatively speaking, and have been able to read, &c. &c. Had I known of having such a handy Steward, I might have spared one hand; but what is, is best. In God’s due time, the winds will have a commission to carry us on. Satan doth not like this voyage. Pray on, pray on, my very dear friends, and never fear. All shall work together for good to those who love God. I wish you had advertised against the publisher of my last sermon. It is not verbatim as I delivered it. In some places, he makes me to speak false concord, and even nonsense. In others, the sense and connection are destroyed, by the injudicious disjointed paragraphs; and the whole is entirely unfit for the public review¹. But we must suffer by the false zeal of professing friends, as well as by the inveterate malice of public avowed enemies. If one sentence is blessed to the conviction and edification of any single individual, I care not what becomes of my character, though there is no occasion of bringing ourselves into needless contempt. I write this at a venture; we see a boat approaching, and hope it will reach us. We have put back: O that it may quicken friends to pray us forwards. We are like a man of war that hath been out on a short cruise, and then returned into harbour. What awaits us we know not. It is not fit we should. God bless you all, my dear, very dear friends. I remember your times of meeting at both ends of the town. Sea is sea, land is land. The God whom we serve, is God of both. To his never-failing mercy I commend you. Continue to do the same for, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
Off New-Romney, September 28.
STILL we are prisoners. But blessed be God, prisoners of hope! In God’s due time, the word of command will be, Go forward. I am sadly off for want of white biscuit. But God will supply every want. The boat is going, that came off with some eatables. Adieu. Tender love to all. Blessed be God, all is well! Cease not to pray for, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
On board the Friendship, Captain Ball, in Five-fathom Hole, about ten miles from Charles-Town, South-Carolina. November 30, 1769.
My dear Friend,
WE have had a long, and in several respects a trying passage. Particulars expect by the packet, which the pilot says will sail in two or three days. This day week we first saw land; came over the bar the 28th instant, and should have been at Charles-Town that evening, but our ship was too light to obey the helm. We had the mortification of seeing ten sailing in before us, and we ever since left in jeopardy. Surely Satan foresees some signal good attending this voyage. In the midst of all, blessed be God, we have had plenty of outward things; and I am in better health than at the end of any voyage I have made for some years. Mr. Smith hath really behaved well, and been very handy and attentive. The same may be said of Mr. Winter. We have been like the three children in the fiery furnace. But the Son of God hath been, and is (O amazing grace!) still with us. Please to remember us to all concerned. Hoping soon to write from on shore, and most earnestly praying, that grace, mercy and peace, may be multiplied upon you all, I must hasten to subscribe my old but true name, “The chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints,” but
Your affectionate, obliged friend, and willing servant to all,
G. W.
Charles-Town, December 1.
BLESSED be God, a pilot-boat came yesterday along-side, and brought us hither in safety to our unspeakable comfort in the evening. Our reception as hearty or heartier than ever. Grace! grace! The ship is not yet come up. Blessed be God, I am brave and well, and am to preach this afternoon. Praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever! We have been delivered out of great jeopardy. You will say so, when you receive further particulars from, my dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Miss H——y.
Charles-Town, South-Carolina, December 6, 1769.
Dear Madam,
SHALL I promise, and not perform? God forbid! You have one of my first letters since our arrival. The long passage made shore more agreeable. Miss H——y knows how to apply such an account. All we meet with here, will be sweetly overruled to render heaven, and a sight of Jesus in the heaven of heavens, more delightful. I am in hopes, by this last week’s preaching, that some South-Carolina souls are beginning to look heavenwards. Grace! grace! In a day or two, God willing, we shall move to Bethesda. Mr. W——t is come to meet me, and tells me all is in great forwardness there. Ere long the top-stone of a building not made with hands will be brought forth. How many of your beloved family will join the shout, crying, Grace, grace unto it! Most cordial and due respects attend them all. God be praised, heaven is in sight. Jesus is our pilot: he will steer us safe over every bar; even over the last bar, Death. Then will we sing,
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
O how good is it to bear the yoke in our youth! A glorious preparative for a comfortable old age. That you and all your dear relatives, may increase with all the increase of God, is the earnest prayer of, dear Madam,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Charles-Town, December 9, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
IMMEDIATELY on our arrival, I sent you a letter by way of Liverpool, and then promised you a particular and very explicit letter by this packet: but it must be deferred a few days. So much company crowds in, that together with my preaching every other day, &c. &c. I have scarce the least leisure. Blessed be God, I have already met with some fruits of my feeble labours in this place. An earnest, I hope, of good things to come. To-morrow, I set off by water to Georgia, the roads being almost impassable by land. Mr. Wright is come to go with me, and acquaints me that all is in great forwardness at Bethesda. How I am directed in respect to that institution, you shall know hereafter. And glory be to a never-failing God, an hereafter is drawing on apace, when we shall sing,
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
I hope you and yours are helped to possess your souls in patience. God bless and reward you! Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon you and yours! All join in sending due and cordial respects. O give thanks unto the Lord, for his mercy endureth for ever. Brethren, pray for us. Tender love to all. Your letter to me by Anderson, I have not yet received. Blessed be God, I am in health. Grace! grace! The packet is about to be closed. Other ships are almost ready to sail. By one or all expect to hear again from, my very dear friend,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Savannah, December 24, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
THE bearer B—— F—— is the steward of the ship in which I came over: a very handy useful man; to whom in a great measure I owe the chief comfort of my voyage, as to eatables. He hath had convictions at times, and longs to live ashore. If you can serve him, do. I write this at my old friends Mr. Habersham’s. I am to preach here this morning, and to-morrow, and purpose in a few days to pay a visit to Charles-Town. Blessed be God, all things are in a most promising way. But I am obliged to leave Mr. W——t behind, for the work’s-sake. Mr. Smith goes with me. He is attentive, hath behaved well, and been useful in the house. Never was I blessed with so many proper industrious workmen and helpers before. Grace! grace! Next Wednesday I am fifty-five years old. God be merciful to me a sinner, a sinner, a sinner! As such, continue to pray, my dear steady friend, for,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Bethesda, January 11, 1770.
Dear Sir,
CAN I forget my dear, very dear old steady friend? rather let my right hand forget her cunning. How are you? Still afflicted? still in pain? still made to possess wearisome nights, and wearisome days? Well, all will be over soon; soon, yea very soon shall we sing,
All our sorrows left below,
And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
This prospect gives songs in the night; this makes Georgia and Bethesda to more than smile: and indeed you and yours would smile too, were you to see what a lasting foundation is laying for the support and education of many yet unborn. All admire the work already done. In a few months the top-stone, I trust, will be brought forth, with shouting, Grace! grace! In the mean while I must range northward. I know who will follow me with their prayers; even you and yours, whom I dearly love, and whom I salute much in the Lord. God bless you all, for all kindnesses conferred upon, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
If I thought you did not, or would not use your globes, I would beg them for our infant library. The increase of this colony is almost incredible. Real good, I trust, is doing; and a blessed door is opening for Mr. W——’s usefulness. Blessed be God! Blessed be God!