cc.
a
ro
\ \
THE
WORKS
OF THE REVEREND
GEORGE WHITEFIELD, M. A.
Late of Pembroke-College, Oxford,
And Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countefs of Huntingdon.
CONTAINING
.All his SERMONS and TRACTS
Which have been already publifhed :
WITH
A Select COLLECTION of LETTERS,
Written to his moft intimate Friends, and Perfons of Diftindlion, in
Eiigland, Scotland, Ireland, ^Yi^ America, from the Year 1734, to
1770, including the whole Period of his Miniltry.
ALSO
Some other Pieces on Important Subjects,
never before printed ; prepared by Himfeif for the Prefs.
To which is prefixed.
An ACCOUNT of his LIFE,
Compiled from his Original Papers and Letters.
VOL. L
LONDON:
Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in the Poultry j
and MefFrs. Kincaid and Bell, at Edinburgh.
MDCCLXXI.
Entered at Stationers-Hall, agreeable
to Ad of Parliament,
ADVERTISEMENT.
THIS complete Edition of the late Rev. Mr.
Whitefield's Works (printed under the
Diredion of his Executors) it is prefumed, will be
highly acceptable to all his Friends, as the juft and
proper Monument of his Memory and Merit ; and
both pleafing and ufeful to the Public in general, but
efpecially to thofe who deiire to cherifli and promote
the Spirit of primitive Chriftianity.
To the Sermons and Tracls formerly publiilied, and
which are now ranged in their proper Order, are alfo
added other Pieces, on the moft Important Subjefls :
together with a valuable Colledion of Letters, feleded
and prepared by himfelf for Publication ; in which is
difplayed, that native Spirit and Simplicity, fo emi-
nently confpicuous in his Life and Converfation. His
Friends, and even his Enemies (fliould there be any
fuch) will here openly behold his unwearied Diligence,
undaunted Firmnefs, noble Difintereftednefs, and ex-
ceeding Ufefulnefs in the Work of the MiniO:ry ; alfo,
his remarkable Fidelity in Friendfhip, exemplary
Piety, and fervent Zeal for the Profperity of pure and
undefiled Religion.
The Letters and Works can (land in no need of any
Recommendation : Conneded with the account of his
Life, (now drav/n from original Papers) they exhibit
a plain and undifguifed View of the worthy Author, in
all Parts of his public Service, as well as in his private
Retirements, and inward Trials; faithfully fliewing
the Whole of that livhig I'emple^ which was facred to
God, and happily inflrudling Mankind in the Ways of
Godlinefs and eternal Life,
LETTERS.
LETTER L
To Mr. G, H.
Dear Sir^ Oxon, July i8, 1734.
HAVING heard the melancholy news of your brother's
death, I could not help fending you a line, to let
you know how much I am concerned. Indeed, I can-
not fay, I am fo much grieved on his account, as for that
forrow, which the lofs of fo valuable a youth muft necelTarily
occafion to all his relations. No ! I rather envy him his
blefled condition. He, unqueftionably is divinely blelTed,
whilft we are ftill left behind to wreftle with unruly paltions,
and by a continued looking unto Jesus and running in our
thriftian race, to prefs forward to that high prize, of which
he, dear Touthy is now in full fruition. Thefe are my true
fentiments about his death ; I leave you to judge then, whe-
ther I had need be concerned on his account ; and furely was
it to be put to your choice, whether fo religious a young man
(hould live or die, no one could be fo cruel, as to wi(h to detain
him from his wifhed-for glory. Be not then too much con-
cerned at his death, but let us rather learn that important
leflbn, which his whole life taught us : " That there is no-
thing comparable to an early piety." I thought to have
fpent many agreeable hours with him in chriftian and edifying
converfation, when I came to Glouccfter ; but he is gone to
more agreeable company^ and long before now has joined the
heavenly choir.
I (hall only add, that as your brother Imitated our blefled
Saviour iu his life, fo I pray God, he may refemble him in
Vol. I, B liis
I
2 LETTERS.
his death, and be a means, like his beloved Redeemer, of
reconciling all former animofities, which is the hearty wifh
of, dear Sir,
Your fmcere friend and humble fervant,
G. IV.
L E T T E R II. I
- To Mr, G. H.
Dear Sir^ Brlfol, Sept. lo, 1734.
THIS morning I wrote to you in hafte, expeding Mr.
/. would foon be going ; but to my great fatisfadion,
he came hither this night, and foon afterwards, your very much
wifned-for letter was brought to hand; which (after ten thou-
fand thanks for fo many repeated favours) I (hall now beg
leave to anfvver. You tell me " Mr. P. likes N.'* God
be praifed ! That he hath recommended fomething to my
perufal. I'll read it, God willing, with care, at my return.
" That he wants to know my quality, ftate, condition, circum-
«' fiances, &c." Alas! that anyone (hould enquire after fuch
a wretch as I am. However, fmce he hath been fo kind,
pray tell him, that as for my quality, I was a poor, mean
drav/er ; but by the diftinguifhing grace of God, am now
intended for the miniftry. As for my eftate, that I am a fer-
vitor; and as to my condition and circumftances, I have not of
my own any where to lay my head. But my friends, by God's
providence, minifler daily to me, and in return for fuch un-
merited, unfpeakable bleflings, I truft the fame good Being
\yill give me grace to dedicate myfelf without referve to his
fervice. . To " fpend and be fpent " for the welfare of my
fellow-creatures, endeavouring to promote the gofpel of his
Son as much as lies in my poor power. But " obferve his
" humility," fays Mr. H. Aye, catch an old Chriftian
without profound humility, if you can. Believe me, Sir, it
i$ nothing but this flcfli of ours, thofe curfed feeds of the
prouH apoflatc, which lie lurking in us, that make us to thinlc
ourf.lves worthy of the very air we breathe. When our eyes
are opened by the influences of divine grace, we then fhall
begin to think of ourfelves.as we ought to think, even, that
God is all, and we are lefs than nothing. Well, you may-
cry, O happy temper, could I but learn of Christ to be meek
and
LETTERS, 3
and lowly in hearty I (hould certainly find reft to my foul.
May God, for his dear Son's lake, give it to you, to me,
and to all our dear friends! " Some like, fome djillke the ex-
" tracSl," you fay. I did not do it,- to pleafe. ;nan, but God.
'' Mr. JV. is too much engaged in temporals." Is he ? Ola
dear Sir, pray that when I enter the miniitry, I may be wholly
engaged in fpirituals : But " Mrs. H. has beeff ill, and is
*' now recovered." God be praifed for both ! Our Saviour,
^ir^ learnt obedience by the things which he fi^fFered, fo mufi:
we. Pain, if patiently endured, and fancliiied to us, is a great
purifier of our corrupted nature. It will teach us excellent
lefTons. I hope A4r. H. has been enabled to learn fome
of thenfi.' So .nuch in anfwer to your kind letter. You fay
" it was too long." Believe rhe, 5fV, it was much toornort;
but a line is more than I deferve. However, I have made out
in mine, what was wanting in yours. A^Iy Adother*s jour-
ney to GUuceJler^ I fea^r, is fpoiled by the weather. God's
blefTed will be done I J hope to be with you about next Tucfday
fevennight. " I am milled," you fay ; and you may well mifs
fuch a troubiefome gueft. .Well, God will reward you richly,
I truft. Never defpair oi my brather -^ when God ads upoa
the foul, he makes quick work of it. Be pleafed to tell Mr.
M. that his remiflhefs hath occafioned me many a figh, and his
return from his relapfe, m.atter of abundant thanks to God in
his behalf. Oh let us young, unexperienced foldiers, be always
upon our guard ; the very moment we defert our poft, the
enemy ruflies in; and if he can but divert our eyes from look-
ing heavenward, he will foon fo blind us, that we fnall not
look towards it at all. A great deal may be learned from a
little fall. But I muft not detain you any longer, than to aiTure
you how much I am, Dta?- Sir,
Your and Mrs. H.'s fincere friend and fervant,
in our common Lord,
G. IF.
I
LETTER III.
To Air, H.
Dear Sir^ Oxon^ Sept. 17, 1 734.
Had the favour of your letter laft Friday^ which brought
me the agreeable news of your and Mrs, H,'s welfare, to-
B 2 gether
4 LETTERS.
gether with the much-defired account of your approving the
fcheme, inclofed in my Jaft. Indeed, I did not doubt of its
meetins; with a candid reception, from all thofe perfons to
whom it was recommended. Their known concern for reli-
gion, giving me fufficient affurance, that nothing can be un-
acceptable to them, which any way tended to promote their
improvement in the divine life. It muft be confefTed, indeed,
as you very juftly obferved, that we muft make a great pro-
grefs in religion, and be inured by frequent prayer and medi-
tation, to the extatic contemplation of heavenly objedts, before
we can arrive at true heavenly-mindednefs ; and, perhaps, after
all our endeavours, whilft our fouls are immerfed in thefe
flefhly tabernacles, we (hall make but very fm all advances in fo
delightful and glorious an undertaking. But believe me, Sir^
you cannot imagine, how vaftly ferviceable the conftant ufe of
all the means of religion will be, in acquiring thisblefled habit
of mind. Such, as an early rifmg in the morning, public
and private prayer, a due temperance in all things, and fre-
quent meditation on the infinite love and purity of that un-
paralleled pattern of all perfection, our dear Redeemer. As
for your mentioning, *S/V, the degeneracy of the age, as the
leaft objedlion againft our making further advances in any
religious improvement, I cannot by any means admit of it.
The fcriptures (as I take it) arc to be the only rules of a<5lion.
And the examples of our bleiled Lord and his apoftles, the
grand patterns whereby we are to form the conduct of our
lives. It is true, indeed, that inftances of an exalted piety
are rarely to be met with in the prefent age, and one would
think, if we were to take an eftimate of our religion, from the
livesof moftof its profeffors, that chriftianity was nothing but
a dead letter. But then it is not our religion, but ourfelve?
that are to be blamed all this while. Would we live as the
primitive chriftians did, we might no doubt have the fame
afliftance vouchfafed us, as they had. God's grace is never
rcftrained, and though we ihould not arrive at thofe heights
of heavenly-mindednefs, as fome of the primitive chriftians
were eminent for, yet, methinks we fhould imitate them as far
as we can, and rely on the divine goodnefs for grants of fuch
a fupply of grace, as he, in his good pleafure, fhall judge moft
^jgnvenient for us. Be pleafed to fend for Mr. Law's Chrtfiian
P(rfu'Jien
LETTERS. S
Perfeawn for me againft my coming into the country, if
printed in a fmall edition. I am, with due refpeds to felf,
fpoufe, and all other friends, , , ^ ,
^ Your s fmcerely,
LETTER IV.
To the Same,
r, cv Oxon^ Dec. ^y lyS^'
Dear Sir, r i7 u j r
T Am heartily glad to hear that the c.uMry parfon has had fo
1 good an efFea upon you, and that you are refolved to fet m
earneft, about working out your falvation : Be f^^; quench not
theife firft motions ; but go on vigoroufly and manfully, without
the leaft regard to what the world may fay ; if you can once
break with that, you are fafe. The^r.;.r;, I hope to end
you next week. Only let me give you this caution, no to
depend on any advice or book, that is given V"" j. b"t fo'e'/
on the grace of Goo attending it. The book which I have
fent to my brother, and would recommend to you and all my
GkuuJIer friends, will foon convince you how dangerous it is
to be a lukewarm chriftian, and that there is nothing to be
done without breaking from the world, denying ourfelves daily,
taking up our crofs, and following Jesus Christ. Thefe
thincr! may feem a little terrible at firft, but believe me, they
are nothing but fuggeftions of our -emy 'o deter us from
fettingout; and if you can credit me, mortification itfelf.whea
once^raaifed, is the greateft pleafure in the world But hold,
I fhaM tranfgrefs the time prefcribed me, therefore give me
only leave to add my hearty prayer for your fuccefsful pro-
grefs in religion, and to fubfcribe myfelf in great hafte.
Your ftncere friend and humble fervant,
G. fV.
L E T T E R V.
To the Same,
DMr Sir O"'"' ^'*- ^°' '''^5'
I Believe you think me a ftrange fort of a perfon, for not
being fo good as my word in coming down this wmter^
■6 LETTERS.
and what is vvorfe, in not letting you have a line to acquaint
you of my reafons for it. And,^ indeed, I am not as yet de-
termined j providence having ordered (I hope) that this
feeming unkindnefs fhajl, in the end, prove very ferviceablc
on all fides. Hov/cver, though I have been thus hindred, yet,
I think you heard from mc lall, and am really furprized tq
find you Ihould, now To long fuice, have defired that col"
le6iicn of prayers^ and be wholly unconcerned about them
ever after. -Indeed, they will be of no fervice to you, unlefs
you grant me this one poilulatum : 'S Xhat we murt renounce
ourfelvcs." What the meaning of this phrafe may be, the
preface to the prayers will beft inform you. I did not doubt of
its meeting with but a cold reception, it being (at firft view)
fo very contrary to fie(h and bjood. For, perhaps, you may
think, that this renouncing of ourfelves, muft neceflarily lead
us (as it certainly does) to a6ls of felf-denial and mortification;
and, that we probably may be faved without them. And left
you fliould after all imagine, (which I truft you will not)
that true religion does confiil in any thing, befides an entire
renevv'al of our riatures into.the image of God ; I have fent
you a book entitled, The Life of God in the Soul of Mariy
written by a young, but an eminent chriftian, which will in-
form you, what true religion is, and by what means you may
attain it. As iikewife, how wretchedly moft people err in
their fentiments about it, who fuppofe it to be nothing elfe (as
he tells us page 3d) but a mere model of outv.^rd performances^
without ever qonfidering, that all our corrupt paffions muft
be fubdued, and a complex habit of virtues, fuch as meeknefs,
Jowlinefs, faith, hope, and the love of God and of man, be
implanted in their room, before we can have the leaft title to
enter into the kingdom of God. Our divine mafter having ex-
prefsly told us, that " unlefs v/e renounce ourfelves, and take
*'. up our crofs daily, we cannot be his difciples." And again,
*' unlefs we have the fpirit of Christ, we are none of his."
You will fcarce have time, I imagine, before Mr. H. leaves
Glouccfler^ to revife, what I have recommended to your perufal.
However^ be pleafed to let me hear from you by him, together
with an account of your free fentiments about this matter. I
truft (by God's grace) we fhall, at laft, rightly underftand one
another's meaning, I lliould be glad to hear t.oo> whether you
kerp
LETTERS. 7
keep mdrnlng prayers, and how often you receive the holy com-
munion, there being nothing, which (o much be-dwarfs us
in religion, and hinders our progrefs towards the heavenly
Canaan, as ftarving our Ibuls by keeping away from the
heavenly banquet. I have nothing more to add at prefent on
this fubjc(S^,till you favour me with a line, which, I hope, you
will not fail doing by Mr. H. who will willingly bring it to,
Dear Sir,
Your fincere friend and very humble fervant,
LETTER VI.
To the Same. ,^
Dear Sir, Oxon, March 6, 1735,
I Had the favour of your letter by Mr. H. and, as defired,
I have made enquiry about the poft-mafters and clerks
of Merton. As to the former, I hear, that the five fenior fel-
lows have each a power to ele61: one in his turn, and that there
is now a vacancy, but one ready on the fpot to fupply it, and
no likelihood of there beiiig another this long while. The
latter, are folely in the power of the warden, and though all
the places are at prefent filled up, yet, there will be a vacancy
next term, fo that, perhaps, by a feafonable application, your
brother may get a friend in. Thus much for bufinefs. As
for the other particular, fpecified in the latter part of your laft ;
I find by what I can gather from your own and my brother's
expreflions, as well as from Mr. H.'s> difcourfc, that my late
letters have met with but a cold reception ; and that you fecm
defirous of hearing no more of fo feemingly ungrateful a fub-
jecSl, as fubmitting our wills to the will of God ; which, in-
deed, is all that is implied in that phrafe (which our enemy
would reprefent as fo formidable to us) oi renounchig ourfelves.
Alas, Sir ! what is there that appears fo monftroufly terrible
in a doctrine that is, (or at Icaft ought to be) the conftant fub-
je6t of our prayers, whenever we put up that petition of our
Lord's : " Thy zviil be done in earthy as it is in I leaven. ^^
The import of which feems to be this, ift. That we do every
thing that God w'lls, and nothing but what he v/illcth.
2dly, That we do every thing he wills, C7i}y in the manner
he willeth, 3dly5 I'hat we do thofe things he willcth, only
B 4 hicaiij}
S LETTERS.
becaufe he willeth. This is all, Sir, I have been endeavour-
ing to inculcate in my late letters ; and though it feems as
clear as the light, upon an impartial and confiderate view,
yet, our grand impoftor (whofe very corruption is having a will
diftin<3: from, and therefore contrary to GoD*s) would fain
fet it out in the mofl: hideous colours, as though we were
*' Setters forth of ftrange dodlrines ;" or propofmg fome higher
degrees of perfection, than every ordinary chriftian is obliged
to afpire after ; whereas, in truth, it is nothing but the fimple
and evident language of the gofpel. It muft be confefled,
that through the corruption of our depraved nature, and that
power, which felf-will has, fince the Fall, ufurped in the
foul, we muft necefTarily break through a great many ob-
ftacles. But, dear Sir, be not difmayed, the difficulty lies only
in our firft fetting out. Be but vigorous at the firft onfet, and
never fear a conqueft. The renewal of our natures is a work
of great importance. It is not to be done in a day. We
have not only a new houfe to build up, but an old one to pull
dov/n. But then, methinks, this would be an odd way of
reafoning, " Becaufe a thing requires fome pains, I therefore,
will never fet about it." No, Sir, rather up and be doing.
Exert your utmoft efforts at yourfirfl: fetting out, and take my
word, your ftrength as well as refolution will increafe daily.
The means alfo which are neceffary to be ufed in order to at-
tain this end, our curfed adverfary the devil would reprefent
to us in the moft hideous forms imaginable. But believe me.
Sir, the difficulty here too, only lies in our firft breaking from
ourfeWes, and that there is really more pleafure in thefe for-
rnidLible duties of felf-denial and mortification, than in the
higheft indulgences of the greateft epicure upon earth. Give
me leave, dear Sir, only to remind you of one particular,
which, if duly obferved, will vaftly facilitate your future en-
deavours. Let the fcriptures, not the world, be your rule
of adion. By thofe you are to form your prailice here, and
to be judged hereafter. Upon this account, for the future, I
piould be glad, if you would communicate what pafTes be-
tween you and me, to none but my brother and your fpoufe.
And if you have any, the leaft fcruple, be pleafed to fend me
word of it by a letter in an open, friendly manner j and, by
Cod's blefiing, uU things will be yet fet right ; only be fer-
vent
LETTERS. 9
vent in prayer. As for what the Rev. Mr. Hoar has beea
pleafed to fay, either to you or Mr. H, it is not my bufmcfs
(out of deference, as he is fo much my fuperior, as to the
dignity of his office, his age, and his learning) to make any
reply. I fhall only add, what I am fure I can prove, " That
*' the gofpel tells us that there is but one thing needful.
*« That we cannot fit down content with juft fuch a degree
*' of goodnefs, and claim juft fuch a proportionable degree of
" glory ;" but that " we are to love the Lord with all our
*' fouls, ftrength, &c.'* and that *' he who endureth to the
*' end, (and he only) iliall be faved." There is a little trea-
tife lately come out, which I have made bold to fend to Mr;
Hoary where we may be fully convinced by argument deducible
merely from reafon, *' that God is our fole end," and that
barely upon a principle of prudence, (fuppofing we could be
happy without it) we ought to prefs forward, in order to attain
the greateft degrees of happinefs hereafter. Whether this
letter. Sir, may prove as ofFenfive as the former, is not my
bufmefs to enquire. God's will be done in all things.
He, and he alone can (and indeed will, if we are defirous of
it ourfelves) work this convidion in our minds. Give me
leavejuft to add, that I thought it my duty to anfwer thefe fevw
objections, that have been raifed againft the difficulty of
conforming our wills to the will of God, by fhcwing that
the greateft ftruggle lies only at our firft beginning, and that
it is no more than what is indifpenfably neceftary for our
falvation. As for the means to be employed for the attain-
ment of this end, I fhall be wholly filent : Being fenfible,
that if you are once fully convinced of the greatnefs of it,
you will be necefTarily carried on to the ufe of fuch means as
God hath conftituted for that purpofe. I hope my writing
after this manner. Sir, will not be efteemed a piece of felf-
conceit, or be an inftrument of unloofing our former band of
friendship, which was once defigned to be bound the fafter,
by tying it with a religious knot. But whether this proves to
be the event, or not, of my telling my friends the truth, I
wholly leave to God's Providence. Be pleafed however to
favour me v/ith a line in return, and give me leave to fubfcribe
myfelf. Dear Sir,
Your fmcere friend and moft obliged humble fervant,
G. IK
LETTER
■ [ 10 1
LETTER Vlf.
To the Same.
My dear Friend, Briflol, June ii^ '735-
LAST night about eight o'clock, your good fpoufe and
myfelf came fafe to our journey's end, and met with
a very kind reception from all parties. After you left us,
the ladies grew more ferious, and at laft by the alTiftance of
Mr, Nor r IS, our difcourfe ran into a proper channel. My
brother does not propofc failing this fortnight ; but tho' he
ftays longer than he propofed, yet I hope to be at Gloucejier on
Wednefday, for methinks my heart is ftill there, tho* my
body be at thirty miles diftan-ce. On whofe account, I leave
you to guefs. I cannot help refle£ling on Sunday. Did not
thofe fighs, think you, Sir, proceed from fome unufual medi-
tations on the importance of religion ? Were they not fome
infant flrugglings- after the new birth? Surely they were.
And I truft ere long, after a few flrugglings with corrupted
nature, th6 Holy Ghofl will replenifh your heart with comfort
and peace. Proper retirement and folitude are no bars; but
rather great helps to a religious life. We find, our Saviour
was led into a wildernefs, before he entered on his publick
miniftry, and fo mull we too, if we ever intend to tread in
his fteps. As for my brother, I truft the cares of the world,
"the defire of riches, &c. will not always choak the good
feed. However, I hope you my dear friend will not defer
fo important a thing. But, why do I fay hope, when I am
afiured you will not. Methinks, I would willingly undergo
the pangs, fo you might enjoy the pleafures of the new birth.
But this muft not be. All we can do is to fympathize
•with and pray for each other, which I hope will not be want-
ing on either fide, as fuch a clofe friendfhip has commenced
between dear Mr. H. and
Your fmcere friend and humble fervant,
G, TV,
H
LETTER VIII.
To the Same.
Dear Sir, Brl/iol, Sept. 5, 1735.
OW welcome is a line from a faithful friend? even as
welcome as a fhower of rain in a droughty feafon. But
here's
LETTERS. II
here's the misfortune, the very kindnefles of friends may be
cruelty: Commendations, or even, the hinting at them, are
poifon to a mind addi6led to pride. A nail never finks
deeper than when dipt in oil. A friend*s words may be fofter
than butter, and notvvithftanding be very fv/ords. Pray for
me, dear Sir, and heal the wound you have made. To God
alone give glory. To fmners nothing belongs, but (hame and
confufion. So much in anfwer to one part of your too kind
letter. Mrs, Powell you fay continues very ill. No wonder.
Sir ; defperate difeafes muft have defperate remedies. Satan has
(defired to fift her as wheat; but Christ will pray for her,
1 truft, and then her faith will not fail. Oxford friends have
pot been v/anting in letters, and I find I muft not ftay much
longer here. For fome are going to travel, fome are dead,
and one is married, {o that we muft join and warm one ano-
ther, as well as we can in their abfence. I hope to feaft
with you at Crypt next Sunday. Amazing, that ever fmners
fhould lit with their Saviour! To what dignity has Christ
exalted human nature. And how did he do it ? Why, by
humbling himfelf. Let us go and do likewife. Give me
leave, with due refpeds to all friends, to fubfcribe myfelf.
Your and fpoufes very humble fervant and fmcere friend,
G,JV.
•\
P. S. If Mr. Pauncefort's petitions run after this manner
for me, I (hould be thankful : " That God would linifh the
good work he has begun in me, that I may never feek nor be
fond of worldly preferment ; but employ every mite of thofe
talents it ftiall pleafe God to entruft me with, to his
glory and the church's good, and likewife, that the endea-
vours of my friends to revive true religion in the world, may
meet with proper fuccefs."
LETTER IX.
To the Same.
jPear Sir, Brj/lol, SepJ, l8, 1735.
AS you did not expe6l: to hear from me till Mr. B d
came, I hope you have not as yet accufed me of being
too dilatory in writing. Now I have taken the freedom,
what can be more proper for me to begin with, than to return
ten
it
LETTERS.
ten thoufand thanks for thofe innumerable favours conferred
on me at your houfe ? I truft they are all regiftcrcd in the
court of heaven, and will in due time meet with a fuitable
return from my all-gracious and good bcnefa6lor. Next to
this, I imagine you will enquire, how I like Briftol ? As for
the place itfelf, that, like all others, is indifferent to me,
who have here no continuing city, but feek one to come ;
and as for the inhabitants, tho' they teach me nothing elfe,
yet I may learn this one important leflbn, that unlefs I am
very vigilant, the children of this world, will be much wifer
in their generation, than I, who, by the grace of God, hope
am a child of light. Alas ! was 1 half fo folicitous to attain
heavenly, as they are worldly riches, I (hould be rich indeed.
That you all may be rich towards God, is the hearty prayer
of, dear Sir, Your very unworthy,
but fmcere friend and humble fervant,
G. IV,
LETTER X.
To the Same.
Dear Sir^ Oxcn^ March 13, 1736.
I Have now but juft time to acquaint you, that God gave
me a pleafant and fafe journey, and what was ftill a
greater blelling, a joyful meeting with my zealous, hearty,
finccre friends. The alderman bore my expences, and was
very agreeable company ; fo that on all accounts I have
great reafon to thank my good and gracious God, and to
beg others to join with me in that important, that delightful
duty. You will not forget retaining your old cuftom of
reading and fmging. It's bad to leave off a good cuftom,
and the bcft way to make a prngrefs in religion, is to per-
fift in, and to improve on the means we enjoy. I fuppofe
honefl James by this time is with you. My hearty love to
him, and tell him, it would do his heart good to fee what
a number of true altogether chriftians here are of his rank.
I hope he will let none of them outftrip him : He muft watch
and pray againft felf-indulgencc, floth, &c. efpecially if he
goes to a place where plenty of all thiiigs abound. My
2 due
LETTERS. i^
due refpCiSls and hearty thanks to i^rj. H. and all friends.
1 hope none of their kindneffes will ever be forgotten by
Your fincers friend in great hafte,
L E T T E R XI.
To the Same,
Deareji Sir^ Oxon, /fpriJ 2^ 1 7 36.
WH AT a comfort *s it for chriftian friends to relate
to each other the loving-kind nefs of the Lord ?
O let his praifes be ever in our mouths, that we may be telling
of his falvation from day to day. O dear Sir^ I heartily join
with you in the delightful duty of thankfgiving. I hope that
you will have every day more and more experimental proofs
of that intercourfe which is carried on between God in
heaven, and faints on earth.
I muft now inform you, that the perfon, who under
God has given me the annuity, is Sir John Philips of Lon-
don. The occafion of it was as follows. Upon my com-
ing up, two or three of our trufty friends were called from
us, and being folicitous to keep up our fociety here, the
gentleman to whom you fent the book, wrote to Sir John
Philips and propofed me (alas! how unfit) as a proper perfon
to (lay here and encourage our friends in fighting the good
fight of faith. Accordingly he immediately offered me an an-
nuity of twenty pounds. To (hew his difintereftednefs, he
has promifed me that, whether I continue here or not ; a/id
if I refolve to ftay at Oxon, he'll give me thirty pounds a year.
1^ that will not do, I may have more j fo that you fee, my
dear friend, what a critical point it is. All that we have to
do is to pray, and watch Providence between this and June^
when I propofe, God willing, to enter into orders, and
then no doubt my call will be clear. What makes me to
think that this is a call from God is, that it will be con-
venient for taking my degree, and improving me in my ftu-
dies. Whether it be or no, God only knows ; Father, there-
fore into thy hands I commend my fpirit, for thou haft re-
deemed me, O Lord thou God of truth. I approve greatly
of your reading Henry. God works by him here greatly,
and may the Lord profper it in your hands. Good dear Sir,
never
t4 L E T T E R $;
never leave oft* v/atchlng, reading, praying, ftriving, till you
experimentally find Christ Jesus formed vi^ithin you. In a
particular manner, my dear friend, watch againft all tempt-
ations to floth. When you receive the facrament, earneftly
endeavour to be inwardly bettered by it the week, following.
Live every day as holily as you can. Be frequent in felf-
exainination morning and evenmg. Pray earnellly from your
heart. Wrcftle with God, beg him to haften the new
birth. Moreover be careful, diligent in your calling, labour
hard with your own hands, that you may have to give to
him that needeth. And labour not fo much for the meat
that periftieth, as to negletft purfuing that which endureth
to eternal life. O JUr. H. my bowels are enlarged towards
you. Believe me to be your fmcere, tho' unworthy friend,
G. IV.
LETTER XIL
To the Same,
Dear Mr. H. Oxon^ April 22y 1 736.
NO W tell me the truth, have not you called me un-
grateful ? If you have not, it is more than I deferve. I
have nothing to plead but buftnefs, as an excufe for not
anfwering your lafl kind letter. Well, forgive me this
once, and if I ofFend fo again, then call me ungrateful
indeed. You order'd me to make no acknowledgments for
kindncfles received. You'll fuffer me to afk another favour,
if not to return any more thanks. Be fo kind then, dear
Sir, to defire your brother to write to me as foon as poflible.
My good friend, iS/> John Philips^ has promifed me thirty
pounds a year, if I'll continue at Oxford, and yet I am ia
doubt, whether that annuity, and the being appointed to
ferve the prifon here, will be a fufficient title for orders, there-
fore I beg both his advice and prayers. This is all I think,
that concerns outward affairs. But this folemn fcafon na-
turally leads me to fay a word or two on a more impor-
tant fubjeci:, " the death and paflion of our blefied Lord
and Saviour." If I miftake not, you commemorate it to-
morrow at Crypt. And blefTed be God, I do at Chrift
Church. And oh that we may cgrameraorate it as we ought ;
that
LETTER S. 15
that we may fix our thoughts intenfely on that great ex-
amplar and all atoning blood ; that we may grow in
love with his meeknefs and patience, and endeavour daily
to be conformed to his moft blelTed image. Surely we can-
not grow angry at trifles, when the Son of God endured
fuch bitter ufage, without the leaf: murmur or complaint.
Surely, we cannot repine at any difpenfations of Provi-
dence tho' ever fo fevere, when we confider, how it pleafed
God to bruife our Saviour and lay upon him the iniqui-
ties of us all. Whatever befalls us, is but the due reward
of our Climes; but this Redeemer had done nothing amifs :
he was bruifed for our iniquities. I could run through
every part of our Lord's fufFerings, and Ihew how necef-
ary it is that we fhould fympathize with him in every parti-
cular. But as it now grows late, and I v/ant a little time to
prepare for to-morrow's folemnity, you'll excufe me if I now
only paraphrafe a little on the prayer of the thief on the crofs.
Lord remember us and pray for us; Lord remember us
and rule us; Lord remember us and prepare a place for us.
Lord remember us in the hour of death, and in the day of
judgment. My due refpe6ls to all friends, and am fincerely
Yours,
G, TV,
LETTER XIIL
To Mr, S.
My dear Friend^ Gloucejler^ June 20, 1 7 36.
TH I S is a day much to be remember'd, O my foul !
for about noon, I was folemnly admitted by good
Bi/hop Benfon^ before many witneffes, into holy orders, and
was, blefied be God, kept compofed both before and afrer
impofition of hands. I endeavoured to behave with unaf-
fe(Sled devotion; but not fuitable enough to the greatnefs of
the office I was to undertake. At the fame time, I trufl",
I anfwered to every queftion from the bottom of my heart,
and heartily prayed that God might fay Amen. I hope the
good of fouls will be iny only principle of action. Let
come what will, life or death, depth or heighth, I fhall
hcnceforwards live 'ike one who this day, in the prefence of
^ ' men
!6 LETTERS.
men and angels, took the holy facramcnt, upon the profcffiort
of being inwardly moved by the Holy Ghoft to take upon
me that miniftration in the church. This I began with
reading prayers to the prifoners in the county goal. Whe-
ther I myfelf (hall ever have the honour of ftiling myfelf a
prifoner of the Lord, I know not ; but indeed, my dear
friend, I can call heaven and earth to witnefs, that when
the Bifhop laid his hand upon me, I gave myfelf up to
be a martyr for him, vi^ho hung upon the crofs for mc.
Known unto him are all future events and contingences; I
have thrown myfelf blindfold, and I trull without referve, into
his almighty hands ; only I would have you obferve, that till
vou hear of my dying for, or in my work, yoti will not be
apprized of all the preferment that is expelled by
Yours, &c, G. ir.
LETTER XIV.
To the Same,
Dear Friend^ Gloucejler^ 'June 23, 1 7 36*
NEVER a poor creature fet up with fo fmall a itock.
When the good Bifhop, who ordained me on Sun-
day, gave out laft year in his vifitation charge, that he would
ordain none under full three and tweiity, my heart leap'd
for joy, for then I thought my friends would not only be
difappointed in their hope of having me enter into orders fo
foon i but that I flionld alfo have time (as was my inten-
tion) to make at leaft a hundred ferinons, with which to
begin my miniftry ; but this is fo far from being the cafe,
that I have not a fingle one by me, except that which I made
for a fmall chriftlan fociety, and which I fcnt to a neighbour-
ing clergyman, to convince him how unfit I was to take upon
me the important work of preaching. He kept it for a fort-
night, and then fent it back with a guinea for the loan of it ;
telling me he had divided it into two, and had preached it
morning and evening to his congregation. With this fermon
I intend to begin, God willing, next Sunday, not doubting,
but that he, who increafcd a little lad's loaves and iifhes
for the feeding of a great multitude, will from time to time,
in the proper ufe of appointed means, fupply me with fpi-
ritual
LETTERS. 17
ritual food for whatever congregation he in his ali-wife
Providence Ihall be pleafed to call me to. Help, help me,
my dear friend, with your warmcfl addreffcs to the throne
of grace, that I may not only find mercy, but grace to help
in time of need. At prefent this is the language of my heart,
j^ guilty weak and belplefs worm into thy nnns I fall ^
Be thou ?ny Jhength^ my righteoufnefsy my Jesus, and my all.
Oh c^-^k not, for I muft again repeat it, ceafc not to pray for
Yours, &c.
G, IK
LETTER XV.
Dear Mrs, H. Gloucejler, June 28, 1736.
ACCORDING to my promife I am now feated to write
you a farewell letter. For providence feems to de-
mand my prefence at Oxford immediately, and therefore I pro-
pofe being there, God willing, on Monday night. But firft
let me return dear Mrs. H. my heartieft thanks for all paft kind-
nefles, and afiure her, that my inceflant prayers fhall never be
wanting, that God may not forget her labour of love, in that
fhe has fo plentifully adminiftered to me his unworthy fervant,
and yet does minifter. To-morrow I am to preach at Crypty
but believe I fhall difpleafe fome, being determined to fpeak
againft their aflemblies. But I mufl tell them the truth, or
otherwife I (hall not be a faithful minifter of Christ. Had
providence fo ordered, I fhould have been glad to have given
you the cup of blefling ; but fmce that favour is denied to me,
I am refigned. However, I hope I fhall not be unmindful of
you, when I ccme near your place, nor be wanting in my
prayers, that God would mercifully fupply the want of out-
ward means to you, by the operation of his Holy Spirit. I
fuppofe you are, by this time, pretty well reconciled to fFcr-
cejler^ 2nd that providence has fhewn you that v/e may
ferve God acceptably in any place. Yes, Madam, let but
our hearts be upright towards him, and by faith united to
our dear Lord Jesus, we (hall find that wherever we are, he
will be with us, and wc (hall be with him. So far I had
written on Saturday night; but being detained here in expec-
tation of feeing my brother James^ (who has not as yet been
Vol. I. C /»
i8 LET T E R S.
(o good as bis word) I believe I can now acquaint you that I
muft let out on WedneJ}Liy morning. 1 preached yefterday at
Cr>'/»/, and was mercifully fupportcd and afTiftcd, for which-
great blciiing, I hope you will return hearty thanks in my be-
half. I truft Mhfs James continues her former earnell deiircs to
be renewed in the fpirit of her mind ; for nothing will do but
that. Indeed we may flatter ourfelves, that we may go to
heaven without undergoing the pangs of the new birth ; but
we {hail certainly find ourfelves defperately miftaken in the
end. For till we are changed, till we are made meet for, we
cannot in the nature of the thing be partakers of the heaven-
ly inheiif.ance with the faints in - light. Let us therefore
never eeafe praying and ftriving, till we find this bleiled
change wrought in us, and thereby wc ourfelves brought ofF
from relying on any or all outward ordinaiK:es for falvation.
Our good bifhop Bcnfon was plcafed to give me another prefent
of five guineas, a ^reat fupply for one who has not a guinea ia
the world. May the great Bifhop of fouls amply reward both
him and you, foF all favours conferred on
Your fineere friend and humble fervant,
G. U\
LETTER X¥L
ro Mr, H.
My Dear Friend^ Gloucejler, June 30, 1 7 36.
GLORY ! glory I glory I be afcribed to-an almighty triunf
God.— ^Laft Sunday in the afternoon ^ I preached my
firfl: fcrmon in the church of St. Alary De Crypt, where I was
baptized, and alfo firfl received the facrament of the Lord's
fupper. Curiofity, as you may eafily guefsydrew a large con-
gregation together upon the occafion. The fight at firft a
little awed me; but 1 was comforted with a heart-felt fenfe of
the divine prcfencc, and foon found the unfpeakable advan-
tage of having been accuflomed to public fpeaking when a boy
at fchool, and of exhorting and teaching the prifoners and poor
people at their private l>oufcs, whilft at the univerfity. By
thefe- means I was kept from being daunted over much. As [
proceeded, I perceived the fire kindled, till at laft, though (o
young, and., afiiidfi: a croud of thx^fe^ who knew me in my
infant
LETTERS. 19
Inf'ant childifn days, I truft, I was enabled to fpcak with ibme
degree of gofpel authority. Some icw mocked, but<.mofl: for
the prcfent fccmed ftruck ; and I have fmce heard, that a com-
plaint had been made tothebifhop, that I drove fifteen mad the
iirft fermon* The worthy prelate, as I am informed, vvi{hed
that the madnefs might not be forgotten before next Sunday,
Before then, I hope, my fermon upon He that is in Christ, is a
veiv creature^ will be compleated. BlelTed be God, I now
find freedom in writing. Glorious Jesus,
Ihikofe my Jiamfu^ring tongue to tell
Thy love immenfe^ iinfearchable.
Being thus engaged, I muft haflen to fubfcribe inyfelf,
my dear Sir, Your's, &c.
G, IK
LETTER XVIL
To Mrs, H.
Dear Mrs. H. Oxcn^ July 7, 1 736.
WHAT fhall I fay in defence of my feemingly ungrate-
ful filence ? Why, I hope, your kindncfs will ac-
cept of the reafons I gave in Mrs. JVell's letter, as a fufHcient
excufe for it, nothing but thofe, I aflure you, being the caufe
of it. Well then, prefuming on your kind pardon, give me
leave, (after all acknowledgments of gratitude for kindneffcs
received) to bid you once more welcome to Gloucejler^ and to
wifh you and IVlr. H, with all my foul, the greatefl comfort,
that either this or the other world can afford you. It's true,
indeed, we mud not expccb mucli comfort here, except what
refults from a good convi6lion that we arc in a fafe ftate, by
being born again of the Holy Ghoft. This, will afford
us inexpreffible fatisfac^ion, even on this fide the grave.
It will give us eafe in pain, becaufe we know, if we bear it pa-
tiently, it will end' in glory. This, will make us meek and
gentle under croffes and difappointments, becaufe we know we
are taught to expect them, and that our bicffed Malter has gone
before us in them. In fnort, it Vv'ill make us eafy in every
ftation, becaufe we have a general promife, that all things fhall
work for good to them that love God. But fuppofmg we
were to b^ve no plcafure on this Tide of Heaven, yet the
C 2 thoughts
\J
20 LETTERS.
thoughts of being happy, and that too for all eternity here-
after, methinks {hould teach us to bear up under every cala-
mity here, not only with fubmiflion, but a holy joy. Good
God ! the very idea of what we are to be in glory^ tran(ports
me while I am writing. There, there, Mrs. H. we fhall fee
the bleflcd Jesus, whom our fouls have fo eagerly thirfted after
in this life, furrounded with glory, and attended with myriads
of his holy angels, who will rejoice at our fafe arrival to their
happy manfions, and with repeated echoes welcome us to
heaven. There, there, we fhall not only fee, but live with
him and enjoy him too, not for a day, a month, a year, an
sigc, but to all eternity. And who can tell the pleafure,
comfort, peace, joy, delight, and tranfport, a glorified faint
will feel in the poffeffion of his wifhed-for, longed-for, ever
adorable, ever gracious, blefled, beloved, triune God, and that
for ever ? Surely the happinefs will be fo gfeat, that eye hath
not feen^ nor ear heard, neither can the heart of man con-
ceive the thoufandth part thereof. And yet, great as it is, I
not only wifli, but have good hope through Christ, that not
only you and Mr. H. but all my chriftian friends, and even
I myfelf through grace, (hall one day be partakers of it. The
way and means we know. " If any one, fays Christ, will
come after me (to glory) let him renounce himfclf." i. e, make
his own will no principle of a£lion, be no felf-pleafer, *' and take
up his crofs" patiently (whether of ficknefs or outward circum-
ftances, &c.) "and then let him follow me," follow me in away
of duty here, and he (hall follow me to glory hereafter. May
we all be fuch followers of the blefled Jesus ! And why fhould
we defpair of becoming fuch ? What is there in Christ's
dodrine or example but that we may all, through the afTiftance
of the Holy Spirit, imitate him in ? Suppofe it does oblige us
to be a little itrider than our neighbours ? Suppofe it does
forbid us fpending too much time in the feemingly-innocent
entertainments of the age ? Suppofe it does command us to
be conflant and frequent in prayer, in watchings, faflings, and
other a<Sts of mortification ? Suppofe it does bid us not to in-
dulge our unruly pafTions; but to learn of Christ to be meek,
patient, and lowly ? Suppofe it does compel us to redeem our
time, to fill up every day with proper duty and devotion ?
Yet, what in all this, that is terrible \ Has not fuch a behavi-
A our
LETTERS. 21
our a natural tendency to make us calm, cafy, peaceful, happy ?
And then, why {hould we refufe (o cafy a yoke, (o light a
burden? I am fure the little (alas I too, too little) time 1 have
drawn in it, I have found it not galling but healing, and the
longer I bear it, the eafier and pleafanter it is. Let us then,
Dear Mrs. H. chearfully take it upon us, and then
No mortal living of us all can mifs
A permanent^ a fure fubftantial blifs.
Your fmcerc, though very unworthy friend
and humble fervant,
G. W,
LETTER XVIII.
^0 Mr, H.
Dearejl Sir^ Oxon^ Ocf. 14, 1736.
IWas agreeably detained, as you was pleafed to term it,
laft Tuefday^ in reading your kind letter, and had 1 not
been afTifted by the grace of God to receive every thing with
an equal, uiidifturbed mind, perhaps the contents of it might
have given me fome fmall uneafmefs. But religion quite
changes the nature of man, and makes us to receive all the
(difpen rations of providence with refignation and thankfulnefs.
Of this, dcareft Sir, I hope you have had an experimental proof,
in bearing up with courage and refolution under thofe acute
pains the Almighty was pleafed to vifit you with laft Sunday^-
and with which, perhaps, his infinite wifdom and goodnefs
may continue to vifit you longer. My dear friend (if 1 miftake
not) ufed to fay, he was afraid God did not love him, becaufe
he did not chaften him. Behold then, now the hand of the
Lord is upon you, not fo much to punifh, as to purify your
foul. Not in anger but in love. Pray therefore in your eafy
intervals, that you may know, wherefore the Lord contcndeth
with you, and that you may not come cankered out of the
furnace of affliction. OlFer up every groan, every figh, in
the name of your dying, rifen Redeemer, and doubt not, but
they will be as prevalent as fet times of prayer. Our being
enabled to pray when ficknefs comes on us, doubtlefs, is to
teach us the neccfHty of praying always, when v/e are in health,
^ut, dear Mr. H, wants no fuch lefTons, or excitements, I
C 3 believe,
22 LETTERS.
believe, to prayer. Alcthinks I could bear fonje of your paiti
for you, if that would give you comfort. But as it is im-
poiliblc, O let mt never ccafe moil cariicitly to bcfeech my
heavenly Father, that he would fandify this his fatherly
correc):ion to you, and that the fenfe of your wcaknefs may
add ftrength to your faith, and ferioufnefs to your repentance.
Poor Mr, Pawicefoot^ I lind, is vifited in a far more grievous
manner, pear good iiian, furely the time of his diiiblution (\
ihould fay of his coronation) draweth near, See, dear Mr. //,
through what tribulations we muft enter into glory. Be
pleafed to give my hearty love and thanks to him for his laft
kind letter. B^g bim not to ceafe praying for me, unworthy
• as I am. And, I hope, I fhall not be wanting in returning
his kindncfs in the fame manner. But alas, I have nothing
to depend on, but the merits of a crucified Redeemer to
have my poor petitions anfwered. But does dear Mrs. H,
complain of deadnefs and coldnefs in devotion.? Alas poor
"Woman ! let her not be difheartened. This is a complaint,
which all the children of God have made. And we muft
take a great deal of pains with our hearts, muft pray often
and long, before we jQrall be able to pray well. And the
only way I can think of, to fliarae ourfelves out of deadnefs in
prayer, is to cenfure and condemn, to humble and bewail our-
felves for it every time we go upon our knees, at leaft every
time we folemnly retire to converfe with GoDi But why docs
clear Mrs. //. fo much as think of on;itting but once the
receiving of the holy facrament ? Or if fatan does put fuch
thoughts in her head, v.'hy does not fhe repel them with
the utmoft abhorrence ? Alas 1 fhould the devil gain his
point here, would not the ridiculing world fay, Mrs. /f,
began to build, but had not wherewith to finifh. I have
feen too many fatal inftances of the inexpreifible danger and
fad confequences of leaving off any one means of grace,
not to encourage Mrs. H. ftedfaftly to perfevere in the good
way fhe has begun ; and would exhort her, in the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ, to labour daily to mortify
and fubdue her corruptions, not wilfully to indulge herfelf
in any ill habit, cuftom, or temper, and then alTure herfelf,
one time or another, Christ will be made known unto her in
^rc^king of bread, But what fhall \ fay, dear Sir, about Mr.
LETTERS. 23
fF. ^V. 'Iffc. ? Alas ! I find, they are all in the gall ofbittcr-
nefs, in the very bondage of iniquity, and all I can do, is
to pity and pray for them. I find more and more, that where
tiue religion is wanting, there is confufion and every evil
work. But why is my honoured mother fo folicitous about a
few paultry things, that will quickly perifli ? Why will (lie not
come and fee her youngeft Ion, v/ho will endeavour to be a
yofcph to her, before fne dies ? What makes my <Jcar friend
and his kind v/ife, give me another \n\\\.2^i\on io Gloucejier i'
Alas ! have I not wearied and been expenfive enough to you
already ? I hope to fend you, in a fliort time, two guineas to-
wards paying for Mr. Henry ^ Expofition. I wiih I could
fpare more, but time will bring all things to pafs. You fee
what a large letter I have written to you to make amends
for the many fhort ones, I have fent lately. Though 1 be-
lieve you may fay of mine, the quite contrary to what I fay of
yours ; the ihorter the better. My due refpedls to all friends,
^nd believe me to be, in the utmoft fincerity, Deareft Sir,
Your and Mrs. //.'s aft-eciionate friend and humble fervant,
G\ TV,
LETTER XIX.
To the Sa?ne.
Dcarcjl Sir, Oxon^ Nov, 5, 1736.
HEREWITH I have fent you kvtn pounds to pay for
Mr. Henry ^ Commentary. Dear Efqr. Thorold lately
made me a prefent of ten guineas, fo that no;^ (for ever blefied
be the divine goodnefs) I can fend you more than I thought
for. In time, I hope to pay the apothecary's bill. If I for-
get your favours, I fhall alfo forget my God. Say nothin^^
of your receiving this money, only give thanks, give heartv
thanks to our good and gracious God for his infinite, un-
merited mercy to me, the vileft of the fons of men. Oh, dear
Sir, may fuch inftances of free grace ftrengthen your faith,
and make you put your fole truft and confidence in the Lord
your God. For he hath faid, / will never leave thee nor for fake
thee. Have not you experienced his loving kindnefs and
mercy, in fupporting you under your ficknefs ? Methinks
I feel you have. May you experience it more and more ! Did
r.ot Christ give you the meeting lad Sunday ? I hope he did,
C 4 nay
24 L E- T T E R S.
nay I am fure he did, if our hearts were duly prepared by
faith and repentance to receive him ; but without an entire rc-
fignation of ourfelves to God, and a thorough renunciation
of all worldly and corrupt affetSlions, all God's ordinances will
profit nothing. Your reverend brother's kmd letter I hope to
anfwer foon,and to fend him alfo a fmall parcel of books., The
good Lord fandify them to his own glory, and the good of
fouls. . I find dear Mr. Pauncefoot is ftill nfflided, but bid him
be of good cheer. In his latter end he may yet greatly in-
creafe. When we are weak, then are we ftrong. There is
hope concerning his legacy. Let us in the mean while con-
tinue inftant in prayer in behalf of this our dear and worthy
friend. Good man 1 falute him kindly in my name. Beg his
prayers for my unworthy felf, and tell him I will write as foon
as poffible. The gofpel flourifhes atOjf^?;?. Our focietyhere,
blefTed be God, goes on well. I received the papers and
thank you. How does dear Mrs. H. ? The divine blefling reft
on you both. My prayer night and day is, that you may be
faved. Salute all friends by name. From Dcareft Sir,
Your unworthy friend and humble fervant,
G. W.
LETTER XX.
To the Same,
Dear Sir, Brijlol, Fch. lO, 1 737.
WHAT ihall I fay? I cannot be with you this
week. Methinks, it would be almoft fmful to leave
^r'ljhl at this critical jun£lure, there being now a profpe£l of
making a very confiderable colle6lion for the poor Americafis,
The whole city feems to be alarmed. Churches are as full
week days, as they ufe to be on Sundays, and on Sundays fp
full, that many, very many are obliged to go away, becaufe
they cannot come in. Oh pray, dear Mr. H, that Gop
would always keep me humble, and fully convinced that I am
nothing without him, and that all the good which is done
upon earth, God doth it himfelf. Qiiakers, baptifts, prefby-
terians, kc. all come to hear the word preached. San6lify
it, holy Father, to thy own glory and thy people's good ! I
hope
LETTERS. 25
hope to be with you without fail on Tuefday morning. What
letters you haye, pray fend to, Dear Sir,
Your unworthy friend, &c.
LETTER XXI.
To the Same,
Dear Sir, Stonehoufe^ Jprii 26, 1737.
BE pleafed to fend the Poor Country Curate, and FlaveFs
Hujbandry Spiritualized, I know not wh^ to do for
want of a clock in the houfe. How fliall I know, how my
precious time pafles away ? YouMl mind your promife to come*
Here are lovely, folitary, and pleafant walks to commune
with your own heart, and fearch out your fpirit. Has
Mr. Pauncefoot wrote to me ? My dear friend Stratford's
death affeds me flill, Methinks I long to be above, employed
as he is. But alas, I am not ripe for glory ; if I was, my
heavenly Father would gather me into his garner. Farewell,
pear Sir; remember I am alone, and pray accordingly for
Your fmcere, though weak friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXII.
To the Same.
Dear Sir, Stonehoufe, May 4, 1 737.
WHY does not Mr. H. let me hear from or fee him ?
Surely no evil has befallen cither him or his family
in their way to eternity. Why then tarry their horfes ? Why
are they fo long in coming to vifit the country, which now
looks like a fecond paradife, and which, to me, feems the
pleafantefl place I ever was in, through all my life ? Surely
I can never be thankful enough for being fent hither ; people
flock to hear the word of God from theneighbourine: villages,
as well as our own. They gladly receive me into their houfes,
and I have no let or hindrance to my minifterial bufinefs; and
what is flill better, God has opened my heart, and enabled mc
to finifh a fermon on " Remember thy Creator, &c." — If
you will come on Sunday you may hear it perhaps. — Your
fifter- in-law talks of being here again on Friday, but I be-
lieve
iG LETTER S.
lievc it will be more agreeable, if you chufc another oppor-
tunity, that we may have our own convcrfation. I hope that
dear Mrs. H. took nothing ill, that was in my laft. I
meant it well, and wrapt up the pill in as much fugar as I
could. My hearty love to her and Mils J. Poor A4r. AL
and Mr. IP\ will fet out to morrow, 1 fuppofc. The LoRi>
profpcr them and be with them wherever they go, and
make them good foldicrs of Jesus Christ, and finally bring
them and us to his heavenly kingdom ! So wilhes, fo prays.
Tour's afFectionatelv,
' G. JV,
LETTER XXIII.
To the Same,
Dior Sir, Sto/uboufe, May ii, I 737.
I Thank you for your lafl, and blefs God that you got
home fafc : your obfervations on the weather were per-
tinent and fpiritual. Honeft James and I, were out in the
midft of the lightning, and never v\ ere more delighted in our
lives. May we be as well pleafed, when the SonofGor>
Cometh to judgment. What! no news from your brother?
Well, Stonehoufc people atid I agree better and better. I
believe we (hall part weeping. Had I time I would now write
to Mifs'7. but I mull away among my flock, and fo deny myfclf
that pkafure till another opportunity is given to. Dear Sir,
Your fincere friend and humble fervant,
LETTER XXIV.
To the Scwu,
Dear Sir, Brijiol, Aluy 24, 1 737.
BY the particular good providence of God, I got fafe to
Brijlol yefterday by ten in the morning, and was re-
ceived (unworthy as I a^n) with the utmoil civility and kind-
i\z{s. I have learnt from hence the benefit of fetting out on
cur journey to eternity betimes, and v/hat a pleafmg re£ec-
ticn it will be to look back, though not to depend, on one*s
•paft life, and find a great deal of work done in a little time.
The people h.re are exceeding kindly affected towards me ;
and.
LETTERS. 27
and, I hope, I have feen the effecls of my doiS^rine In the
reformation of fome of their lives. Remember me always \n
your prayers. Accept my hearty thanks for all favours, and
believe me to be.
Ever your's,
LETTER XXV.
To Mrs. H.
Dear Mrs. H. Oxon, July 14, 1737.
IF you remember, I promifed you a long and particular
letter when I was at GhuceJIer^ and nothing hinders but
I may now perform it. Permit me then firff ^ to begin this,
as I v.'ould all my letters, with thanks to you and kind Mr.
H. for your inexprefTible favours conferred on the moft un-
worthy of my mailer's fervants ; and, withall, to affure you,
how incelll\ntly I pray, that the God of all grace and mercy,
for the fake of his dear Son Jesus Christ, would reward
you in fpirituals, for what you have done to me in temporals,
and feed your foul with his heavenly graces, as plentifully as
you have fed my body with nourifhing food. But as, in al-l
probability, this will be the laft letter I fhall write to dear Mrs.
H. before 1 fail, what can I fill the remainder with better, than
by exhorting you, to lay afide every weight, particularly the
fm that does moft eafily befet you, and fo run with patience
the race fet before you. I fay, the fm that moft eafily
befets ; for unlefs we lay the ax to the root, unlefs we fm-r
cerely refoive in the ftrengih of Jesus Christ to fubdue our
favourite, our darling paftion, and fpare not one Agcig^ though
ever fo engaging, ever fo beautiful, all our other facrificcs
will avail us nothing. Suppofe therefore, for inftance, Pas^
SIGN be our greateft foible. A fmcere perfon will never ceafe
night or day, till he is made meek and lowly in heart. But if
it be afked, how he fhall do this ? I anfwer,/r,/?, let him con-
fider how odious it is in the fight of God, and how con-
trary to the lamb-like mccknefs of the holy Jesus. 5^-
condly^ Let him refledl how troublefome it muft be to others,
(for alas what unneceflary diforders, what needlefs troubles
doth the paftionate perfon occafion to ?11 that are round about
him?J
28 LETTERS.
him?) TJj'trdly^ Let him confider how exceeding hurtful and
unplcafant it is to himfclf ; how it ruffles and difcompofes his
mind ; unfits him for every holy duty, and in fhort makes him
a torment to himfclf and a burden to others. Well, after he
has thus {t^n the deformity of his darling pafllon, the next en-
quiry muft be, how to get the maftery over it. The firft anJ
grand thing, is to get a true and lively faith in Christ Jesus,
feeking for it by carncft prayer. To this, we muft have re-
courfe in all our ftruggles ; for it's God alone, who can fub-
due and govern the unruly wills of finful men, and it is his
grace which alone can enable us to mortify our corrupt paf-
fions. But then we muft take care not to reft in general
petitions for conquering this or that corruption ; but muft
defcend to particulars. For inftancc, fuppofing I am angry
with a fervant or huftjand without a caufe ; What muft I do ?
Why, take the very firft opportunity of retiring from the
world, and after having bewailed my being angry, earneftly
bcfcech the Lord of all power and might to enable me to
withftand fuch and fuch a provocation for the future, and not-
withftanding I fhould fail again and again in the very fame
inftance, yet I would again and again renew my petitions
to the throne of grace, and never ceafe praying and ftriving,
till inftead of a blind, perverfe, troublefome pallion, I had the
lovely, calm, and delightful grace of meeknefs and humility
planted in its room. Now would dear Mrs. H. take fome
fuch method as this (for I fuppofe by this time, flie guefies
to whom all this points) I dare fay, fhe would quickly find as
much difference in herfelf as there is between a wife man
and an idiot.— -And that fnc may both begin and fucceed in
this method, is the earneft prayer of. Dear Mrs. H.
Your afFe£tionate friend, &c.
G, JK
L E T.T E R XXVL
To Mr, H.
My Dear Friendy London^ Sept. 28, I737»
I Thank you for your laft kind letter and kinder wifhes.
May they be turned into prayers, and heard ai: the throne
of grace. BlcfTed be God for your new correfpondence with
our Oxford friends. I hope you will be inftrumental'to build
each
LETTERS. 29
each other up in the knowledge and fear of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. God ftill works powerfully here.
People flock more than ever, and (hew the fincerity of their
hearts by giving liberally to the poor. I have preached four
charity fermons within this little while, and the colleclioos
were larger than ever were known. Not unto me, O Lord,
not unto me ; but unto thy Name be the glory and praife there-
of ! 1 am glad, fmce its the divine will, that my brother is
coming up, though my ability as to temporals you know
is fmall. But I have an all-fufficient God to apply to hi
all emergencies. I am forry fiMtfor my brother's lofs j but I
fear he muft have greater, before he is awakened out of his
fpiritual lethargy. God fancStify all his difpenfations to him.
I know not why we go not to Georgia ; but there is no like-
lihood of it yet, as I fee. Friends univcrfally difluade mc
from going by myfelf ; but I hope it will not be long now,
before we fliall launch into the deep. To-night I preach
again at Bow church, before the religious focieties. God
opens my heart to compofe freely. O praife him, dear Mr.
H. for this and all his other mercies, conferred on, Dear Sir,
Your and Mrs. i/.'s afFedionate friend,
LETTER XXVIL
To the Same,
Deareji Sir, London, OSf. 25, 1 737.
MULTIPLICITY of bufmefs prevented my writing
to you before. But though you have not heard from
me by letter, yet you may affure yourfelf, dear Sir, I never
forget mentioning you in my prayers. God knows that I
and fome other friends intercede moft fervently for you, and
very frequently even at midnight. May God, for Christ's
fak-e, hear and anfwer them ! We fail not for Georgia this
nwnth. I fuppofc you have heard of my ?nighty deeds ^ falfely
fo called, by reading the news-papers ; for I find fome back-
friend has publifhed abroad my preaching four times in a
day ; but I befeech Mr. Raikes, the printer, never to put mt
into his news upon any fuch account again, for it is quite
contrary tp my inclinations and pofitivc orders. God ffill
works
^o LETTERS.
works here. The collections for the charity fchool.s*, in all the
churches where I preach, are very large. All Loudon is
alarmed. Many youths here fincerely love our Lord Jesus
Christ ; and thoufands, I hope, are quickened, ftrengthened,
and confirmed by the word preached. I was never in better
health, and never compofed more freely. O praife the Lord,
dear Sir, and pray that I may not be felf-fufficient but hum-
ble. I am glad dear Mrs. H. is recovered. May flie, with
Peie?''s wife's mother, arife and minifter to Jesus Christ.
God reward her for all her works and labours of love. BlefT-
ed be God my hands are full of bufinefs. A third edition of
my fermon on regeneration is coming out. Write to me
quickly, accept my hearty thanks and love, and expedl to
hear again from, Dear Sir,
Ever your's,
LETTER XXVIIL
G, IK
To the Same*
Dear Sir, Nov. 1 4, 1737.
I Heartily thank you for your lafl-, and having a lew mo-
ments, fit down to anfwer it. Let not my friendj trouble
me with temporal offers, I fhall accept (God aiTilting me)
of no place this fide Jordan. We embark for Georgia in
abou'. three weeks or a. month at fartheft. You wilh me
good luck in the name of the Lord. I hope to fend to
you again before I fail. Mr. M n is going amongft
the colliers again at BriJIol, and a church, I hope, will be
built for them. Profper, O Lord, the work of his hands
upon him ! — Mrs. Farj?ur, whenever my circumflances will
admit, fiiall be paid all that is due to h^r on my mother's ac-
count. (jOD dill works more and more by my unworthy
minifiry. Laft v.'eek, fave one, I preached ten times in dif-^
fcrent churches ; and the lad week feven ; and yefterday
four times, and read prayers twice, though I ilept not above
an h-our the night before, which was fpent in religious con-
verfation, and in interceding for you, Mrs. jF/., goad Mr.
Pauncifoot^ he. I now begin to preach charity fermons twice
or thrice a week, bcfides two cr three on Sundays^ and fixty
or
LETTERS. 31
or Icventy pounds arc collccSted weekly tor the poor children.
Thoiifands would come in to hear, but cannot. This night
I preached a funeral fcrmon before a moft crouded audience,
and God, I believe, worked upon the people's hearts. O
pray for me ftill, dear Sir, that I may renew my flrength,
that I may walk and not be weary, run and not be faint.
Admire God's free grace in Christ Jesus, and let his
goodnefs to me, the worfb of Tinners, ftrengthen your faith, and
make you never to defpair of mercy. Farewell. My love to
alK and am, Dear Sir, in fmcerity,
Your friend, kc.
G, IK
LETTER XXIX.
To Mrs. H,
Dear Mrs. II. London^ Dec. 2'^, 1737'
ONCE more I fend you a line. Nothing but an exctfs
of bufiaers, {hould have prevented mc writing to yoii
oftner. Your favours, I hope, will never be forgotten, and
never ceafe to be mentioned before the throne of grace,
God only knows, hov/ earneftly I have recommended you
and your's to his never-failing mercy. On Wednofday night
eighteen of \i.i> continued all night in praifes, and praying for
you and our other friends. 1 know, that pailion is the fin,
which moft eafily befets you, and therefore I always pray
that vou may have grace given you to conquer it, and to
learn of Jtsus Christ to be meek and lov/ly in heart.
Then, ajid not till then, you will find reft to your Ibul.
Pardon me, dear Mrs. H. for being thus free. Your kindncfs
Gompels me to it. Had I not a fmcere regard for you, I
ftiould not exprefs myfelf thus. Bcfidcs, it's the laft time,
perhaps, I ftiall write to you in this v/orld, and therefore v/ould
have this letter contain fomc inftruiStive hints. We fail, Goo
willing, next week. Great things have been done for us here.
Perhaps upwards of a thoufand pounds have been collected for
the poor, and the charity fchools, and I have preached above
an himdred times, fmce I have been here. A vifible altera-
tion is made alfo in hundreds. Laft Sunday at fix in the morn-
ing, wi>en I gave my l^rewell, the whole church waj
drowned in tears ; they wept and cried aloud, as a mother
wcepeth
32 LETTERS.
weepeth for her firft born. Since that, there is no end of per-
fons coming and weeping, telling me what God has done for
their fouls : others again beg little books, anddefire me to write
their names in them. The time would fail me, was I to relate
how many have been awakened, and how many pray for me.
The great day will difcover all. In the mean while, I be-
feech you Mrs. H. by the mercies of God to pray, that the
goodnefs of God may make me humble. As yet the divine
ftrength has been magnified in my weaknefs. Many have
oppofed, but in vain. God's power conquers all. I am
now going as Jbraham did, not knowing whither I go ;
but I commit myfelf to the guidance of God's good pro-
vidence and fpirit. He that has and doth, will deliver me
out of all my troubles. I only wifh,I could debafe myfelf low
enough, that I might be more fitted for the high and lofty
one who inhabiteth eternity, to work by. I am a proud,
imperious, fmful v>^orm ; but God, I hope, in time, will con-
form me to the image of his dear Soru He has begun (for
ever adored be his free grace), and I truft, he will fini{h
his good work in me. Out of the money that God has fent
me, I will pay all the debts I can. I have fent fome of it to
Mrs. TVells^ with particular orders how to be difpofed of;
two guineas are for Mrs, Far?rjer towards the debt due to her
from my mother. My farewell fermon will be publilhed
fhortly, with two or three more. Dear Mrs. H. farewell.
God reward you and your's for all your works of faith and
labours of love, and grant we may fo believe, and fo live hers,
as to meet in eternal glory hereafter.
Ever your's,
G. IK
LETTER XXX.
To Mr, H.
Dear S'lr^ Margate^ Jan, 9, 1738.
HITHER the good providence of God has fafely brought
us ; our fhip caft anchor near this town, and my
dear fellow-traveller and I came on fhore (to our great com-
fort) to buy fome things we wanted. We have been moft
courteoufly treated by the curate of the place, and had fome
chriftian converfation. The winds and ftorms are bluftering
about
LETTERS. 33
about our ears, and teaching us leflbns of obedience to him,
whom winds and ftorms obey. Goo give us grace to
learn them. IMr. B. can inform you, what other particulars
have happened to us, fince we left you ; I need only add, that
the divine goodnefs attends us wherever we go* Oh dear
Sir! who would but leave their few ragged, tattered nets
to follow Jesus Christ? Who would but follow the Lamb
wherefoevcr he fhall be pleafed to lead P Pray, dear Sir^ that
I may always do fo, and then, I am fure, God will never
leave or forfake me. You fee, dear Sir^ I have anfvvcrcd your
kind letter much fooner than expectation, in order to exprefs
how fmcerely 1 value your friendihip, though you differ from
me in fomsC outward modes. Indeed, Sir, I hope the favours!
have received from you and others of your chriftian brethrenj
will never go out of my mind ; but I fliall often plead them
(as I have done already) at the throne of grace. I would will-
ingly be of fo catholic a fpirit, as to love the image of my di-
vine mafter, wherever I fee it : I am far from thinking God's
grace is confined to any fct of men whatfoever : no, I knov/
the partition-wall is now broken down, and that Jesu3
Christ came to redeem people out of all nations and lan-
guages and tongues ; and therefore his benefits are not to be
confined to this or that particular fet of profcflbrs. I only
wifii, that I may have grace given me to preach the truth, as
it is in Jesus ; and then, come what will, I hope I iliall (as
I do, blelled be God) rejoice.
You know, Sir, what a defign I atn going upon, and what
n ftripling I am for fo great a work ; but I (land forth as
David againil Goliah in the name of the Lord of Hosts, and
I doubt not, but he that has and doth, will ftill deliver unta
the end. Got) give me a deep humility, a well-guided zeal,
a burning love, and a finglc eye, and then let men or devils j
do their v/orlh — Dear Sir, I could write more, but nnture
calls for reft. Be pleafed to give my hearty love to all yoii
arid I know, and acquaint them, how fiifc I am here; for
other wife the tempcftuous night might put them and others in ;
pain for, Dear Sir^
Your un worth V. though affcd^ionats friend,
G. JV.
Vol. L ® LETTER ;
1
34 LETTERS.
LETTER XXXL
Tolldrs. H,
Dear Mrs. H. Dcal^ Jan. li, 1738.
HITHER has God fafely brought us. Pray give thanks
^ on my behalf. We have had two little ftorms, the
one. we cfcapcd by being at Alar gat e^ the other we were
enabled to bear manfully, and to pray for you and yours
on open deck in tiie midft of it. All the officers are ex-
ceeding civil. The captain gives me the free ufe of his
cabin, and fome impreffion is made on the foldiers. I read
prayers and preach twice every day, and, would you think it,
the very foldiers ftand out to fay their catechifm. Oh that
they may be foldiers of Jesus Christ. God gives me
great joy, and excites me to adore him more and more, when
I behold his wonders in the deep. I am but a frefh- water
failor ; but God's ftrength will be magnified in my weak-
iiefs, and I verily believe we fhall arrive at the haven, where we
wou'd be. Oh that we may all fo pafs thro' the waves of
this troublefome world, that at laft we may arrive at the port
of everlafting reft ! Expe6l to hear from me at Gibraltar^ and
allure yourfelf your favours (hall never be forgotten by
Your fmcere friend,
G. IF.
L E T T E R XXXII.
To Mr, -.
Deal., Jan, 21, 1 738.
SUPPOSE lanfwer dear Mr. before I reach Georgia j
"Will he be angry ? I fancy not. I had a mind to write
to you again, before I received yours. For as you have been
fo liberal in your prefents, it would be unpardonable in me,
was I niggardly in my letters. No, my dear friend, I hope
I never Ihall ceafe pr.:ying for you and yours, fo long as I
live. Hitherto I have not. I was praying for you juft as I
received yours : I am glad to hear you prayed before you
wrote to me. Surely God will blefs fuch a corrcfpondence.
O my friend, let us ftill wreftie with God, that we may lie
ftedfaft, unmoveablc, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, For it is perfeverance crowns our labours. He, and
Hi
LETTERS. 35
fie only can he faved. The world, the fiefh and the devil are
three fuch potent enemies, that we mufr ftiive, we muft per-
fevere, if we will gain a conqueft. Strive then ; let us, my
dear friend, ftrivc as perfons driving for eternity. Let us
abftain from all appearance of evil, and avoid all company^
that doth not diredlly tend to the promoting our fpiritual
welfare. Whether one of the focietics you frequent, my dear
friend, has a tendency that way, I leave you to judge. I
think I have heard you fay, it keeps you from family and fe-
cret prayer. If that is not a fufficient reafon for abfenting from
it, I'll fay no more. I believe you to be fmcere, and
therefore, if you confult God by prayer and reading his
word, your way will be made clear before you. I only add,
that I could wifh, inftead of frequenting that^ you would fct
up another fociety of a quite contrary nature on the fame
night of the week. I know Mr. had fdine fuch defio-n on
foot, and defired me to mention it. I wifb you good fuccefs
in this and every pious undertaking in the name of the
Lord. May God reward you for all your kindnefTes, and
make you to abound in every good v/ord and work ! may you
\valk by faith and not by fight 5 and tho' you are in the world,
may you not be of it ! I preach here, God willing, to-morrow ;
there's likely to be a great congregation. O pray, that they
may not be fent away empty, but converted by, dear Mr. ^,
Your afFedionate friend,
LETTER XXXIII.
t)ear Sir^ Deal, Jan. 25, 173^.
I Am afhamed of my ingratitude in not writing to you be-
fore i but you'll not wonder I am ungrateful to my
friends, when I tell you I am ungrateful to my God. How-
ever, as I always remark'd you for your charity, I know you
will imitate Him you fo refemble, and upon my promife of
amendment for the future, will pardon what is paft. Oh
dear Sir, how fhall I exprefs my gratitude to dear — ? But
above all, what return fliall I make to my ever-blefled Re-
deemer for all the favours he hath beftowed upon me ? Help,
I entreat you, help me to be thankful, and as you abound in
prayer, abouiji in praifes. 1 find my heart too backward
D 2 to
36 LETTERS.
to this divine exercife. I am ready enough to afk for mercies,
but alas ! how flow to return thanks ! Indeed fometimes God
touches me from above, and my heart, hard as it is, is melted
down and quite overcome with the fenfe of his free grace in
Christ Jesus towards me. But I want always to goon
my way rejoicing ; I want the heart of a feraphim j
/ luant tofing as loud as they^
IVho JJnne above in endlefs day,
I could almoft fay more than they, and why (hould I not re-
turn angelic thanks r But my heart is as yet unhumbled, 1
fee not what I am, what I defcrve, and therefore fet not a
due value on the divine mercies. Pray therefore, dear Mr. ,
that I may receive my fight, that my eyes may be opened,
and that feeing what God hath done for me, I may break
out into fongs of praife, and by fuch heart-transforming
divittc excreifcs be gradually trained up for eternal uninter-
rupted communion with that heavealy choir, who ceafe not
chanting forth day and night hallelujahs to Him that iltteth
upon the throne and to the Lamb for ever. Dear Mr. — , I can
relate to you frtih matter for praife and thankfgiving ; a di-
vine fire feems to be kindling in DeaL I preached on Sun-
day^ and this day* The mhabitants are quite affe6lionate,. and
fo deiirous to hear the word, at my private lodgings, as well
as at public churches, that I am obliged to divide them into
two companies. And God, bleflTed be his free grace in
Christ Jf.sus, helps me through. I fuppofe my dear friend
has heard how affairs go on fliipboard. I need only add,
that God makes his pov/er to be known among thofe that fail
with me, and there are great hopes of the captain's converiTon.
O pray, that he may not be an almoft, but an altogether chri'-
ftian. Dear Mr. , farewell. It*s late, and many other friends
muft have a line to-night. May God reward you for all kind-
ncfTes, and keep you fledfaft unto the end. Pray return my
hearty thanks to all your Brethren ; tell them I fmcerely pray
for their growth and pcrfeverance in holinefs, and am, dear
Mr, ,
Your affeclionate, tho' unworthy friend
and fervant in Christ Jesus,
G, W,
LETTER
LETTERS. 37
LETTER XXXIV.
Dear Mr. Gibraltar Harbour Feb. 24, 1 738.
IBIefs God for Inclining your heart to take my advice. I
know it was intended well, and I hope proceeded from
the fpirit of God. The many f^ital confequcnces I have
daily k^n^ proceeding from converfmg with lukewarm
chriftians, makes me jealous of my dear fiicnds, left they
fliould be infe£ted by them ; and the great tendency I find in
my own heart to catch every infeilion, makes me to refolvc
for myfelf, and to put others on refolving to keep no fet
company but with religious perfons. I hope by this time I
may wi(h you joy of fettling a new fociety with Mejfrs. ;
and I doubt not but your hearts have already burnt within
you, whilft you talked to one another of the fcriptures of
truth. I am fure there is fcarce a night has pafled over my
head but I have wreftled with God for you, and prayed
that he would profper this work of your hands upon you. My
hearty defire and daily petition at the throne of grace is, that
you may be faved ; and tho' I know not much of your dear
wife's temper, yet I pray, that fhe may be meek and lowly
in heart, not eafily provoked, nor anfwer unneceflarily again.
I pray, that you both may walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did
before the Lord blamelefs, that you may love one another,
as Christ and the church, and fee your children like olive-
branches round about your table. I pray, that you may pcr-
fevere in the good way you have begun, that you may ab-
ftain from all appearance of evil, and dare to be exemplarily
good. I pray, that you may pratftice an univerfal felf-denial,^
and perfect holinefs ii) the fear of God. I could fay much
piore, but muft away to Gibraltar; one of the Majors of the
regiments has fent for me, having provided a lodging at a mer-
chant's houfe unknown to me. Oh admire God's goodnefs ?
Accept my thanks and love, and believe me to be, more than
words can exprcfs.
Your afFeftionatc friend in Christ,
G, rr.
D 3 LETTER
3$ LETTERS,
LETTER XXXV.
^0 Mr. — — .
Dear Mr. , Gibraltar^ Feb. 25, 1 7 38.
I Should think myfelF unworthy of your friendlhip, did I
not fend you a line now God ha5 brought me in fafety
hither. I know you will give thanks, and therefore, God
forbid I fliould fm againft the Lord in not informing you
of it. — Your prayers have already been heard ; for God (ever
adored be his free grace in Christ Jesus) hath been with
us of a truth. lie hath led us through the fea, as through a
wildernefs, and brought us to a haven, where I am honoured
with many honours. — Any one that knows Gibraltar would
be apt to fay. Can any good come out from thence ? Yes, I
aflure you, there may ; for there arc fome that are not afhamed
of the gofpcl of Christ. About fix o'clock this morning I
went to the church, where was afTembled a number of decent
foldiers praying and fmging pfalms to Christ as God. They
meet conflantly three times a day, and I intend, God willing,
henceforward to meet them. For my delight is in the faints
who are in the earth, and thofe that excel in virtue. I have
talked with fome of them, and, bleffed be God, can find the
marks of the new birth in them. They pray without ceafing,
have overcome the world, hate fin, as fin, love their enemies
and one another. They glory in the crofs of Christ, and
rejoice that they are accounted worthy to fuffer (hame for the
fake of Christ. O, who would but travel to fee how the
fpirit of God is moving on the faces of poor finners fouls up,
a.nd down the world ! God, I find, has a people every where ;
Christ has a flock, though but a little flock, in all places. —
God be praifed, that we are of this flock, and that it will be
our Father's good pleafure to give us the kingdom ! — Gibraltar
is bleficd with a governor, who hath not abfented himfelf from
public v/orihip, unlefs when he was fick, for thefe feven years,
and yet is very moderate towards the diflfenters. Both con-
formifts and nonconformifls perform public worftiip, though at
tliflerent times of the day, in the fame place : They alfo have
a religious fociety. The good Lord profper this work of
their hands upon them. Whenever we go away, may we
k;ive a blciiing behind us. Pic is a prayer-hearing God. —
Yellerday
LETTERS. 29
Yefterday a major of one of the regiments, unknown to me,
took two handfome rooms, and fent for me from on board,
defiling me to lodge in them ; and I find the people of the
houfe fear God. — " When I fent you without fcrip or (hoe,
lacked you any thing?'* faid our Lord. They faid nothing,
- — O, dear Mr. , I befeech you abound in thankfgiving,
and pray that all thefe blefwngs may humble my proud heart,
and make me willing to follow the Lamb whitherfoever he fhall
lead me. AfTure yourfclf, that you and all your chriftian friends
are conftantly prayed for by, dear Sir,
Your's moft affedtionately in the Lord J esu6,
' . G. ;/:
LETTER XXXVL
Dear o/r, Gibraltar^ Feb, 27, 173S.
EVER fince I left GravefenJ^ I remember the fulnefs of
your heart. I have been a conftant petitioner at the
throne of grace for you, and intended writing to you before,
but was lett hitherto. However, God has now brought me
fafe to Gibraltar^ and as I hayc time, I fliould think myfelf in^
excufable, did I not fend a line to dear Mr. , to aflurc
bim, I forgot not his tears, and wifh him to be not only an
almoft, but an altogether chriftian. Dear Sir, you are youn?-
and in the bloom of youth, and it would rejoice my heart to
fee you triumph over the luft of the eye, the luft of the ^cihy
and the pride of life, and to become a poor defpifed fervant of
Jesus Christ. Others, indeed, may wifli you wealth, may
wifh you pomp and grandeur ; but believe me, my dear friend,
thefe will not, thefe cannot, make you happy : No, nothino-
but God can fatisfy the heart of man ; nothing but an afiiir-
ance, that we are born again, that we are members of Christ,
that we are united to him by one .and the fame fpirit with
which he himfelf was actuated. Without this, if we were to
have our appetites regaled with the richeft dainties, be
cloathed with purple and fine linen, and fare fumptuoudy every
day, yet the hand-writing upon the wall, the confideration,
that all thefe things are quickly to be taken away, would make
our vifage to change, and our knees, IWlq Bcljlazzar's, to Imite
^ne againft another. Strive then, my dear friend, to get the
D 4 fpirit
40 L E T 1 E R S.
fpiiit of Christ, who vviil keep clofc to you, when ill other
comforts fail ; will niuke you happy here, and unfpcakably
happy hereafter. — Never fear the contempt you will niccf with ;
yet a little while, and they that call you fool, will call them-
fclves fo, and curfe that worldly wifdom, which tempted them
to evade the crofs of Christ. Strange ! that any one fhould
let a little reproach deprive them of an eternal crown ! Lord,
what is man ! How blind as to the knowledge of his true in-
terefl ! How backward in the purfuitofhis eternal good ! O,
dear Mr. ---, let us not be of the number of thofe, who
defirc the honour that cometh of man ; but be content with
that which cometh from God. In a fliort time, we (h<i]] have
praife enough, Heayen will echo with the applaufc that iliali
be given to the true followers of the Lamb, and then you will
fee how fir.c^icl}- I wa-^, dear Sir,
Your aflsdlionatc friend and fcrvant,
G. IK
LETTER XXXVII.
Tc Mu. H.
Dcjy Mrs, H. At Sea, ^pi i! 14, 17 38.
THOUGH through exccfs of bufinef?, and the fhort-
nefs of the time, that was allotted me, I wTOte but a few
lines to you from Gibraltar^ yet, what hinders, but that I
may fend you a longer letter now ? It's true we are now near
a thoufand miles from Georgia \ but as I fliall have an oppor-
tunity of ("ending immediately on our arrival, I chufe to take
time by the forelock, and embrace the firft opportunity of ac-
knowledging my obligations to dear Mrs. H. and her hufband ;
for whom 1 pray without ceafmg. Your pafi: favours are fel-
dcm out of my mind ; I plead them daily before God in
prayer, and hope, if it is ever in my ppwer, I fliall imitate the
example of pious David in ycfterday evening's firft Icflbn, and
jequite my friends, particularly dear Mrs. H. and her fpoufe,
\^x the kmdnelies they have fliewn me. However, fuppofmg
this ihouki not happen, they will in no-wife \o{^ their re-
WMfd. Bot I know you do not care I fhould dwell on this,
'"i'ou want to be informed, how God has dealt with me fince I
Itit Gihaltarf K^iceedin^ ^racioufly indeed. He has com-
forted
LETTER S. 41
fortcd me on every occafion, moft rcmarkabiy blcfTcd my un-
v/orthy miniftry on board the (hip, Tent us moil delightful
weather, and made us to ride as it were on tiic winrs of the
wind. ■ We live in perfect love and harmony one with ano-
iher. I know but little diftcrence between Tea and land, and
have G:reat reafon to blcfs (tOD for fendinr me abroad, A
grievous heknefs has been fent amongft us, by which moil: of
the fhip have been chaftencd and corrc6tcd but only two
given over unto death ; and God hath been fo good to me,
that, except for .\ little time after we fiiijed from Gibraltar^ I
have been in perfect health, and now God fatisfieth my mouth
with good things, making me ftrong and lively as a young eagle,
I have nothingto diilurb my joy in God, but the diforder of my
pafiions. Were thefe once brought into a proper fubjedtion to
divine grace, O well would it be with me, and happy fliould
I be. But fo long as I am angry for trifles, and throw myfelf
into needlefs diforders, fo long muft my heart be like the
troubled fea, fo long confequently mufl I be unhappy. Pray
therefore, dear Mrs, H. that I may lay the ax of mortification
to the root of my moft darling corruptions, and fmce I have
but little, if any thing, to difturb me without, O pray that I
may meet with no difturbance from m,yfelf within. The far-
ther particulars of my voyage, you will fee in my journal,
which I have fent to Mr. Huiton^ and for the bleffings con-
tained therein, I befeech you to return God m.oft humble and
hearty thanks. About Chrijhnas next, God willing, I pur-
pofe to come to England to take priefis orders, and to return
as foon as poflible to Georgia, In the mean while, dear A4rs.
H. let us ftrive to enter in at the f{:rait gate, that we may be
chriftians indeed, and know what jt is truly to be born again
from above, and to be renewed by the fpirit in our minds.
Remember me moft affcdionately to all friends. I am,
Your's, &c,
G, jr.
LETTER XXXVIII.
To Mr. .
Dear Mr . , On board the IFki taker, y/p 7/7 1 7 , 1 7 3 8 .
O ailTure you I do not forget you, I write to you, as yet,
eight hundred miksgfflhore, Your lioneft heart has
42 LETTERS.
won my affe£lions. I make mention of you and your*s con-
tinually at the ihrone of grace in my prayers, and fhall have
no greater pleafure than to hear you walk in the truth. In your
laft, I think you faid, you would defift from frequenting any
other focieties, but what immediately tended to the promoting
of true religion, and ere now, I doubt not but you have (een
the benefit of it. I have often pleafed myfelf with the hopes,
that you, dear Mr. , had fet up another fociety among
yourfelves, and often have I thought, I felt the benefit of your
prayers ; for God hath blefied me exceedingly, and brought
us on our way rejoicing ; and has flievi^n me, that he doth not
fend me abroad in vain. — Hov^ God will deal with me a.t Sa-
vamiahy I know not ; hov/ever, let my friends be always lifting
up their hands in intercefPion, and then our fpiritual Amalek
will not prevail. Hitlierto I have been made to go on from
conquering to conquer. God gives me a chearful fpirit, and
crowns my feeble labours with fuccefs. And why iliould I
defpair of future affiftance ? Are not thefe earnefts of future
mercies ? And may I not expedl:, when I am duly prepared,
to fee greater things than thcfe ? Cry therefore mightily unto
the Lord, that I may be humble, and that I may tremble at
his word, and then he will delight to honour me. I live in
hopes of feeing you and your wife again (growing in grace) in
England, You told me, (he defired I would draw her pi6lure ;
but alas ! (he has applied to an improper limner. However,
though I cannot defcribe what fhe is, I can tell what fhe ought
to be.— Meek, patient, long-fuffering, obedient in all things,
»ot felf-willed, not foon angry, no brawler, fwift to hear, flow
to fpeak, and ready to every good word and work. But I can
no more, I dare not go on in telling another what fhe ought
to be, when I want fo much myfelf j only this I know, when
poflefied of thofc good qualities before-mentioned, fhe will
then be as happy as her heart can wifli, and afibrd great reafoa
•f thankfgiving to, dear Mr. ,
Your and Airs. 's afFedionate friend,
LETTER^
LETTERS. 43
LETTER XXXIX.
To Mr. .
My dear Friend^ On board the JVhitahr^ May 6, 173S.
HOW goes time ? I can fcarce tellj fori have been fome
time paft, as one would think, launching into eternity,
God has been pleafed gracioufly to vifit me with a violent
fever, which he notwithftanding fo fvveetened by divine con-
folations, that I was enabled to rejoice and fing in the midft of
it. Indeed, I had many violent conflicts with the powers of
darknels, who did all they could to difturb and diftracl me;
J)ut Jesus Christ prayed for me : And though I v/as once
reduced to the laft extremity, and all fupernatural afliftance
feemed to be fufpended for a while, and fatan as it were had
dominion over me, yet God fuffered not my faith to fail ; but
came in at length to my aid, rebuked the tempter, and fromi
|:hat moment I grew better. Surely God is preparing me for
fomething extraordinary : For he has now fent me fuch ex-
traordinary conflids and comforts as I never before experi-
enced. I was as I thought on the brink of eternity. I had
Jicaven within me ; I thought of nothing in this world ; I
.earneftly defircd to be diiTolved and go to Christ ; but God
was pleafed to order it otherwife, and I am refigncd, though
I can fcarce be reconciled to come back again into this vale of
inifery. I had the heavenly Canaan in full view, and hoped I
was going to take poiTcfTion of it ; but God faw I was not yet
ripe for glory, and therefore in mercy fpared me, that I may
recover my fpiritual ftrength before I go hence and am no
rnore {zzw. Oh pray, my dear friend, that I may not grow
lukewarm, or Hothful, but arife from my late bed of ficknefs,
and adminifter with ten times more alacrity to my bleiTed
Mafter, than ever [I did before. I would write more, but
my ftrength failcth me. We hope to be at Savannah on
Morulay.
Your's,
c. w.
LETTER
44 LETTERS.
LETTER XL.
'To My, H,
Dcareji Sir^ Savnfinah^ Juue lO, 1 738.
ABOUT five weeks I have been ?i\. Savamiahy where
providence fccms to intend tontinuing me for feme
time. God has gracioufly vifited me with a fit of ficknefs ;
but now I am lively as a young eagle. AH things have hap-
pened better than expectation. America is not fo horrid a place
as it is reprefented to be. The heat of the weather, lying
on the ground, he. are mere painted lions iij the way, and to a
foul filled with divine love not worth mentioning. The coun-
try, mornings and evenings, is exceeding pleafant, and there
are uncommon improvements made (confidering the indiffer-
ence of the foil) in divers places. With a little afliftance the
country people would do very well. As for my minifterial office,
I can inform you, that God (fuch is his goodnefs) fets his feal
to it here, as at other places. We have an excellent chrif-
tian fchool, and near a hundred conflantly attend at evening
prayers. The people receive me gladly, as yet, into their
houfcs, and feem to be mod kindly afFc£led towards me. I
have a pretty little family, and find it poflible to manage a houfc
without diliraclion. Piovifions we do not want to feed on,
though we are cut off from all occafions to pamper our bodies.
Blefled be God, I vint from houfe to houfe, catcchife, read
prayers twice and expound the two fecond Icflbns every day ;
read to a houfe- fcl of people three times a week ; expound the
two leffons at five in the morning, read prayers and preach
twice, and expound the catcchifm to fervants, &c. at feven in
the evening every Sunday, What I have moil at heart, is the
building an orphan-houfe, which I truft will be efi^edled at my
return to England, In the mean while, I am fettling little
fchools in and about Savannah; that the rifing generation may
be bred up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The
Lord profper my weak endeavours for promoting his glory
and his people's good. Oh, dear Mr. H. pray for me. For
I do, indeed I do, pray for you and your's. Remember me to
dear Mrs. H. and exhort her to perfe^ holinefs in the fear of
God. Remind Mr. TV , (fince he will not hearken
I to
LETTERS. 45
to me) to work out his falvation with fear and trcmbh'ng,
and beg him to pray for, though he will not write to,
dear Mr. H,
Ever, ever your*s,
G. JK_
LETTER XLL
To Mr, .
Dear Mr, , K'druJJ), (Ireland) Nov. i6, 1738,
I Have not forgot you ; and as a proof of it, feivi you this to
acquaint you of my fafc arrival here. I know you will re-
joice and give thanks, and pray that my coming to London may-
be in the fulnefs of the blelTing of the gofpel of peace. God has
done for mc more abundantly than I could dare afk or think.
The k^d of the glorious gofpel has taken root in the American
ground, and, I hope, will grow up into a great tree. By my
friends prayers I believe it hath been planted. Oh that they
may continue to water it with the fame means, and then our
great God will give it an efie6\nA increafe. — I hope to fee
you in a few days at my old lodgings, and to rejoice with you
for what God has done for our fouls. Indeed, I have felt
his power ; I have tafted and knov/n of a truth, that the Lord
is gracious ! Jimerica^ infant Georgia, is an excellent foil foy
chriflianity ; you cannot live there without taking up a daily
crofs. Therefore, I (hall haften back as foon as pollible after
Chrijhnas. Oh ! that, in the mean while, I may be enabled to
be inflant in feafon and out of feafon, and preach with de-
monftration of the fpirit, and with power I Ivlethlnks I fee
Mr. lifting up his eyes towards heaven, and filently
faying. Amen. — I hope you will excufe Mr. Z).'s letter. I
have forgot his houfe, though not his perfon and his love.
No, all your kindnefles, O my friends, are engraven upon my
heart, and I trufl: will never be forgotten by, dear Sir,
Your afFeftio;iat€ friend and humble fervant,
G. rr.
T.ETTER
46 LETTERS.
LETTER XLII.
To Mr. H.
My dear Fr'tend^ London^ Bee, 3c, 173H.
IAm appointed by the truftces to hz mxm^^x o^ Savannah o
The bifhop o{ London ( Doctor Gibfon) accepts the title,
and has given me letters demifory to any other bifhop. I
have waited alfo on Doctor Seeker^ bifhop oi Oxford^ who ac-
quaints me that our worthy diocefan, good Bifhop Benfon^
ordains for him to-morrow fortnight at Oxford^ and that he
\fi\\ give me letters demifory to him. God be praifed ; I was
praying night and day^ whilft on fhip-board, if it might be
the divine will, that good Bifhop BcnJ'on^ who laid hands on
me as a deacon, might now make me a prieft. — And nov/ my
prayer is anfvvCred.-^^Be pleafed to wait on his Lordfhip, and
defire him to inform you, when I mufl be at Oxford in order
to receive impofiticn of hands. Oh pray that 1 may be duly
prepared. It will be a month before I can fee Gloucejler. I
lono; to fee you. I love you and your's in the bowels of
Jesus Christ \ but I have fcaree time to fubfcribe myfelf^
dear Sir,
Your's eternally^
G. W,
L £ T T E R XLIIL
^0 the Same.
Dear Siry London^ Jan. 27, 1739.
IF I forget Mr. H. and his wife, may my right-hand forget
her cunning. Excefs of bufmefs alone was the caufe of
my filence. I fleep but little, very little. Had I a thoufand
hands, I could employ them all. I fcaree know what it is to
have an idle moment. It is late now. I have jufl been ex-
pounding. God fills me with his fpirit, and I muft redeem a
little time to write to dear Mr. H, Indeed, indeed I love you
in the bowels of Jesus Christ. O when fliall I return
your pafl favours ! I thank you for blefling God on my behalf^
I want a thoufand tongues to praife him. He flill works by
me more and more. Subfcriptions for ere£ling an orphan*
houfe conic in a-pace. On Monday fevennight, God willing^
I
LETTERS. 47
I fet out for Brijlol^ with Mr. Seivard^ and from thence propofe
coming to Gloucejier, Oh that it may be in the fulnefs of the
blefiing of the gofpel of peace ! Mr. Hotvel Harris^ and I, are
corrcfpondents, blcfled be God ! May I follow him, as he ^'
does Jesus Christ. How he outftrips me ! Fye upon
me, fye upon me. How does my brother ? My love to him and
all, I long to fee yoir and yours, and to give you repeated
aflurances of my being, dear Sir,
Your's eternally,
LETTER XLIV.
To the Air,
Dear Slr^ Bafingjloke^ Feb. 8, 1739.
THOUGH I defired you to write firft, yet the love I
bear you, will not fufier me to wait fo long before you
hear from me. — Juft nov/ has God brought us to Bafingjloke^
where I hope an effe6lual door will be opened before we leave
it, as well as at IVindjor. — Oh my dear friend, more and more
do I fee the benefit of confeiiing our blelTed Lord before
men. — You have not been afhamed of the crofs. — No, dear
Mr. has put his hand to the plough ; he will not, furely
he cannot look back ; but Jesus Christ alone can keep me
nnd my dear friend from falling. Fie has begun and he will
carry on, he will finifh the good v/ork in our fouls. — We have
nothing to do, but to lay hold on him by faith, and to depend
on him for wifdom, righteoufnefs, fancSlification and redemp-
tion. Not but \MQ muft be workers together with him ; for a true
faith in Jesus Christ will not fufFer us to be idle. — No, it is
an active, lively, reftlefs principle ; it fills the heart, {o that it
cannot be eafy, till it is doing fomething for Jesus Christ.
— Methinks I hear my dear friend crying out, " Lord, ever-
more give me this faith 1" Believe me, I heartily fay, jlinerii
Afk then, my dear Sir, and it fhall be given you, feek and ftrive
for it, and yet a little while and I fliaii fee you a new creature ;
your heart I hope is fomewhat broken already. — All praifc be
to God's free grace in Christ. — Go on, my dear friend, and
never ceafc till you know you are Christ's, by the fpirit that
(hall be given you. Never fear your carnal friends, renounce
r thciu
43 LETTERS.
them and every thin^ ell'e that (lands in competition with yo^r
duty to God. — What have we to do to know any one after
the flefli : Let him, who doth the will of our Father in hea-
ven, be our bro:her, our filler, our mother. For this reafon I
fubfcribe myfejf, dear Sir,
Your's molt afFectionately in Christ,
G. JK
LETTER XLV.
r, Mr. H
Dear Mr. H , Ox on., Jpril^ 24, 1 7 39.
BLESSED bcGoD for working upon your heart by my
minillry. I hope the wifh'd-for time will come, when
I fhall fee you full of faith and the Holy Ghoft. Copies may
be taken of my letter ; but 1 wo-jld not have it printed, be-
caufe I intend, when rctirM from the world, to make fome dif-
courfes on the fubjedl of free grace. Pray acquaint your mo-
ther, that I interceded for her folcmnly laft night. I befought
God, that fhe might have her Saviour revealed in her heart ;
that is the onlvvvay to get above the fears of death. Chrifl
in i^s is the hope of glory. I rejoice to hear Air, CM builds
you up in your mcft holy faith. I exhort you to go on, and
who knows but dear Mr. H. may, under God, keep up reli-
gion in GhuceftcT. Mr. Kinckhii conduct in fearing the
church, and giving up the parfonage, has fadly grieved the
fpirit of many good fouls here ; but I blefs God they are
now a little comforted. Oh dear Air. H — , my heart is drawn
towards L'jnd:>n nK^fr ftrangely. Perhaps vou may hear of your
friend's imprifonmcnt. I expect no other preferment. God
^-ant I may behave fo, that when I fufter, it may not be for
mv own imprudencies, but for rightcoufi^efs fake, and then
I am fure the fpirit of Christ and of glory will reft upon my
foul. Oh dear Mr. H — , I befeech you, break oflT from the
world. Shake off everv fetter that keeps your foul from God,
and then how w!ll it rejoice th^ heart of, dear Sir,
Your's eternally,
G. JK
LETTER
LETTERS. 49
LETTER XLVI.
T: the Sam*.
Dear Mr. H L:^d:n, April 27, 1739*
I Rejoice to hear of the affection of my countr)-men. It is a
cood fign, that the word has taken deep root in their hearts*
But above all, da I rcioice that dtTLZ Mr. //— is tnily fenfib!^
of the free grace qx <joi> in Christ. No^-, my dear friend^
VGu will begin to be a chriflian indaed. Bleared be God,
I he,ir.mv honoured M is becoming a fcfol for Christ's
fike. I do not dcfp^ir cf Mr. //'. nay, I cannot defpair
of anv one, when I confider, what I once W35 myfelf. Let
but God fpeak the word, and the work (hail be done. I al-
ways hope well of oppolers. To-day,- m^' mafler by his pro-
vidence and ipirit compelled me to preach in the church-yard
a: Ifl'ingizn. To-morrow I am to repeat that mad trick, and
on Sunday to go oat into M^zr^idds. The wcrd or the
Lord runs and is glorified. Peoples hearts feem quite broken.
God ftrengthens me exceedinirlv. — I preach til! I f^eat
through and through. All is well at Savannah. Brave news
from Gibraltar, Innumerable bleiSngs does GcD pour dowa
upon me. Oh that 1 had a thankful hear. 1 love you both,
fincerely ; I thar.k you both heartily. I falute all cur dz2l
friends moft affectionately, and am, dear Sir,
Ever, ever vours,
G,JF,
LETTER XLVIL
To the Sam::. ' '
Da- Mr. H . - - LTnd^.Ty Mar IC, 1-39,
THE hour for my ifrprifcnrnent is net }et come. I
am not ht as vet to be fo highly honoured. God
only knows the treachery of my heart 5 but arr.':.^ all
my late fuccefs, I have fcaree felt one felf-ecn.-'icent
thought. I fpcak this to the honour cf God's free ^race.
In about three week>, God willing, wj -rrbark for Pi^fdzC'
nia. The truftees bave granted to mc ^^nd and every thing
upon xT.^ own terrhi ; the officers and general are exceeding
kind to my friend Hahirjmm upon mv account, fo that all
things fjccecd be-ur.d xv expeirtattOx'-.j. I aia :"^r/ tc htur
Vol. I. £ of
50 LETTERS.
of Mr.Jf 's conclu£l — Poor man ! The love of money is
rooted in his heart. Where is the honefty he fo much boafts
Oi and relies on ? Docs not this more and more convince you
that nothing hut a true faith in Jesus Christ will enable
you to 3(51 aright? However, he is not to be envyed. 1 pity
him. Money, thus got, will never profper. I rejoice that
you and your fpoufe are content. I wifh you both may have
Jlsus Christ formed in your hearts, and am
Ever, ever yours, Sec.
G. IK
LETTER XLVIII. ,^
To
My dear Brethren in Christ, Blcndon^ June I2, 1739.
I Am jealous over you with a godly jealoufy, and therefore
write to you this fecond letter. I find more and more that fa-
tan has defired to have fome of you in particular, that he may
fift you as wheat, and will ftrlve if pofTible to divide and fepa-
rate you all. — I hear there is a woman among you, who pre-
tends to the fpirit of prophecy, and what is more unaccount-
able, I hear that Brother- ("whom I love in the bowels of
Jesus Christ) feems to approve of her. Need therefore, great
need have you, my brethren, at this time to take the apoftle's
advice, and to try the fpirits whether they be of God. For the
devil is beginning to mimic God's work, and becaufe ter-
rors will not do, he is now transforming himfelf into an angel
of light in order more efFeiStually to gain his point. Brother
alio, I cannot but think, at prefent is under a fpirit of
deluiion. He, as well as brother , I believe imagines there
will be a power given to work miracles, and that now Christ
is coming to reign a thoufand years upon the earth. — But
alas ! what need is there of miracles, fuch as healing fick
bodies, and reftoring fight to blind eyes, when we fee
orcater miracles every day done by the power of God's word ?
Do not the fpiritually blind now fee ? Are not the fpiritually
dead now raifed, and the leprous fouls nov»^ cleans'd, and have
not the poor the gofpel preached unto them ? And if we
have the thing already, which fuch miracles were only intended
to introduce, why fhould we tempt God in requiring further
figns.?
LETTERS; St
figns ? He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And as for
our Lord's coming at this time to reign upon the earth, I
anfwer, it is not for us to know the times and feafons, which
the Father hath put in his own power. — That a great work is
begun is evident, that it will be carried on I doubt not ; but
how it will end, I knov/ not, neither do I dcfire to know. It
is fufficient for me to do the work of the day in its day,
and to reft fatisficd in this, that all will end in God's glory.
Lately, brother told me he was {hortly, he believed, to
be called to fome public work. — I pray God he may not run
before he is called. To teach, I know, is a pleafing thing ;
but to begin to teach too foon or without a commiffion, will
be deftru6tion to ourfelves, and of ill confequence to others.
Uzzah might mean well, when he touched the ark, but his
good intention did not prefcrvc him from the juft judgments
of God. Be not many matters, fays the apoftle. Oh that
that verfe was deeply engraven on the tables of our hearts !
My dear brethren, be not offended at this plainnefs of fpeech.
I would all the Lord's fervants were prophets, but then t
would not have people* think themfclves prophets of the Lord,
when they are only enthufiafts-— If Mr. is aded by a good
fpirit, why is he not patient of reproof? Why does he fly in
a paffion, when contradicted ? why does he pretend to be in-
fallible, and that God always fpeaks in him ? May God
give us all a right judgment in all things. Pure unfeigned
Jove caufes me to ufe this freedom. Many of you God has
worked upon by my miniftry, and therefore I would not have
vou ignorant of fatan's devices. O beware of him at this time.
Do not conceive prejudices againft each other* Do not dif-
pute, but love ; purge out the old leaven from amongft you.
Have no fellowfiiip with any that converfe with Mr. ■ If
they have a mind to depart from you, let them depart. Do
you build up each other in your moft holy faith. My dear
brethren,
I am your common fcrvant in our dear Lord Jesus,
LETTER
52 LETTERS.
LETTER XLIX.
To the Rev. ullr.
T)car Sir, Leachhidr^ July 1 8, 1739-
TUK Iccne thismornrng much alRctcd rric -, you both put
me ill miiul, how that happy pair, Ada?/! and Eve^
looked when arraign'd by the Ahiughry after having eaten the
forbidden fruit. Behold the fame remedy reached out to you
as to them. — The feed of the woman (IkjU bruife the ferpent's
head.— Look up to him whom you have pierced.. — He will
heal your backflidings and love you freely — Had he not loved
you both, both of you ere now would have been given over to
a reprobate mind. I know the time, when you both were
erlightned, when you tatted the good word of God, and felt
the powers of the world to come.— Honour, falfely fo called,
has caufed you to draw bsick, but I believe not unto perdition.
jESiis js if ill frriving with your heart. Come to him by faith,
renounce the world, and be will yet delight to lx)nour you.
*' Now is the accepted time, now iir th€ day of falvation."
Mention not old things^ let all things become new. I love,
both of you from my heart. Come forth^and be ye feparate,
faith the Lord almighty. Break with the world at once,
and you fliall become fools for Christ's fake. What if your
wife fent fome fuch letter as the following to her parents.
Honoured Fathsr and Mother^
^Tp HE contents of this letter will furprlze you, but I can
no longer halt between God and the world;, the happy
convictions, tliat God once put into- my heart, now arife xw
my mind, I will no longer be an almoft chriftian. I am re-
folved to become a fool for Christ's fake. Blefletl be God?
Mr. M — is like-minded. — Hitherto have I hindered him ia
his fpiritual progrefs, God forbid I fliould do it any longer.
Hence forward will we go hand in hand together, and nakedi
follow a naked Christ.
Dearcft Mr. , I am ever jjour^,.
LETTER
LETTERS.
LETTER L.
53
Dear Aladam^ London^ July 23, 1739.
YOUR letter filled me with jr>y and with pity. Pity, to ice
you tempted, joy, to find you arc thought worthy of
enduring temptation. Satan hath dcfired to have you, that he
may fift you as wheat. But be not afraid, Jesus Christ \%
praying for you, and your faith fliall not fail. Your mafter hath
been in the wildernefs before you, and knows by expericncfr,
how to fuccour thofe that are tempted. Lift up then the
hands that hang down, and ftrengthen the feeble knees. In-
fidel books have poifbncd your underftanding, and rivctted
great pride therein. Strong temptations are nece/lary to mor-
tify that pride, and to teach you that lowlinefs of heart, which
our Lord calls all that are weary and heavy laden to learn
of him. Lookup then to Jesus, the author and finifher of
your faith. He will fend you help in every time of need. In-
deed he vvill never leave you, nor forfake you. Follow him
as the poor Syrophcenician woman did, and though he may now
turn away his face feemingly for a while, yet he will always
fupport you inwardly by a living faith, and fhortly give you
the fpirit of adoption, whereby you will be enabled to cry,
" Abba, Father." I fpeak this by happy experience. I have
mourned, but now I am comforted. I have o-one throuo-h
the fpirit of bondage, and, for ever be adored God's free
grace, he has given me the fpirit of adoption. And that
you alfo vvill have this in God's due time and way, is the
ilrm belief of
Your unworthy brother, and fcrvant in Christ,
LETTER LL
Dear Mr. H Londo?!^ July 23, 1739.
IWiih you joy of your new-born fon. Oh that it may be
made a real child of God. I purpofe, God willing, to
ftand to my promife, either in perfon, or by proxy. 1 know
not yet, how providence will be pleafed to difpofe of me.
I have written to the Lords of the Admiralty for a licence.
Saturday evening next, I hope you will fee Afr. Chnrlis
JVeJIey, He intends to preach at Gkucejhr, Raindwick, kr,
E 3 V..y
/
54 LETTERS.
Pray defire Mr. CoU and our other dear friends to appoijit
places. Matters go on moft bravely here. I think people are
ten times more affciSled than ever. The audiences full and
numerous, and they give their mites'for the orphan houfe with
a chcnrful and ready heart. Have you heard how 1 preached
npon the ftagc among the cudgel players at Bafmgjlokc^ and
got a blow ? Both I and my companions were alfo turned out
of oiiir inn, and in danger of being beaten heartily. BlefTed be
God ! My fcrmon comes out on Wedncjday. Heartieft love
to dear Mrs. H — . That Jesus Christ may be fully formed
in both your hearts, is the prayer of,
Ever, ever yours,
LETTER Lll.
Honoured S'lr^ London^ ^uJy lA^^ i739*
THOUGH but a child in grace, and a novice in the
things of God, yet I could not efcape this opportunity
of fliewing you, hov*' dear you are to my foul. Though un-
known in perfon, yet you have long fince been known to me
in fpirit. I hoped to have feen you ere I left London. I hafted
up to town hoping to have fome fpiritual gift imparted to me
by that means, but I was not worthy of it, I was not prepared
for fuch a blciling. — You went before I came. A great work
of God is doing here. The Lord Jesus gets himfelf the
vi6i:ory every day ; free grace compels poor fmners to come in.
Our brother can inform you of particulars. As for my
own foul, God mightily ftrengthcns me in the inw^ard man, and
gives me often fuch foretaftes of his love, that I am almoft
continually wifliing to be difiblved, that I may be with Christ.
. — But I am only beginning to begin to be a chriftian. — I mud
fufter alfo, as well as do for my dear Mailer. Perhaps a ftorm
is gathering. I believe God will permit it to fall on my head
firfh — This comes then, honoured Sir, to defire your prayers,
that none of thofe things may move me; and that I may not
count even my life dear unto me, fothat I may finifh my courfe
with joy, and the miniftry which I have received of the Lord
Jesus. Though I die for him, yet, I befeech you, honoured
Sir, to pray that I may not in any way deny him. But what
4 am
LETTERS. 55
am I doing ? I fear, honoured Sir, I am too free. A fcnfe of
your humility and love for the bleflcd Jesus makes me thus
open. How (hould I rejoice, if you Vv'ould honour me with a
line. — I am young, and therefore a word of exhortation and
advice, would much profit, honoured Sir,
Your very humble fcrvant, in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. JV.
LETTER LIII.
Dear Sir, London, July 25, 1 7 39.
NOTa want of love, but of time, has obliged me to fhortea
my late letters. Had I an hundred hands I could em-
ploy them all. The harveft is very great. I am afhamed I
can do no more for him, who hath done fo much for me j not
by way of retaliation, but gratitude. Fain would 1 love my
mailer, and will not go from him ; his fervice is pcrfed free-
dom ; his yoke is eafy, his burden light. Still he is plcafcd to
fliew us greater things. Every day affords frefli inftances of
the power of his word, I am now about to attack fatan in one
of his ftrong- holds, if I perifh.' — To-night I preach, God
willing, where an horfe-race is to be. I find my Mafter
ftrengthehs me for the work. O, dear Sir, pray for mc, that
my faith fail not, and that my zeal be tempered with know-
ledge. Our brother will prove an agreeable correfpondent.
If bufinefs prevents my writing, he v.'ill inform you what hap-
pens from time to time to, dear Sir,
Your moft affeiSlionate in Christ Jesus,
G. IF.
LETTER LIV.
Rev. Sir, London, July 26, 1739.
JUST now I received your kind letter, and am endeavour-
ing to catch a few moments to anfwer it. I thank you for
your encouraging hints. O ! dear Sir, continue to exhort, and
■provoke me to love and to good works, that I may with patience
run the race that is fet before me. Hitherto my dear Mafter
magnifies his ftrength in my weaknefs. Ever fince he honour-
ed me to fuffer a little reproach for his name's fiike, at Bafing^
jlokey he has caufed me to rejoice with exceeding great joy.
1^ 4 My
^6 L E T T E R S.
IV'ly rpirlt v/as ftiircd within rrc. Methinks I could willingly
have died to have boine my teflimony againllthc lying vanities,
and clcvilifh entertainments of this generation. By the help
of my Madcr, I will go on and attack the devil in his flrongeii:
holds. D pray, dear Sir, that my ^eal may be always temper-
ed with true chriftian prudence. It would grieve me, ihould
I bring fuflerings caufclelsly upon myfelf. A trying time, per-
haps, is at hand. O that I may be found faithful ! If provi-
dence permits, I will perform my promife. I am blind, 1 am a
child, I know nothing. I only dcfire the whole will of God
may be done, in, by, and upon, dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in oqr dear
jLpRp Jesus,
G. IV.
LETTER LV.
S/r, Lonclcn, 'July 26, 1739*
I Received voyr kind letter, but mud beg to be excufed from
diffuading yoiir fon to go with . The employment
in which he is engaged will, in the end, if faithfully im-
proved, tend much to God's glory and his own good. He
now fits by me ; I read over your letter to him, and he con-»
tinues as refolute as ever. The being dtfinherhed does not
terrify him at all. He has a more abiding inheritance, and is
willing naked to follow a naked Christ. — Dear Sir, let me
advife you to do nothing raihly. If you can pray for a blefling
on your will when you are about to difmherit your fon, I fliall
wonder. Have a little patience, and then you will find that,
your fon is about to a<Sl wifely. If I thought otherwife, no
^Vi^ vvQuld be more fqrward to difiuade him, than. Sir,
Your very humble fprvant,
LETTER LVI.
London^ July 31, 1739.
OH that my head was water and my eyes fountains of
tears, that I might weep over my dear Mr. -. — .
What r And has my familiar friend, who has been dear to mc
^s fiiy pwp foul, has he taken part with, and gone back to th«i
e|icn)y .^
LETTERS. 57
enemy ? Surely it cannot be ! — And yet I mufl: believe it. —
But if any one had told my dear friend, that he would
have behaved thus, would he not have cried out, " Is thy fer-
vapt a dog that he fhould do this ?" Qh, my dear friend, I
am in pain for you ! Alas ! who hath bewitched you, that
you fhould not obey the truth ? You did run well ; who, or
what hath hindered you ? Not a fear of man, I hope ; not a
dcfire of that praife, that comcth of man. I know the time
when my dear friend's heart flood fledfaft. I know the time
wheniny dear friend was willing to be accounted a fool for
Christ's fake, and chofe rather to fufFer afHiiilion with the
people of God, than to enjoy the pieafures of fm, of falfe
politenefs, for a feafon. And why fhould I defpair of my dear
friend now? No, I know Jesus Christ was fet for the
falling and rifing again of many in Ifrael. Our LoRp, I trufl,
has prayed for you, and 1 hope your faith will not totally fail.
Forgive me, I muit flop and figh : God forbid I fhould be
called, at the great day, to fay, that my dear A4r. ^ — put
his hand to the plough and turned back unto perdition. Good
God ! the thought flrikes me as though a dart was fhot
through my liver. Return, return. My dear friend, I can-
not part from you for ever. Do not fpeak peace to your foul,
when there is no peace. Do not turn fabler for the devil.
Po not prejudice or hurt my brother, and thereby add to the
grief you have already occafioned
Your mofl; affectionate friend and fervant in Christ,
6\ IK
LETTER LVII.
My dear Brother^ Brjjhl, July 31, 1 739.
BLESSED be God for bringing you in fafety home. — ?
He is a God hearing prayer. May he fiinclify our
meeting. I hope to fee you here this week. I fliall fet out
for Deal on Monday, — I long to hear how the foul of my dear
brother profpers. — I long to embrace you in thcfe unworthy
arms. — Methinks I could now fmg my nunc dimittis with
pleafure, if my eyes could fee my dear brother's falvation. I
hope you have converfed v/ith Mr. JVcfley. It will require
tpme degree of boldnpfs to owii eithpr of us before men. God
vouchfafes
58 LETTERS.
vouchfafcs to honour us : No wonder our names are caft out
as evil.— Dear Mr. , I hear, is ftaggered with the fear
of man. — Sifter, I truft, is in a good way. When ftall I fee
you ? Come, Oh come and warm my heart, by telling me what
God hath done for your foul. Eternity will be too fliort to
praife him for what he has done for
Your aiteflionate brother,
G. JV,
LETTER LVIII.
Reverend and dear Sir^ Lo?idon^ Augujl 3, 1739.
THIS morning I received yours, and though I leave Lon-
don this evening, yet I cannot but fnatch a few mo-
ments to fend you an anfwer. I love all that love our Lord
Jesus Christ. The fpirit of Christ, with me is the cen-
ter. I love the man, and you in particular, though in all
things he may not follow with me. I rejoice there is a revival
of true religion in Scotland, The fpirit of God is moving on
the faces of thoufands of fouls in England, The word runs
very fwift, and fatan falls like lightning from heaven. God
hath fent me into the highways and hedges, to compel poor
fmners to come in j many are left to water, what God hath
hten pleafcd to plant ; I doubt not of his giving a great incrcafe.
But I am a child, I cannot fpeak, yet God will magnify his
iree grace. God will work, and all oppofitions muft for-
ward, but not hinder it. — Inclofed I have fent you a fermon
juft pubiifhed. — You may judge of my principles from that.
The picture I highly honour. — May I follow them as they
follow Christ. I am no friend to fmlefs perfe6lion.— I be-
lieve the being (though not the dominion) of fm remains in
the hearts of the greateft believers. — Time and bufinefs will
not give me leave to enlarge. — Befides, I am but a novice in
the fchool of Christ ; and therefore moft earneftly beg your
prayers, that I may grow in the knowledge of our common
Lord. At his call, I am now going abroad, and expect: to
fuffer many things ere I return home. — Reverend and dear Sir,
I wifh you much fuccefs in the name of the Lord, and am
Your brother and fervant in the beft bonds,
G. rv,
LETTER'
LETTERS. 59
LETTER LIX,
Dear Sir, London, Auguji 3, 1739,
I Cannot leave London without anfwering your laft letter.
I am convinced that God calls me now to Georgia^ and fo are
our friends. God's ways are like the great deep. — He will go
a way by himfclf. Exitus a6ta probat. The prophecy you
mention, I dare not apply to myfelf. What am I, that God
fhould fo delight to honour me ? However, I believe the Lord
will work a great work upon the earth. Whatever inftru-
ments he fliall make ufe of in effed^ing it, I care not. If
Christ be preached, if my dear Lord be glorified, I rejoice;
yea, and will rejoice. I wifh all the Lord's fervants were
prophets. Oh, dear Sir, my heart is now melted down with
a fenfe of the divine love I Never was a greater inftance of
God's free grace in Christ, What am I, O Lord, that
thou fhouldeft delight to honour me ? Even fo. Father, for fo
it feemeth good in thy fight ! Dear Sir, I could now write afl
day; but other bufinefs demands my attendance. — Yet a little
while, and we fliall fit down in the kingdom of God for ever,
pear Sir adieu. Oh give thanks, give thanks, and pray for
Your's moft affedlionately in Christ Jesus,
G. Jl\
L E T T E R LX.
Blendon, Juguji 6y 1^29'
AND would not dear Mr. fiay for my laftletter ?
What, is he retired into the country to learn how to for-
get his God ? Is he got into favour with the polite world .? Are
not thefe fad fymptoms, that my dearell Mr. — ■ is fallino-
away a-pace ? He runned into one extreme lately, and now
fatan is driving him into another. Did not I forwarn you of
this ? O my dear friend, my brother, return to your firft love,
otherwife you will find the fpirit of God deferting you m.ore
and more every day. Nemo repente fuit turpiffimus. But I
can fay no more. — Perhaps I am troublefome. However,
give me leave to weep. Permit me to pray for you. Though
you arc now dead comparatively, yet, I truft, you will be
alive.
6o LETTERS.
alive. Though now fc-emiMgly loft, yet I'urely you {hall be
tound a2:ain. God only knowij how Tuch news would rejoice
the heart of, dear Sir,
Your aiRclionate friend in the beft bnnds,
G. JV.
L F T T E R LXI.
Dsjr Mr. AugttJ} 7, 1739.
I Thank you moll heartily for your laft: Had you been more
particular, I fliould have thanked you ftill more. May
God reward you for watching over my foul ! Pride and felfilh-
jicfs are the tempers of the devil. By the help oi my God 1
will never reft till my Mafler gives me power to overcome
- them. It is difficult, I believe, to go through the fiery trial
y of popularity and appluufc untainted. Bledcd be God, I am
new fweerly retired. O help me, my dear Sir, by your prayers,
as well as your advice, and believe me defirous to fubfcribe
myfelf,
Your's mofl affectionately in our dear Lord Jesus,
G, n\
LETTER LXII.
On hoard the Eilz^ahdhy Gravcjmd^ Augujl 14, 1 7 39.
Reveraid and dear S'u\,
YOUR kind letter gave me much fatisfa6lion. It breathed
the language of one, who is a Boanerges In the church
of God. Excefs of bufinefs prevented my anfwering it fooner.
As I am now retired from a public life, I truft I {hall have
time to try my heart and fearch out my fpirit. Forget me not,
dear Sir, when you are praying for all thofe, who travel by
land and by water, when Itorms and winds are blowing over
me. I hope I fhall always carry you, and others of my dear
fi lends in JFales^ upon my heart, whenever I go in and out
before the Lord. It would rejoice my foul to hear from you,
when abroad. Exhort me, oh exhort me, to be valiant for
the truth. Bid, oh bid me, dear Sir, to be mindful of a dying
and rifen Jesus. — Bid me to remember the riches of his free
grace in pulling me as a brand out of the fire, and exhort me
to lay dovv-n my life for his dike.— Brother Harris^ I find, ha^
come
LETTER S, 6i
come offtriumphantly. — The hour of fuffViing is not yet come,
(jod prepare us all for It ! I cxpe6t to fuflcrr for my bltfled
maker's name fake. But, wherefore do 1 fear ? My mafter
will pray for me. — Dear Sir, adieu. I know you not in perfon.
Perhaps 1 may never fee your face in the fleOi. However, I
ihall fee you in heaven, and then you fhall fee how finccrely I
jiow fubfcribc myfcif,
Your unworthy brother ai\d fellow- fcrvant in Crrist,
LETTER LXIIL
On hoard the Elizahth, Cravefrfid^ Juguf! 14., I7'5g.
Dear Madam ^
I Cannot think of your favours, and yet forbear writino- a
letter of thanks. I cannot think of your parting tears^
and not inform you, how fir.cerely I pray God to comfort
and refrefli your foul. — Oh Madam, your kindnefs to fuvh a
desd dog as I am, quite furprizes me. How much more ought
V(.u and I, and ail mankind, to adore the unfpeakable good-
iicfs of our heavenly Father, wh.o has fo loved the world, as to
give his only-begotten Son, that whofocver believeth in him
fliould not perifli, but have everlafting life. Dear Madam,
never reft till you have a lively faith in Christ Jesus. God
has put into your heart good defires after it. Continue inllant
in prayer ; apply to J tsvs Christ, as a poor finner, and yet
a little while, and dear Mrs. fliall be a chriftian indeed.
Kaften,0 Lord, that blefTed time. Oh let thy kingdom come,
in full power, into this thy liandmaiden's heart ! Innum.erable
temptations furround you, to make you take up your reft here.
But, I hope, Aladum^ you will be upon your guard, and let
nothing be thought of, or done, by you, which may any way
tend to indulge the luft of the eye and the pride of life. Sim-
plicity is the very fpirit of the gofpel ; therefore, the more we
learn Christ, the more regardlefs we {hall be of worldly va-
nithC"?. God of his infinite mercy make you a widow indeed \
You fee, IVIadam, how freely I have wrote to you. It is bc-
caufe I value your v/elfare. — It is the bcft return that can b<
made, for all favours conferred on, Madam,
Your moft obligi'd friend and fervent in uur dear Lop.d Jt^jU'^,
c;. //-:
I T. E T i' K R
6s LETTERS.
LETTER LXIV.
On board the EUzabcthy Gravejendy Augiifl 14, 1739*
Dear Madam^
YOUR affectionate parting, and the tears I obfervcd you
to filed, even when I was at a diftance from you, made
me almoft ready to cry out " What mean you to weep and
to- break my heart ?'* Oh may our dear Lord put your tears
into his bottle, and reward you a thoufand fold for all the kind-
nefles you have fhcwn to me ! Indeed I am lefs than the lead
of his fervants. But yet, fo loving is my dear Mafter, that he
will not let a cup of cold v/ater given in his name, to pafs by
unobferved or unrewarded. When partaking of your bounty
of flour, I hope I fhall pray that you and your's may eat bread
in the kingdom of God. You have all good defircs ; I hope
you are not far from the kingdom of God. — Oh let there not
be any thing lacking. Give God your hearts, your whole
hearts; let Jesus Christ's be your whole wifdom, your
whole righteoufnefs ; and then he will be your whole fanclifi-
cation and eternal redemption. I write this from my floating
habitation, to afTure you how fmcerely I am
Your moft obliged friend and afFeiElionate humble fervant,
G, W,
LETTER LXV.
Gn hoard the Elizabeth ^ Augnjl 14, 1 739.
My dear Mr.
AT length we are embarked ; our fhip is now going ta
the Downs. — Yet a little while, and, God willing, I
fliall fee you once more in the flcfh. My family confifts of
more than twelve, befides two children ; I hope all are defirous
to know Christ. God flrengthens ane mightily in the inner
man. The fermon I have fent you is one of my extempore
fcrmons. — The journal will acquaint you with particulars.—
My brother, the captain, hath been with me this lafl week.—
If he leaves oil'difputing, and will conae to Christ as a poor
loft fmner, he will do well. — The bifnop oi London has lately
wrote againfl m.e ; I trufl GgD hath afiiltcd me in writing an
anfwer. — It is now in the profs. — All the feif^righteous are up
LETTERS. 6:}
in arms. — My Maftermakes me more than a conqueror through
his love. Mr. has about forty focictics in Torkjlnre.
Both the Mr. JVeJleys go on well — Go where you will, reli-
gion (either for or againft it) is the talk. — Prohably a fufferin^
time wiil come. You will not be afhamed of mc, thoin^h I
fliould be a prifoner. Perhaps you will be put to the trial :
But how does my dear friend's heart? Have you found Christ?
Does he live in you, fo as to be the alpha and omega, the
beginning and end of all your actions ? Are you enlightened
to fee the exceeding great riches and fulnefs of his grace \ Oh
hoiv will it rejoice my foul to fee you a proficient in the fchool
of Christ ? How will it delight me to fee your little flock
prefling towards the mark. — Soon after this reaches Georgia^ I
hope to fee you. — My ftay will be as (hort as poiTible at Phlla-
delphia. I muft not delay coming to my dear, thouo-h poor
charge. — I exped to find Savannah almoft defolate ; but our
extremity is God's opportunity. I believe it will lift up its
flrcoping head. — For the prcfent, my dear friend, farewell.
Your's moft affectionately in Christ,
6\ W.
LETTER LXVI.
On heard the Elizabeth going to the Downs^ Augujl 15, 1739.
My dear Brother^
THE agony I was in at your departure, and the many
{trong cryings and tears which I offered up to God
afterwards, plainly fhew, that I love you in fincerity and truth.
Though I am now about to launch into the great deep, yet I
muft write you a parting line. . I cannot but think you will
come to Christ in earnefl, God has moft remarkably met
you by his providence. — His fpirit has been driving with you,
and I doubt not but it will get the vidory over your carnal
reafonings, and the rebellion of a depraved heart. But do not,
my dear brother, I befcech you, difpute againfl your own hap-
pinefs. — Be not unvv'illing to confefs that you arc not yet a
chriftian. Remember what our Lord hath faid : " Whofo-
ever recciveth not the kingdom of God, as a little child, fliall
isn no-wife enter tlierein." — I befcech you, by the mercies of
God in Christ Je'Sus our Lord, to leave Q^difputing, You
have
64 LETTERS.
have been, I think, frequently convinced ; but naturC,-
I find, has as frequently inter pofcd, and perfuadcd you that
you had gone far enough already. — But does not my dear
brother find, that he yet lacks fomething ? Have not his tem-
pers and corruptions ; nay, hath not fm itfclf dominion over
him ? Are his affections weaned from the world ? Docs he
feel himfelf a poor loft finner : Is he willing the Lord Jesus
fhould be his wliole righteoufnefs ? Is he convinced of the free-
ncfs, as well as of the riches of his grace ? You fee, my dear
brother, how freely I deal with jou. It is becaufe I love you
with a peculiar love. — Never did my heart exult at the fight
of any relation, as at the fight of youj Surely God intends to
give me my dear brother. Pie is alrcidy an almoft ; haften,
O Lord, that blefTed time, when he fhall be an alto'^ether
chriftian, and let thy kingdom, with full power, come into my
dear brother's heart ! — How fliall I fay farewell ? If you have
opportunity, pray write to
Your moft aficClionate, though unworthy brother,
G. JV.
LETTER LXVIL
On hoard the Elizabeth go'wg to the Downs, Augifft 16, 1 7 39.
Dear Mr.
I Thank God for his goodnefs to brother Howell Harris, I
thank you for informing me of it. The ftorm is diverted
for a Vvhile, but 1 cxpe6l it to break upon my head one time or
another. God has, for a while, prepared me a place of refuge
in the fnip, from whence I write this. Oh befeech him, that I
may improve the retirement by fearching out my fpirit, I
have almoft forgot, that I was in the world. My family on
board is quite fettled, and wc live and love like chriftians.
God only knows wjicre you and I ftiall meet again ; whether
in time or eternity. However, this we know, that both
nuift be tried to the uttermoft. Inward and outward afRidiions
await us, and all the children ofGoD. I am now reading the
book of martyrs. 7'hey make me blufli to think hov/ little I
fufFer for Christ's fake. They warm my heart, and make
mc think the time long till I am called to refift even unto
blood : i'ut I fear the treachery of this heart of mine. Dear
Mr.
LETTERS. 63
Mr. •* , to your paft, add one more favour, " pray that
I may be found faithful." I truft I fhall have a fweet remem-
brance of you and my other dear friends, when I go in and out
before the Lord. Salute them moft affedionately. Exhort
them, oh exhort them to continue in the grace of God ;
and forget not to v/rite to, dear Mr. ,
Yours moft affedionately in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. //'.
LETTER LXVIIL
Reverend and dear Sir, Philadelphia y Nov. TO, 173c. *"
THOUGH bufinefs prevents my correfponding with you
fo frequently as I did when in England^ yet what can
hinder me now, but a want of gratitude and love? Accept
then, dear Sir, my fmcere, though late thanks, for all favours
conferred upon me, and aiTure yourfelf, I remember both you
and your beloved people at the throne of grace. Nothing will
rejoice me more than to hear, that the good pleafure of the
LoRDprofpers in your hand. Oh dear Sir, what a gracious Ma-
fler do we fcrve I His loving-kindnefs ftill prevents, accompa-
nies, and follows me. He has not given me over unto death, but
is ftiil pleafed to dig and dung round me, and not cut me down
as a cumberer of the ground. I long to be purged, dear Sir,
that I may brinor forth more fruit, Smce mv retirement from
the world, I have leen more and more how full I am of corrup-
tion. Nothing could pofTibly fupport my foul under the many
agonies which opprefTed me, when on board, but a confidera-
tion of the freenels, eternity, and unchangeablencfs of God's
love to me, the chief of fmners.— ^In about a twelvemonth,
probably, I (hall return again to my native country. Satan no
doubt will endeavour to ftir up all his forces againfi: me. By
the help of my God, I will once more come forth with my
fling and my ftone.— I fhall wait with impatience to hear how
the work goes on in my abfence. I truQ-, God, by this time,
has fent forth more labourers into his harveft. I heaniiy wiUi
all the Lord's fervants were prophets. I verily believe, the
right-hand of the Lord will not only have the pre-emi-
nence, but alfo bring mighty things to pafs. O how do 1 long,
* Many of the letters of this dare were wri'ten on .Oiip-board duiirg
the paffage, but dated when knl off fVuin F kila.ielph.a.
Vol. L ¥ dear
66 LETTERS.
dear Sir, to lee bigotry and party-zeal taken away, and all the
Lord's fervants more knit together. Pray, my due refpe(5t=;
to all that are fo kind as to enquire after mc. Exhort them to
pray and give thanks for,
Your unworthy friend, brother, and fervant in our
dear Lord's vineyard,
LETTER LXIX.
Reverend and dear Sir^ ' Philadelphia^ Ncv. lO, 1 739.
MA N appoints, but God difappoints. No doubt it was
befty that I fhould not fee your anfvver to the biftiop^s
lecter before I left England. I hope it was wrote with the
meeknefs and gentlenefs of Christ, and then no doubt God
will give his bleffing. Oh, dear Sir, how is the glory departed
from Ifrael ! In what dregs of time are we born ? Boafting of
our oi thodoxy and primitive purity, and yet alas ! but is
not this enough, dear Sir, to excite our zeal even till it do eat
us up f Wherefore hath God called us by his free grace, and
made a difference between us and others, but that we fhouH
ftand up in defence of his injured honour ? Your friend, Mr.
» , has told me how plentifully you once taftcd of the
good word of life, and felt the pov^-ers of the world to come.
Oh that the divine fpark may again kindle in the heart till it
become a flame of fire ! Nothing will fo much enforce your
arguments as a life exadly conformable to the holy Jesus. —
When with .you laft, I thought you fpoke too favourable of
horfe- races, and fuch things. But what diverfion ought a
chriftian or a clergyman to know or fpeak of, but that of do-
ing good ? Many who are right in- their principles, are worfc
than I could wifli in their pravSlice. Oh for a revival of
true and undefiled religion in all feiSls whatfocvcr ! I long tQ
fee a catholic fpirit over-fpread the world ; may God vouch-
f\fe to make me an inftrument of promoting, it ! Methinks, I
care not what I da- or fufler., fo that I may fee my Lord's
kingdom come with power. But I know not my ov/n weak-
nefs, till I am tried. Dear Sir, pray for me, that I may b?
found faithful in an hour of temptation. I expecl to be tried
to the uttermoft, and to hear, that many arc become my ene-
mies, who once would, as it were, have olucked out their even
for
LETTERS. 6f
for me. Ins necclTary that fuch offences fliould come ; other-
I wife, how can I know that I am, what I deilre to be, dear
Sir,
Your affectionate friend and true brother in Christ,
G. ir,
LETTER LXX.
Philaddphia^ Nov. lO, 1739.
My dear Brethren^ and worthy fellow-labourers i?j Christ,
THOUGH I know' none of you in perfon, yet, from the
time I heard of your fairh and love towards our dear
Lord Jesus, I have been acquainted with you in fpirit, and
have conflantly mentioned you in my poor prayers. The good
pleafure of the Lord', I find, profpers in your hands ; and I
pray God incrcafc you more and more, both you and your
children. Scotland^ like England^ hath been fo much fctded
upon it's Ices for fomc time, that I fear our late days may pro-
perly be called the midnight of the church. BlefTed be GoD,
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath fent fortl*
many of his fervants with this cry, " Behold the bridegroom
Cometh." Thoufands obey the call^ and are trimming their
ipiritual lamps, in order to go forth to meet him. I cannot
but think a winnowing time will come after this in-gathering;
of fouls. O that we may fufFer only as chriftians, and thea
the fpirit of Christ and of glory will red upon us. Li pa-
tience pofiefs your fouls, and I will leave my caufe to God.
You, my reverend Brethren, I am perfuaded, are no otherwife
minded ; may we go on then in the power, and under the
guidance of the Lord of Hosts. The eternal God will be
your perpetual refuge. He that employs, will prote^l:; as your
day is, fo (liall your ftrengrh be. Let not our dear Lord's
lambs perifh for lack of knowledge. *' Give ye, give ye themi
1(1 cat," m.ethinks, is the endearlitg, conftraining command of
the great Shepherd and B (liop of fouls. And O that a due
obedience may be paid to it by me, your unworthy brother.
But I bluOi almoft, when I llile myfelf your brother;, for I
am a child, and all of you are fathers. Oh, drive together
with me in your prayers, that the divine flrength may be ftilL
•magnified in my weaknefs. You will intreat the LoRp to
F;i bJtfs
68 LETTERS,
blefs the orphan-houfe. I have reafon to think, GoU will
bring great good out of it. Oh that I may be prepared for fu-
ture favours ! Oh that pride and fclf-love may thoroughly be
fubdued ! Brethren, I befeech you by the mercies of God in
Christ Jesus, to pray for me, whilft winds and florms are
blowing over me. You are not forgotten by him, who, though
the mod unworthy of his Lord's fcrvants, defires to fubfcribc
himfclf,
Your afFe£lionate brother, and fellow-pilgrim and
labourer in Christ Jesus,
G, JF.
LETTER LXXI.
My dear Friend^ Philadelphia^ Nov. lo, 1739.
BECAUSE I will not forget you, I begin to write before
we get on fhore. How is dear Mr. • 's heart ? Has
he yet recovered his firfl love ? And is that prophecy, " This
child is fct for the falling and rifing again of many in Ifrael^*''
as yet fulfilled in him. I cannot but think a good work was
once wrought upon your foul. I cannot but think, God vi'iU
vet fulfil his whole will in you. But let not my dear friend
linger any longer. If there is mercy with God, let him be
feared, not difobeyed. If he has promifed to heal our back-
flidings, and love us freely, let his goodnefs lead us to repent-
ance. Profperity hath been a fnare to you ; every day 1 fee
the excellency of that part of y/^«r*s, prayer, " Give me not:
riches, left I be full and deny thee, and fay, who is the Lord."
And that petition in our liturgy, " In all time of our wealth,
good Lord deliver us." I always take particular notice of it,
1 believe you will not be at all richer this year, than you was
the laft. — For as riches increafe, our wants increafe with them,
-^I write not this to have you defert your flation, but to excite
a holy jealoufy in your heart. — Oh, what would I give to fee
my dear friend, as formerly, " Fervent in fpirit, ferving the
Lord." If God fends me to England zg-diUy I fnall try my
friends. However that be, I am perfuaded, that fufiering for
righteoufnefs fake, is the beft, the greateft preferment in the
church of Christ. But how does your little — I would not
willingly fay, your great idol. Pray accept a quarto^ bible for
,. - him.
LETTER s: 6^
him. Oh, my friend, give him up to God, and do not
provoke him, by over-rondnefs and too great indulgence, to
tiilce him from you. The little lambs on board improve brave-
ly; they bear the voyage beft of all. They are as lufty as
eagles : God has dealt moft gently with us. I hope I may
fay, the church in my houfe falute you and your wife. — I do
not forget her ; may fhc never reft till (he comes into the glo-
rious liberty of the children of Geo ! It is a blefied thing, my.
dear friend, to be the Lord's freeman. My heart is full j I
repent I have not allowed more paper. My dear Sir, excufs
and pray for
Your mod affedionate, though unworthy frfend,
LETTER LXXII.
My dear S>tftcr ?'« Christ, Phlladdphla^ Nov. lo, 1739.
WAN r of time, not want of refpecl, has prevented my
anfwering your kind letters. I efleem you highly for
Christ's fake. I believe you to be one whom God has
chofen out of the world, and hath fealed to the day of redemp-
tion. Nothing, therefore, (hall pluck you out of his hands.
Was it not for this promife,myfoul would be exceed ingforrow-
ful at the profpedt of what I may undergo. The innumerable
temptations that attend a popular life, fometimes make me
think it would be beft for me to withdraw. But then I con-
fider, that He, who delivered Daniel out o( the den of lions,
and the three children out of the fiery furnace, is able and
willing to deliver me alfo out of the fiery furnace of popularity
an'd applaufc, and from the fury of thofe, who, for preaching
Christ, and him crucified, are my inveterate enemies. In
his ftrength therefore, and at his command, whenever his
providence fliall call, I v/ill venture out again. As yet mv
trials have been nothing. Hereafter a winnowing time maj-
come ; then we {hall fee, who is on the Lord's fide, and wlio
dare to confefs Christ before men. None but thofe who
wholly rely on the Redeemer's righteoufnefs, and arc trulv
born again of God. Oh pray, that I may be found faithful.
Satan hath been very bufy with me fince I favv you, bur I truft
the Lord, by thefc inward trials, v»'ilKpurge mc, that T may
F 3 biin^
70 letters;
brinp: forth more fruit. Ceafe not to pray, that this may \i2
the happy cafe of,
Your fcrvant in the gofpel,
&. IK
LETTER LXXIII.
Dear Mr. • Philadelphia^ Nov, 10, 173^.
YOU cannot well conceive how conftantly you have ben
upon my heart, fince I faw you. I think there has been
a fympathy between your heart and mine. I have often pitied
my dying friend, and as often prayed, that he may leave a word
foL- God. I fay, prayed, for God alone can remove the load.
— I know too v/ell what fuch temptations are, to think they
may be overcome by our own ftrength. But, my dear Friend,
you and I, weak as we are, can do all things through Christ
ftrengthcning us. — Do you believe on the Son of Gop ^ AH
things are poilible to him that believeth. If the devil there-
fore continues his afiaults, refift him, ftedTaft in the faith. Re-
fifl him, my dear Friend, and he yvill flee from you ; rather
fuffer any thing, than be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
If you cannot overcome where you are, abfence, perhaps, may
cure you. Methinks, I would do and fufrer any thing, rather
than dear Mr. — — fliould be lecj av/ay.— My companions in
travel have an equal rclpcct for you. We have often joined
in prayer for you, when eating your cake. May God reward
you for that, and all your other kind refpccls and favours con-?
fcrred on, dear Mr. ,
Tour's moft affcdlicnately in Christ,
LETTER LXXIV.
Dear Madam^ Philadelphia, Nov, lO, 1 7 39.
I Should think myfelf highly ungrateful, did I not take all
opportunities of acknowledging the many kindnefTes I have
received at your hfinds. Your laft prcfcnts have been exceed-
ing ferviceable on board the {hip, and every time we have tafted
your bounty, I have endeavoured to dart up a fhort ejaculation
k)i our kind benefactbei^j. You cannot conceive, dear Mada7n,
t how
LETTERS. jn.
liow loving the Lord has dealt with us ; he has given us all
things richly to enjoy, and coniforted us on every fide. In-
deed rometimes he has been plcafcd to withdraw from me,
and to permit fatan to fend me a thoi n in the flclh. — But that
was only to fliew me my vilenefs, and to prepare me for fur-
ther manifcftations of his goodnefs to my foul. Our voyage
though long has not been teJious or burdenfome. My foul
wants retirement. — I dread coming out into the world again.
J am confidentj dear Madam, that you will pray for me, that
I may be kept unfpottcd from it. (.)h what a blefied Mafter
do we ferve ! His rod as well as flaff comforts the foul. His
corrections are all loving, and are only intended to make us
truly great. Though you fcemed to doubt, yet I hope to fee
you once more before you go hence. I cannot fay I expect
liberty long, if I fpeak boldly the truth as 1 ought to fpcak. —
Indeed there is no being a true chriflian, and yet holding with
the world, fo much as feme may imagine. Jesus Christ
calls us to fimplicity. I have often thought, dear Madam,
that you did not fee through the world enough. Numbers are
a^CGOunted chriftians, who have only a name to live. I pray
God to open all our eyes, that we may fee every thing clearly.
A time of perfecution will fhow who are Ijraelites indeed, and
who outfide profeilbrs. — I hope. Madam, that, when tried,
you will come forth as gold purified fevcn times in the fire. I
only fear for, and fufpe6t myfelf. — The Lord my righteouf-
iiefs will uphold me. Dear Madam, God only knows vv^ith
M'hiit gratitude I defire to fubfcribe myfelf
Yqur mcft oblij^cd friend and fervant,
LETTER LXXV.
Dear Adrs. - — ^ Philadelphia^ Nov. to, 1739.
WHEN laft abrond, I couKl not writ-e to you for want
of knov/ing your name. Blefled be God v.e have
fuicc been better acquainted, and 1 now know your name and
place of abode. May the God, whom I defn-e to ferve, richly
r<?ward you for receiving me into your houfe. You were one
of my moft conilant hearers j may you be my joy and crowa
. oi rejoicing in the day of the Lor d J cu s> 1 ti uli ere now,
F 4 you
71 LETTERS.
you have felt, that the kingdom of God does not conhft ia
word, but in power. I know that Mrs. would have nie
deal plainly with her foul; therefore I fliall not fcruple to tell
her, how I have fometimes thought fhe was not yet clearly
enough convinced of fin, and of the perfe6l righteoufnefs
wrought out for, and to be imputed to her, by the Lord
Jesus Christ, through faith in his blood. — Since I have been
on fliipboard, ble/Ted be God, his name has made my foul to
fmart, and caufcd me to fee more of my own wretchednefs.
Oh, Mrs. , you know not, neither do I myfelf know as
yet, what a myftery of iniquity is hid even in a heart timely
renewed. I faw a little of it the other day ; and had 1 not
known my Redeemer liveth, and that he ever livcth to make
interccffion for me, I mutt have funk into defpair :
But there s a voice offovereign grace
Sounds from the facred word; ^
Here ye defpairing ftnners come^
Jnd truji upon the Lord.
May God of his infinite m.ercy fo work upon you, that, at
at the laft day, you may be found having on the wedding-
garment ! was I to ftudy to eternity, I could wifh you nothing
better. May the ever-blefied God fay Amen to it. I hope
your little daughters are in good health. Dear Mrs. , ex^
hort them to renounce the luft of the eye and the pride of
life, and to abftain from all appearance of evil. I have a fin-
cere concern for you and yours, and with all poffible thanks
for your kind prefents and affection, I fubfcribe myfelf
Your fincere friend and fervant in Christ,
G. JK
LETTER LXXVI.
Dear Mrs. Philadelph'uiy Nov, 10, 1739.
AS I do not forget to pray for, fo I do not forget to write
to you, to make a proper acknowledgment of your and|
your hufband's love j exhorting you to fave yourfelves from
this untoward generation. Before I left London^ 1 perceived
God was working upon your foul. I truft the fame God,
fmce my departure, has carried it on, and that you are con-
vinced
J
LETTERS; ^5
Vinced of the fin of unbelief. Oh dear Mrs. _— , it is a
difficult thing to believe aright; it can only be given from
above. I know many of my acquaintance, who love to hear
me talk and preach, and who receive me gladly into their
houfes ; but alas ! I fear they are felf-righteous, and were
never yet truly convinced of fm. They have good dcfircs,
and therefore flatter themfelves, that they are good chriftians :
But I fear many of them are only fooliih virgins. I would
not have dear Mrs. ■■ or her hufband of this number.
If (he hath followed on to know the Lord, I am per-
fuaded ere now, fhe is in fome mcafure brought out of
herfelf, and taught of God to rely only on Jesus Christ
for wifdom, righteoufnefs, fan(3:ilication, and redemption.
If thus minded, your foul is at peace with God, itfelf, and
the world. If not, let her afk and it fhall be given her, let
her fcek and fhe fhall find, let her knock and a door of
mercy fhall be opened unto her. — All things are pollible to
him that believeth — Oh dear Mrs. , my heart is in-
largcd towards you ; I long for your falvation : prefs on and
faint not. Whenever I come, I fhall expe£l to fuffer. Bat
though we die for Christ, oh let us pray that we may
not deny him in any wife. Nothing but the free almighty
grace of God can uphold,
Your fincere friend in Christ,
G. IK
LETTER LXXVIL
R(V. and Dear Sir, Philadelphia , Nov. lo, 1739.
I Think I may fay of you, as the Samaritans did upon ano-
ther occafion, I believe you to be a true lover of our dear
Lord Jesus. Not merely becaufe my brother told me (g,
but becaufe I have it under his own hand. Your lad kirid
letter has knit my heart moft clofely to you. I love thofc that
thunder out the word. The chriftian world is in a deep fleep.
Nothing but a loud voice can awaken them out of it. 1 pray
God to llrengthen you more and more, and caufe you to
triumph in every place. Though abfent in body, I am pre-
fcnt with you in fplrit. It would rejoice me to hear of your
fuccefs in the Lord, In about a twelvemonth I purpofe, God
willing.
74 LETTERS.
willing, to return to England \ who knows but then I may fee
you face to face, and have foine fpiritual gift imparted to my
foiil ? I long to die to myfcif, and to be aHvc unto God. Me-
tbinics I would be alwjys upon the wing ; but alas ! I have
a body of fin, which at times makc^ me cry out, " who (hall
deliver me ?" I thank God, our Lord Jesus Christ will
deliver. But I never expecl intire freedom, till I bow down
my head, and give up the ghofb. Every freih employ, I find
brings with it frefn temptations. God always humbles
before he exalts me. Sometimes I fpeak and write freely, at
other times I am comparatively barren ; one while on the
mount, another while overfliadowed with a cloud ; but blefled
be God, at all times at peace with him, and afiured that my
fins are forgiven. I want to leap my feventy years ; I long to
be -diiVolved, and to be with Christ. But I mull be made
perfect by fufterings. I expert no other preferment. And
you no doubt will have your fliare. This is our comfort, if
we fufFer we fhall alfo reign w;th Christ ; haften on, O
Lord, thatbleffed time, when dear Mr. fhall fit
tiown at thy right hand, with all the fpirits of juft men made
perfect in heaven ! where I truft a feat, though of the Iqweft
cJafs, is prepared for
Your unworthy friend and fervant,
LETTER LXXVIIL
Rev. and Dear Sir y Philadelphia ^ Nqv. ic, 1739.
SINCE I favv you lafl, you cannot well tell with what
pleafure I have rcfledied on the uncommon power that
frequently attended the word at Bi\\Iey. It was to mc a figri
of God's good will, both to minifters and people. The for-
mer I was convinced of, before I left England. The laft fer-
mon I heard you preach, gave me much fatisfacftion. 1 hope
ere now you are convinced of the latter alfo, and have (een
fame good efre6\s amongft your parifhioners. However, this
1 am afiured of, we fliall all in due time reap the fruit of
our labours, if we faint not. Let me therefore exhort you,
by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, to continue un-
>ve^ripd in well doing. You have fccn the affiidlions of God's
fpiritual
LETTER S. 7^
fpiritual Ifrael. " Do and live," is moft they hear. But what
Is this, bat requiring them to make bricks without ftraw ?
Arii'e, arile, then, my dear Ml. i proclaim the Lord
to be their righteoufnefs. The everlafling JAM now fends
you forth : fay not they will difbelieve my report, for God
foems to have given his people the hearing ear and obedient
heart. Ycax not the face of man, for the Lord, if you go
out in his ftrcngth, fhall be with you, whitherfoever you go.
I hope my dear and honoured friend ere now luth prevented
my exhortations. Mcthinks I fee him, with all boldncfs de-
claring the whole counfel of God, and the attentive people
receiving joyfully the gracious words, which proceed out of
his mouth. Go on, my dear brother, go on j may the Lord
blefs you more and more, daily adding to the number of your
fpiritual children. — I thai^k you, from my foul, for alJ fa-
vours conferred on me, and I pray you may always confefs
our Lord and his difciples before men, My moft finccre re-
fpe6ts attend your help-mate and true yoke-fellow. You are
<:cnftantly upon my heart. My next joornal will acquaint
you how lovingly God hath dealt with
Your moft unworthy friend and fervant,
G, IF.
LETTER LXXIX.
J^hiu:dclph:n^ Nov. lo, 1 739.
AND how does my dear Mr. H —s? Is he yet com-
menced 7X Jield preacher ? I am perfuaded my dear friend
is under the guidance of God's fpirit, and therefore am con-
vinced he will be dirtvSled for the bell. He defircs to do his
Lord's will, and fhall he not know it? Undoubtedly he
{l:iall. Nay, ere now i»truft God has pointed out his way,
and he has been upon many a mount flretching out his hands,
and inviting all that are weary and heavy laden to come to
Jesus Christ. Oh my dear brother, though you come af-
ter me, yet I pray God, you may always be preferred before
me. I truft I fhall not envy, but rejoice in my brother's fuc-
cefs. At prefent, I flrfd 1 love him in the bowels of Jesus
ChR'Ist ; I am frequently with you in fpiiit, and (liall wait
\yith impatijpiicc till I hear of my dear brother'i progrefs in
the
76 LETTERS.
the Lord. Alas ! I fear I do not improve my retirement aS
I ought. God has gracioufly pleafcd to condud me in mercy.
The tempter has been bufy with me, and I never before was
more deeply wounded for fin. Christ's love will let no-
thing pluck us out of his hands. However, let us conftantly
watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation. The'
fpirit is willing, but the flcdi is weak. In about a twelve-
month, God willing, I think of returning to England, I
fhould rejoice, if you would come and fupply my placQ at
Savannah. If not, I muft refign the parfonage, and take upon
me only the care of the orphans. I intend bringing up two or
three, that are with me, for the miniftry : more, no doubt,
will {hortly be added to their number. If you could come
and teach them the languages, for an hour or two in the day ;
we could ferve both the orphan-houfe and parfonage to-
gether. Great things I truft will come out of Georgia. The
Lord Jesus direci: your fpirit, and if it be his will, fend you
as a help to, dear Sir,
Your's moft affecliojiately in Christ Jesus,
G\ IF.
LETTER LXXX.
Rev. and dear Sir y Philadelphia^ Nov» 10, 1739.
THOUGH but little acquainted with you, yet I write
this to afiure you, what a cordial refpe6l I have for
you. The love of GoD, which I truft, through his free grace,
is ftied abroad in both our hearts, conftrains me to love you
in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I remember you in m/
unworthy prayers, and am perfuaded I am not forgotten in
vour*s. No one more needs them, whether confidered as a
iprivate chriftian, or a public miniftcr ; thoufands are waiting
for my halting ; and I know fo much of the corruption of my
own heart, that was God to leave me to myfelf but one mo-
ment, I {hould with oaths and curfes deny my mafter. As,
for my final perfeverance, I blefs God, I have not the Icaft
doubt thereof, l^he gifts and callings of God are without
repentance. Whom he loves, I am perfuaded, he loves tq
the end. But then I fear, left being puffed up with abundance
of fuccefs, I fhould provoke the Lo?.D to Icr me fall into
fom«
LETTERS. 77
Come heinous fin, and thereby give his adverfliries reafon to
rejoice. A public life is attended with innumerable fnares ; ^r"
and a fcnfe of my uhworthinefs and unfitnefs fo weighs me
dovvii, that I have often thought it would be beft for me to
retire. But I know thefe are all fuggcdions of the enemy.
Why fhould I diftruft omnipotence ? Having had a legion of
devils cad out of my heart by the power of Christ, why
fhould I not tell what he hath done for my foul, for the en-
couragement of others. By the help of God, I will fpeak ;
and the more fatan bids me to hold my peace, the more ear-
nedly will I proclaim to believing faints, that Jesus the fon
of David will have mercy on them ; nay, I do not defpair of
publifliing thefe glad tidings even at JVethersfidd, In a little
above a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning. But
ere that time comes, I truft my dear Lord will purge mc,
that I may bring forth more fruit. — Satan has not been want-
ing to fift me as wheat ; but my friend, the friend of all,
even Jesus, has prayed for me, and as yet my faith hath not
failed. Oh had I a thoufand lives, my dear Lord Jesus
fhould have them all I For he is worthy, he hath plucked me
as a brand out of the burning, and is continually comforting
me on every fide — Read, read, dear Sir, the account I have
fent over to be publiflied of what God hath done for mc
in the days of my youth, and it will afford more thankfgiv-
ing and praife. — Pray in the behalf of, Sir,
Your moll afFedionate friend, brother, and fervant,
G. TF,
LETTER LXXXL
My dear Friend and Brother^ PJ/iladelphia^ Nov, lO, 1739.
I Love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ, as a proof of
it, I fend this. I heartily wifh I could correfpond with
you oftener. Your advice would always be feafonable to me ;
becaufe you have been a long time in the fchool of Christ.
lam butjuft: now entering the lift, and frequently tremble
at the confideration of what I am to do and fuffer. But
when I confidcr it is for Jesus Christ, who ha§ called me
by his free grace into his marvellous light, and has promifcd
to be with us always, even unto the end of the world, a di-
4 "vine
7$ LETTERS.
vine £re kindles in my heart, and I long to call the Imgring
battle on. Satan hath been bufy with me fmce I faw you,
efpecially fmce my retirement on fhip-board. I have often
thought of the folly of thofe, who go out of the world to
avoid temptation. Satan now buffets me more than when
confined in a (hip. I receive this as a great mercy at the hands
of the Lord to keep me in action, and to prepare me for
greater tokens of his love. Before I am exalted, I am always
\i humbled by fome inward trials. They are the moft foul-
grieving, but they are the nioR foul-improving confli^ls.
My dear friend, I can fay from my heart, *' I am the chief of
finners : " I feel myfelf fo wretched and miferable, fo blind
and naked in myfelf, that fatan would tempt me to v»^rite
to no one. But the Lord hath rebuked him, and after a
long tedious hour of temptation, fills my foul as it were with
marrow and fatnefs, and makeih my pen the pen of a ready
writer. Oh that my mouth was filled with his praifc 1 As
yet, blefTed be God, in my darkcft hours my evidences have
not been in the leaft clouded. I have been afTured my Lord
hath forgiven all my iniquities, tranfgreflions and fins, but
I cannot forgive myfelf. Oh that I fliould ever oflend againft
fuch dying love ! Pray for me, my dear brother, pray for
me, that I may never by pride or floth tempt the blefTed fpi-
rit to depart from me. I fear not falling finally ; for God I
believe chofe me in Christ before ever the earth and the
world were made, as a vclicl of his favirtg mercy ; but I fear
1 fhall provoke him to let me fall foully, and then how v.-ill
the Phiiyrines rejoice ? This confideration fometimes makes
me to wifh that the Lord would cut off my ftrength in my
iourney, and fhortcn my days. But wherefore do I fear ^
Ah me of little faith 1 You fee, my dear friend, how freely I
have unbofomed my heart to you. I cannot call you my
friend, and yet hide from you God's dealings with my foul.
Salute all that love our Lord Jesus in fincerity, and bcfcech
them to pray for your finccrc friciid, but the molt unprofita-
ble of hiii dear Lord's feivaiits^
G. n\
LETTER
LETTERS. 7^
LETTER LXXXIL
Rev. and Diar Sir, Pbiladdphia, Nov, lo, 1 7 39.
YOUR, kind letters, and kinder vifit, have made me
frequently to long for a more clofc correfpondence with
you. I find my heart drawn out in love towards you, and
had God fo ordered it, could have wiflicd to have perufcd
what you have written in my defence. I pray God to con-
fer on you that reward, which he has promifcd to give thofs
who confcfs him before men. If the gofpel continues to rum
and have fuch free courfe, I mud fufter, as well as preach
for my dear Lord Jesus. Oh lift up your hands, dear Sir^
in the congregations of the faithful, that I may willingly,
(if need be) refifteven unto blood ; but not with carnal wea-
pons. Taking the fword out of the hand of God's fpirit, I
fear has more than once {lopped the progrefs of the gofpel.
The Quaker s^ though wrong in their principles, yet I think
have left us an example of patient fuffering, and did more
by their bold, unanimous and perfevering teiiimonies, than
if they had taken up allahe arms in the kingdom, \n this
refpe^il I hope I fhali follow them as they did Christ, and
though I die for him, yet take up no carnaJ weapon in de-
fence of him in any Vv'ife. 7'he doiSlrines of our eledion,
and free juftification in Christ Jesus, are daily more and
more prelled upon my heart. They fill my foul with a \\o\v
fire, and afford me great confidence in God my Saviour.
Surely I am fafe, bccaufe put into his almighty arms.
Though I may fall, yet I (hall not utterly be caflavvay. The
fpirit of the Lord Jesus will hold, and uphold me. That
God may every day enrich you more and more with the
anointings of this fpirit, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend and
<jcar Sir,
Your moft obliged friend, brother, and f^:rvant in Christ,
LETTER
tQ LETTERS.
LETTER LXXXIir.
To the brethren in
Philadelphia^ Nov. xo, 1 7 39.
TWICE did I purpofe to come and fee you at '^
but was prevented by that all-wife providence, which
ordereth all things for the beft : however, though abfent, I
am not unmindful of you. As a tcftimony thereof I fend
you this. And oh that you may be filled with an holy fire,
and fuch an ardent zeal for God as even to eat you up !
Look round, look round, my brethren, and in imitation of
vour common Lord, weep over the defolations of the univer-
fity wherein you live. Alas ! how is that once faithful city
become an harlot ! Have pity upon her, ye that are friends,
and whatever treatment you may meet with from an ungrate-
ful world, endeavour at leaft to refcue fome of her fons out of
that blindnefs, ignorance, bigotry and formality, into v/hich
fhe is unhappily fallen. Arife, ye Tons of the prophets ; fhiine
forth, ye who are appointed to be the lights of the world. The
rulers of this world will endeavour to put you under bufliels j
but if your light is of God's kindling, all the devils in hell
ihall not be able to extinguifh it. Be not therefore, my
brethren, weary of well doing. Have you true faith ? keep it
not to yourfelves ; be willing, as occafion offers, freely ta
communicate it to others. How will you be apt to teach
hereafter, unlefs you begin to teach now ? None but thofe^
who are of a different fpirit from that meek man Mofes^ will
be offended at you. All God's people will wifh you God
fpeed. 1 am fure I do with all my heart. And I pray
God to fandtify your whole fpirits, fouls and bodies, and
make you veffels meet for our common Mafter's ufe ! for
none but thofe who have felt the fpirit themfelves, can freely
or feelingly fpeak of him to others. My dear brethren, for-
get not to pray for,
Your affet^tioAatc, though weak brother
and fervant in Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER
LETTERS. 8i
LETTER LXXXIV.
To .
My dear Brethren in CfIrist, Philadelphia^ Nov. lo, 1739.
THE cordial love I bear you, will not fufrer me to ncglc6l
writing to you : as God has been pleafcd to blel's my
miniftry to your fouls, To I think it my duty to watch over you
for good, and afTure you, cotiflantly you are all upon my
heart. Your laft letter gave me great pleafurc ; but it was
too full of acknowledgments, which I by no means dcferve*
To him alone, from whom every good and perfect gift comcth,
be all the thanks and glory, I heartily pray God, that you
may be burning and Ihining lights in the midft of a crooked
and perverfe generation. Though you are not of the church
of England^ yet if you are perfuaded in your own minds of the
truth of the way wherein you now walk, I leave it. How-
ever, whether Conformijls^ or Nonconformijls^ our main con-
cern (hould be, to be aflured that we are called and taught of
God ; for none but fuch are fit to minifter in holy things.
Indeed, my dear brethren, it rejoiced me much to fee fuch
dawnings of grace in your fouls ; only I thought moft of you
were bowed down too much with a fefvile fear of man : but
as the love of the Creator increafes, the fear of the creature
will daily decreafe in your hearts. Nicode?mis, who came at firft
by night to our Lord, afterwards dared to own him before
the whole council in open day. I pray God make you all thus
minded. For unlefs your hearts are free from worldly hopes
and worldly fears, you never will fpeak boldly, as you ought
to fpeak. The good old Puritans^ I believe, never preached s,
better, than when in danger of being taken to prifon as foon as
they had finifhed their fermon. And however the church may
be at peace now, yet I am perfuaded, unlefs you go forth
with the fame temper, you will never preach with the fame
demonftration of the fpirit, and of power. Study therefore, my
brethren, I befeech you by the mercies of God in Christ*
Jesus, fludy your hearts as well as books— afk yourfelves
again and again, whether you would preach for Christ, if
you were fure to lay down your lives for {o doing ? If you
fear the difpleafurc of a man for doing your duty now, aflure
Vol. I. G yourfelves
2
82 LETTERS.
youiTclves you are not yet thus minded. But enough of" this.
I love to hope well of you all. I truft, as you are enlightened
with fome degree of knowledge in the myfteriesof godlinefsjyou
will henceforth determine not to know any thing but Jesus
Christ, and him crucified. This is, and this, the Lord
being my helper, fliall be the only ftudy of, my dear brethren.
Your affediionate friend, brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER LXXXV.
RiV. and Dear Sir, Philadelphia^ Nov. lO, 1739.
WHY fo long filent during my ftay in England?
why did you not write me a letter of reproof, and
fmite me friendly for what you thought amifs in the difcourfe
between me and a friend at Brijlol? I fliould have taken it
kindly at your hands. When I am unwilling to be told of
my faults, dear Sir, correfpond with me no more. If 1 know
any thing of this treacherous heart of mine, 1 love thofe mod,
who are mod faithful to me in this refpedi: : henceforward, dear
Sir, I beftech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus,
fpare me not. I am blind, I am full of felf-pride, and felf-
love, and yet know it not. Blcfied be God, who during my
retirement has been pleafed to let me fee fomething of my
own vilenefs. I truft he will never leave nor forfake me,
till I know myfelf even as I am known. I need not fear
the fight of fin, when I have a perfe(51: everlafting rightQOufnefs
wrought out for me by that GoD-man Christ Jesus. The
riches of his free grace, caufe me daily to triumph overall the
temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and feeks
all occafions to difturb me. The Lord Christ is my helper,
and the lifter up of my head. It is good for me to be tempted.
By inward trials I truft my divine maftcr will prepare roe for
his future mercies. I am perfuadcd I fha'l yet fee great things,
and be called to fufier for his name fake. Through much
tribulation, I muft enter into glory. Lift up your hands,
dear Sir, when praying at the fancluary, in my behalf; in-
treat the fame favour of the elecSl lady. As I am enabled,
it ftiail be returned 3 and, GoD willing, when I come next
4 to
L E t t E R S. 8j
to knghml^ you may expert a vifit from, dear and reverend
Sir,
Your moil obliged friend and fcrvant,
LETTER LXXXVI.
My Pjv. and very dearBrother^ Philadelphia^ Nov, lo. 1 7 30.
EVER fmce fincc I was favoured with your laft mod en-
dearing letter, you have been upon my heart more and
more. As I wiih all the Lord's fervants were prophets, fo it
gives me uncommon pleafure, when the Lord raifes up one
of our own church. Believe me, dear Sir, when I look upon
her defolations, I can fcarce forbear weeping over her. But
blefled be God, who has been pleas'd to vifit her in this our
day. Henceforward, I truft (he will be a joyful mother of
fpiritual children. Many of late, under God, have been be-
gotten by fome of her fons through the gofpel, amongft whom
I may reckon • : He has been I believe, and truft will
ftill be the ghoftly father of many fouls. May he increafe
with all the increafe of God, and appear before his redeemer
at the laft day, faying, *' Behold me, O Lord, and the chil-
dren which thou haft given me." Oh dear Sir, words cannot
exprefs how affedionately I defire to efteem and love you.
None but the all -feeing God knows how carneftly I pray and
defire to labour for the profperity of Jerufalem, Had we a
thoufand hands -iwi tongues^ there is employment enough for
them all : people are every where ready to perifh for lack of
knovv'ledge. As the Lord has been pleafcd to revcad hi's
dear Son in us. Oh let us ftir up that gift of God, and with
all boldnefs preach him to others. Freely we have received,
freely let us give ; what Christ tells us by his fpirit in our
clofets, that let us proclaim on the houfe top. FIc who fends,
will protect us. All the devils in hell (hall not hurt us, till
we have finiftied our teftimony. And then, if we fhould feal
it with imprifonment or death, well will it be with us, and
happy (liall we be evermore ! But the proof of our fm-
cerity, will be Vv^hen we come to the trial. I fear for no one io
much as myfelf. Dear Sir, pray that you never may have
reafoa to be aflianied of the
Moft unprofitable of our Lord's fervants,
(?. IK
G 2 LETTER.
84 LETTERS.
LETTER LXXXVII.
Dear Mr. , Philadelphia^ Nov. IC, I73'9'
I Hope dear brother hath fatisfied you about the que-
ries in your laR. I truft you are not angry with me for
being fo long filent. Excefs of bufinefs was the caufe. I
write you this, my dear brother, to afllirc you I have not for-
gotten you. No, you are upon my heart j I pray for your
profperity both in body and foul, and hope ere v/e die to take
another tour with you round Wales. God has dealt moCt
lovingly with us on fliip-board. We had very fair weather
moft part of our way. Both the good and bad fpirit have
been with us in the fhip. The one to tempt and terrify, the
other to fuppcrt and comfort. I need not tell you which has
prevailed. Who fliall ftand before the fpirit of Jesus Christ ?
I have had great intimations from above concerning Georgia,
Who knows but we may have a college of pious youths at
Savannah? I do not defpair thereof. ProfeJJor Fra?2ks' sunder^-
taking in Germany has been much preiled upon my heart. I
really believe that my prefent undertaking will fucceed. A'ly
dear brother, call down a bleffing by your prayers. The Lord
will hear thofe who put their truft in his mercy through
Christ. You fee, you know, how many would rejoice at,
and do wait for my halting. Befeech^the Lord that they may
be difappointed of their hope ; intreat the people of Wales to
join with you. I love them moft tenderly. I hope, at my
return, to fee them grown in grace. I pray God fo to im-
prove my retirement, that my progrefs may be made known
unto them all. Salute them moft affe6:ionately in my name,
and exhort them to continue inflant in. prayer and thankf-
givings for, dear and honoured Sir,
Your fellow pilgrim and labourer in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER LXXXVIIL
My dear hr other in Chri/?^ Phikdelphia^ Nov, 10, 17 JQ.
AS there has been joy in heaven at your converfion, fo I
can afTure you there has been on earth. I, and my
fri'endf, have not failed to ^ive thanks, that you our brother
was
LETTERS. 85
was dead, but is alive again ; was lofl, but is found. Oh
blellbd be God for calling you at the eleventh hour. Doth
not this difplay the riches of his free grace ; and ought it not
to fill you with his praife all the day long ? I wonder not that
you are already become a fool for Christ's fake. All that
will live godly in him muft fuffer perfecution. But fear not
man. The Lord of Hosts HvdW be with you ; the ftrength
of that God who hath called you fhall be your refuge. As
you have not ^ong to live in this world, Satan, no doubt,
will rage moft horribly againft you. Watch and pray that
you enter not into temptation. Your cafe, God willing, I
intend to publifli in my next journal. It is good to keep clofe
the fecrets of a king, but it is honourable to fpeak of the
works of the Lord. That God may carry on and finifli
the good work begun in your foul, is the hearty prayer of
Your affedlionatc friend and brother in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER LXXXIX.
Dear Adifs B. Philadelphia^ Nov, lO, 1 7 39.
THOUGH, when I came firft to London, 1 thought you
had not made the progrefs which might be expected in
the twelve months, for want of company ; yet your laft beha*
viour gave me reafon to think that you was yet alive to God,
Oh, dear Mifs B , do not flumber or fleep, but be always
trimming your fpiritual lamp, knowing you are fliortly to
meet the Bridegroom. Study to fhew the fimplicity of Jesus
Christ, and ftrive to imitate thofe holy matrons, who not
only adminiftred to our Lord of their fubftance, but alfo fol-
lowed him to the accurfed tree. Love, love to Jesus, cads
out fear. No doubt they were reproached for his name fake,
and accounted mad women ; but they had a faith which en-
abled them at that time to overcome the world, and by which
they climbed up to heaven. May dear Mifs B be thus
minded ! And may I fee her at the laft day amongft the wife
vir2;ins! Cultivating an acquaintance with Mifs D , ajid
the Mifs C 'j, will be a ftcp towards bringing you thither.
Dear Mifs B , I am your friend and fcrvant
G. jr.
G 3 LET T L R
S6 LETTERS,
LETTER XC.
To my Brother.
Philadelphia^ Nov. IC, 1739.
THOUGH I have wrote now for fome years to my dear
brother, and have availed nothing, yet I cannot cea(e
ftriving with him ; Vv'ho knows but at length the Almighty
may remove the fcalcs from his eyes, and enable him to fee
the want of a Redeemer. Indeed, my dear brother, you do
not fee it yet, becaufe you do not feel it ; your moral honcfly
and good nature deceives you. You think you are rich, and
increafed in goods, and do not confidcr that you are poor and
miTerable, blind and naked. You are felf- righteous, and do
not rely on the righteoufnefs of the God-Man, Christ
Jesus, for falvation. What would I give was my dear bro-
ther convinced of this ? P'or, till he is convinced, he is
niiferable, and docs not knov/ it. I pray God to open your
eyes with a fenfe of his love. Send me a line to Georgia.
God has fent us a comfortable paflage. In about a twelve-
month I expc6t: to return. Be not furprifed if you hear of
my being more caft out. We muft fufFer, as well as do, for
Christ. If you are one of his you will rejoice
Your afiedlionatc brother,
G. J'K
LETTER XCI.
To Madam M— .
Philadelphia^ Nov. lO, 1739.
I Cannot think of the repeated affiftances you gave me by
the loan of your coach, and at the fame time forbear
fending you a line of thanks. But what is of greater con-
cern, I think it m.y duty to write to you about a more im-
portant affair ; I mean the falvation of your precious and
immortal foul. God was pleafed to incline your heart. Madam,
to hear and receive the word with joy. Neither the cares of
the v/orld, nor the deceiifulnefs of riches, I trud have been
permitted to choak, and hinder the growth of it in your foul.
Indeed, Madam, you cannot be too watchful. It is ablelTed,
and careful thing, to be a true Chriflian. The liril ftcp to it
is
LETTER S. 87
is a broken heart, a heart melted down with a fenfe of fin,
and flying to Jesus Christ for righteoufnefs, fantftificntion
and eternal redemption. Thoufands indeed place chriftianity
in good dcilres, and the having good deftres ; but this and
much more a perfon may have, and yet mifcarry at laft. Pure
and undeHled religion confiTcs in a lively faith in Jesus
Christ, as the only mediator between God and man. A
faith that changes and renews the whole foul, takes it entirely
oft' the world, and fixes it wholly upon God. This, Madam,
is the faith that you have fo often heard me preach, and of
which I pray GoD you may be a partaker. Though you
have it not yet, you need not defpair ; God v/ill give it to
all who fmcerely afk of him. It is true. Madam, that not
many mighty are called ; but it is not your riches (hall keep
you from heaven if you truly believe on the Lord Jesus.
Paith in him will enable you to overcome the world, and
caufe you even to triumph over the luft of the eye and the
pride of life. Faith will fet you above the fear of man, and
enable you to rejoice in being accounted a fool for Christ's
fake. That God may impart this faith to your own, and
little m.after's foul, is the hearty prayer of, Adadam,
Your obliged humble fervant,
G. TK
I
LETTER XCII.
DeGr hr other H. Philadelphia^ Nov, 10, 1739.
Con£;!atulate you on your fuccefs at Monmouth. God
__ has yet further work for you to do, ere you are called be-
fore rulers and governors, for his name fake. By divine per-
mifFxon, in about a twelve-month, I hope to make a fecond
ufe of your field pulpits. Our principles agree, as face an-
fwers to face in the water. Since I faw you, God has been
pleafed to enlighten me more in that comfortable do6trinc of
Eleclion^ &c. At my return, I hope to be more explicit than
1 have been. God forbid, my dear brother, that we fliould
Ihun to declare the whole counfel of God. The people of
IVaUa are much upon my heart. I long to hear how the
Gofpel flourlflies among you. How profpers your in-
y/ard man ? Being always doing, no doubt you grow in
G 4 grace.
8S LETTERS.
grace. May you increafe with all the increafc of God ! You
will fee my letters to Mr. Jones, &c. As faft as I can, the
reft of our Welch friends fhall hear from me. Oh that I
may never forget their works of faith and labours of love I
Salute them moft afFedionately in my name ; and exhort them,
my dear brother, to contend carneftly for the faith once deli-
vered to the faints. Put them in mind of the freenefs and
eternity of God's ele61:ing love, and be inftant with them,
to lay hold on the perfedl: righteoufnefs of Jesus Christ by
faith. Talk to them, oh talk to them, even till midnight, of
the riches of hisall-fufficient grace. Tell them, oh tell them,
what he has done for their fouls, and how carneftly he is now
interceding for them in heaven. Shew them in the map of
the word, the kingdoms of the upper world, and the tran-
fcendent glories of them ; and afiure them all {hall be theirs,
if they believe on Jesus Christ with their whole hearts.
Prefs them to believe on him immediately. Interfperfe
prayers with your exhortations, and thereby call down fire
from heaven, even the fire of the Holy Ghoft,
*T^o foften, fweeien a7id refine ^
And melt them into love.
Speak every time, my dear brother, as if it was your laft ;
weep out, if pofTible, every argument, and as it were com-
pel them to cry, Behold how he loveth us. Remember me,
Remember me in your prayers, as being ever, evef
Yours, &c.
G, TV,
LETTER XCIII.
To Mr. and Mrs. D ,
My dear Friends, Philadelphia, Nov, lO, 1 7 39.
WH E N I confider how conftantly you attended my
miniftry, how gladly you received me into your
houfe, and how affectionately you took your laft farewell ;
methinks gratitude obliges mc to fend you a line. It hath
often given me pleafure to fee in what harmony you feem to
Jive, and how you walked to hear the word of God as friends,
purely, thought I, thefe are a happy pair, Thefe I truft are
Jielp-meets
LETTERS. 89
help-meets for each other. Oh that you may go on and prof-
pcr, and be plentifully rewarded for the favours (hewn to me,
the moft unprofitable of our Lord*s fcrvants : he will not
forget your works of faith and labours of love. Whenever
you attend his word preached, I hope he will fend you rcplc-
nifhed away. Oh that all knew what it is to believe in
Jesus ! How foon would they renounce the world, take up
their crofs and follow him ! Lord evermore give us all this
faith, even a faith working by love ; a faith that will enable
us to overcome the world, and caufc us to fhake off all fear
of man. Pray give my due refpeds to your friend and his
wife, who ufed to dine with us. I pray God fantSlify you
all in fpirit, foul and body, and caufe you to fit down on his
right hand with
Your afFe.dionate, though moft unworthy,
Fiiend and fervant in Christ,
G. IF,
LETTER XCIV.
To the Rev. Mr. P .
Reverend Sir, Philacklphla, Nov. 10, 1739.
YOU may juftly cenfure me as unkind for not anfwering
your kind letter. I can only plead by way of excuic
an hurry of bufmefs, and my fuddcn departure from Eng-
landf At my return, Gop willing, I purpofe to fee Nciv-
hury, and there to preach the Gofpcl of the Prince of Peace.
Perhaps my enemies may have fo much power given them from
above, as to confine my body: but if I am bound, the word
of the Lord will not be bound. God will fpeak, and great
(hall be the company of preachers. It often rejoices me to
think what a profpc£i: we have once again of hearing the
truth preached as it is in Jesus. I hope we fhall catch fire
from each other, and that there will be an holy emulation
amon^ft us, who fliall moft dcbafe man and exalt the Lord
Jesus. Nothing but the doctrines of the Reformation can
do this. All others leave freewill in man, and make him, in
part at leaft, a Saviour to himfclf. My foul come not near
'^ the fecrct of thofc who tc^ch fuch thi.ngs, mine honour be
not
2
go LETTER S.
not thou united to them. I know Christ is all in all. Man
is nothing : he hath a free will to go to hcl), but none to go
heaven, till God worketh in him to will and to do after his
good pleafure. It is God muft prevent, God muft accom-
pany, God muft follow with his grace, or Jesus Christ
will bleed In vain. That God may continue his blefiing to
us both, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Your obliged brother and fervant,
G. JV,
LETTER XCV.
Dear Mr. , Philadelphia, Nov. lo, 1739.
WA S not my heart with your heart, When we rode by
the way and talked to each other concerning the
Scriptures ? I thought our fouls tallied together, and that we
had both drank of the fame fpirit. 1 have often, fmce that
time, admired the grace of God In you, and even now feci
my foul, whilft I am writing, intimately united with yours.
What is all this, but the etfecSl and fruit of God's everlafting
love through Christ our Lord ? What is it, but an in-
ftance of the fovereign will and good pleafure of God, who
will have mercy on whom he will have mercy? Oh how doth
the free, the diftinguifliing grace of God excite the love of
thofe, who are made partakers of it ! What was there in you
and In me, dear Mr. , that fliould move God to chufe
XLS before others ? Was there any fltnefs forefeen in us^ ex-
cept a litnefs for damnation ? I believe not. No, God chofe
us from eternity, he called us In time, and I am perfuaded
will keep us from falling finally, till time fhail be no more.
Confider the Gofpel in this view, and it appears a confident
fcheme, though diredly contrary to the natural man ; and
nothing convinces me more of the truth of thefe do(5lrines,
than the enmity that is in the heart of carnal minds againft
them. However, the power of God is able to pull down
every thing that exalts itfelf againft the knowledge of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Henceforward I hope I (hall fpeak
boldly and plainly as I ought to fpeak, and not fail to declare
the whole counfcl of God. I pray daily, that I may know
his w^ill more perfcdly, not only that I may do it myfelf, but
that
LETTERS. 91
that I may teach it to others. If I die for it, I cannot but
fpeak the things which I know. Oh my dear friends, lift up
your hands for me in the fan£tuary. The prayers of the faith-
ful, God will hear. Entreat the fame favour of your brother.
I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and remem-
ber you often when I go in and out before the Lord : He has
been with us in the fliip. His rod has corrciSted, his ftafFhas
comforted us ; both his rod and ftafF have edified and
flrengthened our fouls. In a year's time I hope to fee England.
My love to all friends, and befcech them to pray that I may
be prepared for whatever awaits
Your affedtionate brother and fervant in Christ Jesus,
G. JK
LETTER XCVI.
To Mrs. Ann D.
My dear Sifter /« C H R i s t , Philadelphia^ Nov. lo, I J 29-
I Owe you feveral letters, I will pay you one now ; have
patience with me and I will pay you all. If any one ought
to long to enjoy the communion of faints hereafter, I ought in
a particular manner. God has highly favoured me in the ac-
quaintance of numbers of his dearefi: children. I cannot fee
fome, and to but hw of them can I write, on account of other
bufniefs. Haften, O Lord, that blelTed time, when we fhall
all fit dov/n to eat bread in thy kingdom ! — My dear Sifter,
pray that I may patiently wait till my change (hall come. I
want to leap my feventy years. I long to be dilTolved to be
with Christ. Sometimes it arifes from a fear of fallino-,
knowing what a body of fm I carry about me. Sometimes,
from a profpe6l of future labours and fufFerings, I am out of
humour, and wifh for death 2.s Elijah did : At others, I am
tempted, and then I long to be freed from temptations. But
it is not thus always : There are times when my foul hath fuch
foretaftes of God, that I long more eagerly to be with him ;
and the frequent profpe6l of the happinefs which the fpirits of
juft men made perfedl: now enjoy, often carries me as it were
into another world. Many fuch fweet meditations hath my
foul been favoured with ; but in the midft of all, I have felt,
2nd do feel, that I am the chief of finncrs. A myftcry of ini-
quity
92 LETTERS.
quity that lay in my heart undifcovered, has been opened to my
view, fincc my retirement in the fliip. May he enlighten me
more and more, to know and feel the myftcry of his elecling,
foul-transforming love. Nothing like that, to fupport us un-
der prefent, and all the various future trials which await us.
But the Lord has apprehended us, and will not let us go.
Men and devils may do their worft j our Jesus will fuffer no-
thing to pluck us out of his Almighty hands ; for he has loved
us with an everlafting love, and therefore his right-hand fliall
uphold us. By his affiftance, we fliall hold out to the end.
By his grace, I, you, and all his chofen ones fhall finally be
faved. Then, my dear Sifter, fhall we converfe, not with ink
and paper, but face to face. I'hen, but not till then, fliall we
fully know what a legion of devils Jesus Christ hath caft
out of our fouls, and how, after all our ftrivings againft, and
quenching many of the motions of his fpirit, he at Jaft brought
us to glory. Ceafe not to pray for
Your unworthy brother in Christ,
G. IF,
LETTER XCVII.
To the Rev. Mr. R.
My dear Brother R, Philadelphia y Nov, lO, 1739.
BEFORE I left England^ I heard of your progrefs in
LeiccJlerPnre and Nottingham. I then rejoiced, yea, and
I do now rejoice that God hath fent you forth into his vine-
yard. I wi(h you all imaginable fuccefs with my whole heart,
l^he next news I hear from England^ I fuppofe, will inform
me of your fuffering, as well as preaching for Christ. But I
am pcrfuaded a profpeil of fuffering does not damp, but excite
the zeal of my dear fcUow-Iabourer. He lives in a place where
honeft John Bmiyan was a prifoner of the Lord for twelve
years. And oh, what fweet communion did he enjoy in Bed-
ford gaol ! I really believe a miniftcr will learn more by one
month*s confinement, than by a year's fludy. Prefs on then,
my dear Brother, prefs on and faint not 3 fpeak till you can
fpeak no more. Wait upon the Lord, and you fliall renew
yourftrength. Though fometimes faint, yet ftill purfue. Up
and be doing, and the Lord be with you. See how the fields
are
LETTERS, 93
are white, every where ready to harveft. See how our Lord's
fhcep are I'cattered abroad, having too, too few true flicp-
herds ; I befcech jou, go on, and pouit out to them the Re-
deemer's good paftures. Say not, wherewithal fliall I feed
them? The great fliepherd fliall furnifli you with food enough,
and to fpare. Give of your loaves, and you fhall take up of
the fragments that remain. T.'o him that hath, fliall be given.
Satan no doubt will refill: you ; he will bid you, out of a falfc
humility, to hold your peace ; but let my friend fpeak out
boldly as he ought to fpeak. The Holy Spirit will give him
utterance, and apply the word to the hearers. If prayers may
water the good feed, you may depend on mine. I remember
the dear Bedford people. O let them not forget
Your poor weak brother in Christ,
G, JV,
LETTER XCVIIL
To the Rev, Mr. T.
Reverend and dear SiKy Philadelphia, Nov, 10, 1739.
BEFORE I faw, I loved you. Ever fmce our perfonal ac-
quaintance, I have often thought, what a noble inftru-
ment you might be of turning many to righteoufnefs, if your
heart was entirely freed from the world, and inflamed with the
love of God. Your vivacity of fpirit, your warm imagina-
tion, the energy and ftrength of your endearing manner of
writing, together with your loving, tender difpofition, if orice
duly influenced by the fpirit of God, could not fail of winning
fouls to Christ. Come out therefore my brother, my friend ;
come out from among your carnal connections, and " be
thou feparate," faith the Lord Almighty. Throw ofFa falfe
politenefs, ftudy the fimplicity of Jesus Christ, and be dc-
fpifed for fomething. O pity^pity the church o^ England. See-
how too, too many of her fons are fallen from her articles, and
preach themfclves, not Christ Jesus the Lord. My dear
friend, I could wifh my head was waters, and my eyes foun-
tains of tears, that I might weep day and night before the
Lord. O let us befeech him to fpirit up more of his faithful
fervants, to go out into the highways and hedges, and compel"
poor finncrs to come in. Oh that dear Mr. T. may be one of
them !
94 LETTERS.
them ! How would the fplrit of Christ and of glory rc{l uport
his foul ! Arifc, arife, my dear brother, and gird up the loin*
of your mind. Arife, arife, and be not of the number of thofe
who only fleece their flocks. Lift up your voice like a trumpet,
and preach the truth as it is in Jesus. Dear Mr. T. forgive
this freedom. My heart is full. I long to have the pure
fcripture truths, as delivered in our homilies and our articles,
preached up univcrfally. This is all that is contended
for, by
Your moft unworthy friend, brother, and fervant
in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. JV,
LETTER XCIX.
To the Rev. Mr, D. TV,
Reverend and dear Sir .y Philadelphia^ Nov. 10, 1 739.
I Love you, though I have been fo ungrateful as not to write
to you. I love you in the bowels of our common Mafter
whofe name we bear, and in vvhofe glorious fcrvice we are both
employed. Oh, dear Sir, what are we that we fhould be fo
highly favoured I Why are we honoured ? Why are we called
to the miniftry, and others that are efFecSluaily called by grace,
yet advanced no higher than private chriftians ? I can only
cry out. Oh the depth of God's fovereign, ele<Sling, unmerited
love. Even fo Father, for fo it feemed good in thy fight \
Surely, dear Sir, the love of Christ muft conftrain us to-
fpend and be fpent for the good of fouls. Never was the har-
veft greater; never were the labourers fewer. If we do not
now lift up our voices like trumpets, the very ftones would;
cry out againft us. I could almoft fay, " the glory is de-
parted from Ifrael; the ark of the Lord is fallen into enemies
hands." Oh let us endeavour, dear Sii', let us endeavour to
bring it back, by preaching and living the truth as it is in
Jesus. The light that has been given us, is not to be put
vnder a bufliel, but on a candleftick. Satan, indeed, by
blafts of pcrfecution, will do all he can to put it out. If our
light be the light of Christ, thofe blafts will only caufe it tO'
fhine the brighter. You have Irappily, dear Sir, experienced
this. You, I believe, was both in Christ and in the
miniftry
LETTERS. 95
minlftry before me. I pras, fequar, etfi non pafTibus equis.
The devil and all his hofts will let their battle in array againft
us. My Lord has given me a fling and a ftone j {tripling as
I am, I will go forth then in his ftrength, make mention of his
righteoufncfs only, and by that lay proftratc the ftrong Goliahs.
By your prayers I truft to be fent to Wales once more. The
hmplicity of that people much delights me. What (hall, what
can I do for them ? My prayers they have, and whatever
God fliall enable me to do, they may demand a fhare from,
dear Sir,
Your afFe6lionate friend, brother, and fervant,
G. TV,
LETTER C.
To the Rev, Mr. H,
Dear Mr. H, Philadelphia., Nov. lo, 1739.
I Received no anfwer to my laft, yet I muft write to you again.
The many happy hours I fpent with you when at Oxoriy
and the benefit I have received from your inflruclions and ex-
ample, are yet frefli upon my memory. I long to have my
dear friend come forth, and preach the truth as it is in Jesus.
Not a righteoufncfs or inward holinefs of our own, whereby
we may make ourfclvcs meet, but a righteoufncfs of another,
even the Lord our righteoufncfs j upon the Imputation and
apprehending of which by faith, we ihall be made meet by
his Holy Spirit to live with, and to enjoy God. Dear Mr.
H. it is an excellent thing to be convinced of the freenefs and
riches of God's grace in Christ Jesus. It is fwect to know
and preach, that Christ juftifies the ungodly, and that all
truly good works are not fo much as partly the caufe, but the
^^of our juftiiication before God. Till convinced ofthefe
truths, you muft own free-will in man, which isdireilly con-
trary to the holy fcriptures, and the articles of our church.
Let me advife dear Mr. H. laying afide all prejudice, to read
and pray over Saint Paul's cpiftles to the Romans and GaIaiia?2Sy
and then let him tell me v/hat he thinks of this dodlrine. Moft
of your old friends are now happily enlightened. God fets
his feal to fuch preaching in an extraordinary manner, and I
am perfuaded the gates of hell fhall never be able to prevail
againft
^6 LETTERS.
agalnft it. Oh that dear Mr. H. would alfo join with us ?
Oh that the Lord would open his eyes to behold aright this
part of the myftery of godlinefs ! How would it rejoice my
heart ! How would it comfort his own foul ! He would then
no longer groan under the fpirit of bondage : No, he would
be brought into the glorious liberty of the fons of God. I
, have wrote to dear Mr. 0, as well as to you, out of the fim-
plicity of my heart.
Ever your's in Christ,
G. JV.
L E T T E R CI.
To the Rev, Mr. K.
Dear Brother K. Philadelphia^ Nov. IC, 1739.
I Long to hear how it is with you, and the church in your
houfe. I verily believe, though it is but a little flock^ yet
it will be our heavenly Father's good pleafure to give you the
kingdom. Hov/ happy is it, when all are of one mind in a
houfe y all agreed to entertain and love the Lord Jesus.
Their heaven is begun on earth. I pray God to continue
this blefling, and caufe you daily to build up each other in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is
a o;racious Mafter. Oh that I knew and loved him more ! for
he is altogether lovely. Has he yet revealed himfelf in dear
Mr. K,*s heart ? Is he aflured that his beloved is his ? Is he
brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God ? Is
his mind free from fcruples ? Is he active ? Is he pundual ?
Is he ftrong in the Lord and in the power of his might? Is
the meeknefs of the lamb and theboldnefs of the lion blended
in his foul ? Do his parifhioners fear, yet love him ? Is he a
Boanerges^ and yet a Barnabas in the church of God ? Does
he thunder againfl: obftinate fmners, and by difplaying the
riches of the promifcs, comfort and build up the faints ? Dees
he preach as the fpirit gives him utterance ? Can he rely on
the promife, '' L9 I am with you always, even unto the end
of the world ?"
Forgive this freedom, my dear broiher. Love makes me thus
impertinent. I want to fee you perfect, entire, lacking no-
thing. May Gcd from day to day fupply what is flill defi-
cient
L E T T E R S. 97
cicnt in you and in me, till we come to the fulncfs of ihc mea-
sure oF the ftature of Christ. He is faithful that has pro-
mifed. God has been gracious to me his fervant. In about
a twelvemonth, I hope you will again fee and rejoice with
Your affedioiiate brother in Christ,
G. IK
LETTER GIL
Dear Mrs, F. Philadelphia^ Nov, lO, 1739.
THE Lord reward you for all your works of faith and
labours of love ! They {hall be brought forth as fo
many evidences of your lively faith, when we meet before our
Lord in judgment. Does not the profpe«£l: of that glorious
day, often fill your foul with joy ? It does mine* Why ? Be^
caufe I know my Redeemer is to be my judge* Satan will
accufe mej my anfwer fhall be, the Lord Jesus is my righte-
oufnefs, how dareft thou to lay any thing to the charge of
God*s Ele6l ? I ftand here not in my own, but his robes ; and
though I deferve nothing as a debt, yet I know he will give me
a reward of grace, and recompence me for what he has done
in and by me, as though I had done it by my own power.
Oh, dear Mrs./', how ought this to excite our zeal and love for
the holy Jesus. Why fhould we defire to plead for a righteouf-
jiefs of our own, and cry up freewill, when we have an infinitely
better righteoufnefs than our own to appear in, and a God that
wiilcrown us with eternal glory for working in us both to will and
to do after his good pleafure ? Happy are you and your*s, that
have been taught thefe glorious principles from your youth !
Oh (hew them forth more and more by your works, and let
the world fee what it is to have a faith working by love. Study,
oh ftudy, day by day, the fimplicity of Jesus Christ. Caft
away every thing from you that favours of the lull of the eye
and pride of life. Be quick to hear, flow to fpeak, and let your
converfation always be feafoncd with grace. Oh, dear Mrs. F.
my heart is enlarged towards you : My kind, my liberal hoflefs,
what ihaU I fay or do to exprefs my gratitude ? I will, I do
fpeak for you to the king of kings. Though I am fo great a
finner, he frequently admits me into his privy chamber, and
then I often figh out, *' O that my dear i^^^^^r^ friends may live
Vol. L H before
98 LETTERS.
before thee." This is all the return, dear Mrs. F. that I can
make. It is a prophet's reward. Being my all, though but two
mites, I know you will accept it from
Your moft obliged friend and fervant,
G. IV.
LETTER cm.
To Mr, S,
Rcvcnnd and dear Sir, Philadelphia, Nov. lo, 1739.
I Rejoice that God fent you fo opportunely to Monmouth : I
find every day that two are better than one. God fufFers
his dear children to fall into little mifcarriages, that the eye
■may not fay to the hand, " I have no need of thee ;" or again,
the head to the foot, '' I have no need of thee." We muft
be helps to each other on this fide eternity. Nothing gives
me more, comfort, next to the alTurance of the eternal con-
tinuance of God's love, than the pleafmg refledion of having
fo many chriftian friends to watch with my foul. I wifh they
would fmite me friendly, and reprove me oftner than they do;
I would force my proud heart to thank them. But I am
amazed at your coming ofFfo triumphantly. Surely the devil
is afleep, or rather that roaring lion thinks to break out upon
us with double fury hereafter. It often fhames me, when I
read St. Paul's account of his fufferings, to think in how few
particulars I can as yet fympathize with him. It as often
makes me long to be like him, and yet I fear how I fhall ad:
when put to the trial. This, however, is my comfort, " Jesus
Christ the fame yefrerday, to-day, and for ever.". He faw
me from all eternity j he gave me being •, he called me in
time ; he has freely juftified me through faith in his blood ; he
has in part fan6tified me by his fpirit ; he will prcfcrve me
underneath his everlafling arms, till time fliall be no more.
Oh the blcfTednefs of thefe evangelical truths ! Thcfe are in-
. deed gofpel ; they are glad tidings of great joy to all that have
"ecTS to hear. Thefe, bring the creature out of himfelf. Thefe,
.make him to hang upon the promifes, and caufe his obedience
.'to. flpw from a principle of love. They are meat indeed, and
t dj^ink (indeed unto, m.y foul. lam pcrfuaded they are fo like-
5 wife
LETTERS. gg
wife to you and dear Mrs. S . I hope fhe is yet in the
land of the living, and that fhe, yourfclf, and your Ton, are daily
preparing for eternity. I pray God fancftify your whole fpirits,
fouls, and bodies, and reward you for all kindnefles Ihewn to,
dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fcrvant in Christ,
LETTER CIV.
To the Rev. Mr. T.
Reverend and dear Sir ^ Philadelphia^ Nov. lO, 1739.
SHALL I promife and not perform ? God forbid. When
I faw you firil at Cardiff^ it rejoiced my heart to hear what
God had done for your foul. You was then under fomedif-
pleafure of your redor, if I mlflake not, for fpe^iking the truth
as it is in Jesus. Ere now, I hope dear Mr. T. has had the
ho.Mour of being quite thruft out. Rejoice, my dear brother,
and be exceeding glad, for thus was our Lord and Saviour
ferved before you. Naked therefore follow a naked Christ.
Freely you have received, freely give. If you preach the gof-
pel, you fhall live of the gofpel. Though you go out without
fcrip or flioe, yet (hall you lack nothing. Rather than you
fhall want, ravens, thofe birds of prey, (hall be commanded to
feed you. It is a blefled thing to live upon God. Did ever
any truft in him and was forfaken ? No ; fearch the genera-
tions of old, climb up into heaven if you can, and all with one
confent will declare,
The Lord their pajlure did prepare^
And fed them with a Jhephcrd's care,
T, though hell-deferving. am a living witnefsof his good pro-
vidence 3 having nothing, I pollcfs all things; he has 'i&i^ mc
with the kidneys of wheat, and commanded fomc one or ano-
ther to fuftain me whitherfoever I was fent on his errand.
Jesus is the fame yeflerday, to-day, and forever. Ifwcpo
forth in the fpirit of the lirft apoRles, we fhall meet wi.h
npoflolical fuccefs. And- never was there more occafion for
the revival of fuch a primitive fpirit. Alas, the life, the pov;er
Hz of
zoo LETTER S.
of religion is almoft loft amongft us. Stir up then, dear Sir,
the gift of God, which is in you. Be initant in fcafon and
outoffeafon. Dcbafe man and exalt Tf.sus. Self-riiihteOuf-
ncfs overturn, overturn. The people of IFales^ the common
people at leail, will receive you gladly. The Lord fhall fight
all battles for you here, and reward you with a crown that
never fadeth hereafter. If I have but the loweft place in your
afteclions, it will abundantly fatisfy
Your moft affectionate brother,
G. JV,
LETTER CV.
To Mr. M.
Dearcjl Sir, Philadelphia, Nov. lO, 1739.
EVER fince you opened your heart fo freely in the garden,
you have been much upon my heart. Though abfent
from, yet I have been prefent with you. I am acquainted in
fome meafure with the ftrugglings of a foul juft awakening
into new life. I know too many have ftiflcd their convictions,
and therefore am importunate on your behalf. I hope you
have taken my advice, and laid the ax to the root of the tree.
Oh pray for a new heart and a new fpirit, and then all old
things will fubfidc and give way of themfelves. The (Irong
man armed muH: go out when the fhonger than he, even the
fpirit of God, comes to take polVcflion of your foul. What
therefore have you to do, dear Sir, but to throw yourfelf as a
poor fmner at the feet of the holy Jesus ? You need not doubt
his holdmg out the golden fccptre to you. Whofoevcr
Cometh to him by faith, he w\\\ in no-wife caft out. He calls,
he draws you : what is it for, but to aflure you he will make
you happy ? Come then, dear Sir, weary and heavy laden as
you are, the Lord your righteoufnefs fhall give you refl:
He (hall refrcfh you with a multitude of peace, and caufe you
to rejoice in his falvation ; there is nothing too hard for the
Lord Christ. He can draw your mind from the creature,
he can fix it upon himfelf ; he can enable you to live above
the world, whilft you are in it j he can tranflate you to
heaven^ Vvhen he has taken you away from earth. As the
LuP.i>
LETTERS. loi
Lord Jesus can, (o that he may do all thcfe things for your
Ibul, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your fincere friend and fervant,
G. jr.
LETTER CVI.
To the Rev. Mr. H.
Reverend and dearejl Sir, Philadelphia, Nov. lO, 1739.
IT often concerned me, when in London, that I could not
enjoy more of your company. Your converfation was al-
ways feafoned with grace, and fuch as became the gofpel of
Christ. Your great kindnefs, in publicly praying for me,
can never be fuiKciently acknowledged. The thought almoft
Riakes me to weep for joy. Surely the Lord will not let
me mifcarry, fincehe has ftirred up the choiceft of his fervants
to intercede in my behalf. The fearcher of all hearts alone
knows, what agonies my poor foul has undergone fmce my
retirement from the world. The remembrance of my paft
fins has overwhelmed my foul, and caufed tears to be my meat
day and night. Indeed I have mourned as one mourneth for
a firft born : But I looked to him whom I have pierced. I
was enabled to fee the freenefs and riches of his grace,
the infinitenefs and eternity of his love, and my foul
received comfort. Oh the excellency of the dodlrine of elec-
tion, and of the faints final perfeverance, to thofe who are
truly fealcd by the fpirit of promife ! I am perfuaded, till a
man comes to believe and feel thcfe important truths, he
cannot come out of himfelf; but when convinced of thefe, and
afiured of the application of them to his own heart, he then
walks by faith indeed, not in himfelf, but in the Son of God,
who died and gave himfelf for him. Love, not fear, con-
flrains him to obedience. The promifcs of God are all Yea
and Amen to his foul. Supported by thefe conviclions, in
about a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning to
England, and to begin my teftimony afrefh. I trufl I fliall
not be afhamed to declare the whole counfel of God. Satan,
no doubt, and his emifiaries, will endeavour to block up my
way ; but the faints of God are praying for me on earth, and.
the holy Jesus is interceding in heaven. Why fliould I
H 3 not
loz LETTERS.
not go forth and offer his cverbfting and perfe£): rlghteoufnefs
to all that fliall be brought to believe on him ? Satan fuggefts
even whilft I am writing, " How canft thou fpeak, feeing
thou art fuch a fmner ?" But therefore will I fpeak, becaufe I
can fay, by happy experience, that Jesus Christ will have
mercy on the chief of finners -, for among fuch you may
trulv rank
Your unworthy brother, and unprofitable fellow-
Jabourer, in our dear Lord's vineyard,
G. TV,
LETTER CVII.
Dear Mrs, D. Philadelphia^ Nov. lo, 1739.
TEN thoufand bleffings light upon you and yours ! The
Lord reward you ten thoufand-fold for receiving me
snd my friends into your houfe. The Lord fliower down
his heavenly manna, and feed you with the bread of life for
thofe comfortable meals we have had of your providing fince
we came on board. We have not been flack to pray for you ;
mv heart is now full of a fenfe of your kindnefies. I know
not when to begin and when to leave ofF adoring the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for t:hefe and all
other of his love-tokens : He is the father of mercies, and the
God of ail comfort ; he hath comforted me in all my tribu-
lation, and, I am afiured, will ftill. comfort me in whatfoever
I am to do or fufFer for his name's fake. You, dear Mrs. D,
can fubfcribe to this truth, that God is a God of all comfort.
You have been comforted on every fide ; you have been filled
as it v/ere vv^ith new wine; you have tailed that the Lord is
o-racious, and yet the beft wine is and will be always referved
till the lafl:. The Lord's companions fail not; they are,
they will be renewed to you every morning ; and though,
throu2;h much tribulation, you, as well ^others, muft enter
into glory, yet you will find God to be your comforter in all
tribulation. God has made you a joyful mother of chriftian
children; remember the mother in the Maccabees ; and, if ever
your children are called to fuff'ering, beg of God that you
may ftand by and encourage them to die for Christ. Oh
that would be a fpedacle indeed ! A fpedlacle worthy of men
and
LETTERS. 103
and angels ! I pray God to arm you with this mind, and then
you will find that God's rod as well as his ftaff will comfort
you ; nay, though you pafs through the valley of the fhadow
of death, yet {hail the Holy Spirit refrefh you ; your heart {hall
fland faft, and be ftedfaft in the Lord. Oh, my dear Madam,
my heart is enlarged towards you ; I pray God to fill you
with all his divine fulnefs, and make you daily more and more
meet to be an inheritor among the faints in light. With
much love I have wrote to dear Mr. D, Oh pray him not
to be angry with
Your moft afFedlionate friend and brother,
G. TV.
LETTER CVIII.
To Mr. N,
Honoured Sir <y Philaddphlay Nov. 10, 1 739.
BE not difpleafed at the contents of this ; if I was not
perfuaded that love to your foul, and my duty towards
God, moved me to write, I fliould be filent. When laft at
Gioucefter^ 1 heard you v^^as highly offended at my meetings in
the fields, and at the fame time countenanced and encoura^-ed
the ading of plays in the Boothall. This I thought hi2;hly
unbecoming the chara£ler of a chriflian magiilrate, whofe pe-
culiar bufinefs it is to be a terror to evil doers, and a praife to
them that do well. This made me to fpeak againft thofe pro-
ceedings in my fermoris. This is the occafion of my troubling
you with a letter. I cannot think I have delivered my foul,
unlefs, with all meeknefs and humility, I exhort you hence-
forward not to promote or fo much as any vi^ay countenance
the flage-players. In our common law they are ftilcdy^^^r^
beggars. As a minifter of the king, upon that account it is
your duty to put a flop to them : As a difciple and minlfter
of Jesus Christ, the king of kings, you are obliged, te^wrg.-/
Sir, to exert your authority in fupprefiing them. It is notori-
ous that fuch meetings are the nurferies of debauchery; they
are the pefl: of our nation, and the bane of true chriftianity :
To be prefent at, or in the leaft to contribute towards their
fupport, is therefore a great fin ; but to countenance them by
our authority, and let them ac^ by our permiiTion, what is this
H 4 but
104 LETTERS.
but becoming public patrons for vice and immorality ? It is
not only fmning ourfelves, but it is taking pleafure in the fms
of others. This the apoftle accounted the higheft pitch of
heathenifh wickednefs. Honoured Sir, pray be not offended :
Thefe are not the words of a madman j no, they are the words
of truth and fobernefs, and words which our Lord will ap-
prove of, when I ftand with you before him in judgment.
However men may now put wrong namiCS to things, and call
that an innocent amufem.ent, which has no other tendency but
to corrupt and debauch the heart, yet then, Sir, we fhall fee
all things clearly ; then fliall you know that it was my duty to
write as I have done, and will confefs before men and angels
that you had an humble and afFe(Stio;ir»te warning given you,
by, honoured Sir,
Your very humble fervant,
LETTER CIX,
To Mr. Thamas P.
Dear Sb\ Philadelphia^ Nov. 10, 1 739.
THOUGH unknown to you in perfon, yet as you was
pleafed to think me worthy of the care of your dear fon,
I think it my duty to acquaint you of his welfare. I blefs
God that he came with me. He is diligent and pious, and
I truil will be a comfort to you in your declining years : His
mind feems fettled and compofed, and by reading and follow-
ing the bible, he is partaker of that peace which the world
cannot give. His dear and honoured father is much upon his
heart. How would it rejoice him to hear that you alfo was
become a chriftian indeed ? Be not offended, dear Sir, at my
expreffmg myfelf thus. Affure yourfelf that chriftianity is
fomething more than a name and a bare outward profciTion.
Morality of itfejf, dear Sir, will never carry us to heaven ; no,
Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. There is
no being happy without a lively faith in him, wrought in the
heart by the bleiled fpirit of G06. This faith transforms the
whole man, delivers him from the tyranny of his pailions, and
makes him entirely a new creature. This is the reafon why
it is roolifhnefs to th? world* Your fon's cafe in this refpe(5t
vvas
LETTERS. 105
was not fihgular. As foon as ever we commence chriflians,
we commence fools for Christ's fake. Every truly religious
man muft be deemed a madman. Forgive this freedom, dear
Sir ; whilft I am writing, I find a love for your foul arifinn- ia
my heart, and methinks I could do any thing to bring your
grey hairs with comfort to the grave. Dear Sir, there is
mercy with Christ even for thofe who come in at the eleventh
hour. Christ came to fave poor fmners ; he came to favc
you, dear Sir, if you lay hold on him by a living faith. That
G-op may give you this faith, and thereby make you happy
in time and tp eternity, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and fervant,
LETTER ex.
To the Rev. Mr. R. D.
Reverend and dear 5/r, - Philadelphia^ Nov. 10, 1739.
I Think I am a little in your debt ; if not, love and gratitude
call upon me to fend you a line. Man appoints, but God
difappoints : His providence called me away, before I could
poiTibly fee Cornwall, In about a twelvemonth I purpofe re-
turning. Who knows but then I may be enabled to perfornl
my promife ? The whole world is nov/ my parifli. Where-
foever my mafler calls me, I am ready to go and preach his
everlafting gofpel. My only grief is, that I can do no more
for Christ ; for I am fure I ought to love and do much,
having had fo much forgiven ; not that I expect in the leafl
to be juftified by any or all the works I either can or fhall do :
No, the Lord Christ is my righteoufncfs, my whole and
perfect righteoufncfs ; but then I would iliew forth my faith,
I would declare to the world the fmcerity of my \ovc^ bv
always abounding in the works of my Lord. Oh pray, dear
Sir, that I may be never weary in well-doing. The devil
and his fervants will fhoot fore at me that I may fall ; but this
confideration comforts and fupports me, " The Lord is my
helper ;" he has, he does, he will deliver. I am pcrfuaded you
feel his gracious prefence, and the influences of his biefled
fpirit, whenever you go forth to fpeak in his name. Mav a
double portion of his fpirit and precious anointings defcend
upon
io6 LETTERS.
upon your foul 1 May you be filled with all his fulnefs, an4
be enabled thereby to turn many to righteoufnefs here, and fo
fhine as the firmament of heaven for ever hereafter ! Oh that
a place at fome faints feet may be affigned to, dear Sir,
Your weak though affedionate brother in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CXI.
To the Rev. Mr. B,
Reverend and dear Sir^ Philadelphia, Nov, lo, 1 739.
YOU have been too kind, and I have been too ungrateful.
Bufinefs would not permit me to have fo much private
converfation with you as I ought. Succefs I fear elated my
mind. I did not behave towards you, and other minifters of
Christ, with that humility which became me. I freely con-
feCs my fault; I own myfelf to be but a novice. Your chari-
ty, dear Sir, will excite you to pray that I may not through
pride fall into the condemnation of the devil. Dear Sir, fhall
I come out into the world again or not? Muft I venture my-
felf once more among fire-brands, arrows, and death ? Me-r
thinks I hear you reply, *' Yes, if you come forth in the
flrength of the Lord God, and make mention of his righte-
oufnefs only.*' It is my deare fo to do. I would have Jesus
all in all. Like a pure chryftal, I would tranfmit all the
light he poureth upon me. Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be
thus minded, and then, God v/illing, in about a twelvemonth,
I intend vifiting the Brijhl brethren once again. In the mean
while, I hope the Lord will purge me, that I may bring forth
more fruit, and v/ork upon me mightily in the inner-man, for
otherwife his bleffings will prove curfes to me. He has been
pleafed to dig and dung round me, during my retirement.; he
has fhewn me fomething of the treachery of my own heart,
and more and more convinced me that I am the chief of fm-
ners. Oh that my heart may fhew forth the eternity and
fovereignty of his love ! for never furely was there a greater
initance of it than myfelf. Happy are thofe that are brought
to an experimental knowledge of thefe myflcries of the kingdom
of God. Many of your charge have been, I believe ; I pray
God to increafe the number of your fpiritual children more
and
LETTERS. 107
and more, and to add dally to the church fuch as fliall bt
faved. My cordial refpecls attend your fellow-Jabourcrs, and
all who are fo kind as to aflc for me ; as faft as opportunity
permits, they may expect to hear from, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
G, IV.
LETTER CXII.
Dear Mrs. F. Philadelphia^ Nov. 10, 1739.
I Have now time to anfwer your laft letter. It gave me much
fatisfaiftion. I rejoice that you begin to know yourfelf.
If pofTible, fatan will make us to think more highly of our-
felves than we ought to think. I can tell this by fatal expe-
rience. It is not fadden flafhcs of joy, but having the humi-
lity of Christ Jesus, that muft denominate us chriftians. If
we hate reproof, we are fo far from being true followers of the
Lamb of God, that in the opinion of the wifefl: of men, we arc
brutiQi. I love you and your dear hufband in the bowels of
Jesus Christ. Under God, I begot you both through the
gofpel, I therefore think it my bounden duty, from time to
time, more particularly to y/atch over your precious fouls. Never
account me your enemy for fpeaking the truth. Tell me of
my faults in your turn. I will pray God to give me an hear-
ins; ear and an obedient heart. But how do our brethren after
their late difperficn ? I heard they had in part recovered them-
felves. Ere now, I truft, they have refumed their courage,
and ftand ftedfall: as a wail of brafs. If you vvere all to be
carried to prifon the next moment, I think you fiiould not ^c-,
cline your chriftian fellowlhip and fociety meetings. My
brethren, in this refpcifl, I befeech you to obey God rather
than man. Happy are you, if you patiently fufFer in fuch a
caufe. Our Lord will ftand by you ; he Vv'ill fight all your
battles, and make ycu more than conquerors throu;^h his love.
My heart would fay more j but other letters muft be wrote.
Salute all the brethren by name, and accept this as a token of
your no^ being forgotten by
Your afFsiclionate brother and fcrvant in Christ,
G, n\
LETTER
loS LETTERS.
LETTER CXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. S.
Rrjcrend a77d dear Sir., Pbiladelphia^ Nov. lO, I739»
THE favours received at Hertford^ from you and your
dear flock, are not yet out of my mind : They were
exceeding endearing, and deferve my utmoft acknowledg-
ments. Had providence permitted, I fliould have paid you
another vifit j but God's thoughts are not as our thoughts :
However, in about a twelvemonth, by his leave, I hope to re-
turn amongfl: you once more. Oh ! that I may come in the
bleffing of the gofpel of peace ! The do£lrines I have already
preached come with double evidence upon my mind day by
day. I am more and more convinced that they are the truths
of God ; they agree with the written word, and the experience
of all the faints in all ages : Nothing more confirms me in the
belief of them, than the oppofition that is made againft them
by natural men. Election, free grace, free juflification with-
out any regard to works forefeen, are fuch paradoxes to carnal
minds, that they cannot away with them. This is the wifdom
of God, which is foolifhnefs with man, and which, the Lord
being my helper, I intend to exalt and contend for more and
more; not with carnal weapons, that be far from me, but
with the fvvord of the fpirit, the word of GoD : No fword
like that. Dear Sir, pray for me that I may rightly divide
the word of truth, and give to each his portion in due feafon.
The Lord has been exceeding gracious to me fmce I faw you
Jaft. Oh let your fongs be of him, and praife him for all \\\%
wonderful works. As I am enabled I remember you and
yours. Many, when I was with them, were mourning ; ere
now I hope they are comforted. He is faithful who has pro-
mifed, who alfo will doit. If they hunger and thirlt after
Christ's righteoufnefs, verily they fliall know that it is im*
putcd to them. That you and your whole charge may be
filled with all the fulnefs of Goj:), is the earneil: prayer o£,
ckai Sir,
Youi's mod ^ifFcdlionatcly in Christ Jesu^,
G. ly.
LETTEPw
LETTERS. 109
LETTER CXIV.
To Mr. Win. D .
My Diar Brother y Pbllachlphia^ Nov. 10, 1739.
Y
OUR laft brought glad tidings. I endeavour to
thanks for you with nny whole heart. I truft God has
enabled you to take the advice you gave nic, and that you
have been kept from idolatry. Oh my dear brother, let us
watch and pray, that we may not be led into temptation. The
fpirit is willing in both ; but the flefh, mine in particular, Is
exceeding weak. Blclled be God for fending me on fiiip-
board. He has given me to fee fomething of that myftery of
iniquity, which was in my heart. I have loathed and abhorred
my own feif. Tears have been my meat day and night ; but
glory be to God, who has lately afTured me of a victory
through Jesus Christ our Lord. At prefcnt my heart is
quite free. You will fee what I have written to thofc of your
houfehold. I pray the Lord to fend you and many more fuch.
labourers into his harveft. I intend refigning the parfonage
of Savmniah. Th Orphan Houfe I can take care of, fuppofing
I fhould be kept at a diftance ; befides, when I have refigned
the parifh, I fhall be more at liberty to take a tour round
America^ if God fhouW ever call me to fuch a work. Hov,'-
ever, I determine nothing, I wait on the Lord. I am per-
fuaded he will fhew what is his will : though my heart is as
yet perverfe, in time I hope to drink deeper into his fpirit.
How earneftly do I defire to be difiblved, that I may be with
Christ ! Sometimes my weak body gives me hopes, that I
fhall not be long in the flefh ; but then, the ftrength that is
communicated to me, and the confideration, that I have but
juft begun my teftimony, fills me v^ith fears, left I (liould
live to be greyheaded. But I endeavour to refign myfclf
wholly to God. I deiire his v/ill may be done in me, by me,
and upon me. If the Lord prefervcs me from falling into
fm, and difhonouring his holy name, let him do what feem-
eth him good with
Yours moft affedlionatcly in Christ Jesus,
G. TV.
LETTER
no LETTERS.
LETTER CXV.
To Mada?n C .
Madmn^ Philadelphia^ Nov. fO, 1 739.
TO be made good by the righteoufnefs and fpirit of Jesus
Christ, is a diftJDguiflilng blelTing. To be made
good, and yet to be great and rich in this world's goods, is
ftill more extraordinary. BJefied be God, who has thus
highly favoured 3'ou. I truft he hath gi^ven you that faith,
which enables you to overcome the. .wqrld, and emboldens
you to confefs both our Lord and his fervants, in the midft
of a wicked and adulterous generation. Once indeed I feared
you had been offended. Dear Mr. M foon convinced
me of my error. Yourfelf, Madam, amply fatisfied me before
I left London^ that you were not afliamed of the gofpel and
miniilers of Christ. May the Lord enable you more and
more to fet your face as a, flint, and entirely to live above
the fear of man. If the work goes on in England^ a trying
time will come. I pray God, the fame fpirit may be fciind
in all that profefs the Lord Jesus, as was in the primitive
faints, confefTors and martyrs. Further oppofition then will
not hurt, but highly profit the church. The chafF Vv^ill be
winnowed from the wheat, and they that are approved be made
manifeft. As for my own part, I expedl nothing but afflidions
and bonds. The fpirit, as well as the do6lrine of popery, pre-
vails much in many proteftants hearts ; they already breathe
out threatnings. What v^'onder, if vvhen in their power, they
fhould breathe out {laughters alfo ? This is my comfort, the
do6lrincs I have taught are the do6lrines of fcripture, the doc-
trines of our own and of other reformed churches. L'^ I fuf-
fer for preaching them, {0 be it. " Thou (lialt anfwer for me,
O Lord my God !" 1 rejoice in tha profpedl of ir, and befeech
thee, my dear redeemer, to ftrengthen me in a fufFering hour.
You, dear Madam, and the reft of my friends, will not be
wanting in praying for
Your moft obliged humble fcrvant,
(?. TV.
LETTER
LETTERS. Ill
LETTER CXVI.
To Mr. D ~.
Dear Sir^ Philadelphia^ Nov. ic, 1739.
GRATITUDE and love call upon me to write a letter
of acknowledgment for favours received when lately
at . The Lord remember them at that day ! You have
confeiled his fervants before men, he has promifed to confefs
fiich, before his angels in heaven. The principles which I
maintain, are purely fcriptural, and every way agreeable to
the church of' England articles. What I have been chiefly
concerned about is, left any fhould reft in the bare fpeculative
knowledge, and not experience the power of them in their
own hearts. — What avails it, Sir, if I am a patron for the
righteoufnefs of Jesus Christ in behalf of another, if at the
fame time I am felf-righteous myfelf? I am thus jealous, I
truft with a godly jealoufy, becaufe I fee fo many felf-deceiv-
ers among my acquaintance. There is one in particular
(whom I love, and for whom I moft heartily pray) who ap-
proves of my doctrine, and hath heard it preached many years
paft, but I could never hear him tell of his experiences, or
of what God has done for his foul. He hath excellent good
defires and intentions, but I think he wants fomething more :
Lord, for thy infmite mercy's fake, grant he may know him-
fclf even as he is known 1 I need not tell Mr. D , who
this dear friend is — you are intimately acquainted with him,
you love him as you do your own heart ; you are never out
of his company. Oh, dear Sir, be not angry. Methinks
I hear you, by this time, making an application, and faying,
'^ Then I am the man.'* True, dear Sir, I confeis you arc.
But love, love for your better part, your foul, your precious
foul, this love conftrains me to m^q this freedom. You are
more noble than to take it ill at my hands ; I could not bear
even to fufpedl that you deceived yourfelf, dear Sir, and not
tell you fuch a fufpicion was in my heart. T'hat God may
powerfully convince you of felf-righteoufnefs, and cloath you
wich the righteoufnefs of his dear Son ; that he may till you
v;ith
U2 LETTERS.
with his grace, and thereby fit you for, and at laft tran-
llate you to, his glory, is the hearty prayer o^, dear Sir,
Your moft obliged and affectionate friend
and humble fervant,
G. tF.
LETTER CXVII.
To a Servant,
Philadelphia^ Nov, lo, 1739*
WHEN I was at Mr. , I fear I did not afk you
often enough what God had done for your foul. I
write this to beg your pardon. Want of time was the caufe.
1 believe Christ hath manifefted himfelf to your foul.
Shew it, I entreat you, by labouring to adorn his gofpel in
all things. A meek and quiet fpirlt is in the fight of God
of great price. You are happy in a place. I hope you know
and are thankful for it. Take heed that you ferve with fin-
glenefs of heart, as unto Christ. Go when you are bid to
go, come when you are bid to come ; when commanded to do
this, do it with all your might. Bear with the perverfe-
TieCs of others. Remember how filent Mary was, when her
fifler Alar t ha pecvifhly faid, " Lord, careft thou not that
my fifter has left me to ferve alone?" My unfeigned love
attends all the Martha's and Marys of your acquaintance. I
pray they may in all things walk as v/omen profefnng god-
linefs. To hear of your progrefs in the gofpel, would much
pleafe
Your fincere friend and fervant,
G, IV,
LETTER CXVIII.
To ihc Rev. Mr,
Rev. and dear Sir, Philadelphia, Nov. ic, 1739.
THE many favours I have received at your hands, are llill
deeply impreficd upon my heart j as I have often faid,
fo I fay again, I hope they v/ill never be forgotten by me lb
long as I live. But, reverend Sir, I have obferved fome par-
ticulars in your principles and condud, v/hich I muft confefs
have given me much concernj and of which, from love and
2 gratitude.
LETTERS. 11^
gratitude, I think myfelf obliged to itifoim you. I be-
lieve, dear Sir, you have often been inwardly offended at me,
becaufe you fufpeiSled, I thought you to be no true cbritVian.
Your fufpicions were not groundlefs. i cannot yet rh.nk,
that a thorough work of converfioii was ever wrou^,; t upon
your foul. I fear you deny, that '* Jescjs Christ is truly
and properly GoD." I infer this, from your not reading the
NUene Creeds and your palliating that text I once urged to
prove it. '* I and my Father are one." I doubt alfo, your
owning " Original Sin." This I gather from your wonder-
ing I fhould touch on fuch a point, when I preached my
fermon on juftification by J Esus Christ. Befides, the fad
definition you once gave of religion in a letter to your brother
* ; the ftranger alfo which you feemcd to be to the *^ de-
vil's temptations, " when I converfed with you ; and your
fuppofing, that converfion was to be wrought in the foul
by moral perfuafion ; all thefe put together, dear Sir, con-
vince me, that you were never yet truly and effectually born
again of God. Befides, Reverend Sir ^ does your going weekly
to a club, where the company play at cards, and fit up iate
at night, does this, dear Sir, agree with your holy vocation^
either as a chriftian or a minifler .? Be not offended, Rev. Sir^
at this plainnefs of fpeech. I have forborne a long while ;
love and gratitude would not fuffer me to forbear any longer.
I wifli I had no occafion to write in this mianner. I believe
you fo ingenuous as not to be angry with me. I pray GoO
to quell all refentment in your heart, and fend you his holy
fpirit to guide you into all truth. Your brother's eyes are
now in fome meafure opened : he is convinced of the per-
feft righteoufnefs wrought out for him by Jesus Christ,
and ere now I hope hath received faith to apply it to his heart.
This is the dodlrine of the church o^ E?igland. Unlefs you
hold this and other evangelical principles, how, dear Sir, is
it confident with fmcerity to eat her bread .? V/ith humility,
refpeft, and love, do I offer thefe things to your confidera-
tion— Be pleafed to weigh them in a proper balance, and
refledt from what principle they are wrote, and I am perfuadcj
you will not be offended at, reverend and dear Sir,
You moft obliged friend and fervant,
Vol. I, J LETTER
114
LETTERS.
I
LETT E R CXIX.
Dear Mr, S PJAladclphia^ Nov. lO, 1739^
Love an IjracUic indeed, I love a catholic fpirit dcftitute of
guile ; you I am perfuadcd are thus minded. The Lord
hath highly favoured you : he hath given you a meek and
quiet fpirit. My heart hath been knit to you, ever fince God
firft brought us together. Oh pray, that what I admire in
another, I may imitate myfelf, and have the graces of Jesus
Christ damped upon my heart. It fills me with confufion,
whenever I confider how far I am from his likenefs. Alas !
What would become of me, was I to be faved by any thing
within myfelf. BlelTed be God, the Lord Jesus is my.
whole righteoufnefs. By virtue of that I know I am juftified,
I believe I fhall be fantStified, and am afi'ured I fhall be ever-
laftingly redeemed : for God loved me with an everlafting
love. Oh, dear Sir, the profpedl of an hereafter fills my
foul Vv'ith comfort. Then (hall I have enough of your com-
pany, and of the other children of God. The Lord give
me patience to wait till my blefled change cometh. He often
gives me fuch forctaftes of the glory to be revealed in us, that
I want to leap my feventy years. But in a degree, I may
fay with my blefled maftcr, " I have a cup to drink of, and a
baptifm to be baptized with.'* Dear Mr. S wiil fee
me humbled, I believe, as much as once exalted ; L look for
*' Away with him, away with him, " every day. Then, I trull:,
I {hall begin in earncfl: to be a difciple of Jesus Christ.
Even in fuch an hour, I believe dear Mr. 5 will dare
own
His aiFctSlionatc though moft unworthy friend,
brother and fervant,
LETTER CXX.
Dear Sir y Philadelphiay Nov, lO, 1739.
TO i-hink, that you fliould be engaged publickly to prav
for me, hath often given me much fatisfa<5lion, and
now excites me to fend vou this letter 0^ thawks : help me
LETTERS. 115
ftil], help me, dear Sir, by your prayers. They will be a
means of lifting up my hands when they hang down, and
of ftrengthning my feeble knees. Though in all things we
do not, yet in cflcntials we both think and fpaak the fame
ihings. I wifh all nanries anu)ng the faints of God were
fwallowed up in that one of Chnjiian. — I long for profellbrs
to leave off placing religion in faying '* I am a Churchman,"
*' I am a Dillenter." My language to fuch is, *' Arc you of
Christ ? If fo, I love you with all my heart :" for this rea-
fon chiefly, dear Sir, my heart is drawn out towards you.
On this account, though io long in Christ before mc^
I make bold to call you brother, and to wifh you God fpeed :
blefied be his name, you have little reafon to cry out ; " My
leannefs, my leannefs." Many gracious fouls are among your
flock, they love to be fed with the fmcere milk of the word.
I hope they will be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the day
of the Lord Jesus. I often think of them with pleafure ;
pray falute them moft affectionately in my name, and exhorc
them to entreat the L0R.D that I may make full proof of my
miniftry. In about a twelvemonth^ God willing, I intend
returning to England \ I wifli it m.ay be in the fulnefs of
the bleffmg of the gofpel of peace. I think you are happy
in the acquaintance of Mr. B 5 . I truft he
will be as good as he is great, and after he is made perfe6i:
through manifold temptations and trials, fit down with you^
and all the other fpirits of juft men made perfect, in heaven.
This is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affe(Stionatc brother and fellow labourer
in our Lord's vineyard^
G, IK
LETTER CXXI.
My d^ar Hr other ^ Philadelphia^ Nov, lo, 1739-
YOU cannot conceive how often you have been upon my
thoughts, fmce I faw you, Eternity itfelf I hope will
not diminifh, but more and more increafe that love, which I
bear you from my heart. Your ftature reminds me of little
Zaubeus : he that called him, I am perfuaded hath called you :
Have you uqx heard him fay to your foul, *' I am your fal-
1 2 vation ?
ii6 LETTERS.
vation ?" If fo, fear not, thou art a fon of David, Let
worldly affairs be ever fo bad, he that has given you his own
dear Son, will make you more than conqueror in all things.
Still dare to own our dear Loud before m>en. It is no fcan-
dal for a follower of Jesus Christ to be poor. Our Lord
was poor before us — So that we are rich in faith and good
works, it is not much mater if we are not rich in this
world's goods. Having Christ, though we have nothing
elfe, we poflefs all things. However, fmce godlinefs hath
the promife of the life that now is, as well as that which is
to come, I would advife you to plead the promifcs for tempo-
ral blcilings. In the name of Jesus, many a fweet morfcl
and opportune fupply, have I fetched in from God by this
means. That is the v^^ay I live, and hope fhall coiitinue {o
to live till death is fwallov/ed up in viilory. Death —
what a comfortable v^ord is that for a believer ! Christ
hath taken the fting of it away ; henceforward it is no
longer a king of terrors, but a welcome mciFenger to con-
duel the faints to glory. My dear brother, let us comfort
one another with thefe things. We are not to live here al-
ways ; our inheritance is above. When Christ who is our
life fhall appear, then ftiall we alfo appear with him in glory.
Why then fiiould we value thefe light affiiclions, which are
but for a moment ? No, let us patiently bear our crofs, fmce
we are fo fhortly to vvear a crown. Oh the riches of free,
diftinguifliing grace ! Why were you and I taken into fa-
vor? " Even fo Father, for fo it feemed good in' thy fight."
O ! my friend, my brother, let us for ever extol free grace !
However others exalt man and debafe God, let us exalt God :|
and debafe man. Let Jesus Christ have all the glorv : f
for he is the author, carrier on, and finifhcr of our faith.
He hath begun it in time, he fhall compleat it in eternity. —
My brother, I have been fo expanded u'hilil; writing, that I
muft refer you to other friends, to know hov/ gracioufly God
hath dealt with
Your affedionate brother in Christ,
LETTER
LETTERS. 117
LETTER CXXII.
Dear Mr. TV, Philadelphia^ Nov. 10, 1739.
I Long to be in heaven, chiefly to fee God even as he is ;
next, that I may have my foul fatisfied with the blifsful
communion of faints. There I hope to fee you and your
wife, and to Ihew how finccrely I love you both in the bow-
els of Jesus Christ. My heart has went along with m.y
hand, when I ufcd to ftrctch it out to you in the field. I
only v/anted more time to converfe with you. Oh my dear
brother^ let us keep ourfelves in the love of God through
faith in Christ Jesus, and then, yet a little v/hile v.'e fhall
meet in glory. As faith is the beginning, fo faith is the end
of the chriftian courfe. Let us keep this grace in continual
exercife, and v.'e may bid death and hell defiance. Faith
makes us more than conquerors over all ; I fpeakthus to you,
becaufe I hope you and dear Mrs. have been in fome
meafure made partakers of this free gift of God. I pray God
to incrcafe it more and more, till it be fwallowed up in the
fruition of our fupreme good. Perhaps our faith may be put to
the trial ere it be long ; I expect nothing but fufierings. Oh
pray that 1 may be faithful unto the end, and that a crown of
Jife may be given to
Your afFe£lionate brother in Christ,
G. rr.
LETTER CXXIIL
To Mr, H.
My dear Brother^ Philadelphia^ Nov. 10,1739.
THE chriftian love I bear to both your fifter and you,
excites me to fend you a line. Providence prevented
your failing with us ; but as we have drank into the fame fpi-
rit, I hope brotherly love will continue and incrcafe between
us, to all eternity. I have often v/reftlcd in prayer for you
fmce we have been on board. Your fifter has watered thofe
prayers with her tears, and I truft the Lord was entreated of
us. Our voyage has been highly profitable to our fouls. I
can never be thankful eaough for this fweet retreat. My
^ear brother, how do you find your heart ? Mine Is like Eze-
1 3 kicrs
Ii8 LETTER S.
hers temple^ the farther I fearch into it, the greater abomina-
tions I difcover ; but there is a fountain opened for iln and all
uncleannefs. There, my dear brother, we may jjoth wafh and
be made clean. The Lord hath already vouchfafed us fome
afiuranccs of his love. Oh let us continually keep faith in
exer.cife, till it be entirely fwaljowcd up in the boundlefs
pcean of the beatific vifion. That God may daily renew
you by his fpirit, and more and more fit you for the happj-
nefs which awaits you above, is the hearty prayer of
Your aftectronate though vi^eak brother iu Christ,
LETTER CXXIV.
To Mrs. — .
Aly Dear Friend^ Philadelphia^ Nov. lo. 1 739.
SHALL I have any leifure time and not write you a line
of thanks for your works of faith and labours of love ?
God forbid. I know not your name, but I neither forget
your houfe, nor favours. The Lord feward you a thoufand
fold ! I only fear that you have my perfon too much in ad-
miration. If you look to the inftrument lefs, and to Gop
more, it v/ill be better. By the grace of God alone, I am
what I am. If any good hath been done to you or others, it
was not I, but the grace of God that was in me. Oh, not
unto me, not unto me, but unto God's name be all the
<y\o\y, I pray God to make you partaker of the fame grace;
for I would not have you an hearer only, I would have
voii a doer alfo. Surely you are more noble and wife, than
to deceive your own foul. And yet it is but too notorious,
that numbers reft in the outward form, and are ftrangers to
the inward power of godlincfs in their hearts. Do not ypu
fo learn Christ. Beg of God that you may feci his fpirit
working mightily in your foul, and witnelling with your fpi-
rit that yo\i lire a child of God. I could go on, but other
letters muft be wrote — Pray tender my love to all that dined
with me at vour houfc ; exhort them to keep clofe by faith
to Christ, and to pray to and give him thanks in my behalf j
fo; he hath dealt moft gracioufly with
Youi obliged friend and fervant,
^ E T 1^ E li
LETTER S. 119
LETTER CXXV.
Dear Mrs. , Philadelphia^ Nov. 10. 1739.
STILL I mu(t repeat my former requeft. Be not angry
becaufe I did not vifit you oftener. I love, I honour you
the more Jbr being of low degree. You are thereby rendered
more conformable to our dear and common Lord. His
bufinefs alone prevented my feeing you fo often as I would.
However, though abfent, I rejoice that our Saviour has dealt
fo lovingly with you. As afflidions have abounded, confo-
lations have much more abounded. I am perfuaded, you can
affirm that God is the father of all mercies, and the God of
all comforts. Has he not comforted you my dear fifter in all
your tribulation ? He that hath, and docs, will ftill dejiver
you. Y^t a little while, and he that comcth will come, and
will not tarry. Shortly I fuppofe the earthly houfc of
this your tabernacle will be dilTolved : fear not, you (hall then
be cloathed upon with your houfe which is from heaven.
Oh pray that fuch honour may be alfo conferred on
Your unworthy brother in Christ,
G. JV.
LETTER CXXVL
Dear Mr. C , Philadelphia^ Nov. lO, 1739.
I Cannot forget your frequent attendance on my miniflry
when iaft at London. I am prefled in fpirit to write you
a line, to exhort you to contend earneftly for the faith once
delivered to the faints. You have learned the truth as it is in
Jesus. You have been taught it of (tod. Electing love
hath fnatchcd you as a brand out 0/ the fire, and you have
followed our Lord without the camp, bearing his reproach.
The Lord's tabernacle has lately been pitched in the fields.
Ere long it may be driven into the wildernefs. I hope you
will follow it even there. The divine prcfencc, I am per-
fuaded, will accompany it. Flath not your heart often burnt
within you when the Scriptures have been opening to you,
though not under a church roof ? God is not confined to
places. Wherever his people arc, he will find and vifit them.
Our Lord (oh (lupendous lov^!) has been pleafcd to fail
I 4, Willi
I20 LETTER S.
v/ith US. I have tafted both of his rod and ftafF; each has
given me unfpeakable comfort. My dear brother, help me
to praue him. Who io great, fo good a God, as our God?
In about a tu'elve- month I hope to fee you again. Oh pray
for me, my dear brother, that I may meanv/hile be let fur-
ther into the myfteries of godljnefs, " God manifeft in the
flefji." As yet, Ifind I am but a child, and a meer novice,
B It this is my comfort, " The Lord who has begun will
cany on the good work," till I am grown a ilrong man in
Christ Jegus. I long to know more of his love, I hunger
and third after the teachings of his bleiTeJ fpirit. You, I am
perfuaded, are no otherwife minded. Still prefs on and faint
not. Yet a little while and you fhall enter into pcrfe6t joy
with
Your affedtionate brother in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. IF.
LETTER CXXVIL
Reverend Sir ^ New-Tor k^ Nov. 16, 1 739.
SEEING a paiTage in your letter to Mr. P- concerning
me, I find my he-rt immediately fct to fend you a line.
I love to be acquainted with the true and old fervants of
Jesus Christ, becaufe I delight to fit at their feet and receive
inllrudtion from them. You faid right, reverend Sir, when
you faid " I was but a young divine." Indeed I am a novice
in the things of God. I can only fay, that I defire to know
the whole will of God, that I may communicate it to
others. Christ is fo good a mafter, that I would have all
men drawn after him. He is pleafed to let me experience daily
teachings of" his blefled fpirit, and to fnow me the riches,
frecncrfs, and eternal duration of his love. But as yet I
only fee men as trees walking. Oh pray, reverend Sir, that
the Lord would again touch me, and enable me to fee all
things clearly. I dcllre it only for the good of his church.
Reverend Sir, into what a lethargy is the chriftian world
fallen ! Foolifh and wife virgins are all flumbering and fleeping.
It is high time for all that love the Lord Jesus to lift up their
voices like trumpets, and to give warning of the bridegroom's
coming ; many I hope are already alarmed. Fh'iladei-
4 iiliia
LETTERS. i2t
phia people receive the gofpel gladly. Here, indeed, has been
(ome little oppofition, and therefore I hope fuccefs will be
given to the word, and what has been done in England^ the
journal fent with this will inform you. Oh reverend Sir, I
befeech you give thanks for me with your whole heart. En-
treat the Lord that I may be kept humble and dependent
upon our dear Lord Jesus. God willing, in about feven
months I hope to fee Neiu England in my return to Europe.
An efFejSlual door is there opened, and no wonder that there
are many adverfaries. Shortly I expert to fuffer for my
dear mafter. May I not deny him in that hour ! If you
would pleafe to favour me with a line, I (hould be glad to
continue this correfpondence, and acquaint you from time to
time how the work of God goes on. Mr. N ■ ■ will con-
vey any thing you fhall fend. May the Lord richly reward
both him and you, for your love to
The moft unprofitable of all his fervants,
G\ IV.
.if^H^- LETTER CXXVIIL
Rev, Sir, New York, Nov. 1 6, 1 739.
MR. N ', and the report of your fin cere love for our
dear Lord Jesus, embolden me to write this. I re-
joice for the great things God has done for many fouls in
Northampton, i hope, God willing, to come and fee them in
a k\v months. The journal fent with th/s, will fhew you
what the Lord is about to do in Europe. Now is the gather-
ing time. A winnowing time will fiiortly fuccecd. Perfecu-
tion and the power of religion will always keep pace. Our
Lord's word begins to be glorified in America. Many hearts
gladly receive it. Oh Rev. Sh\ it grieves me to fee people,
every where ready to perifh for lack of knowledge. I care
not what I fufFer, fo that feme may be brought home to
Christ. I am but a ftripling, but the Lord choofes the
weak things of this world to confound the ftrong. I fliould
rejoice to be inftrutSted by you. Mr. A^ will convey a
letter to me — May the God of all grace give you all peace and
joy in believing ! May he increafe you more and more, both
you and your children ! May you cv^^ry day be feafted, and
built
i2!i LETTERS.
built up with (rdh anointings of his blelTcd Tpirit ! And by
your fervent prayers, may you be enabled to hold up the
hands of, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother, fellow labourer
and fervant in our dear Lord,
G. ir,
LETTER CXXIX.
Hon. Mother^ Neiu Tork^ Nov. i6, 1 7 39.
LASl' night God brought me hither in health and fafety.
I mud not omit informing you of it. Here is likely tp
be fome oppofition, and confcquently a likelihood that fome
good will be done. New friends are raifed up every day
whitherfoever we go ; the people of Philadelphia have ufed
me mod courteouflv, and many I believe have been pricked
to the heart. God willing, I leave this place next Monday.,
and in about a fortnight think to fet out for Firginia by land.
In about a twelvemonth, I propofe returning to England;
exped then to have the happinefs of feeing me fufFer for my
mafter's fake. Oh that God may enable you to rejoice in it '
If you have the fpirit of Christ you will rejoice, if not, you
will be forrowful. Oh my honoured mother, my foul is in
djftrefs for you : Flee, flee I befeech you to Jesus Christ
by faith. Lay hold on Him, and do not let Him go. God
hath given you convi6lions. Arifc, arife, and never reft till
they end in a found converfion. Dare to deny yourfelf. My
honoured mother, I befeech you by the mercies of God in
Christ Jesus, dare to take up your crofs and follow
Christ.
I am, honoured mother, your ever dutiful
though unworthy fon,
G. n\
LETTER CXXX. ^
To the Rev. Mr. P -.
Rev. and dear Sir, Philadelphia, Xcv. 28, 17 39.
I HAVE been much concerned fmce I faw you, left 1 be-
haved not with that humility toward you, which is due
from a babe to a father in Christ : but you know, reve-
rend Sir, how difficult it is to meet with fuccefsj and not be
pufFed
LETTERS. 12^
puffed up with it, and therefore if any fuch thing was difcern-
ibic in my condu<St, oh pity me, and pray to the Lord to
heal my pride. All I can fay is, that I defire to learn of Jesus
Christ to be meek and lowly in heart j but my corruptions
are fo ftrong, and my employ fo dangerous, that fometimcs I am
afraid. But wherefore do I fear ? He that hath given me
himfelf, will he not freely give me all things? By his help
then I am refolved to afk till I receive, to feek till I find, and
to knock till I know myfelf. BlefTed be God, I have had a
fweet retirement to fcarch out my fpirit and bewail the infir-
mities of my public miniftrations. Alas ! who can hope to
bejuflified by his v/orks ? My preaching, praying, &c. are
only fphidida peccata. The blood of Christ applied to my
foul by a living faith, is the only thing that can render them
acceptable. This is the doctrine which you, reverend Sir,
have been enabled to preach, and for which no doubt you
have fuffered reproach : But you are now almofl at your jour-
ney's end. Yet a little while, and you Ihall enter into your
Mailer's joy. In the miean while the Lord, I am perfuaded,
will keep you as the apple of his eye. He will not forfake
you when you are grey-headed, and your flrength failethyon.
The moment you are ripe for our common Mafler, he fhall
tranflate you to glory ; Ipra^fequar. lama child 3 I mufl
be tutored and made meet by fufferings to be a partaker of the
heavenly inheritance with the faints in light : But I am per-
fuaded God will for Christ's fake finally fave, reverend
Sir,
YoiLir unworthy brother and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CXXXL
Bear Brother J, Philadelphia, Nov. 2??, 1739.
INDEED I love you. Why ? Bccaufe I hope you are an
Ifraelite indeed j and one of thofe babes to whom it has
been our Lord's good pleafure to reveal ihe myfleries of the
kingdom of God. It is fpecial ; it is a diflinguifhing gift.
Be humble, d-ear Jamcs^ be humble. Talk little, and think
much. A wile man will guide his words with difcretion. Be
^?atous for your dear Mailer. Let a zeal for his honour even
eat
124 LETTERS.
cat you up ; but then beg of God that it may be according to
knowled^^'j. Stuiid faft in the liberty wherewith Chk.ist
hath maJc you free, and be not again entangled with a yoke
of bondage. Join not one of your works with your faith, in
order to juftify you before God : And if God gives you a
fpirit of prayer and fupplicatiori, fear not to pray as the fpirit
gives you utterance. Man may deride, but ChPvIst will ap-
prove and accept you. Dear 'Jav.ies^ you fee I do not forget
you. I hope your little fociety increafes, and th.it the Lord
will always be adding to it fuch as fliall be Aived. Salute
them all mofl kindly in my name. Exhort them to continue
^n the grace of God, and to pray for, dear ^ames.
Your affectionate friend, brother, and fervant,
G. JK
LETTER CXXXII.
Dear Airs. S, Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
HAS the Lord yet heard your prayer r Often have I heard
you fay, " Oh ! that I had received the faith !" As
often, to the bcft of my knowledge, have I laid, " Jmen.^*
£re now, I hope our common Mafter has fulfilled all your
petitions, and given you your heart's defire. If not, v/hat
binders ? Our Lord doth not want power, for he is Almighty;
he does not want a will, for he invites you to come unto him.
Search your heart, and fee what is the reafon the King of
glory does not enter in. Is it too full of the world? Renounce
U. Do you not afk often enough ? Refolve to afk ofiencr.
Dq you look too much to fome who fay they have received
faith, but do not bring forth good fruit ? Henceforward look
only to God and your own foul. Or do you not know the
reafon I A(k our Lord to (hew you, and indeed he will ; for
he hath promifed to fulfil the defires of them that fear him.
Your Coiipi can afiure you of this. Oh follow him, as he
does Christ, and you will be as happy as your heart can
wifh. Dear Mrs. *S , I am, v/ith all poffible thanks foi:
paff favours.
Your obliged friend and fervant,
G. TV. '
L E T I' E 11
i
LETTER S. 125
LETTER CXXXIII.
To Mrs. Martha B,
My dear Sifierj Philadelphia^ Nov. 28, 1739.
I Call you not Alartha, but Mary, for I hope you have
chofcn the better part, which fhall not be t:ikcn from you:
And yet not fo properly may you be faid to chufe, as the LoRP
to have chofen you ; for we love God, becaufe he firft loved us.
I can trace my converfion through its feveral ftcps, but cannot
find one ftep I firfl took towards God. I have been a back-
fiidcr from my very infancy. Had not God called after me,
and by his fpirit faid unto me, as unto Jdain^ " Where art
thou } Into what a dreadful condition haft thou plunged thy-
felf r" I fiiould have fled from him (if poflible) for ever. I am
perfuaded you, my dear Sifter, can readily fay the fame 5 for
otherwife how can we truly value our Lord's redeeming
blood ? Kow can we rclifti the do£i:rine of God's free grace,
and our being freely juftified by faith which is in Christ
Jesus ? Oh let us beg of God to teach us thefe divine truths
more and more, (for he alone can teach them) and let us lay-
out ourfelves to teach them to others. You are happy in be-
ing in fellowfhip with fome, who I hope will be ready, if need
be, to fcal thefe truths with their blood. Be humble, my dear
Sifter, be humble ; and ceafe not to pray for
Your afFeilionate brother and fexvant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CXXXIV.
Dear Mrs, H. Philadelphia^ Nov, 28, 1 739.
RACHEL brings me glad tidings : She tells me the
Lord hath touched your heart by the power of his
word, and that your relations have threatened to caft you out
for our Lord's fake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. If you
endure to the end, and naked follow a naked Christ, great
fliall be your reward in heaven. There is no being a chriftian
without enduring contempt; no being happy hereafter, with-
out fufFering reproach here. The world can only love its own.
As they hate God, fo they muft hate thofe that are defirous
to be like him ; But be not difmayeJ 3 Christ's ftrcngth fhall
be
ia6 LETTERS,
be magnifleJ in your weaknefs : A living faith will fupport
you under all. When your father and mother forfake you,
the Lord will take you up. The grcateft foes you will find
to be thofe of your own heart. Subdue thcfc, and outward
erodes will afFe6t you but little. To conquer yourfelf will be
a laborious tafk ; but if you believe, Jesus Christ fhall even
do this for you. Get out of yourfelf, rely wholly on, and be
a co-worker with him, and he (hall be to you wifdom, righte-
oufnefs, fandtification, and redemption. Rachel greatly wifhes
this, but not more fincerely than
Your friend and fcrvant in Christ,
G. JV,
LETTER CXXXV.
Dear Mr, P. Philadelphia^ Nov. 28, 1739.
WHAT a divine fympathy and attraction is there be-
tween all thofe who by one fpirit are made mem-
bers of that myftical body, whereof Jesus Christ i? the head!
I loved your departed wife, now with God. 1 love your
daughter, and the church in your houfe, in the bowels of
Jesus Christ. Blciled be God that his love is fo far fiicd
abroad in our hearts, as to caufe us to love one another,
though we a little differ as to externals : For my part, 1 hate
to mention them. My one fole queftion is, Are you a chrijUan ?
Are you fealed by Christ's fpirit to the day of redemption \
Are you hungering and thirfting after the perfeci, everlafting
righteoufnefs of Jesus Christ ? If fo, you are my brother,
my filler, and mother. I defire to love you as myfelf. This
is my temper ; I am perfuaded it is your's. Why otherwife
did you fo gladly receive me i/ito your houfe ? The Lord
reward you and the reft of your chriftian brethren. Indeed I
am prefent with you in fpirit, and wifti you good luck iji the
name of the Lord. O be not flack to praife him in my be-
half ; for I have experienced fomc rich anointings of his holy
fpirit, and have been made to fee more into the wonders of
redeeming love. Did I know more of your names, I would
write to more. This is my comfort, I truft our names are
wriueft in the book cf life. Yet a little while, and wc fhall
LETTERS, 127
fit down together in the kingdom of our Father. A place,
though on a lower form, is, I humbly hope, prep;ired for
Your afFedionatc friend and fervant,
LETTER CXXXVI.
Dear Mr. H. Philadclphiay Nov. 28, 1 7 39,
IF I remember, you ufed to exprefs a great value for my
perfon and doctrine, otherwife why {Viould you defire a
line from fiich a wretch as I am ? When I look into myfelf,
and confider how poor and miierablc, and blind and naked my
ibul is, I wonder that any one fliould pay me the leaft regard.
But what {hall we fay ? God will have mercy upon whom he
will have mercy. I am entirely indebted to free grace for all
I have, am, or Ihail be. You alfo, I trwfi:, dear Sir, are ready
to fubfcribe to this ; for what have we but what we have re-
ceived ? What (liould we have been had God left us to our-
felves f Oh let a fenfe of this free, diftinguifhing love conftrain
us to obedience : A chriflian needs no other motive. That
is a true gofpel-faith which works by love. I often think it
almoft prefumption to think of rewards in a future ftate; my
Mafter amply rewards me in this : But prefent mercies are only
earnefts of future favours. Be not therefore, dear Sir, weary
of well-doing, for in due time we {hall reap, if we faint not.
The Lord hath multiplied his favours towards me fince I
faw you laft. We have had a long but pleafant and profitable
voyage. Oh fmg praifes unto our God in behalf of, dear
Sir,
Your afFedlonate friend and fervant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXVII.
Dear Mr:. A. Philadilphia^ Nov. 28, 1 7 39.
THESE words of the pfalmift, " Let us rejoice in the
ftrength of our falvatign," often come with great power
and comfort upon my foul. You and I need take much no-
tice of them : For otherwife how often (hould we have falica
away from God fince our firft looking Zi<?n- wards ? But the
LoRs
T2S LETTERS.
Lord as he loves us freely, To he will heal our backflidingf-
He neither will let us fall into fin or error. To as finally to dc-
ftroy our fouls. God forbid this fliould encourage us in fin.
It Is only intended to fupport us in danger, and to ftrengthen
us under temptations. Since there is, fuch infinite mercy
WMth God, it is a cogent rcafon why he (hould be loved and
feared ; but not why he fliould be difobeyed : And fince God
has lately led you out of dclufion, be more watchful over your-
felf, my dear Sifter, to follow thofe who truly fnew you the
way of fjllvation. — To hear of your {landing ftedfaft in the
Lord, will highly ddight
Your afi^e£tionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. IK
LETTER CXXXVIIL
To the Rev, Mr. R. E.
Rev. a7td Dear Sir, Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739^
THE cordial and tender love which I bear you, will not
permit me to neglecl: any opportunity of fending to you-
I blefs the Lord from my foul, for raifing you and feveral other
burningand fliininglights to appear for him in this midnightof the
church. My heart has been much vjarmed during my voyage^
by reading fome of your fermons, efpecially that preached be-
fore the aiTociate prefbytery. I long more and more to hear
the rife and progrefs of your proceedings, and how far you
would willingly carry the reformation of tlie church of iSri?/-
land. There are fome expreffions which I fuppofe will be
interpreted to your difadvantage, both by your domeftic and
foreign enemies. I fhculd be glad to know who are thofe
martyrs to which you refer, and of what nature thofe cove-
riant s w eve which you mention in yourfernion. My igno-
rance of the conftitution of the Scotch church is the caufe of
my writing after this manner. I fhould be obliged to you, if
you would be pleafed to recommend to me fome ufeful books,
efpecially fuch which open the holy facrament ; for in God's
law Is my delight. Bcjiori's fourfold State cf Man I like ex-
ceedingly. Under God it has been of much fervice to my
foul* 1 believe I agree with yoa and him in the efiential
Uuth^
LETTERS. 129
truths of chriftianityi I blefs Goi>, his fpirit has convinced
mc of our eternal eIe£tion by the Father through the Son, of
our free juftification through faith in his blood, of our fancSti-
fication as rhe confcqucnce o^* that, and of our final perfeve-
rance and glorification as the refult of all. 7^hefc I am pcr-
fuaded Got> has joined together j thefe, neither men nor
devils fliall ever be able to put afunder. My only fcruple at
prefent is, '• Whether you approve of taking the Avord in de-
fence of your religious rights ?'* One of our Engli/h biftiops I
remember, u'hen I vi-as with him, called you Catneronians,
They, I think, took up arms, which I think to be contrary to
the fpirit of Jesus Christ and his apoftles. Some few
paflages in your fermon before the prefbytcry, I thought were
a little fufpicious of favouring that principle. I pray God
your next may inform me that I am miftaken : For when zeal
carries us to fuch a length, I think it ceafes to be zeal accord-
ing to knowledge. Deareft Sir, be not angry at my writing
thus freely. I love, T honour you in the bowels, and for the
fake of Jesus Christ, from my foul. 1 wifti you good luck
in all your pious undertakings. I pray God to profper the
works of your hands^ and to make you a noble inftrument in
bringing many fons to glory. Pray fend an immediate
anfwer, dire<Sled as ufual, and care will be taken to have it
jemitted to, reverend and dear Sir,
Your moft afFe£lionate brother, friend, fellow-labourer,
and obliged fervant.
G. W.
LETTER CXXXIX.
Dear Brother^ Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
IT is much upon my heart to fend you a line. Although
you are not with me, yet as God was pleafed to touch
you by my unworthy miniftry, I love you with a peculiar love.
Bufmefs prevented my writing to you when in Yorkshire. I
was forry to Har that Brother j had reafon to blame
your conduct. Sfty dear brother, be not offended, if in the
meeknefs and gentlenefs of Christ, I exhort you to be fober-
minded. Follow after, but do not run before the blcfi^d Spirit;
if you do, although you may benefit others, and God may
Vol. I. K over-
ijo LETTERS.
over-rule every thing for your good, yet you will certainly
deftroy the peace of your own foul. God has been pleafed
to call you by his grace, and to give you joy in the Holy
Ghoft : But, my brother, I hope it will be more fettled and
iubftantial, and joined with meeknefs and humility of heart.
A joy which is the refult of inward trials, and flowing from a
long experience of the buffeting of fatan. Such a joy will make
you apt and fit to teach, and keep you from being puffed up
above meafure. It will exalt, at the fame time as it humbles
your foul. The Lord diredl my dear brother in all things :.
I wifh all his fcrvants were prophets ; but let every one be
rightly perfuaded of his call to public teaching. It is danger-
ous to touch the ark, though it be falling, without a com-
miilion from above. But no more. I am
Your moft affedionate brother in Christ,
G. If,
LETTER CXL.
Dear Mr. B. Philadelphia^ Nov. 28, 1 739.
YOUR kind prefent of flour has been of fingular u[^ to
me and my family; I pray God, in return, to feed you
with that bread which cometh down from heaven. You are
one of my firft and choiceft friends. You have not been
afhamed to own me, or to attend on my miniftry. It will
wonderfully rejoice me, to fee you exalted at our Lord's right-
hand in a future ftate. The way you know. Jesus Christ
is the ^^^ay, the truth, and the life. Through faith in his blood
Iball you have free accefs into the holy of holies. I hope
dear Mr. B. is not In the number of thofe, who want to make
a Saviour of their own works, and thereby deny the Lord,
who has {o dearly bought them with his precious blood : No,
J am perfuaded you are more noble. Mr. B — • — has not fo
learnt Christ. He is willing, I truft, to afcribe his falvation
\o God's free grace, and to let Jesus Christ be all in all.
I hope your brother, and thofe young men you brought with
you out o^ Splttlefields^ are likcwife thus minded. Though ab-
fent, yet I do not forget them. O exhort them from me, to
favc themfelvcs from this untoward generation. My dear
friend, do you go before them, and let them learn of you how
t«J
LETTERS i3t
to walk with God. It is a difficult thing to be a chriftian
indeed. Numbers are P/;^;'//}^^, and do not know it. I pray
God you may be delivered from them, and be made experi-
mentally to know that no one can call Jesus Christ " his
Lord," till he has really received the Holy Ghoft. I could
dwell on this, but other bufinefs obliges me to haften to fub-
fcribe myfelf, dear Mr. B— ,
Your mod obliged friend ai!id fervant,
LETTER CXLI.
Reverend Sir ^ Philadelphia^ Nov. i^, I739»
I AM not willing to go on fhore till I have performed my
promife, and fent you a line. I heartily wifti I could write
fomething u^hich might advance the glory of God and the
good of his church. As vfQ botK profefs ourfelves minifters
of the gofpel, thefe two things ought to be our chief and only
concern, and more efpecially at this time, when men feek their
own and not the things of the Lord Jesus. Oh, dear £ir^
the care of fouls I find to be a matter of the greateft importance.
You have a great number committed to your charge. What
a dreadful thing will it be for any of them to perifh through
your negled ? And yet I fear. Sir, you do not walk worthy of
the holy vocation wherewith you are called. It is no good
report that I hear of you in common life. Your practice
contradi(it£ your c!o£lrine, and what good can you do, if every
one of your parifhioners, whilft you are preaching, may reply,
**' Phyficiafi heal thyfelf r" Befides, Sir, how can you preach
Christ toothers, when you are a ftranger to his powder your-
felf ? It is next to impoflible. I make no apology for this plain-
^efs of fpeech. Simplicity becomes embaffadors of CHRlsf ."
I am, reverend Sir,
Your obliged friend and fervant,
G. n\
:fe 2 LETTER
132 LETTER S;
LETTER CXLII.
Dear Mr. G, Philadelphia, Nov, 28, fj^^
INDEED I love you, though it was (o long before I cam«
to fee you. Want of time, not of rcfpecf , was the caufer >
God is my judge how earneltly I long after your falvation^
and how willingly I would fpcnd and be fpent in order to pro-
mote it. Oh how elofely does true faitfe in Jesus Christ
our head, knit all his members in love to one another j. what
a divine harmony and attraction i-s there between them, when-
they have drank into and been made partakers of one and ths
fame fpirit ? How does the love of God dilate and enlarge
their hearts I How do all. little dift5-r!<Slions about externals fall
away, and every other name is fwallowed up in the name of
Jesus Christ ? This, my dear brother,, is that catholic fpi-
rit, which will cement all denominations of lincere profeiTors
together. This is the fpirit of which free diftinguifliing grace
has made you a partaker, and which I pray God we both may
partake of every day more and more. He is- faithful who has-
promifed, who alfo will do it. I find it is not in vain that
vve have believed in Jesus. He is- God, and his work is per-
fect ; bis love is like himfelf unchangeable ; his gifts and cal-
lings are without repentance, and therefore, though I am but
a babe in Christ, yet I am perfuaded I fhall fee you crowned
with glory. Then, my dear brother, we fball have time
enough together. Then, there will be no parting, no fear of
falling ; but we fhall drink eternally of thofe pleafures which
flow from God's right hand for evermore. Supported with
this hope, what hinders but I may come once again, when
the Lord permits, and offer Christ's everlafting righteouf-
nefs to poor perifhing finners. The devil and his fervants
will rage horribly, and perhaps caft me into prifon, nay, put
me to death : But if you will come and vifit me, by the help
of my God, I will preach to you even there ; for I am not
afliamed of the gofpel of Christ. 1 have fell it to be th&
power of God unt© my falvation. Oh, my brother, the fire
kindles whilft I am writing ; but I muft have done. Pray
falutc thofe dear fouls that I fpoke to at your houfc, and all
other
L E t T E R S. 133
•Other friends. Entreat them to pray and give thanks for me ;
and aflure thCm they are not forgotten by
Ever yours in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXLIII.
' Mr. H Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 17:^9.
AS you {land fo nearly related to your daughter, who is
with me, though I am un'lcnown to you in perfon, yet
1 make bold to fend you a line to inform you of her welfare.
I find fhe did not confer much with you about her intended
voyage.; but 1 hope both you and her will have great reafon
to rejoice in the end. -God has beenpleafed tovifit her with
fome illnefs, but now fhe is perfe£l:ly recovered. What is beft
•of ail, I hope her foul profpers, and is fitting more day by day
for the enjoyment of God. This was the chief end of her
goftig abroad, and give me leave to tell you, this is the chief
thing you ought, and muft purfue at home. But why do I
fay at home ? A chriftian hath no home but heaven. He is a
ftrang.crand pilgrim while here on earth. I hope you know
ibetter^ Mr. H , than to thi.nk you was born to drive a
team, or plough a piece of ground. Thefe things mufi: be
done, but then they fhould be done in fubordination to the
care of your better part, the foul. Your daughter tells me,
you are now grey beaded. Take heed, dear Mr. H , to
make yo.ur calling and election fure. Reft not in outward
things. Do not flatter yourfelf that you are a chriftian, be-
caufe you go to churchy and do no one any harm. Nothing
hut a living faith in Christ Jesus our dear Lord, can qua-
lify you for eternal life. Without this, God will be to us a
confuming fire ; and unlcfs we are bom again, and made new
creatures in Christ, we never fliall enter into the kingdom
of God. If you know not what I mean by thefe terms, you
may depend upon it, you are a ftranger to this new-birth, and
confequently in a ftate of death : but you need not fear ; even
at the eleventh hour Christ will accept you, if you come to
him by faith. He hath fhewn mercy to your fon and daughter.
Why may he not fhevv mercy to their father alfo ? Whofoever
jcomcth to him> he will in no-wIfc caft out. Haftethen, dear
K 3 Sir,
134 LETTERS.
Sir, out of your fpiritual Sodom, Linger not. Nothing will
more rejoice your dear children, than to fee you brought to
an experimental knowledge of the truth, that you may be fa-
ved. For their fakes, you are particularly remembered by
Yeur unknown but fmcere friend
and fervant in Christ,
?mrT^^
LETTER CXLIV,
To the Rev, Mr, P :—.
Upper Marlborough (Mary Land) Dec. 8, 1739.
Rev. and dear Sir,
TILL now, I have neither had leifure nor freedom to
anfwer your kind letter. Blefled be God, who has
opened the hearts of fome of his people at New York to receive
the word. May he enable you to water what, his ov/n right
hand hath planted, and grant to your labours a divine increafe I
Indeed I wifli you good luck in the name of the Lord. I
wifli all his fervants were prophets. Oh that he would be
pleafcd to fend forth experimental labourers into his harveft :
• — for I fear amongft you, as well as in other places, there
are many who are well verfed in the doctrines of grace, ha-
ving learned them at the univerfity, but notwithftanding are
heart-hypocrites, and enemies to the pov/er of godlinefs.
Dear Sir, I ufe this freedom, becaufe I love fimplicity. I con-
fefs I am but a child in grace, as well as years. Pardon this
freedom, for out of the fulnefs and fmcerity of my heart my
pen writeth. — I thank your fon and dear Mr, S for
what they did on my account. Alas, I fear they think too
highly of me. Oh dear Sir, entreat the God of all grace to
give me humility, fo Ihall fuccefs not prove my ruin. My
moft cordial refpecls and hearty thanks attend dear Mrs,
P , I pray God in all things to make her a help mee'i
for you — As faft as I can fnatch a few moments from public
bufmefs, more New York friends may expe(Sl to hear from me
—A fenfe of their favours is flill upon my heart — I would
willingly remember them, whenever I go in and out before
the Lord. Mr. N — 's letter, and my next journal, will
acquaint )'ou, how the Lord Jesus has been getting him-
felf
LETTERS. 135
felf the vI(£tory, fmce I left New York There has been
fuch little oppofition, that I have been tempted almoft to cry
out, " Satan, why fleepeft thou f " But God pities my weak-
nefs. Oh, dear Sir, thank him in my behalf, for indeed he deals
moft lovingly with, Rev. Sir,
Your moft unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
G, JK
LETTER CXLV.
Dear Slr^ Upper Marlborough^ Dec, 8, 1739.
I Cannot defer writing to dear Mr. N any longer.
— This afternoon God brought us hither. Some arc
folicitous for my flaying herp to-morrov/. As it feems to be
a call from providence, 1 have complied v/ith their requeft. Oh
that I may be enabled to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and
to fpeak with the demonflration of the fpirit and with pov^er.
Thefe parts are in a dead fleep. At Anapdis^ I preached twice,
and fpoke home to fome ladies concerning the vanity of their
falfe politenefs. But alas, they are wedded to their ^adrille
and Ombre, The miniffer of the place was under convic-
tions — He wept twice, and earneftly begged my prayers. He
will not frighten people I believe with harfli do6frine, —
he loves to prophefy fmooth things. — God bleffed the word
wonderfully at Philadelphia, I have great reafon to think
many are brought home to God. When I return, it will
then be fecn, who has received the word into an honeft and
good heart. By the divine affiftance, I propofe revifiting PZ^/-
ladelphia^ New Tork^ and to go as far as Bo/Ion^ and fo return
to Georgia^ before I take {hipping again for England The
Lord dircvSl my going in his way ! About May you may ex-
peel to fee mc. My dear friend, pray that I may ^o improve
the time of my abfence, that at my return my progrefs may be
made known to all men. Itfhames me to fee what little pro-
ficiency I have made in the fchool of Christ. If I do not
begin to prefs forwards, how fhall I appear before my blefTcd
Lord ? I feel myfelf to be the chief of finners; furely never
was a greater inflance of redeeming diftinguifhing love. God
forbid that I fhould glory in any thing but free grace : had
liot God plucked me as a brand out of the fife, I had now
K 4 either
136 LETTERS.
cither been given over to a reprobate mind, or caft into a place
of torment. Oh help me, help me, dsarejl Mr, N ,
help me to be thankful, and accept my thanks, though late,
for ail favours received when at New York. Indeed I love you
in the bov^els of our dear Lord Jesus. Salute your dear
wife my kind hoftefs : exhort her to be feverely kind to her
little boy. — My moft cordial refpe6ts attend all who aflc after
me. Entreat them to continue their prayers, deareft Mr.
A'^ , for
Your weak, but affe£lionate friend, brother
and fervant in Christ,
G, IK
LETTER CXLVL
ro Mr, B .
Dear Sir, Upper Marlborough.^ Dec, 8, 1739,
GRATITUDE obliges me to fend you a letter of thanks
for your lall kind prcfent, and all other favour.^ ; but the
love of our Lord Jesus Christ conilrains me to write to
you, exhorting you earned-ly to contend for the faith once de-
livered to the faints. I humbly hope the Lord has been
pleafed to blefs my- coming in thcfe parts to many, and
amongfl them to you alfo. It rejoiced mc to find dear Mr,
B was convinced that 1 preached the truth as it is in
Jesus. It pleafed me exceedingly, to find how his eyes were
opened to fee the direct contrariety there is, between the fpi-
rit of Chrjst and the fpirit of the world. What has my
dear friend now to do, but to profecute thcfe convictions,
and never refl till they end in a found converfion. God has
given you richly all things to enjoy. Be pcrfuaded hence-
forward not to be fo cumbered about the many triHes of this
life, as to neglect the one thing needful, Dare, Sir, to be fm-
gularly good. Oh dare to let your light fliine before men — ^
Be not afhamed of Christ and his gofpel. Come out from
your carnal acquaintance, and live as becomes a true follower
of our Lord Jesus. Dear il^r. 5^— , I hope will join
with you. God's fpirit has been and is now ftriving with his
heart. I pray God to make this the accepted time, and caufe
it to be the day of his, falvitioi). How will it fill mc with
joy
LETTERS. "137
joy at my return to Philadelphia^ to fee dear Mr, B —
and fome other excellent welUnnieaning people, whom I love,
become defpifed followers of the ^-amb of God. If my prayers
may be any ways aflifting, as GoD fliall enable me you may
depend on them — Our dear friend 5—- — - can inform you
what God has done for us, fince we faw you. One favour
more I beg of you ; give thanks as well as pray for
Your moil obliged friend and fervant,
LETTER CXLVIL
To Captain B
JViUiamJburgh, (Virginia) Dec, 15, 1 7 39.
HITHER God brought us laft night ; I truft the fame
gracious being, by his good prpvidence, has conducted
you fafc to Philadelphia. I cannot fay, I have met with fo
much as even an abnoft chrijlian^ fmce I parted from you,
till I came to Colonel Whitings — —^ There, GosD put in my
way a planter, that is feeking to know the way of God more
perfedlly — He is now with us, and I hope our converfation
will be bleiTcd unto him. Oh dear Mr, B — , ftrive, I
befeech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, ftrive
to enter in at the ftrait gate. God of late has loudly called
you — Take heed that neither the lui} of the eye, the luft of
the flefh, nor the pride of life prevail on you to lie down in a
carnal fecurity again. 1 am confident you will be moft hear-
tily defpifed, if you are a real chriflian j but dear Mr. B -'s
refolution will be built on a better foundation, than to let
a little breath blow it down. In Christ is your ftrength ;
look up to him day by day, and as your day is, fo fhall your
ftrength be, I fear and pray for you. God only knows,
how often you have been upon my heart. Wc have not failed
interceding for you at the throne of grace. I (hall be much
miftaken, if Mr. B does not prove a chriftian indeed.
About May I pro'pofe, God willing, to be with you again.
Then 1 (hall rejoice to fit and hear you tell what God has
done for your foul — Be not afraid of convi£lion. Be not
afraid of inward feelings. Now pray to the Lord Jesus, to
lay the ax of mortification to the root of your heart. Make
% thorough
I3S LETTERS.
thorough work with it. Do not fpare yourfelf In the leafl.— •
Now is the accepted time, and that it may be the day of fal-
vation, is the earneft prayer of, dear Mr, B- ,
Your obliged aftectionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXLVllI.
^'^' To the Rev. Mr. G T .
My dear Brother^ Williamjburgh^ Dec. 15, 1739.
BE not angry becaufe you have not heard from me. in-
deed I love and honour you in the bow^eis of Jesus
Christ. You are feldom out of my thoughts ; but till novv
I have not had liberty given me, to fend you a. line — I truit
the work goes on glorioufly in your parts. The hand of th.e
Lord brought wondrous things to pafs, before we left Penfii-
vania ; but in thcfe parts fatan feems to lead people captive at
his will. The diftance of the plantations prevents people's af-
fembling themfelves together. — Here are no great towns, as in
other provinces, and the commonalty is made up of Negroes
and co7ivi£is^ and if they pretend to ferve God, their mafters,
Pharaoh like, cry out, " Ye are idle, ye are idle." Laft night
I read the affeiSting account of your brother Johi ; let me die,
O Lord, the death of that righteous man, and let my future
ftate be like his ! O my dear friend, my brother, entreat the
Lord that I may grow in grace, and pick up the fragments
of my time, that not a moment of it may be loft. Teach
me, oh teach me the way of God more perfectly. Rebuke,
reprove, exhort me with all authority — I feel I am but a
babe in Chrift, I long to know more of thd^hoiy Jesus. He
has manifefted himfelf to my foul, both in a way of humili-
ation and exaltation. Since I faw you, both his rod and ftalF
have comforted me. At prefent, he makes me young and
lively as an eagle; I only wifti I was more worthy to fub-
fcribe myfelf
Your afFcdionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. n\
LETTER
LETTERS. 139
LETTER CXLIX.
To Mrs, a
NezutONy Cape Fear^ Dec. 28, 1739.
My dear Siflcr /;2 Christ,
JUST now we have beeo finging the hymn, which wc
fung. at Broad-oak ; and as I generally do at fuch feafons,
I thought of that happy time wherein we fung it in your great
hail, it was a time much to be remembered, an anticipation,
I believe, of that blefled time when we all fnall meet to Cwg
the fong of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerufalem — For
the adoption of the fpirit, if truly received, is the earncft of
pur promifed inheritance. We are fealed thereby to the day
of redemption, and therefore may give both men and devils
the challenge to feparate us, if they can, from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord — I am verily per-
fuaded, that fmce I left you, all things have worked together
for your good. As I am travelling, often does my foul think
both of you and yours, and out of the fulnefs of my heart, do I
often pour forth this or fuch like petitions, " Deareft Lord, be
for ever gracious to the houfhold of !" My confcience
hath fmote me frequently, for not writing you a longer letter.
I fend this to afk pardon, and to aflure you how often you
and your daughters are upon my heart, when I go in and out
before the. Lord — I long to hear how the Lord Jesus hath
magnified his flrength in your weaknefs. It would fill a
volume to tell his goodnefs and truth ; and my bafe ingrati-
tude fometimes comes with fuch convi£lion upon my heart,
that I can fcarce forbear getting ofF my horfe, and humbling
myfelf in the way fide. Indeed, I am the chief of finners, and
yet overflowing hath the Lord Jesus been in his love.
You will hear more foon by the journal which will be fcnt.
Dear Mrs. C , my love to all.
Your afFedionate though unworthy brother in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CL.
"B^cver end and dear Siry Savannah, jan, 16. 1740.
WITH much pleafure (tho' not till laft week) I received
your kind afteclionate letter. I thank you for it with
ail
HO LETTERS.
all my foul, and pray God to reward you for this, and all
other your works of faith and labours of lov€. You may de-
pend, on my not being prejudiced againft you or your bre-
thren, by any evil report. They only endear you to me more
and more ; and were your enemies to reprcfent you as black as
hell, I fhould think you were the more glorious in the fight
of heaven. Your fweet criticifms and remarks upon my
journal and fermons, were exceeding acceptable, and very
juft. I afiure you, dear Sir, I am fully convinced of the doc-
trine of ele£lion, freejuftification, and final perfeverancc. My
obfervations on the Quakers, were only intended for thole par-
ticular perfons with whom I then converfed. The tenets of
the quakers in general, ^howt jujiificaiton^ I take to be falfe
and unfcriptural. Your adverfaries need take no advantage
againft you, by any thing I have written j for I think it every
minifter's duty to declare againft the corruptions of that church
to which they Belong, and not to look upon thofe as true
members of their communion, who deny its publick confli-
tutions. This is your cafe in Scotland, and ours in England.
I fee no other way for us to adt at prefent, than to go on
preaching the truth as it is in Jesus ; and then if our brethren
caft us out, God will dirc6t us to take that courfe which is
moil: conducive to his glory, and his people's good. I think
I have but one obje6iion againft your proceedings ; " Your
infifting only on preflytert^n government^ exclufive of all other
ways of worfhipping GoD." Will not this, dear Sir, nccefia-
rily lead you (whenever you get the upper-hand) to oppofc
and perfecute all that differ from you in their church govern-
ment, or outward way of worfhipping God ? Our dear bro-
ther and fellow-labourer Mr. G T thinks this
will be the confequence, and faid he would write to you about
it. As for my own part, (though I profefs myfclf a minifter
of the church oi Engknd) I am of a catholic fpirit ; and if I
fee' a man who loves the Lord Jesus in fincerity, I am not
very folicitous to what outward communion he belongs. The
kingdom of God, I think, does not confift in any fuch thing.
Thefe are my fentiments, dear Sir, and I write them out of
love — ^^I am afhamed (becaufe only a babe in Christ) to pre-
tend as it were to dire£l ; but true friendftiip needs no apo-
logy, QqX} is doing great things in Amerlau My joOrrtal,
which
E E T T E R S. ,4,
which I fend over with this, will fliew you what he has done
already. Your welfare is much upon my heart, and as I am
enabled, I make mention of you in my prayers. Affairs o*'
the Orphan-houfe go on v^ell. Some few, even here^ love the
Lord Jesus. Oh, dear Sir, pray far us, and efpecially for
Your weak unworthy brother
and fellow-labourer \i\ Christ,
G. JV,
LETTER CLL
Savannah^ Jan, 22, 1 740.
My Hon, Friend and Brother in Christ,
YOUR laft letter quite confounded me. What am I, thac
I {hould be thus highly favoured I I can only fay, tha:
♦* Lefs than the leaft of all God's mercies," fhall be my mot-
to ft ill. I have experienced many inward trials, fmce I faw
you laft. But I find they work continually for my good.
I rejoice in what our dear Lord Jf.sus has done for your foul,
^ay a double portion of his bleffed fpirit reft upon you ; may
our glorious ever-blefled Emanuel caufe all his glory to pafs
before you, and may you be filled with all the fulnefs of
God ! Since my arrival here, I have received a fweet endear-
ing inftrudive letter from Mr, Ralph E — ■ j I have an-
iwered it, and told him you promifed to write about the ne-
ceffity of a catholic fpirit. Dr. C alfo has favoured
me with a loving epiftle. I have received and read his fermons
fince I faw you : they are acute and pointed, but I think not
fearching enough by many degrees — My dear brother, I love
writers that go to the bottom — God willing, I hope to be
with you at the fynod — But what think you ? I am fometimes
doubting, whether I ftiall have fufficient matter given me to
preach upon. Methinks I hear you fay, « O thou of little
faith ! wherefore doft thou doubt I As thy day is, fo fhalt
thy ftrcngth be." Michael and the dragon, I hear, are car-
rying onwar moft bravely in England, I really believe we ftiali
not die, till we fee the kingdom of God come with power.
The affairs.of the orphan-houfe are in great forwardnefs. I
have much to fay j but time and bufinefs will not permit.
Blefled be God, eternity is at hand, a<id then we (hali have
time
142 LETTER S.
time enough. I have read fome of your books to my grea^
profit. I want to be taught the way of God more perfectly
ali the day long. My tendered refpech await the brethren 5
my dear fellow-travellers falute you— You arc often remem-
bered both by them, and
Your affe(£i:ionate though very weak and unworthy
brother, fervant and fellow-labourer in Christ,
LETTER CLII.
To the Rev. Mr, C. ' '
Rev. mid dear Sir, Savannah, ^^^' 24> 1 740
I Received your kind, though undeferving letter, and now
fnatch a few moments from my other avocations, in order
to fend you a fhort anfwer. May God who knits the eledl
in one communion and fellowfhip, fanctify our friendihip and
correfpondence to the ftirring up each other to love and td
good works ! — It pleafed me to find you breathe fo catholic a
Ipirit. — O that bigotry and party zeal were not fo much as
once named am.ongft us, as becometh faints ! Since Christ
is not divided in himfelf, why fliould chriftians be divided one
amongft another ? Bigotry, I am fure, can never be the fruit
of that wifdom which cometh from above. — No, it is earthly,
fenfual, and devilifh. When I come to New England I fhall
endeavour to recommend an univerfal charity amongft all the
true members of Christ's myflical body. Perhaps therefore,
the fields may be the moft unexceptionable place to preach
in. You and your brethren, I am pcrfuaded, will follow our
Lord even without the camp, and rejoice to bear his facred
reproach. AfTifi: me, dear Sir, in your prayers, that my com-
ing may be in the fulnefs of the gofpel of peace— ^I fhall come
only with my fling and with my flone.— If the Lord fhall
be pleafed fo to dire6t me, that I may flrike fome felf-rigb-
teous GoUahs to the heart, I know yoa will rejoice with.
Rev. and dear Sir,
Yours moft afFe£lionately in the love of
our dear Lord Jesus,
LETTER
LETTER,'. 143
LETTER CLIII.
To Mr. W, D,
Savannahy Jan. 31, 1740.
My dear Brother in Christ,
BLESSED be God, for the good report I hear of your
zeal for our dear E?naniieL Go on, I befcech you by the
merciesof God in Christ Jesus ; go on, and I am perfuaded
the pleafure of the Lord fliall profper in your hands. If I
am throv/n afide as a broken veflel, fo I fee you and others
ftirred up to carry on our dear Lord's kingdom, if my heart
does not deceive me, I fhall rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
God bleiTes the affairs of the orphan-houfe. The work is
large, but we have omnipotence for our fupport. — I believe I
fhall take in near fifty children. God lets me fee every day,
that he orders my goings. He vifits me with inward trials ;
but if I had not fuch thorns in the flefh, what would become
of me ? Fear not to fpeak the truth ; if driven out o^ Engl and y
here is a noble range for you in America, At prefent I am
reftrained ; but I could not reft, without letting you have a
line from
Your moft affe(Slionate friend brother, and fervant,
LETTER CLIV.
To Mrs. D,
Dear Madam^ Savannah., Jan. 31, 1740.
I REJOICE to hear that you are likely to be caft out of
your mother's Will only for following Christ. This
may be only the beginning of temptations. God, I believe,
out of love will try you to the uttermoft. You have drank
deep of heavenly comforts ; you muft pledge our Lord in
his cup of fufFerings. Thofe who faw him on mount Tabor
afterwards were with him in the garden. But fear not—
The Lord is with you — Neither men nor devils fhall hurt you.
The fweet communion we have had with God, and through
him with one another, often comfocts my foul. Who knows,
4 IbuC
144 LETTERS.
but that time may be again repeated ? Indeed, I want wof(!s
as well as time to exprefs with what thankfulncfs I defire to
fubfcribe myfelf, dear madam,
Your unworthy brother
and obliged fervant in our common Lord,
G. iv:
LETTER CLV.
To Captain M.
Dear 5/>, Savannah, Jan, 31, 1740".
I Rejoice to hear of your good health, and take this oppor-
tunity of fending you Mr. Law's and Mr. Haliburto7i's life j
which I pray God to fandtify to your benefit and comfort. I
hope you will watch over your heart, and take care to keep
up thofe convi(S\ions, which God once put into your fouL I
am afraid of Mr. B. The world, the world I fear has got
hold of him. Dear Captain M- -, I truft, will not defert
his Mafter.-— I am fure he would die, rather than prove falfe
to, an earthly prince. — Oh let him not defert his dear Re-
deemer's colours. Dear Sir, beg of God to root out of your
heart a defire for that honour which cometh of man. Till dead
to the world you will not be alive to Gox>. Honour , falfely
fo called, has deftroyed millions. That you may be never
ca-rried away with, or ruined by it, is the liearty prayer of^
dear Sir,
Your's, &c.
G. jr,
LETTER CLVI.
To the Rev. Mr. IF. T.Qi'^^Qrit'
Savannah f yan. 31, 1740*.
My dMT and honoured Brother^
BLESSED be God, who hath pleafurc in the profperity
of his fervaats. — I am abafed to think what our all-gra-
cious Redeemer hath done by my uaworthy hands, and rejoice
to hear that he is working by your's. Oh that you may ex-
perience frefh anointings and teaching from above I O that
you may be ftrcngthened by God's mighty power in the inner
man, and pull down fatan's flrong-holds daily. Got) willing,
1 hope to be with you at the Synod. I find as yet I fcarce
kftow
LETTERS. 145
know any thing ; but if I give out of my little flock, I trufl: the
Loud will increafe it, as he did the little lad's Ipavcs and
fifhes. My journal, which I have fcnt to Philadelphia^ will
tell you what God has done in AlaryLrid and [''irginia. A
foundation of great things I believe is laying here. Oh pray
that a fenfe of his owa littlenefs, may be given to
Your affcclionatc, though unworthy brother and
fellow-labourer in Christ,
G. JF,
LETTER CLVIL
A'fy dear Sijlcr^ Snvafwah, yan. 31, 1740.
I Rejoice to hear that you are enabled to fee not only the
freenefs but eternal duration of God's grace. Till the
finner is convinced of this, I am perfuadcd he can neither
work from a principle of true love, nor give Jesus Christ'
the honour due unto his name. He muft alv/ays be making
his falvation to depend /j^rz/y at leaft on his own doings ; " If I
do fo and fo, Jesus Christ will give me his grace :*' But can
any believer who knows himfelf, help confefling, that after he
had received grace, he (hould have finally fallen from it, had
the continuance of it depended on his own will ? Indeed, my
dear Sifter, nothing fo much comforts my own foul as the
thought that God will never leave me nor forfake me ; if he
does, it muft be for my^unworthinefs : But on that account it
cannot be ; for he never chofe me on account of my unworthi-
nefs. He loved me freely, he prevented me by his grace 3 he
chofe me from eternity, he called me in time, and I am pcr-
fuaded will keep me till time fliall be no more. — This con-
fideration makes my faith to work by love. Novv^, I can live
not barely upon my frames, which notvvithftanding are blefTed
things, but on the promifes. Now, I can go on my way re-
joicing, and, amidft all dejeilions, lift up my head in profpecT:
of a certain and exceeding weight of glory. Though I fal),
I know I ftiall rife again j for he that is brought truly to be-
lieve on Jesus Christ, his faith Ihall never die. The Lord
Jesus will not fufter to be loft the purchafe of his blood.
He knew for whom he died, and neither men nor devils fhall
ever pluck them out of his hand.9. Such ag have been taught
Vol. I. L moft
A.
146 LETTER S.
moft of God, I find, are thus minded. And I am perfuaded
were the effects of our Lord's redemption to depend on a
roan's own compliance, or was the continuance of God's grace
to depend folely on man's improvement, Jesus Christ would
have died in vain. Jdam could not ftand in paradife when
left to his own free-will, how then can we ? No, bleffed be
God, cur falvation is put into better hands than our own.
Jesus Christ has purchafed not only wifdom, righteoufnefs,
and fandliiication, but alfo eternal redemption for us. Let
this thought, my dear Sifter, lift up our hands v/hen they
hang down, and llrengthen our feeble knees ; God's gifts and
callings are without repentance. There is no condemnation to
them that are truly in Christ Jesus. And I write thus pe-
remptorily to you, becaufe I find now you are able to bear it.
— BlefTed be God ! my dear Sifter, flefli and blood has not re-
vealed this unto you. I hope ere long our brethren will lay
all carnal reafoning afide, and fee and preach the truth in this
refpe£l, as it is in Jesus. My kindeft love to your fifter. — -
What I write to one, I write to both. The Lord direct your
going in his way, and caufe you to continue inftant in prayer
for
Your weak brother and fervant in Christ,
G. JK
LETTER CLVIIL
To Mrs, Elizabeth JV .
My dear Sijhr^ Savannah^ Jan, 31, 174G.
I Have been juft reading over yo\ir letter, and felt a fweet
fympathy with the writer. Oh that it may increafe till we
are filled with all the fulnefs of God I Some pafiages in your
letter were dangerous to my foul. Whenever you fee an}F
Ijrowth of grace, pray that I may grow in humility in particular.
Oh that I was lowly in heart ! Honour and difhonour, good
report and evil report would then be alike, and prove" a fur-
therance to me in my chriftian caufe. — I believe the time is
iliortly coming in which 1 am to endure fomething for my
Lord and Mafter ; then will 1 ery out,Wha is on the Lord's
iide ? Nothing fupports me under a profpcct of a trying time, fa
much as a fenfe of God's everlafting love. I am perfuaded,
ths»i neither men n<?r devils flull ever pluck me out of his
Almiq;ht)r
LETTERS. 147
Almighty hands. Let this fupport you, my dear Sifter, in your
change of life. Wherever you are, I am confident you will
have reafon to fay, ^* Surely God is in this place." That
you may wvlx ftronger and ftronger, and ripen daily for glory,
is the hearty prayer of
Your affedlionate brother and fervant in our dear Emanuel^
G. JV.
LETTER CLIX.
To Mr. J, N,
Dear Sir^ Savannah, 'Jan. 31, 1740,
I Hope you will cxcufe my not anfwering your kind letter
fooner.— The many avocations that at prefent furround me^
prevented it. I rejoice to hear that our Lord Jesus is getting
himfelf the vidlory in the hearts of poor finners. I hope many
will now rejoice in his falvation. One good fign is, that he
has employed the meaneft, as well as vileft wretch, that he
ever yet fent forth. — When I hear that any good is done by
my unworthy hands, it almoft makes me to blufh. — Oh that
I could humble myfelf in the duft, that the Lord alone may
be exalted in his ftrength. I purpofe to revifit New-Tork at
the appointed time. You told me, " Our Lord has not fent
me into his vineyard at my own charge.'* Indeed, I always
find he furniflies me with things convenient : Nay, he is often
fo abundant in goodnefs and truth, that I am obliged to cry
out in holy admiration, " My Lord and my God !" Dear
Sir, help me to be thankful. Blefled be God, the Orphan-
houfe affairs fucceed well. Many fouls will be redeemed by
it from temporal, and I trull, from eternal bondage. I have
taken in upwards of twenty children already, and I take in
more daily. — I am building a large houfe, have many
fervants, and a good flock of cattle. It will coft much money.
— But our Lord will fee to that. My friends at New-Tork
will aflift me when 1 come amongft them. Oh that my com-
ing may be in the fulnefs of the blcffings of the gofpel of peace I ,
I am perfuaded, you will not be wanting in your prayers on
behalf of, dear Sir,
Your obli^^ed friend and fervant in Christ Jesus,
G. //: .
L 2 LETTER
hs letters,
letter clx.
To Mrs. Elizabeth D .
My dear S'l/ier in Christ, Savannah^ Feb, i, 174O.
I Generally obferve that whom the Lord loves, for the moft
part he keeps from preferment. — Your grandmother
cannot do any more than fhe is permitted. It is God's free
grace alone, that has made the difference between us and
others. Oh that we were duly fenfible of electing love I In-
deed it muil; ncceffarily conltrain us to obedience. I am glad
you like Bochm. His works are truly evangelical, and a9:,oid
fwcet nourifhnient to the new-born foul. The nearer we
come to God, the better we fliall relifli fearching books. It
is an evident fign of a falfe heart, when it is unwilling to be
probed. BleiTed be God, you are not thus minded. I truft
the Lord Jesus has apprehended you, and will henceforward
never let you go. O that I may hear of your growth in grace,
and of your zeal for the Lord of Hosts. — You do well to
go about doing good; your Mailer did fo before you. Dare^
dear Mifs^ to follow his good example, and never fear the re-
vilings of men. Set your face as a flint againft all the adver-
faries of our Lord ; for fliortly you fhall tread all your ene-
mies under feet. I befeech you by the mercies of God in
Christ Jesus our Saviour, to keep up a clofe walk and com-
munion with God. Nothing elfe can preferve you from
Idols ; and you know when once the foul is off its watch, tlve
devil makes fad ravages in it. There is nothins; I dread more
than having my heart drawn away by earthly objects. — When
that time comes, it will be over with me indeed ; I muff then
bid adieu to zeal and fervency of fpirit, and in effedl, bid'the
Lord Jesus to depart from me. For alas, what rooni can
there be for God, when a rival hath taken poffeffion of the
heart ? Oh my dear Sifter, pray that no fuch evil may befal
me. My blood runs cold at the very thought thereof. I
cannot, indeed ; I cannot away with it. In a multiplicity of
bufinefs, have I wrote you thefe lines. I thank you for your
kind letter, and hope I fhall always retain a grateful fenfe of
the many favours I have received from your dear family. My
kindeft refpects attend your fifter ; I long to hear of her being
brought
LETTERS. 149
brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
How does your father ? Oh that he may have a well-grounded
intereft in Christ ! How does my dear brother Charles? I
pray God to fill him with all joy and peace in believing. And
how does your little fifter ? Deareft Redeemer, keep her un-
fpotted from the world ! My heart is now full. Writing
quickens me. I could almoft drop a tear, and wifli myfelf,
for a moment or two, in England, But hufli, nature : God
here pours down his bleflings on
Your fincere friend and fervant in Cpirist,
G, TF,
LETTER CLXI.
To the Rev, Mr. D. R,
Savannahy Feb. 4, 1 740.
Afy reverend and dear Brother ^
I Received your kind letter juft on my arrival at this place. —
My journal, which I fuppofe you will have read ere this
reaches jyalesy can beft inform you what God hath done for
my own and other people's fouls. — Even here, he is plcafcd
to be with and alTifl us. The Orphan-houfe goes on bravely.
I believe I fliall take in near fifty children before I return to
England. He that feedeth the young ravens which call
upon him, will not fufFer them to want. — I rejoice to hear
that the Lord Jesus is fo publicly confelled among your
countrymen. — If the Lord is pleafed to fend me, I fhall gladly
take a tour into Wales. — In this time of retirement, I expert
many inward confli^ls. How otherwife (hall I be prepared
for future mercies ? Experience of God's work upon our own
'i-^^^-i is the beft qualification to preach it effc6tually to others.
In^bout two months I take another tour round America. The
^ofpel, I believe, will come with power in thefe parts. I ex-
pect to fufFer in the flefh for what hath been done already :
But what have we to do with the confcquences of performing
our duty } Leave them to God. Oh, my dear brother, pray
for me that my faith fail not, and then I care not what per-
1-cution befals
Your weuk unworthy brother in Christ,
G,JV,
L3 LETTER
i5d LETTERS.
LETTER CLXII.
To Mr, H, H.
My dear Br ether ^ Savannah, Feb. \^ 1740.
WILL this find you in prifon or not ? Your laft letter
(which I received upon my arrival here) gave me
fome expedations that ere long you would be both in prifon
and bonds. By and by, I (hall follow perhaps. — The Lord
fandify all his difpenfations to us, and make us not only wil-
ling to be bound, but even to die for the fake of our dear
Mafter. When I read how my letters, &c. are blefled to your
comfort, it quite confounds me. Oh the free-grace of
Christ Jesus our Lord ! My dear Brother, let us continue
inflant in feafon and out of feafon. — Let us continually preach
up free-grace, though we die for it ; we cannot lofe our lives
in a better caufe. As I am enabled, I remember you at the
throne of grace ; in general I figh out my prayers. — But the
fpirit, I truft, makes interceflion for me with groanings that
cannot be uttered.
I have not had much enlargement in preaching, fince I have
been here ; but my heart is often weighed down, and torn to
pieces with a fcnfe of my defperately wicked and deceitful
heart. I can fubfcribe to what you fay, *' Was God to leave
ttie to myfelf, I fhould be eminent for, and a ring-leader in
fin." I fometimes think my heart is more vicious and per-
verfe than any one's ; and yet Jksus Christ will come and
dwell in me. — Methinks I hear you fay, " Glory be to free
grace: All praife be given to eledring love."—Let all that
love the Lord Jesus fay, Jmen ! Pray write to me as often
as poffible. — God, I believe, is laying a foundation for
great things in Georgia. 1 am building a large houfe, and
taking in many children. Wr^ftle with Gop in behalf
of, Brother,
Youfs eternally in Christ Jesuj,
G. ir
J. E T T E K
LETTERS. rsx
TETTER CLXIIL
ro Mr. H —
Savannah^ Feb, 4, 1740.
HOW is it with your heart ? I hope the Lord Jesus
leads you on from conquering to conquer, and gets
himfelf the vi<9:ory every day. I cannot but think that here-
after great things will be done in America, God feems to
have given fome earnefts of it already. My next journal will
acquaint you what they are. It often pleafes me, to reflect
how Christ's kingdom is fecurely carried on in fpite of men
and devils, and that too by the weakeft inftruments in different
parts of the world. Surely we {hall unite at laft, and that
glorious time will come, when, with one heart and with one
voice, we fhall fing praifes to him who fitteth upon the throne
for ever. A glorious epiphany, I truft, will ftiortly be mads
in the hearts of many fouls. My deareft Brother, let us do
or fuffer anything, fo we may be made inftruments of begin*
riing and carrying on fo divine a work. As for my own part,
I often ftand aftonifhed at the riches of free diflinguifhing
grace, and I often feel myfelf fo great a fmner, that I am
tempted to think, nothing can be blefled which comes
from fuch unhallowed hands and lips ; but yet the Lord is
with me, and attended his word with mighty power onChriJlmas
day. Pray remember me to all friends. I expecS^ you will re-
ceive the letters I fent from Philadelphia^ ere this comes to
hand. I depend on feeing your journal, and hope you will
accept of my mofl cordial love from, dearefl Brother,
Your's eternally in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CLXIV.
To Mr, H, G,
My dear Br other ^ Savammh^ Feb, 4, 174O.
WHAT fliall I fay to your kind letter? 1 blefs the
Lord for awakening you to fee the ncceffity of
trufting in a better righteoufnefs than your own, and I adore
him for making ufe of fo mean an inftrumcnt as I am, I^-
ly 4 ^^
152 LETTERS.
IS a plain proof that the power is not of man, but of God
alone. Labour, dear Sir, to keep up thefe convidions in
your heart. Now God has called you, take care of lying
down again. — Be always trimming your lamp, as though you
were in expe^lation every moment to meet the heavenly Bride-
groom.'— Search more and more into the corruption of your
heart, and never reft till God's fpirit witnefleth with your
fpirit, that you are a child of God. Let the deadnefs of thofe
around you, excite your zeal. See that you are a burning
and a fhining light in the midft of fuch a crooked and pcr-
veffe generation. — And let a fenfe of God's diftinguifhing
Jove to you above others, excite you to diftinguifli yourfelf
by your obedience; ftill remembering that the Lord Jesus
is our whole and everlafting righteoufnefs. That we both
may be found in him, is the hearty prayer of
Your fincerc friend and fervant in Christ,
G. rr.
LETTER CLXV.
To the Rev. Mr. J .
Reverend and dear Sir^ Savannah y Feb. 29, 17 40.
WITH great pleafure I anfwer your kind letter, and
earneftly pray that God would be pleafed to fan(5^ify
our correfpondeiice. It rejoices my foul, when I find a cler-
gyman that loves our Lord Jesus in fmccrity. It is with
regret that I fpeak againft any of the facred fun(St:ion ; but
when their preaching and walk are dire£tly contrary to the
gofpcl of our Lord Jesus, I cannot but fpeak to them, as
well as to the laity. To the beft of my knowledge, I preach
the truth as it is in Jesus, and fimply aim at bringing fouls
to him. Bleiled be his free grace for the fuccefs he hath been
pleafed to give me. Not unto me, not unto me, but unto
his holy name be all the glory ! Daily I am convinced, that
God's hand is not (hortened — He blefles me here as well as
clfewhcre. The Orphan-houfe is in great forwardnefs. I
feed near an hundred mouths daily, and am afTured I fcrve a
God who will fupply all our wants. It would rejoice me
to fee you at Savannah, if your bufinefs will permit. — I can
5 now
LETTERS. 153
now provide things convenient for your reception. — In about
fix weeks I propofe, God willing, to go northv/ard. — If you
can, pray favour me with your company before that time. —
My friends will rejoice to hear and fee you. — They join with
me in affectionate refpedts to yourfelf and Mrs. J •. I
have fent you a few little tracis, and long for opportunities to
convince you, reverend and dear Sir, how fmcercly I fubfcribe
myfclf
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in our
dear Lord Jesus,
G. JK
LETTER CLXVI.
To Captain H. M.
Dear Sir, Savannah, March 2, 1740.
WITH pleafure I received your kind letter laft night,
and immediately prayed, that God would never leave
you before he had finiihed the good work begun in your heart.
He has given you a rational, I hope ere long, he will give you
zfpiritiial convidion of fin and of Christ. When that comes,
all oppofition will fall before it. The world will be as no-
thing in your eyes, and you will a6l like a foldier of Jesus
Christ. Indeed, dear Sir, I travail as it were in birth, till
Jfsus Christ be thoroughly formed within you. If I do
not forget my promifc, I do not forget your favours. — I
make m.ention of you in my prayers. Linger not, dear Sir,
but hafte out of your fpiritual Sodom. Flee, flee to Jesus
Christ, whofe facred blood has made an atonement for fin-
ners. Lay hold on his everlafting righteoufnefs, and chufe
rather to fuffer afHiclion with the people of God, than to en-
joy any thing which this world may afford, for a fcafon.
Accept the fermons I have herewith fent, and believe me to
be, dear Sir,
Your affedlionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G.JV.
LETTER
154
LETTERS.
LETTER CLXVII.
To Mr. James S-
Dear Mr. S. March j, 1740.
BLESSED be God, that you are yet alive as to your
body ; biefled be God, that fome fparks of divine light
are yet difcernible in your foul. Indeed, I have been frequent-
ly diftreficd for you and your companions, left fatan, through
the corruption of your hearts, and the deceitfulnefs of worldly
bufinefs, fhould get an advantage over you. Oh v^'atch, my
dear friend, watch unto prayer ', keep clofc to God through
? living faith in his dear Son ; forget not your firft love j for-
get not a bleeding God ; forget not that iime^ when your foul
was about to take its laft flight. O that I may meet you in
triumph at the laft day ! Providence thwarts my feeing you.
Adieu; write as often as you can. You have my prayers,
and as a token of my love, be pleafed to accept this letter and
the books fent with it, from
Your afFe£lionate friend and fervant,
LETTER CLXVIII.
ro the Hon, J. IV.
Honoured Sir, Savannah^ March 10, 1740.
YESTERDAY, after public worfhip, I received with
pleafure your kind letter, and was immediately ready
to cry out. Why do fo many of my Lord's fervants take
notice of fuch a dead dog as I am. Surely fovereign, rich,
and free grace was never iexalted more than in the mercy
(liewn to me, who am in truth the unworthief!: of the fons of
men. — Honoured Sir^ it rejoices me to hear that there are fo
■ many at Nevj England^ who love the Lord Jesus in fmce-
rity, and dare to fhinc as lights in the world amongft a
crooked and perverfe generation. — I wifh they may be all
Jquila\ and Prijcilla's to me, and teach me the way of GoDs
more perfectlv ; for i long to grow in grace, and in the know-
ledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus. Christ. Oh he is a
Iweet roaflcr , even here do I feel his blclled influences, and
3 j:ejoicG^
LETTERS. 155
rejoice with joy unfpeakable and full of glory. — He is often
with us in the midft of his fan£luary, and much fucceeds the
Orphan-houfe. — I have digged low, and intend to build it
high, becaufe I have a great God to pay the charges. I
have about thirty-fix children which I maintain and cloath,
and have upwards of forty perfons more who are employed in
the work. The plantation is in great forwardncfs. — Many
families are kept here by my employing them, and I hope to
fee many a youth bred up for God ; for I defign to breed up
for the miniftry, all that at any time I (hall perceive to be re-
newed by the Holy Ghoft, and endued with fuitable natural
abilities. The work, I am perfuaded, is of God, and I know
he will raife up inftruments to fupport it. Let him chufe
whom feemeth him good. — In about three months, God wil-
ling, I hope to be near, or at New England. I thank you from
my foul, honoured Sir, for your kind invitation ; but, I be-
lieve, am pre-engaged to one Mr. 5 d. The Lord re-
ward both him, and all others who receive me in his name I I
have not yet received the books, which you was pleafed to
fend me, becaufe they are fent to the fouthward, but I expecSl:
them daily, and doubt not of their being profitable. I know
not how to exprefs my gratitude for your great condefcenfion
in writing to me, but that I may always behave fo as not to
be afhamed of fubfcribing myfelf
Your obliged humble fervant,
LETTER CLXIX.
To the Rev. Mr. J. IV.
Honoured Sir^ Savannahy March, 26, 1740.
SINCE I returned here, I received your letter and journal.
— I thank you for both, and {hall wait almoft with im-
patience to fee a continuance of your account of what God is
doing or has done amongft you — He knows mv heart, I rejoice
in v^hatever God has done by your hands. I, prae, fequar,
etfinon paflibus equis.
I could now fend a particular anfwcr to your lail ; but, my
honoured friend and brother, for once hearken to a child, who
is willing to wafli your feet. I befeech you by the mercies
of God in Christ Jesus our Lo^d> if }0u would have my
love
156 LETTERS.
love confirmed towards you ; write no more to me about mlf-
reprefentations wherein we differ. To the beft of my know-
iedge at prefent, no fm has dominion over me, yet I feel the
flrugglings of indwelling fm day by day ; I can therefore by
jio means come into your interpretation of the pafiage men-
tioned in the letter, and as explained in your preface to Mr,
Halyhurton — The do6trine of eleSiion^ and the final perfevera7ice
of thofe that are truly in Christ, I am ten thoufand times
more convinced of, ifpoflible, than when I faw you lafl —
You think otherwife : why then (hould we difpute, when there
is no probability of convincing ? Will it not in the end de-
flroy brotherly love, and infenfibly take from us that cordial
union and fweetncfs of foul, which I pray God may always
fubfift between us ? How glad would the enemies of the Lord
be to fee us divided ? How many would rejoice, (hould I
join and make a party againft you ? And in one word, hov/
would the caufe of our common mafter every way fuffer by
our raifmg difputes about particular points of doctrines I
Honoured Sir, let us ofFcr falvation freely to all by the blood of
Jesits ; and whatever light God has communicated to us,
let us freely communicate to others. I have lately read the
life of Luther, and think it in no wife to his honour, that the
laft part of his life was fo much taken up in difputing with
Zuitiglius and others ; who in all probability equally loved the
Lord Jesus, notwithftanding they might difler from him in
other points. Let this, dear Sir, be a caution to us, I hope
ifc will to mc ; for by the bleiling of God, provoke mc to it
as much a« you plcafe, I do not think ever to enter the lifts of
eontroverfy with you on the points wherein we differ. Only
I pray to God, that the more yaw judge mc, the more I may
ioveyou, and learn to defire no ones approbation, but that of my
Lord and mafter Jesus Christ. Ere this reaches you,
1 fuppofc you will hear of my late excurfion to Charles Toivn,
A creat work I believe is beo;un there. Enclofed I have fent
you Mr. Garden^s letters — They will ferve to convince you,
more and more, of the neceffity you lie under to be inftant in
fcafon and out of feafon. Oh, dear honoured Sir, I wifti you
jis much fuccefs as your own heart can wifti. Was you here,
I would weep over you with tears of love, and tell you what
great things God hath done for mv foul, iince we parted
iaft.
LETTERS. 157
laft. Indeed and indeed, I often and heartily pray for your
fuccefs in the gofpel : May your inward ftrength and outward
fphere increafe day by day 1 May God ufe you as a choice
and fingular inftrument of promoting his glory on earth, and
may I fee you crowned with an eternal and exceeding weight
of o-lory in the world to come ! This is the hearty defire of,
honoured Sir,
Yours mofl affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. r/.
LETTER CLXX.
To Mr. IF.
Savannah^ March 26, 1740.
AND how does dear Mr. J'Fal — ? His letter lies by me,
and I now am inclined to anfwer it. My dear brother,
how do you feel your heart ? Is it grown fick of original and
actual fm ? Is it grown Tick of unbelief and felf-righteoufnefs ?
Is it clofely united to the holy Jesus ? Do you feed on hiai
in your heart by faith ? And do you receive of his fulnefs day
by day ? I afk thefe queftions, becaufe I want to fee you v/rite
of the inward life, and to hear you talk of your having a feeling
pofleffion of your God. For he that believeth aright, hath the
v/itnefs within himfelf. How do the brethren r I hope there
is no more faying " I am of Paul^'' or '' I am of Jpollos^'^
but that you are only defirous of being one in Christ. I
pray for, though diftant from you. I believe I am preparing
a place for many. Our work goes on bravely. I have near
forty little ones now in my houfe. Some of them I truft will
be efFedtually wrought upon, and made chriftians indeed. We
all live in love and unity, and moft I hope are feeking after
Jesus Christ. He is pleafed from time to time to manifeft
Iiimfclf to my foul, and to fhcw me hov/ unworthy I am of the
leaft mercy. Shortly I fliall go northward, to preach the gof-
pel and colleCl frefli contributions for my orphans. God has
given me an earneft of what he will do in America^ by the
large collection that was made at Charla Town — I live tv^rj
day in expectation of hearing from my London friends. My
brother, the captain, rcfrefhcu my foul v/ith glad tidings and
letters from Brijhl, God gave »ne gre;u comfort and fatil-
faclioii
158 LETTERS.
fadion in converfing with him, and I hope he will be a chrl*
flian indeed. Adieu. All falute you and the brethren.
I aip yours molt affedionately in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CLXXI.
To the Rev. Mr. B. L
Savannah^ March^ 28, 1 740.
HOW glad Ihould I be of a letter from dear brother
/ f When (hall my foul be refrefhed, with hear-
ing that the work of the Lord profpers in his hand ? I fup-
pofe before now you have received my letters, and fecn my
journal, and I believe God is yet preparing great things for
us. Many at Cbarles-iown^ lately were brought to fee their want
of Jesus Christ — Next week, God willing, I purpofe go-
ing to Philadelphiay and then perhaps may fee England the
latter end of this year, or beginning of the next. The orphan-
houfe goes on bravely. I have forty children to maintain, be-
fides workmen and ailiftants — The great houfholder of the
world does, and will I a-m perfuaded richly provide for us alL
The colony itfelf is in a very declining way. But our extre-
mity is God's opportunity — Our brethren I truft go forward?
in the fpiritual life, I have often great inward trials— Fray
that I may be kept in all changes, and feeming chances of
this mortal life. I believe it to be God's will that I (hould
marry. One, who may be looked upon as a fuperior, is abfo-
lutely necefTary for the ^ue management of affairs. However, I
pray God, that I may not have a wife, till I can live as
though I had none — You may communicate this to fome of
our intimates 5 for I would call Christ and his difciples to
the marriage. If I am deluded, pray that God would re-
veal it to
Your moft affectionate brother and fervant,
G. IF.
h £ 1^ T E R
LETTERS. 15^
LETTER CLXXIL
To Mr, and Mrs, D,
On board the Savannah^ bound to Phila'delphia from Georgia^
Aprils 4, 1740.
My dear friends y
SINCE I wrote laft, we have buried our Sifter L .
Rachel I left at Philadelphia^ and fifter T Teems to
be in a declining ftate ; (o that fifter A alone is like
to be left of all the women which came over with mc
from England, I find by experience, that a miftrqfs is abfo-
lutely neceflary for the due management of my increafing fa-
mily, and to take off fome of that care, which at prefent lies
upon me. Befides, I ftiall in all probability, at my next re-
turn from England^ bring more women with me : and I find,
nnlefs they are ail truly gracious (or indeed if they are) with-
out a fuperior, matters cannot be carried on as becometh the
gofpel of Jesus Christ. It hath been therefore much im-
prefTiid upon my heart, that I fhould marry, in order to have
a help meet for me in the work whereunto our dear Lord
Jesus hath called me. This comes (like Abraham's fervant
to Rehekah's relations) to know whether you think your daucrh-
ter, M'lfs E 5 is a proper perfon to engage in fuch an
undertaking ? If fo ; whether you will be pleafed to give me
leave to propofe marriage unto her ? You need not be afraid of
fending me a refufal. For, I blefs God, if I know any thing of
my own heart, I am free from that foolifti paftion, which the
world calls Love. I write, only becaufe I believe it is the will
of God, that I fhould alter my ftate j but your denial will
fully convince me, that your daughter is not the perfon ap-
pointed by God for me. He knows my heart ; I would not
marry but for him, and in him, for ten thoufaiid worlds,
—But I have fometimes thought Alifs E- would be
my he!p-mate 3 for ftie has often been imprefTcd upon my
heart. I fhould think myfelf fafer in your family, becaufe fo
many of you love the Lord Jesus, and confequently would
be more watchful over my precious and immortal foal. After
ilrong crying and tears at il^c throne of grace for direiTtion,
'^ad after unOx-akablc troublv^i with mvown heart, I v/ritethis.
Be
i6o LETTERS.
Be pleafed to fpread the letter before the Lord ; and if you
think this motion to be of him, be pleafed to deliver the in-
clofed to your daughter — If not, fay nothing, only let me
know you difapprove of it, and that {hall fatisfy, dear Sir and
Madam,
Your obliged friend and fer^ant in Christ,
G. jr.
LETTER CLXXIII.
To Mijs E .
On hoard the Savannah^ Jpril d.ih, 1740*
BE not furprifed at the contents of this : — The letter fent
to your honoured father and mother will acquaint you
with the reafons. Do you think, you could undergo the fa-
tigues, that muft neceflarily attend being joined to one, who
Is every day liable to be called out to fuffer for the fake of Je-
sus Christ ? Can you bear to leave your father and kindred'a
houfe, and to truft on him, (who feedeth the young ravens
that call upon him) for your own and childrens fupport, fup-
^pofmg it Tnould pleafe him to blefs you with any? Can you
undertake to help a hufband in the charge of a family, con-
fiding perhaps of a hundred perfons ? Can you bear the incle-
mencies of the air both as to cold and heat in a foreign cli-
mate ? Can you, when you have an hufband, be as though
you had none, and willingly part with him, even for a long
leafon, when his Lord and mafter (hall call him forth to
preach the gofpel, and command him to leave you behind ? If
after feeking to God for diredlion, and fearching your heart,
you can fay, " I can do all thofe things through Christ
ihengthening me," what if you and I were joined together
in the Lord, and you came with me at my return from
England^ to be a help meet for me in the management of the
orphan-houfe ? I have great reaibn to believe it is the divine
will that I fliould alter my condition, and have often thought
you was the pcrfon appointed for me. I fhall ftill wait on
God for dire6Vion, and heartily intreat him, that if this mo-
tion be not of him, it m.ay come to nought. — I write thus*
plainly, becaufe, I truft, I write not from any other principles
but the love of God. — I fliall make it my bufmefs to call on
the Lord Jesus, and v/ould advife you to confult both- him
and
LETTERS. i6t
and your friends For in order to attain a bicfling, we
fhould call both the Lord Jesus and his difciples to the mar-
riage — I much like the manner of Ifaac's marrying with Re-
heknh^ and think no marriage can fucceed well, unlcfs both
parties concerned are like-minded with To i^i as and his wift.' — I
think 1 can call the God of Jbraham, Ifaac and Jacobs to witnefs
that I (iefne *' to take you my filter to vv'ife, not for lufl, but
uprightly ;" and therefore I hope he will mercifully ordain, if
it be his blefled will v/e fhould be joined together, that we may
walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did, in all the ordinances of the
Lord blamelefs. I make no great profeiTion to you, becaufe
I believe you think me fmcere. The paffionate exprellions
which carnal courtiers ufe, I think, ought to be avoided by
thofe that would marry in the Lord. I can only promife, by
the help of God, " to keep my matrimonial vow, and to dd
what I can towards helping you forward in the great work of
your falvation." If you think marriage will be any way pre-
judicial to your better part, be fo kind as to fend me a denial*
I would not be a fnare to you for the world. You need not
be afraid of fpeaking your mind. I truft, I love you only for
God, and defire to be joined to you only by his command,
and for his fake. With fear and much trembling I write, and
Ihall patiently tarry the Lord's leifure, till he is pleafed to in-
cline you, dear Mifs E , to fend an anfwer to
Your afFedionate brother, friend and fervant In Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CLXXIV.
To Mr. H .
On board the Savafinah, Jpril lOt 1740.
IT is now full tim.e to anfwer your letter. You acknow-
ledge me the firft inftrument, under God (for ever adored
be the riches of his free grace) of awakening you to the divine
life: and (hall not I endeavour to quicken and inflame the
heavenly fpark infufed Into your foul ? God forbid ! Oh that
my power was equal to my will ! How fhould my dear brother
H glow with divine love, and lean by faith on the bofom
of his deareft Redeemer ! But I truft ere now you have indeed
received the Holy Ghoft, and knov/ what it is to fcafl on a
Vol. L M crucU
4
i62 LET r i: R s.
crucifieJ Jfsus. Does he not, my dear brother, often mar/i-
feft himfclf i'wcetly to your panting foul ■ Does he not often
teach you the hidden things of the kingdom of God ? Does
he not tell you that he loves you, and will fufFer nothing to
pluck you out of his almighty hand r Thus often is he pleafed
to manifeR- himfelf to me : and who then dares defpair ? No ;
i can aflure the worft, the chief of finners, that Jesus
Christ came to fave them. My dear brother, here are glad
tidings of great joy 1 The fire kindles whilft I am mufing.
Oh let us call all to come and fee Him, who has forgiven us
' to
all the fins that ever we committed. Is not this the Christ?
Adieu. My hearty and dcarcft love to all. Fail not writ-
ing to
Your affedionate friend and fervant,
G. TV.
LETTER CLXXV.
To Mr. C— .
My dear Brother, 0?i board the Savannah, April lo, 1 740*
YOU, as well as your dear aflr)ciatcs, are much upon
my heart. I long to hear that you are advanced in
grace, ar.d grown in the knowledge of Christ Jesus your
Lord. I fay^'^^r Lord-, for I hope, ere now, you can ap-
propriate Christ to yourfelf, and, without the leaft diffidence
or doubt, cry out affuredly, " My Lord and my God."
When the foul fiiys this, then, but not till then, is it truly
married to the dear Lord Jesus j then are v»e true children
of the bridegroom, and arc real partakers of the fupper of the
Lamb. IMiis, this is faith : this is believing j not with the
head j not in notion only ; but with the heart, indeed and in
truth. The foul now puts its a?ncn, and fcts the feal to God's
cverlafling promifes ; it now^ foars upwards tov/ards heavenly
things, and feels continually the invifible realities of another
world. Thougii fometimes overlliadowcd by a cloud, yet flill
it knows that its Redeemer liveth, and juftifieth the ungodly.
It cannot doubt of his favour, though fometimes he is pleafed
to withdraw his fcnfible prefcnce. The root of the matter is
twifted round every faculty of the foul, which daily is fupport-
ed with this aflurance, that Christ can no more forfake the
fyal he loves, than he can forfiikc hirnfdf. Oh iny dear bro-
ther,
X
LETTERS. 1^3
thet*, i find myfclf much carried out to write of that divine
life, that divine myftery of godlincfs, the hidden kingdom of
Got) in the heart. If any thing I can fay, or do, or write,
may be any way fcrviceable to dear Mr. C — , it will much re-
joice
His moft unvvorthy brother and fcrvant in Christ,
G. rK
LETTER CLXXVL
To A4r. I B- -.
0.'2 hoard the Sa-vaiinah^ Jpri! lO, 1 740,
A^Iy dfdr^ dear Friend^
I Remember your words that day I took my leave of you,
with Dr. John S , at London, I have not forgotten
you, therefore do I now write a line to my dear Mr. B ,
May the Holy Ghoil: come upon him, and the power of the
Higheft overfhadow him ; and may our glorious Redeemer
never ceafe driving with him, till he hath a witnefs withiiv
himfelf that he is a true child of God. Oh, when will you
anfwer the character of your name-fake and forefather I/d,7c/
When, like him, will my dear friend give himfelf up a whole
burnt-offering unto the Lord ! May I hear that you have
recovered your firft love, and are, as formerly, zealous of
good works ! I think I never yet really doubted of your return.
If prayers to God, if entreaties to him, can bring my dear friend
back, he fhall n it be led away captive by the world; he fliall,
he fhall be a Chriftian indeed. I long to fee you, and till then
fliall wreftlc with (Irong cryin^s and many tears with my dear
Lord Jesus, in your behalf. I feel, I feel Christ's love;
I can no more doubt of my interejR: in him, than 1 can of the
{hining of the fun at noon day. He fills, he fweetens and
gladdens my foul ; he loves me freely : he will bring me to
behold his glory. I think I could now bid to men and devils
defiance. Who is he that condemneth .? It is Christ that
juftifies, who even now fitteth in heaven to make intcrcefiion
fjr me. You fee, my dear friend, I am upon the mount. I
know not how to (lop. It is true, I muft come down ; but it
is only that I may go up again, and take a view of the heaven-
ly Canaa?i, I am now near the port wla.ithsr we are bound :
M 2 J yet
i64 LETTERS.
yet a little while, and I (liall be in heaven; and fhall I not meet
my dear/- there? God forbid ! No, no; Icannot bear the
thought of it. Away, my dear, dear brother, to Jnsus
Christ. Lay hold on his cverlafting righteoufnefs : look,
look unto him by faith, and be faved. Call your dear wife
to look alfo. Help, oh help her in the great work of her fal-
vation ; and breed up your dear child in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. Adieu. My heart is full. With
fmcerity I fubfcribe myfelf
Your's moft afted^ionajtely in our dearcfl-,
dcareft Lord Jesus,
G. IK
LETTER CLXXVIL
To Mr, N .
My Dear Brother^ On hoard the Savannah, Jpril lo, 1740.
IHave been a few days returned from Charles-Town, where
our dear Lord Jesus, I. truft, has begun a glorious work.
Many came to me under convidions, and were made to cry
out, *' What (liall we do to be faved ?" The people were
exceeding defirous of my return amongft them. If I call there,
as I come northward, it may prevent my being at New-York
fo foon as was propofed. The Lord dire6l my going in his
wav. A Fojierian Preacher loft ground there. 1 think you are
not much to be blamed for going out of church ; but perhaps
it might be better, on another fuch occafion, to hear the whole
difcourfe, and then go and converfe with the preacher upon
it ; otherwife a man may fay, you are angry, and could not
judge, becaa c you did not hear all. Pralfe is more dangerous
than conte.jipt : but when our Lord's honour can be promot-
ed by the difplay of our graces, we need not fear. His grace
will be fiifHcient for us. I know not what perfon it is that
you would not have me be fo open to, unlefs it be A4r. .
I had rather be too open than too referved. Simplicity much
becomes the IJrocl of God. A few days pad, with full aflur-
ance of faith, I laid the firil brick of our great houfe: yeremiah
bought land when the people were leading into captivity. M7
faniilv daily increale, and, blefied be God, as yet I am kept
from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of
the
5
I
LETTERS. 165
the Germans In America are holy fouls, and deferve the cha-
racter they bear. They keep up a clofe walk with God, and
arc remarkable for their fweetnefs and fimplicity of behaviour.
They talk little, and think much. Moft of them, I believe,
are Lutheram, But where there is the image of my dear Maf-
ter, there are my afR-6lions drawn. This is the catholic fpirit
you breathe after : the Lord, I am pcrfuaded, will give it to
your foul. All that people do fay of me, affedts me but little ;
becaufe I know worfe of myfelf than they can fay concerning
me. My heart is defpcrately wicked. Was God to leave
me, I fhould be a remarkable fmner. But redeeming love, I
believe, will not let us go. Oh ! dear Mr. N* pray, and giv«
thanks for me. I daily tafle that the Lord is gracious. All
things go on well. My dear brethren falute you, as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CLXXVIIL
To Mr. S .
WilUngtown, {Penfylvania) Jpril 14, 1740.
READ where I am, and judge whether or not I am a
ftranger and pilgrim upon earth. Yeftcrday, after a
fhort paffiige often days, did God bring us from Georgia to
Neiv-Cajile : there I preached twice. To-day I {hall preach
here, and in the evening hope to reach Philadelphia. People
are much alarmed already ; and great things, I find, God has
been pleafed to do, by what he enabled me tb deliver when
laft here. Two minifters have been convinced of their formal
(late, notwithftanding they held aiid preached the doctrines
of grace. One plainly told the congregation he had been de-
ceiving himfelf and them, and could not preach any more,
but defired the people to pray v/jth him. Another is as aflame
of fire, and hath been much ov/ned of God. An oppofcr read-
ing my fermon, in order to convince them I did not preach as
Mr. T , was much difappointed ; for power went along
H with the fermon, God's fpirit fell on tlie people, and formal
oppofers went affrighted away. It is unknown what a glo-
rious Itir here is in the province. Many, very many, I be-
M 3 lievc,
i66 LETTERS.
lieve, of late have been brought favingly to believe on t\\Q
LoRP Jesus. The work much increafes, and here is employ-
ment for many months : but I mull: return fhortly to Savan-
72ah, A primitive fpirit revives ; and many, I hope, will be
brought to live flcdfaft in the aportles do6lrine, in fellowfliip,
^nd breaking of bread, and in prayer. Perhaps dear Mr, iS^—
may be one «f them. Pray how does that young man do ? Is
he deeply humbled, and clofely united to the dear Lord
Jesus ? Does he feel hlmfelf a poor fmner, and daily experi-
ence the outgoing and incoming of the blciied fpirit in the
fan6luary of his heart ? Bleffed be God, I do : even whilft I am
ivriting I feel his power. I am perfuaded I fiiall be more than
conqueror over every evil, through my Redeemer's love. Oh !
my dear friend, keep clofe to the dear Lord Jesus I Do not
go without his leading, and then you are fafe, though in the
mld{k of devils. Adieu.
Ever, ever yours,
G. IK
LETTER CLXXfX.
To Madam C .
Madam, New Brunfwick, Aprils'], 1 740.
AL L things go on wejl in America — nay, better than I
dare afk, or could think. Our Lord's kingdom comes
V'ith power. It is amazing to fee how God is prefent in our
alTemblies : I refer you to dear brother 5 for particulars,
My animal fpirits are exhauRed, but I am filled v/ithin. Na-
ture would fometimes cry out, '' Spare thyfelf j" but when I
am offering Jesus to poor Inmers, I cannot forbear exerting
all my powers. Oh that I had a thoufand lives ! my dear
Lord Jesus (hould have them all. I long to be out of the
body, that I may love and ferve him as I would : but I mufl
fiifFer before I can reign with him. That you and I may never
deny our Lord, is the carncii prayer of. Madam,
Your obliged humble fervant.
LETTER
LETTERS. 167
LETTER CLXXX.
To Mr. M .
Neiu Brunfwkk^ April 28, 17 40.
BLESSED be God, I can fend you glad tidings of great
joy. Our Lord Jesus is getting himfelf the vi(5lory in
thefe parts. The Orphan-houie affairs go forward beyond
€xpe6tation. I have upwards of y^r/yJ^/Vi/vw in my houfe at Sa-
vannah^ t\Q2iV feventy perfons in family, and upwards of an hundred
people to provide for every day. As yet we want for nothing.
The great houfholdep of mankind gives us all things richly to
enjoy, and, T am perfuaded, will provide for us v/hilft we truft
in him. I had rather live by faith, and depend on God for
the fupportofmy great, and yet increafing family, than to have
the laro;eft vifible fund in the univerfe. About five weeks aero
the Lord flirred up the Charks-Tcwn people to contribute up-
wards of feventy pounds fterling towards the fupport of my
little ones. A glorious work was alfo begun in the hearts
of the inhabitants ; and many were brought to cry out,
'' What fhall we do to be faved ?" A fortnight ago, after a
fhort paflage of ten days, I landed in Penfyhania^ and have had
the pleafurc of feeing and hearing, that my poor endeavours
for promoting Christ's kingdom, when there laft, were noc
altogether vain in the Lord. I cannot well tell you how man^
have come unto me, labouring under the deepeft convidions,
and feemingly defirous of finding reft in Jesus Christ. Se-
veral have, I humbly hope, actually received him into their
hearts by faith, and have not only righteoufnefs and peace, but
alfo joy in the Floly Ghoft. In iliort, the word hath run and
been much glorified ; and many Negroes alfo are in a fair way
of being brought home to God. I daily receive frefh and
moft importunate invitations to preach in all the adjacent coun-
tries. God is pleafed to give a great blcfling to my printed
Sermons : they are now in the hands of thoufands in thefc
parts, and are a means, under God, of enlightening and
building up many in their moft holy faith. Since fuch an ef-
fe£lual door is opened for preaching the evcrlafting gofpcl, you
will not be furprized if I acquaint you there are many advcr-
faries. The Clergy ^ I find, are greatly offended at mc. The
M J, com-
i6S LETTERS.
commlffary of Philadelphia, having got a little ftronger party
than when I was there laft, has thrown oflF the mafk, denied
me the pulpit, and lalt Sunday preached up an hi/iorical
faith, and juftification by works. But people only flock the
more to me. The power of God is more vifible than ever in
our aflemblies ; and more than ever before are convinced that
I preach the dodrine of Jesus Christ. Some few bigotted
felf-righteous ^takers alfo,now begin to fpit out a little of the
ferpent : they cannot bear the do6lrine of original fin, or of
imputed rightcQufneJs as the caufe of our acceptance with GoD.
One calls original fin " original nonfenfe ;" and feveral have
been to me, under the apprehenfion of being thruft out, for
owning and confeffing what I take to be the truth as it is in
Jesus. God has now brought me to New Brunfwick, where
I am blefied with the converfation of Mr. G — T'— . Indeed
be is a good foldier of Jesus Christ, and God is pleafed in a
wonderful manner to own both him and his brethren. The
congregations where they have, preached have been furprizing-
]y convi6led and melted down. They are unwearied in doing
3 good, and go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor
fmners to come in. Yefterday alfo I heard of two minifters
in Long Ifiand, near New-Tork^ who had large communica-
tions from God, and have been inftrumental in bringing many
fouls to Christ. I could add more ; but I muft away : the
people are v/aiting for a fpiritual meal. They fly to the doc-
trine as doves to the windows, and I truft the Lord is
now reviving his work in the midft of the years. With
great difficulty I have redeemed time to fend you thefe {qw
lines. I hope you and the refl of my dear friends continue to
pray for me : for I believe never was fo weak a wretch fent on
fuch an important errand. But when I am weak, then am I
ftrong. My bodily ftrength, by frequent journeying and con-
tinued fpeaking, fometimes fails me -, but the Lord quickens
nnd flrengthens me by his mighty power. The more I am
oppofed, the more joy I feel ; and the firfl; fruits of God's
fpirit, which he hath imparted to my foul, are fo fweet, that
I almoft with impatience wait till I reap a full harveft in the
fraition of my God. Continue, I bcfeech you, ta intercede
fov
LETTERS. ,69
for me ; and reft fatisfied that both yoli and my other Englijb
friends are always remembered by
Yours,
I
LETTER CLXXXL
To JV. S. Efq,
My char Brother^ Reedy Ifiand^ May 19, 1740.
Know very well what it is to part from a friend which is
as one's own foul ; and therefore could in fome meafure
fympathize with you in what you felt when partino- from me.
The good Lord fandify my friendfiiip to you, and grant we
may go hand in harid to heaven. One of the inclofed papers
will fliew you the event of what you inferted (unknown to
me) in the News. However, be not difneartened ; God fliall
make even this to work together for your good. The war be-
tween Michael and the dragon has much increafed. Mr. C
has preached moft of his peopl^ away from him. He Jafhed
me moft bravely the Sunday before I came away. Mr. J
alfo preaches againft me. Mr. C— did not come to take his
leave of me ; and Mr. J— is very inveterate. Now I believe
our Lord's kingdom will come wiih power. At New-York
the word ran. Twice or thrice our Lord appeared for us in
a moft glorious manner. Mr. T— and his brethren glow with
divine warmth; and I have convcrfed with one of the mini-'
fters of Long IJland, whom God has lately fent forth : he is a
fweet zealous foul. Laft week, at Nottingham and Mr. ^— 's
how did God manifeft his glory ! We had about' twelve
thoufand hearers 3 and fuch a melting, fuch a crying, (they
fay) was fcarcely ever fccn. Blcfied be God, the devil's chil-
dren begin to throw oft' the mafk. I want to draw the linger-
ing battle on. At Philadelphia aft'airs go on better and better;
only Satan now begins to throw many into fits. I have generally
preached twice and rode near thirty miles a-day fince you
left me. The Lord hath been my fupport, and has often fo
melted me with a fenfe of his free, fovereign, and everlaftinr^
love, that fome thought I was giving up the ghoft. Oh neveT
let go your fenfe of God's fovereign, everlafting love I It is
food to my poor foul. Was it not for that, furely I muft fink
under
170 LETTERS.
under the prorpe<5l of the labours aud fufferings that are bcfoje
me. My dear brother, What is the Lchp doing in thcfe
parts ? I believe the work will go on better here than in Eng-
Imi^, We are more united in our principles, and do not print
one againil another. Pray obferve the hint given to Captain
G , and let the Lord order for mc as it fliall fcem
good in his fight. We are now at Rcuiy IJland waiting for a
wind. I heard of a fliip going to Duhlin^ and could not lofe
the opportunity of writing to my dear brother iS— ~- — . I
need not remind you to haften over as faft as pofiible — Our
Lord has taught you not to flay by the way — -J have rebuked
Mr. C — fharply, and I truft have gotten fome gracious
fouls on board — The Lord is with me ; I am fomewhat bet-
ter as to bodily health, but i live chiefly on inward fuppliea
from above. My mailer never fails me. Oh exhort all tQ
fall in loye with Jesus, and to pray for.
Ever yours in the beft bonds,
LETTER CLXXXIL
,^/ To Mr. M — , an Indian Trader.
Bear Mr. M ^ , ^ccdy IJland^ May 19, 1 740.
1 Received your letter, and have been reading part of your
journal. I think it your bounden duty to go amongft the
Indians again, not as a minijier^ but as a private chriftian,
whole duty it is, when converted himfelf, to ftrengthen his
brethren. An effedual door, I would hope, is opening
amongft fome of the heathen. I remember, when it was firft
impreffed upon me, that I ibould go to Georgia^ this promife
came with fuch power as never will be forgotten, and that too,
long before I had any outward call — " I have ma<le thee the
head of the heathen." — I fpcak this for your encouragement,
but defire you would not mention it to others. Who knows
but that time may be now near at hand ? — However that be,
it is plain God calls you, and I wifh you good fuccefs in the
name of the Lor.d. Be fure you keep a clofe walk with Cjod.
' — Be much in prayer, and prepare for the gre^iteft hardfliips.
Your grcateft perils will be araongft your own countrymen.
The heathens will be ftirred up by them, as the Gentiles v/ere
by
LETTERS. ryt
by the Jews; but the Lord Jesus will make you more than
conqueror over all. The word of the Lord will make its
own way. Beg of (jOD to give you true notions of our free
juftification by iaith in Jesus Christ. Bring your Indian
hearers to believe, before you talk of baptifm, or the fupperof
the Lord. Otherwife they will catch at a fliadow, and ne-
^le6l the fubftance. Improve the leifure you now enjoy,
and fee that you feel the truths you fpeak. Feed on this pro-
mife, " It fhall be given you in that hour what you (hall fay.'*
Your circumftances call for a fulfilling of it — Tell them
what God has been doing here, and how happy Jesus
Christ will make the
LETTERS. 179
and prayer to God is, that you both may be faved. — Your
wife was mourning when I faw her lad. I1:ic Lord Jesus
prepare her thereby for true, loJiJ, and lalling comfort ! The
more we are humbled, the more will the glorious Emmanuel
exalt us; but we muft v;ait his time. Jesus is love, and
jievcr corre(fls us but for our own good. 1 find it is always
thus with mc. I am a llubborn, ungrateful, difobedicnt child,
and often oblige him to ftrilce me fcvcrcly ; but love, I find,
holds the rod, and therefore his rod, as well as his flaff com-
forts mc. f^arewel ; the Lord be with you both ! — John
S and all friends falute you. We live and walk in love.
My tendercfl: rcfpecls await all that truly follow the Lamb. I
befeech you forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend, brother^ and fervant,
G, JV.
LETTER CXC.
To Mr. G L -, in London.
Reedy IJldnd^ May 22, 1 740.
'* /^N Thurjday lad, in the evening, the Pvcv. Mr. JVb'itefiM
\J went on board at Nevj-Caftle^ in order to fail to Georgia^
after having been on ihore thirty-three days^ and travelled
fome hundreds of miles, and preached fifty-eight times in the
provinces of New-Jerfey^ New-York^ and Penfylva?:ia,—-]r{\^
congregations confliled fometimes of four, fometimes of five,
fometimes of eight, twelve, fifteen, and once at Philadelphia^
of twenty thoujand people. He had gotten near five hundred
pounds fterling, in money and provifions, for the Orphan-
houfe at Georgia, Great and vifible efi-ecSfs followed his preach-
ing, almoft v.'hercfoever he went, efpeclally in Philadelphia,
There was never fuch a general awakening, and concern for
the things of God known in America before. He intended
to vifit New-England foon after his .arrival at Georgia^ and to
come by land as far as Philaddphia^ at the latter end of the
year."
The above Advcrtifement may fufHce for the prefent, 'till I
have an opportunity of fending you my journal. That will
flicw you wonderful things. 1 fuppofe ere this reaches you,
our dear brothers, S and G , will be arrived : 1 have
N 2 km
i8o LETTERS.
fent a packet of letters to them, by the way of Dublin. I ant
now v.'aiting for a fair wind, and can fay the Lord is v/ith
me of a truth. Several fliips are lying by us, and the captains
and their companies come to our fliip to prayers. Sailors
weep : It is unknown how many are under conviiSlion. I
long to hear v/hat is doing in Eiigland. The embargoes, I
fuppofe, prevent your fending ; however my heart is with you.
I do not forget you. I hope there is a door opening among'
jthe Allegany Indians. I have read M 's journal, and
;have wrote both to him and them. We have been near a
week at Recciy Ijland : I have preached there five times. The
captaii^.s and their crews come conftantly to public wor-
fliip on {hote, and to private prayer in our iloop. We have
fome with us that love our dear Lord Jesus in fmcerity.
My heart is exceedingly drawn towards Savannah-, but the
Lord's time is the beft. The Lord Jesus blefs you all,
and reward you for all kindnefTes fhev^'n to his unworthy fcr-
vant, but
Your afFciSlionate brother In Christ,
LETTER CXCL
To JV S 5 Ejq\ in London,
Lewis-Town^ (Penfylvania) May 24, 1740.
Aly dear Friend and Brother^
MY will is much to go to Georgia^ but my dear Lord
Jesus is pleafed to crofs me. For ever blelled be his
great and glorious name. Juft now the Lord hath brought
me hither. Your letter pleafed me, I hope our Lord is
now beginning to anfwer my prayers, and that my dear Bro-
ther 5 is about to know himfclf. You know I have
often told you, that you ouglit to fufpect your experiences.
You have miftaken, in my opinion, preparation^ for converfion
itfelf. Your nine years round of duties, were no efFecSls of
the new- birth at all. How could they be ? when you did not
know you was to be born again, before you heard Mr. C
If/ expound the feventh chapter of the Romans : Then,.
but not till then did you begin to be enlightened, and illumi-
nation and converfipn are twQ different things. All nw great
trials
LETTERS. i8i
trials were confcquent on this. Not that God*s way of deal-
ing with me, ought to be a rule for others : But I think your
cafe and mine fomewhat parallel. — Thofe that have been mod
humbled, I find, always make the moft folid, ufeful chriftians.
It (lands with rcafon : The more a man is emptied of himfcJf,
the more room is there made for the fpirit of God to dwell in
him. — Your caution to dear Mr. H. was very good. Opcn-
nefs is the beft prefcrvative of fpiritual fricndfhip. I would
behave fo, that no one might be afraid to confult me j but if
people will not open their hearts, let them not blame me ; I
cannot fpcak, where I perceive a (hynefs, and where I fee per-
fons are afraid of me. I am furc they muft harbour fom.e un-
generous fufpicions or other againfl me, and how then can
there be a harmony of foul. My dear brother, my fri nd,
now I have told you my heart : Be not angry, I am juft ready
to v,-eep. — Indeed, I am willing to wafh your feet, and to
acknowledge all favours under God that I have received from
you. Be ftable, be willing to confult others that have trod in
the fpiritual road before you ; do not miflake workingy^r life,
for %vorking from life. Watch unto prayer, and do not be
carried away by every wind of doctrine. Hov/ could you not
fee through L of Germcm-Toivn ? But I muft not chide,
but love. Much I owe you ; have patience with me and I
will endeavour to pay you. I fhall long to fee you at Savan-
nah. Once more, my dear friend and brother, adieu. My
heart is much melted down. God continually fills me v/ith
himfelf. O give thanks for, dear Sir,
Your brother and fervant in Christ,
G. TV,
LETTER CXCIL
To the Rev. Mr. J. JV,
Honoured Sir., Cape-Lopen^ May 2\, i-j^o.
I Cannot entertain prejudices againit your conducl and
principles any longer, without informing you. The
more I examine the writings of the mofc experienced men,
and the experiences of the moil eftablifiied chriftians, the more
N 3 I
i82 LETTERS.
I differ from your notion about not committing fin, and your
denying the dodrines of e]e6tion, and final perfeverance
of the faints, I dread coming to Evgland^ unlefs you are re-
folvcd to oppofe thefe truths with lefs warmth, than when I
was there laft. I dread your coming over to America ; becaufe
the work of God is carried on here (and that in a moft glori-^
ous manner) by doctrines quite oppofite to thofe you hold.
Here are thoufands of God's children, who will not be pcr-
fuadcd oat of the privileges purchafed for them by the blood
of Jesus. Here are many worthy experienced miniflers, who
would oppofe your principles to the utmoft. God dirc£t me
what to do ! Sometimes I think it heft to flay here, where v/c
all think and fpeak the fame thing : The woi-k goes on with-
out divifions, and with more fuccefs, becaufe all employed in
it are of one mind. I write not this, honoured Sir, from heat
of fpirit, but out of love. At prefent, I think you are entirely
inconfiOent with yourfelf, and therefore do not blame me, if
1 do not approve of all that you fay. God himfelf, I find,
teaches my friends the do6lrine of election. Sifter H hath
lately been convinced of it ; and, if I miftake not, dear and
honoured Mr. ly hereafter will be convinced alfo. From
ir.y foul I vvifli vou abundant fuccefs in the name of the
Lord. I long to hear of your being made a fpiritual father
to thoufands. Perhaps 1 may never fee you again, 'till we
meet in judgment ; then, if not before, you will know, that;
fovereign, diftinguifliing, irrefiflibie grace brought you to hea-
ven. Then v/iil you know, that God loved you with an
everlafting love, and therefore with loving-kindnefs did he
draw you. Honoured Sir, farewel. My prayers conftantly
attend both you and your labours. I negleft no opportunity
of writing. My next journal will acquaint you with nev/
and furprizing wonders. The Lord fills me both in body
and foul. I am fupported under the profpccl of prefent and
impending trials, with an afiurance of God's loving me to the
end ; yea, even to all eternity. Ere this reaches you, 1 fup-
pofe you will hear of my intention to marry. I am quite as
tree as a child : If it be God's will, I befeech him to prevent
it. I would not be hindered in my dear Lord's bufinefs for
the world, I am now waiting for a fair wind. God bleifcs
the
LETTERS. 183
the Orphan-houfe. Do not be angry with, but pray for,
honoured Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fervant in Christ,
G. rr.
LETTER CXCIII.
^0 Mr. S 5 in Charles-TGivn.
Dear S'lr^ Sava7inah^ J^^^^ 7» ^74^'
BEFORE I knev/ you by name, my heart was uncommon-
ly afFccled towards you. Whenever I faw you at church,
I enquired concerning you, and to my great but plealing iur-
prize, when I came to your houfe, found ycu was the man I was
enquiring after. Your letter gives me ftill hopes, that our dear
Lord Jesus is about to awaken you from a carnal fecurity in
which you have long lain. He is nov/ calling you, dear, dear
Sir. I befecch ycu, by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus
our Saviour, take heed that you do not lie down again. Jf you
will be a follower of the Lamb of God, you mud prepare
your foul for manifold temptations ; you mull become the
ibng of the drunkard, and have all manner of evil fpokcn
againft you falfely for Christ's fake : But let none of thefe
things move you, dear Sir. Dare, I befeech you, to be fni-
gularly good. — Be not afiiamed of your glory. — Learn a lefibn
of boldnefs even from the devil's children. How refolutc,
how daring are they in their mailer's caufe ? Why {hould not
we be equally courageous in the caufe of Jesus Christ ? O
Sir, I feel a concern for the welfare of your better part. God
hath vouchfafed you fome convictions ; do not reft in them.
Catch not too greedily at comfort. Beg of God that you
may be thoroughly wounded, before you defire to be made
whole ; otherwife you will go but halfway, and be only an
unftablc, double-minded man at laft. God forbid that dear
Mr. S fliould ever fctth in fuch a dangerous ftate ! Ere
long I hbpe to fee you in Charus-Tc%vn^ and then I fhall have
an opportunity of enquiring more particularly into the flatc of
your foul. I came home but two days ago, and theret'ore
could not anfwer your letter before. If I can be ferviceablc
to you in any refpedt, be pleafed to command, dear Sir,
Your afiured friend and fervant,
G. IF,
N4 LETTER
184 LETTERS;
LETTER CXCIV.
To Mr, J // , in London.
My dcar^ dear Brother^ Savannah^ June 7, 174.0.
WITH great comfort I received your long wifiied-for
letter. It warmed my heart, and knit my foul to you
much more than ever. Whenever I fee the child-like fimpli-
city and love of Jesus, it quite melts me down. Let all for-
mer mifunc!crilandino;s between me and vour friends be entire-
ly forgotten. I always pitied your parents, and moft earnellly
prayed for them and you. BIciTcd be God that you arc come
home. You are now, I believe, as I always did believe, in
your proper dation. May God give you a fettled habit of
devotion, and fo nil you with his fpirit, that whilfl you are
working for God on earth, you may be like thofe blclTed
f ngels, who, though miniilring to us, yet do always behold
ihz face of our Father who is in heaven,. My dear bro-
ther, let the love of Jesus conurain you to love him with all
your foul. A fenfe of his divine love now melts down my
iieart, and draws tears from mv eyes. O what wonderful
thiiigs is God doing in J?::jcj ica I Savannah a'fo, ?}:y dear Sa^
'hunnah^ efpecially my little orphans, now begin to feel the
.love of Jesus Christ. I arrived here but about two days
ago, in an hour quite unexpected by my friends. How
did u'c weep oyer one another for ioy ! Perhaps I may never
feel the like again, till I meet with the fons of God in glory :
But oh what a fcene was to be {^^t\■\ laft ni^-ht in the conere-
O ; fa '
gation ! Hov/did the ftately fleps of our glorious Emmanuel
appear ! Kis glory dione with exceeding brightnefs. The
pou'cr feemed to be coming on all the d^^y. My foul has been
much carried out in behalf of this place, and now the Lord
is about tq anfwer my prayer. T- D was ycfterday
in a glorious agony. 1 prayed wi:h three of the girls before I
went to church, and their hearts were ready to break : I prayed
alfo, with ftrcng cryings and tears, v/ith my other dear friends,
and God v/as m.uch with us then 5 hut when we came to
church, oh what was to be fecn, and heard, and felt there !
The power of the Lo?.d came as it were upon all. Mod of
^ ftp
LETTERS. 185
the children, both boys and girls, cried bitterly, and moft of
the congregation were drowned in tears, and mourned as a
woman mourneth for her firft-born. Expence of fpirits made
my body weak, but my foul ftill wreitJed earncftly with God.
V/hcn I came home, 1 lay upon my bed ; but Teeing the chil-
dren and people come honie crying, I went to prayer again,
and a greater power than ever ftill attended it. O how was
my foul carried out, and how did the Holy Ghoft fill the room I
At lafl I thought proper to difmifs them ; but it would have
charmed your heart to hear the little ones in different parts of
the houfe praying, and begging of Jesus to take full poflef-
fion of their hearts. The fame power continues to-day : For
near two hours, four or five of the girls have been before the
Lord weeping mofl bitterly, and under fuch agonies, as gives
me hope our Lord will foon fend them deliverance. I have
not yet talked with the boys, who alfo have been under great
concern, and one efpecially in great agonies. I believe two
or three will be truly gracious. I have brought with me a
Latin mafter, and on Monday laid a foundation in the narr.e of
our dear Jesus for an univerfity in Georgia. God blelTes me
(O free and foyereign grace) in every thing I undertake.
Our Orphan -houfe comes under better regulations every day,
and I am perfuaded, in the end, will produce fome true fol-
lowers of Jesus Christ. I am now looking for frefii attacks
from the enemy, after fuch inroads. He has been bufy fmce
my departure, but. the Lord hath vouchfafed to rebuke and
difappoint him. My dear brother, may the Lord be with
you ! For Christ's fake defire d-ear Brother W to avoid
diiputing with me, I think I had rather die, than to fee a
divifion between us j and yet, how can we walk together, if
we oppofe each other? Adieu. Dear James, with much
tendernefs I fubfcribe myfelf
Jvcr yours,
G, IV.
LETTER
i86 LETTERS.
LETTER CXCV.
To T T , Efq; in London.
My dear Friend and Br other , Savannah, June 7, 1740,
I Wrote to you very lately ; but your kind letter is now
before mc, and I cannot forbear anfwering it : BlefTed be
God, that you ftill look upon me as your friend. May the
friend of all, unite us in the beft bonds, and bring us to him-
fclf at laft ! I long to fee the fon of man coming in the clouds
of heaven. I have now fuch large incomes from above, and
fuch precious communications from our dear Lord Jesus,
that my body fometimes can fcarcely fuftain them. Our dear
Brother H 's letter (which I defire you may fee) will
ihew you what a work is begun at Savannah. I am in great
hopes, that fix or feven boys and girls are really coming to
Jjtsus Christ. Dear Brother H n fojourns with us. I
love him, and all the brethren, in the bowels of Jesus
Christ. I am now looking for fome ftrong attacks from
fatan. The Lord comforts me on every fide, and lets me
fee my dcfire in the falvation of many fouls. O, dear Mr.
y*— — , forget not
Your weak unworthy friend and brother in Christ,
G, IV.
LETTER CXCVL
To Mr. M .
Dear Mr. M Savannah, Junr it, 1740.
I Am not uneafy, but rather joyful, to fmd God lets you
fee more and more into the mid-ry of your depraved nature.
I pray God, thefe convictions may ftill increafe, and that you
may not fall fliort of a faving union with Jesus Christ.
I am concerned to find you have loft a fenfe of your firft love.
— Take heed, my dear friend, and wreftle Vv'ith your dear
Lord, till he lets you fee the root of bitternefs that muft cer-
tainly be in fome corner of your heart. Perhaps you have not
renounced the woild iind your own righteoufncfs, and then no
wonder our Lord doth noi: manifeft himfelfto your foul.
Sometimes,
LETTERS. 187
Sometimes, indeed, God withdraws on purpofe to wean us
from fenfible devotion, and to take us off from feeking any felf-
complacence in our duties. If this be the cafe of you and
your friends, you are patiently to tarry the Lord's leifure, and
to continue driving with all your might till he is pleafed to lift
up thclight of his blellcd countenance upon you. You mufl
feek Jesus though it be forrowing, and then, after three days,
you will find him j for the Lord will not always be chiding,
neither keepeth he his anger for ever. That God may daily
renew you in the fpirit of your mind, is the hearty prayer of,
dear Sir,
Your affured friend and fervant in Christ,
G. JF.
LETTER CXCVIL
To Mr, IF TV , in London.
Dear TV Savannah, June 11, 1 740.
IAm forry to hear, that you and your makers cannot agree ;
but this I know, fuppofmg the cafe to be as you reprefent
it, you muft notwithftanding " be obedient, not only to the good
and gentle, but alfo to the froward." — Rough ufage will do
you good, if you are fmcere ; God fees the pride and ftub-
bornnefs of your heart, and therefore fends you thefe trials to
beat it down : I find the benefit of erodes. What (hould I
do without them? Dear brother S v/ould write to
you, I believe, but is much engaged. — Wo love one another
in the bowels of Jesus Christ. O, dear TV. keep
clofe to God, and fee you are that inwardly, which you would
be efteemed outv/ardly. — Reft in nouiii'.g Ihcrt of a found
and thorough converfion. That God may blefs you, and all
the brethren, with all fpiritual blellings, is the hearty prayer
oi
Your allured fiicnd and fervant,
G. TV,
LETTER
iSS LETTERS. ■
LETTER CXCVIII. l^ o/^'v'
To the Rev. Mr, J B , at New-Tor k.
Reverend and dear Brother, Savannah^ June 13, 1 740,
IHavc juft been reading the three letters you Tent ibme time
ago to our dear brother N , and find my heart mucii
inclined to write you a line. Whatever others may do, yet I
am far from judging you on account of God's dealings with
your foul. I rather rejoice in them, having myfelf been blef-
ied with many experiences of the like nature. But, my dear
brother, if God works upon us in an extraordinary manner,
we miifl prepare for temptation, even from our chriftian
brethren.
Moft judge of others from what has pafied within thcm-
felves ; and many of the dear children of God are too apt to
confine God to this or that particular way of acting;
whereas he is a fovereign agent : his facrcd fpirit blowcth
when, and where, and how it liftcth; and when an uncom-
mon work is to be done, no doubt he will work upon his
chofen inflruments in an uncommon manner. What the.
event of the prefent general awakening v^ill be, I know not.
I defire to follow my dear Lord blindfold, whitherfoevcr he
is plcafed to lead me ; and to do juft fo much, and no more,
as his providence points out to me. Wonderful things have
been done ever fince my arrival at Savannah: fuch an awaken-
ing among little children, I never faw before. Our dear bro- •
ther N 's letter will acquaint you with particulars. O
my dear brother, how ought fuch manifeftations of God's
glory, to quicken our fouls, and excite us to lay out ourfelvcs
more and more in the fervice of the bell: of Mafters, Jesus
Christ ! Every day he fills me with himfelf, and fometimcs
brings me even upon the confines of eternity. Methinks I
often (land upon Amount Pifgah^ and take a view of the heavenly
Canaan^ and then long to be gathered to my people : hut, my
dear brother, both you and I muft fufFer, and that great things,
before we enter into glory. My work is fcarce begun;
my trials arc yet to come. What is a little fcourge of the
tongue ? What is a thrufling out of the fynagogues ? The
^iaie of temptation will be, v/hen we are thruft into an in-
LETTERS. iS^
uer prifon, and feci the iron entering even into our fouls.'
Then, perhaps, even God's people may be permitted to for-
fake LIS lor a while, and none but the J^ord Jesus to ([and by
us. " But if thou, O deareft Redeemer! wilt ftren^thcn mc
in the inner man, let enemies plunge me into a fiery furnace,
or throw me into a den of lions." My dear brother, my
heart is enlarged towards you: though I never faw, vet I
love you moil tenderly. How does dear brother/) P
Does he yet walk in the light of God's countenance ? Prav fa-
lute him lovingly in my name. In the fall, I hope to fee you
in Lc?7g I/land, and to be fomewhat filled with your company.
In the mean while, let us all keep a clofc walk with Jesus j
and be pleafed, in an efpecial manner, to remember
Your unworthy, though aftedionate brother,
fellow-labourer, and fervant In our common Lorb,
G, IF.
LETTER CXCIX.
To the Rev. Mr. J. JV.
Savannah, J U7ie 2^^ I74^» "
Ajy honoured Friend and Brother,
Thank you for, and heartily fay a?ncn to all the petitions
you have put up in my behalf. I want to be as my Maf-
ter would have me ; I mean, meek and lowly in heart. Dear
Sir, bear with me a little longer ; pray for me with great ear-
neftnefs ; and who knows but my God may give me to abhor
myfelf in duft and afhes I He that hath given us his Son, will
he not with him freely give us all things i* For Christ's fake,
if pofTible, dear Sir, never fpeak againft election in your fer-
mons : no one can fay that I ever mentioned it in public dif-
courfes, whatever my private fentiments may be. For
Christ's fake, let us not be divided amongft ourfelves : no-
thing will fo much prevent a divifion as your being filent on
this head. I fhould have rejoiced at the fight of your Journal.
I long to fmg a hymn of praife for what God has done for
your foul. I am glad to hear that you fpeak up for an attend-
ance on the means of grace, and do not encourage perfons w^ho
run (I am perfuaded) before they are called. The work of
God will fufFer much by fuch imprudence, I trull you will
flill
I90 LETTERS.
ftill perfifl in field-preaching. Others are (Irangers to ouP
call. I know infinice good hath been done by it already, and
greater good will yet be done thereby every day : but we muft
be judged of our brethren. May God blefs you more and
more every day, and caufe you to triumph in every place.
Next Monday^ God willing, I go to Charles-Town, My fa-
mily is well regulated ; but I want fome more gracious allift-
ants. I have near an hundred and thirty to maintain daily,
without any fund. The Lord gives me a full undifturbed
confidence in his power and goodnefs. Dear Sir, adieu. I
can write no more ; my heart is full. I want to be a little
child. O continue to pray for
Your moil: unworthy, but affectionate brother and fervant
in our dear Lord Jesus Christ,
C. JV,
LETTER CC.
To Mr, J H .
Dearejl J Savannah, June 25, 174c.
EVERY letter you write, knits my heart more and more
to you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Your laft: I
received on Saturday. God had been preparing me for it, by
a week's intimation upon my heart, and by an InexprelTible
agony in my foul juft before it came to hand. Bleffed be God
that our friends preach up poverty of fpirit, for that is the only
foundation whereon to build folid abiding comfort. The flony
ground received the word v/ith joy; but how did thofe hearers
ftand in a day of temptation ? They fell away ; for it is very
poflible that the heart may have much joy floating on the top
of it, and yet be as hard as the nether miUftone. Hence it is
that fo many, v/ho boaft of reft in their flafhes of joy, are felf-
willed, impatient of reproof, defpifers of others in a mourning
fiate, and wile in their own conceits : whereas the believer,
that hath been with his Lord in the wildernefs, and has a
truly broken and contrite heart, though his joy may not be fo
extravagant, yet it is fubflantial. Such a foul hangs upon
God ; thinks before he fpeaks ; and is continually hearkening
for what the Lord will fay to him, by the fmall ftill voice of
his fpirir. This is the ftate I want all our friends to arrive at.
I can"
LETTERS. 191
I cannot fee how they can, with aflurance, talk of their enjoy-
ing folid fellowfliip with the Father, and his dear Son Christ
Jesus. I fhall not be furprizcd if many, who feemin^^ly be-
gan in the fpirit, do end in tlic flefh, and turn perfecutors of
the doctrines and difciples of Jesus Christ. How can they
pofiibly ftand, who never felt themfelves condemned crimi-
nals ? who were never truly burthened with a fenfe not only
of their a^luai, but original fin, efpecially that damning fin
of unbelief f who were never brought to fee and heartily confcfs,
that after they had done all, God might, notv/ithftanding, deny
them mercy; and that it is owing merely to his fovereign love
in Christ Jesus our Lord, that they can have any hopes of
being delivered from the wrath to come ? It is for preachino-
in this manner that I like MelF. T s. They wound deep
before they heal ; they know that there is no promife made
but to him that believeth ; and therefore they are careful not
to comfort over much thofe that are convicled. I fear I have
been too incautious in this refpedl:, and have often given com-
fort too foon. The Lord pardon me for what is paft, and
teach me more rightly to divide the word of truth for the fu-
ture. DeareO: J , pardon this freedom ; I am conftrained
to write in this manner. I thank you moft heartily for your
hiftorical letter. Fail not writing to m.e often. Deareft J ,
help me by your prayers : for Christ's fake help me. Our
Lord is ye: with us. I hear different accounts of things ;
h\it I pray for all, and fufpend my judgment till you fee
Your affectionate brother and fervant,
G. JV.
LETTER CCL
To Mrs. E C .
My dear SiJIer^ Savannah, June 25, 1 7 40,
YOUR letter afforded me much inward pleafure. Surely
it bcfpeaks the Vv'riter not to be far from the kingdom
of God. You was then waiting for our Lord's falvation :
ere now, I trufl, Christ hath manifefted his glory, filled you
with his bleilcd fpirit, and thereby fcaled you' to the day of re-
demption. 'Tis good to be long in an humbled Hate : it is
the bed preparation for fulid, lafiing comfoit. Blcilcd are
5 they
igj LETTER S.
they that mourn moft, for they fhall be the moft comforted :
not that we are violently to keep ourfelves in fuch a ftate; but
when God's hand lies heavy upon us, we'are patiently to tarry
the Lord's leifufe, till he reveals himfelf to our fouls. 1 was
a mourner a long while; but, glory be to God ! I have for
fome years been almoft continually corhforted ; at leaf!; kept
fl-om doubting; of my intereft in Jesus Christ. I can v^ith
an humble boldnefs cry out, *' My Lord and my God!"
He daily manifefts himfelf to my foul, and caufes me to feel
my dependance on his free grace and fovereign love. Th s is
the kingdom of God within us. O, my dear fifter, what
would I give, were all the world partakers of this urifpeakable:
gift ! I long, I burn with an ardent zeal after the falvation of
my dear brethren, who are dead in trefpafles and fins. Poor
fouls ! Why am I taken, and they left ? O the fovereign,
free, unmerited, diftinguifliing love of my and your Jesus I
My dear fifter, let us love him, let us obey him ; let us
fufFer for him with a chearful heart ! His love will fweeten
every cup, though never fo bitter. Let us pledge him wil-
lingly, and continue faithful even unto death. A fcene of fuf-
ferings lies before us. Who knows biit v/e may wade to our
Saviour through a fea of blood ? I expe6l: (O pray that I may
be ftrengthened if called to it) to die for his great name's fake,
'Twill be fweet to wear a martyr's crown. Dear Madam,
adieu. I remember God's 2;oodnefs to us at Broad-Oaks. I
pray for you and yours. I truft your daughters keep clofe to
Jesus. Salute them kindly in my name. Read my Journal,
and give hearty thanks for
Your unworthy brother and fervant in Christ Jesus,
LETTER ecu.
To the Rev. Mr, S , in London,
llev. and dear Sir^ Savannah, June 26, 1740.
AND is one of the priefts alfo obedient to the word ?
BlcfTed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesu$
Christ, who hath tranflated you from darknefs to light;
from the power of Satan to the fervlcc of the ever-living God.
Now know I5 that our glorious E?jjmanud has not commanded
us
LET T E R S, 193
us to pray in vain. Surely we fnall never tafte of death, till
vvc fee our dear Lord's kingdom coming with greater power.
He feems to be thrufting out more labourers into his harvefl.
Glory be to his free grace that you are one of the happy num-
ber. O dear Sir, rejoice and be exceeding glad ; and let the
love of Jesus condrain you to go out into the highways and
hedges to compel poor fmners to come in. Some (even that
are true lovers of the Lamb) may fay " this is not proceeding
with a zeal according to knowledge :" but I am perfuaded,
when the power of rclij^ion revives, the gofpcl muft be pro-
pagated in the fame manner as it was firft eftablifhcd, " itinc^
rant preaching," Go on, dear Sir, go on, and follow your
glorious Mafler without the camp, bearing his facred reproach.
Never fear the fcourge of the tongue, or the th;-eatnings that
are daily breathed out againft the Lord, and againft his
Christ. Sufler we muli, I believe, and that great things.
Our Lord, by his providence, begins to fliew it. Ere long,
perhaps, we may fing in a prifon, and have our feet fet faft in
the {tocks. But faith in Jesus turns a prifon into a palace,
and makes a bed of flames become a bed of down. Let us be
faithful to-day, and our Lord will fupport us to-morrow.
O dear Sir, though I know you not, yet my heart is en-
larged towards you, and I make mention of your name in my
prayers. I pray God to give you ftrength to bear the heat
and burden of every day, and to enable you to preach with
fuch wifdom, that all your adverfaries may not be able to
gainfay or refift. BlefTed be his holy name, I drink deep of
his love every moment. A greater power than ever attends my
poor labours i and fcveral of my own houfhold, both boys and
girls, 1 really believe, are coming favingly to Jesus Christ.
lam now about to go to Charles-Town -y a work of God is
begun there. Who knows but I may fee my dear brother
S in America ? But future things belong to God ; to
his grace and love I commend vou. Keep clofe to your dear
Jesus, and pray that a child-like, humble fpirit, may be given
to
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer
G. n\
Vol. L - O. . LETTER
5
194 LETTERS.
LETTER CCIII.
To JVm, S , Efq-y in Loyidon.
My dear Brother S , Savannah, June 26, 1 740.
I Sent you a packet of letters from Charles-Town, the middle
of this month. Since that time, I have received many
agreeable letters kova England ; but find from Blendon letters
that Mifs E D is in a fecking ftate only. Surely
that will not do ; I would have one that is full of faith and
the Holy Ghoft. Juft now I have been weeping, and much
carried out in prayer before the Lord. My poor family gives
nie more concern than every thing elfe put together. I u'ant
a gracious zvornan that is dead to every thing but Jesus, and is
qualified to govern children, and dired perfons of her own
fex. Such a one would help, and not retard me in my dear
Lord's work. I wait upon the Lord every moment ; I hang
upon my Jesus : and he is fo infinitely condefcending, that
he daily grants me frefli tokens of ,bls love, and affures me
that he will not permit me to fall by the hands of a woman.
I am almoft tempted to wifli I had never undertook the or-
phan-houfc. At other times, I am willing to contrive mat-
ters fo that I may not marry : but I am always checked ; and
looking back upon the workings of my heart in this affair, I
am more and more convinced that it is of God ; and there-
fore know he will order affairs for me, as will beft promote
his own glory. So that my dear Lord's honour does not fuf-
fer, I care not what trouble in the flefh I undergo. His glory,
to the beft of my knowledge, is my only aim, \n my thoughts,
words, and adions. My dearefl brother, adieu. By this
time, I truft, you are near England. Dear brother S
goes with me to Charles-Toivn. Brother B keeps houfe in
my abfence. Take heed that the people you bring believe on
Jesus. Expe6t to hear Shortly again from
Your affe£tioiiate brother and fervant In Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER
LETTER S igs
LETTER CCIV.
To Mr, IF D— -.
My dear Brother^ Savarmahy June 28, 1740.
1 Thank you for your kind letters and friendly cautions ;
and truft fhall always reckon thofe my choiceft friends,,
who, in funplicity and meeknefs, tell me the corruptions of
my heart. It is that faithfulnefs which hath endeared J
S to me. I think I never was obliged to any one fo much
before : for that reafon alfo I find my heart knit to you. O
my dear brother, ftill continue faithful to my foul : do not
hate me in your heart ; in any wife reprove riie. Exhort all
my dear brethren to forgive my paft (I fear) too imperious
carriage ; and let them pray that I may know myfelf to be
what I really am, lefs than the lead of them all. I have abun-
dant reafon to blefs God for fending me abroad. I cannot
fay I have improved my retirement as 1 ought; biit I can fay
it hath been highly beneficial to my foul. I have a garden
near at hand, where I go particularly to meet and talk with
my God, at the cool of every day. I often fit in filence, of-
fering my foul as fo much clay, to be ftamped juft as my hea-
venly potter pleafes : and whilft I am mufing, I am often filled
as it were with the fulnefs of God. I am frequently at Cal-
varyy and frequently on Mount Tabor ; but always afTured of
rny Lord's everlafting love. O continue to pray for mc,
that I rr:ay know myfelf even as I am known. I want to have
a proper mixture of the lion arfd the lamb, of the ferpent and
the dove. I do not defpair of attaining it. Jesus is love ;
Jesus willeth my perfecftion ; Jesus hath died for me; Jesus
can deny me nothing. He hath given me himfclf ; will her
not then freely give me all things befides ? I Wait for thy c6m-
pleat falvation, O LoRD ! My dear broth'er, my heart is
now enlarged. Your prayer is anfwered. The whole God-
head no'.v fills my foul. O grace, grace I O Jefu, Jefu !
was ever love like thine ! Lord, I abhor myfelf in duil anJ
afties. O that I could praife thee ! that I could love thee"
as I ought ! My dear brother, I hear you have been zealous for
the Lord your God fince my departure. You have done
well : you never can be zeahous for a better mafter : but why"
O 2 filent?'
196 LETTERS.
filent ? why withdrawn ? Did you go before you was called
or qualified ? If fo, you have done right: but I fufpend my
judgment ; for I find there is no judging at a diftance. I only
pray God that you may always feel yourfelf a very poor finner,
and find refuge in the wounds and blood of the Lamb. I re-
joice to hear the work of God goes on, and heartily wifli you
may not be divided among yourfelves. Our dear Lord is
with us here : I only want a few more gracious, folid affift-
ants. The Lord will fend them in his due time to
Your affediionate brother and fervantin Christ,
LETTER CCV. ,1^^%^}
To J B ^'-^^
Good Hope, {South-Carolina) 'July 2, 1740-.
My dear Brother B ,
IS it true, that one night whilft you was expounding, you
told your hearers, from your own experience, that " they
tould not go on without throwing afide the means of grace r"
or words to that purpofe ? If fo, I pity you ; for you arc not
only mifled yourfelf, but are alfo mifgufding others. But this
is no more than I expe£led. I think you begun to teach too
foon, and before you had a commiffion given you from above.
Brother J- — ^ — was of the fame opinion, before I left England.
For that reafon, I would not take you to Georgia, Blefl'cd be
God, I have no fuch over-forward fpirits there. My dear
B -y I write in love. For Christ's fake try your fpirit:
I fear you was never yet truly humbled. I know you have
had joy ; but I always thought it was joy floating, on the fur-
face of an unmortified heart. From fuch a joy, good Lord
deliver us ! O that you had been in the wildernefs a little
longer ! then you might have been an experienced teacher j
but I fear you are now only a novice. May the Lord keep
you from faHing into the condemnation of the devil. I write
not this to damp, but to regulate your fpirit ; if you are
humble, you will take it kind. God knows, I wifh all the
Lord's fervants were prophets ;. but I would not have my
Mafter's work fuffcr by a too heady way of proceeding. Why
fhould you difhonour him by a«Sling above your fpherej
whereas
LETTERS. 197
whereas you might honour him by ailing in it. Every one
is not fit to be a public expounder. To build up awakened
finners in private, is what is more wanted at prefent than
young unexperienced preachers. But I have done ; I fear I
have offended my brother : forgive me this wrong. As Goo
was pleafed firft to work upon you by my miniftry, you muft
always expeft to be watched over by
Your affedionate friend, brother and fcrvant,
LETTER CCVL
Dear Mr. R ■, Charles-Town, July ii, I740#
YOUR letter much rejoiced me. O that you may ftill
follow on, till you truly know the Lord ! I (hall be
glad to have you for a fcribe, if you are well inftru6led in the
things which belong to the kingdom of heaven. Keep clofe,
my dear friend, keep clofe to the dear Mr. T s : under
God, they will build you up in your moft holy faith. It
gladdens my heart to hear of their fuccefs in the Lord. The
Lord increafe them more and more, and multiply the num-
ber of their fpiritual children 1 I fuppofe brother G *s
letter informed you what a fpeedy paflage the Lord gave us,
and how we were received at Georgia, Surely I fhall never
fee the like again, till I meet the fons of God in glory.
Praife the Lord, O my foul ! my dear friend, help me to
praife the Lord. I have been here above a week. The Lord
hath been pleafed to work on many hearts. On Sunday the
commijjary denied me the facrament ; but my dear Mafter fed
me, notwithftanding, with the bread which cometh down
from heaven. Perfecution feems to be coming on more and
more. My dear friend, fee that you are rooted aud ground-
ed in love and faith ; or how will you Hand faft in a dying
hour ? With difficulty I write this before morning fervice. I
preach generally, in town or country, twice a-day. The heat
is great; but the Lord enables me to bear the burden of it.
Next month, God willing, I go to New- England, and hope
to fee Philadelphia in November. On Tuejday next 1 am cited
to appear before the commiflary and his court in a judicial
way : the even: I leave to my dear LojiD Jesus, O dc\^.r
O 3 Mr,
198 LETTERS.
Mr. R — ' — , let not the crofs keep you from Jesus. If we
fufFer, we fhall reign with him. Salute your honoured mo-
ther in my name, and all that love our dear LoiiD in fmcerity,
from, dear Mr. R ',
Your afFe<ftionate fiicnd and fervant in Christ,
G. rv,
LETTER CCVII.
To Mr, J R .
Dear J , Charles-Town, "July 15, 1740.
MAY you anfwcr your name, be freely gracious, and
filled with as much love as he was, who leaned on the
facred bofom of our dear Redeemer. 1 believe God has be-
gun ; if fo, God will carry on the good work in your heart.
It is the Lord's doing. Not uiito me, not unto me ; but to
free, rich, diftinguifliiiig, fovereign grace, be all the glory !
The wearing off, or forgetting your convictions formerly,
ought to make you more jealous of yourfelf now. The more
you fee the enmity of the heart, the better : you cannot then
avoid abhorring yourfelf in duft and adies. I rejoice you
have been at Ntjfhamim. I can fay of Mr. T and their
brethren, as David did of Gcliah\ fword, *^ None like them.'*
I am glad you and my friend R are acquainted. O fee
that you keep one another warm, and be zealous for the Lord
your God. I wonder not at your mafter's inhnuations. In-
deed, dear ^ , you muft be tried thoroughly, if you would
approve yourfelf to the glorious EmmanueL Exhort all to die
for him, rather than deny him in any wife. I find my fuf-
fering time at hand : but my dear Lord comforts me with
his gracious and refrefhing prefence. A good work is carry-
ing on here : let my dear friends hplp it forwards by their
prayers. My love to ?ill at the fociety ; and accept of the
iame from
Your aiFedionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER
LETTERS. 199
LETTER CCVIH.
To Air. B J in Penfyhania.
My dear Brother^ Charles-Town^ "July 18, 1740.
PRAISE the Lord, O my foul ! Our glorious Einmanuel
Teems to have girt his fword upon his thigh, and to he
riding on from conquering to conquer. He gets himfclf the
vidory in Philadelphia. He is getting himrdFthe victory in
Charles-Town alio. Indeed a glorious work is begun, and car-
rying on here. Many louls are awakened to a fenfe of the
divine life. The alteration in the people fmce I came here
at firft, is furprizing. I preach twice a day, generally, either
in town or in the villages around. The commiflary fhoots
out his arrows, even bitter Vv'ords. He hath denied me the
facrament, and cited me to appear before him and his court;
I was obliged to appeal home. O my dear brother, pray
that I may be humble and of a child-like fpirit. Every day
God {hews me frefh inftances of his love. Here are fome
faithful minifters amongft the baptifts. One of them, Mr.
C , has wrote to you ; pray anfwer him. Some time next
month I hope to be at Nevj England^ and to return to
you according to promife. Be pleafed to falute the brethren
in my name. Indeed I honour and love you in the bowels of
Je.sus Christ. O that I was worthy of your acquaintance !
But I am not. All that I can fay is, that I will endeavour to
approve my lei f
Your affectionate friend, brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER CCIX.
To Mr. I. R .
My Dear Friend^ Charles-Town, July 18,1740.
I Thank you for going with friend E and B to
Nazareih. May God blefs you, and caufe great good to
come to that place ! God feems to be carrying on as great a
WQfk in Cbarles-Tjwn, comparatively fpcaking, as in Philadel-
O 4 ph'ia.
200 LETTERS.
phia. Surely our Lord intends to fet the world in a flame,
O that the holy fire of hib divine love v/as kindled in every
heart ! Be pleafed to read wliat 1 have fent to Mr. iV- -.
If you pleafc you may print that extract, which I fent from
my journal : God willing, I hope to be at New England by
the beginning of Scpiejnhcr^ and to be refrelhed vyith your and
my dear friend's letters. Indeed, I love you all in the bovveli;
of my dear Lord Jesus. Do not let us forfake him.
Let us not be afliamed of him, though we live in a crooked and
perverfe generation. I thank my dear friends for their zeal in
building a houfc j * but defire it may not have any particular
name, or be put to any particular ufe, till my return to Phi-
ladelphia. I wifh them good luck in the name of the Lord.
Lafl nieht I appeared a third time in a public court ; but they
not accepting my Rccufatio judicis^ I appealed home; fo that
now I have free liberty to embark when providence pleafeth.
my dear friend, think of a bleeding, dying Lord..
Keep clofe to him, and exhort all friends to pray and give
thanks for
Your afllired friend and fervant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCX.
To Mr. G L .
Dear Brother L — , Char ks -Town .^ July i8, 174O.
GOD v/ill v/ork, and v/ho fhall hinder r The facrament
hath been refufed to mc, and I have appeared thrice in
open court, before the commilFary and fome of his clergy ; but
6ur LokD rides on, from conquering to conquer. Many, I be-
lieve, are really pricked to the heart. The commiflary's detain-
ing me here, has much tended to the furtherance of the gofpel.
1 put in my exceptions againft his fitting as my judge, and
they were repelled ; fo that I have appealed home, and all
Other proceedings here are Ptoppcd. By this means I fhall
have liberty to preach the gofpel without further interruption,
•and my call to Englund will be more clear. The enclofed
paper will fhew you what is doing in Philadelphia. Private
letters received from thence lad night and this morning, have
much refreftied mv heart. Many fouls are flocking to the
LoRi>
* Tiiio 'S ncv/ t.!:e cou^ze at Philadelphia*
I. E T T E R S. 201
Lord Jesus. I need not exhort you to praife the Lord.
You may advertife what paragraphs you think proper, only
add that Philadelphia people are building a houfe for me to
preach in, jo6 Tcct long and 74 feet wide. The Lord is
bringing mighty things to pafs. \ api furprizingly ftrength-
ened to bear the heat and burden of every day. My dear
Lord never leaves nor forfakcs me, but works by my unwor-
thy miniftry more and more. O that I was humble ! O that
I was a little, little child ! I know not how foon I may be
called to EngUmd, The inhabitants here are wondrous kind*
They attend morning and evening moft chearfully on my
preaching. V/c often fee the ftately fteps of our dear Lord
in his fan^luary. I am more than happy. I am amazed at
the divine goodnefs. Lord, I abhor myfelf in duft ahd afhes !
See the wonders of the Lord ; help us to praife him.
Excufe me to all my dear friends. For this fortnight paft
I have not wrote a word of my journal. My fermons, &c*
are bought off exceedingly, northward. O pray that an hum-
ble child-like fpirit may be given to
Ever yours in Christ,
G, IV,
LETTER CCXr.
To the Reverend Mr, D ,
My dear Brother D , Savannah^ jfugiift 15, 174O.
OUR dear Lord (after being pleafed to bring me low by
bodily ficknefs) now gives me liberty to write to you.
Whilft I am writing, I find my heart united with yours. I
hope we have both drank into the fame fpirit, and are both
inftances of the fame fovereign, diftinguiihing, evcrlafting
love. O let us extol it ! O let us improve daily ! And
fincc God fees fit that we fhall not die, but live, let us
lay, ourfelves out to declare the works of the Lord. I arn
^Ihamed of my paft unfruitfulnefs. Had others received the
(lock, that hath been intrufted to me, how would they havp
improved it ? Indeed I am an unprofitable fervant. In the
righteoufnefs of Jesus my Lord, is my only refuge. Well
may God afflict me j I richly dcfervc it ; and when he brings
jiie low^ nothing grieves me fo much, as to think that I
lliould
202 LETTERS.
ihoulci be fo froward as to oblige the God of love to ftrike me
with his rod. But oh the goodnefs of the Lord ! His rod,
as well a« ftafF, do comfort and build up my foul. I would
not but be tried for ten thoufand worlds. Blefled be God,
I am enabled to clafp the crofs, and defire to glory in nothing
more. Dear brother, help me with your prayers. Our vic-
torious Jesus makes his power to be known ; many have 1
fecn ftruck quite down by the power of the word. The holy
Ghoft hath often come like a mighty rufhing wind. Satan
has defired to fift us as wheat. But our Lord ftill fhcws
me, that the orphan-houfe will go on and flourifii. It is of-
ten a great weight upon my foul ; but through your and my
dear friends prayers, the Lord I am perfuaded will ftill fup-
jpurt it.
Yours eternally in Chr;st Jesus,
LETTER CCXir.
To Mr, N—-, m New York,
My dear Brother^ Savannah^ Aug, 15, I 740.
YOUR letter rejoiced my heart. May our dear Lord's
kingdom be advanced more and more every day ! O
that I may meet you at New- England ! Blefied be God that
Mr. M is yet alive. Salute him from me; I hope to
fee him before I die, and fo be taught the way of God more
perfeclly. 1 thank you for your kind hints ; I have always
paid great deference to dear Mr. N 's judgment : indeed I
love him in the bowels of Jesus. God has been pleafed to
bring me low, for feme time, by inward weaknefs, and faint-
Refs of fpirits. The firft ftrength that is given me to write,
I make ufe of in writing to you. The Lord is purging me,
that I may bring forth more fruit. I long to die, not that I
may be rid ofcrofTes, but that I may be with Christ. He
draws me more and m.ore to him every day. I have had many
clofe domeftic trials of late. But thefe words, " David
ftrengthened himfelf in the Lord his God," came with fwect
power to my foul. I find, the nearer I come to Christ, the
clofer my trials are. I have been fometimes through weak-
nefs kept from preaching ; but when I have fpokcn, the word
has
LETTERS. 20J
l?as come with power. I have reafon to think, that three per-
fons who came to fee the orphan-houfe, have been efFedu-
ally called by our Lord Jesus. I have now fome Carolina
yifitors in my houfe ; two of them, 1 believe, are coming tru-
ly to Jesus. — The word runs like lightning in Charles-Toivn.
A fcrious lively Baptift miniftcr, named Tillyy is here alfo ; he
has preached often for me, and lafl Sunday received the flacra-
ment in our way. — O bigotry, thou art tumbling dowa
a-pace ! BlelTed be God. — Next week, God willing, I em-
|jark for Cbarles-Toiun, fl:iaU ftay there a few days, and from
thence purpofe going to New-England. God wonderfully
provides for my orphans. — I am kept from every degree of
QQubting ; nay, the Lord fills me daily with a full afluranee
of faith. He chaftens and corre6ls me, but it is all in love.
help me to praifc him, and thereby add to the obligati-
ons already laid on, dear Mr. N ,
Ever yours,
G. ir,
LETTER CCXIII.
To Mrs. L .
Honoured Mother .^ Charles-Town^ ///v^. 22, 1 740.
ALTHOUGH I had not the pleafure of receiving one
line, either from your dear felf, or from any other of
my beloved friends ; yet my heart was rejoiced juft now by a
failor, who told me, that he faw and converfed with you the
twenty-ninth of May laft. I thank you for the falutation fent
to m.e by him. Indeed I thank you from my very heart : for
1 feci myfelf unworthy of your notice. Every day I love and
honour you more and more; and when you come to judg-
ment, God will (hew you how many tears 1 have (bed in fe-
cret for you and my dear fifter. O let them not be in vain !
Honoured Mother^ fly to Jesus. — Behold, with open arms,
yonder he ftands, ready to embrace you, if you feel your
mifery, and are willing to come to him to find reft. May the
great God, who only can govern the wills and afPe^tions of
fmful men, make you willing in the day of his power ! Ye-
flerday God brought me hither again. In a few days, I hope
to embark for KcW'Enrlanu^-ih^wQQj God willing, you may
expert
204 LETTERS.
expe£l another letter. For near fix weeks paft I have been
under great weaknefs of body ; but notwithftanding have been
Enabled fometlmes to preach with great power. I am novyf
fomewhat better, but, without a miracle, cannot think of be-
ing long below. Indeed, honoured Mother^ I every day long
to be diffolved and to be with Christ. Pray tell Mr, JV ,
that Mr. H , and L B , with one or two more
of their relations, I believe, arc effectually called of God. We
had much power at Savannah. God hath fent me fome family
trials ; but all things are working for good. I am, honoured
Mother,
Your ever dutiful fon.
(?. //'
LETTER CCXIV.
To the Reverend Mr, J- JV .
Defir and Honoured Sir, Charles-Town, Jug. 25, 1740.
LAST night I had the plcafure of receiving an extra£l of
your journal.' — This morning I took a walk and read it.
J pray God to give it his bleffing. Many things I truft will
prove beneficial, efpecially the account of yourfelf. Only,
give me leave with all humility to exhort yon not to be flre-
nuous in oppofing the doctrines of ele^ion Tiud final perjeverance^
when, by your own confefTion, *' you have not the witnefs of
the fpirit within yourfelf,'* and confcquently are not a pro-
per judge. I remember dear brother E told me one day,
that " he was convinced of the perfeverance of the faints."
I told him, you was not. He replied, but he will be con-
vinced when he hath got the fpirit himfelf. I am aflured,
God has now for fome years given me this living witnefs in my
foul. I cannot fay, I have fince indulged any doubts (at leaft
for no confiderable time) about the forgivenefs of my fins ;
nay, I can fcarce fay, that I ever doubted at all. When I
have been neareft death, my evidences have been the cleareft.
I can fay, I have been on the borders of Canaan, and do every
day, nay, almoft every moment, long for the appearing of our
Lord Jesus Christ ; not to evade fufPerings, but with ^
fmgle defire to fee his blefled face. I feci his blefiTed fpi-
rit daily filling my foul and body, as plain as I feel the air
whicl^
LETTERS, 205
which I breathe, or the food I eat.— Perhaps the do£lrincs of
eletSlion andofiinal pcrfeverance hath been abufed, (and what
dodrine has not,) but notwithftanding, it is children's bread,
and ought not in my opinion to be with-held from them, fup-
pofing it is always mentioned with proper cautions againft the
abufc. Dear and Honoured Sir, I write not this to enter into
difputation. I hope, at this time, I feel fomcthing of the
meeknefs and gentlenefs of Christ. I cannot bear the
thoughts of oppofing you : but how can I avoid it, if you
go about (as your brother C once faid) to drive Jolm Cal-
vin out of Brijiol. Alas, I never read any thing that Cal-*
vin wrote j my do<5lrines I had from Christ and his apoftles ;
I was taught them of God ; and as God was pleafed to fend
me out firft, and to enlighten me firft, fo I think he ftill conti-
nues to do it. My bufinefs feems to be chiefly in planting ; if
God fend you to water, I praife his name. — I wifh you a thou-
fandfold incrcafe. I find, by young JV 's letter, there is dif-
puting among you about election, and perfeSiion. — I pray God
to put a ftop to it, for what good end will it anfwer ? — I wifh I
knew your principles fully 5 did you write oftner, and more
frankly, it might have a better efFe6l than filence and referve. I
have lately had many domeflic trials, and that about points of
doctrine, not by myfelf, but from others in my abfence. I daily
wait upon God, depending on his promife, that all things,
even this, (hall work together for my good. Many in Charles-
Town, I believe, are called of God. You may now find a
chriftian, without fearching the town as with a candle. Mr.
G is lefs furious, at leaft in public. He hath expended
all his ftrcngth, and finds he cannot prevail. Adieu, Ho-
noured Sir, Adieu ! My health is better, fmce I laft left
Charles Town, and am now freed from domeftic cares. With
almoft tears of love to you, and the brethren, do I fubfcribe
myfelf, honoured Sir,
Your moft affectionate brother and fervant in Christ,
LETTER
2o6 LETTERS.
LETTER CCXV.
To Mrs, J L , in Brijlol
Dear y , Charles-Town.^ Aug. 26, 174O,
I Hope you and your little fociety go on and proCper,
I hear there are dlvifions among you. Avoid them
if poflible. The do6lrines of eledtion, and of final perfever-
ance, I hold as well as you. — But then, they are not to be
contended for with heat and paflion. Such a proceeding
will only prejudice the caufe you would defend. Pray
fhew this to your other friends. — Exhort them to avoid all
clamour, and evil fpeaking, and with meeknefs receive the
ingrafted word which is able to fave your foul. God has
begun a great work here, and in other parts of America ; but
yet, I believe, I fliall fhortly have a call to England, O pray
it maybe the divine will, that I may have a profperous jour-
ney ; and that you may fee me grown in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. — With
tendereft love to all, I am
Your affectionate brother and fervant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCXVI.
To the Right Reverend Father in GoD, Edmund Lord Bijhop of
London.
On board the Savannah^ bound from Charles-Toivn to Bojiony
September — , 174O.
My Lord,
ALTHOUGH your Lordfliip has been pleafed to cau-
tion the people againft running into thofe extremes,
to which your Lordfliip apprehended my docSlrine would lead
men ; yet I am perfuaded that will not any way influence
vour Lordfhip, as to the contents of this letter. The on© fin-
gle point which it contains, is this query, " Whether the
commiflary o^ South-Carolina has power given him from your
Lordfhip, to exercife 2iny judicial authority againft me, or any
other clergyman, who doth not belong to his province ?" The
reafon of my putting this queflion, I fuppofe your Lordfhip
will be apprized of, before this reaches jowi Lordfliip's hands.-
I hav^
LETTERS. 207
J have been lately cited to appear in an eccleliaftical court,
ereded by the Reverc7id Mr. G , fi)r not reading the com-
mon prayer in the meeting-houfc, which I was obliged to
preach in at Charlcs-Towny (unlefs I would be fiicnt) becaufe
the commifTary would not let me have the ufe of his church. I
appeared, and have appealed, according to law, to four of his
majefty's commiflion-crsfor reviewing appeals, to know, whether
the commiflary ought not to have accepted a Recufaiio judicis^
which I lodged in court. This, I fuppofe, they will deter-
mine. I only defire your Lordfhip's explicit opinion and deter-
mination, whether Mr. G , (fuppofing he hath power over
his own clergy,) has authority to ere6l fuch a court to arraign
me, who belong to the province of (j^ijr^/^. The bearer hereof
will give me your Lordfhip's anfv/er. In favouring me with
which, your Lordfhip will oblige, my Lord,
Your Lordfliip's obedient fon and fervant,
LETTER CCXVII.
To Mr, P .
My dear Brother^ Bojlon^ Sept. 19, 1 740.
Ihave juft now read your kind letter. BleiTed be the Lord,
for imparting fomewhat of his divine prefence to your foul.
O may he fill you brimful, and enable you fo to preach, that
all your adverfaries may not be able to gainfay or refifl. Never
fear undertaking to preach without notes ; remember the pro-
mife, " Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the
world.'* By my maflcr's leave, I propofe to preach with you,
and dear brother IV . I am a worm and no man : I de-
ferve to be the outcaft of the people. On Sunday I arrived at
Rhode-Ifmnd. Our Lord called fome. Yefterday I came
hither, to-day I preached. May the Lord give a divine in-
creafe to the feed fown ! A great work is carrying on at
Charles-Toiun, The fpirit of God is moving in different parts
of the world. O m.y dear, dear brother, let us up and be
doing, and the Lord will be v/ith us. The world is lying
in the wicked one. May God make you inftrumental to de-
liver thoufands from his curfed flavery ! With difficulty I re-
<lgem ;ime to write this. Brother B- , and B •, are
4 with
2o8 LETTERS.
with me. I will endeavour to give you notice of my coming.
In the mean while, ceafe not praying for
Your weak and unworthy brother,
G. JV.
LETTER CCXVIII.
To Mr. N , at New-Tor k.
My dear Brother^ Bojlon^ Sept. 23, 1740.
HITHER God brought me on Thurfday evening : I
preached once on Friday^ and twice every day fmce. The
power of the Lord advances fweetly. Our Lord, I believe,
will revive his work in the midft of the years; he enables me to
preach plainly. Some minifters, I hope, will be quickened, as
well as people. They attend, and are exceeding civil, as alfo
the governor. I wrote to you from Rhode IJland\ I fhall call
there, as I come to you. On Monday^ God willing, I fhall
fct out to fee Mr. M , and on Monday fortnight hope to
go to Northampton. All the packets of letters came fafe.
God blcfs my dear, dear Brother A^ for his great care.
Friends from £w^/««^/ write ftrange things ; God, I believe,
calls me thither. Mr. /^ and the M .f, I think, arc
fadly erroneous in fomc points of docSlrine. When I fee you,
I will communicate many particulars ; now, I have fcarce
time to write this. Our dear Lord fweetly fills me with his
prefence. My heaven is begun indeed. I feaft on the fatted
ealf. The Lord ftrengthens me mightily in the inner man,
I find a few fouls left in Sardis that have not defiled their gar-
ments. Excufe me to Mr. P ; I have not time to anfwer
his kind letter ! Adieu ; I hope to be with you in about five
weeks. — I pray for dear Brother T , that he may efpoufe
more fouls to the Lord Jesus Christ. — My hearty love
to all.
Ever yours,
G. 7K
LETTER
L E t^ t E R S. ±0^'"^
LETTER GCXIX.
To Mr. A- ,
My d£C',r Brother y/— Bojlon^ Sept, 23, T740.
I Thank you for your letter : May the Lord cniible me to
fend you an anfwer of peace. Sin/efs perfeciion^ I think, is
unattainable in this life. Shew me a man that could ever
juftly fay, " I am perfc£l.'* It is enough if we can fay fo^*
when we bow down our heads and give up the ghoft. In-
dwelling ftn remains till death, even in the regenerate, as the
article of the church exprefles it.— There is no man that liveth
and fmneth not in thought, word, and deed : However, to
affirm fuch a thing as perfedion, and to ^^ny final perfeverancey
what an abfurdity is this ? To be incapable of fmning, and
capable of being finally damned, is a contradiction in terms.
From fuch dcclrine may I ever turn av/ay ! Labour, dear Mr»
J. to be holy, even as God is holy ; but do not look for com-
plete perfedion here below. What is this, but in efFedl to'
vacate the righteoufnefs of Christ ? I hear many amongft you
who begun in the fpirit, are now ending in the flefh. Christ
hath freely juftified them, i, e, entitled them to all his merits,
and yet they muft do fo and fo to keep themfelves in a juflified
flate. Alas, this is forry divinity ; I have not fo learned
Christ. No, his gifts and callings are without repentance.
Whom he loves, he loves totbeend. Work I will, but not
to keep myfelf in a juftified ftate. My Lord hath fecurcd
that ; but I will work to (hew my gratitude for his putting
me into a juftified ftate. O that all would ftudy the covenant
of grace. Dear Mr. A. I feci that I love you, and I find my-
felf carried cut to v.'rite in this manner. My Lord blefles
me with all fpiritual blcffings \ he caufcs me to rejoice in his
falvation. I pray him to carry on his work in Londm^ and to
keep his church from errors; but there muft be a fifting as
well as a gathering time. It is rheet that fuch offences fhould
come. All fiiall work together for good to thgfe who are
called after Govi' s^.purpcfe : They fhall finally be faved. This
much comforts, dear Brother A ,
Your afFedionatc brother in Christ,
G. //<■
Vol, I. ? LETTER
210 L E T T «; R S.
LETTER CCXX.
ro H. H. in Wales,
Bojhn^ Sept, 24, I'J^O,
AND Is dear Brother H, H. yet alive in body and foul ?
Bleffed be God, who caufes thofe that wait on him to
renew their llrcngth. I rejoice in your fuccefs : May you
mount with wings like eagles, walk arjd not be weary, run
and not be faint ! You fhall not be taken or hurt, till the
appointed hour is come. I hope your convcrfation was blefl'ed
to dear ^4r. IV. O that the Lord may batter down his free-
will, and compel him to own his fovereignty and everlafting
love ! Some of i^ Lane fociety, I fear, are running into fad
errors ; but this happens for our trial, efpecially mine. Thofe
that before, I fuppofe, v/ould have plucked out their eyes for
me, now I fufpecl, I fhall fee very fliy, and avoiding mc.
This is my comfort, the Lord is a never-failing friend ; his
truth will make its way in fpite of all carnal reafoning. O
pray for me that I may have the fpirit of judgment and a found
mind. My coming to England will try my fidelity to my
Mafter : Nothino- but his ftreno;th can enable me to hear ail
contradidions with meeknefs, and to preach with love his ever-
lafting truths. O that all would ftudy the covenant of grace!
The more I look into it, the more is my foul delighted.
Dear Brother H. adieu. My dear friend J. S, fits by and
cordially falutes you. I hope you have received my letters. 1
expe6l; to hear from you by dear Brother S. God is working
powerfully in America, He fills me with his prefence,and caufes
me to go on my way rejoicing. Grace! grace 1 I greet all
moll afFedionately, and am, dear Brother H,
Yours eternally,
G, VA
LETTER CCXXL
To the Rev. Mr. J. W.
Honoured Sir^ Bojlon, Sept. 25, 1740.
THIS is fent in anfwer to your letter dated March 25. —
I think, I have for fome time known what it is to have
righteoufncf^, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghoft. Thefe, I.
5 believe.
LETTERS. 211
believe, are the privileges of the fons of God : But I cannot
hy I am free from indwelling fm ; no, I find a law in my
members warring againfl the law of my mind : This makes
me to cry out, even now, " Who fhall deliver me from the
body of this death ?" I thank God, our Lord Jesus Christ
will. I cannot fee wherein the heterodoxy of the article of our
church doth confiil, which fays, " That this corrupcion re-
mains even in the regenerate i" and if that after converfion
we cannot fin in thought, word or deed, I do not know why
our Lord taught us to pray to our heavenly Father, " P'or-
give us our trefpalTes.'* I am forry, honoured Sir, to hear
by many letters, that you feem to own 2i fuikfs perfeolion \a
this life attainable. 1 think I cannot anfwer you better, than
a venerable old minifter in thefe parts anfwered a Q^iaker.
" Bring me a man that hath really arrived to this, and I will
pay his expences, let him come from where he will.'* I knov/
not what you may think, I do not expert to fay indwelling fin
is finifhcd and deflroyed in me, till 1 bow down my head and
give up the ghoft. There muft be fome Amakk'iies left in the
Jfraelites land, to keep his foul in acSlion, to keep him humble,
and to drive him continually to JesOs Christ for pardon
and forgivenefs. I know many abufe this dodrine, and per-
haps wilfully indulge fin, or do not afpire after holinefs, be-
caufe no man is perfect in this life. But what of that ? muft I
therefore aflert do6irines contrary to the gofpel ? God forbid.
Whether the feventh to the Romans^ is applicable to a con-
verted perfon (as many very eminent faints have thought) is
not at all to the purpofe : There are other paflliges of fcrip-
ture, which plainly (hew that fmlefs perfection is not attainable
here below. Such as thefc, " There is no m.an that liveth
and finneth not." *' I" many things we cfFend all." And I
know no fin except the fin againft the Holy Ghoft, of which
a child of God may not be guilty, if God fhould withdraw
his grace.
Whatever you may think o^ David^ the fcripture fays, " He
was a man after God's own heart j" yet how did he fall ?
And if you will not permit Peter to have been converted when
he denied his Mafter ; what will you fay to St. Patd? Did
net he fin, do you think, (at leaft were not his pafiicns irre-
P 2 gular
2!2 LETTER S.
gular, antl what is that but fm) when he fpoke to the HifMi
Prifll, and called him whited wall ? Befidcs, dear Sir, vrhat a
fond conceit is it to cry u^perferiioji^ and yet cry down the doc-
trine o{ final per jcver an ce ? But this, and many other abfurdi-
ties you will run into, becaufe you will not own EleHion :
And you will not own Elei^^ion, bceaufe you cannot own \t
without believing the doiSlrine of Rsprobation, What then
is there in reprobation fo horrid ? I fee no blaf|)hemy in hold-
ing that dodrine, if rightly explained. If God might have
pailcd by all, he may pafs by fome. Judge whether it is not
a greater blafphemy to fay, " Christ died for fouls now in
hell," Surely, dear Sir, you do not believe there will be a
general gaol delivery of damned fouls hereafter. O that you
would ftudy the covenant of grace ! O that you were truly
convinced of fin, and brought to the foot of fovereign grace !
Elifna Cole on Gob's /over eignty, and Veritas Redux, written by
Do6tor Ediuards, are well worth your reading. But I have
done J if you think fo meanly of Bunyan, and the Puritan
writers, I do not wonder that you think me wrong. I find your
fermon has had its expected fuccefs ; it hath fet the aation a
difputing ; you will have enough to do now to anfwer
pamphlets ; two I have already feen. O that you would be
more cautious in cafting lots ! O that you would not be too
jafh and precipitant ! If you go on thus, honoured Sir^ how
can I concur with you ? It is impoffible ; I muft fpeak what
I know\ — Thus I write out of the fulnefs of my heart : I feel
niyfelf to be a vile fmner. — I look to Christ ; I mourn be-
caufe I have pierced him. Honoured Sir^ pray for me.
'1 he Lord be with your dear foul. About Spring you may
expeill to fee.
Ever, ever yours in Christ,
G.IK
LETTER CCXXII.
To Mr. G L .
My dear Friend and Br other , Bojhn, Sept. 26, 1740.
I Wrote to you about a month ago from Charks-Tcwn.^-^
Since I came here I have received two letters from you.
May the great God of heaven and earth blefs your dear foul
for thus aflifling his poor unworthy fcivant : A fen fe of my
ingratitude
LETTERS. tzij
ingratitude almoft melts me into a flood of tears. — Indeed I am
the very chief of fmners.— O the love, the fovereign, diftin-
guifhing, everlafting love of God my Saviour ! Praife him,
praife him, dear Mr. L , vv^ith all your foul. — I hope no-
thing will caufe a divifion between me and McfTrs. J^'' s :
But I muft fpealc what I know, and confute error vvhcrefo-
ever I find it. About Spring I hope to come over if the Lord
will. — Be pleafcd to inform my friends, that lafl Simday was
fevennight I arrived at Rhodc-ljland^ where I preached and read
prayers in the church on Monday and Tuefday to very large
and afFeded auditories. — On JFedncfday I preached at BriJIol^
in my way to Bcjhn, — On Tburfday night I got there, and
on Friday preached, and have preached once or twice every
day fmce. — Almoft all the minifters, and vaft bodies of people,
have been continually prefling to hear the word of God,
fometimes in the fields, and fometimes in the meeting-houfes.
My health is much reftored by the coolnefs of the air. — I in-
tend ftaying about a month in thefe parts, then to go to Phi-
ladelphia by land, from thence to Georgia by water, and I hope
to embark for England the beginning of the Spring. — You fee
by this, dear friend, how our Lord works by my unworthy
hands. Minifters and people, I believe, will be much quick-
ened. — I hope your dear foul profpers. For Christ's fake
avoid difputing ; ftudy your heart and the fcriptures ; get nearer
and nearer to Christ, he will lead you into all truth. My
moft tender love to all; if opportunity any way ofters, every
Jetter received fljall be anfwered by, dear dear Mr. L ,
The meaneft of al| your chriftian friends,
LETTER CCXXIIL
To Mr. I ..
My dear Brother^ I , Jiojlon^ Sept. 26, 1740.
I Thank you for your kind letter. It is the firft I have re-
ceived from you fince I left England. — I blefs God the
work goes on in TorkJJnre. — May our glorious, fin-forgiving
Lord blefs you and your fpiritual children more and more !
I find, our friends arc got into disputing one with another. —
O that the God of peace may put a ftop to it ! I wilh many
piay not be building on a falfe foundation, and reft in a falfe
P 3 peace.
214 LETTERS.
peace. They ov^n free juft'if cation^ and yet feem to think,
that their continuance in a juftified ftate depends on their do-
ings, and their wills. — This, I think, is eftabliftiing a righte-
oulners of our own. My dear brother, if we fearch the fcrip-
tures, we (hall find that the ^oi^ jujiified implies not only
pardon of fin, but alfo all its confequences. — ." Thus (fays
Saint Paul) thofe whom he jufiificd, them he alfo glorified ,'*
fo that if a man was once juftified, he remains fo to all eternity,
— Here lies the anchor of all my hopes. — Our LoRO having
once loved me, he will love me to the end. — This fills me
with joy unfpeakable and full of glory. — I now walk by faith.
— I work not to keep myfelf in a juftified ftate, (for men or
devils can never pluck me out of Christ's hands,) but to ex-
prefs my love and gratitude for what Jesus hath done for my
foul. This, I think, is what the apoftle calls ^' faith working
by love." My dear brother, my heart's defire and prayer to
God is, that we may all think and fpeak the fame things. —
For, if we iire divided among ourfelves, what an advantage
will fatan get over us ? Let us love one another, excite all to
come to Christ without exception, and our Lord will (hew
us, who are his. The work of God goes on exceedingly in
America. The Lord is pleafcd to manifeft himfelf unto my
foul more and more. I am a naughty, ftuhborn child ; but my
dear Lord will have mercy becaufe he will have mercy. It is
owing to his diftinguifliing love that I am not hardened. Here
is, and I believe will be a great quickning in thefe parts. — .
The cloud feems to be moving. Perhaps in the Spring we
may meet face to face. With difficulty I get time to write
this, but I muft anfwer dear Brother / 's letter. — May
the Lord jEsus.be continually with your fpirit, and make your
foul brimful of peace and joy in the Holy Ghoft. I love
you in the bowels of the crucified Lamb. May he unite us
more and m.ore intimately to his dear felf, and to one another.
Salute all that love him in fincerity. — Brethren, pray for us.— «
That you may be kept by God's power to eternal falvation, is
the prayer of
Your moft; affe^llonate, though unworthy brother and
poor weak fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
I.ETTER
LETTERS. 215
LETTER CCXXIV.
To Mr. TV D .
Dear Brother W , Bojion^ September 28, 1740.
I Thank you for your klatl letter from OJJk ; I wi(h it was
written with more life. I fear you are turning almoft
to a fpirit of bondage: but it is good for you to be fifted,
to make an experienced minifter of Jesus Christ. I could
not but fmile, to find you wink at the deceney of my drefs.
Alas ! my brother, I have known long fmce what it is to ba
in that ftate you are (in my opinion) about to enter into.
I myfelf thought once that chriftianity required me to go
nafty, I neglected myfelf as much as you would have mc, for
above a twelvemonth : but when God gave me the fpiiic of
adoption, I then drefled decently^ as you call it, out of prin-
ciple : and I am more and more convinced, that the Lord
would have me ad, in that refpe<Sl-, as I do. But I am almoft
afhamed to mention any fuch thing : rather let us talk and
write of the love of Jesus ; " Let us ftand faft in the liberty
wherewith Jesus Christ hath made us free, and not be again
entangled in a yoke of bondage." God only knov/s whether
you have done right in leaving the univerfity, or in declining
to exhort. If you do not preach till you are perfectly free
from all fin, I believe you v/ill never preach again. I could
never hear of fuch a minifler or chriilian yet. My dear bro--
ther, I fpeak freely to you, becaufe I love you in the bovv^cly
of Jesus Christ, He fent his difciples to preach before they
were perfeft ; nay, when they were weak in grace. Fxercifc
the talents you have, and that is the way to get more. Thu:j
has God dealt v/ith me for thcfc feven years. " To him tha;
harh, diall be given.'* Many of our friends talk againft elec-
tion : a good rcafo-n may be given. I believe they have never
taken pains .0 fearch into the true {late of the cafe. What if
fome abuf. that do^Slrme ; is it therefore falfc ? No ; by no
means. I am periuaded, if any ofour friends would examine:
their experiences, they would find that Jesus Christ freely
prevented them by his grace ; that he compelled them to come
in ; and that it is not ov/ing to themfclves, but to the will
$nd promife of God, that they are now kept in a ftate of
P 4. grace.
2i6 LETTERS.
grace. But I will fay no more. My dear brother, I love
you. May the Lord lead you into all truth. Our dear
Maftcr is doing wonders among us. Praife him luftily, and
with a good courage. Adieu. Dear J S falutes
you and the brethren, as does
Yours affectionately,
G. rp\
LETTER CCXXV.
To the Rev, Air, Z M -.
Reverend and dear Brothery Bojlm^ Sept. 28, 1 740.
I Received — I felt your letter. Surely there is a fympathy
between fouls that have drank into the fame fpirit. Go3
willing, I purpofe to come and fee you ; and will endeavour to
fend you timely notice : but oh do not expe6l too great things
from me ; for if you do, who knows but my Lord may defert
me ; and then what am I ? Excufe the brevity of this. So
many perfons come to me under convi6i:ions, and for advice,
that I have fcarce tim.e to eat bread. Wonderful things are
doing here. The word runs like lightning. Dagon daily
falls before the ark. I know you will, in fpirit, pray that a
due fcnfc of his own vilencfs may be continually given to
Your afFcclionatc, though unworthy,
brother and fervant in our glorious Emmanuel
G. IV.
LETTER CCXXVI.
ro Mr, IV , at Br\pi.
Tiear Brother W — , Bojhn^ Sept, 28, 1740.
WHAT mean you by difputing in all your letters ?
May God give you to know yourfelf, and then
ypu will not plead for ahfolute perfeSilon ; or call the docSlrine
of cletStion a ^' dodrine of devils." My dear brother, take
heed ; fee you are in Christ a new creature. Beware of a
falfe peace ; ftrive to enter in at the ftrait gate j and give
all diligence to make your calling and elcdion fure. Remem-
ber you are but a babe in Christ, if fo much. Be humbles
talk little, think and pray much. Let God teach you, and
he will lead you into all truth. I love you heartily : I pray
you
4
LETTERS. 217
you may be kept from error, both in principle and pradlice.
Salute all the brethren. If you muft difpute, ftay till you are
mafter of your fubjed 5 other wife you will hurt the caufe you
would defend. Study to adorn the gofpel of our Lord in all
things ; and forget not to pray for
Your afFedlionate friend and fervant,
LETTER CCXXVir.
To Mr, G L .
My dear Brother L , Bojhn^ OSloher 9, 174O.
I Write to you again by this fhip, though I have fcarce
time to write a line. God works by me, I think, more
than ever. I am quite well in bodily health. Minifters as
well as people are ftirred up, and the government is exceeding
civil. In (hort, God is doing greater things than can be
exprefled. Oh exhort all to pray, and to give thanks for me
with their whole hearts. The bearer brings the authentic
copy of my appeal ; I fent you another copy before from Ca^
rolina* Be pleafed to keep this I have now lent, till you hear
of my coming to England: if I come in the Spring, I will
lodge it myfelf J if not, be pleafed to lodge it for me, and I
will pay all expences. O dear brother L , what a fcene
of labours and fufterings lies before me ! My dear Jesus will
make me more than conqueror over all : he ftrengthens and com-
forts, he converfes with me by night and by day : he gives me
all peace and joy in believing. I pray God to keep our dear
brother 5 and others from a falfe ftillnefs. I am forry to
hear fuch errors are rifen amongft the brethren. Adieu ; the
Lord be with your fpirit. I have already colle£led upwards
of four hundred pounds fterling for the Orphan-houfe. God
ihews me that America muft be my place for a6lion. Once
more adieu. Ceafe not to pray for,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER
2i8 LETTER S.
LETTER CCXXVIIL
To Mr. J //-
Newhaven^ OSf, 24, 1740.
My very dear Friend and Brother ,
YOUR letter, juft now brought to me by dear brother
N ', gave me great comfort. With fear and trem-
bling, ever fmce the late difputations, have 1 opened letters
fent from Sa-jannah-, but blefTed be God, our dear Lord is
with my dear friend H . Bleficd be God, my family
dwell together in unity. The God of love fill you with all
peace and joy in believing. I hope a fupply for your then pre^-
ient wants, came to you foon after you fent your letters : fmce
that, I have fent from Bofion 100 1. fterling ; next week I
hope to fend again from New-York^ and before Chrijlmas I
truft I fhall fee you face to face. Wonderful things God
does for me. I am enabled to preach and travel better than
ever. There has been joy in heaven, I believe, over many
fouls repenting. There are fome hopes of dear, dear brother
N 's coming with me. Mr. B , one of the young
minifters of Long JJland^ with his wife, accompanies me alfo ;
and another fettled chriftian, who holds and experiences the
truth as it is in Jesus. O that all my family may be thus
minded ! I fuppofe by this time you know how matters are
determined for me, if Mr. C is arrived. God keeps me
in fufpcnfe : fufpenfe did I fay ? BlefTed be his holy name, I
am quite eafy ; I am perfuaded he will chnfe for me a daugh-
ter of Abraha?n. I know not but it may be the divine
will that you fhould abide in Georgia^ whilft I go to England.
Be refigncd : fee if GoD docs not bring all things about for
your good : there is but little comfort to be expected in
England. I find I muft, if I am faithful, oppofe the errors of
many who, I believe, fear God : O that I may do it with
meeknefs and wifdom. Methinks I now long to be with you
all at Savannah. Pray for my fpecdy pafiage. lam glad God
is fcourging out the children o^ Belial : you have often heard
me fay God would do fo. Never fear ; a remnant will be
left, which (hall take root downwards, and bear fruit upwards,
and yet fill the land. My dear brother, adieu : I am called
away.
LETTERS. ^i^
awav. I love you more folidly than ever. Dear J S ,
Mr. F , and P , love you too : we travel very com-
fortably : thoufands of prayers are continually put up for mc
and mine. My love to all, without exception. Feed the
iambs, fludy the purity of their hearts, and thereby rejoice
the foul of
Yours moft affectionately and eternally in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CCXXIX.
To Mr. y l^' .
Dear and hojioured S:r, Philadelphia, Nov, 9, 1 740.
I Received your'.^, dated March li, this afternoon. Oh
that we were of one mind : for I am yet perfuaded you
greatly err. You have fct a mark you will never arrive at, till
you come to glory. I think few enjoy fuch continued manifefta-
tions of God's prefence as I do, and have done, for fome years ;
but I dare not pretend to faj' I fliall be abfolutely perfct^l:. O,
dear Sir, many of God's children are grieved at your prin-
ciples ; O that God may give you a fight of his free, fove-
reign, and ele6ling love ! But no more of this : why will you
compel me to write thus ? why will you difpute ? I am wil-
ling to go with you to prifon, and to death ; but I am not
willing to oppofe you. My heart is now much affeded : in-
deed I love and honour you. Dear, dear Sir, ftudy the cove-
nant of grace, that you may be confident v/ith yourfelf : haflen
O Lord, the blelTcd time ! I fancy I fnall embark for Eng-
/i7;2^ about Spring ; but am not yet determined. God fhews
me his goodnefs plcntcoufly every day. I dwell in Christ,
and Christ in me : glory be to fovercign grace. I feem to
have a new body, and the Lord Jesus greatly enriches my
foul. O I am a poor finner ! but our Lord frequently mani-
fcfts himielf in fuch a manner, that it throws me into an agony
which my body is almoft too weak to bear. Honoured Sir,
adieu. O build up, but do not lead into error, the fouls once
committed to the charge of
Your affedionate, unworthy brother and fcrvant,
in the loving Jesus,
G. fV.
LETTER
220 LETTERS.
• LETTER CCXXX.
To Mr, H H , in Wales.
PJ/dadelphia^ Nov. 9, 1740.
My very dear Brother H ,
I Wrote to you from Bojion, Your letter, written near a
twelve-month ago, came to my hand this afternoon. My
foul is knit to you: we both fpealc and think the fame things.
The Lord be with your fpirit. Jesus manifefts forth his
glory daily in thefe parts. Though I am fuch a vile, worth-
3efs, ungrateful wretch, yet the Lord fills me out of his di-
vme fulnefs day by day. His word is like a fire, and a ham-
mer : lafl week I faw many quite Uruck down. Our Lord
is working upon little children. America^ ere long, will be
famous for chriftians. Surely the candleftick will fhortly be
removed from England. Little did I think, when Mr. E
y wrote, that I fhould preach in all the chief places
q{ America : but that is now done ; glory be to rich, free, and
fovereign grace ! Perhaps about Spring I may embark for my
native country : the Lord vouchfafe us a happy meeting. O
WaleSy thou art dear to my foul ! My love to all the brethren.
Dear brother H ^5 I pray God you may profper, even
as your foul profpers. Expect another journal fliortly : but
wait till we come to glory, fully to fee and hear what God
hath done for
Your afredionate brother and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCXXXL
Xo hii Excellency Jonathan Belcher, Efqy in Bofton,
Philadelphia, Nov. 9, 17 40.
TFIOUGH late, I now fnatch a few moments to fend
your excellency my acknowledgments for all honours
received at Bojhn: they are much upon my heart. I pray
God to reward your excellency a thoufand-fold.
Great things hath the glorious Emmanuel dont for me 2.rs!i his
people on the way : the word has been attended with much
power. Surely our Lord intends to fet America in a fiomc.
This
LETTERS. ill
This week Mr. G T purpofcs to let out for Bojion^
in order to blow up the divine fire lately kindled there. I
recommend him to your excellency as a folid, judicious, and
zealous minifter of the Lord Jesus Christ : he will be ready
to preach daily : I fuppofe his brethren will readily open their
doors : may the Lord at the fame time open the people's
hearts, that they may diligently attend to the things thatfhall
be fpokcn. Dear Mr. R grows in grace: I left him at
Brunfivicky full of gratitude for his late journey. I am per-
fuaded it was of God. I hope he will be inftrumental \i\
quickening both miniftcrs and people. He is worthy of your
excellency's particular regard : under God he may need ir.
I expe6l he will foon be reviled and perfecuted for his blef-
fed Mafter's fake : may the Lord enable him to rejoice and
be exceeding glad. Dear Sir, the welfare of dear BoJIott
people, efpecially the welfare of your own foul, lies upon me
night and day. I remember your tears : I remember your ex-
cellency's words, " Mr. IVh'itefield^ pray that I may hunger
and thirft after righteoufnefs." O how did thefe words re-
joice me ! for I thought your excellency wanted a more clear
view of your own vilenefs, and of the all-fufnciency of Jesus
Christ \ 1 mean a more clear, experimental view : for what
is all head-knowledge without that of the heart ? it only fettles
people more upon their lees. May God give you to fee and
to follovi^ the fimplicity of the blefled Jesus. Whilft you are
in the world, may you not be of it : may you be dead to mag-
nificence, and alive to nothing but what leads you diredly to
your God.
HGnourecl Sir^ I make no apology for this freedom : your
excellency bid me not fpare rulers; no, not the chief of them.
Indeed I long after your falvation ; O that I could do any
thing to promote it ! If my prayers, or any thing within my
power may be inftrumental thereunto, your excellency may
command, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency's obliged humble fervant,
G. rr.
LETTER
222 LETTERS.
LETTER CCXXXII.
To Mr. M , at London,
My dear Brother^ ' Philadilphia^ Nov. lo, 1 740.
STILL my Lord fliews me greater things. At New
Tcrk the Holy Cihoft came dov/n liice a mighty rufiiing
wind. At Bajhcnridge frill a greater awakening among young
and old. One that received Christ cried out, " He is come !
He is come !" ^V. The poor creature was wrapped up in the
Lord Jesus : and borh there and at New-Tork my foul was
taken almoft out of the body. At Newark the Lord worked
wonderfully amongft fome young men ; and here at Philadel-
phm the word runs very fwiftly. This afternoon, how beau-
tiful did the Lord appear in his fancStuary I I would cry out,
*' How amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of hofts !'* In
feveral places, almoft as large as Northampton^ are many faith-
ful labourers. We all think and fpeak the fame things : O
that it was fo at London! The Lord enables me to confute
error wherever I fee it. Pray for me, that I may be made
faithful lo my Lord and Mailer : he is dearer to me every
day : he will have mercy, becaufe he will have m^rcy. See
brother L 's letter. Another journal comes out fhortly.
My hearty love to all. Stand faft in the faith : quit your-
felves like men : be ftrong. Above all, give thanks to God ;
and pray in behalf of, dear Air. M ,
Your moft affectionate brother and fervant,
LETTER CCXXXIIL
To Mr. G L .
Dear Brother L , Philadelphia^ Nov, 10, 1740.
I Wrote to you lad v/eek from Nevj-Tork. You may give
friends this brief account of me : On \:\^ Saturday evening I
arrived at this place, having preached at Statcn Ijiand^ Newark,
Bajkenridge^ New Bru7ijwick, and Trenton, in my way hither
from Ne7v Tor L A wonderful prefence of God was obferv-
able at Neut-Tork, Bafienridge^ '^i^d Neusrk, I preached here
twice
LETTER a a23
twice yeflerdny, and alfo to-day, in a large houfe built by the
people fince I v/as here laft. It is an hundred feet long, and
feventy feet wide ; and is intended for a fchool, as well as a
place for public worfhip. The walls are brick, and the roof
is now almoft ready to be put up. God hath rernarkably ap-
peared in the carrying on the building ; and the holy fpirit
hath fwcetly moved on the hearers fouls every time I preached
in it. I intend, God willing, to flay here this, and to em-
bark for Georgia the latter end of next week ; and propofc,
God willing, to return to England for a (hort time, in the
Spring.
The Lord highly favours me ; I am more (ick of myfelf,
and more in love with Christ daily : he is a dear, dear Maf-
ter : Oh that all would love him with all their hearts [ Adieu:
it is late. The Lord be with your fpirit.
Your affe6tionate friend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. ir.
LETTER CCXXXIV.
To the Rev. Air, D , at New Brunjwick»
My very dear Brother^ Salem^ Nov, 20, 1740.
EXCESS of bufinefs, not a want of love, prevented my writ-
ing to you from Philadelphia. I feel that I love you in the
bowels of the dearjefus, our ever blefled and glorious Em?rianuel :
he hath done great things for me fince you left us. Yefterday at
Cohanfte the fpirit of the Lord moved over the whole congre-
gation : what reafon have we to be thankful for the great
things we both fee and hear I IVIy dear brother, indeed I de-
fire to lie in the duft. O how good is- my Lord to me !
thoughts cannot conceive, or words exprefs it ! I long to be
in glory, that I may praife him as I would. I rejoice to hear
that the Lord is with you. Shortly, I believe, you will evan-
gelize. All friends kindly falute you. Adieu. In gretit
hafte, I am
Your very affedlionate, though unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
G. JV.
LETTER
224 LETTERS.
LETTER CCXXXV-
To Mr, J H .
Bohemia^ (Maryland) Nov. 24, 1740.
My very dear Brother,
I Rejoice to hear that you are married : I falute your wife
and my fifter in Christ : may you love one another, as
Christ and his church. I have lately converfed clofely with
P B : alas ! we differ widely in many refpe61:s ;
therefore, to avoid difputation and jealoufies on both fides, it
is beft to carry on the work of God apart. The divifions
among the brethren fometimes grieve, but do not furprize me.
How can it be otherwife, when teachers do not think and
fpeak the fame things ? God grant we may keep up a cordial
undiflembled love towards each other, notwithftanding our
different opinions. O how do I long for heaven ! Surely,
there will be no divifions, no ftrife there, but who fliall fmg
with moft afFedion to the Lamb that fitteth upon the throne.
Dear James, there I hope to meet thee ; for the dear Jesus,
I believe, hath locked thee faft in his almighty arms. Lean
thou on his facred bofom night and day ; keep clofe to him,
and be what I long to be, a little child. Adieu. I am ready
to weep tears of love. My dear brother, I (liould be glad to
wafh any of the brethren's feet : indeed I am now willing to
be the fervant of all. The more the Lord honours me, the
more I feel my unworthinefs. I am fometimes fick of love,
and often, often fick of felf. O that God fhould have mercy
on fuch a fmner 1 Help me, dear James, to praife my Saviour.
A glorious church is raifing in America, The Lord
mightily reveals his arm. It would pleafe you to fee his out-
goings, his {lately fteps in the great congregation. I only
want fellow-labourers. I look to Jesus for this, and for
every thing. I defire you to print nothing againft your con-
fcience : only do not immediately cenfure every thing that
m^y not feem clear to you : our Lord may guide me, even
into things which as yet you may not fee into. The day of
judgment will difcover all. Adieu.
£ver, ever yours in our blcffed Emmanuel,
G. rr.
LETTER
LETTERS. 225
LETTER CCXXXVL
To the Rev. Mr. J. JV.
Bohemia [Maryland) Nov, 24, 174O.
Dear and Hon. Sir,
LAST night brother G— — brought me your two kind
letters. O that there may be harmony, and very inti-
mate union between us ! Yet it cannot be, fmce you hold
univerfal Redemption. But no more of this. Perhaps, iu
Springs we may fee each other face to face. This evening,
God willing, I propofe to embark for Georgia, Wonderful
things our Lord brings to pafs, in thefe parts, every day.
Here is a clofe oppofition from fome of the Prejlyterian Clergv,
The feed of the ferpent is the fame in all, of whatever com-
munion. I expedi: much more oppofition every hour. The
devil rages in London. He begins now to triumph indeed.
The children of God are difunited among themfelves. The
king of the church fhall yet over-rule" all things for good. My
dear brother, for Christ's fake avoid all difputation. Do
not oblige me to preach againlt you ; I had rather die. Be
gentle towards the . They will get great advantage over
you, if they difcover any irregular warmth in your temper. I
cannot for my foul unite with the Moravian Brethren, Ho-
mured Sir, Adieu !
Yours eternally in Christ Jesus,
G. IF.
LETTER CCXXXVII.
Saint George's (Penfylvania) Nov. 24, i 740,
Dear Brother T ,
GOD has revived his own work in Philadelphia. His
glory. filled the great houfe. The aflairs belonging
thereto, I believe, are well fettled. We have had precious
times at Cohanft, Salem, Fogs-mannor, Nottingham, Whiteclay^
Creek and Bohemia. Brother G is come from Engla?jd
very opportunely. Brother S comes about Chrijhnas.
The brethren I think do grow, though fadly divided. But our
Lord will order all for good. — Upon feveral accounts, I
Vol. L C^ think
5 -
'226 LETTERS.
think it beft to embark for England as foon as poflible in the
Spring. O pray for me, that I may not by any means grieve
the children of God. 1 hope the weather is warm enough
for you. I truft our Lord has warmed and filled your dear
foul. Your brother Charles is with me. My dear fellow tra-
vellers falute you and our dear brother R . My love to
all that love the Lord Jesus. The war goes on bravely be-
tween Michael and the Dragon, Our dear Lord (O conde-
fcending love !) is wonderous kind to your poor, weak, unwor-
thy brother and fervant in Christ,
G, TF.
LETTER CCXXXVIIL
Dear Mr, F , Reedy-IJIand^ Nov. 26, 17 40.
I Thank you for your letter. — You may print my life, as
you defire. God willing, I (hall correct my two volumes
of fermons, and fend them the very firft opportunity. — Pray
write to me by every fhip, that goes fhortly to Charles-
Town.
I fhall embark for England^ God willing, about February, —
I defire 1 may hear from you there alfo, as often as poflible.
I have prefaced Jenks, and Prefumptuous fmners dete^ed. Mr.
Bradford has the laft, becaufe he faid he was to print it. You
may have it of him. — The Ornaments of the daughter of Sion^
you may have hereafter. Dear Sir, Adieu. I do not defpair
of your feeing the reafonablenefs of chriftianity. Apply to
God ; be willing to do the divine will, and you fhall know
it. I have heard from Mr. S ; all is well. To-day fe-
veral friends have taken leave of me at this place, waiting for
a fair wind in order to embark for Georgia, I think I have
been on fhore 73 days, and have been enabled to travel up-
wards of 800 miles, and to preach 170 times, befides very
freouent exhortations at private houfes. I have colle6led, in
goods and money, upwards of 700/. fterling, for the Orphan-
houfe ; blefled be God ! Great and vifible are the fruits of
my late, as well as former feeble labours, and people in gene-
ral feem more eager after the word than ever. O the love of
God to
Your unworthy friend,
G. TF.
LETTER
LETTERS. 227
LETTER CCXXXIX.
To Mr, N. in New-Tor L
My very dear Brother^ Charles-Town^ Dec. 10, 1740.
IN eight days, the Lord brought us hither. We arrived
laft night, when the Redeemer vouchfafed fo to fill me with
his divine confolations, that I could fcarce fleep. I have been
preaching this morning on the fire that happened of late from
thefe words, Ifa. i. 9. " Except the Lojid of Hosts had left
unto us avery fmall remnant, we ihould have been as 5(?-
dam^ and we fhould have been like unto Gomorrah^ I am
now determined to fee England as foon as poffible. I have had
much of God's prefence in our paflage hither from FhtladeU
phia^ and have many precious letters to fend you. O follow
me with your prayers. I leave Chatles-Town, God willing,
to-night, in order to haften to their relief, and fhall go in the
fame floop which brought me here, to my beloved Georgia4
As foon as poffible, I will fend you a long letter. In the mean
while, accept of my love from, dear Mr. N ,
Your very afFe6tionate friend and brother
and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCXL.
To Mr. G C .
On board the Savannah for Georgia.^ Dec, II, 1740.
Dear Brother C ,
YOUR late letters, efpecially that which you fent me by
way of Charles-Town^ made me fmile. — I was glad to
find that you had not fo far thrown off all outward things, as
to refolve 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 fcripture, " Be ftill,
and know that I am the Lord," as if it was defigned to keep
a chriftian from driving, or meant z-Jlillnefs of body ^ or waiting
upon God only in filencc ? The expreffion is taken out of
the 46th Pfalm, where God's fury againft the heathen is
Q^ 2 defcribed.
S28 LETTERS.
defcrlbed In the moft lively colours ; and then left his people
fhould complain of the feverity of his difpenfations, God com-
mands them to bey?///, " not to murmur or repine, knowing
that he was the Lord, and might do what feemed him good."
Thus Tate and Brady in their tranflations explain it, and this
is the true and genuine meaning of that fentence. It hath no
reference to ftillnefs in prayer, or ftillnefs of body. Dear bro-
ther, I fpeak to you plainly, becaufe I love you. I think I
know what it is to wait upon the Lord in filence, and to
feel the fpirit of God making intercefnon for me with groan-
idgs which cannot be uttered. Often have I been at fuch
times filled as it were with the fulnefs of God, and I do now
daily carry on a communion with the moft high God and the
erer-bleded Jesus. But all this I fear is contrary to xh^ falfe
Jtillnejs^ you and fome others feem to have fallen into. I was
juft in the fam.e cafe fome years ago at Oxford^ when I de-
clined writing, reading, and fuch like exercifes, becaufe I
would h^Jilll. The Lord convinced me ; I pray he may alfo
convince you of this delufion. Dear George^ 'confider how
contrary your maxim is to our Saviour's. You fay, " Beftill'*
He fays, " Strive.'' As in an agony, " Strive that you may
enter in at the ftrait 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 elapfc of the Holy Ghoft. You
ufed to fay, you wiflied you could believe from experience in
the do6trine of election ; now, you find as yet no evidence
within yourfelf that you are a real chriftian. You take too
much refuge, I fear, in the dodlrine of unwerfal redemption.
It is the fineft doclrine in the world to caufe a foul to be
falfely itill, and to fay Peacc^ Peace^ when there is no peace.
You fecm to infift upon finlefs perfection, and to think a man
hath no real falvation till he literally cannot commit fin. PVom
whofe experience do you write this ? Not from your own^ dear
George ; for I much queftion, if ever your heart was truly
broken cw had a faving clofure with Christ. You feem to
mention Peter Bochler as an inftance ; but alas, though he has
been wafhed in the blood of the Lamb, fo as to be juftified from
all his fin-s, yet like me his feet want waftiing ftill, and will,
til]
I
LETTERS. 229
tHl he bows down his head and gives up the ghoft. I have
converfed with him intimately. Take heed, brother, of having
any thing too much in admiration, or of thinking you muft ne-
cefHirily find Christ at fuch and fuch a place. You have
been at M . I believe you have feen many dear children
of God ; but have you returned home with Christ in your
heart ? Your letters do not fpcak much improvement in the
fchool of Christ. If God loves you, he will let you fee
the vanity of your prefent imaginations, and bring you to fee
that fiilvation is not of him that willeth, or of him that run^
neth, but of God that ilieweth mercy. Dear George^ be not
given to change ; be not too food of new things. *' To the law
and to the teftimony," and fee what Christ and his apoftles
have fpoken. I fpeak this out of love, and not in reference
to myfeif. If God blefies another miniftry to your foul, I
rejoice, yea and will rejoice. But if I fee you fall into errors,
do not be angry if I tell you the truth. If you are, I will not-
withftanding love and pray for you. That errors are crept in
among you, I think is too plain: but I fufpend my judg-
ment 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 deferted by thofe, who once were blefled and
av^^akened by my miniftry, and to whom I am a fpiritual fa-
ther, though they may have many inftru6lors. Dear GeorgCy
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 fandify
it to your edification and comfort, is the hearty prayer of
Your affedlionate friend, brother
and fervant in Christ,
G, IF.
i
I
LETTER CCXLI.
To the Rev. Mr. C— -^. ''^"^r
Good-Hope {South-Carolina) Jan. i. 1 741.
Rev, and dear Sir,
am now going to Charles-Town^ in order to embark for
England y the cloud of God's providence feems to be
Q, 3 moving
230 LETTERS.
moving that way ; I have enjoyed much of the divine prefencd
fmce I left Bofton^ and have had a comfortable Chriftmas with
my dear family at Georgia. At my return, I found my Orphan-
houfhold removed from ^^y^w?^^/' \.oBcihefda^2i,x\^ great improve-
ments made during the time of my abfence. The great houfe
will be finifhed, God willing, fo as to be habitable, in about
two months. It would have been finifhed fo far by this time,
if the Spaniards had not taken a fchooner loaded with bricks
and other provifions to a confiderable value ; but God about
the fame time flirred up the heart of a planter in South-C*iroli-
na^ lately brought home at the orphan-houfe to God, to fend
my family fome rice and beef. At other times, when they have
wanted food, the Indians have brought plenty of venifon. God,
every day, more and more convinces us that this work is of
him. His power has been made known, efpecially among
the young ones. I blefs God, I have fettled my family to my
great fatisfa6tion, and verily believe I fliall live to fee great
things come from the Orphan-houfe. God works upon the
hearts of the labourers. One woman hath had a glorious dif-
covery of Christ made to her heart : laft week, two or three
men where brought into heart-diftrefs, and another young
man that came to fee us, was made fo fick of fin, as to feel
the want of, and to enquire after the great and all-powerful
phyfician of fouls. My family, I think, confifls now of 89
perfons. Next year my expences will be contracted much 5
but at prefent, I am in debt about 500/. flerling. However,
I know in whom I have believed. One who is able to pay it.
My public accounts will be publifhed as foon as I arrive at
London^ with a profpeCl of the Orphan-houfe, and other little
houfes and gardens annexed unto it. I am now at the houfe
of one Mr. Jonathan B — •, who, I trufl, with his brother Mr,
H B , and another young man, lately a player in
New-York^ are fettled by a living faith in Jesus Christ.
The latter, I intend for the miniflry. Mr. H B 's
wife died not long fmce, rejoicing in God her Saviour. Se-
veral others alfo in thefe parts are grown in grace, and Mr.
C 's miniftry hath been much blefTed. — Satan hath been
fowing tares in old England. Oh that Bojion miniflers and
people
LETTERS. 231
people may pray for me ! Indeed, I love them in the bowels
of the blefled Jesus. Vale f longum eifi fpero non in aternum^
•vale. That Christ's kingdom may flourifh in your heart,
and that you may greatly promote it in the fouls of others, is
the hearty prayer of. Reverend and dear Sir,
Your afFedionate unworthy fellow-fervant,
in our common Lord,
G, TV.
LETTER CXLIL
To the Rev. Mr, C .
Dear and Reverend Sir, Charles-Town, Jan, 12, 1 741.
LA S T iS^/wr^^;/ I was taken up for being concerned in
corrc£ting the inclofed printed letter, written by Mr. H —
B n, whofe converfion you have an account of in the
olher letter fent herewith. I think it may be for God's glory
to have them all printed in Bojlon. I am bound over to appear
next feflions, as well as Mr. B . He, I believe, fof //'-
belling the king, and I for libelling the clergy, in faying they break
the Canons daily. I think, dear Sir, thefe are earnefts of what
I muft expe6t to meet with in my native country. Oppofition,
as yet, feems to be only like a cloud rifmg out of the fea, 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 ftorm. He is much with my foul, and
fills me abundantly, 1 could almoft fay fuperabundantly, with
his prefence. We have feen precious times. One perfon had
a glorious difcovery of Christ about two days ago. I ex-
peft my family will be like the burning bufh. I find I am in
debt for them upwards of fix hundred pounds : but the Lord
will provide. — My moft tender love awaits all that love him.
I am to appear at the feflions by an attorney. Dear Sir, re-
larvember,
Ever yours in Christ,
G, W,
0^4 X.ETTER
53i LETTERS.
LETTER CCXLIII.
To the Rev. Mr. C , at Rhode IJJand.
Reverend and Dear Sir ^ Charles-Toivn^ Jan. i6, 1 74 1.
1 Snatch a few moments to write you a line before I embark
for England. BlefTed be God, you are near your defirecl
haven. Yet a little while, and you fhall fafely arrive in Jbra-
harns bofom. / />r^, fequar^ efh non paffihus equis. — Great
things God is doing daily. The kingdom of heaven (I hope)
Js at hand. I am bound over to appear at the feffions here,
by my attorney, for libelling the clergy, becaufe I corre6^ed
the letter inclofed. A fcene of fuffering lies before me, but
wherefore fnould I fear ? Our Lord ftrenghthens me mightily
jn the inner man. We have had much of his prefence in our
ailemblles. But I muft have done. Dear and Reverend Sir,
adieu. I fcarce exped to fee you again in the flefli ; but this
is my comfort, I fhall fee and rejoice with you above. There,
J will fit and tell you what God hath done for
Your unworthy brother and fervant in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CCXLIV.
To the Rev. Mr. Cl^^^i^; in '^Jion.
Reverend and dear Sir^ Charles-Town^ Jan, 16, 174 1.
THOUGH I have packed up two letters for you already,
yet I cannot refrain from fending you a third. Juft
now I was favoured with yours dated laft December i. Indeed,
it gave me much comfort, and endeared the writer of it to me
more and more. Sir, why am 1 thus highly favoured ! I now
wifh to fmk exceeding low, and cry out, Grace, grace ! O
the love of God ! The fovereignty of Christ ! The un-
changeable loving-kindnefs of our heavenly Father ! Excufe
n;e, dear Mr. C ; my heart is full. I want for all men
to love the Lord Jesus. It greatly rejoices me, to hear fo
many are coming to him. He is a loving tender mafter. He .
attends to my minutcft wants, and furprizingly helps me in
every emergency. I thank dear Mr. C , for the kind token
^f his love. Good meafure prefTed down and running over, may
Goi?
LETTERS. 233
God return into your bofom ! You will be pleafed to correct
the prefs. I am tilled with comfort to hear of the condu(S of
the dear governor, &c. I cannot but think our Lord will let
his word run, and be abundantly glorified in America. Bojion
people are much upon my heart. The memory of their forefa-
thers is precious to my foul. May you live to fee the fpirit of
fcriptural Puritanijm univerfally prevail ! I hope you will write
every opportunity. If I am in prifon, it will make me arife
at midnight to fing praifes to God, to hear thTit Bo/ion people
are alive to Christ. At prefent, my heart is full of peace
and joy. We have had Iblemn meetings. I am much
ftrengthened on every fide ; but 1 rauft not fay more. Time
is fhort. 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.
LETTER CCXLV.
To Mr. W D , at Bojlon.
On hoard the Minerva^ for England^ Jan. jy, 1741.
Dear Sir,
MR. P hath juft brought me your kind letter. Blef-
fed be God, that his word runs and is glorified in Bof-
ton. Surely, dear Sir, I fhall never forget that people ; in-
deed, they are very near and dear unto my foul. May thofe
of your own houfehold, in particular, be not only convi(Sled
but converted ; may the dear Jesus fill you with all peace and
joy in believing, &nd enable you to pray for, dear Sir,
Yours in the blefled Jesus,
G. W.
P. S. Excufe great hafte ; our fhip is jufl under fail. My
dear companions kindly falute you and yours.
LETTER
234
LETTERS.
LETTER CCXLVI.
To Mr. lV?n, G .
On hoard the Minerva^ Feb. 8, 1741. in latitude 35, 24 N.
My dear brother^
SEE how foon I write to you, and from thence Infer how
I love you. Whether it proceeds from the pride and
naughtinefs of my heart, I cannot tell ; but, I frankly confefs,
I love to fee perfons humble, kind, and courteous to thofe,
whom God hath made their fpiritual fathers. I believe it is
well pleafing to God, and very amiable in the fight of all
good men. Your chriftian grateful behaviour to me in this
refpe61:, hath much endeared you to me. God only knows
how I love you. I bear you upon my heart, and often fe-
cretly figh out before the Lord, — '' O let my dear brother
G live before thee." This is the defire of my foul for you.
I cannot wifh you a better thing. Yet a little while, and we
fhall be together again. But, before that time, I expe£l to
fufFer great things. The Lord is able to deliver me out of
all. I have juft now experienced his divine afliftance in com-
pofing a fermon. This is the Jjxth which he has enabled me
to finifti, fmce I have been on board. O my dear brother,
Jove a precious Christ, and fhew it by adorning his gofpel
in all things. He has hi-hly favoured you, indeed he hath.
U 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 moft ungrateful. O the love of Christ ! I feel it,
I feel it. God now (heds it abroad in my heart. May it
abundantly alfo be flied on you by the Holy Ghoft. Write
to me if in prifon, my friends will bring it to me there. God
will hear me for you even in a dungeon. Methinks I
fee you weep ; but weep not for me, unlefs it be before the
Lord, and then I care not how foon you retire, and pour
out your prayers in behalf of, dear Mr. G ,
Your affedionate friend, brother and fervant,
G. rr.
LETTER
Dear Mrs. L-
LETTERS. 235
LETTER CCXLVIL
To Mrs, L , at Charles-Town,
On board the Minerva^ Feb. ii, 1741.
YO U was upon the mount when I left Charles-Town ; I
hope you have not thrown yourfelf down. Keep clofe
to Christ, and caft not off your firft love. Remember what
God has done for your foul. Forget not the glorious difco-
very Jesus Christ has made of himfclf to your heart ; and
though a cloud fhould overfhadow 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 converfation and
godlinefs ! Why are you- taken ? Why are you in the arms of
everlafting love ? Methinks I hear you cry out, Grace ! grace !
And well you may ; for indeed you are faved by grace.
The free grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you
now and for ever more. Blefled be God, I experience much
of it in the (hip. I hope divine grace moves me to fend you
this fmall letter. If God blefles it to your foul, put up a
ihort prayer for
Your afFe<Slionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXLVIII.
To Mrs. IV , at James-IJland.
Dear Madam^ On board the Minerva^ Feb, 11, 1 741.
MY heart's defire and prayer to God is, that you may be
faved. I hope you will find, it is not impoffible for you
to be born again when you are old. God forbid. Though
at the eleventh hour, I truft our Lord will meet you, and
caufe you, whenever you depart, with good old Simeon, to de-
part 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 fecret prayers.
May God reveal his dear Son in your foul, and fill you with
all peace and joy in believing ! O what a ftafF will this be to
you in your old age ! How pleafantly then will you walk by
your vault, and fay, " There (liall I lay my weary bones ere
long.-
2^6 LETTER S.
long." I hope you do not ftarde at the thoughts of death.
Believe in Christ. Get a faving intereft in his blood, and
then you may cry out, " O death, where is thy fting ! O
grave, where is thy vidory ?" Blefled be God, the prorpe6l of
death is pleafing to my foul. 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 earneft prayer of,
madam.
Your obliged friend and fervant in Christ,
G, Jf\
LETTER CCXLIX.
Dear Mrs. T. On board the Minerva^ Feb, I2, 1 74 1.
MUST I pray for you in the language of Martha and
Mary^ faying, " Lord, fhe whom thou loveft is
fick !" Or hath he who touched Peter'' s v/ife's mother, rebuked
the illnefs that was coming upon you, when I faw you lafl,
and caufed 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 fpirit fpoken to your foul, and
given you fatisfadlion, that he had loved you with an ever-
lafting love. I rejoice in it from my foul. The Lord in-
creafe your comforts daily, and fhew you all his glory. Dear
Mrs. T- ' — , think often of your departed f^fter. Follow her
as file did Christ ; and then Ihortly, where fhe is you fhall
be alfo. O the happinefs flie now enjoys ! It is too dazzling
for mortal eyes, 1 want to leap my feventy 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 wili
carry us fafe through time, and waft us triumphantly into
eternity. The love of Christ conftrained me to write thefe
lines j accept them for his fake, from
Your afFedionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G, W.
LETTER
LETTERS. 2J7
LETTER CCL.
To Mr. H , at Port- Royal, South-Carolina.
Dear Mr. H. On board the A^inerva^ Feb. 16. 174!';
THE love of Christ conftrains me to write yo\x 2l line,
though as yet no further than the weftern iflands. I
truft the Lord hath called you by name, and enabled you to
fay " Speak Lord, for thy fervant heareth." Who knows but
he may call you yet further, even to minifter before him ?
Whether it be fo or not, make it your daily ftudy to prepare
your heart to ferve the Lord in any ftation. To be a door-
keeper in the houfe of God, is a glorious poft. Surely, you
and I may fing of mercy and elefting love. How often have
we a6led a part for the devil ? The remembrance of it is grie-
vous unto me. Let us both now labour daily to ad! a part for
God. He heaps kindnefles on me every hour. We have
hitherto had a wonderful pleafant paflage. I hope it is in
fome meafure owing to your prayers. Let this encourage you
to pray again. Our God is a God hearing prayer. I write
now, left excefs of bufmefs fhould prevent my writing in Eng-
land. The Lord is girding me for the battle, and ftrength-
ening me mightily in the inner man. '' O give thanks unto
the Lord of all Lords, becaufe his mercy endureth for ever.'*
You will not fail writing to
"Your affe6lionate friend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CCLL
To the Reverend Mr. C , in Charles-Toivn.
My dear Brother^ On board the Minerva^ Feb. 17, 1741,
THE Lord hath been with me, and is now with me in
an efpecial manner. I have been enabled to prepare
nine difcourfes for the prefs. My body waxes ftronger, and
laft night the great God in a glorious manner filled and over-
ihadowed my foul. I am panting after the complcat holinefs
of Jesus my Lord. I have various fcencs of adion lying be-
fore me, and am waiting upon the Lord my God for direc-
tion. He afTures mc that he will be with me. He faith unto
me, " Fear not, fpeak out, no one ihail fet upon thee to hurt
3 th:e."
27S LETTERS.
thee." Dear Mr. C , God's goodnefs quite furprizes
me. T cannot exprefs myfelf better, than in a ftanza or two
of Erjkine in his Paraphrafe upon SolotnorCs fong.
I.
JVhat wonders Lord doji thou perform ^
That Jioopeji thus fo low^
To put thy beauty on a ivortriy
And then cotnmend it fo.
II.
JVhiit^ dofl thou prafe a native black F
I blujh to find it true ;
O lend me words to render back
The praife 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 fincerity. I
have often comforted myfelf and companions with this faying^
*' Now Mr. C and our other friends are praying for
us." At the receipt of this, turn your prayers into praifes,
and then turn your praifes again into prayers, in behalf of,
dear Mr. C ,
Your afFedlionate brother and fellow-labourer
in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CLIL
To Mr. H. B.
. On board the Minerva^ Feb, i6, 1 74 1.
My dear brother in Chrtst,
BEFORE this is brought to your hands, I fuppofe you
will have been arraigned befor? the Chief Juftice. I an-j
perfuaded our Lord will plead on your behalf, and ftrengthen
you with his mighty power in the inner man. The greater
progrefs you make in the divine life, the more you will difco-
ver of the enmity that is in the feed of the ferpent. It bruifed
our mafter's heel ; it will alfo bruife ours. Here is our com-
fort, God who cannot lie, hath told us, that "- we fhall bruife
his head." In the ftrength of this promife, I can give men
and devils the challenge. Whole legions are ready to befct
4 me^
LETTERS. 239
me. By the help of my God, I fhall triumph over all, — I
hope we (hall grow in grace before we meet again. You and
I have weak crazy tabernacles ; I hope you rejoice in the prof-
pe£t of putting them oflf Ihortly ; blefled be God, I do. —
Dear Sir, get acquainted more and more with electing love;
ftudy the covenant of redemption, and fee how God loved
you with an everlafting love. This will caufe you to glory
only in the Lord, and to pafs through the valley of the fha-
dow of death, with a full affu ranee of faith; knowing that
Christ hath engaged to lodge you fafe in eternal glory.
Thither your dear wife is gone before us ; I often think of,
I could almoft fay envy her ; but perhaps that is wrong. Yet
a little while, and our precious Lord fhall take both you,
and
Your afFedionate friend, brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLIIL
To Mr, B , at Port-Royal,
Dear Mr, B, On hoard the Minerva^ Feb, 16. 1741.
I Hope you will never forget that day, hour, or moment,
wherein God met you at Savannah, If you have in fome
meafure, do fo no more. " Awake thou that fleepeft, and
Christ (hall give thee light." Love not the world, neither
the things that are in the world. No man can ferve two
mafters. Ufe the world, but lat it be as though you ufed it not.
The faftiion of this world will foon, very foon, fade away. Dear
Mr. B , I am perfuaded, will not be ofFended at this plain
dealing. He knows I love him. God knows it alfo. With
much afFedion, I fubfcribe myfelf
Your friend and fervant,
G, JV.
LETTER CCLIV.
To Mrs, B,
Dear Mrs, B, On board the Minerva, Feb, 1 6, 1741.
WHEN you read that Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and
their fifter Martha, do you not make a particular ap-
plication
240 LETTERS.
plication to your own family ? I think our Lord has been
equally kind to your houfhold. Walk as becometh members
of the houfhold of faith. I hope you have had full fatisfadion
about your ftatc, and know afTuredly that Christ is your
Saviour. If not, be not difcouraged j go on ; the way of duty,
is the way of fafety. By-and-by your foul fliall magnify the
Lord, and your fpirit rejoice in God your Saviour. This is
the hearty dcfirc of, dear Mrs. B ,
Your afFeclionate friend and fervant in ChrisV,
G. rK
LETTER CCLV.
To Mr. 7— B.^-^^
■ Dear Mr, B ^, On beard the Minerva^ Feb. i6. 1741.
YOUR name, 'Jonathan^ puts me in mind of a good old
teftament worthy. Follow him in his faith, and dare
to fcale the wall of the BhUtftincs, Be not afraid, though al-
ready bound over as a libeller -^ ihortly you fhall fhine in the
kingdom of your Father ; I fay, your Father \ for God is your
God, and will be your guide and guard unto death. Does
not this aflonifh you ? Do not you feel your heart melt ? Are
you not ready to cry out, " Why me. Lord V The oftener
you repeat fuch language the better. I love to fee a foul lie in
the duft under a fenfe 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 fulnefs of my heart. Though not prefent,
yet I fain would converfe with you. O that I may fee 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 kind-
nefs to the Orphans. Do not flack your hands towards them.
Qur bountiful malkr will richly reward you. Go on ftea-
dily in the ufe of, but do not trufi in ordinances. You know
Vv'hat I mean, ik fteady and bold, yet meek and catholic in
your converfatlon and pradice ; and if GoD*hath influenced
you by my miniflry, give him the glory, and for Christ's
fake pray for
Your affcclionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G. W,
LETTER
LETTERS. 241
LETTER CCLYI.
To Mr. B , in Charks-Town,
Dear Mr. B. On hoard the Minerva^ Feb. 16, 1 741.
I Think of you often, indeed I do. I long to hear that com-
plete falvation is come to your foul. I fay complete fal-
vation, for my dear friend knows that reformation is not con-
verfion. O that you may experience a life hid with Christ
in God ! Some who feemingly put their hands to the plough,
have already fliamefully looked back ; will Mr. B. alfo go
away P Adcthinks I hear him fay, " Whether fhall 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 j with arms he ftands ready to embrace, and will
fave you to the uttermoft. Remember, my friend, the vows
of the Lord are upon you. Thefe hands reached out to you
the facred fymbols of his precious body and blood. Thefe
eyes faw you eat and drink of his bread and his wine. O do
not betray, but manfully ftand up for the Lord Jesus. You
was once bold for fatan, be now bold for your Christ. His
love excites me to Vv^rite to, and pray for you. Your wife alfo
I intreat the Lord to blefs, together with your children. My
friends join me in hearty wifhes for your welfare^ I am, dear
Mr. B ,
Your affe6lionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. JK
LETTER CCLVIL
To the Rev. Mr. D , at Edinburgh.
On board the Minerva^ Feb. 16, 1 74?.
Reverend and dear Sir^
IF I miftakenot, Mr. M. informed me, that you was entered
into the miniftry ; 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 ftand before the Lord. — When I confider the great-
nefs of the ofHce and my own unworthinefs, I am fometimes
quite abafhed. This promife, *' Lo I am with you always,"
is, my daily fupport. Bleffcd be God, I find it fulfilled in my
Vol. L R foul.
6
242 LETTERS.
foul. A great work is begun in America^ at Georgia., South-
CarcUna, New-York^ Philadelphia^ and IsUw- England. God
lias confirmed the word by fpirltual miracles and figns. You
will fee what I have wrote to dear Mr. T . Your afliftance
in refpecSl to the Orphan-houfe will be very acceptable. I am
feveral hundreds of pounds in debt on that account. The
God whom I ferve is able to difchargc it. You have heard of
the liberality of the New-Eriglaytd people ; dear Mr. D
God's goodncfs aftoniflies me. What ! can I think any thing
too much to do, or to fuftcr for fo dear a Maftcr ? I was lately
bound over at Charles-Town in South-Carolinay for libelling the
clergy. I'he libel, falfely fo called, I fhall foon fend you after
my arrival. Thus oppofition is coming on gradually : pray
that the Lord may cover mc with all his armour. I am a weak
defencelefs creature in myfelf; Jesus alone is my ftrength
and my Redeemer. I wiite this on board, that you may
know, you are not forgotten j no, tho' I never faw you in the
flefh, you are much beloved by, dear Sir,
Your affeclionate brother and fellow-labourer
in our dear Lord's vineyard,
G. JV.
LETTER CCLVIIL
V To the Rev, Mr. T , at EdiJIo.
On board the Aluurva^ Feb, 17, 1 741.
Dear Mr. T.
PROVIDENCE prevented my coming to fee you at
Edijio^ — however, I muft not omit writing to you now.
How is it with your heart ? I hope you are not nimis uxorius ;
lake heed, my dear B — , take heed. Time is (hort. It remains
that thofe wiio have wives, be as tho' they had none. Let
nothing intercept, or interrupt your communion with the
bridegroom of the church. Lhope you do not feel fuch damps
of foul, as you u fed to complain of. May the Lord of glory
difpel every black cloud, and caufe you continually to rejoice
in his falvution. You have ftrong paflion?. The Lord Jesus
is ftronger : In his (trength nuy ygu fubdu^ {hem, till you arc
meek
J. E T T E R S. .45
Ricek ns a Iamb, and arc become a very little chilJ. 1 write
tluiF, bccaufc I pray for you mofl: heartily. — Deal with mc ia
the Tame manner ; and now, dear brother, farcvvcl. The Lord
be with you. He is pleafed to refrcfh my foul, and give me
the profpetft of a (hort palTage. I commend myfclf and affairs
to the prayers of your flock, and 1 earncftly recommend you
to the God of all grace. That he may blefs you and give you
an inheritance amohg all them that are fandilicd, is the ear-»
reft prayer of, dear Mr. 7'.—-,
Your afreclionate brother and fi:llow-labourcr in the Lord,
G, JV.
LETTER CCLIX.
To Airs, B , in Charles-Town,
Dear Mrs. B. On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.
I Am much obliged to you m.any u^ays. The Lord reward
you a thoufand-fold. Your prayers are heard. God is
carrying us upon the wings of the wind. The angel of the
covenant accompanies us in the way. The prefent feafon is a
time of refrcfhing to my foul. I hope it will be a profitable
voyage. I think I fee more into the wickednefs of my owa
heart, and the unfearchable riches of the Lord Jesus, wha
hath redeemed me by his precious blood. I believe yoj* can fay
fo : Why do you fhake your head ? Woman, why doubteft
thou ? Has not the Lord vifited your foul ? Have you not
heard him fay in his word, applied by his fpirit, *' I have loved
thee with an everlafting love r" And do you think God would
tell you fo, if it was not fo? Away therefore with all defponding
fears; come boldly, with a full afTurance of faith, and drav/
water plentifully out of the wells of fiilvation. O that all
were comforted, as I am now comforted of God. 1 would
rot eat my fpiritual morfds alone. I hope, a letter from you
will acquaint me, how good the Lord has been to your fouL
I have no greater joy, than to hear that my chriftian friends
walk in the truth. 71ie Lord be with you. Remember me
to your father and fifters. That you all may be true member*
of the houfiiold of faith, prays _
Your aftedionate brother and fervant
G. IF.
R2 LETfER
244 LETTERS.
LETTER CCLX.
To Mr, B. and his wife at Beihefda.
Dear brother B , On board the Minerva^ Feb. 17, 1741^
WHEN I left Charks'Toivn^ the Lord feemed to give
me a full affurance, that we fhould have a fpeedy
paflage. We have hitherto had fcarce any contrary winds,
and are novi' very near the Weftern Iflands. We had one ftorm
the firft week, but almoft ever fince have been favoured with
weather as well as wind. O that you would call the family
together, and praife the Lord for the mercies conferred on us
the unworthleft of the {bns of men ! I do not know that I
have failed praying for you one day, fmce I have been out. I
long to hear what the Lord hath done for your fouls, ^V'hat
fay you ? Do you live in love ? Do you flrive together with me
in your prayers ? Are any of the Orphan Lambs bleating after
their great Shepherd ? Is your mouth opened ? Is your heart
enlarged ? Is your foul fwallowcd up in God ? Does Bethefda
anfwer its name ? Is it, indeed, an houfe of mercy? Thefts
queftions, I hope to have anfwer'd in the affirmative. If you
afk, how it is with my foul ? Blelled be God, I can reply,
<^ Very well." The Lord gives me a feeling poflefTion of
himfelf. I have been enabled to compofe nine difcourfes for the
prefs. God willing, you fhall hear from me often. I write
this, that I m.ay be ready, if I fliould hear of any fhip coming
your way immediately upon my arrival 5 receive it as a token
of my love, which God knows is unfeigned, from
Your afFe6lionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G, IK
LETTER CCLXI.
To Mr, y, B , Charles-Town,.
Dear Mr, B , On board the Minerva^ Feb. 17, 1741.
1 Think I owe you a letter ; I believe you love me in the
bowels of Jesus Christ. I hope our love is reciprocal.
How can it be otherwife with thofe, who have drank of the
fame fpirit ? I long for that happy time, when we fhall be
fv/allowed up in the vifion and full fruition of the glorious
G©dhcad»
LETTERS. 245
Godhead. The bunch of grapes makes me long to eat of the
full clufters in the heavenly Canaan. The lirft-fruits make
me pant after the full harveft. Perhaps you may go and par-
take of it firft, and drink new wine before me in the kingdom
of our Father; I hope I fhall not ftay long after you, if not
called before. My foul is fick of love. Nothing can fatisfy
it, but the full fight and enjoyment of Chrift. He now vifits
my foul, and caufes it mightily to rejoice in hiafalvation. How
lovingly he hath dealt with me in other refpec^s, letters fent
to other friends can beft inform you. Hafte, read, hear, and
join with them in giving thanks and praying for
Your afFc£tionate friend and brother and ("ervant in Christ,
LETTER CCLXII.
Ti Alrs> 8- , m Charles-Towu.
Dc'ur Mrs. S , On board the Alincrva^ Fch, J7, 1^41.
MY foul is now in an heavenly frame, fwallowed \i^ in
God, and melted down by the love of my dear Lord
Jesus. It is aimed too big to fpeak. I wJll give it vent bv
writing to you. Our mafter hath been exceeding graciou:.,
and has fnewn me feveral tokens for good, which 1 defired oi
him in fecret prayer. Laft night, I think I received as full fa-
tisfaclion as I could del'ire, in refpecl to my marriage, I believe
what I have done, is of God ; the' I know not when my heart
was more difengaged from earthly thoughts than now. I on-
ly defirc, that the dear Jesus may be glorified in me, whether
it be by life or by death. I depend on your fending me a par-
ticular account of affairs at Charks-Toiv?!, I have wrote to
many; you will hear how my letters are received. I Ihall ber
glad to hear how it is with your own foul. I befeech yon to
live near to Christ, and to keep up a holy walk with Gou.
Be inward with God in your duties. Truit and hang 011
God, even when he hides himfelf from you. He will be your
guide unto death. .Hunger and thirft daily after the righteouf-
nefs of Christ. Be content with no degree of fan6lification.
Be always crying out, " Lord, let me know more of myfelf
and of thee ; O let me receive grace for grace of thy dear Son."
R 3 This
246 LETTERS.
This, at prcfent, is the full dcfire of my foul. I am perfuaded
the Lord will fatisfy it. Gop is love; we cannot think too
highly of him ; we cannot expe6l too great thiiigs to be done
by him. His right hand, I believe, will bring mighty things to
pafs. I am now entering on a fcene of trials. The LoRP
hath fcnt me on the fcas to prepare me for them. Not that I
depend on any flock of grace already received, I would look
to Christ continually. But whither am I running ? I forget
myfelf. I almoft fancy, I am talking with you, I have only
room to acquaint yoj, that dear J — =«• S-- ■ fits by me, and
cordially falutes you, with
Your alleclionate fiicnd, brother, and fcryant in Christ,
LETTER CCLXIII.
To ike Rev. Mr. S , Charles-Town.
Rev. and dear Sir, On board the Minerva^ Feb. 17, I74I«
YOU have been very kind to me in many refpe^ls ; but I
have been ungrateful to you, and infinitely more fo to
ir.y gracious GcD. I have not failed frequently to bemoan
my unworthinefs. Since I have been on board, the Lord
hath heard the voice of my weeping, and now fills my foul
with all peace and joy in belie\'ing. I have been much aflifted
in Gompofing fermons for the prefs. At prcfent my foul is
clofely adverting to GoD, who, 1 believe, will bring me fafe to
glory. My bodily ftrength is much renewed. In Ihort, I am
comforted on every fide. Dear Sir, praife the Lord in my
behalf, O let us magnify his name together, I hope you feel
what it is to havefellowfhip with the Father and the Son, and
experieiice the influences of the Holy Ghoft, in de]iverin<5
your blclTed mafter's meflage. I falute Mr. P and your
whole church. My rcquefl: is, ♦' Brethren, pray and give
thanks for us." — When you write to New-England^ pray re-
member me to all friends in the kindeft manner. Ihat coun^
try, and the people, He ^-ry near my heart. I hope to be fa-
voured with a line from you ere I return from Evgland. Great
perils there await me^ but Jesus Christ will fend his angel,
a:id roll ayvay every Hone of difficulty. In his fticngth alone
I is
LETTERS. 247
IS my truft, and for his fake and in his name, I fubfcribe my-
fclf, reverend and dear Sir,
Your afFcdtionate brother and fcllow-labourcr in the Lord,
G. fK
LETTER CCLXIV.
To Mr. J H , at Beti)cfda,
On hoard the Minerva^ Feb. 18, \^\i»
My dear Friend and Brother^
YESTERDAY we humbled ourfelvcs before God, and
by prayer and fading fought for a blcifing, and direction
fn all our affairs. I wifh I had kept family fafts at Savannah.
Suppofc you had one moiUhly at Bethefda? You will fee, by
dear Brother B 's letter, the frame of my mind. Since that,
I have been a little in the valley, but the Lord is my com-
forter. I hope I grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my-
felf, and the Lord Jesus Christ. My heart is much united
to Meffrs. W J, tho' we differ in fome particulars. May
God make us of one minJ, as well as heart. I fliall make all
poffible hafte back, and remit money to you as often as I can.
Mr. P tells me, his brother is to fend you upwards of a
hundred pounds, and I fuppofe other fupplies will befent from
the Northward. I have alfo wrote to Charles-Toiun. I am per-
fuaded God will not let you want. I would not have any
thing left undone, that is neceffary for the family's comfort-
able fubfiftence. The Lord is our Shepherd, therefore we
{hall not lack. I (hall long to hear how the blcffcd Jesus
deals with you. He is wonderfully gracious unto mc, and hath
made this voyage profitable to my foul. O my friend, my
friend, the Lord be with you. My love is firm to you at the
bottom, tho* fometimes it hath ebbed and flowed ; in heaven
it will not be fo. On earth it is needful it ftiould ; othcrwife,
how fhould we learn to ceafe from nian ? But I am a worm and
no man, and deferve to be the outcaft of all people. My eyes
are now ready to gufli out with water. O the fovcreign love
of Christ in chufmg mc ! My dear friend, let us fludy to
be holy even as he is holy, and walk even as he alfo walked,
Let thefe be your daily queftion';, *' Am I rpore like Christ ?
R 4. Am
248 LETTERS.
Am I more meelc and patient ? Does my pradice correfpond
with my knowledge, and am I a light to enlighten and en-
flame all that are around me ?" I could % more, but I think
to write again when I get on (hore. God blefs you and yours.
J fuppofe you have heard that Mr. P iails with
Your afFedionate friend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. JV,
LETTER CCLXV.
To Mr. S If^ , at Brijiol.
On hoard the Minerva y Feb. 20, 1 741,
AN D does my friend W- look again towards God ?
Never did the Father with greater joy receive the re-
turning prodigal, than I fhall embrace you in thefe unworthy
arms, if you are alive to God. I truft your late tepidity will
now make you more fervent in fpirit. I pray God to give
you a fettlement in Christ, that you may be rooted and
grounded in love. My brother, the captain, gave me a parti-
cular account of your foul. I hope he will yet appear for God ;
will you alfo appear with him ? Why ihould you flrive to
pleafe a pleafure-taking world ? Why fhould you keep in league
with the apparent enemies of God \ But no more of this.
Let old things pafs away, let all things become new. I believe
God fuiFered you to fall, becaufe you thought more highly of
yourfelf than you ought to think. My love to all. I feel
a great union of foul with Mr. W- -; we differ in principles,
but I hope the Lord will make us of one mind. You muft
not be furprizedj if I publifh an anfwer to Mr. John W 's
fermon, entitled. Free Grace. It is wrote in much Lve and
meeknefs. Adieu for the prefcnt. Give thanks on my be-
half. The Lord hath dealt wonderoufly kind with, dear
Mr, ,;r— ^,
Yours eternally in ChrisTj
LETTER
LETTERS. 249
LETTER CCLXVr.
To Mr, T S , in London,
My dear Brother ^ On board the Minervn^ Feb. 20, 1741,
IHave kept your letter by me till now, that I might anfwer
it on my voyage. It fpeaks the language of a perplexed
heart, and plainly fhews me, that fatan loves to keep us ia
bondage. My dear Brother, I think you have done u^rong in
holding your peace. I am fure you once felt that freedom of
foul, u'hich you are a ftranger to nov/. The way of duty is
the way of fafety. Whatever you may fay to the contrary,
unlefs you will give the lie to your own experiences, you muft
confefs, that you have indeed tafted of the good word of life.
You fhould, therefore, have , went forwards, and not have
turned back again, and thereby plunged yourfelf into dark-
nefs ; darknefs that may be felt. Alas, you have too eagerly
embraced principles (I fear) contrary to the gofpel ofCpiRisT.
You are aiming at a falfe voluntary humility, and are return-
ing back to the flefh pots of Egypt. I know my words will
have but little force with fome, but I muft deliver my foul.
God was once pleafcd to work upon you by my miniflry, and
therefore I am more folicltous for your welfare. I know the
advice you would give me is, " beJ^ilL'' I hope I am, fo far
as really to know the Lord; but y^t I will Jirive^ yet will
I walk in all the ordinances of God, and go on fi om ftrength
to ftrength till I come to appear before him in his heavenly
Zion. I write this, out of the fulnefs of my heart. Indeed
I love 5'ou, and the brethren ; I am willing to be the fervant
of you all. I am lefs than the leaft. However, I dare not
embrace tenets that are not agreeable to the form of found
words. Let mc fee you as foon as may be after my arrival,
and in the mean while accept of hearty love, from
^ our affectionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G. JV.
LETTER
250 L E T T E R S,
LETTER CCLXVII.
To Mrs. A D.
My dear Si/Ier, On beard the Muicrvay Feb. 20, 174 1.
MY confcience almoil reproaches me, that I have not
wrote to you often, nor full enough ; accept this as an
acknowledgement of my fault. I am forry for it. We are
now about a thoufand miles off England, I hope this will
provoke you to fend me a letter immediately after my arrival.
I find Luther s obfervation to be true : " Times of reforma-
tion are times of confufion ;" as yet the churches in America
are quiet, but I expe6^ a fifting time ere long. My family
in Georgia was once fadly fliakcn, but now, blelTed be God,
it is fettled, and, I hope, ellabliflied in the docSlrines of
grace. Your name is precious among them. I wifli you
would fend them a long letter. Your book on walking with
God has been bleiled to one Mr. B , and others in South'
CaroUria. It hath alfo been ferviceahle to a dear friend nov/
with me, as alfo to myfelf. 1 cannot well tell you what great
things are doing abroad, I have a fccne of fufferings lying be-
fore me ; I expect (hortly to cry out with the fpoufe, " Look
not upon me, becaufe I am black, becaufe the fun hath looked
upon me, my mother's children were angry with me." Pvly
Lord's command, now, 1 believe, is, " Take the foxes, the
little foxes that fpuil the vines ; for our vines have tender
grapes." — Help me by your prayers. It is an eafe thus to un-
bofom one's felf to a friend, an.^ an inftancc of my confidence
in you. O, my dear Sifter, I am lefs than the leaft of all
faints, I am the chief of finners, and yet Jesus loves me, and
fheds his love abroad in my heart abundantly by the Holy
Ghoft. 1 have been much aflifted in compofing fome gofpel
fermons, which I intend for the prefs. 1 have fought the Lord
by prayer and fafting, and he allures me, that he will be with
me. Whom then ihould i fear ? Hitherto we have had an ex-
traordinary pailage, praife the Lord. Herewith I fend you
a letter from one of the children which God has given me:
He will rejoice to receive a line from you. If poiTible, 1 hope,
tho' you are in the decline of life, to lee you face to face be-
Ibre
i
LETTERS. 251
fore I kuvc England, 1 ihould be glad to hear how you are
3s to worldly circumftances 5 if I can help you in any
degree, fieely command
Your aflfeiTtionate friend, brother, and fcrvant
in Christ,
LETTER CCLXVIII.
TCo T K , at London,
On hoard the Minerva^ Feb. 20, 1 74 1.
My dear Brother K ,
I Received your kind letter at Savannah^ and though I hope
to fee you face to face foon after you receive this, yet love
to your dear foul conftrains me to write you an anfwcr before
I come on fhore.
I find, fmce my departure, the brethren have fallen into
errors. Dear Brother K will not be offended, if I fayy
•■' He, I fear, is one of them j" for his letter bewrayeth him.
My dear Brother, you fay, '' You have been driving a long,
long while, but to very little purpofe, &c." By this, I fup-
pofe, you have left off the means, and fallen into J?ttlnefs ;
expecting now, that Jesus Christ will fo work upon your
heart, that you fhall not feel the leaft ftin ing of indwelling
corruption in your foul ; in (hort, that you fhall be complete-
ly perfect : This was pretty near my cafe about fix years ago,
and now I fee why God fuffered me thus to be tempted,
'' that I might be more capable of fuccouring my brethren,
now they are tempted." My dear Brother, let us reafon to-
gether. " You have been ftriving (you fay) a long while, but
to very little purpofe." And what then ? muft you be there-
fore ftill, and drive no more ? God forbid : No, you are yet
to wait at the pool. *' Conftantly attend on ordinances ;" and
who knows but by-and-by the loving Saviour may pafs by and
vifityour foul. Have you not, in fome degree at leaf!, felt his
divine power in the ufe of the means? Why fliould not that en-
courage you to expcdi more in the fame way ? But you fay, " I
find all that is of felf is ftn." And do you expect ever to do
any thing, or to offer up to God one facrificc, without a mix-
ture of fin in it r If you do, indeed you are building z fplritual
Babel, My dear Brother, even our moll holy thoughts are
tin6tured
252 LETTERS.
tinctured with fin, and want the atonement of the Mediator ;
and therefore, if you leave ofF ftriving, becaufe " whatever
is of felf is fin," you muft never attempt to do any duty what-
focvcr again. Your ftilhiefs hath as much a mixture of felf
in it, as your ftriving, and if you proceed in this manner, you
muft become a profcllcd ^uetijL Six weeks did fatan keep
me under this delufion, but the Lord helped me in the hour
of extremity : May he alfo help my dear Brother K /
Another error you feem to be fallen into is, " that a man
cannot be a chriftian, at leaft that he is a very weak one, fo
long as he finds corruption ftirring in his heart." If I was to
urge the feventh to \\\q Ro7nans, you would fay, St. P^^// only
fpeaks of a man under firft-awakenings, and not of a convert-
ed man 3 but my dear Brother, did you ever know a man, that
vas not really converted, delight in the law of God after the
inner man ? And yet fuch an one the Apoftle fpeaks of in
the latter part of that chapter. Be not deceived, wc are to be
holy as Christ is holy; we are to receive grace for grace;
every grace that is in the bleflTed Jesus, js to be tranfplanted
into our hearts; we are to be delivered from the power, but
not from the indwelling and being of fin in this life. Hereaftery
"we are to be prefented blamelefs, without fpot, or wrinkle, or
any fuch thing. If you labour after any other perfe6tion here,
you will labour in vain. St. Paul had attained no other, when
he wrote to the Fhilippiam^ and to the other churches : But
my dear Brother K feems to think, " I did wrong in
writing to Mr. H to know his fentiments upon feveral
texts of fcripturc, and in fending for feveral oi Calvin\ books."
And v/hy, my dear Brother, was this wrong ? Why you fay,
*' you think it is contrary to St. Paul in his Epiftles, when
he fays, he would not fpeak other men's words ;" hut St, Paul
fays no fuch thing : The place you aim at, I believe, is 2 Cor.
X. 16. '' And not to boaft In another man's line, of things
made ready to our hand." My dear Brother, examine the
context, and you will find the Apoille means no more than
that he would not enter into other men's labours, as vcr. 15.
He would not preach where churches were already fettled, but
go where the gofpcl had not been delivered. This, and this
ciilv, is the meming of the paffi^oc, which dear miftakcn Mr.
A'-
LETTERS. 253
K has wrongly quoted. My dear Brother, did not St,
Paul bid Timothy to give himfelf to reading ? What, if the Holy-
Spirit is to lead us into all truth, does not the Holy Spirit
make ufe of, and lead us by the means ? Has he not indited
the fcriptures ? Has he not helped holy men to explain thofe
fcriptures ? And why may I not, in a due fubordination
to the Holy Spirit, make ufe of thofe men's writings ? Has
not my dear Brother K bought fermons ? And why then
does " He make ufe of other men's words ?" O, my dear
brother, you are in the wilderncfs j God bring you fafc out
of it.
I fuppofc, becaufe the DiiTenters oppofe fome of your new
principles, you term them enemies j but, my dear Brother,
though there are many Chriftlefs talkers, and hypocritical
formalifts among the Dillenters, as no doubt there are fome
fuch in the pureft church under heaven \ yet many of them
hold and practice the truth as it is in Jesus. But I have
done. Count me not your enemy, becaufe I tell you the
truth. I expe<5l that great numbers will look fiiy on me, for
thus oppofmg what I think to be error. Thus the Galatiam
treated St. Paul\ but I muft be tried every way. I could
add a thoufand kind things, but I hope you fliortly will have
a pcrfonal interview with
Your afFedionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G, n\
LETTER CCLXIX.
To Mrs, J F , m Cbarles-Toivn,
On board the A<Iincrva, Feb. 25, 1741.
My very dear Friend^
IKnow you will rejoice at the receipt of this : You have
abundant reafon ; the Lord hath been wonderous kind.
We are now flying on the wings of the wind, and if it con-
tinues, we hope to be at Coives the beginning of next week.
Your kind prefents were of great fervice to my crazy body.
The woman pafTengcr has been ferviccable in making us bread ;
and in fhort, God has v/onderfully ordered all things for our
great conveniency and comfort. O that my dear friends at
Charlci-Town^ may hereby be excited to thankfulnefi on our
behalf.
2 54 ^ ^^ T T l\ R S.
behalf. I have frequently prayed for you both with my fricnJj,
and when in fccrct before the Lord. Indeed you are feldoim
out of mind. Dear Mrs. F , I believe God fent you to
invite me to your houfc, and I believe the Lord will plenti-
fully reward both of you, for all your works of faith and la-
bours of love. 1 think henceforward I mufl: call you ^^ti;^,
and your hufband, I hope, will be truly ftiled James the fervant
of the Lord. I truft you will both ferve the Lord Christ,
and give yourfelves up to the guidance of his bleiVed word and
providences day by day. It is a glorious privilege to be led
by the fpirit of God. I think I have felt, and do feel, at thia
time, his facrcd influences upon my foul. My body is but
weak, though better by much than when I left Charles-Toivn ;
however, my foul hath confidence in God. The archers
will (hoot forely at me that I may fall ; but God will caufc
my bow to abide in flrength, and my arms (hall be ftrengthen-
cd by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob. I need not afk
for a continuance of your prayers, nor you for mine. I hope
we (hall be always prefent with each other in fpirit, at the
throne of grace. My dear friend, adieu : All with me falute
you. Write often to
Your unworthy giicft, but truly slTet^ionate fervant,
friend, and brotlier in the Lord,
G. IF.
LETTER CCEXX.
To Mrs, F , in Churhs-Town,
On hoard ihs Ai'i'ierva^ Feb. 25, 1741.
I Hope dear Mrs. F will not be offended with thefe few
lines ; they are written with a fmccre defne to promote
your welfare. 1 want to fee you entirely dead to the worlds
and alive to (iod. You have been often convinced under the
word; may it fink deep into your heart. God, by the late
fire, hath fnewn you the vanity of all thiags here below j hence-
forward fet your affections on things above. You are old,
and at the head of a great family j you have fealcd your pro-
mife to lead a holy life, more than once, by receiving the fyni-
bols of the bleffcd body and blood of Christ.
Henceforth
LETTER S.
JD
/[c-ih-efjrth lit no profane delight
Divide your confecr<ited foul ;
But give it Christ, who has the right ^
Js Lord and Majlcr of the whole.
Be not afliamed to own you have vowed never to dance
again : Dear Mrs. F , fear not contempt. What is it \
only a little breath. Reft not in duties ; reft not in outward
partial reformation. — He that is in Christ, is a new creature.
That old things may pafs away, and all things become new
in your heart, is the hearty prayer of. Madam,
Your fincerc friend and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCLXXr.
Ti? the Rev, Mr, C , in Bojlon,
On board the Minerva^ Feb, 16^ I'J^u
Reverend and dear Sir^
ACCEPT a few lines from one, who defires feelingly
to ftile himfelf, iefs than the leaft of all. I hope you
received my packet from Charles-Toivn : What happened to
me there, was only an earneft of future trials, God hath
ble/Ted the reading of the prophecy of the prophet Jeremiah to
my foul ; as alfo the hiftory of fofeph^ and hath let me fee
more into the covenant of redemption between the Father and
the Son : I am more and more in love with the good old Puri"
tans ; I am plcafed at the thoughts of fitting down hereafter
with the venerable Cotton^ Norton^ Elliot y and that great cloud
of witnefTes, which firft crofted the Weftern ocean for the
fake of the gofpel, and faith once delivered to the faints. At
prefent, my foul is fo filled, that I can fcarce proceed. Dear
Sir, God is with me of a truth ; he now gives me a feeling
pofteftion of himfelf : I blefs his holy name for fending me to
fea ; it is profitable both for foul and body. I find the
Pfalmift's words to be true, " The fccretof the Lord is with
them that fear him." O that I may walk humbly with my
God ! The language of my foul is this :
Cor^eei
2S$ LETTERS.
CorreSi me when I go nj}ray\
And lead me in thy perfe£i way.
And now, dear Mr. C , I have in fome meafure un*
bofomed my heart. What fhall 1 fay more ? Pray for me
both in public and private ; give thanks, as well as pray,
efpccially for the mercies of this voyage. Dear Sir, adieu till
1 come on {hore, which I hope will be very fpeedily, being
now in foundings j then you fhall hear again, God willing*
from
Your truly aftedtionate friend, brother, and fervant,
LETTER CCLXXIL
• To Mr, y H .
My dear Sir^ London, March 25, 174T'
1 Wrote to you immediately on my coming on fliore. We
arrived at Falmouth laft JP^ednefday Vv^as fevennight, and got
here the Sunday follov-^ing. — Blefied be God, we had a fum-
mer's paflage. Many of our friends, I find, are fadly divided,
and, as far as I am able to judge, have been fadly milled.
Congregations at MoorfieUs, and Kcnnington Common, on Sim-
day , were as large as ufual. — On the following week days,
quite contrary : Twenty thoufand dwindled down to two or
three hundred. It has been a trying time with me. A large
orphan family, confifting of near a hundred, to be maintain-
ed, about four thoufand miles off, without the leaft fund, and
in the deareft part of his Majefty's dominions ; alfo, above 2
thoufand pounds in debt for them, and not worth twenty
pounds in the world of my own, and threatened to be arreted
for three hundred and fifty pounds, drawn for in favour of the
Orphaivtioufe, by my late dear dcceafed friend and fellow-
traveller Mr. iS . My Bookfeller, who, I believe, has got
fome ht'-ndreds by me, being drawn away by the M ■ ns, re-"
fufes to print for me ; and many, very many of my fpiritual
children, who, at my lafl departure from England, would have
plucked out their own eyes to have given to me, are fo prejudiced
bv the dear MefTrs. JV,*s dreiTmg up the do6lrine of Ele6lion
in fuch horrible colours^ that they will neither hear, fee, nor
give
LETTERS. 257
give me the leaft afliftance: Yea, fome of them fend threaten-
ing letters, that God will fpeedily deftroy me. As for the
people of the world, they are fo imbittered by my injudicious^
and too fever e exprejftons againft Archbifliop Tiihtfon^ and the
Author of the old Duty of Man ^ that they fly from me as from
a viper ; and what is moft cutting of all, I am now con-
ftrained, on account of our differing in principles, publicly to
feparate from my dear, dear old friends Meflrs. J — and C
^ y^ whom I ftill love as my own foul : But, through
infinite mercy, I am enabled to (Irengthen myfelf in the Lord
my God. I am caft down but not deftroyed, perplexed
but not in defpair. A few days ago, in reading Bezas, Life of
Calviii^ thefe v/ords v/ere much prefled upon me, '' Calvin is
turned out of Geneva^ but, behold a new church arifes !" — •
Jesus, the ever loving, altogether lovely Jesus, pities and
comforts me. My friends are creating a place, u'hich I have
called a Tabernacle, for morning's expofition. I have not, nor
can I as yet, make any colledions ; but let us not fear. — Our
heavenly Father, with whom the fatherlefs find mercy, v.ill
yet provide ; let us only feek firft the kingdom of God, and
his righteoufnefs, and all other neceflluy things fhall be added
unto us. In about a fortnight, though I fcarce know an oak
from a hickery, or one kind of land from another, I am fub-
pcena'd to appear before parliament, to give an account of the
condition of the province of Georgia, when I left it. This, I
fuppofe, is occafioned by the party, which hath been fo in-
veterate againft the honourable thetruftees, whom they accufe
of mifemploying the public monies. The event, which un-
doubtedly will be in favour of the truft, you may know here-
after. In the mean while, believe me to be
Yours moft affedlionately,
LETTER CCLXXIII.
To Mr. J C- — .
My very dear Brother^ London^ March 25, 1 741.
HASTEN hither with all fpeed, and then we ftiall fee
what God intends to do for and by us. It is a trying
time now in the church. — The Lord give us a due mixture
Vol. L S of
6
25S letters;
of the h^mb and lion. Some that have been led altiay, begin
to recover. . The Lord make way for his own truths. My
love to the CoIIiers^znd all friends. Many, 1 fuppofe, will be fliy.
I am become a monfter even to feveral who were wrought upon
by my miniftry; but it muf!: needs be that ofFcnces fhouldcome:
otherwife, how fhould I learn to ceafe from man ? Adieu j
cxcufe brevity — Haftcn, and fpeak face to face with
Yours mod afFeclionately in Christ Jesus,
G\ IK
LETTER CCLXXIV.
To Mr. H .
My vrry dear Friend, London^ April ic, 1741.
I Ordered Mr. H to fend you fome fermons and ac-
counts, fome time ago : I fuppofe he has done it. I have
been at the Parliament-houfe ; the Georgia afFair was adjourn-
ed. The gentlemen feemed apprehenfive that my account oS.
tlie colony, would have too mu.ch weight. It was fomewhat
of a trial to be in the Houfe. I then remembered what the
Apoftle faid, " We are become a fpectacle to men and to
sngels." J^Iy appeal will come to nothing, 1 believe. 1 have
waited upon the Speaker j he received me kindly. I cannot
yet determine "When I fhall fee you. If you fear, I hope you
will pray for me. The Lord blefles my miniftry. Salute
dear Mrs. // ; I will write to her next j but you two
are one. The Lord be with you both. At prefent I am
weak in body, and therefore muft beg leave to fubfcribe
rr.yfclf
Yours, 5cc.
G. n\
L E T T E R CCLXXV.
To Air. S AI '5 at Loudon,
My dear Friend and Brother, BrijJsl^ April 27, 1741.
ON Tuefday, April 2 2d, I left London, and preached ou
jycdnefday and Thurjday mofning at Neivlury, to large
coiigregations. . On Friday evening I preached at Brijtd, and
huvc continued to do fo twice every dav Co great and aftccicd
auditories.
LETTERS. 250
S'uiltorles, I received your kind letter, and thank you for it.
I rejoice in the good news from New- England. Lad: night, I
rejoiced much in feeing a foul wonderfully exult in God, juft
lit the borders of death. Great manifeftations of the divine
prefcnce have attended my fermons. " Praife the Lord O
my foul ! I am glad to find Mr. S goes en well. Pray
give my love to brother G . My body is fometimcs weak,
but my foul rejoices in God my Saviour. I know not, whe-
ther I iliall come fo foon as propofcd to London. I find it
njccfiary, through the incrcafe of awakened fouls, to get a
fociety-room built adjoining to our nev/ tabernacle. I pray
God to fill it with his glory, and beg leave to fubfcribe my-
felf, dear Mr. M ,
Your afFeclionute friend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. Ji\
LETTER CCLXXVL
To Mr. H H .
My dear Brother., Brljlol, April 28, 174?.
BLESSED hz God for knitting us together in love.
May it continue, and incrcafe till confummated in eter-
nity ! The Lord Jesus direcT: you. It is now a trying time
with the church. Our LoRp is now chiefiy wounded in the
lioufe of his friends. The Lord keep us both from a party
fpirit on one hand, and from too much rafiinefs and pofitivc-
nefs on the other. I fpeak thus, bccaufe you fecm offended
that fome affirm, '' That there is no fuch thing as dominion
over indwelling fin, nor reft from Working for life wholly."
Now this is certainly true in one fenfe. We fhall never b:ive
fuch a dominion over indwelling fin, as entirely to be deliver-
ed from the ftirring of it ; and the grcateft faint" cannot be af-
fured, but fome time or other for his humiliation, or punifh-
ment for unfaithfulnefs, God may permit it to break out into
icme a6iual breach of his law, and in a grofs v/2y too. Let
us not be high-minded, but fe:ir. It is equally true, that w«
(hall not reft wholly from working for \\i^. tor whilft there
is any part of us unr^generate, that part wilt be always lead-
ing us to the old covenant. Luther often complained of the
propenfity of his heart this way. If we know ourfclves, we
ih*li find it to b^ \q wilh us \ but I fuppofe you have been
S 2 tin«Sl«rci
260 LETTERS.
tin(£lured with the do£lrine o^ fmlefs perfe^lon. No wonJef
therefore you write thus. May God give you a right judg-
njent in all tilings, and enable you rightly to divide the word
of truth ! As for affitrance^ I cannot but think, all who are
truly converted niuft know that there was a time in which
they clofcd with Christ : But then, as fo many have died
only with an humble hope, and have been even under doubts
and fears, though they could not but be looked upon as chrif-
tlans ; I am lefs pofitive than once I was, left haply I fhould
condemn fome of God's dear children. The farther we go
in the fpiritual life, the more cool and rational fliall wc be,
and yet more truly zealous. I fpeak this by experience. Dear
brother H will not be angry with me. I hope, and be-
lieve, you pray for me. The Lord Jesus carries me on.
Many have been convinced at London, I preach here twice
daily, to large congregations, with great power. The Lord,
I believe, will yet bring mighty things to pafs. I am, dear
H ,
Your moft afFe6lionate brother
in our dear Lord Jesus,
LETTER CCLXXVIL
To the Rev, Mr. S
Rev. and dear i^/r, Brijiol^ May r, 1741.
I Am glad to hear by brother M -, that the Lord is
with you. May you increafe with all the increafe of God.
The more we do, the more we may do for the dear Lord
Jesus. He ftrengthens me here mightily. — I am enabled to
fpeak here with great power, rather greater than when at Lon-
don. My congregations are as large as ufual, and they go
refreflied away. This is the Lord's doings ; may all that is
within us praifc his holy name ! Exhort the dear London people
to pray tor u^. The Lord be with you all. Dear Sir, pray
for
Your alFedlionate brother and ufiworthy
fellow-labourer in our Lord,
G, IV.
LETTER
, LETTERS. 261
LETTER CCLXXVIII.
To Mr, S , at JVorceficr,
Reverend and dear Sir^ Gloncejler^ May ^^ i74Jf'
WITH this, I fend you my anfwer to brother Wejleys
fcrmon, and my account of the Orphan-houfc. I
have feen your letter to Mr. N , and thank you for cfpouf-
jng the caufe of a poor defpifed minifter of Jesus Christ. I
hope as I make advances in the fpiritual life, I fliall Ihow my
zeal more and more tempered with true chriftian knowledge
and prudence. I would willingly have none of my wild fire
minfrled with the facred fire that comes down from God's
altar. I defire not only to do things for God, but to do them
in the befl manner. I am a poor unworthy fmner, and yet,
(O fovereign grace !) the Lord works by me day by day. At
Brijlol^ error is in a great meafurc put a flop to. The Lord
manifeftcd himfelf in the great congregation there, and doth
likewile here. Laft night, wc faw and felt his power. I have
had the pleafure of feeing dear Mr. P , and I long for that
time when I fliall fee you, Reverend Sir, and all the chofcn
of God in the kingdom of heaven. But I defire to wait till
my change fliall come. Dear Sir, be plcafed to pray for me.
I have prayed for you often. I am a weak fmful worm. As
fuch pray remember, Reverend Sir,
Your afFedionate though unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
G.ir,
LETTER CCLXXIX.
To Mr, IVm, IV , at Edinburgh^
Dear Sir, Bri/Iol, May 16, 1741.
I Received both your kind letters, and with this fend you my
hearty thanks for them. 1 alfo thank you for your kind
\n\'\i2iX.io\\ o^ mQ to Scotland. God only knows when lean
come. — All I can fay at prefent is, I will come when the
LoPD permits. Sad tares have been fown here. It will re-
quire fome time to pluck them up. The doclrines of the gof-
pel are fadly run down, and moft monflrous errors propagated.
They aflert, " That the very in-being of fm muft be taken
out of us, or otherwifc we are not new creatures." O dear
S 3 Sir,
262 LETTERS.
Sir, exhort all to pray for mc, that I may be faithful to my
J^ORD, and yet kept gentle in my temper. At prefent, our
dear Lord caufes me to triumph in eveiy place. His gofpcl
gets ground, and his power is manifefted among us day by
day. The fields are white, every where ready unto harveft.
Our Lord I truft will gather his wheat into his heavenly gar-
ners. My kind refpects attend Mr. M and Mr. D -.
Had I time I would write a long letter to each. But I am
interrupted. However, I am glad to fnatch a few moments to
bco; a continuance of your prayers for a poor unworthy worm,
^nd to afTure you that I am, dear Sir,
Your afFe£lionate brother and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCLXXX,
To Mr, E E , at Sterling.
Jlevere7id and dear Sir ^ BriJloU May i6, I74I»
I Owe you much love. Only want of time, prevents my
writing to you oftner. This morning I received a kind
lettter from your brother Ralphs v/ho thinks it bed for me
wholly to join the a^ciate prefbytery, if it fhould pjeafe God
to fend me into Scotland. This I cannot altogether come into.
I come only as an occahonal preacher, to preach the fimple
c;ofpel to all that are willing to hear me, of whatever denomi-
ration. It will be wrong in me to join in a reformation as to
church government, any further than I have light given me
from above. If I am quite neuter as to that in my preach-
ins:, I cannot fee how it can hinder or retard any defign you
may have on foot. My bufinefs feems to be, to evangelize, to
be a Prefbyter at large. VVhen I fliall be fent into your parts
I know not. I write this, that there may not be the leaft
iiiifunderftanding between us. 1 love and honour the aflb-
ciate Prefbytery in the bowels of Jesus Christ. With this
J fend them my due refpeds, and moft humbly beg their pray-
ers. But let them not be offended, if in all things I cannot
immediately fall in with them. Let them leave me to God.
Whatever li^ht he h plcafed to give me, I hope I Ihall be
faithful to it. Our dear and precious mafter ftill carries me
on, Gop enables ine to nght my way through. The gofpel
doctrines^
LETTERS. 263
do«£ir:ncs, I believe, will yet prevail. I feel a divine power
attending mv miniftrations. I preach twice daily, and am
invited to many places. I believe the Lord intends to Iceep
me on this fide the water tor fome time. Hlcflcd be God,
all places are alike to me^ O dear Sir, pray for me. — I am a
poor unvvoithy worm. I love you tenderly, but am almolt
alhamed to fubfcribe myfelf
Your brother in the beft of bonds,
G. IV.
LETTER CCLXXXI.
Tg D A 5 In London.
Biijiol, May 16, 1 741.
I Am glad to receive a line once again from dear brother
A . I rejoice that God lets you fee more and more
into the corruptions of your heart. The more perfc(Sl you are,
the more will you fee and bewail your imperfe6lions in thought,
word, and deed j the more will you be made to ^\ng^ ^' In
the Lord alone, and not in myfelf, have I compleat righte-
oufnefs and llrength." The do6lrine of eledling love, is pre-
cious to my foul. I am enabled to fpeak of it feelingly to
others. My foul is kept in peace and fweetnefs. Our Lord's
caufe needs net noife and raflinefs. I defire that none of my
wlld-iire maybe mixed with the pure fire of holy zeal coming
from God's altar. I think it my (lixty to wait, to go on lim-
ply in preaching the everlafling gofpc!, and I believe we iliall
yet fee the falvation of God. Methinks, the cloud begins to
break off your mind ; I pray God to keep you from extremes.
Brother H is more and more enlightncd ; but withal,
more and more quickened every ^txy, ■ He finds there is no
fuch thing zsfmlefs perfection, and yet is prelTing after holinefs
of heart and life rather more than ever. May God make my
dear brother A thus minded ! For indeed I love him
in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Wc have had frequently
fweet communion with God, and one anotlver. I fliould have
rejoiced to have converfed with you at BriJloL Thh is my
comfort, yet a little while and we (IkiII converfe.in the king-
dom of heaven, for ever and ever. My foul is waiting for
this falvacion. I know not when I lli^l) go Xq Axmwjief,
■ ^ % ^ When
2^4 LETTERS.
When I do, you fhall have timely notice. God blefTes my
miniftry, wherever he fends me. I am invited to frefh places
daily. Dear Mr. A , I, even vi^orthlefs I, fubfcribe my-
fclf,
Years moft afFe<51ionately in the loving Jesus,
G, IF.
LETTER CCLXXXII.
To Mr. I e .
Dc-ar Brother C , Brijiol^ May i8, 1 741.
I Received your letter this morning, and am jufl fctting out
for JViliJhire. The Lord hath been much w^ith us.
Yeflerday I preached three times. At every fermon, a fweet
melting was obferved in the congregation. Lall night I gave
your fifter the facrament ; fhc is recovering. I afterwards,
adminiftcrcd the facrament at Mr. T -'s, and had a love feaft,
Jesus was in the midft of us. I know not but I may come
towards London next y/eek. I wonder not at your heavinefs.
< — Before every increafe of your work, you muft expert fome
trials. Humblings are neceilary for your fpirit, and mine. I
return my love to all. I muft away. Brother H rejoices
in fpirit, and joins with me, who am.
Ever yours in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CCLXXXIIL
ro the Rev. Mr. J.
My dear Br other .^ Br'ijhl., May 23, 1741.
IBlefs God for making any thing of mine ufeful to your
foul. May the blefled Jesus breathe upon you day by day,
and make you eminently ufeful to the church of God. I
think you write with a kind of prophetic fpirit. The Lord
only knov/s how he will be pleafed to difpofe of me. Great
afflicSlions I am fure of having, and a fudden death, bleffcd
be God, will not be terrible. 1 know that my redeemer liveth.
I every day long to fee him, that I may be free from the re^
mainder of fm, and enjoy him without interruption for ever-
more, I defire patiently to wait, till my bielTed change fhall
: com^.
LETTERS. 265
come. The Lord hath been with mc here. There is a
great awakening in JViltJh'irc, and the work is moft wonder-
fully carried on in New-Efighmd. I hope to lend you a letter,
ftiortly, that will rejoice your heart. I leave Briftol^ and ^o
through I f'^iltjhire io Louden next Monday. — I then purpofe
going to StCiffordjlnre^ and then through fj'alcs to Scotland, A
wider door than ever is opened for preaching the everlafting
gofpel. I have now only lime to beg your prayers, and to
jiITure you that I am
Your moft afFedtionate though weak and unworthy
brother and fervant in Christ,
G. JV.
LETTER. CCLXXXIV.
• To Mr. I R , at Philadelphia.
Dear I , Br'ijicl^ May 23, 1741.
I Rejoice to find, that you fee, feel, and bewail, the plague
of your heart, ^4ay the Lord fhew it you more and
more ! It will excite your love to the dear Lord Jesus more
fervently. — I return my love to your fifter. 1 thought ere now
(he had been with Jesus. I believe, fhe has the grace of God
in truth, and therefore our Lord will make her conqueror over
all. I am glad to hear of the fuccefs of the gofpel \i\ Bcjlon.
It is a gathering time there, but a winnowing time with us
here. All is ordered for the good of the church, by Christ
Jesus : Let us, my dear brother, keep clofe to him in this
and every trying time. Wefliall find but few, very {f:.\N., true
followers of the Lamb of God. JMay you and I be in the
happy number ! God is plea fed to give fuccefs to the word
preached. Though I am oppofed much, Jesus is my flrenf^th.
The Lord v/ill enable me to fight his battle?. My love to
Pe^gy-i and all that love Jesus. Forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER
i66 LETTERS.
LETTER CCLXXXV.
To Mr, r .
Dtar Sir, BriJI:!^ May 23, 1 74 1.
I Am glad to receive a letter from you. I was fearful, left I
had done fomcthing to offend you. I thank j^ou and the
other gentlemen for their kind invitation of jnc to Scotlan/I. I
believe it will be near three months before I can fee Ed'mhiirgh.
On Monday I fet out for London : then I plirporc, God willing,
to go Into EJc-x, and then to return through B rijh I znd Wales
in my way to you. I intreat all the brethren to pray for me,
that I may come in the fulnefs of the bleiTmg of the gofpel
of Christ. I am a poor, v/eak, unv/orthy worm. God
hath been wnth me here, and in Glouccjierjhire, In JViltJInre
there is a great awakening. Abroad in New-England the
work goes on wonderfully. O dear Sir, never was fuch a
weak wretch fent on fuch an important errand. I have
many trials of various kinds. Jesus fupports me; Jesus
makes me more than conqueror. He is a dear and a
tender mafter. Dear Sir, help me to praife him. I will
write to all the gentlemen that wrote to me, if I can
any ^vay redeem time. In the mean while, be pleafed ta
remember me to them in the kindefl manner, and believe
mc to be
Vour affedionate though unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCLXXXVI.
To Mr, J EI , at Savommk
London, "Jwu i, 1741.
7\/Ty very dear Friend and Brother,
I Received a (liort letter from you, but it was date<3 in Janu-
ary laft.- — I have fent feveral to Georgia, and lately alfo a
parcel of things for the children. God appears much in our
congregations. We feldom or never have a dry meeting. As
to outward things, I never was more embarrafied ; but my con-
folations are equivalent. Praife the Lord, O my foul! lam
apprehenfive of no oppofition from the government. I have
waited
LETTERS. 2C7
waited on the Speaker. He treated me kindly, and affiired
me that there would be no perfecution in this king's reign ;
they know I am loyal from principle, but I believe 1 fhall yet
be greatly humbled, T. he ftory of "Jojcph in the priTon, and
David in his troubles before he came to the throne, has been
much and comfortably prefled upon my foul. 1 hope you en-
joy peace ! May the Lord blefs you and the whole houfehold.
I am fometimes enabled to pray with great faith for you all.
The Lord will yet provide. I am to preach thrice to day. It
is now paft five in the morning. I am going to the tabernacle
lately erected for a morning lecflure. We have fwcet meet-
ings, bleilcd be GoD ! In the bowels of our common Jesus,
\ iubfcribe myfelf
Yours cternallv,
G, jy.
LETTER CCLXXXVII.
To Mr. I, C , at BriJioL
London^ June 3, 1 74 1.
Have enjoyed the efpecial prefence of God ever fmce I
I
came to Loyidon, I preach three times daily. The Lord
is remarkably with me. Congregations increafe. I am going
to have a fociety-room joined to the tabernacle. The Lord is
really on our fide. — O let us be meek and quiet ! O let us
wait, and we fliall fee the falvation of God. I preach daily
3t Deptford. Our dear mafter helps me to preach and pray
with great power. Your miniftry hath been blefTed. Let us
both give all the glory to everlaftjng Love. Salute the dear
prethren. Renuimber me moft kindly to all in JVinc-Jlrcci.
Ever yours in the blefied Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXXXVUL
Jo Mr. R E^Ajk^^AH..-^
Reverend aTid dear Sir^ London, June 4, 1741.
Have now a little time to mvfelf. I muft improve it and
I
anfwer your kind letter, JilclTed be God, for enabling
Hie
268 LETTERS.
mc to write any thing, that may be of fervice to his church,
and of comfort to your foul. Glory be to our dear and com-
mon Lord, his caufe here fucceeds. Truth gets ground.
The Lord ftrengthens mc mightily. His power is manifefted
in our congregations. Converfion work is going on apace
among us. I am not yet determined, about the exa£t time of
coming to Scctland : but I believe, I fhall be with vou
m
about three months. I can't but think the afTociate prefbytery,
arc a little too hard upon me. If I am neuter as to the par-
cular reformation of church government till I have further
light, it will be enough. I come fnnply to preach the gofpel,
and to be received only as an occafional itinerant preacher by
all, and not to enter into any particular connection whatever.
The Lord, I hope, will order my goings in his ways. I de-
fire to hear frequently from you. I have need of your prayers.
My trials are great, my comforts far greater, I am a poor
worm, and yet Jesus delights to honour me. We are likely
to have fettled focieties in feveral places. Jesus rides on from
conquering to conquer. I am, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy fellow-labourer and afFedionate
brother and fervant in Christ,
G, JK
LETTER CCLXXXIX.
My Brother H H , London^ June 6, 1741.
I Do aflure you, that my heart is as your heart. I am quite
fick of CbrijVcfs confenters. They talk, and that is all. I
(like you) am heartily defpifed by mod of them. I am refolvcd
to open againil: their luke-warmnefs, and worldly-mindcdncfs.
May God open my mouth wide when I come to Wales. Outr
ward enemies are now more quiet. Enemies within the church,
carnal profclTors, and felf-righteous Pharifees, moft try us. Let
us not fear, Jesus Christ will give us the vitSiory over all.
God mightily ftrengthens me. Our congregations are very
large and folemn. I never had greater freedom in preaching.
God enables me to call: all my care upon him, with a full af-
furance that he careth for me. You need not fear my believ-
ing any reports to your difadvantage. I love you in the bow-
els of Jesus Christ. I was not in the lead oftcnded, when
B —
LETTERS. 269
jB H wrote me word that " you thought In ibm^
things I did not a6l as a little child.'' The more open you are
with me the better. If nature and pride rife in my heart, I
will go to Jesus, abhor myfelf, and pray for my dear repro-
vers. All that I can fay is, that I dcfire to be a very HttU
child. All things are poiTible with Jesus Christ. He is
wonderfully kind to me. Truth, I believe, will prevail. I
want to fee you face to face. Satan does not love that Christ's
minifters fhould come together. I wifh you could come up
immediately, and ftay 2ii London whilft I am in the country :
or rather go and preach at B /, GlcuceJIer^ and JViltJJnre^
for about a fortnight, and then come up to London. This, I
believe, will be bed. About that time, God willing, I fliali
return from EJfex^ and then we can confult what is bell: to be
done for the caufe of our dear mafter. O Jesus is love ! i
am glad to hear brother Rowl — d is with you. Go on in the
ftrength of our dear Lord, and you (hall fee fatan like light-
ning fall from heaven. Times are not yet dark enough for
the dawning of a thorough reformation. At even-tide God
fpeaks. My love to all that follow Jesus Christ with an
unfeigned fmiplicity. May the Lord hide your precious foul
under the (hadow of his almighty wings ! Ceafs not to pray
for
Yours eternally in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CCXC.
To the Rev. Mr. D , at Dedham in EJfc«,
Rev. and dear Sir, London, June 6, 1741.
MULTIPLICITY of bufmefs has prevented my an-
fwering your kind letter. However, I have often borne
you upon my heart before the Lord. Your Cafe, methinks,
is fomewhat like that man of God, J. Bunyans. He was
often fo depreffed with a fenfe of fin in the pulpit, that he has
been tempted to hold his peace. This has been my cafe alfo
both in public and in private. I find the befl way is to prefs
forward, and to look up to Jesus Christ. He is faithful to
his promifes. I write but (hort, having but little time, and
becaufe I hope foon to fee you in Effex. I pray God to clear
up your evidences, and give you no reft till he fills you with a
full
Iy6 LETTERS.
full aflurance of faith. Our Lord rides on triumpbantty
here. He enables me to go on from conquering to conquer^,
I am a poor weak unworthy worm. As fuch, be pleafed to
remember, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in the gofpel,
LETTER CCXCI.
To Mrs. R .
Dear Airs. R. London^ June 6, 1741.
I Have been much hindred in anfwering your letter. Perhaps
you have expedled too much comfort from man. That
comfort is alone lading, which comes from God. I know
not your experiences, and therefore cannot fo well judge of
your cafe : however, I would have you prefs forward, and
labour after a full allurance of faith. Judge not yourfelf by
others joys and comforts. Look not top much upon the hap-
pinefs you think others may enjoy. This may lead you to i-e-
pine and murmur againft God. Look to yourfelf, and to
Christ. Remember, you deferve nothing, and therefore he
does you no wrong. Remember alfo, that he is full of love,
and therefore in his own due time will manifeft himfelf to
your foul. That you may patiently tarry the Lord's leifurc,
and be bleffed with abundance of peace, is the hearty prayer
ofj dear Mrs. R ,
Your afFedionate friend and fervant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCXCIL
To Mr. K -.
Dear Sir^ London, "June 8, 1741.
I Like your laft letter bcft. There is one thing you ftill lack^
" to be convinced of unbeJief." By faith, and not by
works, are you to be juftified in the fight of God. Make ufc
of the means. You mull take care that you do not reft in
them. You muft not think any thing you can do, will in the
lead: recommend you to the favour of God ; and yet you muft
ftnvCj as if you were to be faved by your ftriving. The only
1 caufe
LETTERS, 271
caufe of our acceptance with God lies at the feet of fovcrciga
mercy, through Christ. Entreat the Lord to give you
faith, Txnd who knows but he may have mercy upon you. Re-
member you are a poor rinner,and defervc nothing. That GoD
may reveal his dear Son in you, is the hearty prayer of
Your aftedionate fripnd and fervant,
G. 7K
LETTER CCXCIII.
To Adr. J C , at Kings wood,
Afy dear Brother^ London^ June 8, 1741.
HOW fweetly docs providence order all things for us!
Jail before yours came, I was refolved to fend you 20/.
to begin the fociety-room at Kingfwood. Mrs. C gives it,
and 1 believe will make it up fifty. 7'his gentlewoman hath
been made happily inltrumental in relieving me out of my late
d.ftrefs. You know how 1 was threatened to be arrefted, foon
after my arrival, for above three hundred pounds, due on ac-
count of the Orphan-houfe in Georgia^ and I do not know but
a writ was actually taken out. This drove me to my knees.
God gave me to wreftle, with ftrong cryings and many tears,
both before and after I went to reft — I could plead with him
that it was not for myfelf but his poor. The example of Pro-
fcjfor Frank encouraged me to pray, tho' I found he ventured
only week by week ; bat my fituation in fuch a foreign cli-
mate conftrained me to run upon larger arrears.— God was
pleafed to give me an anfwer of peace. Having as I thought
a full allarance of immediate help from fome quarter or ano-
ther, I v/ent to fleep moft comfortably. Early the next ^orn-
ing a friend came to me to enquire, if I knew where a gentlewo-
man of his acquaintance might put out three or four hundred
pounds. I replied, let her lend it to me, and in a hwi' months,
God v/illing, Oie fliall have it again. — Upon being acquainted
with my circumftances, flie mofl: chearfully fent me the fum
i wanted, and thus my enemies were difappointed of their
hope. Praife the Lord, O m.y foul I — But to return. I
would have you lay the foundation immediately, but take care
of building too large or too handfome. Notwithflanding my
1 prefent
272 LETTERS.
prefent embarralTments, who knows, but it may be in my
power to dilchargemy Orphan-houfe debt, and make coilcdi-
ons here for Kivgjwood-fchool too ? When I could get no af-
fiftance at all from my old friends and fpiritual (prejudiced)
children, and was almoft quite pennylefs, and left to Tit alone
like a fparrow upon the houfe-top, a ferious perfon, whom 1
never faw or beared of, came the other day and put a guinea
into my hand. At receiving it, fomething as it were faid to
me, '* Cannot that God who fent this perfon to give thee this
auinea, make it up fifteen hundred?" As I told a friend
immediately, to whom I ran down, fo I (ball tell you ; I doubt
not but this will be the cafe. My debt is all for God, and
contraded in providing for the fatherlefs and widow. As to
the work here, though perhaps I may be blamed by fome
for venturing fo far, blefled be God, it goes on fweetly. All
things happen for the furtherance of the gofpel. I have wrote
brother S—^ — to let you have twenty pounds.
if ours eternally in Christ Jesus,
G, m
LETTER CCXCIV.
To the Rev. Mr. S , at Charles -Town.
Rev. and dsar Sir^ Londo?:, June 9, 1741.
I Wrote you a few lines lately from BriJloL Since that, I
have had the pleafure of receiving a letter from you ; for
which I thank you heartily. What Mr. P brings with
him, will inform you how affairs ftand here. BlefTed be God,
the word runs and is glorified. The heat of the battle is now,
I hope, pretty well over. God is plcafed to give me great
power, and to flrengthen me both in body and foul. Our
congregations are large and awful. We generally fee and
feel much of the divine prefence in the fan61:uary. Many are
pricked to the heart. I have three truly experienced young
men that joined me. Affairs being fomev/hat fettled here, I
am going a long journey of feveral months, thro' fevcral coun-
ties in Engla7id^ JVales, and Scotland, The door was never
opened wider for my preaching the everlafting gofpel. I am
glad to hear by Mrs. S , &c. of your faithfulnefs to our
common Lord. — O, dear Sir, what are we that we are called
2 out
LETTERS. 273
out to rpeak in his great name ! Let us never Fear fufTering for
owning his eternal truths. — The witneflcs cannot be flain
'till they have finifhed their teftimony. At prefent here is no
great fear of oppofition from the men in power j tho' I hear
theHoufe of Lords intend to give a hearing to my appeal. How-
ever it be, I am cafy. Tiie Lord Jesus over-rules every
thing for the good of his church. I fuppofe I cannot come
over to you 'till about next Spring. In the mean while, tho*
abfent in body, I am prefent with you in fpirit, and am, reve*
rend and dear Sir,
Your very aftedlionate, but unknown brother
and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCXCV.
To Mr, J P , in Georgia.
Dear brother P , London^ June 9, 1741;
IAm forry to hear you are ftill in darknefs. Let uie little
light you have, make you hold up your head, and think
not of changing your ftation without a proper call. We are
apt to place our happinefs in places, and often think we do
not pleafe God, becaufe we do not pleafe ourfelves. But I
find the fault is in the heart, not the place. Wait, therefore,
my dear brother, flill patiently upon the Lord. Who knows,
but by and by Jesus Christ may lift up the light of his
blefTed countenance upon your foul ? Why fhould you doubt
it ? My dear brother, Christ is love. He tries, but yet fup-
ports me ; nay, makes me more than conqueror thfo' his love.
You will hear by other letters, how it goes with the church
in England, She is fhaken, but it is only that {he may be the
more fettled. My love to your wife. I hope you find her aa
help-meet for you. May the God of Abraham,, Ijaac and Ja^
cob, blefs, preferve, and keep you. May you both walk in the
comforts of the Holy Ghoft, and be edified ; and may God
give you hearts to remember
Your afFe6lionate friend, and brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. TK
VoL.L T LETTER
6
274 LETTERS.
LETTER CCXCVI.
To the Rev. Mr. F , at Southampton.
Rev. and dear Sir, London, June 13, 1 741.
JUST now I received your kind letter, and the generous
benefacHon of you and your friends for the Orphan-houfe.
It came very opportunely, and flrengthens my faith in the
bleiFed Jesus. I find he will help me by ways I know not.
O. dear Sir, the love of God to fuch an unworthy worm
quite amazes me. Surely, if I did not ftand up for free diftin-
guifhing grace, the very ftones would cry out againft me.
Blefled be our glorious Etmnanuel, the gofpel runs and is glori-
fied. A wonderful power attends the word preached. Every
day, I believe, fome or other are pricked to the heart. I have
alfo glad tidings from abroad. In New- England there is an
extraordinary work of God. I hope the dear Jesus will fet
the whole world in a flame. Dear Sir, help me with your
prayers. The archers (hoot fore at me that I may fall, but
the Lord is my helper. I hope my thanks will find accept-
ance with your other friends, who joined in helping my poor
Orphans. Good meafure prefTed down and running over,
m;iy the Lord return into your bofoms. Dear Sir, I pray
God to m.ake you a flaming fire, and fill you with a holy burn-
ing zeal for promoting our dear Redeemer's kingdom. I find
but few truly zealous. The love of too, too many is waxed
cold. I thank you, dear Sir, for encouraging me, and beg
leave to fubfcribe myfelf, reverend and dear Sir,
Your affedlionate brother in Christ Jesus,
Q. n\
LETTER CCXCVIL
ro the Rev. Mr. H .
Reverend and dear Sir, London, June 13, 1 741.
I Received your kind letter. You do not know, and there-
fore think too highly of me. " Lefs than the Icaft of all,**
fhall be my motto ftill. Providence is pleafed to prevent my
leaving London on Monday next. I muft neceflarily defer my
journey to Hertfordjhire and EJfex^ till the Monday following. —
I approve
LETTERS, 27.;
1 approve of the circuit you have fixed, but I chufe to preach
at each place twice. Dear Sir, I moft heartily thank you for
promifing me your afTiftance in refpe<5l to the orphans. I am
perfuaded our Lord will be well pleafed. He gives me great
encouragement. We daily feel and fee his prefence in the
great Congregation. I hear glorious news from abroad : New-
England is in a holy flame. O that we at home, may be ftir-
red up to fpervi ourfelves, and be fpent, for the good of fouls !
Dear Sir, pray that fuch a mind may be given to
Your moft afFedlionate, though unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
G. m
LETTER CCXCVIII.
To the Rev. Mr, S , at TVorceJier,
Revereiid and dear Sir^ London ^ June 13, 1741.
I Thank you heartily for your laft kind letter : As you are
fo aged and infirm, I take it as an efpecial favour, that
you are pleafed to write to me. You need make no apology,
reverend Sir, for your plain dealing : I love thofe beft,- who
deal moft fincerely with me. Whatever errors 1 have been,
or fhall be guilty of in my miniftry, I hope the Lord will
fhew me, and give me grace to amend. This is the language
of my heart :
Corre^ me when I go ajlra)\
And lead me in the perfeH way.
I alfo thank you, dear Sir, for your kind benefacSlion. My
arrears upon the Orphan-houfe are yet large ; but I Kope ere
long the Lord will enable me to pay them all. At prefent, I
am kept from doubting. Unworthy as I am, Jesus Christ
is yet with me, and is pleafed daily to ftrengthen me both in
foul and body. My miniftry (for ever adored be fovereign
grace) is attended with a continual power. I am fhortly go-
ing a large circuit, perhaps as far as Scotland. Dear Sir, let
your prayers follow after me. — 1 am a poor, weak, unworthy
tvorm -, as fuch be pleafed to remember, reverend and dear
Sir,
Your obedient, though unworthy brother and
fervant in our common Lord,
T 2 LETTER
27^ LETTERS,
LETTER CCXCIX.
To Mr, J C , at Briftol
My dear brother, Hertford, July I, 1 74 1.
THE Lord has been with me greatly, ever fince I left
London, — I have been enabled to preach twice every
day, and to ride feveral miles. The congregations have been
every where very large. God's prefence has accompanied
the word. People's hearts have been enlarged. Within thefe
fevv days, we have colledled near a hundred pounds for the
poor orphans. Numbers of fouls, I believe, are under con-
viftions. In fome places we have had near ten thoufand hear-
ers. Invitations are fo prefling, that I purpofe going another
circuit to Bedford, and to preach in the counties round about
for near a fortnight, and then return to London. I hope the
Lord is with you ; I am fomewhat weak in body, but fweet
and comfortable in my foul. Dear J joins with me in
love to you and all. Pray for.
Yours in the beft bonds,
G, n\
LETTER CCC.
To Mr. J H , at Savannah.
ColchcJIer, July 12, 1 74 1.
Afy very dear Friend and Brother,
I Have not heard from you fince you wrote laft January. I
have been a circuit into Hertfordjhire, Effl-x, BedfordJJnre,
Cambridgepre, and Suffolk, I have been enabled to preach
twice daily, and to ride feveral miles. Congregations have
been furprifmgly large; the word is attended with power, and the
alarm in the country rather greater than ever. Contributions
aiife and increafe. You are all much upon my heart. God
will yet provide for you. I wrjte this in great hafte. God
gives me much of his prefence. I am more and more con-
vinced, that evangelizing is my prppcr bufinefs at prefent.
God gives me great accefs every where. The Lord be with
you
LETTERS. 277
you all, Amen and Amen ! To the bed of my knowledge, I
have negledled no opportunity of writing. I am
Ever yours in Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER [ CCC. ]
To Mr. J H , at London.
Coggejhall, 7^.5/ 13, 1741.
I Received your letter at Bury \ but cannot think matters are
quite ripe, or you duly qualified for fettling a church.
God lets me fee more and more, that I muft evangelize. I
find you are for fettling : do as God fhall direct, I am eafy. I
only wifh you may find fettled perfons to be your affiftants.
Without this, a church cannot be rightly ordered, I have no
freedom, but in going about to all denominations. I cannot
join with any one, fo as to be fixed in any particular place.
Every one hath his proper gift. Field-preaching is my plan :
In this I am carried as on eagles wings. God makes way
for me every where. The work of the Lord increafes. I
am comforted night and day. O free grace to fuch an hell-
deferving finner ! I pray God to give you a right judgment
in all things. I am, dear brother H-^ — ,
Yours moft afFedlionately in Christ Jesus,
G. JV.
LETTER CCCI.
To Mrs, D , at Gran/den,
My dear SiJIer, London^ July 17, 1741.
IBlefs God that I faw you at Granfclcn. The Lord was
with us, and has been with me the remaining part of my
journey. We fhall yet fee greater things than thefe. Won-
derful things from abroad. The inclofed will fhew you, how
defirous my family is of correfponding with you. Pray write
to my dear little orphans, boys and girls. God, I hear, hath
been working powerfully upon their hearts. I would have
you alfo write to Mr. J- B^ , a converted planter ; to
Mrs. B , his kinfwoman, who has lately received the af-
furance of faith j to Mr. C , a dear baptift minlfler ; to Mrs.
T 3 S ,
278 LETTERS.
S , who is carried on the wings of faith and love ; and to
my dear Mr. H , who is Superintcndant of the Orphan-
houfe affairs. You will excufe this freedom. I am willing
your ufefulnefs fhould be as extenfive as may be. May the
Lord blefs you ever, more and more, I expe(Sl: to go to Scot-
land Ihortly. A fhip will foon fail towards Georgia, Write
fbon, dear Mrs. D , to
Your afjedionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G, fK
LETTER GGGII.
To Mr. G H 5 in Gloucefter,
My dear Friendy London^ July i8, I74f.
GOD has mightily blefied my journey in the country-
Thoufands, and ten thoufands, have flocked to hear the
word. It was attended with power, and pear a hundred and
eio^hty pounds were colle<^ed for the Orphan-houfe. I know
you will give thanks on my behalf. On Thurfday morning,
God willing, I hope to embark for Scotland i I am perfuaded
the LoPvD calls me thither. Invitations, both from the SscederSy
anu others that do not fecede from the Kirk^ are very ftrong. I
{hould be glad of a line next poll. It is now near eleven at
nieht. I hope my friends will accept my thanks for their
kiiid benefactions to the dear orphans, and with their prayers
follow, dear Mr. // ,
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. m
LETTER CCCIIL
To Mr, B S .
Dear Sir ^ LewiJham^July l^^ 1741.
THOUGH I have but little time, yet I muft redeem 3
little to anfvvcr your kind letter. God is doing great
things, both at home and abroad. The inclofed will in fome
meafure inform you. Every day our Lord appears for us in
the great congregations. Weak as I am in myfelf, the Lord
is my ftrcngth. O, dear Sir, I am a worm and no man ; I
deferve to be the outcaft of the people, and yet the Lord de-
lights to honour me. Free, free grace ! 1 long to be above,
that
LETTERS. 279
that T may praife God as I defire. In about two days I hope
to embark for Scotland. I will come and vifit you when pro-
vidence permits. In the mean while, I beg that you will pray
that the glorious Jesus would blefs all my poor endeavours to
promote his glory ! My love to all that love the dear Em-
manuel. In his great name, I fubfcribe myfelf
Your affedionate brother and fervant,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCIV.
To Mr. G H , at Gloucefter,
My very dear Friend^ Lew'ijham^ y«/y 23, 1 741*
I Thought to have embarked this morning for Scotland^ but
am likely to be detained a day or two. I muft therefore'
fend you a line. Wonderful things is the Lord doing for me.
In the country I meet with furprifmg fuccefs. In London I
fee fuch things that I never faw in England ht^orc. A mighty
power almoft continually accompanies the word. The Lord
Jesus is pleafed toftrengthen me very much in the inner man.
O, my dear friend, give thanks for, and pray that I may walk
humbly with my God. The Lord be with you and yours.
I hope both you and dear Mrs. H do keep clofe to God.
My love to all that love the dear Lord Jesus. God willing,
you (hall have a line from Scotland. Wonderful news is come
from abroad, which will ere long rejoice your heart, and caufe
you to give thanks in behalf of, my dear Mr. H ,
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. JK
LETTER CCCV,
To Mr, T , at Colchejler,
Dear Sir^ Lewijlmm^ July 23, 1741.
PROVIDENCE detaining me one day more, I fnatch
a few moments to anfwer your kind letter, and to return
Mr. J thanks for his kind prefent. How good is the
blefled Jesus to me the chief of finners ! He takes care both
of my body and foul. His power has attended me lately, more
than ever it did before in England, God's right hand is bring-
T 4 i"g
aSo LETTERS.
ing mighty things to pafs. I earneftly intreat our Lord, that
you may live above the world, and be dead to all things here
below. Dear Sir, there is nothing like a life of faith. It is a
glorious thing to be able to fay, " Not I live, but Christ
liveth in me." Then, are we chriftians indeed, when we
come to live on the invifible realities of another world. This,
and this only, is true and undefiled religion. May God make
you a lively partaker thereof. I hope my kind refpe61:s will
find acceptance with Mefirs. V—, — , D , J , and all
friends. Fail not to pray for
Your affedionate friend and fervant,
G. tr.
LETTER CCCVI.
To Mr, B .
My very dear B , Greenwich^ July 24, 1741.
TO-MORROW, God willing, I embark for Scotlandy
and hope to redeem time abroad to anfwer my dear
lambs letters : They rejoiced me exceedingly. What I have
done with yours, the inclofed will fhew. Pray be particular
in your accounts. Much good has been done by thofe fent
already. You cannot tell how many hearty prayers are put up
for you all, daily. May they enter into the ears of the Lord
of Sabaoih ! The work is beginning afrefh in England. The
Holy Ghoft defcends in a glorious manner, amidfl the con-
gregation. Weak, unworthy as I am, Jesus Christ works
in and by me. O fovereign free grace ! I have fent the letter
to Mrs. D . I have lately feen her. Her converfation
is as weighty as her letters. You will receive more from her,
I hope, before it be long. I believe you are where God would
have you to be. I defpair not of feeing your mouth opened
remarkably for God. O that the dear Jesus may blefs you,
and the whole houfliold ! I fhould rejoice to fee you, but God,
I believe, will d,etain me here the Winter. Mr. P 's bro-
,ther is to pay for the ufe of the Orphan-houfe feventy-five
pounds. Shortly I hope to fend you frefh fupplies. In the
mean while I aiTure you all, that you are conflantly upon my
heart:. My head pains me; good night. The Lord be with
you
LETTERS. 281
you all. Expe6t to hear again very fpeedily from, dear Bro-
ther B ',
Yours moft afFedionately in Christ Jesus,
G. /K
LETTER CCCVII.
To Mr, I B-^ , at South- Carolina,
Dear Mr. B , Greenwich, July 24, 1 741.
WITH much pleafure I received your kind letter.
Blefled be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, v^^ho I truft hath begotten you, and called you out
of darknefs into his marvellous light. What an honour is it,
that vi^e fhould be counted worthy to fufter the leaft degree of
reproach for his great name fake ? I am afhamed to think how-
little I do, or fufFer for him. O free grace ! fovereign and
elcding love ! how fweet to the foul, who really feels the
power of it ! May we walk worthy of that holy vocation
wherewith we are called ! I hear your brother is dead ; happy
foul I you and I fhall go and fee him by and by. I thank you
heartily for your kindnefs to the dear orphans. I am fure Gon
will amply repay you. The Lord be with you and yours.
I muft away to the fhip bound for Scotland. I will anfwer dear
Mrs. B 's letter, when I get on board. Adieu. O pray
for
Ever yours in Jesus Christ,
G.m
LETTER CCCVIIL
To Mr. I F , at Charhs-Toiun.
Dear Mr. F , Greenwich, July 24, 1 741.
1 Rejoice to hear the Lord is carrying on a good work in
your foul. I hope you will not think all is done, be-
caufe you have been baptized and received into full commu-
nion. I know too too many that " make a Christ of their
adult baptifm," and reft in that, inftead of the righteoufnefs
of the blefied Jesus. God forbid that you fliould fo learn
Cfirist. O my dear friend, feek after a fettlement in our dear
Lord, fo that you may experience that life which is hid with
Christ in God. Dear Mrs. F , I thank you heartily
for your kind letter. It rejoices my foul to hear, that you and
3 ^^r-
282 LETTERS.
Mr. F are going on hand in hand to heaven. This is the
i'acred end of marriage ; to be helpers of each other in the
great things of God. I am not yet entered into that ftate.
I am looking up to Christ, and fhall wait his diredion.
'I'he gofpel runs, and is glorified. The work is beginning
a frefh in England. Never was my preaching attended with fo
great power on this fide the water. Our Lord pours his com-
forts into my foul, and rejoices me with the glad news I hear
from your parts. May you all increafe and multiply in every
good word and work. My moft tender love to all. As faft
as poffibly I can, each fhall hear from, my dear friends.
Ever yours,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCIX.
To Mr, H '<i at Georgia,
Greenwich^ "July 24, I74i«
My very dear Friend and Brother^
BEFORE the boat comes to take me down to the fhip,
I would write you a line or two. I greatly rejoice to
hear that you live in love. But I fhall not be furprifed, if,
after this remarkable work of the fpirit, you meet with fome
trials. But fear not : we are all in the Mediator's hands. I
find all things work together for my good, and io I am furc
you will. My dear friends, I know you fympathize with me.
— Indeed, I alfo do with you. My dear, dear family, you are
continually upon my heart. I redeem a moment or two as
often as I can to write to you. God only knows how I love
and long after you in the bowels of the ever- blefled Jesus. O
may you lean on his bofom, and may his banner over you be
love. Adieu ! for the prefent. I mufl foon away to the fhip.
I have ordered hats andfhoes for the children, and intend fend-
ing brother H 's order and other things, with fome cafii,
very fhortly. But the arrears hang on me yet. My Lord
bears my burden ; may he bear all yours for you ! I am per-
fuadcd he will. With great- tendcrnefs I fubfcribc myfclf^
dear Mr. H ,
Your mofl afFedionatc, though unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
G, IK
LETTER
LETTERS. 2S3
L E T f E R CCCX.
To Mrs. S , at Charles-Town.
In a boat going to Grave fend^ July 24, 1741.
Dear Mrs. S ,
I Am now in a boat, in order to embark for Scotland. I have
the conveniency of writing upon a trunk, and therefore
cannot be eafy without fending you a line. I rejoice to hear
that you are carried upon the wings of love. Methinks I fee
you fitting under the Redeemer's fhadow with great delight,
and exalting his free grace in plucking you as a brand out of
the fire. O when (hall we go to heaven, that we may praife
God for what he hath done for our poor fouls ! The Lord is
better to me than ever. Conviction, and converfion, both in
tovyn and country, are beginning again. The divine prefence
is much manifefted in our aflemblies. Blefled be the Lord,
who is alfo working with you. The fpiritual profperity of
the orphan family, rejoices my heart. God will ere long,
I believe, make a feparation between the precious and the vile.
poor Mr. G , CommifTary G d^ and Chief Juftice
W- , bitter, bitter, though unfuccefsful perfecutors, what
will become of you ? O that God may grant them repentance
unto life ! What reafon have you and I, dear Mrs. S ,
to exalt rich diftinguifhing grace ! 'Tis that alone hath made
the difference. I believe I need not remind you to pray,
dear Mrs. S , for -
Yours moft afFedionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXL
To Serjeant B , at Gibraltar.
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ hound from London to Leith^
J.uly2S'> 1741-
Dear Mr. B ,
I Am glad to hear that you are yet alive, and what is more,
I truftyou are alive to God. Perhaps I may never fee
you again on this fide eternity. O that we may approve our-
felves good foldiers of Jesus Christ ! How bright will our
crown be then, at that laft great day ! I find there is nothing
like
284 LETTERS.
like being valiant for the truth. Jesus Christ is a glorious
captain. He makes me more than conqueror through his love.
I have feen great things, within thefe kw months. I (hould
have anfwered you fooner, but could not get time till novir :
I am embarked for Scotland. I hope you take particular care
to beat down felf-righteoufnefs, and exalt the Lord Jesus
alone in your hearts. I find, the only happinefs is to lie down
as a poor fmner at the feet of the once crucified, but now ex-
alted Lamb of God, who died for our fins and role again for
our juftification. I rejoice to hear, that fome even at Gibraltar
ftill dare to own a too too much negle£led Saviour. BlefTed
be God, the governor is fo favourable to you. This is a great
motive to love and thankfulnefs. The work of God ftill
goes on in England, and other parts. O for that glorious period,
when the whole earth fhall be filled with the knowledge of the
Lord as the waters cover the feas ! That our dear Lord
may every day reign as kin-g in all your fouls, is the prayer of,
dear Serjeant,
Your afFecSlionate friend and fcrvant,
G, W.
LETTER CCCXIL
To Mifs R .
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ J"^ 25, 1741.
Dear Mifs^
A Few hours ago I came on board. To fhew that you
are in my mind, I employ fome of my firft leifure time
in anfwering your letter. The condition you are in now,
ought not to make you think that Jesus Christ has caft you
off^, and that it will be prefumption in you to believe on him.
The Lord is now fliewing you, that you are poor, and mifera-
ble, and blind, and naked, and fuch only are the perfons that
think they want his almighty aid. I fear you look too much
intoyourfelf, and from thence are difcouraged. Whereas you
Ihould look directly to Christ, and come to him in all your
blood. You will always fly from him, as long as you count him
your enemy. But do not think fo hardly of him ; Jesus is
the finncr's friend. O how doth his bowels yearn towards
you! Are you made willing to be made whole ? Christ invites
and commands vou to come to him j venture then upon him.
If
*~ LETTERS. 285
If you never have believed yet. It is time for you to believe
now, " Lord, give me faith !" for faith is the free gift of
God. What if your heart be hard, Jesus can foften it.
What if you have yet no marks of your cle(5tion ? furely you
dare not fay, *' You are not eleded," or that Christ hath
not died for you, even for you. It is, indeed, a bad thing
to have only notions in the head, and no folid experience in
the heart. But it is a good thing to be convinced of this.
Blefled be God, who hath given you to bewail it. Look up-
on this as a token for good. — Truft not to means ; when
they are taken from you, Christ can and will work with-
out them. The Lord may bi-ing you help in a way, and at
a time you know not of. Your extremity ftiall be God*s
opportunity. If the Lord vouchfafcs to blefs this letter in
the leaft degree to your comfort, it will much rejoice the heart
of, dear Mifs,
Your afFedionate friend and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCCXIII.
To Mr, J H , at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 25, 1 74 1.
My dear Brother^
WITH much pleafurel have again read over your kind
letter. God is a God hearing prayer. My dear
brother H is awakened out of fleep. Help me men, help
me angels, to praife God in his behalf! My dear brother, I
pray God you may never lie down again. Christ is now
giving you light ; walk and rejoice in that light. Keep clofe,
keep clofe, my dear man, and let nothing fteal away your poor
heart from the blefled Jesus. Give it all to him, give it to
him, hard, earthly, fenfual, devilifli, as it is. He will wafh
it in his precious blood. Do not tic him down to any degree
of convlclion. So that he brings you home, let him do it in
that way he fhall think beft. What a loving Saviour have you
to deal with ! You cannot conceive how kind he is, even to
me every day. I feel and fee his power more and more. He
feems to be beginning his vv^ork afrefh in England^ and it
gladdens my heart to hear he is among you at Bethefda, O do
nothing to grieve the blefled fpirit ! Let your converfation be
fuch
286 LETTERS,
fuch in all things, as becomes the gofpcl of the blefTed JesVs^
Have the greateft regard for the little lambs. Do nothing that
may prove a {tumbling block to their precious fouls. Warm
yourfelf by talking to them. Be not one moment idle. Re^
deem your precious time ; for you knowr not when your
Lord may come. My brother, my heart is full of love to
thee. — May you be a beloved phyfician I Beloved of the Lord,
beloved of the Lord's people, and a continual comfort to
Your moft unworthy, though truly afFedionate
brother, and fervant in the dear Jesus,
G. JV,
LETTER CCCXIV,
To Mr. Wm, G .
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 25, 1741?.
My dear Brother G ,
YOUR kind letter I have juft been reading over a fecond
time. It gave me comfort ; but the high ftile extorted
a fmile or two from me, I believe you have been reading over
Mrs. D— — 's letters. You wanted to imitate her way of
writing, but fail for want of her experience. It is a good
thing not to go out of our depth. Methinks I fee you look
down and blufti ; but look up again immediately to Jesus
Christ : He knows whereof we are made, and remembers
we are but duft. Indeed L write to my dear man out of much
love. BlefTed be God, that ajl things are carried on with
fuch decency and order. I pray God that you may fo live,
that all who come to fee you may fay, " Surely God is in
this place." Your prayers in my behalf are heard. I aiw
quickened, and ftrengthened mightily both in foul and body :
controverfial points are ended, and the Lord Jesus Christ
triumphs glorioufly. I find my heart often drawn towards Be-
thefda. I hope I (hall yet meet you again in the flefh, and
embrace you one by one in my unworthy arms. In the mean
time, I commit you to the bofom of Jesus. May you lean
upon his bread, and fit under his {hadow with great delight \
May you be truly Ample, truly childlike, and QVQxy way con-
4 formable
LETTERS. 287
formable to our great exemplar the fpotlefs Lamb. I long for
that time, when we (hall fit down at his marriage fupper :
thout^h I have the loweft place, it will fuffice, dear brother
Your afFedlionate brother, friend and fervant,
LETTER CCCXV.
To Mr, J 5 , at Georgia.
On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1 74 1.
Dear John,
YOUR cafe puts me in mind of that paflage, where we
are told that our Lord looked upon Peter, Surely, he
has looked upon and prayed for you, otherwife how would
Satan have fifted you ? But fee what comfort another paflage
may afford you, " Go tell my brethren and Peter" Poor,
weeping, penitent Peter muft in no wife be forgotten. '' Go
tell them that I am rifen." Here are glad tidings of great joy to
a difconfolate foul. May God apply it to your's in particular.
Dear John, may you learn from hence to ftab your dear Savi-
our no more. I wonder not that you are in darknefs. God
will furely vifit your offences with a rod, and your back-
flidings with fome fpiritual fcourge. That is enough to keep
us from fmning, though we know that his loving-kindnefs
he will not utterly take from us, nor fufFer his truth to fail.
How dearly did David pay for his ftolen fweets ? What an-
guifli has your poor foul felt, fmce I left you. Blefled be God,
that he has awakened you out of fleep. O free grace ! I re-
joice, yea and I will rejoice. That you may never provoke
God to leave you to yourfeU*, is the earneft prayer of, dear
John,
Ever yours,
G. jr.
LETTER
288 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXVI.
Tfl Rebekah B , an Orphan at the Orphan-houfe.
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ July 25, I74I«
Dear Bekky,
AND is the Lord ftill ftrlving with you ? O then ad-
mire his patience, and give him your whole heart. I
had no other end in bringing you to Bethefda^ but that you
might be brought to Jesus. I hope you will yet find it a
houfe of mercy to your foul. Take heed of refting in con-
vidion. You know by experience how fadly it wears ofF.
You may well wonder, that God has not fent you to hell
long ago. I pray God, that his goodnefs may lead you to
repentance, and that you may walk before the Lord in all
well-pleafmg, fo long as yau live. What fweet opportuni-
ties do you enjoy ! How freely may you go into the woods,
and pour out your heart before the dear Jesus. How early
was Samuel acquainted with the Lord, and why fhould not
you be acquainted with him ? Unlefs you are, you can never
be at peace. Come then, my dear lamb, and wander no lon-
ger ; return to the fhepherd and bifhop of your foul. Behold,
he fhed his blood for you, and will carry you to heaven, re-
joicing over you to, all eternity. Away to him then in all
your blood, juft as you are ; and when you are near to God,
forget not
Your afFe(Slionate friend,
G. TV.
LETTER CCCXVIL
To Elizabeth G , an Orphan,
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 25, 1 741.
Dear Beity^
I Am glad you begin to feel the hardnefs of your heart, and
your utter inability to pray» I pray God you may in all
things fee your helplcflhefs, that you may come as a poor help-
Icfs nothing to Jesus Christ, and take him for your all in
all. I wonder not that fatan endeavours to terrify your foul.
You know how he tore the voung child in the Gofpel, whilft
be was coming to Jesus Christ. Your convictions at pre-
fent
LETTERS. 289
fcnt feem to arife from a fear of hell ; but before you receive
this, I hope the Lord Jesus will have fcaled your pardon,
and have faid, " Be of good cheer, thy fins are forgiven thee."
O Beityy why has God fingled you out ? Why was you
brought to Bethefda ? Away when you read this, and blefs
God for it, and devote yourfelf again and again to that Lord,
who has bought you with his precious blood. Having much
forgiven you, love much. Lie down in the duft, and be conti-
nually looking to the rock from whence you are hewn. To
hear that you, and my dear family, love the Lord Jesus in
fmcerity, will much rejoice the heart of
Your fmcere friend,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCXVIIL
To Mary A , an Orphan,
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ July 25, 1 74 J*
Dear Molly ^
T TPON reading your letter, I put up this prayer, " Lord
\J lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon her foul."
You once had joy. I found it puffed you up. I pray God
to humble you by your prefent darknefs. You may now fee
what a poor wretch you are, how proud, how earthly, how
fenfual, \\o\v deviliih ; and yet, ftupendous love 1 Jesus
Christ will ftill receive you. Your loving Saviour opens
his arms, and invites you to throw the whole of your load
upon him. I am perfuaded he will receive you : go to him
then, and confefs that you have finned. He will receive you;
for what fays the fcripture ? " Look unto me, all ye ends of
the earth, and be ye faved." Surely Molly A is includ-
ed here. The dear Jesus is all love. He has brought you to
a houfe of mercy. Out of love, keep his commandments, and
Jove all that are around you. Be willing to be the fervant of
all, and from gratitude to God ftudy to be a comfort to
Your fincerc friend in Christ,
G. TV,
Vol. L U LETTER
7
290 LETTERS/
LETTER CCCXIX.
f^dc ^/Cr c^^ ^j^^ Honourable J- B , Efqy
Hon. Slr^ On board the Mary and Ann ^ July 26, 1741.
WITH much pleafure I received yours ty the hands of
your fon, who offered to do me any fervice that lay
in his power. This, as v/ell as your other paft favours, quite
furprize, and ought to humble me ; for who am I, that I
{hould be thus highly honoured I O fovereign grace ! O dif-
tinguifhing love ! If 1 did not ftand up in defence of that, the
very (lones would cry out againft me. Indeed, honoured Sir,
your kindnefs makes mealmoft toblufli, and the love of Jesus
quite confounds me. I am loft, I want to fmk into nothing
whenever I think of Christ's dying for me. I really think,
I am the moft ungrateful fmner that ever was, and yet the Re-
deemer follows me with his mercies every day. Unfpeakable
are the trials vi^herewith I have been vifited fmce my arrival.
But out of all the Lord delivers me. I experience daily
much of his divine prefence ; a wider door than ever is open-
ed for preaching the everlafting gofpel, and God feems to be
beginning his work again in Old- England : it adds to my joy,
to hear what the Lord is doing amongft you. BlefTed, for
ever blefled be God, for caufing fuch a ftirring among the dry
bones. I pray the glorious Redeemer, to carry on the good
work begun, and to makq New-England the joy of the whole
earth. I fuppofe you have heard, honoured Sir, of the remark-
able efl ufion of the fpirit among the children of the orphan-
houfe. Surely, Jesus Christ is about to bring mighty
things to pafs. Whilft the kings of the earth are enlarging
their dominions, I trull: our Lord will uflier in his. — I Ihall
not be furprized, if after this great commotion in New-Eng^
land, I hear that fome outward troubles befal them. The
removal of you, honoured Sir, from being governor, I take to
be no good figii. I hope this has no other efFe^l upon your
own heart, than to make you more and more hunger and
thirft after that righteoufnefs, which neither men nor devils
fhall ever be able to take from you. God only knows, how
often I have prayed, that this afflr(Si?ion may be fandified untar
you. I thUk, Ironoured Sir, 1 cannot forget you and your
people.
%
LETTERS. 291
people. Both are dear, very dear to my foul. I fomctimcs
long to fee Bojlm again, that I may rejoice in what great
things the Lord has dane ; but various circumftances concur
to detain me on this fide the ocean, all the next Winter. I am
now in my pailage to Scotland. What the Lord is plcafed to
do there, your honour may hear in my next. I rejoice, that
I am a little retired from the world, and have the opportunity,
honoured Sir, of writing td you. How fweet is retirement
v/hen Christ is prefent in the heart ? Having him, I find I
poflTefs all things. Happy they that can wrap themfelves in
God. May you and yours be thus happy ! This will enable
you, honoured Sir, to rejoice in tribulation, and give thanks
for ev&ry thing that does befal you. Tho* thefliip is moving,
and I am fomewhat fick, I knew not how to leave ofF. In-
deed, I love and honour you in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
That you and yours may be rooted and grounded in his love,
and filled v/ith all tUe fulnefs of God, is the hearty prayer of,
honoured Sir,
Your mofl: afFedlionate, obliged humble fervant,
G. W.
LETTER ;CCCXX.
To the P^everend Dr. C — — , at BoJIon,
On board the Alary and Ann, July 26, 1741.
Rev.Mnd dear Sir,
I Had the pleafure of yours, and have taken the freedom
to publifti part of it, becaufe I thought our Lord's caufe
might be promoted thereby. Glory be to the ever blefl'ed
Jesus, for the great work begun in your province. Glory be
to his great name, for raifing up inltroments to carry it on }
efpecially for working fo powerfully among the fons of thje
prophets. A mod promifing omen this for dear New-England.
Reverend Sir, the fearcher of hearts only knows, how deeply
the welfare of your people is imprefTed upon my foul. I con-
tinually make mention of them in my poor prayers, both
public and private, and have not failed to give thanks in their
behalf. You feem a little offended, that I did not mention old
^^Mr. TV J. It was, becaufe by his converfation I could not
/ iind he ca^ne yp to that character v.hich you gave him. Mr.
' U 2 S
292 LETTERS.
S I truly value, and lately have had reafon to think much
better of him than formerly, when his experiences to me feem-
ed too fuperficial ; but I am a poor, vi^eak, fallible u^orm, and
therefore my judgment is of littleworth. I rejoice to hear that the
minifters with you help forward the work of God. I find no
fuch enemies to the crofs of Christ, as thofe who keep up the
form of religion, and are orthodox in their notions, but are ig-
norant of an experimental acquaintance with Jesus. How-
ever, the work of God is beginning afrefti. I have free ac-
Cefs every where, and have been upon the full ftretch preaching
to large auditories twice a day, for fome time paft. The Lord
is pleafed to ftrengthen me both in body and foul. His pre-
fence fills the aflemblies, and, I verily believe, we {hall yet fee
glorious days. I have fweet accounts from the Orphans. I
thank you, dear Sir, for your care concerning them. 1 have
been in great ftraits ; but the dear Jesus helps me through
them all. Help me, dear Sir, help me to praife him. My
tender love awaits both you and your people. I am glad to
hear, that my kind hoflefs is recovered. May the Lord
ftrengthen her mightily, and caufe her to go down to the grave
in peace I I earneftly defire a continuance of your own and
people's prayers in behalf of, reverend Sir,
Your affectionate brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXXL
To John D , at Bofton.
On board the Mary and Jnn, July 26, 1 741.
A'fy dear ch'ddy
I Thank you for your letter: I neither forgot you nor my
proniife. O that God may effedually work upon your
heart betimes, for you cannot be good too foon, or too good.
The little orphans at Georgia are crying out, " What Ihall we
do to be faved ?" And I am glad to hear, that this is the
language of fome little ones in New-England. If you know
any of them, pray give my love to them, and tell them, I pray
that Jesu> Christ may be revealed in their dear hearts.
How early was Jesus Christ in the Temple, firft. hearing,
and then afking qi^eftions ? How did he love the little chil-
dren, how did he take them up in his facred arms and blefs
them I
1. E T T E R S. 2493
them; and when he was juft afcending to the highcft heaven,
how tenderly did he fpeak to Peter, and bid him " feed hi«
lambs." Let all this encourage you to come unto him. He
will certainly receive you, tho' you have been wicked ; nay,
he will abundantly pardon you. And uhat comfort will you
enjoy, when you know your fms arc forgiven you ? You will
then have a heaven upon earth. In expedbition of feeing you
a chriftian indeed, and grown in grace, I fubfcribe myfeif
• Your afFe6^ionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCXXII.
To the Honourable jf fV , at Bojion.
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 26, 1 74 1 .
Honoured Sir,
PRESUMING it would not be difagreeable to you, I
have taken the liberty to print part of the letter you was
fo kind as to fend me. Surely it will rejoice the hearts of
thoufands, to hear what good things the Lord is doing in thefe
parts. It has put much gladnefs into my heart, and caufed me
to give many thanks in behalf of the people of New-Ejigland*
How good is our God ! When things are a little trouble-
fome without, he fends his gofpel to comfort his children
within. Surely Jesus Christ is about to fet the world in a
flame. He is working powerfully at home ; he is working
powerfully abroad. I truft he will continue working, 'till the
earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters
cover the fea. I hope you will yet feel more of this light and
life in your own heart, before you go hence, and be com-
forted with the comforts wherewith I am daily comforted
of God. Dear Sir, Jesus is a precious Adafter. He, as it
were, dandles me upon his knees. He carries me in his arms,
he fights all my battles, and makes me more than con-
queror thro' his love. My work is great, but my fupports are
greater. He aflures me from day to day, that he will never
leave me nor forfake me. My infirmities often make me blufh,
^nd yet Jesus pafles them all by. Dear Sir, think often on
the love of Christ : tliink of his dying love ; that muft
give you comfort. I rejoice at this opportunity of writing
U 3 to
294 LETTERS,
to you, I thank you for your kind caution, I pray God to
teach me how to improve it. Help me, dear Sir, with your
prayers ; and accept of thefe few lines from, honoured Sir,
Youi: moft afFedionate brother and fervant in Christ.
G. IK
LETTER CCCXXIII.
to Mr, E D , at Bojion,
On hoard the Mary and Ann y July 26, 1741.
Dear Mr, D ,
I Am to be blamed for not fending you a line. I am an un-
grateful creature -, ungrateful to my earthly friends, un*
fpeakably more fo to the friend of all. Pardon me this once.
God willing, you fhall have no reafon to complain of me
any more. If you remember, once in my fermon I faid^ '^ O
that New-England was full of new creatures !" I hope the
Lord ip feme meafure is going to anfwer that prayer. — It re-^
joices my heart, to hear that the gofpel runs fo fwiftly, and is
fo remarkably glorified amongft you. This is the Lord's do-
ings, and it ought to be marvellous in our eyes. BlefTed are the
eyes that fee the things which we fee 3 blefled are the ears
that hear the things which we hear, for many righteous
men have dcfircd to fee and hear them, and have nor. I re-
joice alfo to hear, that there is like to be a church in your
houfe. O, dear Sir, take care that none of you reft, till you
have got fad hold of the blefled Jesus. My kind love to dear
Mrs. D '. May Christ's juftifying blood be upon you
and your children. I return my love to all that are fo kind as
to remember me. I believe I fhall not fee you this Winter.
The w'ork is tery great, and goes on very profperous in Eng^
fand. However, you are all upon my heart, and the more
heartily you pray for me, the fooner fhal) I be reftored unto
you. I hope I feel the benefit of your dear people's prayers j
for God comforts and ftrengthens me daily, and carries me on
from conquering to conquer. On fhorc, I have fcarce time to
•write a line ; being now on board, I take this opportunity of
returning you my hearty thanks for your kind letter, and of
afTuring you that I am, dear Mr. D— — -,
Your affectionate friend and fervant,
G. IK
1 E T T E R
LETTERS. 295
LETTER CCCXXIV.
To the Rev. Mr. R , at Bojicn,
On hoard the Mary and Ann, July 26, 1741.
My dear Brother R ,
HOW glad was I to receive a letter from your 'hands,
having heard nothing of, or from you particularly, fince
we parted. What great things has the Lord fliewn us fince
that time. Methinks I hear you fay, " and yet I can tell of
greater things." I believe we fliall fee far greater yet before we
die. The work is beginning afrefti here. I fometinies think
B G muft take a voyage over to Old- England. Mod
of our London minillers too much fliun the ciofs, and do rK)t
appear boldly for God. — Now the Lord hath worked fo
powerfully in your college, I have Icfs to fay againft your
joining with Mr. W •. I am glad to hear you fpcak plain-
ly and clofely. What comfort will this afford you in a dying
hour ? Go on, my dear brother, go on ; venture daily upon
Christ, go out in his flrength, and he will enable you to do
wonders. He is with me more and more. I have been fweet-
ly carried thro' the heat and burden of every day^s labour.
Jesus bears all my burdens. Jesus enables me to cafl: all my
cares upon him. O then let us magnify his name together \
I am now going to Scotland^ knowing not what will befal me.
What God does, you may expert to hear fliortly. In the
mean while, let us pray for and write to each other. As iron
fharpeneth iron, fo doth the letters of a man his friend. Your
laft I have printed : God's glory called me to it. My dear
brother, adieu ! Dear Brother S fits by and falutes you.
My kind love awaits Mr. JV , and all that love the Lord
Jesus in fincerity. Li hopes of receiving another letter from
you fliortly, I fubfcribc myfelf, dear Mr. R.
Your very affesftionate, tho' very unworthy brgtber
an J fervant in Christ,
G, n\
U4 ' LETTER
296 LETTER S,
LETTER CCCXXV.
To the Student Si &c. wider convictions at the colleges of Cambridge
and New- haven ^ — in New- England and Conneclicut,
Dear GeniUincn^
Wi T\\ unfpeakable pleafure have I heard, that there
fecnis to be a general concern among you about the
things of God. Ir was no fmall grief to me, that I was oblig-
ed to iay of your college, that " your light was becorric dark-
nefs i" yet are ye now become light in the Lord. I
vheartily tnank God, even the Father of our glorious Redeem-
er, for fending dear Mr, ^i among you. What great
things may we not nowexpf.cl: to fee in New-England^ Tmce it
has pleafed God to. work fo remarkably among the fons of the
prophets ? Now we may expe6l a reformation indeed, fince it
is beginning at the houfe of God. A dead miniftry will al-
ways make a dead people. Whereas, if miniflers are warmed
with the love of God themfelves, they cannot but be inflru-
rnents of diiTufing that love among others. This, this is the
beft preparation for the work whereunto you are to be called.
Learning without piety, will only make you more capable of
promoting the kingdom of fatan. Henceforward, therefore, I
hope you will enter into your ftudies not to get a pariOi, nor to
be polite preachers, but to be great faints. This, indeed, is the
mofl compendious way to true learning : for an underftanding
enlightened by the fpirit of God, is more fufceptible of divine
truths, and I am certain will prove moft ufeful to mankind.
The more holy you are, the more will God delight to
honour you. He loves to make ufe of inrtruments, which are
like himlelf. I hope the good old divinity will now be precious
foycur foulsj and you will think it an honour to tread in the
fteps of your pious forefathers. They were acquainted with
their own hearts. — They knew what it was to be tempted
themfelves, and therefore from their own experience knew how
to fuccour others. O may you follow them, as they follov/ed
Christ. Then great, very great will be your reward in
heaven. I am fure you can never ferve a better Mafter than
Jesus Christ, or be engaged in a higher employ than in
falling heme fouls to him. I truft, dear gentlemen, you will
not
LETTERS. 297
pot be offended at me for fending you thefe few lines. I write
out of the fulncfs of my heart. I make mention of you always
^n my prayers. Forget me not in yours. I am a poor weak
worm. I am the chief of finners, and yet, O ftupendous love!
the LoRp*s work ftill profpers in my unworthy hands. — Fail
pot to give thinks, as well as to pray for
Your affcdlionate brother and fervant,.
in our common Lord,
G. JV.
LETTER CCCXXyi.
To Mr. D , at Bo/Ion,
Dear Sir, On hoard the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1 74 1.
YO U R's as well as other letters, which I received from
Bojion, gave me no fmall fatisfadion. Now, now I
Jive, if poor linners are floeking for life t9 the dear Lord
Jesus. How may we fuppofe the angels to be rejoicing over
Bojion, and other places in N ew- England ! How glad are they
to fee the kaures frequented as in times of old, and the fpirit
of your good forefathers reviving among you I Sure it muft be
delightful to fee black and white, young men and maidens, old
men and children, praifing the name of the Lord. Blefled be
God, who in this great awakening hath not pafled by your
houfe. Fear not, dear Sir : Who knows but the blefled Jesus
may yet vifityou with the light of his blefled countenance? I
rejoice to hear he has been gracious to your wife and daughter,
I pray God, you may be all built up in our moft holy faith,
and go on from ftrength to ftrength, till you come to appear
before the Lord Christ in glory. I thank God, who hath
heard prayer on my behalf. I am fl:rengthened daily both in
body and foul, and have reafon to think my miniftry is blefl^ed
more and more. Let God's goodnefs to me, encourage you
to exped great things from our Lord. He is able and wil-
ling to do for us more abundantly than we can afk or think.
That you and your dear family may daily drink of his divine
pleafures, as out of a river, is the earnefl: prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and fervant,
G, JV,
LETTER
29^ LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXXVir.
To John R , an Orphan, at the Orphan-houfe.
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 27, 174I.
X)ear John,
I Remember you once wanted to go av/ay from Bethefda,
Adore the free grace and mercy of that God, who has
kept you there. I truft, it will prove the faving of your preci-
ous and immortal foul. To fee onefelf loll and condemned by
nature, is the firft Hep to converfion. I hope before this time
you have found yourfelf faved by grace : for " by grace alone
you are to be faved, and that not of yourfelves, it is the gift
of God.'* The Lord Jesus hath indeed been knocking
at the door of your heart. I truft, now he will break the
door open, and give himfelf admilTion. Dear John, you
may well wonder, that the Lord hath not fent you to hell. I
truft, that you feel you deferve it. O that God may pluck
you as a brand out of the burning. This was my only view
in bringing you to Bethefda. This is the only defire df the
dear friends v/ho have the rule over you ; they watch for your
foul, &c. The devil (as you obferve) watches to deflroy it :
and, therefore, my dear boy, away to Jesus Christ. He
can take away the heart of ftone : he can give you an heart of
flefh. All things are poflible with Him. That God may
give you grace to take the kingdom of heaven with a holy vio-
lence, is the hearty prayer of, dear John,
Your fmcere friend,
LETTER CCXXVIIL
To James M , an Orphan.
On Lard the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741.
Dear James,
I Am glad to hear by dear brother B 's letters, that your
foul has received comfort. I am comforted at the news.
May God increafe it daily, 'till your joy be full. I muft
think God loves you, and that he has begun a good work in
your foul. 1 hope to find at my return that it is carried on,
and that you have been prelTing forward towards the mark for
the prizeof your high calling in Christ Jesus your faviour.
Dear
LETTERS. 299
Dear James^ I do not forget you. I hope you never will forget
the love of Christ, who died and hath given himfclf for you.
Does not the very thought of this make you even to weep ?
Do you not want fome private place where to vent your heart ?
Aw^ay then, I will detain you no longer. Retire into the
woods. Go look to him whom you have pierced, and with a
godly forrow mourn for your fms, as a woman for her iirfl-
born. At the fame time, forget not to figh out a prayer in
t)ehalfof, dQzr James y
Your affe£lionatc friend an^ fervant,
G. IK
LETTER CCCXXIX,
To Thomas JP'tbb^ an Orphan,
On hoaid the Mary and Ann^ July 27, 1 74 1,
- Dear Thomas^
HOW inconfiftent is the devil ! How artfully does he
rtrive to keep poor fouls from Christ 1 Sometimes he
labours to drive poor fouls into defpair ; fometimes to pre-
fumption. Thefe are the two rocks, againft which he would
fain have poor fouls to make fhipwreck of faith and a good
confcience. I pray God to enable you to fleer a middle
courfe. — May you fee your mifery, and at the fame time fee
your remedy in the crofs and wounds of Jesus Christ. He
calls to all weary heavy laden fouls ; confequently he calls
you. Your coming to him, will be a proof of your elecSlion,
The devils know nothing of God's decrees. If ever he
(hould tempt you fo again, fay, *' If I do perifti, I will pe-
rifti at the feet of Christ." He is willing to favc, to fave
to the uttermoft. He fees, he feels your anguifh. He longs
to rejoice over you. V^enture therefore upon him. Thomas,
be not faithlefs, but believing. Christ ihall yet (hew you
his hands and his feet. He is the fame now, as he was yefter-
day, full of love and condefcenfion to felf-ccndemncd finners.
That you may experier.ce the full power and efficacy of the
Redeemer's blood, is the ardent prayer of, dear Thomas,
Ycur finccre friend,
LETTER
300 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXXX.
To miliam B .
On board the Mary and Ann ^ y-aJy ^.y^ 1 74 1.
I Thought your father had fent for you from Beihtfda ; but
I hope your heavenly Father has kept you there to brino-
you home to hinif*^^^* Your deadnefs has often grieved \TxQ.
O that I may have leafon to fing, at my return, " Billy B
was dead, but is alive again ; he was loft, but is found.'*
You do well to pray to God, to fearch your heart, and to
try your reins j for otherwife your treacherous heart will de-
ceive you. I would not have you forget what the Lord is
doing for you, for ten thoufand worlds. O defer not repen-
tance to a death-bed. It will be hard to ftrive with princi-
palities and powers, when you can fcarce turn in your bed.
A man, at that time, can hardly bear up under his bodily in-
firmities ; but a wourided fpir.it who can bear ? Reje<Si:, there^
fore, fuch a horrid temptation, with the utmoft abhorrence.
Be a worker together with God ; and now God is working
in you to will and to do, fee that you work out your own
falvation with fear and trembling. Do not ftab your Saviour
any more. Dear Billy^ think on his bitter agony and bloody
fweat, and fly to him, as a Redeemer ready and willing to re-
ceive you. That you may be happy in him here, and with
him hereafter, is the hearty prayer of
Your fmcere friend,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXXXI.
To R ^ , an Orphan.
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ July 27, I74I*
Dear Richard^
THE contents of your letter pleafed me. I have fome-
times thought, if God did not convert Richard W ,
"be would be one of the moft unhappy boys in the world. YoU
have head' knowledge \ and unlefs you are made to fee the fm-
fulnefs of your heart, it will much mcreafe your condemnation.
Blefled be God, who yet hath patience with you, and feems
to be flrivJng with your fouK I dp not wonder that the
devil
LETTERS, 301
devil tells you, " it is time to repent when you are a man."
You may well fay, it is the devil that tells you fo : Such a
fuggeftion cannot come from God. Behold, now is the ac-
cepted time, now is the day of falvation ! Jefus will even now
accept you, vile as you are, and ungrateful as you have been :
if you feel your mifcry, and fly to him for fuccour, he will
accept you. Every conviction cries, " Come, Richard, came,
to me, that thou mayeft have reft." . Let me advife you, as
old Eli advifed young Samuel : fay, " Speak, Lord, for thy
fervant heareth."
I :»m your fmcere friend,
LETTER CCCXXXIL
To John F , an Orphan.
On board the Alary and Ann, July 27, 1 74 1.
Dear John,
I Willingly fulfil your requeft, and fit down to write you a
line or two. I am glad you begin to fee the wickednefs
of your own heart. You cannot conceive what a myftery of
iniquity is hid therein. The more you fee it, the more you
will find the want of a faviour, and adore God for giving his
dear Son to die for finners. There was once a young man,
named John, who leaned on the Saviour's bofom, and was
his particular favourite. What if you fliould be thus highly
honoured. Would it not be an amazing inftance of love and
condefcenfion ? And what doth the Saviour do lefs, for all
that feel themfeives poor, loft, undone finners ? Nay, does
he not do for them infinitely more ? Yes, he does. Come
to him, therefore, by faith, and he (hall embrace you in the
arms of his mercy, clothe you v/ith hi- righteoufnefs, fandify
you by his fpirit, guide you by his counfel, and after death
receive you up into glory. Look up, then, and never reft
till you have it. Convi£tion is not converfion. But you
know who has promifed not to quench the fmoaking flax, or
break the bruifed reed. That this promife may be fulfilled
in your foul, is the hearty prayer 9/
Your fincere friend,
G. IV.
LETTER
'302^ Letters,
letter cccxxxiil
To L M , an Orphan.
On hoard the Mary and Ann ^ July 27, 1 741*
Dear L M-
AND are little boys and girls, at this and that corner of
the wood, crying unto the Lord ? I hope you, dear
/, , are always among them ; and may the Lord hear
your prayers, when you cry unto him ! Surely he will,
if you feel yourfelves poor fmners. Never did Jesus reject
an humble fuppliant. *' Suffer (fays he) little children to
come unto me, and forbid them not ; for of fuch is the king-
dom of heaven.'* Dear L , take all poffible care to
cherifh your convi6lions. God has fpoken once, yea twice
to you, in an extraordinary manner. You are one of
the oldeft; you ought to go before the reft, and to encourage
them to follow the ever-bleffed Jesus. Satan will, no doubt,
be very bufy ; and therefore you ought to be bufy alfo. You
fight under a good captain, even Jesus Christ, who will
tread all enemies under your feet. My dear child, redeem
your precious time. Fight the good fight of faith ; and when
you ar.e wreftling with God, fail not to pray for
Your fmcere friend,
G, IV.
LETTER CCCXXXIV.
Ts Mr, Thomas J , at Savannah,
On board the Mary and Ann y July 29, 1741.
Dear Sir,
I Thank you for your continued kindnefs to my dear family.
The God whom I ferve, will richly reward you; I am
mpre and more convinced, that the Orphan-houfe is of God.
He will uphold it with his mighty arm. Dear Sir, there is
nothing like a life of faith. It is more and more pleafant to
me every day, I pray God, you may experience it every
moment, and be enabled entirely to overcome the world.
My letters, to my dear family, will inforn? you, how the
Lord bath been pleafed to deal with me. Bleffcd be his
name, he hath delivered, hp does, he will yet deliver. My
foul
LETTERS. 303
foyl has been among lions. JesUs hath been my helper. I
am vciry comfortable within, and experience more of the di-
vine prefence in preaching, I think, than ever I did before
in Eftgland. I fuppofe I (hall not embark for America till
Spring, Whatever good offices you are pleafed to do for my
family, fhall be then fully acknowledged by, dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and ferrant in Christ,
C. IK
LETTER CCCXXXV.
To Mr. L , at BnJloL
On hoard the Mary and Ann, fitly 29, 1741.
Dear ?/Ir. L-
WE are now within thirty miles of our defired haven.
We have had a pleafant paflage. Before I go afhorc,
I would fain anfwer your kind letter. Fear not for BriftoL
No weapon formed againft Zisn fhall profper. Let us wait
patiently, and we (hall certainly fee the falvation of God.
The Lord is beginning his work afrefh. I fuppofe brother
C-* has told you fomething of it. I never felt greater
power in England. I have had God's continued prefence
during the paiTage. God has given me fweet fleep at night,
and a good appetite to my food by day. Faithful is he who
hath promifed, that thofe who wait ypon the Lord fliall renew
their ftrength. I fpeak thus freely to you, b^caufe I know
you will be thankful on my behalf. I hope both you and
your dear wife, are making daily advances in the divine life.
Whilft others are difputing, let us be growing. This wilj
be the bed way to convince thofe, who you find will not be
convinced any other way. Adieu ! The Lord be with you.
May your foul breathe nothing but gentlenefs and love !
I am, dear Sir,
Your affeiiionate friend .^nd fervant in Christ,
G, IV,
LETTER
304 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXXXVI.
To Mr. H -^^ at the Orphan-houfn
On board the Mary and Ann^ July 30, I742.'
My very dear Friend and Brother^
I Have been five days on board, and am now juft at our de-
fired haven. God's prefence has fweetened the paflage,
and I have had freedom to virrite many letters befides thofe
lent to Bethefda, If you, and dear brother B , think
proper, the little ones may be called, and the letters read
before you. A w^ord of exhortation, and a fhort prayer, may
not be unfeafonable. I thank you all for the tender care you
take of the dear iambs. You ferve a mafter, v^ho vi^ill richly
revi^ard all your pains. I hope there vi^ill come a time, when
I fhall embrace and weep over you all with tears of love I At
prefent, I feel myfelf a poor fmner, and fland amazed at
God's goodnefs and patience extended towards me. I am
lefs than the leaft of his mercies. You may exped to hear
from me again fhortly, O do not forget to pray for me. My
dear friends, for the prefent, adieu 1 The Lord be with your
fpixit.
Ever, ever yours,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCXXXVII.
To Mr, J C -.
' My very dear Brother^ Edinburgh^ Jug. I, I74I_.
THE Lord was very gracious to me on board. He gave
us a pleafant paflage. As you know that the MefTrs.
Erjkines gave me the firft invitation to Scotland, and hath been
praying for me in the moft public, explicit, I could almofl
fay extravagant manner, for near two years lafl paft, I was
determined to give them the firit offer of my poor miniftra-
tions. Accordingly, I went yefterday t(> Dumfermling, where
dear Mr. R E hath got a large and feparate, or,
as it is commonly termed, feceding meeting-houfe. He re-
ceived me very lovingly. I preached to his and the town's
people
LETTERS, 305
people. — A very thronged aflembly — After I had done prayer,
and named my text, the ruftling made by opening the bibles all
at once, quite furprized me : a fcenc, I never was witnels to
before. Our converfation after fermon, in the houfe, was
fuch as became the gofpel of Christ. They entertained me
with various accounts of the fuccefs of the Scceders labours;
and, as a proof of God's being with them, Mr. R 's fon-
in-law told me, that, at one of their late occafions, a woman
was fo deeply afFeded, that Ihe was obliged to flop her mouth
with an handkerchief to keep herfelf from crying out. They
urged a longer ftay, in order to converfe more clofely, and to
fet me right about church government, and the folemn leacyue
and covenant. I Informed them, that I had given notice of
preaching at Edinburgh this evening; but, as they defired
it, I would in a few days return, and meet the afTociate
prefbytery in Mr. R 's houfe. This was agreed on. Dear
Mr. E accompanied me, and this evening I preached
to many thoufands, in a place called The Orphan-houfe Park»
The Lord was there. Immediately after fermon, a large
company, among whom were fome of the nobility, came to
falute me. Amidft our converfation, came in a portly, well-
looking Qiiaker, nephew to MefTrs. E , formerly a
Baptifl minifter in the north of England, who, taking me by
the hand, faid, " Friend George, I am as thou art ; I am for
bringing all to the life and power of the everliving God : and,
therefore, if thou wilt not quarrel with me about my hat, I
will not quarrel with thee about thy gown." In this refpef^,
I wifh all, of every denomination, were thus minded, I find
God has bleficd my works in thefe parts. I am mod cordially
received by many that love the Lord Jesu::. I have juft
been in company with a nobleman, who, I believe, truly fears
God ; and alfo with a lady of fafliioo, that difcovers a
chriftian fpirit indeed. I already hear of great divifions. But
Jesus knows how to bring order out of confufion. I hope
the Lord is much with you, my dear brother. O may you
be anointed more and more, till you are filled with all the ful-
nefs of God. Be pleafed to read this to all in JVine-Jlrect ;
and remember me kindly to all that love the glorious Re-
deemer. He is a dear, dear Jesus. Tho' we die for, yet
Vol. L X lec
3o6 LETTERS.
let us not deny him in any wife. Pray that fuch a midid may
be always given to
Your weak and unworthy brother and fervant in Christ,
G. li\
LETTER CCCXXXVIII.
To the Rev. Mr, G, IV , at Maxton,
Dear Sir, Edinburgh^ Jug. i, 1 741.
YOUR kind letter, like all other tokens of my precious
Mafter's love, quite amazes me. I hear you are a good
old foldier of Jesus Christ. O that you had wrote to me
fooner ! I want the advice and exhortation of thofe who have
been in Christ before me. The Lord is pleafed greatly
to blefs me. His work feems to be beginning afrefli in England.
How it goes on abroad, the papers fent with this will inform you.
Help me, dear Sir, help me with your prayers, that the Lord
may blefs my coming here. I hope fome have felt the divine
prefence in this evening's exercife. Thro' grace I can fay, I
did, and do now. O that I could be humble and thankful !
that my heart glowed with the love of God and men ! I
would breathe nothing but love. I would love all that love
the Lord Jesus, of whatfoever denomination. May the
Lord heal our divifions, and grant that we may not thereby
provoke him to fend us a common perfccution to drive us toge-
ther ! O that we may ftand in a trying hour. Dear Sir, I
fhall be glad to fee you at Edlnhivgh any day after Wednejdoy
next, and then we can fettle when to come into your parts.
1 am willing to preach the gofpe) to all. It is now late, but I
was willing to write, left fomcthing fliould hinder me on
Monday. Dear Sir, good night. I commend you to God,,-
thank you for your prayers, and dcfire a continuance of them
in behalf of
Your afTec^tionate younger brother, and
fellow-labourer in. the Redeemer's vineyard,
G. IF.
LETTER
LETTERS. 307
LETTER CCCXXXIX.
To Mr. Thorn as N- , at New-Tcrk,
My dear Brother^ Edinburgh., Aug. ^^ 1741.
TT Have written you feveral letters 5 and I rejoice to hear that
JL the W9rk of the Lord profpers in the hands of Mcflrs.
T<\'^'^<v^l S] kc. am glad they intend to meet in a fynod by
themfcjves. Their catholic fpirit will do good. The aj/o-
ciate prefiytery here, are fo confined, that they will not fo much
as hear me preach, unlcfs I only will join with them.
Mr. Ralph E , indeed, did hear me, and went up with
me into the pulpit of the Cannon-gate church — The people
were ready to fhout for joy ; but, I believe, it gave offence to
his affbciates. I met moft of them, according to appointment,
on JVedncfday laft. — A fet of grave venerable men ! They fooa
propofed to form themfclves into a prefbytery, and were pro-
ceeding to chufe a moderator — I afked them for what purpofc ?
They anfwercd, to difcourfe, and fet me right, about the
matter of church-government, and the folemn league and co-
venant. I replied, they might fave themfelves that trouble,
for I had no fcruples about it; and that fettling church-go-
vernment, and preaching about the folemn league and cove-
nant, was not my plan ; I then told them fomething of my
experience, and how I was led out into my prefent way of
acting. One in particular faid, he was deeply affetSted ; and
the dear Mr. E defircd they would have patience with
me, for that having been born and bred in England^ and never
fludied the point, I could not be fuppofed to be fo pcrfedly
acquainted with the nature of their covenants. One, much
warmer than the reft, immediately replied, " th«t no indul-
gence was to be fliown me ; that England had revolted moft
with refpecl to church government j and that I, born and
educated there, coulJ not but be acquainted with the matter
now in debate." I told him, I had never yet made the folemn
league and co\enant the object of my ftudy, being too bufy
about matters, as I judged, of greater importance. Several
replied, that every pin of the tabernacle was precious. — I faid,
i that in every building there v/cre outfiuc an 1 infide workmen ;
that the latter, at prefent, was my province ; that if they
X 2 thought
3oB LETTERS.
thought themfelves called to the former, they might proceed
in their own way, and I fhould proceed in mine. I then afked
them ferioufly, what they would have me to do; the anfwer
was that 1 was not defired to fubfcribe immediately to the
folemn leao-ue and covenant ; but to preach only for them till
I had further light. I afked, why only for them ? Ur. Ralph
P ^-^'ij^ 4c they were the Lord's people. 1 then
alked whether there were no other Lord's people but them-
felves'- and fuppofing all others were the devil's people, they
certainly had more need to be preached to, and therefore I
was more and more determined to go out into the highways
and hedoes ; and that if the Pope himfelf would lend me his
pulpit I would gladly proclaim the righteoufnefs of Jesus
Christ therein. Soon after this, the company broke up ;
and one of thefe, otherwife venerable men, immediately
went into the meeting-houfe, and preached upon thefc
words, " Watchman, what of the night? Watchman,
what 'of the night ? The watchman faid. The morning
Cometh, and alfo the night, if ye will enquire, enquire ye ;
return, come." I attended ; but the good man fo fpent himfelf
inthe'formerpartofhis fermon, in talking againft prelacy,
the common-prayer book, the furplice, the rofe in the hat, and
fuch like externals, that when he came to the latter part of
his text, to invite poor finners to Jesus Christ, his breath
was fo gone, that he could fcarce be heard. What a pity that
the laft'^was not firft, and the firft laft ! The confequence of
all this was, an open breach. I retired, I wept, I prayed, and
after preaching in the fields, fat down and dined with them,
and then took a final leave. At table a gentlewoman faid,
fhe had heard that I had told fome people, that the aflbciate
prefbytery were building a BM. I faid, " Madam, it is quite
true ; and I believe the Babel wlW foon fall down about then-
ears :" but enough of this. Lord, what is man, what the beft
of men ? but men at the beft I I think I have now feen an
end of all perfection. Our brethren in Jmerica, blefTed be
God, have not fo learned Christ. Be pleafed to inform
them of this letter. I have not time to write now. The
Lord blefies my preaching here, and the work, I think, h
begun afrefn in London. I preach to many thoufands daily,
jind fevcral have applied to me already under conviaions. I
have
LETTERS. 309
have been here about eight days. You may expe6l to hear
from me (hortly again. The Lord be with you. I love you
in the bowels of Jesus Christ : He will blefs you for what
you have done for the poor orphans. He comforts me on
every fide. O free grace ! Dear brother S falutes you
all.
Ever yours in our common Lord.
LETTER CCCXL.
To Mr. T G , at London,
Edinburgh^ Jug, 8, 1741.
YOU will fee, my dear brother, by the following, what
God is ftill doing for me. On Sunday evening, I
preached in a field near the Orphan-houfe, to upwards of
fifteen thoufand people ; and on Monday^ Friday^ and Saturday
evening, to near as many. On Tuefday I preached in the Can--
nongate church ; on Wednefday and Thurfday at DumfermUng ;
and at my return on Friday morning, at about eight o'clock, I
preached at a town called ^leem-Ferry^ feven miles from
Edinburgh, Every where the auditories were large, and very
attentive. Great power accompanied the word. Many have
been brought under convictions ; and I have already received
feveral invitations to different places, which, God willing, t
intend to comply with. At prefent I can fay no more, but
defire you to pray for, and expert foon to hear further from,
Your affedionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. U\
LETTER CCCXLL
To the Rev. Air. IF , at Duyidec.
Edinburgh, Aug, 10, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IJuil: now had the pleafure of your letter ; for which be
pleafed to accept my hearty thanks. 1 truft your prayers
will be heard in my behalf. Glory be to free grace ! many
are here brought under convictions. Unworthy as I am, the
glorious Emmanuel is pleafed to clothe his word v/ith power.
X 3 1 ana
(^IO LETTERS,
I am amazed at his loving-kindnefs, and want heaven and
earth to join with me in praifing his holy Name. By your
fon I have Tent ionic papers, and (hall gladly receive any from
you. I wifh you would not trouhlc yourfelr or me in writing
about the corruptions of the Church of Engla?ui. I believe
there is no church perfect under heaven j but, as God, by
his providence, is pleafed to fend me forth fimply to preach
the gofpel to all, 1 think there is no need of cafting myfclf
cut. The divifions in ScOiLvid vltc afFedting, and undoubtedly
they will occafion great fcarchings of heart. I pray God to
iupport us in a trying hour. I am not yet determined, when
I fhall come your way. I can only promife, it (hall be the
faft opportunity, and that you (hall be apprized of it fome time
before. In the mean time, be pleafed to bear me upon your
heart. 1 am a weak hclplefs worm. Your correfpondence
will always be agreeable to me. That you may daily receive
frefli anointings from above, is the hearty prayer of, reverend
and dear Sir,
Ypur affectionate, tho' younger brother and
fervant in the Gofpel,
G, JK
LETTER CCCXLIL
To the Rev, Mr. .
Edinburgh J Aug. lO, 1 74 1.
Reverend and dear Sir,
IThsnk you for your kind and obliging letter. — I had not
time to anfv^er it before. God willing, I hope to come
into the northern parts. The precife time I cannot yet tell.
For ever adored be the Lord for his free grace ! the word is
jccompanied with great power. Several apply to me daily
ujider convictions. I find it bed fnnply to preach the pure
gofpel, and not to meddle at all v/ith controverfy. The pre-
leilt diviiions arc a fore judgment to Scotland. This is my
comfort, Jesus is king. Kc v/ill either heal, or bring good
cut of them. I have been with feveral of the aflbciate pref-
bytery ; but I fee no hopes of accommodation. O that the
power of religion may revive ! Nothing but that can break
down the partition wall of bigotry. Dear Sir, forget not to
pray for me. I lee more and more that I am nothing, and
that
LETTERS. 311
that Jesus is all in all. Did I know how, I would fend you
i'ome papers ; but I hope ere long to have a pcrfonal inter-
view ; and in the mean while, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf,
reverend and dear Sir,
Your afFeclionate brother and fcrvant,
G. jr.
LETTER CCCXLIII.
To the Rkht Honourable the Lord R •.
Aly Lord, Edinburgh, Jug. II, 174T.
THOUGH I am jufl going out, yet I cannot fatisfy my-
felF without fnatchino; a fev/ moments to write to you.
I hope this will find your Lordfliip fafe at your journey's end,
rejoicing in God for giving his angels charge concerning you
in the way. It will plcafe your Lord{l:iip, to inform you that
the Lord of all Lord^ hath dealt moft lovingly with me,
iince your departure hence. His power hath been frequently
made known in the great congregation, and many come to
me daily, crying out, " What (hall I do to be faved ?" The
work of the Lord alfo goes on in America, and in England, io
that I hope v/e fhall fee the kingdom of GoD come with power.
This is the full defire of my foul. I am determined to feck
after and knovv nothing elfe. For befides this, all other things
are but dung and drofs. O my Lord, v/hy fliould we that
are pilgrims, mind earthly things ? Why fliould we that are
foldiers, entangle ourfclves with the things of this life ? Hea-
venly-mindecinefs is the very life of a chriftian. It is all
in all. — I pray the Lord that your heart may be drawn more
and more towards him, and be filTd with all his fuinefs. I
could fay more, but Mr. G JF waits for me. I
am, my Lord,
Your Lordfliip's moil obedient humble fervanr,
G. ir
X 4 r. ^ T r p:
31
LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXLIV.
To Mr. H H , in London,
Edinburgh^ Aug. il, 1 74 1.
My 'very dear Brother //—- — ,
THOUGH my eyes are dim, and my body calls for
rell, yet I would fain fend you a line before I go.
The Lord Jesus is getting himfelf into many hearts. I
fcarce feel any reftraint in preaching. Both in public and
private, the Lord clothes his word with power. Poor fouls
come to me under deep convi£lions. Sweet letters are fent to
me of the fuccefs of my writings and fermons ; and feveral
preffing invitations to many places. I hope God is beginning
fuch a work here, as he begun, and is now carrying on in
New-England. Night and day Jesus fills me with his love.
My bodily ftrength is daily renevi'ed. The Lord is pleafed
to open my mouth wide 3 praifc him for it. I have preached
twice, and talked, and walked much to day. My dear man,
good-night. The Lord be with you !
Ever, ever yours, in the moft adorable Jesus,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCXLV.
To the Moji Honour able the M — — y} of U n.
My Lordy Edinburgh^ Aug. 12, 1 74 1.
I Am furprized to find your Lordfhip fo condefcending as to
write to me. How bright does humility fhine in great
perfonages ? It is this renders God f® amiable to his creatures.
He is infinitely good, and withal infinitely condefcending.
What an unparalleled inflance was that of his loving kindnefs,
his giving his only begotten Son to die for fmful man. How
low did jEius Itoop vvhen*he lay in a manger, much more
when he hung upon the accurfed tree. When I think of this
myftery of godllnefs, I am loll in thought. This makes me
to defpife all human happinefs, and fets my foul a longing for
a full fruition of my Jesus. I pray God to give your Lord-
(hip grace to determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ,
and him crucified. He is the only center of true happinefs.
Jn him alone, folid, laftingjoys are to be found. Having
JiZ5U2, 1 find in him I pofTefi. all things. But whither am I
J going ?
LETTERS. 313
going ? Your Lordfhip will excufe me. My heart at prefent
is enlarged. I pray God to vifit your Lordfliip with his great
falvation. I thank your Lordfhip for your intended benefadion
to the poor Georgia orphans. I hope the glorious Emmanuel
will accept it at your hands. I have fent your Lordfliip ano-
ther parcel, feeing the firft hath mifcarried. I fliall follow it
with my poor prayers, being, my Lord,
Your Lordftiip's moft obedient humble fervant,
G. IK
LETTER CCCXLVL
To Mr. H H .
My very dear Brother y Edinburgh, Aug. 13, 1741.
I Longed to receive a letter from you. Blefled be God, my
longing was fatisfied this day. My heart is much united
to you, and carried out for you. I utterly difapprove of fome
perfons feparating principles. I find, Satan now turns him-
felf into an angel of light, and ftirs up God's children to tempt
me to come over to fome particular party. The afTociate
Prefbytery have been hard upon me ; but I find no freedom,
any longer than I continue juft as I am, and cvan2;ellze to all.
I know not that I differ from you in one thing. Glory be to
God for what he has done at London ! He is doing great
things here. I walk in the continual funfhinc of his counte-
nance. Every day, frefh feals are given of my miniftry. This
morning God opened my voice to fpeak to preachers of the
gofpel. Be pleafcd to accept of this fummary account of my
proceedings. On Sunday morning, I vifitcd and preached to
the orphans here, and in the evening to as many people as the
Sunday before. Every day fmce, excepting Monday^ I have
preached either in the churches or field twice a day, and
yefterday I colleded upwards of ninety-three pounds for the
Georgia orphans. People are daily coming under d:.'ep convic-
tions, and frefli invitations are fent me to preach at divers
places round about. On Sunday, I purpofe to preach in the
country, and alfo the greatefl: part of the following week, and
ihall return again, God willing, about Friday to this city.
O my brother, exhort all to praife the LoPvD. I have
moft fvvect letters from many awakened ones, God, I believe,
will
314 L E T T E R S.
will work in the minlfters and young ftudents hearts. Even
fo Lord Jesus. Amen. Pray fail not writing to
Ever yours,
' G. JV,
LETTER CCCXLVII.
To Mr. D E , at SurliNg.
My dear Brcthdr^ Edinburgh^ Jug. 13, 1 74 1.
I Received your kind letter, and heartily blcfs God, if any
thing dropping from niy unworthy lips was made of fer-
vice to your foul. I believe, God inciined me to fpeak to
you. The fons of the prophets are much upon my heart.
I pray God that you may be polifhed fhafts, and noble in-
ftrumcnts in his hands, of building up living temples for the
Holy Ghoft. The treatment I met with from the aflbciate
prefbytery, was not altogether I'uch as I expecSlcd. It grieved
me, as much as it did you. I could fcarce refrain from
burfting into a flood of tears. I wifli all were like-minded
with your honoured father and uncle : matters then would
not be carried on with fo high an hand. I fear they are led too
much. Such violent methods, fuch a narrow way of acting,
can never be the way to promote and enlarge the kingdom
of the blcfled Jefus. It furely mufl be wrong to fix fuch bounds
to ourfelves, as forbid even our hearing thofe who love the
Lord Jesus in fincerity, and have alfo been owned of him.
Christ would not have done fo. — Suppofing the fcheme of
government which the allbciate prefbytery contend for to be
fcriptural, yet forbearance and long-fuflering is to be exercifed
towards fuch as may differ from them ; and 1 am verily perfuad-
ed, there is no fuch form of government prefcribed in the book
of Gcd, as excludes a toleration of all other forms whatfoever.
Was the New Teftament outward tabernacle to be built as
pundtuai as the old, as pun6tual directions would have been
given about the buildin<j it ; v/hcreas, it is oiily deduced by-
inference, and thus we fee Independents, Prefbyterians, and
Epifcopalians bring the fame text to fupport their particular
fcheme, and I bvlicve Jr.sus Christ thereby would teach us to
excrcife forbearance and long-fufFering to each other. Was the '
aflbciatc pren:)ytery fcheme to take efr'e£l, out of cohfcience, if
they acted confidently,, they muft refrrain, and grieve, if not
perfecute
LETTERS. 315
^erfecute many of God's children who could not pofTibly come
into their meafu-res ; and I doubt not but their prcfent vio-
lent methods, together with the corruptions of that allembly,
will caufe many to turn Independents, and let up particular
churches of their own. This was the eflecl of archbifhop
'Laud's ading with fo high an hand ; and vv'hether it be pref-
tytcry or epifcopacy, if managed in the fame manner, it will
be productive of the fame eftecls. Blefled be God, I have
cot fo learned Christ. I preach the fimple gofpel, and our
glorious Jesus is plealed to attend it with his power. Every
day 1 feel more and more of the divine prefence, and people
are coming to me crying, ^' What fiiall we do to be faved."
The love of Jesus fills my foul, and conftrains me to write
thus freely to you. O dear Sir, I love and honour your pious
father. Remember me in the kindeft manner to the good old
man. I pray God, Ris lafl: days may not be employed too
much in the non-cfTentials of religion. My heart is knit to
the family. God forbid, that any thing fhould hinder us
from taking fweet counfel together. God willing, I am to
preach at Falkirk on Tuefday evening, and purpofe to be at
Stirling that night, and to preach twice there the next day.
If it was thought advilable, I would collect for the Orphan-
houfe at Georgia in the afternoon. The Lord be with you,
auu all the family. Forget me not in your prayers. — I am
a poor unworthy wretch. As fuch, pray for
Your afTedlionate friend and fervant in Christ,
C\ JV.
LETTER CCCXLVIII.
ro Mr. H H ,
Aly very dear Brother , Edinburgh^ Jug. 15, 1 74 1.
IT would make your heart leap for joy, to be now in
Edinburgh. I queftion if there be not upwards of 300 in
this city fceking after Jesus. Every morning, I have a con-
ilant levee of wounded fouls, many of whom are quite flain
by the law. God's power attends the word continually,
juft as when I left Lor.don, At {q^zw in the morning, we
have a Icclure in the fields, attended not only by the com-
mon people, but perfons of great rank. I have reafon to thiiik
f£veral of the latter fort are coming to jEbUS. Little children
alio
3i5 LETTERS.
alfo are much wrought upon. God much blefles my letters
from the little orphans. He loves to work by the moft con-
temptible means. O my dear brother, I am quite amazed,
when I think what God hath done here in a fortnight. My
printed journals and fermons have been blefled in an uncom-
mon manner. I am only afraid left people fhould idolize
the inftrument, and not look enough to the glorious Jesus,
in whom alone I defire to glory. Congregations confift of
many thoufands. Never did I fee fo many bibles, nor people
look into them, when I am expounding, with fuch attention.
Plenty of tears flow from the hearers eyes. Their concern
appears various ways. I preach twice daily, and expound
at private houfes at night, and am employed in fpeaking to
fouls under diftrefs great part of the day. I have juft fnatchcd
a few moments to write to my dear brother. O that God
may enlarge your heart to pray for me. This afternoon I
fhall preach out of town, and alfo to-morrow. Next poft,
God willing, you fhall have another letter. I walk conti-
nually in the comforts of the Holy Ghoft. The love of
Christ quite ftrikes me dumb. O grace ! grace ! Let that
be my fong, Adieu. My dear fellow-traveller joins with me
in hearty love to you all. I muft away.
Ever yours in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CCCXLIX.
r<fMr. 7—— H , at Georgia.
Edinburgh^ Aug, 24, 1 74 1.
My very dear Friend and Br other ^
WITH very great diinculty I get time to write this.
The Lord is doing great things in Scotland, I preach
twice daily to many thoufands with great power. I have col-
le6led here very near two-hundred pounds, and have a prof-
pccSt of colleding much more. Mr. iY has drawn upon
me for three hundred pounds ftcrling. I have paid two of it.
Some hundreds remain yet unpaid. God gives me to put my
truft in him. I have bought five hundred yards of cloth for
the dear orphans winter's wear, and fliall fend you the other
things you mentioned. I rejoice to hear that the Lord is
with you. J do not v^'ondcr at the contempt you meet with,
or
LETTERS. 317
©r the calumnies which are fpread abroad. Remember the
burning bufh. O my friend, my dear friend, how (hall I
thank you for your prayers, care, and love ? I am willing to
wafti all your feet. Perhaps in the Spring, I may embark ; but
cannot yet determine. I have written to you many letters,
and I always remember you in my prayers. I am glad to hear
that you can go to market without money. The Lord in-
creafe your faith. My dear brother, I love you in the bowels
of Jesus Christ. I v/ill do what I can for Mr. B . I
thank dear Mr. J , from my heart, for his great kindnefs.
I wrote to him and to Mr. B , and near thirty more, a
month ago. Exped: alfo feme money flVortly. I had rather
bear any burden, than have my dear family burdened. I
thank Mr. TF for his care. His brethren here are well.
I have not time to tell you, how I love and efteem you for
the care you take of the dear lambs. I long to weep over you
all. Excufe me; for not writing particularly. The Lord
be with you all As foon as I can polTibly redeem time, you
iliall hear again, my dear Mr. H , from
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. IF,
LETTER CCCL.
To the Rev. Mr. R E .
Edinburgh^ Jug. 24, 1741.
P^cverend and dear Sir^
I Thank you for your kind letter. I believe it proceeded
from love ; but, as yet, I cannot think the folemn league
and covenant is any way obligatory upon me. Indeed, dear
Sir, you miftake if you think I temporize on account of the
orphans. Be it far from me. I abhor the very thought of it.
I proceed now, juft as I have done ever fince I came out in
the miniflry ; and fo far from not fctting a hedge about our
Lord's garden, that was I called to it, I fliould fet a much
clofer hedge than that which the aflociate prefbytery are plant-
ing. I fhould enquire into people's experiences, before 1 ad-
mitted them to the Lord's table. I would have church mem-
bers meet in church fellowfliip, and tell one another what
God has done for their fouls. You feem to think lam not
open to light. Thut I muy give you fatisfacHon, I am will-
inir
3iS LETTERS.
ing to confer with Mr. IF at Perth, where I arri \-o b'e by
divine permiffion on Thurfday, September 3. On Tuefday next,
about four in the afternoon, I purpofe preaching at Dumferm-
Ihig. — I am engaged to fup at your colleguc's houfe, but in-
tend to lie at yours. Jn the mean time be pleafed to pray for
me, and to remember my love to all your family y and believe
me, reverend Sir, to be
Your mofl: afFcdionate, though unworthy
brother and fcrvant,
G. /r.
LETTER CCCLI.
To the Reverend Mr. O , at Jherdeen,
Perth, Sept. 3, 1741.
Reverend and dear Sir,
I Have received two letters from you, which much affcct mc^
knowing how unworthy I am of fuch endearing expref-
fions, or indeed of any notice at all. i>ut what fhall I fay ?
Grace ! grace I Jesus loves me, and fo does his fervant for
Jesu's fake. O free grace I I am forry to find that any fnould
infmuate, my iiot coming to Aberdeen is owing to your cold in-
vitation. Such a thought never entered my heart, but quite
♦he contrary. The dillance of the way, and my mcismg call
to England., will keep me from you, and nothing elfc. I love
and honour you for my mafrer's fake. I Ibiould be glad to
wafli your feet, and if pofiible I will yet fee you. But if God
ihould not permit me, dear Sir, be not offended. The Lord
is pleafed to give me much freedom and power in preaching.
Congregations arc every where large, and they have been very
liberal to my poor orphans. O that I was humble, and thankful !
J am the chief of fmntrs : I feel myfelf fuch. O the cmcacy
o^ Christ's blood ! It is omnipotent ; it hath faved m*c.
Dear Sir, my heart is melted down with the love of Jksus.
He is a dear mafter. He hath fuffered no evil to befal me,
as you have already henrd. I have not fo much as hurt my
foot againft a ftone. Help me to praifc him. Worthy is tlie
Lamb that was (lain, to receive all honour and glory ?ind riches
3 and
LETTERS. 319
and power and bleiTing ! With much difficulty, I get time to
fend you thefe few lines. — Reverend and dear Sir,
Your very afFe6lionate, obedient friend, younger
brother, and fcrvant in the gofpel,
G\" JV.
P. S. For nine days part, I have continued preaching with
great power twice every day, to very large and affecSled au-
ditories in many towns and villages.
LETTER CCCLir.
To the Rev. Mr. W .
Edinburgh^ Sept, 19, 1 74 1.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH nature calls for refi:, and I am to preach
four times to-morrow, yet I cannot go to bed with-
out anfwering your kind letter. Blcfled he God for any
good done at Dundee! Not unto me, not unto me, but unto
Jesus Christ be all the glory. Thanks be to God, lean
yet fend you more glad tidings. At Creif we had a mod
precious meeting. At Glafgcw I preached ten times. The
Lord was with me of a truth. The congregations were
very large, as were the contributions, and many were brought
under the deeped convictions. With great regret we parted,
and with great joy was received at Edinburgh. I had fomc
thoughts of abiding in Scotland longer, but lad night I re-
ceived a letter, which almoft determined my return to Eng^
land. Next Saturday^ God willing, I purpofe to leave this
place, and fhall return into thefe parts, if providence points
a way, in the Spring. I do notdcfpair of feeing Seot/and Vike
Nezu- England. Reverend Sir, for the prefcnt adieu. My
poor body bids me to dop. O when diall I fleep no more !
I am exceedingly weary, but am affectionately. Reverend and
dear Sir,
Your mod unworthy and obedient brother,
and fervant in Christ,
LETTER
320
LETTERS.
LETTER CCCLIII.
To Mr. T ^ G , in London,
Edinburgh^ Sep, 24, 174I'
My very dear Brother^
THIS ferves to inform you, that on Sunday laft I preached
here four times, twice in a church, and twice in the
£elds ', in the evening I collected twenty pounds for the royal
infirmary. On Monday morning, I vifited the children in
three hofpitals, and preached in the evening in the park ;
alfo at Kinglajfy^ Aberdour^ and Innerkeithing^ on Tuefday and
Wedncfday, On Thurfday I vifited the prifon, and in the
evening preached to the children of the city, with a congrega-
tion conhfting of near twenty thoufand in the park. It is re-
markable that many children are under convidtions, and every
where great power and apparent fuccefs attend the word
preached. Calls to divers places^ are fo numerous and impor-
tunate, that I think it my duty to ftay in Scotland fome time
longer : being in hafte, can fay not more at prefent. My love
to all that love the Lord Jesus.
Your moft afiedlionate friend, brother, and fervant,
G, jr.
LETTER CCCLIV.
To the Right Honourable Lord L-^-^—L^
My Lord^ Edinburgh^ Sept. 25, 1 74 1.
THOUGH nature calls for reft, yet love and gratitude
oblige me to fit up to anfwer your Lord (hip's letter, left
I fhould not have time in the morning. BlefTed be the glori-
ous Redeemer ! who feems in fome degree to be working upon
your heart. My prayer to God is, that thcfe convictions
may continue, 'till they end in a found converfion. You do
well, my Lord, to fear, left they ftiould wear off. I have not
had fo much acquaintance with the world as your Lordfhip ;
but I know it is a deceitful thing, and without the utmoft care
and watchfulnefs, will infenfibly divert the foul from GoD.
Your Lordfliip is in a dangerous fituation. A fear of contempt,
and a love for honour, falfely fo called, render religion un-
, fafhionable
Letters. 321
faiTilonable amongfl the rich and polite part of mankinJ. But
the blood of JesUs is almighty, and makes the foul more
than conqueror. Here is the fountain to which you and I
muft apply, to wafli away all our fins. And is it yet open for
all poor fmners ? Come then, my Lord, and lay yourfelf at the
feet of the bleiTed Jesus. He can, he will, if you believe ori
him, abundantly pardon you. But faith Is the gift of God.
I pray God to give you no reft, 'till you have received Che full
afTurance *of faith. Then will you recover yolir primitive
dignity, trample earth under your feet, and with your foul be
panting after God. O my Lord, it is a blclTed thing to have
fcllowfhip with the Father, and with the Son. I am a poor
defpifed minifler of Jesus Christ ; but I would hot change
my Mafter for ten thoufand worlds. I have food to eat, that
the world knows nothing of. I long to have your Lordfhip
tafte of it too, and fliall as it were travail in birth 'till Jesus
Christ is formed in you. Your Lordfhip need not remind me
to pray for you. Your eternal welfare is much upon my heart.
My Lord, now is the accepted time, now is the day of falva-
tion. The blefTed fpirit is now ftriving with you, and faying,
'* My fon, give me thy heart ; what haft thou to do any more
with idols ?" I hope your reply will be, ** Lord, I give thee
my heart, my whole heart, and will no longer keep back from
thee the leaft part." Then will your Lordfhip be truly happy 5
for fo far as we are void of God, fo far we are miferable. But
whither am I running ? It is late ; but your Lordftiip defired a
long letter, and therefore I have taken the liberty to write
freely. I am fcnfible of the honour put upon me by you^
Lordfliip, and hope I fhall never betray any truft repofed in me,"
I pray God to fandlify this, and blefs our fellowftiip when we
meet together, t thank your Lordftiip for your concern about
the orphans. I am perfuaded you will in no wife lofe your
reward. I hope your Lordfliip received my laft letter, which
gave an account of my intended preaching at Kinglajjle and
Coupar. May the glorious Jesus fandify my continuance in
thefe parts, to the promoting his own glory and the good of
fouls ! I think I can fay, '^ to me to live is Christ." It
revives me to fee fo many feeking after Jesus. At Kinglajfie
the power was extraordinary. O free grace ! that Gom
as I am. I defirc to lie
humbly
Til Li id
m<
ike
ufe of in
cha
wretch
Vol.
L
Y
7
322 LETTERS.
humbly in the duft, and fay, " Why me, Lord, why me ?
Fear not, my Lord, I have received rcmiflion of fms by the blood
of Jesus. Into his arms, I am juft about to commend your
Lordfnlp. 1 pray God to vifit your foul with his falvation ;
and hoping my humble refpe(Sls will find^acceptance with your
Loidfhip, your lady, and lady Ann^ I beg leave to fubfcribe
myfelf.
Your Lord(l:iip's moft obedient humble fervant,
G, W.
LETTER CCCLV.
To the Right Honourable Lord R .
My Lor d^ Gallq/hielsy Sept. iS^ ly^-J.
YOUR letter I fear has been too long unanfwered, but
gratitude will not permit me to defer anfwcring it any
longer. I have alfo received your Lordfliip's liberal benefatStion
for the orphans, for which and all other favours, your Lord-
fhip hath my hearty thanks. — The innumerable inflances of
God's goodnefs quite melt me down. The word of God
prevails more and more. Every where Jesus Christ is get-
ting himfclf the victory in poor fmners hearts. Young and
old from many quarters fly to the gofpel, as doves to the win-
dows. I truft, your Lordlhip's daughters will feci the power of
Christ's blood. Happy they, who do feel it. They reft in
God. They are fons and daughters of the Lord Almighty.
What a rich perfon is the pooreft chriftlan ? He is joint heir
with Jesus Christ. Supported with this thought, and feel-
ing the power of it in my foul, I can defpife all fubl unary en-
joyments, and long to be wholly fwallowed up in God. Hap-
py day, when we (hall converfe with the world no more ! I
pray God to give me patience to wait 'till Jesus comes. I
would leap my feventy years, and fly upon the wings of faith
and love, into the blcfled Redeemer's prcfencc. I hope vour
Lordfhip is thus minded. May the glorious Emtnanuel keep
you fo, 'till your foul is carried into Abraharti^ bofom. This
is the hearty prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordfhip's moft obedient and obliged
humbl fervant,
G. W,
LETTER
LETTERS. 323
LETTER CCCLVI.
To the Right Honourable lord L
Ady Lord., Edinburgh^ 05i. 2, 1 74 1. '
LAST night I returned from the fouth country, and re-
ceiv'd your Lordfliip's kind letter. My invitation to
Coupar was in the name of many : who the perfons were that
figncd the letter I cannot tell. 1 have fcnt it inclofcd in this.
Had I known it to have been more agreeable to your Lordfhip,
I would have appointed the meeting at Adelvill -, but I fear, as
fuch public notice has been given, it will be now impradtica-
ble. I cannot poflibly ftay with your Lordfhip all Tiiefday., be-
ing to preach at Dundee. But in my return from Aberdeen., I
hope to be at your Lordfliip's houfe. I am glad your Lordfhip
intends to be at KinglaJJie, 1 (hall have both fermons very
early, and hope the glorious Jesus will be with us in our go-
ing to Meh'ill, O my Lord, I want a thoufand tongues to
fet ofF the Redeemer's praife. Having him, tho' I have no-
thing elfe, I find I pofTefs all things. I have not forgotten your
Lordfhip fmce I wrote laft. You are, and will be much upon
my heart. I have heard of the piety of your Lordftiip's ancef-
tors, and hope many prayers are yet in ftore for you. Above
all, I truil:, Jesus prays for you, and then you cannot but be
a conqueror; nay, more than conqueror over the world, the
ficfh and the devil. Take courage then, my Lord, and fear not
to follow a crucified Jesus without the camp, bearing his fa-
cred reproach. Beware of honour, falfely fo called : dare to
be Angularly good, and be not afhamed of Jesus or his gofpel.
O that you may find it to be the power of God to your fal-
vation ! Look but to Christ by faith, and your Lordfliip's
great poflTelnons will not retard, but further and promote your
progrefs in the divine life. What fweet communion will your
Lordfhip then enjoy with God, in your walks and gardens ?
It will then be a little paradife to your foul, and every thing
you meet with, will only draw you fo much nearer to Jehovahy
in whom all fulnefs dwells. This I find by daily experience ;
and that your Lordfhip may daily experience the fame, is the
earneft prayer, my Lord, of
Your Lordfhip's mofl obliged humble fervant,
G. JK
Y2 LETTER
3H LETTERS. \
LETTER CCCLVII.
ro Mr, H ,
Melvill^ OcJoher 5, 1741.
J-Zy ^vrj ^^^r Friend and Brother^
I Have, by the (hip that brings you this, fent you 70/. worth
of different forts of goods to be difpofed of, and the money
to be appHcd for the ufe of the Orphan-houfc. You are to let
Mr. B have 20/. I have alfo fent 600 yards of cloth, a
prefent of my own, to make the boys and girls gowns and
coats, fome whereof I have had made up here. The other
things were given by various pcrfons. Amongft thefe, you
will find fome damafk table-cloths, which I defire you will
fell, they being too good, in my opinion, for our ufe. O
my dear friend, how faithful is the Lord Jesus ! He has
now enabled me to pay my brother, and Mr. A^ 's bill of
thice hundred pounds fterling. There is yet 200/. to be paid,
which I borrowed fmce my arrival in England; but very fliort-
\y I hope to difcharge that alfo. I have been in Scotland 2ho\xt
two months, and think to be here about a fortnight longer.
(jOD is pleafcd to give me health, and to blefs my miniftra-
tions in an abundant manner. The little children in the hof-
pitals, are much wrought upon. Saints have been ftirred up
and edified, and many others, I believe, are tranflated from
darknefs to light, and from the kingdom of fatan to the king-
dom of God's dear Son. The good that has been done, is
inexprelnble. I am intimate with three noblemen, and fevera!
ladies of quality, who have a great liking for the things of
God. I am now writing in an earl's houfe, farrounded with '
fine furniture J but glory be to free grace ! my foul is in love
only with Jesus : he helps me more and more. I feel but
little flraitnefs in preaching, and we have often fweet appear-
ances of the divine prefence in our large afiemblies. As to
my own foul, it is very comfortable and compofed ; I feel the
power of Jesus more, and the power of indwelling fin \t(s.
I am daily waiting for the coming of the Son of God. I fear
I am too impatient to be gone j but what can the foul do,
when fick Of love? I have fome thoughts of vifiting /r^Z^w^.
Whether I (hall do that, or cCme to America in the Spring,
God
LETTERS. -75
God only knows. I pray for, and long to fee you and the
reft of my dear family. I truft, I then (hall behold, what [
long to behold, a houfhold of faith, a company of poor fmncrs
walking in the fimplicity and love of the meek and lowly Jk-
sus. O that you may fo live, that whofoever comes amon^ft
you may fay, " Surely God is in this place." Thoufands of
prayers are put up for us, and thoufands of lies are fpread
abroad againft us. But Jesus enables me to fight my way
through all, and I am perfuaded he will make me more than
conqueror through his love. In England, the work goes on
well. Brother C is much blefled in Wiltjhlre ; and bro-
ther H wrote me word fome time ago, that he had exa-
mined about three hundred fouls of our focicty, moft of which
had been wrought upon fmce my return from Georgia, Help
me to cry, Grace ! grace I My dear friend and brother, for
the prefent adieu ! I love you in the bowels of a crucified
Jesus. Brethren, pray for us.
I am ever, ever yours in Christ,
G. IK
LETTER CCCLVIII.
T^o Mr, H in Edinburgh,
Me hilly O^ioher 5, 1741.
Dear Mr, H ,
I Received your kind letter with the bill, and alfo that figned
by you, and my other friends at Edinburgh, I take all
they fay in good part, but think fome of their reafonings a
little too worldly. The calumnies of evil men are not to be
regarded. I value them not in the leaft. My largeft donati-
ons have been from the rich and fubftantial. The mites which
the lower fort of people have given, I am perfuaded will not
prevent their paying their debts, or impoverifii their families.
Mr. fV , in a letter to Mr. S , wifties there may be a
private contribution for myfelf ; but I know nothing of, and
will not admit of any fuch thing. I make no purfc ; what I
have, I give away. — Freely I have received, freely 1 defirc to
give. " Poor, yet making many rich," fhall be my motto
ftill. My great and profeffcd defign, is to bring poor fmners
to Jesus Christ : but as my orphan family abroad is now
y 3 large.
326 LETTERS.
large, and dally to be provided for, without the leaft vifibic
fund, and I believe much glory will redound to God from
that houfe ; I think it my duty to fpeak to thofe, who I be-
lieve, for Christ's fiike, arc willing to help them. I would
have no one afraid of doing too much good, or think, that a
little given in charity will impoverifh the country. — May God
reward you, and all others that have affifted me for his dear
Son*s fake ! My poor prayers will alv/ays attend my Scetch
friends. When I fhall go to England^ I know not, but I
hope God will dire£l me. I muft have done. Dear Sir, may
the Lord be with you, and be your eafe in pain. My kind-
eft refpedls attend your kind wife, and all my dear friends. I
thank you and them for their advice, and defire to fubfcribe
myfelf, with much affe6lion, dear Sir,
Your obliged, and alte£iionate friend and fervant,
G. JV,
LETTER CCCLIX.
To the Rev. Mr. M , at Dornock.
Aberdeen^ OSfober 9, 1 74 1.
Reverend and dear Sir,
SOME time paft, I received a letter from your Prefbytery
of Sutherland, and if I miftake not, with your name fub-
fcribed. However, as I this night have feen your fon, I think
jt my duty in a letter to you, to thank the reverend prefbytery
for their kind invitation ; but as my flay in Scotland is fo fhort,
and Sutherland i'o far Northv^ard, I cannot think of going thi-
ther at this time. Notvvithflanding, my prayer to God is,
that the glorious gofpel may fiourifli in your hands, and that
you may bring many, very many fouls to Jesus. This, re-
verend Sir, unlefs my heart deceives me, is my only airn.
For this let men revile my name,
IjJmn no Crofs, I fear no foarne ;
All hail reproach, and welcome pain.
Only thy terrors. Lord, rejlrain I
P, dear Sir, m.y heart is warmed with the love of Jesus ;
whilft I am writing, the fire kindles. Amazing, that Jesus
ftiould fufFer me to fpeak for him ! But what fliall we fay ?
. • His
LETTERS. 327
His grace is free. Dear Sir, help me to cry, Grace ! grace !
Surely I fliall fmg it in heaven. I long to be there, but am
willing to tarry the Lord's leifure. Dear Sir, excufe this
freedom ; I hope I am writing to one that loves Jesus. I
would write more, but muft away to give a word of exhorta-
tion. That the Lord Jesus may fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, is the hearty prayer of, Reverend and dear
Sir,
Your afFe^lionate friend, brother. Sec,
in Christ,
G. IK
LETTER CCCLX.
To Major M .
Dear Sir, Aberdeen, O£loher 9, 1 741.
BEING come thus far Northward, and hearing that you
are this way, 1 cannot forbear writing, though nature
calls for fleep. 1 was concerned I could not fee you at Lon-
don ; but hope this will find you retired from a noify world,
and walking with your dear fpoufe as becometh the gofpel of
Jesus Christ. It is what I have longed and prayed for
many a time. I am of the fame mind as formerly. Nothing
but Jesus can fatisfy the foul. Aided by his Almighty pow-
er, I ftill go on through good report and evil report, preach-
ing the gofpel. Blefled be God, I am not afhamed of it. For,
I find it, as do many others, to be the power of God to our
eternal falvation. O, dear Sir, I feel more and more of the
love of Christ every day. It is paft expreffion. I hope ere
now you have had it (hed abroad in your heart abundantly,
by the Holy Ghoft. A letter informing me of this, will re-
joice my foul. Be pleafed to direct to me at Mr. T 's,
Edinburgh, GoD willing, I purpofe leaving Scotland in about
a fortnight. Whether I fhall fee you in the flefh, I know not.
However, fince I know what God once did for you, be not
offended, if I charge you, dear Sir, not to let me mifs you at
God's right-hand in the great day. But God only can brir.g
this to pafs : That you and your dear wife may be kept by his
mighty power unto falvation, prays, dear Sir,
Ever yours,
G. jy.
Y4 LETTER
28 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCLXI.
To Mrs, Ann D , at great Granfden.
My dear Sijiery Aberdeen^ 03ober 9, 1 74 1.
THIS evening your letter came to hand. Though it is
paft eleven at night, and I have rode many miles this
day, yet I cannot go to-bed without fending you a line* I
fear, by your manner of writing, you are offended with me for
my lafl letter. I knew very well, it would be a trial to you 5 but
I wrote out of pure love, and am glad it is now in your power
to clear yourhufband, which I much deftred to do. I have top
many afperfions of the fame nature caft upon me, not to fym-
pathize with you both. But Jesus is our advocate, and ere long
we fh^ll fee all the accufers of the brethren caft down. In fpite
of all, J^sus has been, and is getting himfelf the vi£lory in
many finncrs hearts. I am yet carried on day by day, ftrength-
ened in bodyj and niuch refreflied and comforted in foul. Your
letter gives me a little prefent pain, left my laft ftiould have
pained you. But Geo permits thefe things to happen among
ourfelves, to teach us to look ofF from all creatures, and to
centre all our happinefs in himfelf. Glory be to God for his
almighty love ! At my firft coming here, things looked a lit-
tle gloomy ; for the magiftrates had been fo prejudiced by one
Mr. B 5 that when applied to, they refufed me the ufe of
the kirk-yard to preach in. This Mr. B — — is collegue
^ith one Mr. O , at whofe repeated invitation I came hi-
ther. Though collegues of the fame congregation, they
are very different in their natural tempers. The one is what
they call in ScoiIa?2d, of dfweet blooded, the other, of a .chole-
ric difpofition. Mr. B- is neither a Seceder, nor quite
a Kirk-man, having great fault to find with both. Soon after
my arrival, dear Mr. O took me to pay my refpe6ts to
him ; he was prepared for it, and immediately pulled out a
paper, containing a great number of infignificant queries,
which I had neither time near inclination to anfwer. The
next morning, it being Mr. 's turn, 1 lectured and
preached ; the magiftrates were prefent. The congregation
very large, and light and life fled ail around. In the after-
noon Mr. B — = — ofHciated , I attendedo He began his pray«
ers
LETTERS. 329
crs as ufua] ; but in the mldft of them naming me by name, he
intrealed the Lord to forgive the difhonour that had been put
upon him, by my being fufFcred to preach in that pulpit; and
that all might know what reafon he had to put up fuch a
petition, about the middle of his fermon, he not only uro-ed
that " I was a curate of the church of Eyiglancl^' but alfo
quoted a paflage or tv/o out of my firft printed fermons, which
he faid were grofsly Armiman. Moft of the congregation
feemed furprizcd and chagrined, efpecially his good-natured
collegue Mr. O , who immediately after fermon, without
confulting me in the leaft, flood up and gave notice, that Mr.
Whitefield would preach in about half an hour. The interval
being fo fliort, the magiftratcs returned into the feiTion's-
houfe, and the congregation patiently waited, big with expec-
tation of hearing my refefitment. At the time appointed, I
went up, and took no other notice of the good man's ill-timed
zeal, than to obferve in fome part of my difcourfe, that if the
good old gentleman had feen fome of my later writings, where-
in I had corrected feveral of my former miftakes, he would
not have exprelTed himfelf in fuch ftrong terms. The people
being thus diverted from controverfy with man, were deeply
impreffed with what they heard from the word of God. All
was huflied ! and more than folemn ! and on the morrow the
magiftrates fent for me, exprefled themfelves quite concerned
at the treatment I had met with, and begg'd I would accept
of the freedom of the city. But of this enough. The Lord,
my dear fifter, i^ my fupport ; let us both continually fly to
him, and then let men or devils do their worft. Christ
will by and^ by take away our reproach. Into his hands I com-
mend your fpirit. Good night; the Lord be with you and
yours ! I hope to fet out for England ioon. Pray write when
you h?ar of my arrival there, and fo convince me, that you
are not angry with
Your afFedlionate tho* unworthy brother
and fervant in Christ,
C.JK
LETTER
si"^
LETTERS.
LETTER CCCLXII.
To Mr. IV , at Edinburgh.
Dear Sir, Aberdeen, OSlober lo, 1 74 1.
IJuft fnatch a few moments to anfwer your letter. Want
of leifure prevented my doing it before. I have not as yet
feen your mother's memoirs. Happy are you in having fuch
a parent. No doubt many prayers are in ftore for you. As
for your entering upon the miniftry, I cannot advife you, 'till
you have gotten full fatisfadlion that you are born again of
God. 1 know more than one, who are ready to give up their
miniftry for want of this ; and as for my own part, I could
not feelingly prefs the love of God to others, unlefs I was fure
of his love to myfelf. I know not what may have pafted be-
tween God and your foul. You can tell, I fuppofe, whether
or not God's fpirit witnefleth with your fpirit, that you are a
child of God ? For he that believeth, hath the wicnefs in him-
felf. If you have got this withamoderateftiareof learning, a good
elocution and a burning love for precious fouls, then, I think
vou may do fervice in a public ftation. If godly, and real ex-
perienced friends are for your entering into the miniftry, their
advice is fomewhat to be regarded. If their advice proceeds
from worldly motives, do not mind them at all. The difcou-
ragements you meet with from fome, are not worth your no-
tice. If God loves you, he will try you every way. Prayer,
meditation, and temptation, are three neceflary qualifications
for a gofpcl miniftcr. I know not what to fay about your
going to Georgia. In Penfylvania, and other places, there are
moft noble opportunities of preaching the gofpel of Jesus.
But I hope to be in Edinburgh in about ten days, and then
fhall be glad to convcrfe with you. In the mean time, dear
Sir, I commend you to God, and defire you would not forget
the unworthy creature, who now fubfcribes himfelf
Yours in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER
LETTERS.
23^
LETTER CCCLXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. J JV .
Aberdeen^ O^ober lo, 1741.
Reverend and dear Brother,
I Have for a long time expeiSled that you would have fent
me an anfwer to my laft ; but I fuppofe that you are
afraid to correfpond with me, becaufe I revealed your fecret
about the lot. Though much may be faid for my doing it,
yet I am forry now, that any fuch thing dropped from my
pen, and I humbly afk pardon. I find I love you as much as
ever, and pray God, if it be his blefTed will, that we may be
all united together. It hath been fpr fome days upon my
heart to write to you, and this morning I received a letter
from brother H , telling me how he had convcrfed with
you anci your dear brother. May God remove all obftacles
that now prevent our union I Though I hold particular elec-
tion, yet I offer Jesus freely to every individual foul. You
may carry fan6lification to what degrees you will, only I
cannot agree that the in-being of fin is to be deflroyed in this
life. O, my dear brother, the Lord hath been much with
me in Scoilond. I every morning feel my fellowfliip with
Christ, and he is pleafed to give me all peace and joy in be-
lieving. In about three weeks I hope to be at Briftol. JVlay
all diiputings ceafe, and each of us talk of nothing but Jesus,
and him crucified ! This is my refolution. The Lord be
with your fpirit. My love to brother C , and all that
love the glorious Emmanuel. I am, without diflimulation.
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLXIV.
ro Peter 5-^-i-il.
Aberdeen, Ooiober 10, 1741.
My dear Brother,
I Write this, to afk pardon for mentioning your name in my
anfwer to brother TV 's fcrnioi^,. I am very forry for it.
Methinks I hear you fay, for Christ's fake I forgive you. I
thank
2
,,2 LETTERS.
thank you, and fhall be glad of a conference with you when
I come to London, There have been faults on both fides.
I think, my dear brother, you have not a£led fimply in fomc
things. Let us confefs our faults to one another, and pray for
one another, that we may be healed. I wifh there may be no
dilTention between us for the time to co;iie. May God prc-
ferve us from falling out in our way to heaven ! The world
and the devil are united againft us ; O that we could all unite
ao-ainft them ! " God is love, and he that dwclleth in love,
dwelleth in God." I long to have all narrow-fpiritednefs
taken out of my heart. Jesus is able to deliver me. His
blood is Almighty. I truft I fhall not reft, 'till I have felt the
full power of it in my foul. BlefTed be God, I am ftill car;-i-
ed on from conquering to conquer. Jesus caufes me to tri-
umph in every place. I defire to lie as a poor firmer at his
feet, and to cry, Grace ! grace ! I find I am fliortly to be called
before the higher powers. Help me, my dear brother, by
vour prayers. In about nine days I think to leave Scotland,
I commend you to Jesus, and defire to fubfcribe myfelf, dear
brother B — ^ — ,
Yours afFe£lionately in the bleeding Lamb,
G. IK
LETTER CCCLXV. \
To ihs Reverend Mr, C .
Aberdeen^ OSloher 13, I74I,
My dear Brother^
I Received your letters, and am glad to hear that the glorious
Einmanuel is pleafed to countenance your miniftry. May
he fmile on you more and more, and make you the fpiritual fa-
ther of many children ! I have very great reafon to be thank-
ful to our common Saviour. Fie hath been with me greatly,
both in England and Scotland. I generally preach twice every
day, fometimes three, even four times, and generally expound
in private every night. The Lord has fought many battles
for me, and ftill continues to make me more than conqueror
through his love. This morning I felt his power in the pul-
pit, and now feel it much in my foul. O what a blefled thing
it is, to have God's fpirit witncfs with our fpirit, that we are
Gqd'3
LETTERS. 333
God's children ! This, glory be to free grace! I have con-
tinually; and let me be in what frame ibcver, my foul is
waiting for the coming of the Son of Man. Blefled be God,
it will not be long ere I fhall fee him as he is. The fight I
have of him by faith, ravifhes my foul : how ihall I be ra-
vKhed when I fee him face to face ! " Lord, purify me, even
as thou art pure ; for only the pure in heart fee thee !" My
dear brother, the love of GoA now fills my foul. May you
feel it fhed abroad abundantly in your heart ! About Spring,
perhaps, I may leave England, ' F'orget not to pray for me»
I am, dear Mr. C ,
Ever yours in Christ Jesus,
G. JV.
LETTER CCCLXVI.
To the Right Honourable the Earl of L^^— .
My Lord, Brechen^ O^oher 17, 1741.
I Would have wrote to your Lordfhip from Aberdeen, but
could not then determine when I fhould be at MelvilL
This comes to acquaint your Lordfhip, that, God willing, I
hope to be at your Lordfhip's houfe on IVednefday night, and to
preach at Coupar on Thurfday. I fhould be glad if the ma-
giftrates were apprized of it, and the tent fixed in a more
convenient place, and at a lefs diftance from the ground. I
cannot tell your Lordfhip, how good the glorious Emmanuel
has been unto me. He has caufed me to triumph in every
place, and fills my foul with joy unfpeakable, even with joy
that is full of glory, I wifli your Lordfhip was not almoft,
but altogether fuch as I am, excepting my indwelling cor-
ruptions. O my Lord, none but Chriftians know the plea-
fure of renouncing the world for God. I am perfuaded you
felt unfpeakable pleafure at Coupar, I hope thbfe days
have continued with yoU; Happy are you in having a con-
fort that will forward you in the fpi ritual life. That you
may both live together as becomes heirs of the grace of God,
and have all joy and peace in believing, is the earncft prayer
€)f, my Lord,
Your Lordihip^s moft obedient humble fervant,
G. JV.
LETTER
554 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCLXVII.
To Mr, Thomas G , at London.
Dundee^ O^oher 21, 1 741.
Dear Brother G-
YOU will fee, by the following, what God is ftill doing
for me. On TVednefday night laft I left Aberdeen^
after preaching there feven times, befides expounding in pri-
vate. Before I came among them, numbers were much pre-
judiced againft me j but God was pleafed to attend my mi-
niftry with fuch power, that all oppofition fell before me.
Many were brought under great convictions. The magi-
ftrates made me free of the city ; and the people much re-
gretted my fpeedy departure from them. On Thurfday laft I
preached at Stonhkhe and Benham ; on Friday^ thrice at Mon-
trofe ', on Saturday twice, and on Sunday thrice at Brechen^ and
ledlured in the evening at a private houfe. On Monday I
preached twice at Forfar ; on Tuefday twice at Coupar^ in Angus ;
and once at Dundee^ five miles from Coupar, at four in the af-
ternoon, and again at night ; here I have alfo preached twice
this day. The prefence of God accompanies me more and
more. Wherever I have preached, 1 hear of the good fruits of
it, both in convi6ling finners, and reviving faints. At Dundee,
the concern among the hearers is very remarkable. People
are ftill more defirous to hear the word. Bur, God willing,
I purpofe fhortly to fet out for England, My dear brother,
pray for me, that I may be humble and thankful. I am glad
to hear your wife is recovered. My love to her, and all
friends. I am, with cordial affedion,
Dear brother G ,
Ever yours in Christ,
G. PK
LETTER ;
LETTERS.
LETTER CCCLXVIir.
To thi Right Honourable the Lord L
^IS
My Lord ^ Edinburgh^ Oaoher %b^ l']\l,
IT is now paft eleven at night ; all is wrapt in awful filcnce.
My foul is in a quiet compofed rcamc. I have been giving
your Lordlhip's letter a fecond reading, with afpirations to
God whilft I perufed it. Surely God has not let me wreftlc
with him in vain. The Holy Spirit Teems to be moving upoa
the face of your foul. 1 truft God hath faid, " Let there be
light," and therefore there is light. O that the work may be
carried on, till you enter into that rcll: which remains for the
people of God, I truft your Lordfhip will now awake into a
new world, and know what it is to live by faith. Did I not
know the power of Christ's blood, I fliould fear for you.
But I commend you to a glorious Redeemer, that will cer-
tainly take care of you. As I left your Lordflnp's houfe, I
was thinking, that the narrow efcape your Lordfhip had be-
tween the ftones, foreboded fomething good. Jesus has
taken care of you when in your blood. I hope he is
now pafling by you, and faying unto you, '' Live." O that
the ftone of infidelity, which before lay at the door of
your heart, may be now rolled awny ! O that you may rife,
be loofed from your corruptions, and go about doing good !
Satan will not let you go without much oppofition. He will
defire to have you, that he may fift you as wheat. But if Jesus
prays for you, all will be well. The comfort which you had
with him in reading the pfalms, is a tafte of the food believers
daily eat, and which the carnal world knows nothing of. My
Lord, if you could be brought once to love fecret prayer, and
to converfe feelingly with God in his word, your heaven will
begin on earth j you will enjoy more pleafure than in all man-
ner of riches. What will thofe avail, if you are not rich to-
wards God ? Be, therefore, my Lord, much in fecret retire-
ment. Commune with your own heart in your chamber, and
be ftill, and you will then hear the fecret whifpcrs of the
Holy Ghoft. As for praying in your family, I intreat you,
my Lord, not to neglect it. You are bound to do it. Apply
to Christ for ftrength to overcome your prefent fears. They
arc the effects of pride, or infidelity, or of both. After once
©r
Z^e LETTERS.
or twice, the difficulty will be over. O that the blcflcd Spirft
may enable you to make intcrcefilon with groaning that can-
not be uttered ! It rejoices me to think, that I (liall one day
perhaps fee a church in Melvlll houfe. Happy, happy are vou^
my Lord, iji having fuch a confort, who will forward your
Lordfliip in every good word and work. How fweet will it
be for you to go early to your devotions, flriving to live like
the firft happy pair, before they had eaten the forbidden fruit.
As God fliall enable me, J fhall bear you both upon my
heart. God forbid that I fliould fm againft him in ceafmg to
pray for you. My riding upon your Lordfhip's horfe, will
often remind me to pray for the donor. My Lord, you are
upon my heart. Methinks I would undergo the pangs of the
new birth for you ; but Jesus can carry you through. Fear
not. Go on in his ftrength, and your Lordfliip will be en-
abled to ftand the fhock of all. I fhould be glad to hear, from
time to time, what the Lord is doing for your foul. Since
your Lordfliip has laid your commands upon me, I fliall write
as often as poffible. If your Lordfliip is pleafed to write
within this week, a letter may be direded to me at Mrs,
y 's, in Abergavenny. If afterwards, at Mr. S 's.
Grocer, in IVine-Jheet^ Br'iJloL Your Lordfliip may depend
on my fecrefy -, no one hath feen your Lordfliip's letter, but
Mr. 5 , who copies this, and who Is as my own foul.
His prayers, I trufl:, will benefit your Lordfliip. His humble
refpe£ls await both you and your lady. Once more, I pray
God to blefs you both together. But it is late, the clock has
flruck tv/clve. Methinks I could wifli the cry was now made,
** Behold, the bridegroom cometh." My foul longs to go
forth to meet him. This evening I was greatly refreflied by
preaching on thefe words, " This is my beloved, and this is
my friend, oh daughters of Jerufalcm.''' O when fhall I fee
him as he is I Well may your Lordfljip fay, " He is altoge-
ther lovely." The more you know him, the more you will
have reafon to commend him. Eternity is too fliort to utter
all his praife. With a heart full of nfFection and thanks- for
all favours, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, my Lord,
Your Lordfliip's mofl: obUged humble fervant,
G. W,
LETTER
LETTERS.
^21
LETTER CCCLXIX.
To Mr. J C , at London.
Edinburgh^ Ouloher 27, 174 1.
Aly very dear Brothtr^
LTHOOGH it be paft eleven at night, yet I cannot
A
mifs a poft. The Lord is doing very great things here.
At Dundee the C was very extraordinary. On fab-
bath-day, the Lord enabled inc to preach four times, and to
ledurc in the evening at a private houfe. Ycfterday I preached
three times, and Icdlared at night. This day Jesus has en-
abled me to preach fcven times. Once in the church, twice at
the girl's holpital, once in the park, once at the old people's
bofpital, and afterwards twice in a private houfe. Notwith-
ftanding, I am now as fielh as when I arofe in the morning.
" They that wait u; on the Lord fhall renew their ftrength ;
they (hall mount on wings like eagles." It would delight your
foul to fee the eifeds of the power of God. Both in the church
r.nd park the Lord was with us. The girls in the hofpira! were
exceedingly afFecled, and fo were the ftanders-by. One of
the miflreires told me, flie is now awakened in the mornino-
by the voice of prayer and praife ; and the mafter of the boys
fays, that they meet together every night to fing and pray;
.'ind when he goes to their rooms at night to fee if all be fafe,
he generally difturbs them at their devotions. The prcfence
of God, at the old people's hofpital, was really very wonderful.
The Holy Spirit feemed to come down like a mighty rufhing
wind. The mourning of the people, was like the weeping in the
valley of Hadadrimmon. They appear more and more hungry.
Kvery day I hear of fomc frcfh good wrought by the pov/er
f f God. I fcarce know how to leave Scotland. I believe I ftiall
'Jiink it my dutv to pay the inhabitants another vifit as foon as
po/Hble. May the Lord order my goings in his ways !
Abo^-e five hundred pounds hath been collected, in money and
goods, for the poor orphans. Let all that is within me praiie
CjOd's holy. name. To-morrow, God willing, I fti all leave
ibis place, and go through IFaleSy in my way to London.
Vou may hear from me on the road. At prefent, I mufl con-
VoL. L Z cl.udej
8
53S LETTERS.-
elude ; it is very near twelve. I intreat you to pray and give
thankb for, dear brother C — ' ,
Your's mod aficirlionately in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CCCLXX.
To the Right Honourable the Lord L .
My Lordy Abergavenny^ Nov. lo, 1 741.
I Cannot bear the thoughts of forbearing to write to your
Lordfliip any longer. I know your Lordfliip will be
pleafed to hear that we had a good journey. Christ's pre-
fence made it fo. The horfe carried me exceeding well. My
heart was often drawn out to pray for the donor. Does your
Lordlhip's foul profper ? Has Jesus faid, " Be of good cheer,
it is I J be not afraid, thy fms are forgiven thee." Can it
vet be laid, " Behold, he prayeth." I find a reftraint upon
me now, fo that I cannot write. God calls me to retirement ;
being to enter into the marriage ftate to-morrow. I am
perfuaded your Lordfliip will not fail to pray, that we may,
like Zacharlah and Elizabeth^ walk in all the ordinances and
commandments of the Lord blamelefs. I hope my moft
humble refpecls will find acceptance with your Lady. Indeed,
my Lord, you are both much upon my heart. Though I have
only liberty now to fubfcribe myfelf, with all gratitude, my
Lord,
Your Lordfhip's moft obedient and obliged
humble fervantj
G. TV,
LETTER CCCLXXL
To Mr, T , at Edinburgh,
Abergavenny^ Nov. Ig, 1 74 1.
THIS morning I received your kind letter; for which,
and all other favours, you have my moft hearty thanks.
I remembered you in prayer, foon after your's came to hand :
blefled be God for the news which it contained. I yetexpe£l
to hear of, if not to fee far greater things in Scotland. The
Lord has begun, and he will carry on a work, which fhall
make the ears of his enemies to tingle. I have enjoyed much
of the tjivine prefence fince we parted. On Saturday I was
2 married,
LETTERS. 339
married, In the fear of God, to one who, I hope, will be a
help meet to me. God has been pleafed to work, by my
hands, fince I have been in Wales. O ftupendous love ! O
infinitely condefcending God ! Be pleafed to direct your next
to London, I hope to be there in about three weeks. My
wife I ftall leave in the country for fome time. Dear Mr,
T , pray for us. I do for you and yours. Labour after
an abiding of God in your foul, fo that you may continually
by failh fee him who is invifible. Do not be content with being
a dwarf in religion: afpire after the utmoft degrees of inward
purity and holinefs. I could go on, but muft write fome
more letters. Dear brother 5 , and my dear wife, falute
you and all friends. They are not forgotten, dear Mr. T ,
by
Your moft unworthy, but moft afFedionate
friend and fervant in Christ,
G. W,
LETTER CCCLXXII.
To the Right Honourable Lady D— — ^ — , In Scotland.
Honoured Madam^ Brijlol^ Nov. 22, 1741.
AT length I have a little leifure. I muft improve it,
by writing a letter to your Ladyfhip. The many fa-
vours conferred on me, loudly called for a more fpeedy ac-
knowledgment ; but hitherto, bufmefs for my Mafter has
prevented. Dear Mrs. C *s letter will inform your La-
dyfhip that I have altered my ftate ; I truft for the better ;
for I think my foul is more intimately united to Jesus Christ
than ever. I would humbly hope your Ladyfhip can fay fo
too ; for there is no happinefs till we can feel an union of foul
with God. That, and that only, as your Ladyfhip has often
heard me afTert, is true and undefiled religion. Your own
experience will befl convince you of the truth thereof. Your
Ladyfliip enjoys great advantages, and glorious means of mak-
ing progrefs in fpiritual things. You are rich in this world's
goods ; may God make you rich in faith and good works 1
My Mafler will not forget the kindnefs you havefhewn to one
of the leaft of his fervants. It gives me comfort to think,
what fweet freedom of fpirit I have enjoyed, when opening the
Z 2 fcriptures
340 LETTERS.
fcriptures in your Ladyfliip's houfe. Surely God was with
us of a truth. The favour of it is not yet gone off my own
foul, nor, I hope, from your Ladyfliip's alfo. Since I left Edin-
burghy I have put up many hearty prayers for you and your fa-
mily. The Lord make it an houfhold of faith, and make you
perfe<5l, entire, lacking nothing ! The glorious Eimnanuel feems
to be repairing the breaches of his tabernacle, which were fallen
down. In r/uks we had much of the divine prefence. The
people there are fo hungry after the word, that they are refolved
not to leave wrcflling with the Moft High, till he fhall be
pleafcd to fend rae thither. O that God may incline your
Ladyftip to intercede in my behalf ! for I long to be hum-
ble, and to lie low as a very poor fmncr at the Redeemer's
feet. I think I can fay, he brings me nearer and nearer to
himfelf daily \ and I will not reit, till I am moulded into the
image of my bleeding Lord. I pray God that your Lady-
fliip may be content with no degrees of holinefs ; but may be
daily preffing forward, till you arrive at the mark of the prize
of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Mr. iS defires
to join with me in fending our moft affectionate refpe6ts and
thanks toyour LadyOiip and all friends. Our particular refpecls
await dear Mr. M" V — . I truft he will yet live to fee
glorious days oi the Son of Man, Surely Christ is getting,
himfelf the victory. May he long reign king in your foul,,
and reward you a thoufand-fold for every token of love fhewii
to, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyfliip's moft obedient humble fervant,
G. JK
LETTER CCCLXXIIL
To the Right Honourable the Earl of L .
My Lord ^ Briftol, Nov. 24, 1741.
MY heart longs to fend you another letter. I wiffi, above
all things, that your foul may profper. I had an ex-
traordinary power given me to pray for you lately in Wales,
God gave me to wreftle, and I think an affurance that I
ihould prevail. I am looking out for an anfwer. Your Lord-
fhip's next letter, I hope, will afford me matter for rejoicing
in your behalf. Your Lordfhip is now entered on the field
of
LETTERS. 341
©f battle : you are engaged in a cruel, but a glorious warfare.
Go on J though faint, yet ftill purfue : nil dcfperandu»i^
Chrijio duce, aitfpice Chnjio, My prayer for your Lordfhip is
this :
Give him a willy give him the poiv'ry
Still equal to the war ;
Great Captain of Salvation^ thou
Thy trembling foldier chear /
O, my Lord, it is a blefied thing to fight the Redeemer's bat-
tles : I find he makes us more than conquerors through his
love. I flill enjoy much of the divine prefencc, and hope I
pafs from glory to glory daily. I preach here at fix in the
morning, and alfo in the evening. God caufes his goodnefs
to pafs before us. In a week I hope to fet out for London,
Be pleafed to dire£l your next thither. The lords have re-
turned my appeal. At prefent, a hook is put in the le-
viathan's nofe. ''• When a man's ways pleafe the Lord, he
maketh his enemies to be at peace with him." I hope your
Lady profpers both in body and foul. My own, and dear-
fellow-travellers mofl humble refpe£ls and prayers attend your
whole houihold. I am, with great affeclion, my Lord,
Your Lordlliip's moft obedient humble fcrvant,
LETTER CCCLXXIV.
To T E 5 in Edinburgh,
Afy dear Friend^ Brijlci^ Nov. 27, 1741.
WHEN we parted, I promifed your wife to write upon
the road ; but I found it imprafticable. Since I
came to IFalcs I have had no time. Now I have, God gives
me freedom. Though late, be pleafed to accept a letter of
thanks for all favours. I think we felt each others fpirits,
both, I truft, united myflically, really, and eternally to
Christ, our common head, and to one another in love. O
that all v/ould center here. It would then be faid once again,
*' See how thefe Chriftians love one another." — As for my own
part, I am refolved not to reft till every thing, contrary to
true, catholic, chriftian love, be rooted out of my foul,
Z 3 Christ''}
342 LETTERS.
Christ's blood and fpirit are able to do this for me. I only
need to pray to God to make me willing to have it done. Be
pleafed to help me, my dear friend, when God enables you to
draw near^unto him. My dear companion would beg the fame.
Our tender love awaits both you and your wife. I am lately
entered into the marriage relation. Jesus was called to ;
Jesus v/as prefent at the marriage. We have lately enjoyed
much of the divine prefence. Many precious promifes have
been prefTed upon my foul. I believe I (hall fee greater things
than ever. We cannot expe£l too great things from God.
But I muft have done. I am waited for. Accept thefe fe\y
lines in love, ' from
Your aiFedionate friend and brother in Christ,
G. TV,
LETTER. CCCLXXV.
To Mr, A— ', in London.
Bnjiol^ Nov, 30, 1 741.
My very dear Brother^
I Thank you for your kind letter. Though I hope to fee
you on Friday^ yet love conftrains me to fend you an anr
fwer. I rejoice that your foul is thirfling for holincfs. God
grant it may never ceafe till you experience the full and glo-
rious liberty of his children, I fee plainly how fatan loves to
drive to extremes. Since there is no fuch thing as having the
in-being of fm deflroyed, he would not have people prefs after
a delivery from the power of it. This is alfo owing to the
corruption of our own hearts. The old man doth not love to
be crucified and fiain j but I hope the language of your heart
and mine Is this,
Reign in nie^ Lord, thy foes controul^
That would refuje thy jway \
J^i^ufe ihy image thro* ?ny joul^
And bring the perfe5i day,
. Scatter the lajl remains rf M'h
And feal rue thine abode ;
Jet me purified within ;
^' AtcTnplenicetforQoDo
LETTERS. 343
V My root of holme fs thou art^
For faith hath made thee mine ;
JVith all thy fulnefs fill my hearty
Till I am wholly thine.
No wonder, when we come to be thus minded, if carnal mi-
nifters, and carnal profeflbrs of all kinds, cry out againft us.
Nay, even fome who have tafted that the Lord is gracious,
having {lumbered and flept, and mixed too much with the
world, even fuch frequently fight againft their privileges, and
reft in an infant ftate of piety. But, I believe, the Lord will
roufe them, and let the world know, what the blood of JesUvS
can and will do. BleiTed be his name, we have a growing
church at Brijiol: Yefterday, and feveral other times, the
Lord hath filled many as with new wine. Sometimes I
fcarce have known whether I have been in or out of the body j
but, I find, the more I receive of grace, the more I defire to
lie as a poor, very poor finner at the feet of the wounded
Lamb. Several have juft now been with me, who have this
laft week, efpecially yefterday, drank deep of divine love.
They are now full of the comforts of the Holy Ghoft. I
pray that they may walk humbly with their God ; for it is a
good thing to know how to manage a manifeftation aright :
nature fo frequently and artfully blends with grace, that, for
want of a clofe watch and tender walk, we grieve the Holy
Spirit. Hence arife deadnefs and darknefs in the foul. Un-
belief creeps in, the chariot wheels of divine love are taken
off, and the foul drives heavily. Let us, therefore, my dear
brother, live a life of great nearnefs to Jf.sus ; and labour
day by day to perfed holinefs in the fear of God. There is
a glorious reft to be entered into even here. May the Lord
make us partakers of it ! But why ftiould I in the leaft doubt
it?
Thou wilt give Jlrength^ thou wilt give poivcr^ thou ivilt in time
fet free :
This, great Deliverer, let 7ne hope j this, not for f elf , hut Thee,
Far the prefent, adieu!
Yours moft affeaionately in Christ,
G. W. -
Z4 LETTER
344 LETTERS,
LETTER CCCLXXVI.
To Mr. J // .
LondoYiy Dec. 7, 1741,
My very dear Friend and Brother^
I Came hither laft Friday^ and received a packet of letters
from Beihejda 5 but wonder, to find none from you.
When I read brother Grant's account of the circumftances of
the family, I reir ember v.-hat the Lord prefled upon my foul
on fhip-board, " The bridegroom lli^ll be taken from them,
and then fiiall they faft in thofe days.'* However, be not dif-
couraged; profcfibr F^ . 's ftudents were once obliged to
lell their cloatlis to buy candles. The work of God advances
here greatly. V/e have a large focicty, confifting of fevcral
hundreds, and a noble place to meet in : I have called it a
Tabernacle^ becaufe, perhaps, we may be called to move our
tents. In IV'ihjhlre.^ and at 'Kingfivood^ there are many good
fouls, and two new houfes built. In IVaks the door is opened
wider than ever. From thence (Abergavenny) the Lord has
given me a wife. Her name was Janies^ a widow, between
thirty and forty years of age. She has been a houfekecper
many years. Once gay j but, for three years laft paft, a de^
ipifed follower of the Lamb of God. I left her about three
v/eeks ago, and am going to-morrow to fettle affairs, and to
bring her up to London. I thank your dear wife for her let-
ter : had I freedom I would anfwer it : but I have efTayed
feveral times before I could finifh this. My fifter G- is
dead : 1 trull (be fltpt in Jesus. God is pleafed to let me
feel more of his power than- ever. O that his whole mind was
in m.e ! I hunger and thirft i^fter righteoufnefs : bleffed be
God, there is a promife that fuch foail be filled. By the let-
ters fent with this, my dear family will fee that I have not
forgotten them. No : I pray for them continually. I cannot
certainly tell v/hcn I fiiall leave England. Providence detains
me here. I'he work is very extraordinary in Scotland. I hear
daily accouj}ts of its continuance and increafe. The door is
opened in all places. The Lords fee through Mr. G 's
enmity, and will have nothing to do with my appeal : fo that
a hook is put into the leviathan's jaws. 1 believe we fnall fee
LETTERS. 345
greater things than ever. My dear friend, falute all moft
tenderly in my name ; I am exceedingly engaged, or each of
them ihouJd hear particularly from.
Ever, ever yours in Christ,
G\ TV.
LETTER CCCLXXVII.
To the Right Honourable Lord R .
My Lord^ Ghucejler^ Dec. 19, 1741.
THIS comes to acknowledge the receipt of your Lord-
fnip's kind letter., dated November qth. Hafmefs has
prevented my anfv^^ering it fooner. The Lord is yet pleafed
to. deal bountifully with me. Li England^ ul^ well ao Scotlandy
the Redeemer is riciing on from conquering .to conquer. About
Spring I hope to fee iSW/^W again, and then, if polTible, I will
come as far as your Lordfliip's houfe. I have lately been at
Brijloly and London^ and have had the pleafure of feeing the
church w^alk in the comforts of the Holy Ghoft. I have
preached here twice every day, for fomc days lail part. Ths
LoPvD greatly countenances my adminiftrations, and gives me
conftant peace and uninterrupted joy in believing. This is
what, I truft, our glorious Emmanuel will confer upon your
Lordfnip. Christ wills that our joy fhould be full ; but we
entangle ourfelves with the world, we indulge ourfelves in
fenfual pleafures, we trifle away our time in what the world
calls innocent diverfions, and thereby we grieve the fpirit of
God, and lofe the comforts we fhould otherwife enjoy, from
a clofe v;alk and communion with God. Moft complain of
a deadnefs and kannefs in their fouls ; what is it owing to ? Not
to God, but to ourfelves. We leave God, and then God
leaves us. Not that we can keep ourfelves by our own faich-
fulnefs ; but notwithftanding, we muft be f^iithful, and work-
ers together with God. I know not why I am led to write
thus to your Lordfhip, but nothing elfe occurs to my mind
2X prefent. I am athirft for holinefs myfelf, and long to fee
others athirft alio. O my Lord ! I fee fuch beauty and
tranfcendent excellencies in Christ, that 1 long to have his
whole mind and image ftamped upon my fo'^l. Nothing can
fatisfy Bie, bat the highefl degrees of fandiification and in-
I ward
34^ LETTERS.
ward holinefs. Here, I believe, I am laudably ambitious.
My Saviour wills my fandlification, my Saviour vi^ould have
me filled with all the fulnefs of God. Ev<en (o Lord Jesus
come quickly ! Dear Mr. S humbly falutes your Lord-
ftiip, and prays for your temporal and eternal welfare, with,
my Lord,
Your Lordfhip's moft obedient, ,
obliged humble fervant,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCLXXVIIL
To Mr, J C , at London.
My dear Brother^ GlouceJleY^ Dec, 22, 174 1.
LAST Thurfday evening the Lord brought me hither. I
preached immediately to our friends in a large barn, and
had my mafter's prefence. On Friday and Saturday I
preached again twice. Both the power, and the congrega-
tion incrcafed. On Sunday God by a particular providence
opened a door for my preaching in St. John's^ one of the pa-
rifh churches. The late incumbent was my grand oppofer.
He being dead, and the new minifter not having taken pof-
feffion, the power of the pulpit was in the church-wardens
hands. God inclined them to let me preach there on Sunday
morning, and yefterday afternoon. Great numbers came,
and the Lord gave me unfpeakable power. On Sunday af-
ternoon, after I had preached twice at Glouajler^ I preached
at Mr. F 'sat the hill, fix miles ofF and again at night at
Stroud. The people feem to be more hungry than ever, and the
Lord to be more amongft them. Yefterday morning I preach-
ed at Painfwick in the parifli church, here in the afternoon,
and again at night in the barn. God gives me unfpeakable
comfort, and uninterrupted joy. Here feems to be a new
awakening, and a revival of the work of God. I find, feveral
country people were awakened when I preached at Tewkfbury^
and have heard of three or four that have died in the Lord,
who were called under God by me. We fliall never know
what good field-preaching has done, till we come to judg-
ment. Many who were prejudiced againft me, begin to be
cf
LETTERS. 347
of another mind, and God fliews me more and more, " that
when a man's ways pleafe the Lord, he will make even his
enemies to be at peace with him,'* To-morrow morning I
purpofe to fet out for Abergavenny^ and to preach at Brjjioly
in TVilts^ Gkucejier^ and Gloucejhrjhire^ before I fee London,
The people in thefe parts Teem excellently well difpofed. I
hope the work of the Lord profpers in your hand ; though
abfent in body, I am prefent with you in fpirit. May the
Lord Jehovah comfort you continually with thofe comforts
wherewith I am comforted in him ! I hope my comforts are of
3 right nature ; they humble at the fame time that they c?calt
me. I find all my happinefs lies in a crujpified God.
To the hleji fountain of thy bloody
Incarnate GoD, I Jly ;
Here let me wajh my fpottedfoul^
From crimes of deepejl dye.
A guilty^ weak^ and helpkfs worm^
Into thy arms I fall'.
Be thou myjirength and righteoufnefsy
My Jesus, and my alL
Pray for
Your unworthy brother, and fervant in Christ,
G. ;r.
LETTER CCCLXXIX.
To the Right Honqurable the Lord L .
My Lordy Abergavenny^ Dec. 24, 1 74 1.
THI3 day I received a letter from your Lordfhip, which,
I finda your Lordfhip wrote before my third and laft
came to hand, wherein I gave your Lordftiip an account of
the circumftance of n>y marriage. As foon as I received your
liOrdfhip's letter, I kneeled down and prayed, that your Lord-
fhip might be entirely delivered from unbelief, and be made
a partaker of that faith, wl]ich will make you more than con-
queror over all. BlefTed be God, for convincing you thus
far. I hope the event will prove, that Jesus is taking pof-
feffion of your whole heart. Your Lordfhip's opinion of thofe
who call themfelves chriflians, is veryjuft. Free grace has
.opened your eyes. Your Lordfhip can therefore join in the
following
348 LETTERS,
following verfes, which I think applicable to your Lordfliip's
cafe,
L
Long did wy foul in Jesu'j Formy
No comelinefs or beauty fee ;
His [acred name by others pri-z^d^
If as taftlefs Jl'illy and dead to mi,
11.
Men caird me chrijiian, and my heart
On that delufion fondly Jiaid y
Ji'Ioral niy hcpe^ my Savicur fcif,
Till mighty grace the cheat difplafd,
III.
Thanhs to the hand that wak'*d my foul ^
That ftjeivd me wretched^ naked^ poor j
That fweetly led me to the rock^
Where all falvation Jiands fecure.
IV.
Glad^t I forfook my righteous pride^
My morale tarnifh*d^ fmful drefs ;
Exchang d my lofs aivay for Christ,
And found the robe of righieoufnefs.
If your Lordfliip from your foul can fing thus, fear not that
Jesvs will leave you.
O unbeliefs injurious bar^
Source of tormenting fruitlcfs fear ;
Wherein thy loud objections fall ^
'' Tis finif^ed;' fillfhall anfwer all.
Remember, my Lord, the Redeemer's love is evcrlafling. If
he has pafl'ed by, and faid unto you " Live," you (hall live
for evermore ; for whofoever livcth and believeth in Jesus,
fhall never die. Does my Lord believe this ? Then welcome
into the new world, welcome among the defpifcd Ij'racl of
God, welcome into the Mediator's kingdom, where you (hall
have all peace and joy in believing. When hril I was awakened^
Refrefhed^ I thought my joys compleaty
When lo ! Immanuel's bounties rife ;
Still frefo discoveries he unfolds^
Tt>e lo'jcly treaj'ures yet furprize '
My'
LETTERS. 349
My Lord, I now wonder no longer at the choice 6f Mofes.
Well might he count the reproach of Christ of more value
than all the riches of Egypt, God forbid, therefore, that yon
or I fhould henceforth glory, fave in the crofs of Christ.
It will be more honour to be a fuffcring fervant of Christ,
than to be the king's commiflioner. Your Lordfnip will par-
don this freedom. Methinks I hear you fay, " There is no
comparifon.'* Indeed there is none. I would not change my
poft for ten thoufand kingdoms. BlefTcd be God, that has
given you a diftant view of the emptlnefs of all things here
below, and the infufficiency of every thing to make us happy
befides God. May thefe things be realized, and (lamped upon
your Lordfhip's heart ! Then what a happy creature will vour
Lordfhip be ? How will it rejoice me to fee your Lordfhip
next Spring. I know not but my friends prayers may draw
me there, about that time. In the mean while, I pray God
from time to time to grant you a growth of grace, that you
may know what it is to abide in God, and have a conftanC
indwelling of the Holy Ghoft. I rejoice to hear that lady
Jnn feems to look heavenward. May Jesus make her a wife
virgin ! Yor her encouragement, I have fent an extracft of a
letter lately fent to me by a friend in London ; and that your
Lordfhip may know how it is with me, I have fent a copy of
a letter I wrote to that friend a day or two ago. Lafl: night I
came hither, and preached this afternoon. I purpofe (hortly
to go to Gkuccjier^ Briftol^ Wilijh'tre^ and fo to London, The
church there as well as elfewhere flourifhes. The time for
favouring X'lon^ I believe, is indeed come. You fee, my Lord,
how long my letters are, when I have freedom and leifure. I
have thought feveral times to write to your Lordfhip, but was
reftrained till I received your Lordmip's letter this morning.
Be pleafed to direct your next to be left with Mr. F — S ,
Leadcnhall-Jheet^ London. My prayers fliall follow this. O
may Jesus breath upon it, and then it muft be blcfTcd to your
foul ! 1 heartily arid humbly fa'utc the elect lady your wife.
- — May you both be filled with all the fulnefs of God ! My
dear wire and Mr. 6" join heartily with me. We all
plead at the tbronc of grace in your behalf, and God alone
knows,
S50 LETTERS.
knows, how often you are remembered and wrcftled for, by,
my Lord,
Your Lordlhip's moft obliged humble fervant,
LETTER CCCLXXX.
To the Right Honourable Lady Mary H .
Abergavenny y Dec, 24, 1 741.
Honoured Madam^
THIS morning I received your Lady(hip*s kind letter ;
when perufed, I laid it before the Lord of all Lords,
and prayed for you and yours with all my power. My dear
wife and Mr. S joined heartily with me, and by thi^
fend their moft humble refpe6^s. We do not defpair of waiting
upon your Ladyfhip next Spring : but ere that time, we may
be all launched into the world of fpirits, where we fhall fing
glory to him that fitteth upon the throne for ever. Does not
your Ladyfliip long for that happy hour ? Methinks I hear
you ready to fay
L
How long^ great God / how long miifl /,
Iinmers'd in this dark prifon lie P
TVhen Jhall I leave this duf^y fpherCy
And be all mi?id^ all eye, all ear P
II.
I long to fee that excellence^
Which at fuch dijiancejlrikes my fenfe ;
My foul attempts to dif engage
Her wings frcm this her earthly cage,
III.
JVouldJl thou. Great Love^ once fet her free,
Hciffning fhe'd quick unite to thee j
She" d for no guardian angels Jlay,
But fly and love thro' cdl the way.
This, I believe, was the language of your honoured mother's
heart, who is now joined with the heavenly choir above. Me-
thinks I hear her fay, *' Daughter, follow me as I followed
Christ ; afpire after the higheft degrees of holinefs, for the
more holy you are, the nearer fhall you fit to the GoD-Man
Christ
LETTERS. isi
Christ Jesus, the deeper infight fhall you have into the
beatific vifion." This, honoured Madam, is a great motive
to my foul to copy after my glorious Jesus. Bleffed he God,
that made my letter favory to your foul. For this, and all
other mercies, I defire to lie in the duft, and kifs the Redeem-
er's feet. I do not wonder that Mary loved to fit there : I
do not wonder that another Mtny wiped them with the hairs
of her head. Was my Lord here, I fhould wifli for a thou-
fand alabafter boxes of ointment, to break for him. But Jesus
fays, " Give me thy heart, and I defire no more." My foul
replies,
Take my poor heart, and let it be
For ever closed to all but thse ;
^eal thou my breaji, and let me wear
That pledge of love for ever there.
How blejl are they whojilll abide,
Clofe Jhelter'd in thy bleeding fide -,
JVho life and fir ength from thence derive.
And by thee move^ and in thee live,
Ohonoured Madam, I am amazed at Jesus's love. I willingly,
join with you in faying, " Amen, Halleluiah I Worthy, in-
deed, is the Lamb that was flain." I blefs God for enlarging
your heart, and giving you freedom to write. It is fweet to
communicate our thoughts of Jesus. I hope the Lord will
blefs this to your Ladyfhip, and reward you for all paft favours.
My humble refpeds attend Mr. H , and my hearty love
to your little lambs. I prayed for them this morning. When
I go to town, I hope to wait upon the Adarquis, 1 have
been a (hort circuit into Gloucefierfinrc, and find the divine
prefence accompanying me more and more, O that I was
humble ! O that I was thankful !
I.
And can it he that I Jhould gain
An inter efi in the Saviour's blood ?
Died he for fuch as caused his pain.
Sinners wh^ him to death piofud F
IL
'35^ LETTERS.
II.
'Tis myjlcry all, MeJJiah dies ;
Who can explore thisjirange fh'fign ?
In vain the curious feraph tries
To fou?id the depths of love divine, ^
But whither am I going ? Your Ladyfhip will excufe me 3
whilft: I am writing, the fire kindles.
Thro all eternity to Gob ^
A grateful fong Pll raife ;
But eternity's tojhorty
To utter all his praife.
With expeclation of another letter, and with hearty prayers
for your temporal and fpiritual welfare, ! fubfcribc myielf^
honoured Madam,
Your Ladyfhip's obedient fervant,
G. ;;:
LETTER CCCLXXXL
To Mr. Samuel Ax , iri London,
Dear Mr, M , Brijlol^ Dec. 28, 174T,
BOTH my wife and I received your letters. I fend tliis^
to thank you for them. I came from Abergavenny on
Saturday night. My dear wife was pretty well ; I expect her
here on Friday, We fliall bring no more goods to London^
than we fhall ufc ; but I know npt what to. fay about com-
ing to your houfe, for brother S tells me, you and your
family arc dilatory, and that you do not rife fometimes till nine
or ten in the morning. This, dear Mr. M , will never
(\o for me; and I am perfuaded fuch a conduct tends
much to the dlfhonour of God, and to the prejudice of your
own precious foul. Sometimes I have looked upon you with
gtief; you have buficd yourfelf about the outward affairs of
religion in refpe6l to others, antl all the while I fear negleclcd
to look into, and ftudy the improvement of. your own heart.
I think you go backwards indead of forwards. I fear your
prefent buGncfs will not anfvver, and I am fure you will have
no folid comfort, till you look lefs abroad and more at home.
Somebody faid, you was like the Athenians^ v/ho defired to
hear
LETTERS* 353
he2T Tome new-thing. I thought the obfervation was toojuft.
You are jealous about principles, (which is right) but all the
%vhile your own pradlice is not fufiiciently watched over. I
have heard that you fpend much time in coffee-houfes, and
from your own houfe. I hope thefe things are not fo j and
it is with grief and out of tender love that I now mentioa
them to you. For fome time I felt my heart quite locked up
from writing to you. Mr. A^I-^ will not be offended witU
me for this plain dealing. You know I love you, and I aai
fure this letter proceeds from love. I know too much of my
own weaknefs and infirmities to infult others ; and when a
brother is overtaken in a fault, I dcfire to reftore him in the
fpirit of meeknefs. But I know how much the glory of God
is concerned in our walk. The eyes of the world are now iti
an efpecial manner upon you. How holy ought you and I,
dear Mr. M , to be, in all manner of converfation and
godlinefs I Labour therefore, my dear brother, to get an abid-
ing prefcnce of God in your heart. Be willing to be fearched.
Pray that you may feel the full power of the Redeemer's blood ;
and walk in the continued comforts of the holy ghoft. Be
not flothful in bufmefs. Go to bed feafonably, and rife early.
Redeem your precious time : pick up the fragments of it,
that not one moment may be loll-. Be much in fecret prayer.
Converfe lefs v/ith man, and more with God. Accept this
advice, given in great love. I purpofe ftaying here about a
fortnight. Dear Mr. A^ , I am
Your affectionate though unworthy brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER CCCLXXXII.
' To the Rev. Mr. JV , at Dundee.
Reverend and dear ^h\ Briflol^ Dec. 7^0, IJ^T,
I Should blame myfelf much, for not writing to you before
nov/, was I confcious it was owing to any wilful negle6l :
but my mailer's bufmefs hath fo engaged me, that I really
have not had an opportunity. God gave us a fwcet journey
to England. Since my return hither, I have been at Gloiicejler^
Bnjlol^ in Wales^i and at Lcndon^ and have great reafun to
Vol. I, A a blefs
8
354 LETTERS.
blefs our Rmmnnuel for what he has done for his church. My
foul hath drank largely of the divine love. I have been carried
as on eagles wings, and am now better in health than perhaps
ever fince I have been in the miniftry. I preach here twice
daily. In about a fortnight, 1 fliall remove to London^ where
I purpofe to continue, God wijling, till the weather permits
of field-preaching again. About Spring, if Providence favours,
I hope to pay you a fccond vifit. In the mean while, I fliould
be glad to hear from you, what fruits you have feen fpring
from my firft. I hope the Lord will make your latter end
greatly to increafe. I fhall rejoice to hear of your fuccefs.
My loul is much engaged for poor Scotland. I fhall be glad
to hear who has fucceeded the good Mr. TV- of Perth,
Ah dear man ! He is now^one into the world of fpirits, where
there is no feceding, but all join in one common ftrife, who
fhall praife their Lord and mafter in the moft exalted ftrains.
I long to follow, but defire patiently to wait till my blefled
change come. What a comfort, dear Sir, is it to think,
that death is conquered. How fweet to be one of Christ's
waiting fervants ! It is a blefled poft \ And fuch honour be-
longs to all his faints. Thanks be to God for this unfpeak-
able gift. Dear Sir, whilft I am writing, the fire kindles.
I long to leap my feventy years. Welcome eternity ; I want
to fee time fwallowed up. But I mufl: have done, having
other letters to write. My kind love to your houfehold and
all friends. I hope ere long you will fend a line to, reverend
and dear Sir,
Your moft afFedlionate, though unworthy
brother and fervant in Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER CCCLXXXIIL
To the Reverend Air. O , at Aberdeen,
Reverend and dear Sir ^ Brijlol^ X)^r. 30, 1741.
I Long to write you a line, to teftify the undiflembled love
my foul bears towards you. I alfo long to hear what
Jesus hath done at Aberdeen. I believe he fent me thither,
and I am perfuaded he did not fend me there in vain. I have
experienced frefli wonders of mercy, fince I faw j'ou. The
Lord
LETTERS. ^55
Lord has blefTed my miniftry in England, and in TVales^ where
I trufl I was married in the Lord ; and as I married for him,
I truft I (hall thereby not be hindered, but rather forwarded
in my work. O for that blefled time when we fhall neither
marry nor be given in marriage, but be as the angels of God !
My foul longs for that glorious feafon. Perhaps, fomctimes
I am too impatient. But who that has taftcd of Jesus's love,
can forbear longing to be with him ? I long to fee him as he
i^, and my foul will never be compleatly fatisfied till I arife
after his divine likenefs. This, I believe, is the defire, and
frequently the frame of dear Mr. 's foul. But I be-
lieve we both have crolles to take up, and many trials to un-
dergo, before we (hall be admitted to the beatific vifion. Alas I
What a ftrangcr am I to the meeknefs which was in Jesus ?
How much acrimony is there in my temper, that wants to be
taken away ? BlefTed be GoD, my Saviour is omnipotent.
He can, he will deliver me. He can, he will conform me to
himfclf. 1 think I can fing thefe lines, —
My root ofholincfs thou arty
For faith hath made thee ?jnne :
JVith all thy fulnefs fill my hearty
Till all I have be thine.
Dear Sir, what a fulnefs is there in Jesus ? What a pity
is it, that we ftiould not draw largely out of it ? Why fhould
we be content v/ith low degrees of holincfs ? Why fhould we
be always dwarfs in religion ? I am quite afhamed of my low
ftature. I am an unprofitable fervant. O dear Mr. O ,
pray for me, that the Lord may purge me, and that I may
bring forth more fruit. I have lately been at London^ Glou-
ceftery JViltSy and IVales, The work of the Lord profpers.
1 preach here twice every day. That God may blefs and re-
ward you all, is the earneft prayer of, dear Mr. O ,
Yours moft afFeclionately in Christ,
G, IV.
Aa2 LETTER
356 letters;
letter ccclxxxiv.
To the Rev, Mr, W , at GalUJJ/ieh.
Bt'ijioly December 30, 174*.
Reverend and dear Sir,
THE love of Jesus conftralns me to trouble you with 2
letter at this time. Nothing but his work fliould have
prevented my writing to you fooner. But you know how it
ufed to be with me. O how little do I for Jesus, who has done
fo much for me I I abhor myfelf in dufi: and afiies. I run to
hide myfelf in his wounds. His righteoufncfs, his blood a-
lone can recommend me to the Father. O that I was like
Christ, that his whole mind was wrought in my foul ! I
am now panting after his image ; I am now thirfting after his
purity and holinefs -, help me, dear Sir, help me by your pray-
ers, that I may feel the power of the Redeemer's blood. He
hath done great things already for me -, but as yet I have afked
nothing. Greater things are yet before me. There is an in-
exhauilible fulnefs, out of which the Redeemer would have
me draw continually. O for faith, for ftrong faith !
/ more luoidd blefs, I more ivould thanky
I more would live to Jefus praife.
Since my return, I have been vifiting the churches. They
grow and incrcafe daily. I preach twice every day. The
Lord is among us. I hope I (hall hear the fame from you.
In about fourteen days I go to London. About Spring I hope
to fee Scotland once more. I have good news from the Or-
phan- houfe. As yet, I have not freedom to write out the
fermon which you mention. Through inadvertence, I did not
fend you Mi-. M 's letter. God's time is heft. Perhaps
difputes about church-government had better fubfide. I am
determined to knov/ nothing but Jesus Christ, and him
crucified. Be pleafed to remember me to dear Mr. O , at
Kelfo, I hope he behaves like a good foldier of Jesus Christ.
My kind refpec^s attend your fon. Be pleafed to accept of the
fame in a moft tender manner from dear Mr. S , and from,
viear Sir>
Yours mgft afFedionatcly in Christ,
G. IV,
LETTER
LETTERS. 357
LETTER CCCLXXXV.
To Mr. R S , hi London,
Brijioly Jan. 2, 1 742.
My dear Brother S ,
I Find freedom to anfwcr your kind letter immediately. I
thank God for blefHng my writing to your poor foul.
Your falvation I long, and pray for. So that fouls arc built
up in their holy faith, let the Redeemer make ufe of what in-
£lrument he pleafes. Brother Robert, it is a blefled thing to have
always a Catholic fpirit. I am perfuaded, Jesus will give it to
me. I am refolved never to reft, 'till felf-love, bigotry, pre-
judice, and all narrownefs of fpirit be expelled out of my foul.
Blefled be the Redeemer's free grace ! I fee more and more
into the inward receflcs of my mind. Dear Robert, there is
fuch a thing as pafling from glory to glory. For Jesus
Christ's fake, ftrive to enter in at the ftraight gate, and ne-
ver ceafe ftriving 'till you enter into that reft which awaits the
people of God. It is a fweet thing to abide in Jesus's
wounds, and from a feeling pofteflion of God in the heart, to
be able to fay, " My fellowfhip is with the Father and the
Son." It is true we are not to live, or rely on our frames.
The righteoufnefs of Jesus Christ alone, and not our doings
or fufFerings, can recommend us to the Father. But however,
we ought always to labour to be in a fweet and humble frame,
^nd be watchful againft any thing whatever, that may inter-
rupt our communion with God. Peace and joy fhould flow
in a believer's foul, like a river. If any thing fhould obftruif^
the paftage, he fliould not reft 'till faith overflows, and drives
it away before him. I know not what others may fay, but
thro' grace I can ftng with biftiop Ken,
*' To my foul it's hell to be,
*' But for a moment void cf thee. ^^
O the fulnefs that there is in Christ ! It fills my heart, and
out of the abundance of my heart my pen writeth. Dear Ro-
bert, may the Lord blefs it to your foul, and that will greatly
icjoice
Your moft unworthy, though moft affedionate
fnend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. TV.
Aa 3 LETTER
35S LETTERS,
LETTER CCCLXXXVL
To Mr. I H 5 in London.
My dear Brother H , Brifiol^ Jan. 2, 1742.
I Owe you a letter, and very much love. I thank you for
calling to fee me, when laft in London. May the love of
Jesus be fhed abroad abundantly in your heart by the Holy
Ghoft. My foul is now thirfting after the Redeemer's love.
I truft you and I, and all the brethren, (hall watch and pray
againft every thing in our hearts, that is any way felfifh, or
contrary to the boundlefs love of our exalted head. I long
after a folid, real, undifTembled union with all that bear the
Redeemer's image. If I know any thing of my heart, I care not
how the old man be crucified and cut to pieces, fo that I may
put on the new man, which is created after God in righteouf-
nefs and true holinefs. BlefTed be the free, rich, and fovereign
grace of our glorious Redeemer ! who has begun the good
work in my foul. Great, very great things hath Jesus done
for me, a worthlcfs worm : but I fee infinitely greater things
lying before me. There is an inexhauftible fulnefs in Jesus
Christ, out of which I hope to draw to the endlefs ages of
eternity. O the meeknefs, the love, purity and holinefs,
that is in Jesus. Why fhould we be dwarfs in holinefs? If
Christ came into the world, that we might have life, and fo
much the more abundantly, why fhould we not afk and feek
for it, efpecially fince we are fure to obtain ? My dear brother,
you fee how free I write. Love conftrains me to do fo. O
that I was a flame of fire ! I have lately been at Gloucejler.
The Lord was with us of a truth. In Brijiol^ God attends
me with his mighty power. Laft night Jesus rode on tri-
umphantly indeed. Sometimes my heart is fo full, that I am
tempted to think
'■ ■ My joy complete:
When hi Emmanuel's mercies rifc^
Still freJJ) difcoveries he unfolds^
The lovely treajures yet fur prize.
Uiibelief fciys, this will not hold to-morrow ; when lo, '* to-
rtv.>rrow is as the day pall, and much aiore abundant." I
find
LETTERS. 359
find there is yet oil, if there be yet a vefTcI, and an empty
heart to contain it. Pray that my heart may be emptied of
fclf, and that Jesus may be my all in all. I pray God, that
none of us may give in to narrownefs of fpirit, but look up
to Jesus for power over felf, in all its (hapes. Yefterday I
went to hear Mr. C . The Lord helped him, I believe, in
fome part of his difcourfe. I would be free ; I would meet more
than half way ; but we are all too fliy. The Lord fill his foul
with more of the difintcrefted love of Jesus. To-night I be-
gin a general monthly meeting to read correfponding letters.
Pray give thanks for the fucccfs of the gofpel in my unworthy
hands. It (hall be returned, as Jesus fliall enable
Yours moft afFedtionately in Christ,
LETTER CCCLXXXVn.
To Mrs. K , in London.
My dear St/ier^ BriJhL Jan. 4, 1742.
THIS morning, in a letter from brother C , I heard
that your dear hufband was dangerous ill of the fmall-
pox. 1 was touched with a tender fympathy or vourcafe- I.
immediately kneeled down, and laid your circumftances before
our compa'ffionate high-prieft. I doubt not, but he \i touched
with a feeling of your affliclions, and v/ill give you c;race to
help in time of need. I hope the laiigunge of your heart is
this :
Thy gifts ^ if caird for.^ I refign^
Pleas' d to receive^ pkas'd to rejlore ;
Gifts are thy work., itjhall be mine
Ths giver only to adore.
I was, before I received the news of your dear hulband'-f
illnefs, thinking that God's people muft meet with un-
conamon trials. We fnall often find God's providences as
it were contradicting his promifcs. Thus it was with Abra-
ham and Jacobs and thus I believe it is in fornc degree or other
with all the children of God ; for othcrvvife, how can faith
be exercifed ? I doubt not but the cnemv of fouls vvill now be
very bufy with you, and break in with his fiery darts upon
A a 4 your
^6o LETTERS.
your foul; but I pray Jesus to keep you from daggering
through unbelief. May you be ftrong in faith, giving glory to
God ! A<^ainll hope, may you believe in hope. However your
hufband may be difpofcd of, my prayer for you is, " Lord !
make her ftill and refigned." I think the love of Christ
conftrains me to write you this letter. Who knows but the
Lord may blefs it to your foul r However, as you love the
Lord Jesus, I hope you will receive it as a token of unfeign-
ed chriilian fympathy and affection from, dear Sifter,
Your moft unworthy brother and
fervant in Christ,
G, IF.
LETTER CCCLXXXVIIL
To Mr. Peter S — - — , in London.
Bri/iol, Jan. 7, 1742.
I Have been obeying your rcqueft : I mean, bowing my
knees before the God and Father of our. Lord Jesus
Christ in your behalf. O that he may live before thee ^
that he may efcape the pollutions that are in the world th-rough
luft ; that he may be hiled with all the fulnefs of God, was
the breathing and language of my heart. I truft the Lord
is now working upon brother S . He feems to have had
fome difcoveries of the Redeemer's love. May my dear Peter
receive the full affurance of faith, and be truly fixed upon the
yock of a2:es ! " Even fo Lord Jesus come quickly. Amen
and amen," Excufe my writing to you in this manner, but
God has put into my heart fuch an undiffembled love for you,
and your dear brothers, that I cannot be fatisfied 'till I fee the
;^edeemer's love fhed abroad in all your hearts by the Holy
Ghoft. Ah Peter ^ Peter ^ I truft Jesus prays for thee, and
then the world fliall not fteal away thy heart from God. Sa-
tan hath been fifting me feverely, thefe two or three days. I
have had feme clofe combats with the great dragon, but Jesus
bath gotten himfelf the vi£\ory, I am enabled greatly to re-
joice. For, '^ Blefled is the man that endureth temptations;
when he his tried, he fhall receive the crown of life." The
bri^htnefs of it, even at this diftance, dazzles my f'ght. Yet a
little while^ and Jesus Christ {hA\ give it unto us. Dear
brother
LETTERS. 361
brother K has got the ftart of us. Happy man ! He is at;
the end of his race. I fympathize with, aud have been pray-
ing for his furviving friends. The Lord enable us all to
walk: fo circumipeiSlly, that the common enemy may not have
an occafion to fpeak reproachfully of us. But whither am I
running ? Excufe me, dear PsUr, God gives me freedom in
writing to, and praying for you. I hope dear brother R
received my lail: in good part. God only knows hov/ the
happinefs of both of you is longed for by, dear brother,
Yours in the crucified Jesus,
G. TF.
LETTER CCCLXXXIX.
To Mr. y C 5 in Londo?2.
Gloucefcr^ Jan. 28, 1742.
Aly very dear Brother^
ON Friday lafi: 1 left Brij^ol, having firft fettled affairs al-
moft as I could wifh. At JCingJivood, I adminiflred the
facrament. On JVednefday night it was the Lord's pafTover ;
on Thurjday we had a fweet lovc-feaft ; on Friday the Lord
was with me twice at Tockingion ; on Saturday morning I
broke up fome fallow ground at Newport^ by preaching with
power to about two thoufand people, and in the evenino- to
many thoufands at Stroud with wonderous power ; on Mon^
day morning at Painfivicky and ever Tmce twice a day here.
Our congregations I think are larger than at Brijlol. The
word proves iharper than a two-edged fword. Every fermon
is blefied. Thefe words follow, " 1 have much people in this
city." I am jufl now going to Chafford. 7'o-morrov/ I ex-
pe6l my wife. In my next, I will fend you word what I in-
tend to do. I was one day at Bath. I fnould be glad to fee
brother R 's defence before it be publifhed. I told him of
it; I believe he will be upon his guard. His foul profpers.
Siidefs perfedion I fear v/ill be propagated in thefe parts. The
Lord in his due time vv^ill root out that pernicious weed. I
thank you for writing to me. Pray write to me often. God
\villing, 1 (hall examine Hampton Society tc-night. The fame
1 thiiik to do in JViltjhlre. I want to be in London as foon as
may be. Pray that I may know the Lord's will. We muft
away
362 LETTERS.
away to Chafford. The Lord be with you, and abundantly
refrefli you. My moft tender love awaits all. Brethren, pray
for
Yours moft afte£lionately in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXC.
To the Rev, Mr, G T-i^iki;^'^' "'
Gloucejiery Feb, 2, 1742.
Reverend and dear Brother ^
I Have longed for ibme time to fend you a line, and have
wondered that I have heard no oftener from you ; but as I
know my own circumftances, I can the more eafily guefs how
it is with you. God has been very good to me fmce my ar-
rival. I found when I came at firft, 1 had all my work to be-
gin again. Brother IF had fo prejudiced the people
againft me, that thofe who were my fpiritual children would
not fo much as come and fee me; nay they have gone by me
whilft preaching in Moor-fields,, and flopped their ears. This
I find in fome meafure hath been your cafe, and God wifely
permits this, to teach us to ceafe from man. Pauls Epiftles to
the Galatians much comforted me. Befidcs, I was embarrafTed
with brother Seward's death. He died without making any
provifion for me, and I was at the fame time much indebted
for the Orphan-houfe. — But all this was to humble and pre-
pare me for future bleffings. The Lord hath enabled me,
bleflcd be his name, to keep fteady to my principles and ufual
pra6lice. A new and numerous church has been raifed at
London. In EJJex^ the Lord was wonderfully with me.
Every where the congregations increafe. In Brlftol God
enabled me to fight my way through. We have hired a large
hall, and have expounded there twice a day. In Scotland^ the
work, for its beginning, is rather greater than at New-England,
I hear continually of the {tQ6. fown increafing, and fpringing
up. God willing, I purpofe paying iS^i///(7«^' another vifit. I
have lately been at Brijiol^ and both there, and here, and alfo
at London^ the word runs and is glorified. Through the tender
mercies of our God, I have been carried as on eagles wings
through a variety of outward and inward trials. The greatnefs
of
LETTERS. 363
of which none knows but God and my own foul. About
•eleven weeks ago I married, in the fear of God, one who was
a widow, of about thirty-fix years of age, and has been a
houfekeeper for many years ; neither rich in fortune, nor beau-
tiful as to her perfon, but, I believe, a true child of God, and
would not, I think, attempt to hinder me in his work for the
world. In that refpetSl, I am juft the fame as before marriage.
I hope God will never fufFer me to fay, " I have married a
wife, and therefore I cannot come." I am glad that matters
are fettling fo amicably at Philadelphia. What a pity is it,
that we fhould fall out in the way to heaven ! I would do any
thing except defiling my confcience, and giving up what I
think is truth, to prevent it. The aflbciate brethren are much
to be blamed; I never met with fuch narrow fpirits. 1 do not
forget you, or your brethren, or the churches in your parts.
The Lord be with you. He is pleafed to fliew me more and
more of my own heart, and day by day refrefhes my foul.
My body is weak as ufual ; but Jesus is my ftrcngth. Help
me to praife him. Pray fend a line to, reverend and dear Sir,
Your mofl afFe6tionate, though mod: unworthy
brother and fervant in Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CCCXCr.
To M}\ S , at New-Brunfwick.
Dear Mr. S — — , Gloucejler^ Feb. 2, 1742.
LAST week I received your kind letter. Blefled be God,
who hath brought you out of darknefs into his marvel-
lous light. I hope the Redeemer hath now {hewn you his
hands and his feet, and you can now fay, " IVIy Lord and
my God." What have you to do now but to walk humbly
with your God, and daily to afpire after the whole mind that
was in Jesus ? I find but few truly labouring after this.
Who can fay, " My foul is athirft for God, yea even for the
living God :" and yet to fuch only is the promifed blelTed-
nefs, of being filled, given. As for my own part, I am
afhamed to think how unlike I am to my Saviour ; I fee fuch
beauty in him, that I long to be conformed to his divine
image and likenefs. May you and I, dear A4r. «S , never
reft
364 LETTERS.
reft till vvc have attained unto it ; and the more we do attain,
the more willing we fhall be to come, as poor Tinners, to
Jesus Christ ; it is a blefied thing, dear Sir, to be brought
out of felf. It v/ill be continually creeping in : happy they
who have pov/er over it. I do not wonder at your being
united with Mr. J C ; he is a dear foul, and one
whom the Lord delights to honour. Blcfibd be God, the
work in our hands every where increafes. I am fupportcd
and encouraged, quickened and comforted day by day. Jesus
loves and blclles me. May he blcfs you and yours more and
more, and caufc you to v/alk in the comforts of the Holy
Ghoft. My tender love to all. 1 hope yet to fee you once
more in the flcfli. In the mean while 1 beg leave to fubfcribc
myfelf, dear Sir,
Your moft afFe6lionate friend, brother, and fcrvant
in Christ,
G. JP\
LETTER CCCXCII.
To Mr, TV .
Dear Mr, W , Gloucrjler^ Feb. 2, T742.
Thank you for your kind letter. It ftiould have been an-
I
fwered fooncr, had an opportunity oftered. I blefs God for
vcu, who carries on in your foul the fpiritual building. I doubt
not but the top-ftone will yet be brought out, and the builders
be made with (liouting to cry, " Grace ! Grace !" I fliould
think it was not of God, if the work was not oppofed. — What
difficulties did Nehemiah go through in building the wall \ But
fear not, the Lord is with you. He built not for man, but for
the Lord. By his leave, 1 propole bringing a fchool-mafter
and miftrefs with me. When 1 (hall embark, I know not.
The calls here are fo loud and numerous, and fo few la-
bourers fent forth to aiSt in a popular way, that I think it my
dutv not to leave England yet. God is pleafed to work by my
miniftry more and more. My foul is refrefhed, and my body
ftrengthened and renewed day by day. In Scotland there is a
very great awakening; and alfo in Lcndon^ Brijhly Wiltftjire^
and Glmcejlerjbire, But, notwithftanding all this, my Ameri^
can friendii are by no means forgotten. I continually pray for
them.
LETTER S. ^%
them. The Lord, in his due time, will fend me to you. la
the mean time, be plcalcd to remember me in the tendered
manner to aH that love the glorious Redeemer. Grace,
mercy, and peace be multiplied upon them and you ; fo prays,
dear Mr. JV ,
Your moft affcclionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. //'.
LETTER CCCXCIII.
T:o Mr. James R , in Philadelphia^
Dear Mr. R , Gkucejler, Feb. 2, 1742.
I Was glad to hear (though by another hand) of your fafe
arrival. May your foul profper, being rooted and
grounded in love, and built upon the rock of ages, the dear
Lord Jesus. BlefTed be God, the church is in much greater
peace than when you left England. There hath been a very
great awakening in fevcral places. God hiith brought order
out of confufion ; and (as he always will) hath caufed even
our divifions, though no thanks to us, to work for good. I
hear you have had a fifiing time at Philadelphia. I never
yet heard of a work of God, but fome fuch thing happened.
This is my comfort, the government of the church is upon
the Redeemer's (boulders ; and therefore the gates of hell
{hall never be able to prevail againfl: it. I hope ere now
Christ has revealed himfelf in your heart, and given you the
•witnefs of the Spirit. For he that believeth, hath the witnefs
in himfelf. I fuppofe you will be glad to hear, that the Lord
hath, in a good degree, delivered me from the embarraffinents
with which I was environed when you embarked. God was
then preparing me for further mercies. Wc muft be humbled
before we are exalted. I fuppofe you have heard of my mar-
riage. The Lord hath given me a daughter of Abraham ;
fhe joins in fending love to you and all, with, dear Mr.
R ,
Your afFcclionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER
366 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXCIV.
To Mr. G^-i^i^ yxiLiii^;* '
Cloucejler^ Feb, 5, 1 742.
Reverend and dear Brother ^
ON Tuefday I received yours. I blefs God for delivering
brother R out of the hands of his enemies. I
am perfuaded he will deliver your brother TFilliam alfo. By
your defertion and temptations, I believe God is preparing
you for a frefh work. I believe you would be better, if you
would always evangelize. I (hall write to fome friends about
Mr. C 's principles. I thank you for your kind caution.
My mirtakes often humble me. Never did Jesus fend out a
more weak and worthlcfs wretch. I have not freedom now
to continue writing a journal as ufual. I fhall proceed, for
the future, in a more compendious way. Since I wrote the
inclofed, we have feen a glorious appearance of the Son of
Man. O infinite condefcenfion ! The Lord is with me.
That he may be abundantly with you, and blefs your labours
more and more, is the hearty prayer of. Reverend and dear
Sir>
Your moft afFe6lionate and loving, though
moft unworthy brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXCV.
To Mr, B , at Philadelphia.
Dear Mr. B , Gloucejier^ Feb. 5, 1742.
IWas much rejoiced to receive a letter from your hands.
Blefled be God for carrying on the work, which, I hope,
was begun in your heart long ago ! I truft you will never reft
till you are poflefied of the whole mind which was in Christ
Jesus. He is our pattern ; and if we have true grace in our
hearts, we {hall be continually labouring to copy after our
great exemplar. O the life of Jesus ! How little of it is to be
feen in thofe that call themfelves his followers. Humility,
meeknefs, love, peace, joy, goodnefs, faith, and the other
blelu'd fruits of the Spirit, whither are they fled ? I fear moft
take
LETTERS. 367
take up with the fliadow, inftead of the fubftancc. God for-
bid that I, or dear Mr. B , (houLd be of that unhappy
number. Dear Sir, there is an unrpcakabh: fulnefs, un-
fearchable riches in Christ. Out of him we are to receive
grace for grace. Every grace that was in the Redeemer, is to
be tranfcribe^l and copied into our hearts. This is Chriflianity ;
and without this, though we could difpute with the utmoft
clearnefs, and talk like angels, of the dodrines of grace, it
would profit us nothing. To prevent the growth of thi-s in-
ward life, I am perfuaded facan introduces herefies in the
church, hoping thcrel^y to ftir up ftrife, envy, prejudice, and
narrownefs of fpirit ; and where thefe are, there will be every
evil work. To this end, y7«/^/'<??yi?<f?/£>« hath been propagated
in England^ and Antinomian principles fufFercd to be fpread
among you. But, bleflbd be God, both in England^ and
with you, I truft difputations and diftra£tions are abated, and
love and unity once more are lifting up their hsads. This,
at prefent, is the language of my heart :
Lee us find out the ancient way^
Our wondering foes to ?nove ;
And force the heathen world to fay ^
See bow thefe Chrijlians love.
*' Love is of GoD; and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in
God." I am glad you are creating a fociety to promote this
love. Fear not the fmallncfs of your beginning. What is
begun in the fear of God, he will profper. I believe them to
be true followers of Jesus Christ ; and though we agree not
in all things, yet I pray God to make us one in heart. Now,
dear Mr. B , what (hall I fay more. The blefled
Jesus has been fupcrabundantly good to my foul fince my
arrival. I have been carried, though through much weaknefs,
as on eagles wings. In England^ JVales^ and Scotlattd, God
hath blefled my poor labours more than ever. The calls to
divers places, arc loud and importunate ; and, as God has
raifed up many labourers among you, I think it my duty
to flay here fome time longer, and to vifit Scotland once
more. However, my friends abroad are continually upon
my heart. I pray God for you night and day. May the
Lord fill you with all his fulnefs ! I defire to be remem-
bered
368 LETTER S.
bered to all mentioned in your*s, and to all that love the Lord-
Jesus. I love you unteignedly, and entreat you to write
again to, dear Sir,
Your moft affedionate friend and fcrvant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCCXCVI.
To the Reverend Mj\ C , at Bath,
Ghucejler^ Feb, 5, 1 742.
My dear Friend and Brother^ '
TO fliew you how willing I am to comply with your re-
queft, and make dear Mr. C one of my clofe
correfpondents, I fit down this evening to write an anfvver
to your kind letter. What has been doing lately, the tran-
fcript on the other fide will fhcw you. Since the writing of
that, the blellcd Jesus hath been wondrous kind. Yefterday
I preached three times, and vifited a private fociety in the
evening. To-day I was enabled to preach three times, with
great power. Here is fuch an awakening in this country, as
I never heard of, or faw in thefe parts before : " The fields
are white already unto harveft." It is pleafant to hear the
people come and tell how God wrought upon them by my
unworlhy miniftry tv»7o years ago. l^he fruits of the Spirit
arc now apparent in their lives and converfations. Letters
from SeciJand bring blcffcd tidings, as alfo from Philadelphia,
O the blefied effedts of" field-preaching ! O that I was hum-
ble, that I was thankful I Help me, my dear friend, to en-
treat the Redeemer to make me as a little, a very little ehild.
The beginning of next week I hope to be at Bath', but can-
not tell cxacSliy the day. I thank my friends for their kind
intention to meet mc, but I had rather avoid it : the lefs
parade the better. Let us (land ilill, and we fnall fee the fal-
vation of (jod. He will not blefs what doth not come from
himfelf. May the Lord make me an Jfraelite indeed, in
whom is no allovv'cd guile ! I am glad dear Mr. T is
coming. My hearty love to him. O that our meeting may-
be blcfled, and all three of us be made a flame of lire I Dear'
Mr. C , I love you unfeignedly. I v/ifb, above all
things, your foul may profper. Good night. My fpul is filled
I with
LETTERS. 569
with Jtsus's love. I am going tO pray for you and yours,
being, dear Mr. C ' — -, without diirimulcuion,
Vours moft afFe<Slionately In Jesus Christ,
G.IK
LETTER CCCXCVn.
Td the Ri^ht Honouj-abie the -.
ThaU^^ near Readings Feb, 23, 1 742.
AND (Joes the clear — know adurcdly that Jesus
hath died for him ? Sing, O heavens \ Rejoice, O earth !
I would join with angels and archangels in iinging " Glory
to God on high." Welcome, my , into the world of
new creatures. You are infinitely more happy than thofe
who have lately been preferred, and kified his Majefty's hand.
Jesus hath holden out his golden fcepter, and given you a pa-
tent for eternal life. Methinks I hear your nov/
raying, '' I account the reproach of Christ, of more value
than all the riches of Egypt'*
Be goyu^ -vain ivorU,, my heart rcf.gn^
For I ean he no longer thine \
A nobler^ a diviner gueji^
Hath took pojpffton of my hreajl.
Well may your fay, " you have been in a dream/'
XVhen God firft fiiewed me that I muft be a nev^ creature,
I awaked as it v/ere^ into a new world. I ilood quite amazed.
I was aftonifhed to think, what a deep deep the world around
me was in. Thought I, O that I was made inftrumcntal to
fome of them I The Lord heard my prayer. He has fent
me to awaken the dear man I am now writing to. Not unto
me, O God, not unto me, but to thy free grace and rich
mercy be all the glory ! With your Lordihip's letter to-day,
came fcveral others from different parts, all with glad tidings
of great joy. O that I was humble and thankful ! Why me.
Lord,, why me ? Surely I will join with your in
faying, not becaufe I chofe GoD,'but God (O Infinitely con-
fccndljig majefly !) did chufe me. What (liall we render to
tr.c glorious Emmanuel? Methinks I hear your fay-
\\vi^ *' Behold, Lord, herceforwAid I look wpon myfelf as
VcL. L 3 b a ikward^
%
370 LETTERS.
a fteward, and not as a proprietor of thy manifold gifts; I
will live no longer to myfelf, but to him that died for me.''
Amen, Lord Jesus, amen and'amcn ! Be pleafed to excufe
the defcds of this, being written upon the road. I am now
goir>g to London, There has been a great awukeoing lately iri
Gkucejlerjhire. I rejoice to hear that the lady is fo well
difpofcd. May a church be always in your houfe ;
and every one of your family be made a living mem-
ber of the houfhold of faith ! No greater thing can be defined
in your behalf by, my ,
Your — ■ moft obedient humble fervant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCXCVIII.
To the Right Honourable Lady M H : . ^
ThaleSy (near Reading) Feb. 23, 1 742.
Honoured Madam^ ' r
IAm now upon the road to London. This ryiorning your
acceptable letter came to hand. Though fomewhat
wearied, I would fain anfwer it before I retire to reft. Blefled
be God who caufesyour Ladyfliip to be never lefs alone, than
when alone. O Madam, what a comforter is the Holy Ghoft r
What fweet company is Jesus Christ? What a privilege
is it to have fellowftiip with the great Three-One? A world
lying in wickednefs knows nothing of it. Every thing
yields comfort when the blcfled Spirit breathes upon it. Even
this fcribble, from the chief of finners, from one who is lefs
than the leaft of all faints, ihall again refrefh your foul, if
Jesus fpcaks the word. Amazed am I, that God fhould
work by my hands. But Jesus is love. He yet delights to
honour me. I have lately feen the Redeemer riding in his
ftrength, and getting himfelf the vi6lory in poor fmners
hearts. Letters from abroad inform me of the fame. O that
our glorious Jesus may fet the world in a flame of love !
Haftcn that time, O bleffcd Jesus : O let thy kingdom come!
I have heard from my dear Orphans to-day. They have been
reduced to ftraits ; but the Lord hath ftirred up a wealthy
friend or two to aflift them. The everlafting God reward all
their benefadtors ! I find thcte has been a frefh awakening
^ among
LETTERS. 37r
among them. I am informed, that twelve negroes, beloniring
to a planter lately converted at the Orphan -houfe, arc favingly
brought home to Jesus Christ. This will rejoice your
Ladyfhip's heart. I am glad to hear that the work goes on in
Scotland. The Lord, I truft, will ripen your foul apace for
glory. He hath various ways of perfc6ling his faints. Me-
thinks I fee your Ladyfhip fitting in your chair, and raviflied
with the Redeemer's beauty day by day. Sometimes you are
as it were wafliing his feet with your tears ; at other times
fitting by faith at his feet, and hearing or reading his word.
Sometimes your heart is too big to fpcak ; then again, out of
the abundance of your heart, your mouth poureth forth halle-
lujahs. Sometimes you are lofl in wonder ; at all times
longing to be dilTolved and to be with Christ ; for, when you
hear him fay, " Rife up^ my love, and come away,"
Tou7' heart would fain out fly the w'lnd^
And leave all earthly loves behind.
This, I truft, is the life your Ladylhip lives. This is life
iiideed. They who live otherwife, are dead whilft they live.
They call for our compafiion and prayer^ ; for who hath
made the diiFerence ? Diftinguifhing grace ! O the unfearch-
able riches of Christ ? I could fpeak of him for ever j but it;
grows late : nature calls for reft.
O when Jhall I in endlefs day^
For ever chafe dark fleep aivay ;
And hymns with the celejlial quire
Incejfant flng^ and never tire ?
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! The Lord be with
your fpirit, arid abundantly blefsboth you, Mr. H , and
your child. Indeed I do not forget your Ladyfhip j your laft
fhould not have remained fo long unanfvvered, but it came
only to-day into the hands of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyfhip's moft obedient humble fervant,
G. jr.
Bb 2 LETTER
572 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCXCXIX.
To Mr, Thomas iV-~, at Nav-Tork,
London^ Feb, 26, 1742.
My very dear Brother^
I Have herewith fcnt you- a pnrccl. Be plcafed to read the
letters, and fend them as directed. I received your kind
letter, dated in December^ and thank you for all kindnefies
fhewn to the poor orphans. The Lord Jesus will richly
reward you. Before yours came, the Lord had given me air
enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom to converfe
with all his dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk
freely with the Meflrs. IV 's, though we widely differ
in a certain point. Moft talk of a catholic fpirit ; but it is
only till they have brought people into the pale of their own>
church. This is downright fe6larianifm, not catholicifm.
How can I act confiftently, unlefs I receive and love all the
children of God, v^^hom I eReem to be fuch, of whatever de-
nomination they may be } Why fhouTd wc difpute when there
is no probability of convincing ? I think this is not giving up
the faith, but fulfilling our Lord*s new command, " Love
one another :" and our love is but feigned, unlefs it produces
proper effects. I am perfuaded, the more the love of God is-
fhed abroad in our hearts, the more all nsrrownefs of fpirit
will fubfide and give way : befides, fo far as we are narrow
fpirited, we are uneafy. Prejudices, jealoufies, and fufpicions
make the foul mifcrable, fo far as they arc entertained. But
enough of this : my dear brother N is of my mind.
Only let me give you one caution : Take heed that your
getting acquainted with any new fet of Chriftians, does not
lead you infenfibly to defpife others of your old acquaintance.
Watch, and deal very tenderly with all ; otherwife you will
grow referved and artful, and lofe a fimple, open, guilelefs,-
Ifraelitijh fpirit, before you are aware. There needs a clofe
adherence to the motions of the Holy Spirit, and a conflant
watching over the corruptions of our own hearts, in order
that we may walk before GoD^as very little children. O that
I was a little child indeed ! Jesus can make me one. My
dear brother, I thank you for your kind invitation. God
J wijlingr
LETTER S. §73
willing, I fliall accept it, if ever I fee New-Tork. Kut I think
Providence calls me once more to Scotland. I have been lately
plowing up Tome fallow ground, and now preach twice everv
day. The Lord docs indeed blei':; the word, and gives me
to rejoice in the felicity of his cliofen. Bs fo kind now and
then to drop a line to my dear orphan-family. As op-
portunity oftcrs, and the Lord gives freedom, you fhall hear
ifom, dear brother A^ ,
Yours moft affectionately in Jesus Christ,
G. TV.
LETTER CCCC.
To Mifs , at Edinburgh.
Dear Mifs, London, Feb. 27, 1742.
I Did not receive your letter till this night. Whilft I was
reading it, my heart grew warm with thankfulnefs to that
God, who, I truif, by his almighty Spirit hath called you out
of darknefs into his marvellous light. In his light you now fee
light. Do you not, dear Mifs //^ , find what I faid to
be true, " That Jesus Christ is the faireft among ten
thoufands." Is he not altogether lovely ? Henceforth you
may well fay,
/ bid this world of nolfe and fhew.
With all its flattering fnares, adieu.
The greater advances you make in the divine life, the more
you will fee what a dream you and the pojite world have been
in. And O the diftinguifhing grace of God to you ! Me-
thinks I hear you calling on angels and archangels to join in
praifmg our comm.on Lord. Well may you fay, " You are
not henceforth your own :" No, dear Mifs, let Jesus have
your whole heart. Let his blood, his wounds be continually
before you. God forbid that you fhould now glory? f-ive in
the crofs of Christ, by whom the world is crucified to you,
and you unto the world. Pity the poor chriftlefs creatures
about you. Pray for them, as the Holy Spirit gives you free-
dom. Tell them of the love of Jesus. They need no other
motive. This, backed with almighty power, muft break
the molt hardened hearf. With much pleafurc I rcflcft on
' B b 3 the
374 LETTERS.
the blcfTed confolations I have been favoured with, whilft ex*
plaining the fcriptures to you and your honoured relations.
O that not one may remain unconverted ! May Jesus look
on them ; then v^'ill they look on him and be faved. Blefled
be God for fending me to Scotland^ if it w^as only to bring you
home. Ere long 1 hop^e to vifit your country again j ani
then, O that I may fee you all meek, humble, heavenly-
minded, clofe follower's of the bleeding Lamb I Thanks be to
God, he hath dire6led me to a wife, who was once gay, but
now with you can {ivig,
I.
Come^ Saviour Jesus, from ahove^
Jjjiji me with thy heavenly grace j
Withdraw fny heart from worldly lovs^
Jndfor thy/elf prepare the tlace,
II.
O let thy facred prefence filly
And fet my longing fpir it free ;
Which pants to have no other love^
But night and day to feajl on Thee.
III.
That path ivith hiimhle fpeed Vllfeeky
Wherein my Saviour s footjleps fnne \
Nor will I hear, tior zvill I [peak
Of any other love but thine,
IV.
To' Thee fny ling' ring foul afpires ; •
To Thee I offer all my vows ;
Keep me from vain and filfe defires^
My God, my Saviour^ and my fpouf,
V.
Wealth, honour, or whatever elfe
This tranfitory world can give.
Tempt as you ivill, my heart repels^
71? Christ alone refohed to live,
VI.
Thee I can love, and thee alone.,
With inward joy and holy hlifs ;
To find thou tak'Ji me for thy own^
O what a happinefs is this /
Dear
LETTERS. 3.75
Dear Mifs, whilft I am writing, the love of Jesus fills my
foul. I have been talking to night of his love to poor finners.
that his fpirit may break afrefh upon your foul when you
are reading this ! I muft now commend you to the Redeemei's
care. In the world you (hall have tribulation ; be not afraid,
Jesus hath overcome the world. — I have many letters before
me unread ; but I could not help writing this long one to you.
Accept it as a token of unfeigned regard for the good of your
precious foul, and depend on the prayers of, dear Mifs
IV — ,
Your moft afFedionate friend and
iervant in Christ,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCCl.
T^o the Reverend Mr. C .
London, March ^, ^742.
My dear Friend and Brother,
I Remember my promife. You are to be one of my clofe
correfpondents. I am unworthy to write to any ; but love,
the love of Jesus will conftrain me frequently to write to you.
1 hope you are not offended, becaufe you did not fee me in
Bath again. The glorious Emmanuel pointed out my way
hither. Since I came (O amazing goodnefs !) he has been
wonderfully kind to me, and to his people. I am much af-
filed daily, in preaching to poor fmners the unfearchable
riches of Christ. Life and power fly all around, and the
Redeemer is getting himfelf the victory daily in many hearts.
Letters from abroad give me glorious accounts. In New-En-
gland, the work goes on amazingly. In Scotland, the awaken-
ing is greater and greater. The fpirit of God has been
ftriving among the little orphans in Georgia, and in Carolina
I hear that twelve negroes belonging to a planter, converted
at the Orphan-houfe, are favingly brought home to jEsu-i.
Christ. Indeed the Lord is about to do great things,
" Blefled are the eyes that fee the things which we fee ;
bleiTed are the ears that hear the things that wc hear i"
blefTed are thofe that the Lord employs as his own children,
to brinp- about his o;rcat defijrns. O that my dear A4r. C
O CD & J
may be made a flaming fire, a;Kl a fpiiitual father to thou-
B b 4 fands 1
3/6 LETTER S.
faiids ! Dcai Mr. T , who was lb kind as to come and
f«-e me l.ifl: night, I trufi: is coming on. I hope both you and
him Vv^ill experience a folid ellablilhm-nit in the giace uf our
Lord Jesus Christ. Tiicre is no reft here, no true foh'd
lafting left, till we come to this. Our hearts are dcceiUul
above all things. We feek reft in outward things. We
change our places, circutiiftanccs, and ftationb ; — but if Jesus
loves us, he will put a thorn in the place where we would
i'ain neftlc. A foul that has had fomc awakenings, and been
v.'andring from Christ, is like NoaJ/s dove which could find
no reft for the fole of its foot, till it came back to the ark again.
This ark is Christ, and when we are fafely locked in there,
and the foul hath received an abiding witnefs, then out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth fpeaketh. l^his is the rea-
fon why Jesus bid his difciples to wait for the promife of the
Father. Filled with this, the v.'oman of Samaria could not but
call on others to come and fee. And were we but animated,
ltd and influenced by this fpirit, what a blefled union would
there be among all i\\Q churches of Jesus Christ ? It is a
want of more of this, that now at prefent difunites us. I
defpair therefore of a greater union, till a greater meafure of
the fpirit be poured from on high, flence, therefore, I am
refolved limply to preach the gofpel of Christ, and leave
ethers to quarrel by and with themfelvcs. To contend, where
there is no probability of convincing, only feeds and adds fuel
to an unhallowM fire, which a mifguided zeal kindles in the
heart. Love, forbearance, long-fufFering, and frequent prayer
to your dear ]>ord Jesus, is the beft way to extinguifli and
put it out. O love, true, fmiple, chriftian, undiilcmbled
love, whither art thou fled ! The language of my heart is,
• — But whither am I going ? You fee, my friend, how freely
1 v/rite. 7'he blefted Jesus warms and fills me, whilft- I am
writing. I know, though I am unworthy, you will fend me
a line in return, Methinks I could waih your feet, Me-^
thinks, I long to fee your fhackles drop ofF, and your foul
free for the unuiterruptcd fcrvice of the beft of inaftcrs. Faith
in his blofidy wounds is the only means. Lord, evermore
give my dear friend and his wife living faith, which may pu-
rify their hearts, enablQ them to overcome the world^ and will
wor^
LETTERS. 377
work by love ! The Lord make you both as little shildrcn
tefofc him ! This is the prayer of, dear Mr. C ,
Yours ali-edionaicly in Christ,
G\ IK
LETTER CCCCII.
To Air. A .
Dear Mr. A , Lotidon, March 4, 1742.
I Received your comfortable letter concerning the dear Jambs
at Hi-r::i'o hofpitaL I pray God give you grace to feed
them, that they may grow in grace as they grow in years,
and make perpetual advances in tlie knowledge of Jesus
Christ. Be pleafcd to falute them from me, in the kindcft
manner. Entreat them, O exhort them to remember their
Creator in tliC days of their youth, and to keep clofc by his
wounded fide. Tell them, dear Sir, from time to time, of the
power and efHcacy of his all-atoning blood : it purifies the
heart, overcomes the world, and fills the believer with joy un-
fpeakable and full of glory. Watch over their dear fouls day
by day, and wait clofely upon the Lord yourfelf, that you
may be taught of him to feed his lambs. It is a work of the
utmoft importance. No lefs than infinite wifdom can be [ui'-
ficient for you ; but if any man lack wifdom, let him afk ic
from above; God giveth liberally to the lovers of his dear
Son, and upbraideth not. Dear Sir, God is love. He halh
loved me, and is plcafed to work by me more and more.
At home, and abroad, Jesus Christ rides on glo.ioufiy. I
hope, at my return to Scotland^ to fee greater things than ever.
When it fnall be, I know not yet. God's people mufl: pray
me to them. With difficulty I get time to write this. I once
more falute you and the dear Iambs, and am, dear Sir,
Your molt affedionate friend and fervant,
G. IK
LETTER CCCCin.
To Mr. J K , at Exon.
^^^'' ^'"'S London^ March 6, j 742.
Now fnatch a few moments to anfwer your kind letter.
As yet, i have no juiiiraation from providence in rcfpect to
coming
378 LETTERS.
coming into your parts. The cloud at prefent cloth not feein
to move that way. So many places want fupplies, that I
could wifli I had a thoufand lives and tongues. Jesus Christ
fbould have them all. Only I am aftoiiiflicd, that the Lord
of the harveft fliould fend out fuch a worthlefs labourer, or
rather loiterer as I am. But his grace is free, like himfelf
infinite ; " For to me, who am lefs than the Icaft of all faints,
is this grace given, that I fliould preach to poor fmners the
linfearchable riches of Christ." Blefled be God, I do not
preach in vain. The accounts from New-England^ Scotland^
and Caroiinay are furprizing. In London^ the word of the
Lord runs and is glorified. IVery day we fee the Redeemer's
ftately ftcps. I have not time, dear Sir, to tell you what great
things our great mafter is doing for his people, and yet I
believe we fhall fee greater things than thefe. From Georgia
alfo, I have great accounts. The fpirit of tho Lord hath
been breathing upon the orphans. I thank you, dear Sir, for
your intended benefa6tion, and kind invitation. If ever our
dear Lord calls me your way, I fhall accept it : though I am
utterly unworthy to come under any one's roof, but more
efpecially that Jesus fliould come under the roof of the houfe
of my foul. — But Jesus is love. That his love may be abun-
dantly flied abroad in your heart, by the Holy Gholl, is the
hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your moft aft'edionate friend and fervant unknown,
G. TV.
LETTER CCCCIV.
To Mr, G H , in Gloucejler.
J} ear Mr. H , London^ Mcirch^ 12, 1 742.
BY no means leave off reading to the fociety. It is not
taking too much upon you, or going out of your depth.
The caufe of your fo much as thinking to decline, is not good.
The more unworthy you are, the more gJory will you give to a
glorious Redeemer : the greater finn-er you are, the more feelingly
will you read of, and recommend the glorious Ranfom paid for
llnners. Goon, my dear man •, venture boldly to the throne of
grace ; fear not. — God will heal our backflidings ; he loves us
freely. Jesus hath been my glorious Saviour. I would have
mentioned this afFair of the fuciety in my lad, but I was then
LETTERS. 379
ignorant of it. — My dear wife has written to dear Mrs. H .
How does the dear woman as to fpirituals ? I do not defpair
of feeing you both good cluiflians. Jesus is almighty. Qo
to him juft as you are. The Lord be with you both ! I
fuppofe you have feen the letter fent to dear AI. C by
brother S . My tender love to him, and all that love the
bleiled Ennnannel. I have fecn Mr. y . The Lord is
wonderfully good to me. Pray fend a line to, dear Sir,
Yours affectionately in Christ Jesus,
LETTER CCCCV.
To Mifs R .
Dear A^ifs, Londo7t, March 18, 1 742.
I Am yet of opinion, there is mercy and love laid up for you
in the heart of the blefTed Jesus. You look backward,
inftcad of forward. You look into yourfelf, inftead of look-
ing up to Him, who is mighty and willing to fave. O that
you may have ftrength to go to him juft as you are ! You
would then be delivered from your bondage. The cafe of the
poor Syrcphisnician woman may give you comfort. Hov/ did
the Lamb of God feem, as it were to turn lion ? How did
he feem to turn a deaf ear to her complaints ? And yet heard
and loved her all the while. Why may not you believe ? He
will yet fay to you, " Be it unto you even as thou wilt." I
fear fome tell you, that it is well to doubt. Lideed they are
mifl-aken. Dear Mifs, expect great things from Jesus
Christ. " He is able to do abundantly for you above what
you can afk or think." His name, his nature is Love. P'ear
not ; be not faithlefs, but believing. Wait, and you fhall
yet fee the falvation of God. In Jesus there is plenteous
redemption. That you may feel the full power of his blood,
prays, dear Mifs,
Your afFedionatc friend and fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER
58o L E T T E R S.
LETTER CCCCVI.
To Mr. jy , in Bnjhl.
LorJ^Uy April 6, I742»
My deaVy yea very dear Brother^
YOU mull needs think, that your kind letter gave me no
imall pleafure. Glory be to God for that rich love
wherewith he hath loved you ! Surely Jesus Christ will
be now exceeding precious to your dear foul. What does he
now require of you, but to walk humbly, clofely, and with
a child-like fimplicity before him ? He hath followed you,
as well as prevented you with his mercies, and would fuffer
nothing to take you out of his hands. Satan hath defired you,
fatan has fifted you as wheat ; but Jesus, that friend of fm-
ners, hath prayed for you, and therefore your faith hath not
failed. The Lord hath looked upon my dear Samuel. Me-
thinks I fee him weeping tears of love, and faying, " Speak,
Lord, thy fervant heareth now."
I doubt not but many will reproach you for your paft back-
Hiding, and queftion your future (lability. Let all ferve to
humble you in the dud, and drive you to the loving Jesus
for refuge. '-'- In him," furely fliall my dear friend fay, " I have
righteoufnefs and firength." Look up to him, and you Ihall
be delivered from, nay, made more than conqueror over every
temptation. He will fight your battles for you, and crown
you v^'hcn you have done. Dear Mr. JV- , the love of
Jesus now fv/allows up my foul. I fee him more and more
lovely every day. In Jesus there is plenteous redemption.
He caaie, that we might have life, nay that we might have
it more abundantly. O what a bleiTmg is it to be redeemed
from a vain converfation, and from this prefent evil world. O
that every poor finner felt it ! Then would his children agree in
one, and divifujus would be at an end. Blcfled be our Lord,
there is a greater profpecl of union than ever. It is what
my foul longs after, and labours for. It is a great pity that
poor pilgrims fbould fall cut in their way to heaven ; but this
will be, till we get more of the divine fpirit. Pray we there-
fore for a great cfFufion of the Holy Ghofl. BleiTed be God,
we
LETTERS. 381
we ted the Holy Ghoft daily in our congregations. It fur-
prizes me to fee what a company of fettled, folid chriftians
are amonj^ft us. The work goes on daily. This morning,
how did Jesus pierce and melt poor finners hearts ? Amaz-
ing accounts are brought from abroad. — Frelh av/akenings in
many places at home. Does not your foul long to tell fmncrs,
Jesus is Love. I am glad to hear you are foacTiive. Go on
in the ftrength of the triumphing Lamb. My heart is warm.
Welcome home again, my dear friend, welcome to Jesus
your Lord and your God. Pray write often, dear Mr. IV ,
to
Your mod afpedlionatc friend, brother and
fervant in the glorious Emmanuel^
G. //'.
, L E T T E R CCCCVn.
To Mr, O , in Leominjler,
My dear Brother^ London^ Jprll 6^ I'jo^l.
YOUR letter gave me uncommon pleafurc, and confirm'd
me more in the opiniorv, that where our Lord gives a
will, he will alfo give an opportunity of glorifying his great
and mofi: adorable name. Indeed, I believe there is fuch a
work begun, as neither we nor cur fathers have heard of.
The beginnings are amazing; how unfpeakably glorious will
the end be ! From Neiv-England^ freih and furprizing gUid
tidings are (tnt-^ the Lord takes poor fmners there by hun-
dreds, I may fay by thoufands. In Scotland^ the fruits of my
poor labours are abiding and apparent. In IVales^ I hear the
word of the Lord runs and is glorified, as alfo in many places
in England. In London^ our Saviour is doing great things
daily ; we have many dear growing children among us, who
can fay, " Our fellowfhip is v/ith the Father and the Son."
We fcarce know what it is to have a meeting without tears.
Our Lord always meets with us. My dear brother, I re-
joice to hear that you are helped in your work. Let this
encourage you ; go on, go on ; the more we do, the m«re
we may do for Jesus. I fleep and eat but little, and am
conflantly employed from morning till midnight, and yet I
walk and am not weary, I run and am not faint. My ftrength
is daily renewed. My bow abides in ftrength, and my hands
are
332 LETTERS.
are upholder! by the arms of the mighty God of Jacob. O free
grace ! It fires my foul, and makes me long to do fomething
more for Jesus. It is true indeed, I want to go home ; but here
are fo many fouls ready to perifh for lack, of knowledge, that
I am willing to tarry below, as long as my mafter hath work
for me to do. — When I fliall come your way, I cannot deter-
mine.— All I fay is, I will come when the Lord gives me
leave. At prefent my call is in London^ where I propofe ftay-
ino- for fome time. My wife came up lait Saturday^ and joins
with me in wilhing you all manner of fuccefs. I am, my dear
brother.
Yours moft affeiSlionately In our glorious Emmanuel^
G, m
LETTER CCCCVIII.
To Mr, J C , in Glouceflerjhire.
London^ April ^^ 1742.
Dear Mr. J C ,
OURS came to hand laft night. I rejoice to hear that
Y
the Lord is with you, and that he was pleafed to blefs
my poor labours in Glouceflerjlnre. I would have you to dif-
pute as little as poflible. Awakened fouls (hould be told to
look continually to the Lord Jesus. The more you are ac-
quainted with Christ, and the more deeply you drink into
his fpirit, the more folid you will grow. Fear not becaufe of
your prefent trials ; " the Lord is thy God ; he will never
leave thee nor forfake thee." Caft all your care upon him,
he careth for you. Your wife's illnefs fhall work for good.
The things I promifed, are provided and fhall be fent fpeedily.
Brother H will be with you, God willing, next week ;
I pray God that his coming may be in the fulnefs of the
blefling of the gofpel of peace ! Our Lord is with us much
here. 1 preach twice daily. Our fociety grows. My mafter
fills me with his prefence, and continually meets with us.
My tender love awaits all the fociety. Be ftrong in
the hQKT>^ and in the power of his might. Seek after a
nearer
LETTERS. 383
nearer conformity to the blefled Jesus. Grow in grace j and
as you are enabled, dear "John^ pray for
Your affedionate friend, brother,
and fervant in Christ,
G. JV,
LETTER CCCCIX.
To Captain G , in Philadelphia,
Dear Brother G , London^ April 11^ 1 742.
I Hope this will find yoji very happy in the love of Christ.
I was glad to hear you had fo good a time, before our
friends left you. I wifli you no lefs, than that you may be
filled with all the fulnefs of God. We have had a glorious
Eajier^ or rather a Pentecojl. Jesus Christ is rifen indeed.
I have been preaching in Moorfulds^ and our Saviour carries
all before us. Nought can refift his conquering blood. It
would have delighted you, to have fecn the poor finners flock
from the booths, to fee Jesus lifted up on the pole of the gof-
pel. I have received many tickets from young apprentices,
&c. &:c. Our fociety goes on wonderfully well. Every day
we hear of frefh conquefts. God's children are expedincp
very great things. I believe they will not be difappointed
of their hope. But I am in hafte. Your wife was well the
laft time 1 faw her. Brother 5 and his wife have been
to fee her. — My dear wife and brother 5 kindly falute
you, and all that love our glorious Emmanuel. Pray write a
line to, dear brother G ,
Yours, ho..
G, TV.
LETTER CCCCX.
To the Reverend Mr. J , in Torkfiire,
My dear Brother., London., Jpril 22, I742»
I Thank, you and your wife for your kind bcnefacHon. Our
Saviour, I believe, will take it kindly at your hands. I
rejoice that the work of our common mafter is carried en in
Yorkjhire. We fee greater things than ever at London. The
awakening is quite frelh. I never v/as flrengthencd more.
Every day, poor fmners are brought home to Jc^us Christ.
Our
384 LETTERS.
Our people are filled as with new wine j it fecms to be a Pen^
tecnji. I have preached fix or feven times in Moorfields^ thele
holidays. It v»'ould rejoice you to fee the people flock from fa-
tan's booths to hear the gofpcl of the Son of God. The
people feem to have fuch a fpirit of fupplication poured out
upon thein, that I believe we fhall fee great things. I am
often weak in body, but, as my work requires, I am pro-
portionably (hengthened in the inner man. Was there ever
fuch a finner as 1 am ? Was there ever fuch a Saviour as my
Saviour ?
Loxv at thy feci ^ Jfsus, Id me Uc^
And love and pniijc to all eieniify,
I falute all that love the Lord Jesus in hncerity, and am,
dear brother '/ ?
Yours mofl afieclion:itc!y in Jesus Christ,
L E T T E R CCCCXI.
To Mr, L .
London, May 11, 1 742.
WITH this, I fend vou a few out of the many notes I
have received froiii perfons, who were convicted,
converted, or comforted in Mccrfields, during the late holi-
days. For many weeks, I found my heart much preiTed to
determine to venture to preach there at this feafon, when, if
ever, fatan's children keep up their annual rendezvous. I
muft inform you, that yM<?^;;^i.Wi 'is a large fpacious place,
given, as I have been told, by one ALidam Moore^ on purpofc
for all forts of people to divert thcmfelves in. For many
years pail, from one end to the other, booths of all kinds have
been erected, for mountebanks, players, puppet (liows, and
fuch like. With a heart bleeding with companion for fo
many thcufands led captive by the devil at his will, on JVbit-
Monday^ at fix o'clock in the morning, attended by a large
«on2;regation of praying people, I ventured to lift up a ftandard
arnon^ll them in the name of Jesus Oi Nazareth, Perhaps
there were about ten thoufand in waiting, not for me, but fop
fatan's inflruments to amufe them. — Glad was I to find, that
I had for once as it v/cre got the Hart of the devil. I mounted
my
LETTERS. 385
my field pulpit, almoft all flocked immediately around It. I
preached on thefe words, *' As Alofis lifted up the ferpent
in the wildernefs, fo fhall the Ton of man be lifted up, ^'c.'*
They gazed, they liftened, they wept \ and I believe that
many felt themfelves flung with deep convi6^ion for their pad
fins. All was huflied and folcmn. Being thus encouraged,
I ventured out again at noon ; but what a fcene ! The fields,
the whole fields fcemeu, in a bad fenfe of the word, all white,
rcaily not for the Redeemer's, but Beelzebub's harvefl. All
his agents were in full motion, drummers, trumpeters, merry
andrews, mailers of puppet fliows, exhibiters of wild beafts,
players, ^c. Szg. all bufy in entertaining their rcfpedivc au-
ditories. I fuppofc there could not be lefs than tv/cnty or
thirty thouland people. My pulpit was fixed on the oppofite
fide, and immediately, to their great mortification, they found
the number of their attendants fadly lelTened; Judging that
like faint Panl^ I fhould now be called as it were to fight
with beads at Ephefus^ I preached from thefe words : " Great
is Diana of the Ephefians" You may eafily guefs, that there
was fome noife among the craftsmen, and that I was honoured
with having a few fi:ones^ dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead
cats thrown at me, whilft engaged in calling them from their
favourite but lying vanities. My foul was indeed among lions ;
but far the greatefi: part of my congregation, which was very
large, feemed for a while to be turned into lambs. This en-
couraged me to give notice^ that I would preach again at fix:
o'clock in the evening. I came^ I faw, but what thou-
fands and thoufands more than before if poiTible, flill more
deeply engaged in their unhappy diverfions ; but fome thou-
fands amongft them waiting as earneflly to hear the gofpcl.
This fatan could not brook. One of his choiceil fervants
was exhibiting, trumpeting on a large ftage ; but as foon as
the people faw me in my black robes and my pulpit, I think
all to a man left him and ran to me. For a while I was
enabled to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and many heard the
joyful found. God's people kept praying, and the enemy's
agents made a kind of a roaring at fome diflance from our
camp. At length they approached nearer, and the merry andrew,
(attended by others, who complained that they had taken
many pounds lefs that day on account of my preaching) got
Vol. I. C c up
9
3S6 L E T T E R S.
uponaman^s {houlders,and advancing near the pulpit attempted
to flafh me with a long heavy whip fcveral times, but always
with the violence of his motion tun;bled down. Soon after-
wards, they got a recruiting feijeant with his drum, &c. to
pafs through the congregation. I gave the word of command,
and ordered that v^ay might be made for the king's officer.
The ranks opened, while all march'd quietly through, and
then clofed again. Finding thofe efforts to fail, a large body
quite on the oppofite fide alfembled together, and having got
a large pole for their flandard, advanced towards us with fteady
and formidable fteps,till they came very near the fkirts of our
hearing, praying, and almofl undaunted congregation. I
faw, gave warning, and prayed to the captain of our falvatioii
for prefent fupport and deliverance. He heard and anfwered ;
for jull: as they approached us with looks full of refentment, I
know not by what accident, they quarrelled among themfelves,
threw down their ftaffand went their way, leaving however
many of their company behind, who before we had done, I
truft were brought over to join the befieged party. I think I
continued in praying preaching and finging, (for the noife
was too great at times to preach) about three hours. We
then retired to the tabernacle, with my pockets full of notes
from perfons brought under concern, and read them amidfE
the praifes and fpiritual acclamations of thoufand?, who
joined with the holy angels in rejoicing that fo many fmners
were fnatched, in fuch an unexpeded, unlikely place and
manner, out of the very jaws of the devil. This was the be-
ginning of the taberiiacle fociety. — Three hundred and fifty
awakened fouls were received in one day, and I believe the
number of notes exceeded a thoufand ; but I muft have done,
believing you want to retire to join in mutual praife and
thankfgiving to God and the Lamb, with
Yours, Sec.
G. JV.
LETTER
LETTERS. 387
LETTER CCCCXir.
To the fume.
My dear Friend^ London^ May 15, 17^2.
FRESH matter of praife ; blcfs ye the Lord, for he hath
triumphed glorioufly. The battle that was be^un on
Monday^ was not quite over till //Ww/f/z/^j evening, though
the fcene of adioti was a iiftle fliiftcj. Being (Irongly invit-
ed, and a pulpit being prepared for me by an honeft quaker, a
coal merchant, I ventured on Tucfday evening to preach at
Mary le bon fields^ a place almoft a<; much frequented by-
boxers, gamerters, and fuch like, as M':or-fiolds. A vaft con-
courfe was aflemblcd together, and a^ focui as I got into the
field pulpit, their countenance befpoke the enmity of their
hearts againA the preacher, I opened with tlsefe words —
** I am not alhamed of the gofpcl of Christ, for it is the
power of God unto falvation to every one that belicveth." I
preached in great jeopardy ; for the pulpit being high, and the
fupports not well fixed in the ground, it tottered tvery time 1
moved, and numbers of enemies drove to pufii my friends a-
gainft the fupporters, in order to throw me down. But the
Redeemer ftayed my foul on himfeif, therefore I was not much
moved, unlefs with compaflion for thofe to whom I was deli-
vering my maftei's mefLige, which I had reafon to think, by the
flrong impreiTions that were made, was welcome to many. But
fatan did not like thus to be attacked in his flrong-holds, and
I narrowly efcaped with my life : for as I was pallin^ from
the pulpit to the coach, I felt my wig and hat to be almoft ofp.
I turned about, and obferved a fword jufi: touching my tem-
ples. A young rake, as I after-wards found, was determined
to (lab me, but a gentleman, feeing the fword thruftint^- near
•me, ftruck it up vi'ith his cane, and fo the deftincd victim pro-
videntially efcaped. Such an attempt excited abhorrence;
the enraged multitude foon feized him, ar.d had it not been
fur one of my friends, who received him into his houfe, he muft
have undergone a fevere difcipline. The next d.iy, I renewed
my attack in Mc'jr-ficlds\ but would you tliink it ? after they
found that pelting, noi!e, and threatnings would not do, one
cf the mivry /indreivs got up into a tree very near the pulpit,
C c 2 and
3S8 LETTERS.
and fliamefuUy expofed his nakednefs before all the people.
Such a beaftly a6lion quite abafhed the ierious part of my au-
ditory ; whilft hundreds of another (lamp, inftead of rifing
up to pull down the unhappy wretch, cxprelTcd their approba-
tion by repeated laughs. 1 muft own at firft it gave me 3
fhock ', I thought fatan had now almoft outdone himfelf ; but
recovering my fpirits, I appealed to all, fmce now they had
fach a fpe6tacle before them, whether I had wronged human
nature in faying, after pious B'ljlwp Hall^ " that man, when
left to himfelf, is half a devil and half abeaft ;" or as the great
Mr. Laiu exprefled himfelf, " a motley mixture of the beafl
and devil." — Silence and attention being thus gained, I con-
cluded with a warm exhortation, and clofed our feftival entcr-
prizes, in reading frefh notes that were put up, praifmg anil
bicffino- God amidft thoufands at the tabernacle, for what he
had done for precious fouls, and on account of the deliveran-
ces he had wrought out for me and his people. I could en-
laro-e ; but being about to embark in the Mary and Ann^ for
Scotland^ I muft haften to fubfcribe myfelf.
Yours, &c.
' G. JV,
P. S. I cannot help adding, that fevera! little boys and girls
who were fond of fitting round me on the pulpit, while I
preached, and handing to me peoples notes, though they were
often pelted v/ith eggs, dirt, &c. thrown at me, never once
gave way : but on the contrary, every time I was [truck, turn-
ed up their little weeping eyes, and Teemed to wifh they could
receive the blows for me. God make them in their growing
years great and living martyrs for him, who out of the mou-tb
of babes and fucklings perrc(Sts praife 1
LETTER CCCCXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. M , in the IJle of Man,
On hoard the Mary and Ann ^ hound to Scotlandy May 26, 1742.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Received your letter on Saturday laft, and felt great concern
on my foul, while perufmg it. One thing efpecially
plcafed mei I found by the contents, that a report I had
lately
LETTERS. 3S9
lately heard .concerning you was falfc ; for I had heard, that
the bifliop feeing your zeal, ami finding his oppofition had in-
flamed, at laft had ordered the clergy to open the church
doors for 3'ou, and that now you had done with appearing
openly in the defence of the glorious Gofpel. Blclled be God
this is not true ! Though I find, both you and your people
have been greatly difcouraged. I fee no way of extricating
yourfelf, but by acting up to the dictates of your own confci-
ence, and leaving the confequences to the great head and king
of the church. You find, dear Sir, a fenfible withdrawing of
the fpirit ever fince you gave way. It would not have been
fo, had you obeyed God rather than man. Up then, and be
doing, and the Lord will be yet with you. If you cannot
preach freely in the Ijle of Man ^ go whitherfoever the Lord
fliall be pleafed to lead you. Our commiUion is very exten-
five : " Go into all the world, and preach the gofpel to every
creature." We want labourers much in England. It" our af-
cended Saviour hath given you popular gifts, and freedom and
authority in fpeaking without notes, you need not fear. He
will afiiil: you from time to time, and make you a bleiTmg to
many fouls. Your being a miniiler of the eftabliflied church,
will be an advantage, and your age alfo will give you yet more
authority ; but an uncSlion from the Holy One of Ifrael is the beft
qualification 5 I would therefore, dear Sir (if fuch a one as I, am
capable of advifing) by all means perfuade you to humble
yourfelf before the great bifhop of your foul, and afkhim again
and again what he would have vou to do? I am apt to think,
he will not reftore to you the comforts of the Ploly Ghoft, or
ftablifh you with his free fpirit, 'till you give up yourfelf fimply
to follow the di6lates of his providence and fpirit. Then let
men or devils fay or do their worfl. How can we know
God's power unlefs we try it ? Not that I would have you,
dear friend, do any thing rafl:ily. No, " he that bclieveth
doth not make hafte." Wait upon the Lord, and he will
certainly (hew you what lie would have you to do. I wonder
not that your brother's love is grown cold. It is hard for one
in his ftation, unlefs he be thorou2;hly inured to contempt, and
will give God leave to act in his own way, to withiland a
whole body of lukewarm, prejudiced, envious, malignant
<:lcrgy. Thefe, have always been the greateft oppofers of true
C c 3 vital
-go LETT E R S.
vital religion. Thcfc, were our Saviour's moft bitter enemies.
Thefe, will be ours alfo, if we come forth in his fpirit, and
preach by hib power. But blclled be God, I can fay by hap-
py experience, our gloi ious Emmanuel will make us more than
conquerors over them all. He hath continually fought my
battles for me, and I am perfuaded will do fo to the end. Of
Icite, I have fecn more of his power and goodnefs than ever, and
I truft we ihall yet fee greater things than thefe. I am now
once more going to Scotland^ and purpofc (God willing) the
latter end of the year to embark for America, Pray let me hear
from vou, and if pulliblc let me have a perfonal interview. I
hope this will reach you. In the next, be pleafed to tell me
how to diretSi, for I have forgotten. The Lord be with you.
I wifli you abundant profperity in the name of the exalted Rc^
ciccmer, and am
Your airu(5Llonate brother and fervant, &c.
G, JK
LETTER CCCCXIV.
To Mr. S — — Ai , in Gaiii/horciigb.
On hoard the Mary and Ann^ May 26, 1742.
My dear Brother^
YO U R liiiler dated May 5th was very agreeable to me.
I think it favoured ot a true Ifraelitifii fpirit, and there-
fore I find freedom to fend you a plain and fimple anfwer.
Who J H is, 1 cajinot tell. If he was converted by
my unworthy minifliy, or others by his means, let our dear
Jesus have all the gloiy. I Ihall know who they are, at the
great day. Mr. P I know very v.ell. I believe he is
a good man, but am not enough acquainted with his proceed-
ings, cnhcr wholly to commend or condemn them. Whether
he preaches in public, or convcrfes only in a private manner, I
know not. This one thing I know, if he be fent of God, I
wifh him profperity. The anfwer which our Lord gave to
thofe who forbad fuch as were calling out devils in his name,
bccaufe they followed not with them, makes me particularly
cautious, how I interrupt any one that feems to fpeak of Jesus
with fmcerity of heart. As for his fpeakiiig fo little againft
the church of England, I cannot difcommend him for that. I
I find
L E T T E R S. 391
find it bed to talk only of Jesus's blood, and the power of
his Redemption, and not dwell much on outward thint^s or
outward worfliip. When the woman of Samaria afked our
Lord, " where men ought to worfhip," he diverted the dif-
courfe from the outward to the inward worfliip. " "rhe wor-
fhip of the Father in fpirit and in truth.** Some things may
be wrong in the church of England^ and in this mixed ftate we
muft never expedl: to fee a perfect church, or a perfciSl man. It
is therefore my conftant aim to agree with all the children of
God, as far as I can, and not to quarrel though we differ in
fome points. \a civil fociety, one family doss not differ with
another, becaufe it hath not the fame orders in every refpect.
Would to God we obferved the fame rule in fpirituals. The
world falls out enough with us ; it is pity we (hould fall out
among ourfelves. My brother, I have written to you out of
the fulnefs of my heart; whether I fliall fee your face in the
flefli, 1 know not. At prefent, my call is to Scotland.^ — If the
cloud fliould move towards Lincoln/})ire^ my anfwer is, " Lord,
lo I come I" I am quite confounded when I think that fuch a
wretch as I fliould ever be employed in preaching the everlaff-
ing gofpel. I often fall down under a fcnfe of God's diftin-
guifhing mercy, and with awful adoration am frequently made
to cry out, " Why me, Lord ; why me ?" O my brother, help
me to praife the Lamb of God, that taketh away the fins of the
world. A wonderful work is carried on both at home and
abroad. I (hall be glad to hear from you again. Be plcafed to
direct as before. I am, in the bowels of Jesus Christ,
Your affcdionate friend, brother and fervant,
LETTER CCCCXV.
To Mr. J B , in London.
On hoard the Mary and Ann ^ May 27, 1 742.
My dear Brother B ,
YOUR letter was fweet to my heart. Bufinefs prevent-
ed my anfwering it on fliore. Our Saviour is plcafed
at this time to give me leifure and freedom. I will now en-
deavour to anfwer it on board. I need not tell you, I love
you. God has often bore witnefs to our fdlowfliip, by giving
C G 4 us
392 LETTERS.
us his prcfence, and filling us as with new wine. What has
happened of late to difunite, will in the end, 1 am perfuaded,
only promote a clofer union. •■' Out of the eater will come
forth meat, and out of the ftrong will come forth fweetnefs. '•
Blefled be our Savipur's free grace ! I feel my heart more and
rnore enlarged towards, and niorc and more difpofed to love
and honour all denominations of believers, than ever I expe-
rienced before. In all focieties of chriftians under heaven,
there muft neccflarily be perfons of a different (landing in the
fchool of Christ. Thofe who are not fqlidly eftablifhed in
the love of God, will fall too much in love with the outward
form of their particular church, be it what it will. But as
the love of God gets the afcendency, the more they will be
like him and his holy angels, and confequently rejoice when
fouls are brought to Jesus, whatever inftruments may be made
ufe of for that purpofe. If therefore fome that you and I
know, are too confined (as I believe is too much the cafe) ; if
they do not preach more frequently, and abound niore in good
works, I think it is for want of haying their hearts more in-
flamed with the love of God, and their graces kept in more
conftant exercife. To ftir up the gift of God that is in us,
is an apodolical injun£lion ; and if we do not keep upon our
yvatch we fliall fall into a falfe ftillnefs. Nature loves eafe ;
and as a blind zeal often prompts us to fpeak too much, fo te-
pidity and lukewarmnefs often caufe us to fpeak too little.
Divine wifdom alone, is profitable to direcl ; and I would be
very cautious how I fpeak, Icall I fl:iould take too much upoi^
me. I love thofe you mention, from my foul ; and all I can
fay is, " Lord, do thou lead and guide both them and us.'*
We ave blind helplefs creatures. I wilh there was more confi-
dence between us all j but I fee that none but the fpirit of
God can outwardly unite us, and therefore I have now given
it up into the Redeemer's hand. Only this I pray, that I may
be one of the firft and not the laft in bringing back the k
If I have at any time fee improper bounds to the fpirit of God,
or grieved it in his children, I defire to be very low, and to be
broken hearted for it. I am fure it hath not been done wil-
lingly. I muil own, I have fometimes oppofed you, becaufe
1 think you have made, and are yet making, too much hafte.
Youfeem to belike-minded with thofe, who in our Saviour's
time
LETTER S. 393
time thought that the kingdom of God would then come:
but you know how oijr Lord checked them for it, and told
them, " it was not for them to know the particular times and
feafons of his coming to fct up his kingdom." I believe with
you, that our glorious Emmanuel is about to do great things.
But how, when, and where, 1 leave to his divine, foverejtrn
difpofal. I dcfire flridtly to mind the particular plan affitrncd
me ; at the fame time to look about, and fee what others the
wonderful counfellor is pleafcd to employ in other diflrii^s :
and though they may difl'er from me in fome points, I wifh
them abundant profperity in the name of our common Lord.
I am of your mind with, refpedt to the church of England,
This, this is the conftant, abiding, intenfe language of my
heart ; " Lord Jesus, let thy kingdom come." You fee, my
dear brother, how fully I write to you. It is becaufe I love you.
O that we may be taught to bear one another's burdens, and
fo fulfil the law of Christ ! May the Lord keep us all from
falling out in our way to heaven. Amen and amen ! You and
yours will join heartily in the fame petition, with
Your aftectionate brother and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCCCXVL
To the Rtv Mr. O , at Lecrn'mjler,
On board the Mary and Ann^ May 27, 1742.
Aly dear Brother^
I Have not till now had tirnc to anfwcr your kind letter. I
rejoice abundantly in the ufe our dear Lord is beginning
to make of you. May he ufe and blefs you ever more and
more. Our Lord loves to encourage faith. They that truft
in him, fhall find now as well as formerly, that " it fliall be
given them in that hour what they fliall fpeak." This I find
true by happy experience, and am perfuaded fliall prove the
truth of it more and more. Since my lail, the captam of our
falvation has can ied me on to frtih conqueft, and caufcd his
people to rejoice exceedingly in his great falvation. Our foci-
ety is in great order. If the Lord gives us a true catholic
fpirit, free from a party fecfarian zeal, we iball do well. I am
forry to hear that there is fo much narrowncfs among fome of
the
594 LETT E R S,
the brethren In iralcs. Brother // complains fa.Jiy of it.
I hope dear Mr. will be kept free, and not fall intodif-
putnicr about Baptifm or other non-eilentials ; for I am perluad-
cd, unlcfs we all are content to preach Christ, and to keep otF
from dirputable things, wherein we differ, God will not blefs us
loner. If we a6l otherwife, however we may talk of a catho-
lic fpirit, we fhall only be bringing people over to our own
party, and there fetter them. I pray the Lord to keep dear
Ty/Jr. Q and me from fuch a fpirit. Dear Sir, may the
Lord be with you ! Remember us poor but willing pilgrims,
efpecially him who is lefs than the leaft of all, but
Your affectionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCCXVIL
To the Rev. Mr* J S , ^7 Stockport.
On board the Mary and Ann^ May 29, 1742.
HcV. and dear Sir,
I Received your letter fome time ago, but through multipli-
city of bufinefs could not poffibly anfwcrit on fhore. I
do not remember feeing you at London j but if you love the
Redeemer in fincerity, and preach the gofpel in the demonffra-
tionof the fpirit and with power, I wi{h you all poiTible fuccefs
in the name of the Lord. As for coming into your parts, it
is intirely uncertain. My prefent call is to Scjtland. How my
Maiter will difpofe of me hereafter, I know not. I limply de-
Tire to go whither he fliall be plcafed to call me. I am amaz-
ed that he Ihould call me any wheie, or employ me as his
ambaiiador to befeech poor finners to be reconciled to God.
But what iliall we fay ? I can only fall down at the feet of the
Lamb, and cry, Grace ! grace ! Of late the Lord hath done
greater things for me, and his church, than ever; and yet great-
er things I am perfuaded he Is about to bring to pafs. Dear
Sir, help me at the throne of grace, and as you feem to have a
third for the Redeen^r's glory, recommend me to the prayers
of God's people, being the chief of finners, but, for the Re-
deemer's fake.
Your mofl affectionate friend, brother and fervant,
G. IV,
LETTER
LETTERS.
395
LETTER CCCCXVIU.
To the Rrj. Mr. D , in Ejf.x,
M-j vn-y dear Brother^ May 29, 1742.
YOUR letter ]ics by me, yet unanrwcred ; the contents
hov-evcr have not been fc;r2;otten before the Lord. Sure-
ly the days uFyour pilgrimage will erelong be ended, and the
liar which you once faw, appear to you ai^ain, and caufe vou
to rejoice wit!) exceeding great joy. I think there is forne-
thing very extraordinary in the Lord's dealing with you. I
can oi^ly relblve it ir.to the divine fovereignty, and fay, " even
ii'^-i Father, for fo it feenieth good in thy Tight." This is often
the language of my heart, with rcfpc6t to God's dealir.g with
my own foul. Many things our Saviour does to me, which I
know not now. It is fufficient that I fliall know hereafter,
and that 1 knov/ thus far even now, " that all things are
working together for good." Dear Mr. D , indeed I
love and pray for you. Our Saviour, I trufl, will yet fet your
feet in a large room, and enable you to run the way of his
commandments ;
Thro^ ivinds^ and clouds^, andjlorins^ he II gently clear the wav ;
JVait'ihen his Ume^Jo Jhall this night fz on end in joyous day.
My tender love await the flock at D m ; I pray for
them and you. Our Saviour hath done great thijigs of late
in London. I believe he will yet do more in Scotland. O my
bi-othcr, forget not to pray for the chief of finners.
Your truly affectionate friend, brother
ai:d fervant in Jesus Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCCXIX.
To the Rev. Mr. C , at Bath,
On I'oard the Alary and Ann ^ May 29, 1742.
Aly very dear Friend and Brother^
NOT want of love, but cxcefs of bufinefs prevented my
anf^cring your kind letter dated yfpril bth. In London
I had f.arcc time to cat bread, or to take my natural reft.
Our
296 LETTERS.
Our blefled Saviour, with his own right hand got himfelf the
vidory in many hearts, and brought mighty things to pafs. I
never faw the like before. I muft renew my old requeft.
*' Help, my dear friend, help me to be thankful." I am now
going a fecond time to Scotland, and purpofe, God willing, at
the latter end of the year to embark for America, My foul is
a thirft for the falvation of poor finners, Thefe words, " G^
ye into all the world, and preach the gofpel to every creature,
&c," have been particularly prefled upon my heart. O,
dear Mr. C , if the Lord has accounted us worthy, put-
ting us into the miniftry, how careful fhould we be to make
full proof thereof ? God willing, when I come on fhore I will
begin in earneft. For alas ! haolcnus Ji'ihilfeci. — Indeed I am
afhamed of myfelf from the bottom of my heart. Was not
my Mafter's love like himfelf, infinite, I fhould have been caft
oft' long before this time. But I find thofe whom he loves, he
loves to the end. Mr. W- , myfelf, and others, are in-
Hances of this. I hope our great Shepherd will now carry
him in his arms, and not let him to ftay again. I have wrote
to Mr. T from on board. — If you go to him, or labour
elfewhere, that the blefled Jesus may be always with you, is
the hearty prayer of, dear Mr, C ,
Your moft affetStionate brother and fervant
in Christ,
(?. n
LETTER CCCCXX.
To Mr. J H , in London.
On hoard the Mary and Ann, May ic^,\'j^i,
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter much afPecled me. I hope the contents
have made the angels to rejoice, and that before this
time you have found reft in the wounded Lamb. That God,
who firfl: fpoke light out of darknefs, I truft is beginning to
iliine into your heart, and to perfect a new creation in your
Ibul. You are not the firft, dear friend, by thoufands, who
have thought themfelvcs rich and increafed in goods, not con-
fidering they were poor and miferable and blind and naked. I
iuppofc you can now join with me in the following verfes :
Lonc^
LETTERS. 397
I.
iong did my foulin Jefus form
No comcUncfs nor beauty fee ;
His facred 7iame by others priz'dy
TFas tajUkfsJldl and dead to me,
11.
Men caird me Chrijlian^ and ?ny heart
On that dehifan fondly Jl ay d ;
Moral my hopes^ my Saviour felf,
'Till mighty grace the cheat difplafd.
III.
Thanks to the hand that walCd ?ny dreamy
That fhew^d me wretched^ naked^ poor j
That fweetly led me to the Rocky
Where all falvationfla?ids fecure,
IV.
Glady I forfook my righteous pride^
My moraly tarnifh' d^finful drefs^
Exchanged my drofs away for Chrijl^
And found the robe of right eoufnefs,
Thefc lines, dear Sir, I think are very emphatical. I trufl
you can now repeat them from your heart. If fo, hail happy
man ! Jesus hath waflied you in his blood, and given you
eternal life. You now then have nothing to do, but to live to
him, who hath lived and died for you, and if neceflary would
die again for you with all his heart. Surely our Saviour loves
you, otherwife he would not have fliewed you all thefe things.
I love you for his fake (though unknown) ; and if he hath
been pleafed to work by my unworthy miniftry, let him
have all the glory, and forget not to pray for the poor, weak
inftrument, who has not forgotten to pray for you, being,
dear Sir,
Your moft afFedlionate friend and fervant,
in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER
39^ LETTER S,
LETTER CCCCXXr.
To Mr. H H , in Wales.
On board the Mary and Ann^ May 29, 1 7 42.
My very dear Brother^
THOUGH I could not write to you on (liore, yet I
inijft not omit writing to you on board. I am heartily
forry that fuch a narrow fpirit prevails in IFalcs. I have written
to Mr. // . But what (hall we fay ? The Redeemer's
love alone can unite and keep together his floclcs. Difput-
ing with bigots and narrow-fpirited people will not do. I
intend henceforward to lay Ids to them, and pri.y more and
more to our Lord for them. " Lord, enlarge their hearts,'*
is my continual prayer for fuch, who are (o flreightened in
their own bowels. Elefled be God, this partition-wall is
breaking down daily in fome of our old friends hearts in Lon-
don. I exhort all to go where they can profit moft. I preach
what I believe to be the truth, and then leave it to the fpirit
of God to make the application. When we have done this,
I think we have gone to the utmoft bounds of our commif-
iion. O my brother, I find more and more, nothing but that
wifdom, which is from above, can teach us how to build up
fouls. I never was {o much allifted in this kind of work, as
fmce I came to London laft. We have public i'ocietics twice
a week, and a general meeting for reading letters once a month.
Our Lord has been much with us. We fcem to move on
iiov/ in gofpel dignity, and are terrible as an army with ban-
ners. If the Lord inclines you, a vifit to London vjou\6 be
very acceptable. (3ur people can now bear fcarching more
than formerly. I find that our Lord hath particularly blefled
you that way. We have had a moft bleffed funeral of one of
our filters in Christ, and the awakening, I think, has been
as great as when I firft came out, and abundantly more folid.
The Eajier Holidays were high days indeed. My wife doth
not forget her friends in IP'ales. But our Lord has feen fit
to excrcife her with exceeding clofe inward trials. She and
all with mc moft cordially falute you. 1 cxpecl: great things
in Scotland. If pofiible, at my return, I hope to fee you in Wales.
But future things belong to God. Adieu. Forget not to pray for
Your aricciioiiate brother pilgrim,
G. W,
LETTKR
LETTERS. 399
LETTER CCCCXXII.
To Mr, A , in London.
Edinburgh^ 'June 4, 1 742.
A'ly dear Brother A ,
FROM a heart overflowing with a fcnfe of God's love, I
write you thefe few lines. Yefterday our Saviour
brought us hither. On board, I fpent moll part of my time
in fccret prayer. Satan (hot many of his fiery darts againft
me. Our great Michael gave me a fhield of faith, by which 1
was enabled to repel them all. As foon as I came on fhore,
the holy fpirit filled my foul. The Lord commanded people
to receive me and my fellow pilgrim into their houfes. Our
fouls rejoiced in him. The people were foon alarmed at my ar-
rival. As foon as I came on fhore at Leith, many came blefl-
ing me, and weeping, took hold of me. About four in the af-
ternoon we came to Edinburgh. Great numbers followed our
coach, and almoft catched me in their arms, as foon as I cama
out of it. How did they weep for joy ! It would have melted
you down to have feen them. When I came to my lodging-,
many dear friends came to falute us in the name of the Lord.
About feven o'clock I went to fee fome perfons of diftindliofi,
whofe hearts the Lord reached, when I was here laft. Some
were ready to faint with excefs of joy : with thefe I prayed
and gave thanks. The Holy Ghofb filled us with all joy and
peace in believing. — At eight I went to a nobleman's houfe,
where his lady and feveral other dear friends received us with
great gladnefs. The culhions and bible were immediately-
brought. I gave a word of exhortation. We fung, and prayed,
and fpent the remainder of the evening moft delightfully in
talking of the things of God. When we came home, we
joined in bleffing God's holy name. Though late, I fcarce
knew how to go to reft. — This morning I received glorious
accounts of the carrying on of the Mediator's kingdom. The
w^ork of God is beyond exprefHon. Three of the litile boys
that were converted when I was lafl: here, came to me and
v/ept, and begged me to pray for and with them. A miniftcr
tells me, that fcarce one is fallen back, who was awakened,
either among old cr young. The ferjeant, whofe letter, bro-
ther
400 LETTERS.
thcr C has, goes on well with his company. O my dear
brother, help me to praife the Lamb that fitteth upon the
throne for ever ; and defire all the fociety to join with you.
I believe within thefe four months you will hear of very great
things. Pray that I may be very little in my ovrn eyes, and
not rob my dear Mafler of any part of his glory. We do not
forget you. Once a day we meet together and pray for ab-
fent friends. He gives us leave, as it were, to afk of him
what we will, and promifes never to leave or forfake us. f^or
the prefent, my dear brother, adieu ! As opportunity cfFcrs,
and if poflible every poft, fome or other of my dear friend*^
ihall hear, dear brother A , from
Your moft affectionate, though moft unworthy
brother and fervant in Christ,
G. TF.
LETTER CCCCXXIII.
Tg the Right Honourable Lord R .
My Lord^ Edinburgh^ 'June 4, 1742.
YESTERDAY morning our glorious Enunanucl brought
us hither. Your Lordfhip's kind letter was put into'
iny hands. I heartily fympathize with your Lordfl:iip ; but
could not help rejoicing on your honoured lady's account^
knowing fhe is now entered into her bleffed Maimer's joy.
Indeed, my Lord, I think, among chriftians, death hath not
only loft its fting, but its name. I never was fo joyful as I
am now at the death of thofe who die in the Lord ; and
never was fo reconciled to Jiving myfelf. My general lan-
guage, when I hear of the faints departure, is, ^' Let them
go." Lately at London we had a filler in Christ departed.
Her laft words were, *' Holy, holy, holy ! " flie could fay no
iTiore here ; but our Saviour fent for her to finifh her fong in
heaven. I preached over her corpfc ; our fociety attended : but
furely never did fouls triumph over death more than we did
that night. Many would fay, " O death ! where is thy fting \
O grave ! where is thy viiSlory r " As for my own part, I was
enabled to trample death under my feet : and, bleffcd be
God, through rich grace I can do that daily. But then your
Lordftiip may afk, *< Why are you reconciled to life ?" Be-
\ caufe
LETTER S. 4ot
fca'tife I can do that for Jesus on earth, which I cannot do in
heaven : I mean, be made inftrumental in bringing fomc poor^
v/eary, heavy laden finncrs to find reft in his blood and rio-hte-
oufnefs : and, indeed, if our Saviour was to orTer cither to
take me ndW) or to ftay only to take one finner more, I wouli
defire to ftay to take him with me. But whither am I run-
ning ? O my Lord, death is a delightful topic. Excufe ms
if I forget myfelf when vvriting about it. Blefled be our God
for fupporting your foul under fo clofe a trial ! How fweet
Vill it be to meet your Lady glorified at the great day ! Yet
a little while, and that happy day fhall come. But it is time
to anfwer your Lordfhip's queftion : " How was you on the
24th of laft November f" I thank God, very well. My
foul was much refrelhed with the Redeemer's prefence ; and
1 was rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. 1 hear of won-
derful things in Scotland. I can only fall dov^n and worfnip.
I have feen greater things than ever in E?iglajicL I expecl to
fee far greater in Scotland. Our Lord will not let his people
be difiippointed of their hopes. But I muft away. We were
very happy together with fome other dear friends laft night.
I have not feen your Lordftiip's daughters, though they have
been fo kind as to fend to enquire after my health. I hope to
fee them to-day ; and am, my Lord, with all poffibie refpc.^t,
my Lord,
Your Lordfhip's moft obedient humble fcrvant,
LETTER CCCCXXIV.
to the P^ruerend Mr. M , at Camhuf.nv.g,
Edinburgh^ June 8, 174-^'
Reverend and very dear Brother,
Heartily rejoice at the awakening at Camlv.Jhng^ and
eirev.here. I believe you v/ill both fee and hear of far
greater things than thefe. I truft that not one corner of poor
Scotland will be left unvvatcred by the dew of God's heavenly
blefiing. The cloud is now only rifing as big as a man's
hand; yet a little v/hile, and we fliall hear a foinvi of an
abundance of gofpel rain. Our glorious Err.Tnrmufl\\.\s given
us much of his divine prefence fince my arrivul. O that'ic
Vol. h D d may
9
402 LETTERS.
may accompany me to CambuJJang ! God willing, I hope to
be with you the beginning of next week ; but cannot exadly
tell the day. In the mean while, forget not to pray for,
levcrend and dear brother.
Yours mofl alFedionately in Christ,
LETTER CCCCXXV.
To the Reverend Mr, E E •, at Sterling,
Edinburgh^ June lo, 1742.
Reverend and very dear S'lr^
I Am now at Mr. G 's houfe ; and finding his wife about
to fet out for Sterlings the love which I bear you, for my
dear Mafter's fake, conftrains me to fend you a line. It is
feme concern to me, that our difference as to outward things,
Ihould cut off our fweet fellowfhip and communion with each
other. God knows my heart, I highly value and honour
vou. Reverend and dear Sir, I do aflure you I love you and
your brethren more than ever. I applaud your zeal for God ;
and though, in fome refpedls, I think it not according to
knowledge, and to be levelled frequently againft me, yet
indeed I feel no refentment in my heart, and fhould joyfully
fit down and hear you and your other brethren preach. I fa-
lute them all ; and pray our common Lord to give us all a
right judgment in all things. I hope the glorious Emmanuel will
be prefent at the facrament, and make himfelf known to you
in breaking of bread. I have made bold to fend you the in-
clofcd pamphlets, and fliould be glad to know your opinion
of them. When I fhall come to Sterlings I know not. How-
ever, I earneflly pray for you and yours. I could drop i tear.
O when fiiall the time come, when the v/atchmen will fee eye
to e3^e ? Harten that time, our Lord and our God ! But
perhaps I am troublefomc. Forgive me, reverend and dear
Sir, being, without diiTunulation, your
Younger brother and fervant in the
2;orpcl of ChRPST,
G, W,
L E T T E R
LETTERS. 403
LETTER CCCCXXVL
To Mr, D A , //; Londoji,
Dear Friend^ Edinburgh^ "July 7, 1742.
I Arrived here laft Saturday evening from the Z^^/?, where I
preached all the laft week : as, twice on Monday at PaiJIeyy
iix miles from Glajgow ; on the Tuefday and Wedncfday^ three
times each day, at Irvine^ 16 miles from thence; on Thuj-f-
day^ twice at Mearns, fifteen miles from that ; on Friday^
three times at Cmnhcrnauld\ and on Saturday^ twice at Falkirk^
in my way to Edinburgh, In every place there was the
greateft commotion among the people as was ever known.
Their mourning in moft of the places, was like the mourning
for a lirft-born. The auditories were very large, and the
work of God fcems to be fpreading more and more. Laft
fabbath-day I preached twice in the park, and once in the
church, and twice every day fince. A number of feats and
(hades, in the form of an amphitheatre, have been ere6led in
the park, where the auditory fit in a beautiful order. I have
received very agreeable news from my family abroad. — I pur-
pofe going to Ca^nbujlang to-morrow, in order to aflift at the
communion ; and fliall preach at various places weftward be-
fore I return here. I intend to embark for /Imerica as foon as
pofiible after I leave Scotland. Thus you fee, my dear bro-
ther, how I have been employed. O give thanks to our
blelTed Saviour, for his great unparalleled goodncfs to a moft
unworthy worm. Indeed I have fecn and felt fuch things, as
I never faw and felt before. I never was enabled to preach fo
pov/erfully as whilft I have been in the TVeJl. I hear that
brother C is in the country, and that yoii exhort in the
fociety. May the Lord open your mouth, and caufe your
lips to (hew forth his praife ! Let us talk of his loving-kind-
nefs all the day long. God gives me faith for my poor or-
phans. Help me with your prayers, God will fupply all my
wants. Glory be to his name, I am kept from doubting.
My brother, I love you dearly. You have been a dole and
faithful brother. May the Lord blcfs you and yours. Adieu!
Pray fail not of writing as particular as may be, to,
Moft afFe<5lio]iatcly yours in Christ,
G. JV.
Dd2 LETTER
404
LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCXXVII.
To Mr. H , at the Orphan-houfe.
Edinburgh J July 7, 1742^.
My very dear friend, faithful Jieward^
and brother m Christ,
LAST Monday I received an agreeable packet of letters
from you. I think they are dated in OBober and De-
cemhsr laft. They rejoiced our hearts. As foon as I read yours,
my wife faid, let U3 give thanks and pray. Accordingly wc
kneeled down, and had very near accefs to the Father of Mer-
cies on your behalf. At night, after our coming home, we
did the fame. Our common Lord enabled us to wreftle in
faith. V/e ail felt our hearts drav^^n mightily towards you.
1 could wi(h for wings to fly unto you. I long to thank you
in perfon, for your faithfulnefs to your poor unworthy, but
mo{l affectionate friend. My dear brother, God is flill doing
greater things for me than ever. The awakening here in
Scotland is unfpeakable. The congregations in the //^^, are
juft like thofe which you and I favv at Foggs-Manor^ in Pen-
fyhania. God feems to awaken fcores together. I never
was enabled to preach fo before. O that I may lie low at
the feet of my dear Redeemer ! to vvhofe image I arti ftudying
to be more conformed every day. Your letter to dear brother
J pleafed us very much. I have dcfircd him to print it.
I paid a three hundred pound bill drav/n upon me by Mr.
iV' , as well as Mr. B 's : whether ycu include that in
the eleven thoufand pounds, I know not. However, biefTed be
God, if it wcretleven thoufand more I hope 1 fnould be kept
from doubting. At prefent, I am lookin- up to our great
Houfl:oider for frelh fiipplics ; which I believe he wii"! give
me, and which I will fend to you as foon as poflible. I hope
to fee vou foon, and to thar.k you m particul '.r for your faith-
fulnefs to me. My friend and brother, you fliall in no wife
loie your reward. I belicvc God will take Georgia into his
own hands. Its affairs have lately been before the Houfc of
Commons. 'lAr. Ste was reprimanded for his- abufe of
the tiuicces ; the ufe of rum v/as granted, but the ufc of flaves
denied. Let us fhnd fcill, be infiant in prayer, and we f})all
certainly
LETTERS. 405
certainly fee the falvation of God. I am yet made to hope
againft hope, in behalf of poor Georgia. The Lord Ihcngthcn
your weak body, and continually comfort your fowl. That
you may be filled with all the fulnefs of God, is thj hearty
prayer of, dear Mr. H ,
Yours eternally in the flridefl bonds of gofpcl love,
G, IK
LETTER CCCCXXVIII.
To Mrs. JFhheficld.
My dear Love^ Edlnhwghy July 7, 1742.
SINCE I wrote the lad, I have feen fuch things as I
never beheld before. Yefterday morning I preached at
Glafgow to a very large congregation. At noon I came to
Cambi^Jlang^ the place which God hath {o much honoured.
I preached at two, to a vaft body of people, and at fix in the
evening, and again at nine at night. Such a commotion
furely never was heard of, efpecially at eleven at night. It
far out-did all that I ever faw in Amzrica. For about an hour
and a half there was fuch weeping, fo many falling into deep
diftrefs, and exprefling it various ways, as is inexprcfTible.
The people feem to be {lain by fcores. They are carried off,
and come into the houfe like foldiers wounded in, and carried
off a field of battle. Their cries and agonies are exceedingly
affecting. A4r. M preached after I had ended, till pad
one in the morning, and then could fcarce perfuadc them to
depart. All night in the fields, might be heard the voice of
prayer and praife. Some young ladies were found by a gen-
tlewoman praifing God at break of day. She v/ent and
joined with them. The Lord is indeed much with me. I
have preached twice to-day already, ar.d am to preach twice,
perhaps three times more. The commotions increafe. To-
morrow, and on fabbath-day, I fhall preach at Caldcr ; on
Monday^ here again \ and on Tucfday at Kilfytb, and tlien,
God willing, at Glajgow. I am perfuaded the work will
fpread more and more. My kindeft refpects to all. Accept
gf the fame from, my dear love.
Yours, ^c.
G. VA
Dd 2 LETTER
4o6 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCXXIX.
Tq the Reverend Mr» W- , of Dundee,
Edinburgh^ July 7, 1 742.
Reverend and dear Sir,
YOUR letter gave me fome little concern. I thought it
breathed much of a fc6tarian fpirit ; to which I hoped
dear Mr. IP^- was quite averfe. Methinks you feem, dear
Sir, not fatisfied, unlefs I declare myfelf a Prefbytcrian, and
openly renounce the church of England. God knows that
I have been faithful in bearing a teftimony againfl: what I
think is corrupt in that church. I have fhewn my freedom in
communicating with the church of Scotland, and in baptizing
children their own way. I can go no further. As for what
you mention about the Qiiakers, I know not what particular
exceptionable paflages there were in my fermons, in which I
mentioned them. That fome good fouls are among the
Qi^iakers, I doubt not. — For fuch 1 have charity, becaufe our
Lord hath given to them his fpirit. — Though I am a
ftrenuous defender of the righteoufnefs of Christ, and ut-
terly deteft Arjjwiian principles, yet I know that God gave me
the Holy Ghoft, before I was clear in either as to head-know-
ledge : and therefore, dear Sir, I am the more moderate to
people who are not clear, fuppofing I fee the divine image
damped upon their hearts. Mr. TV , AJr. L , &c.
I take to be holy men of God, though they think far widely
from me, and from each other in fome particular branches of
dodtrine. Dear Sir, be not offended at my plain fpeaking.
I find but few of a truly catholic fpirit. Moft are catholic
till they bring perfons over to their own party, and there they
would fetter "them. I have not fo learned ChrisIt. I defire
to a6l as God adis. I fhall approve, and join with all who
are good in every fe6t, and caft a mantle of love over all that
are bad, fo far as is confiftent with a good confciepce. This
I can do without temporizing ; nay I (hould defile my con-
iciencc if I did otherwife. As for my anfwer to Mr. M ,
dear Sir, it is very fatisfying to iny own foul. Morning and
evening retirement is certainly exceeding good , but if through
wcuknefs of body, or frequency of preaching, I cannot go to
GCD
LETTERS. 407
God in my ufual fet times, I think my fpirit is not,in bond-
age. It is not for me to tell how often I ufe fecret prayer ;
if I did oot ufe it, nay, if in one fenfc I did not pray without
ceafing, it would be difficult for mc to keep up that frame of
foul, which by the divine bleiling I daily enjoy. If the work
of God profpers, and your hands become more full, you will
then, dear Sir, know better what I mean. But enough of
this. God knows my heart, I would do every thing I pofTibly
could, to fatisfy all men, and give a reafon of the hope that
is in me with meeknefs and fear ; but I cannot fatisfy all that
are waiting for an occafion to find fault : our Lord could
not ; I therefore defpair of doing it. However, dear Sir, I take
what you have faid in very good part : only I think you
are too folicitous to clear up my character to captious and
prejudiced men. Let my mafter fpeak for me. Blefled be
God, he will, fo long as I fimply throw myfelf into his aU
mighty arms. I am glad the work goes on with you. Glory
be to God, we have feen glorious things in the Weft. My
tender love to all that are pleafed to remember me. When I
fhall come your way, I know not. On Friday^ God will-
ing, I go to Camhujlang^ where I expe£l to fee great days of
the fon of man. That God may blefs you abundantly more
and more, and caufe your latter end greatly to increafe, is
the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours &c.
G, TV,
LETTER CCCCXXX.
Ti? the Reverend Mr, A , In Dublin.
GlafgoWy July 12, 1742.
Reverend and dear Sir,
ON Saturday I received your very kind letter, and being
juft now returned from Carnhiijlang, I fnatch a fcv/ mo-
ments to acknowledge it. I have long fmce waited for a call
to Ireland. In fuch an important ftep, I care not to proceed
without great caution. When I find the cloud of divirjc pro-
vidence moving your way, I truft the language of mv heart
will be. Lord, I come to do or fufier thy will ! In the irjcan
while, I will watch unto prayer. I doubt not but you, reve-
D d 4 I end
4oS L E T T E R S.
rend and tlenr Sir, will help me herein. I thank you moll
heartily, for being jealous over me. I believe it is with a godly
icaloufy. I wifh I was more jealous over myfelf. Bi!t blefied be
God, this I can fciy in the midft of the honours wherewith the
glorious Emfjianuel h3.{h honoured me,**- Not unto me, O Lord,
not unto me, but unto thy name be all the glory." Dear Sir,
I think I am the worft of the fons of men. Yet I dare not
deny what the blefied Jesus hath done for my finful foul.
Keisplcafed (O infinitely condefcending God 1) to honour me
I'lill more and more. Saturday lail I came to CamhujJang^ and
I think I never faw fuch things before. The work feems
to be fpreading. O that it may reach and overfpread poor
Ireland 2\\o\ All things are pofTible with God. Now the
Lord is watering fo many other places, I pray he may not
leave that intirely deftilute and dry. — O for faith to expect
great, and very great things from God ! He d.es not love to
difappoint people of their hope. Dear Sir, riiy heart is now
enlar.o-ed with a fenfe of the freenefs and fulnefs of the
o
Redeemer's loving-kindnefs. You, de^r Sir, are an old
weather beaten foldicr. You are ripened for glory, and are
ready to {mg your Nunc difniiiis *. — 1 am jufc about to begin to
be a foldier. But, bleiTed be God, I fliall follow focn. The
hopes of bringing more fouls to Jesus Christ, is the
only confidcration that can reconcile me to life. For this
caufe I can willingly flay long from my wifh'd-for home,
my wiihed-for Jesus. But whither am I going f I forget
myfelf when writing of jEstJs. IJis love fills my foul,
O free grace I Surely I fhall fing the loudeftin heaven ; but I
mufl have done j nature calls for red. Depending on the
continuance of your prayers, and with my hearty falutation to
all that love the blefied Jesus, I fubfcribe myfelf, reverend
and dear Sir,
Your moil: afFeclionatc, though ^ounger and
moil unv/orthy brother and fervant in
the gofptl of God's dear Son,
G. FA,
'^ Now iettefl thou thy fervant, &Ca
L E T T £
LETTERS. 409
LETTER CCCCXXXI.
To Mr. y C , in London,
New-KUpatricky July 15, 1742.
My dear Brother^
OF all my fellow-labourers letters, I think yours come
the fweeteft to my foul. You do not forget the rock
from wnen.ce you was hewn, and therefore the Lord will
honour ynu more and more. Though I have fo fmall a de-
gree of humility myfelf, I c?in fee and admire it in others.
It is the queen of graces. O beg of the exalted Je3Us to make
ine humble. Indeed I have need of humility, for I am ho^
noured m.ore and more. What I have fent you already, does
not near come up to vi'hat I have feen fmce. Laft Thurfday
nigtit, and Friday morning, there was fuch a fhock in Edinburgh'
as i never felt before. O what a melting and weeping was
there ! I have heard blefied efFe6cS of it fmce. All glory be
to GoT) through Christ. On Friday night I came to Cam-
lufiaug^ to afTill: at the bleffed facramcnt. On Saturday I
preached to above twenty thoufand people. In my prayer the
power of God came down and was greatly felt. In my two
fermons, there was yet more power. On fabbath day, fcarce
ever was fuch a fight feen in Scotland, There were undoubt-
edly upwards of twenty thoufand people. Two tents were
fet up, and the holy facrament was adminiftered in the fields.
When I began to ferve a table, the power of God was felt
by numbers ; but the people crouded fo upon me, that I was
obliged to defift and go to preach at one of the tents,
whilft the miniflers ferved the reft of the tables. God was
with them, and with his people. There was preaching all
day by one or another, and in the evening, when the facra-
ment was over, at the requeft of the minifters I preached to
t:he whole congregation. I preached about an hour and a half.
Surely it was a time much to be remembered. On Monday
piorning, I preached again to near as many ; but fuch an
univerfiil ftir I never faw before. The motion fled as fwift
as lightning from one end of the auditory to another. You
might have feen thoufands bathed in tears. Some at the fame
tirne wringing their hands, others almoft fwconing, and others
crying
4IO LETTER S.
crying out, and mourning over a pierced Saviour. But I
muft not attempt to defcribe it. In the afternoon, the con-
cern again was very great. Much prayer had been previoufly
put up to the Lord. All night in different companies, you
might have heard perfons praying to, and praifmg God. The
children of God came from all quarters. It was like the
pafTover in Jojiah's time. We are to have another in about
two or three months, if the Lord will. One Mr. IV ,
a miniflcr, who has great popular gifts, was as well as others
much owned and helped at this time. On Tuefday morning
I preached at Glafgow^ (it was a moft glorious time) and in the
afternocn twice at Inchanmn, The Lord gave a blow to
many. Yefterday morning I preached there again, and here
twice. Every time there was a great flir, efpecially at this
place. A great company of awakened fouls is within the com-
pafs of twenty miles, and the work feems to be fpreading a-
pace. 1 am exceedingly ftrengthened, O unmerited mercy !
both in foul and body, and cannot now do well without
preaching three times a day. The Lord gives me great con-
fidence about the Orphan-houfe, and aflures me that he will
provide for me and mine. O help me to thank him. Call
upon all to blefs his holy name. I know you will not be
Hack to praife him. I rejoice, my dear brother, to find that
you enjoy fo much of God. May he fill you with all his
fulnefs. The trials you meet with, will only make you a more
able miniiler of the New Teftament. I am of your mind
with refpeft to . He will not profper. The Lord hates
feclarian zeal. Dear brother, adieu. Exped to hear every
opportunity from
Yours moft affe£lionately and eternally
in the blcfled Jesus,
LETTER CCCCXXXII.
To the Reverend Mr. R , in Londsn.
InchannGn^ July 21, 1742,
Reverend and dear Sir^
Heartily rejoice that the Lord is bleiTingand ov/ning you.
Go on, dear Sir, go on, and you will certainly find the
glorious
I
LETTERS; 4tr
glorious Emmanuel v/\\\ be with you more and more. It Is
obfervablc, that there is but one thing in fcripture, that we
are commanded to do out of feafon, preaching. Be inflant
therefore, dear Sir, in feafon and out of feafon. The Lord
will ftand by you and ftrengthen you, and deliver you from
wicked and unrcafonable men. You will find the blcfTedncfs
of the crofs, and the fpirit of Christ and of glory to reft
upon your foul. The Meflrs. E and their adherents,
would you think it, have appointed a publick faft to humble
themfelves, among other things, for my being received in Scot-
landy and for the delufion, as they term it, at Cambujlang^ and
other places ; and all this, becaufe I would not confent to
preach only for them, till I had light into, and could take
the folemn league and covenant. — But to what lengths may
prejudice carry even good men ? — From giving way to the firft
rifings of bigotry and a party fpirit, good Lord deliver us !
Your moft afFedtionate brother in Christ,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCCXXXIIL
to Mr. M A — — , at Morpeth,
Dear Sir, Edinburgh, July 26, 1 742.
IJuft now received and read your letter. It much afFe£led
me. It befpeaks the language of an uneafy rcftlefs heart.
In reading it, I thought of the great AufAn, who ufcd, when
he prayed agrunft luft, fecretly to wifli that his prayer might
not be aafwered, and yet he made a moft eminent faint, and
fhone in the church as a ftar of the firft magnitude. I likcwife
thought how our Saviour would receive you, if here on earth;
even as he received and anfwered the poor woman taken in
adultery. — I am fure he would fay, " Neither do I condemn
thee." Another text offers itfelf, " I will heal their backflid-
ings, and love them freely." God does not fay, I will heal
thy backfliding for any certain term of years, but I will heal
thy backflidlngs in general. Dear Sir, if you have been a
backllider thefe fifty years, nay, was it poflible for you to have
been a backflider a thoufand years, yet if with hearty repen-
tance and true faith you turn unto him, he 'will abundantly
pardon you. O dear Sir, if any one had need to dcfpair of
3 mercy,
412 LETTERS.
mercy, I had ; but Jesus has waftied me in his blood, and
I know that my Redeemer liveth. Your temptations, and
atheifm, and hard thoughts of God, do not furprize me. Dear
Sir, what elfe can be expected from a heart defperately wicked,
and deceitful above all things ? Dear Sir, let all this drive
you to the fountain which is open for fm and all unclean nefs.
1 once, in your circumfrances, thought Christ was hard-
hearted ; but now I find, nay have long fince found, that his
heart is full of love. Take courage, dear Sir ; draw near to
the Lamb of God that taketh away the fm of the world. Re-
turn, thou wandering prodigal, thy heavenly father is running
to meet thee. — Come back, thou fluttering dove, Jesus is ready
to take thee into the ark. May God blefs this to you ! If he
does, I will blefs his name. I am a vile fmner, and have
need to lie low before him, whom I have pierced by my tranf-
grefTion and unprontablenefs, times without number. In his
blood and righteoufnefs I find perpetual refuge. Many in
thefe parts are flying to him. May you, Sir, add to the happy
number. You are but a fmner, and Jesus died for fanners.
Come and welcome to Jesus Christ. I expe6i to rem^ain
in Scotland a few months, and hope to be your way, if the
Lord diredl. If your way fhould be dlre61:ed hither, I fhotild
be glad to fee you ; if not, you are welcome to w^rite to me.
As my multiplicity of affairs will admit, you fhall be anfwered
t>y, dear Sir,
Your truly affeclionate friend and fervant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCXXXIV,
To the Reverend Mr, M' L ,
pdinburgh^ July 28, 174a.
Reverend and dear Slr^
WITH this, I fuppofe, you will receive feveral young
ones, who I think have afted wrong in leaving their
refpedive employs under parents and mafters to go after me.
Be pleafed to examine them, and fend them home. The Lord
was with me at Falkirk^ and is pleafed to work by me here.
O free grace ! I am perfuaded I fhall have more power, fmce
dear Mr. G hath printed luch a bitter pamphlet. Now
. I lie.
LETTERS. 4.t3
I begirt to be a difciple of Jesus Christ, I rejoice and am
exceeding glad. The archers {hot fore at me that I might fall,
but the Lord is, and the Lord will be my helper. At
prefent I can add no more j but beg the continuance of your
prayers for me and mine. We all join in hearty falutation to
you and your whole houfliold. I am, reverend and dear Sir,
Your mofi: obedient humble fervant,
and brother in Christ,
G. ^K
LETTER CCCCXXXV.
To Mr. D — — A , in London,
Edinburgh^ ^uly 30, 1 742.
Dear Brother A ,
WHAT is the meaning T hear no oftner from you ?
It always gives me great pleafure to hear of your
v/elfare. I write to you as often as polHble. At prefent I
am fomewhat indifpofed in body ; but, glory be to God,
the joy of the Lord is in my foul. 1 feel a blelling I cannot
exprefs.
July 31.
So far I wrote yederdny., but was obliged through illnefa
to leave off. — Notwithfianding, in the pulpit the Lord out of
weaknefs makes me to wax flrong, and caufes me to triumph
more and more. One of the adociate preibytery has publifhed
the moft virulent pamphlet I ever faw, afcribing all that has
been done'here, and even in New-England^ Sec. to the influence
of the devil. O how prejudice v/ill blind the eyes even of good
men. Laft night fome of my friends thought I was going
off; but how did Jssus fill my heart! To-day I am, as
they call it, much better ; next poft, if able, I will fend you
fome more news. Aly health will not permit me to enlarge
now. In lefs than a month, we are to have another facra-
nicnt at Cambujlang^ a thing not pradifed before in Scotland.
I entreat all to pray in an efpecial manner for a blefiing at
that time. Our bleffed mader is exceeding good to us. O
4 help
414 LETTERS.
help me to pralie him for the fignal unmerited mercies con-
ferred on, dear brother J ,
Your moft afFedlionate brother and fervant in Christ,
G. JV.
LETTER CCCCXXXVI.
To Mr, H B 5 in South-Carolina.
-Dear Mr. B Auguji 6, 1742.
IHave juft been walking with a nobleman in his fine houfe,
and likewise talking with him about the houfe not made
with hands, of which you and I are heirs. Blefled be God,
who has given us the earneft of an inheritance amongft all them
that are fanclified. This you fhall furely in a very little time be
a pofTeflbr of, notwithftanding of late fatan has bruifed your
heel. That cunning, cruel archer has ihot forely at you,
that you might fall, but the Lord has been, and the Lord
will be your helper. Even this fhall work together for good
to your own and many other fouls. Our Saviour would
never have given fatan leave to have fifted you, had he not
prayed for you, and intended to bring great good out of it.
If it makes you more like a little child, and your friends and
acquaintance more watchful and felf-diffident, it will be very
well. O dear Sir, I fee every day plainer and plainer that I
am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing, and yet I
can do all things through Jesus Christ flrengthening me.
What God has lately done for me and his church, is unfpeak-
able. Ere long I hope to tell you face to face. In the mean
time, be pleafed to remember me in your prayers and praifes.
Accept my hearty thanks for all favours conferr'd on my orphan
family. Be pleafed to remember me in the kindeft and moft
cordial manner, to all your dear relations, and believe me to
be, dear Mr. B ,
Your moft obliged afFtdionate friend, brother
and fervant in Christ,
G, IV.
L E 1^ T E R
LETTERS. 415
LETTER CCCCXXXVIL
ro Mr. R S
Strath-martin^ Augujl 10, 1742.
Dear brother Robert^
ICan never let a letter of yours lie long unanfwered. The
love I bear to you and yours is unfeigned, and I continually
remember you before the Lord. His word runs and is much
glorified in thefe parts. I truft it alfo makes advances in your
foul. How is it with you, my dear brother R ? Do you
grow in grace ? Is the world more under your htt than ufual I
Do you find a real, folid, abiding reft in Jesus Christ ? Or is
it only tranfitory and fuperficial ? It is a very uncommon thing
to be rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus. I find per-
fons may have the idea, but arc far from having the real fub-
ftance. To fay, " I am a poor finner," and to be a poor
fmner indeed, are two different things. Methinks I hear my
dear man fay, and fo they are. Well then, let us go to Je-
sus, and he will mal:e us poor and yet free. Bleffed be his
name, I feel the pov/er of his precious, life-givirig, all-aton-
ing blood more and more every day. I was happy when
at Lo7idon. I am ten times happier now. The Lord hath
done great things for us, whereof we are glad. How is my
dear Peter ? Is his heart yet eftabliflied and fettled upon the
rock ? Or is the dove only fluttering about the door of the
ark ? If fo, may the dear Redeemer reach out his almighty
and extended arm, and take him in ! Dear B I hope
grows, becaufe he feems to fee more of his heart. We {hall
certainly bear fruit upwards, in proportion as we take root
downwards. May the eternal fpirit breathe upon this letter,
and blefs it to your foul ! O my brother, keep clofc to Jesus.
Do not be content, unlefs you feel a fenfible growth in your
foul. Accept my hearty love from,
Ever yours,
G. JV,
LETTER
4i5 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCXXXVIII.
To P , at London.
Sirath-?nartiny Augvjl lo, 1742.
Bear P ,
THE great trouble which 1 gave you when at London^
and the rcadincfs you fhcwed in waiting upon a poor
unworthy minifter of Christ, hath made me often to pray
for you, and alfo to hope, that in time you would be brought
to love the Lord Jesus himfclf. I truft that time is now
come, and that the glorious Em?nanuel hath at length capti-
vated and taken full poiTeffion of your heart. Will you give
me leave to afk a few friendly queftions ? Has religion funk:
out of your head into your heart ? You was civilized whert
I was at London : Are you yet really converted ? Your affedli-
ons were now and then raifed towards, — are they now centered
in and fixed on the Lord Jesus ? If you can anfwer thcfe
queftions in the affirmative, I pronounce you a wife virgin,
even wife to eternal falvation ; blciTcd art thou among women.
If not, I do not dcfpair of you. Jesus can change the heart.
Jesus can make of a proud pharifee, a poor fmner. Let you
and I then, dear P — — , apply to the Redeemer's blcod.
He can wafh us as white as i'now. I feel his power every-
day more and more, and fo do thofe with me. May v/e go 0/1
from ftrength to ftrengtb, till grace be fwallowed up in glory.
We fee great days of the fon of man in Scotland, May ths
kingdom of God come v.-ith full power over all the earth \
The Lord be with you. Accept this as a token of unfeigned
love, from
'\'our affeciionate friend and fcrvant in Christ,
G. FK
LETTER GCCCXXXIX.
To Mr. B , at the Orphan-houfe.
Camhiifkmg^ AuguJ} 17, 1742.
AND has my dear brother B- got the dart of me \
What, put into prifon before me ? I wifli you joy, my
dear brother, with all my heart. Kad I been at Savannah^
furely I v/ould gladly have conic (and if there had been
Jiecd)
LETTERS. 417
need) gladly have wafhed your feet. I doubt not but your
imprifonment v/as for Christ*s fake. I am perru.»'led, the
letter from your friend that doubted, was the foreft flab of all ;
but all is intended to draw us from the creature, even from
the new creature, and bring us nearer to the Creator, God
blefled for evermore. PWs friends defcrted) and no doubt
judged him. " All they in Afia forfook me," fays he ; and
again, *< At my firft trial no man flood by me ; '* and what
follovi^s ? but " the Lord flood by me :'* and will he not,
dear brother, alfo fland by you ? I cannot help believing but
that Georgia will yet be a glorious colony. The counfel of
God (hall fland. He furely put it into my heart to build the
Orphan-houfe. He certainly brought you to Georgia to fu-
perintend it. He will blefs you and yours. I join in bleffing
God with you, and in admiring how he has fpread a table for
my dear family in that wildernefs. But what fhall we fay ?
The Lord loves to encourage faith ; and fmce his honour is
fo much concerned, I am fure he will vindicate it^ and never
fufFer his enemies to fay thus of us, *' There, there, fo would
we have it." I am kept from the leafl doubting ; and God
only knows how many prayers of faith I have put up for
you. I have often wifhed as it were for the wings of a dove,
that I might fly unto you, and take you one by one into my
unworthy arms, and weep over you with tears of love. BlfefTed
be God, the time draws near apace. I am jufl now about
to publifh a further account of the Orphan-houfe, and hope
(hortly to colled fome more money towards its fupport. I am
blefTed with far greater fuccefs than ever, and fatan roars
louder. You will fee by what I here fend, how the archers
of different clafTes fhoot at me; but the Lord (for ever
adored be his never-failing love) caufes my bow to abide in
llrength, and enables me to triumph in every place. The
comforts and fuccefs the Lord gives to me, is unfpeakable.
Lafl Lord's day, I believe there were here thirty thoufand
people, and above two thoufand five hundred communicants.
The work fpreads, and I believe will yet fpread. My bodily
llrength is daily renewed, and I mount on the wings of faith
and love like an eagle. I can only cry Grace ! grace ! My
dear brother, I feel every day more and more, that I am a poor,
very poor fmner. I often wonder why Jesus fufFers me to
Vol. I, Ee live,
9
4i8 LETTERS.
live, much more to fpeak for him. But he will havfe merer
on wh<MX) he will have mercy. O free grace ! Oh unparalleled
love of an inftnitely condefcending God ! Whilft 1 am mufmg,
the fire kindles. Surely we fiiall have a happy meeting in
Georgia. My Mafter \^ill, 1 truft, come along with me.
Otherwife, may I not go up hence. In the mean while, I
pray him to quicken and revive your dear fouls, and fill you
as with new wine. Thus he deals with me and mine daily.
1 am retired for a day, on purpofe to write letters. The
Lord blefs them to your dear fouls, whom I love in the
bowels of Jesus Christ. I wifh you had told me who
ilood by at Savannah and brought you refrefhment. Greet
them, and give them particular thanks in my name. My
heart is full ; I know not how to flop. But I muft write to
the truftees, and to others. I heard nothing of the aff'air, till
I received your letter laft week. A word or tv/o of yours to
Mr. , I think a little too harfh ; but Paul fpoke once a
little too harfn to the high-prielh Our Jesus will overlook
this ', and reward you for your imprifonment by and by.
Adieu ! my dear man, adieu ! P'orget not,
• Ever yours,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCCXL.
To the Honourable Trujlees for Georgia.
Canihujlang, Aug. 17, 1742.
Honoured Gentlemen^
SOAIE letters, which I received lafl week from Georgia^
occafion my troubling you with this, which I doubt not
v/ill meet with a candid reception at your hands. I find that
Mr. H ' and Mr. B- have been taken up by a war-
rant, and were imprifoned above a week, for a thing which,
1 believe, none of you, honoured gentlemen, will judge cog-
nizable by the civil mao;irtrate. It feems that Mr. B , in
a private converfution with Mr. , (who, I fuppofe, is
the prefent minifter of Savannah) told him, " He was no
*' chrifrian ; that he wondered at the impudence of young men
in fubfcribing articles they did not believe ^ and that he (hould
think it his ^\xiy to v/arn his friends not to hear him," I ac-
i know-
LETTERS. 419
knowledge that fuch language was too harfli ; but Mr. H ,
wh6 did hot fay near To much, was linked in the fame profe-
cution, and imprifoned with him. Mr. y , who was
then at Freder'ica^ being informed of it, declared fuch a pro-
cedure to be illegal ; and his Excellency General Oglethorpe
tlefired my friends to lay the matter before the board of the
Honourable Truflees. I being now upon the fpot, they have
i'cnt to me a very particular account of what has palled ;
which^ if you plcafe, honoured gentlemen, I will tranfmit
unto you, or, when I come to Loyulm-t will wait upon you ia
perfon. I find alfo, that my friends were denied a copy of the
proceedings of the court : in which, I am perfuaded the ho-
nourable gentlemen to whom I am writing, will think they
l^ave been wronged. My friends require no fatisfa(51ion, but
only dcllie fuch a proceeding may be animadverted upon ;
knowing that oiherwife it will be a great difcouragement to
people's fettling in Gejrgia, I am forry alfo to inform you,
honoured gentlemen, that five very fmall children, {Sw/fs or
Dutch) whofe parents lately died in their paffage from England^
have had their goods fold at Vendue^ and are bound out till the
age of twenty-one years. This I think dire611y contrary to
the grant given me by you, honoured gentlemen ; for thereby
I was impovvered to take as many orphans into the houfe as
my fund would admit of. The magiftrates, I undcriland,
have alfo been at the Orphan-houfe, and claim a power to
take away the children when they pleafe, whether the children
chufe it, or complain of ill-treatment, or not. This grieves
fome of the children, and makes others of them infolent, who
are hereby taught, that they have a power to go away v.'heri
they will. This, honoured gentlemen, muft: be very difcou-
r.'ging to thofe who are entrufled with their education ; and
who, I am perfuaded, aim at nothing but the glory of God,
the welfare of the colony, and the falvation of the children's
fouls. I fuppofe that the magiftratcs (I mean Mr. P •
and Mr. T ) have taken fuch a liberty from the inflruc-
tions which were fent, honoured gentlemen, from you fome
t.me ago. But Mr. y -— has tolJ them, they have mif-
underftood you ; and his Exccllencv Geiieral OgL'thorp I find
has wrote to vou, honoured gentlemen, about it. By the
E € 2 accounts
420 LETTERS.
accounts I have, our plantation thrives well j and Mr. i^— —
hopes we fhall do with white fervants alone. I do afTure you,
honoured gentlemen, I will do all I can, with the moft difin-
tereiled views, to promote the good of Georgia : only I beg
the management of the Orphan-houfe, and orphans, may be
fecured to me and my fucceflbrs for ever ; and that the magi-
flrates be not fufPered to difturb us, when there is no ground
of complaint. They acknowledged, when at the Orphan-
houfe laft, that the children were taken good care of, both as
to their bodies and fouls ; and will it not then, honoured
gentlemen, tend much to the welfare of the colony, that the
Orphan-houfe fllould meet with all poffible encouragement.
His Excellency General Oglethorp has informed my friend
Mr. H , that, if I defired it, he thought you would grant
me a greater tra6l: of land, which I fhould be obliged to give
away in a certain term of years, and that we might have our
own magiilrates, as have the people of Ehenezer. Whether
I fhall defire fuch a favour, I know not ; but, if I fiiould,
I defire to know, what you, honoured gentlemen, would fay
to it. Many have applied to me to fettle in Georgia ; hitherto
I could give them no encouragement. I wifli I may be en-
abled to give them a great deal for the future. Indeed, ho-
noured gentlemen, I do not defire to find fault. I doubt not
but you have been prejudiced both againft me and my friends.
The event will fhew what friends we are to Georgia, The
Orphan-houfe will certainly be of great utility to the colony ;
and the children educated therein, I truft, will be the glory of
the fociety to which they belong. They are bred up to in-
duftry, as v/ell as to other things ; and are taught to fear God,
and honour the king. I am glad to hear that you have
lately fent over a gentleman who (I fuppofe) will do juftice.
I think I defire nothing elfe ; and heartily pray God to blefs
him, and you, honoured gentlemen, and all that are concerned
in the management of Georgia affairs. I hope to be in town
in about two months ; in the mean while, I would beg the
favour of a line by your fecretary ; and alfo entreat you, ho-
noured gentlemen, to write to the magiflratcs of Savannah^ to
let the Orphan-houfe managers alone. If I or my friends fliould
happen to fay or do any thing amifs, I ^afTure you, honoured
LETTERS. 421
gentlemen, you (hall have all poITible fatisfaf^ion given you
by them, and alfo by, honoured gentlemen.
Your very humble fervant,
G, TV,
LETTER CCCCXLI.
To Mr. H , in Georgia,
CambuJJangy Aug* 17, 1742.
My very dear Friend and Brother^
WITH a great deal of pleafure I received your letters
dated May 14th, 26th, 29th, and June ift. Blefled
be God ! for all his goodnefs, in providing for my dear family
in that wildernefs, by fuch various unexpected ways. It
caufed my heart to leap for joy. I find you have been wrong-
fully imprifoned. I fhould have been glad (if time had per-
mitted) that you had wrote me word, how it has been with
your foul under fuch a circumftance. 1 hope the fpirit of
Christ and of glory refted upon you. Glad fhould I have
been to have fung and prayed with you ; but my hour is not
yet come. I have juft now wrote to the truftees, and intend
waiting upon them as foon as I come to Lotidon, I am per-
fuaded the Lord will influence their hearts to do us juftice.
I am glad you wrote fo properly to the General, and that God
hath given you favour in his fight. " When a man's ways
pleafe the Lord, he makes his very enemies to be at peace
with him." I intend fending him and Mr. Jones a letter of
thanks. I owe Mr. S only about ninety pounds, and
about a hundred and fifty more in all, upon the Orphan-houfe
account in England. I am jufV publifhing a further account,
which I am perfuaded the Lord will blefs. I would not
have you to undertake any bufinefs70u do not like. I think
the Lord has fitted you for your prefent ftation. ProfefTor
Franck held it dangerous to change perfons frequently, who
were entrufted witn the care of the orphans. I am of your
opinion as to hiring fervants. — It is impollible to tell you, my
dear man, what I have feen, heard, and felt fincc I came laft
to Scotland. The glorious Emmanuel rides daily on in the
chariot of his gofpel, frorri conquering and to conquer. The
E e 3 con-
422 LETTERS.
congrcgatlvons are juft liUc that at Fogg- Manor, — T am oppofed
on all iidcs. Dear Mr. E 's people have lately kept a
faft upon my account. The kirk picfbyters alio, now they
fee the Seccders fplitting, notvvithftanding I have been inftru-
mental in God's hands, in fotr.e degree, in flopping the fe-
ceflion, begin to call Tome of their minillers to account for
employing mc : but who can ftand before envy ? In the
midft of all, my dear Mafter keeps me leaning upon himfelf,
and caufes me to walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghoft
from morning to night. I wifh time would have allowed yoa
to have wrote a little about his love, and to have abounded
more in thanks for the opportune fupplies which he fent you.
But I am fure that my dear Mr. H is not wanting in
either of thefe. I think that I fee you grow in grace. I afl'ure
you, you are dearer to me than ever. My wife readily excufes
your not wn iting, knowing what it is to be in a hurry of bufi-
nefs. O pray that we may have a profperous voyage to you,
by the will of God. By this time I fuppofe you are a father.
May God teach you and your wife how to order the child !
J have much to fay to you both, when I fee you. My dear
old friend, and firft fellow-traveller, God has yet great blelTings
in ftore for us. He will give grace and glory, and no good
thing will he Vv'ith-hold from them that lead a godly life. Me-
thinks I am converfing with you now. May God give us a
happy meeting ! FJ^ will, he will ! For the prc'ent I muft bid
my dear man good night. I flole this day from public preach-
ing, to difpatch my private affairs. All join in hearty love to,
and prayers for you. Accept of the fame in the m.olt tender
manner, from, my dear Mr. H , • , .
Your moil affectionate friend, brother,
and fervant till death.
LETTER
LETTERS. 42J
LETTER CCCCXLII.
To his Excellency General Ogkthorp,
CambuJIang, Aug. i8, 1742.
Honoured Sir^
IMoft heartily thank you for being fo kind to my family In
Georgia^ and for efpoufing my friends caufe when I thiiik
they were apparently wronged. In a letter, I yefterday laid
the cafe before the honourable truftees, not doubting but
they will preferve us from opprefTion, and from perfecutioii in
all its fhapes. I think we have only the glory of God, and
the good of the colony at heart. Prejudices may be raifed
againft us by evil reports and mifreprefentations ; but your
Excellency is more noble than to hearken to infmuations,
which are not fupported by evident matters of fad. I am
fure God will blefs you for defending the caufe of the father-
lefs, and efpoufing the caufe of injured innocence. J\!y
friends, I truH", will at all. times readily acknowledge any thing
they may either fay or do wrong ; and, if I know any thing
of my own heart, I would not offend any one caufelefsly and
wilfully, for the world. In a fev/ months I hope to fee Georgia,.
In the mean while, I beg 3'our Excellency to accept thefe fev/
lines of thanks from, honoured Sir,
Your Excellency's moft obliged humble fervant,
LETTER CCCCXLIII.
To Th:j?nas J , Efq\ in Georgia.
CamhuJlaJigi Jug. 18, 1742.
Dear Mr. J ,
WITH this I fend you my repented thnnks for your
great kindnefs to my dear family. The Father of
Mercies and the God of all Confolations will plentifully re-
ward you for fuch well-doing. In a few months I hope to
thank vou in perfon. God hath done, and is dill (5oing
greater things for me than I am able to exprefs. Indeed many
fouls have been born again, both in England and Scotland,
fmce I left you at Georgia. I defire to caft my crown at the
E e 4 Hvt
424 LETTERS.
feet of Jesus, and to cry Grace ! grace ! Dear Sir, what a
charming word is that ? I am fure I can freely own, that all
my falvation is of grace, unmerited, diflinguifliing, electing
grace ! If I could be favcd by my own righteoufnefs, I had
rather be faved by the righteoufnefs of Christ ; becaufe that
way of falvation brings mod glory to our glorious God. I
doubt not but Mr. J is like-minded. May he be fo more
and more, and daily feel the full power of the Redeemer's
blood ! Be pleafed to remember me to all that are pleafed to
enquire after unworthy me, who am, dear Sir,
Your moft obliged friend and (eryant,
LETTER CCCCXLIV.
fo Mrs. B' — —5 ^i the Orphan-houfe.
Camhiijlang^ Aug* 1 8, 1 742.
Dear Sipr B ,
HA S the Lord called for your dear lambs ? If fo, I truft
you have been enabled to fay, " The Lord gave, and
the Lord hath taken away : blelTed be the name of the Lord."
I am glad to find you was fo well reconciled to your dear
Jiufband's imprifonment. It is fweet when wives are ftrength-
(Bned to encourage their hufbands in a fuffering hour. Then
are they helps meet for them indeed. You do well, my dear
fifter, to lament the vilenefs of your heart. I find more and
more that my heart is defperately wicked. But, blefTed be
GoDj I have a fountain to go and wafii in every moment,
even the blefled fountain of the Mediator's blood. There I
can have free ^pcefs j there I can wafli, and daily be made
clean. Indeed, my dear fifter, without difTimulation, I am a
poor, very poor finner ; but I am rich in Jesus, and rejoice
in his great falvation from day to day. I long to fee you and
my 4ear family, to acquaint you what God l^ath done for my
foul : and yet he is ftill doing more and more. He does, he
will delight to honour me. I thank you for the great refpe6l
you pay me for his great name's fake. I will endeavour not
to be behind with you, and the reft of my dear friends, in
Jji^mility af>4 loye. I am, my dear fifter, moft fincerely^
Your affedionate friend, brother, and
fervant in Jesus Christ^
G. W,
BETTER
LETTERS. 425
LETTER CCCCXLV.
To Mr. B .
Cambujlang^ Aug. 18, 1 742.
Dear Mr. 5——,
I Think there is a myflery in the Lord*s dealing with you
and your brother. Surely he would never fufl'er you to be
thus tempted, did he not intend to honour you by and by.
What our Saviour does to us now we know not j it is
enough that he hath afTured us we Ihall know hereafter. I re-
joice to hear that you have fo many chriftian negroes. 1 hope
they are only the firft-fruits of a more glorious harvcft.
Though the work may be at a flop for a while, fear not ; Jesus
will revive his own work in his own time. Notwithftanding
our blunders, imprudence, and the oppofition of enemies from
without, yet the counfel of the Lord fhall {land, and he will
fet his king upon his holy hill of Zion. The Mediator's king-
dom makes glorious advances here. I cannot tell you the hun-
dredth part. I verily believe we fhall fee greater things abroad,
I know you pray that I may have a profperous journey to you,
by the will of God. I expe£l to embark for Georgia in a
few months. In the mean while, you fhall not be forgotten
J)y, dear Mr. B ,
Your moft afFedlionate friend, brother and fervant,
LETTER CCCCXLVI.
To Mrs. T , in South-Carolina,
Camhujlang^ Aug, 18, 1742;,
My dear Friend.^
I Am glad to hear by your filler, that you are become a de-
fpifed follov/er of the lowly Jesus.— O glorious charac^
tcr ! I am perfuaded you had rather have that title truly ap-
plied to you, than to be emprefs of the univerfe. I long to fee
you, and to hear you tell what a happy change you feel. How
does dear Mr. T ? Is he yet truly broken, and going
Jiand in hand with you to heaven ? Happy pair! — I know,
J)y fwcet experience^ the comforts you enjoy. Death itfelf
fhall
420 LETTERS.
fhall not part you. I hope, nothing that has happened to dear
Mr. B will prove a ftumbling block to your foul. Such
things muft be glory to him, that has laid " all things fhall
*' work together for good." My dear friends, what a my-
flery is the chriftian life .? Happy thofe, who are acquainted
with it. That it may be revealed more and more in your
hearts, is the earnefl prayer of, dear friends.
Your moft aftedionate friend, brother and fervant in Christ,
G. m
LETTER CCCCXLVII,
toMr.H i/— .
CamhuJIa7ig^ Jug. 26, 1 742.
Aly very dear Brciber,
GL A D was I laft night to receive a letter from your
hands. I love your fimple honefl heart, and earneft-
ly pray the dear Redeemer to give you a true, lafting, abiding
reft in himfelf. BlelTed be his name, I think I can fay,
through free grace, that I am in a meafure entered into it,
and know what it is by happy experience, to pafs from glory
to glory every day. My dear brother, I am oppofed on every
fide ; the archers fhoot fore at me that I may fall, but the
Lord is my helper. He caufes my bow to abide in flrength,
and makes me more than conqueror through his love. The
account fent with this, will fhew you how often I have been
enabled to preach ; but with what efficacy and fuccefs, pen
cannot defcribe. The glorious Redeemer feems to be advan-
cing from congregation to congregation, carrying all before
him. The MelFrs. E 's people have kept a faft for me,
and, give out, that all the work now in Scotland is only delu-
fion, and by the agency of the devil. O, my dear brother, to
v^hat great lengths in bigotry and prejudice may good men
run .? Blefled be God, I can fee the differences between
GoD*s children, and yet love them from my heart. What
you faid about poor fVales^ affected me. I laid upon my face
this day, and for fome time pleaded with groans unutterable,
for direction in that, and feveral other matters of great ccnfe-
quence. I fear my dear brother thinks too highly of me.
Indeed, I feel myfelf to be a poor fmnef, and yet I am rich in
Christ,
LETTER S. 427
Christ, and lean upon his bofom from morning to nigiht;
ray, all the night long. By his grace alone I am what 1 am ;
and if he is pleafed to honour me ib fir, I fhould h^ gljd to
help the brethren in iVaL^s. I am forry to hear there has been
fuch divifions. But dividing times generally precede lettlin'>-
times. Upon the receipt of your laft, I wrote to Mr. .
Laft night I received his anfwcr. He fpeaky very honourably
of you, but thinks that you are too cenforious, iji condemnino-
a whole fociety for the faults of but fome, and too b'gottcd
alfoto your ^ wn way. IVIy dear brother v/ill excufe this. I
would not deal fo freely, or take fuch liberty, did I not believe
you would take it kindly. My brother, my foul loves you.
Dear Mifs Nancy wrote me word you v/as at my houfe, ([
rejoiced) and that you prayed heartily for unworthy me.
The Lord reward, and fill you with all joy and peace in be-
lieving ! Our Lord is fovereign in his dealing with his dear
children. I walk in much liberty. O free grace! Your being
fo exercifed with inward conflids, helps you to fcarch hypo-
crites. But glory be to our heavenly Father, there is a glori-
ous reft awaits us, and all the children of God. I think I
feel a foretafte of it now ; nay, I believe I feel the thing it-
felf in a degree, and when I fpeak of it, I fpeak what I know.
O infinitely condefcending God ! My brother, my heart is
full. The Lord Jesus blefs you, and fill your dear foul
with all his fulnefs I So prays, with his whole heart,
Your molt affectionate though molt unworthy brother,
3nd willing fervant in Christ,
G, n\
LETTER CCCCXLVIlf.
To Mrs, L ;, in Brijhl.
Car?ibufkirig^ Aug, 26, 1742.
Honoured Mother,,
Rejoice to hear that you have been fo long under my roof.
I
BlefTed be God, that I have a houfe for my honoured
mother to come to. You are heartily welcome to any thing
my houfe affords, as long as you pleafe. i am of the fame
mind now^ as formerly. If need was, indeed thefe hands
(l:iould
428 LETTERS.
{hould admlniftcr to your neceflities. I had rather want myfelf
than you lliould. I fliall be highly pleafcd when I come to
Brijioly and find you fitting in your youngeft fon's houfe.
that I may fit with you, in the houfe not made with hands
eternal in the heavens ! Ere long, your doom, honoured mo-
ther, will be fixed. You muft fhortly go hence, and be no
more feen. Your only daughter, I truft, is now in the paradife
of God. Methinks I hear her fay, *' Mother, come up hi-
ther." Jesus, I am fure, calls you in his word. May his
fpirit enable you to fay, '* Lord, lo I come I" My honoured
mother, I am happier and happier every day. Jesus makes
me exceeding happy in himfelf. I hope by Winter to be at
BriJhL If any enquire after me, pleafe to tell them, 1 am
well both in body and foul, and defire them to help me to praife
free and fovereign grace ? O that my dear, my very honoured
mother may be made an everlafting monument of it ! How
does my heart burn with love and duty to you ? gladly would
1 wafti your aged feet, and lean upon your neck, and weep
and pray 'till I could pray no more. With this I fend you 2,
thoufand dutiful falutations, and ten thoufand hearty and
moft humble thanks for all the pains you underwent in con-
ceiving, bringing forth, nurfmg, and bringing up, honoured
mother.
Your moft unworthy, though moft dutiful fon,
'till death,
G. W,
LETTER CCCCXLIX.
To Mr, A , in London,
Camhujlang^ Aug, 27, 1742.
My very dear Brother A -,
THIS day fortnight I came to this place, to aftift at the
facramental occafion with feveral worthy minifters of
the churchr of Scotland, Such a pafTover has not been heard
of. The voice of prayer and praife was heard all night. It
was fuppofed, that between 30 and 40,000 people were afTem-
bled, and 3000 communicated. There were three tents.
The minifters were enlarged, and great grace was among the
people. I preached once on Saturday^ once on the Lord's
Day
LETTERS. 429
Day morning, ferved five tables, and preached about ten at
night to a great number in the Church-yard. Though it rain-
ed much, there was a great awakening. On Monday at Icven
in the morning, the Reverend Mr. IVshJhr preached, and
there was a very great commotion, and alfo in the third fcr-
mon when I preached, a very great and ferious concern was
vifible through the whole folemnity. The Lord's people
went home much refreflied. On Thurfday I preached twice at
Greenock ; on Friday three times at Kilbride^ and again on Sa-
turday once, and twice at Stevenfon ; on Sunday four times at
Irvine. On Monday once at Irvine.^ and three times at Kil-
tnarncck; on Tuefday once at Kilmarnock^ and four times at
Stewarton ; on Wednejday once at Stewarton, and twice at the
Mearnes ; and yefterday twice at this place. I never preached
with fo much apparent fucccfs before. At Greenock^ Irvine^
Kilbride^ Kilmarnock-^ and Stewarton, the concern was great : at
the three laft very extraordinary. The work feems to fpread
more and more. O, my friend, pray and give praife in be-
half of the moft unworthy wretch that was ever employed in
the dear Redeemer's fervice. I fpeak this from my inmoft
foul. I muft cry out continually, *' Why me Lord, why
me ?" My dear brother A , I love you dearly in the
bowels of the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I could live
with you always. The Lord, I think, hath given you a
meek, and teachable difpofition. O what is it to be as little
children I I am glad to find, you fo hunger and third after a
continual abiding reft in God. Aflure yourfelf, the Lord
will fill and fatisfy your foul. He is faithful, who hath pro-
mifed, who alfo will do it. Wait, and thou fhalt fee and
feel the faWation of God. I think I have feen it more for
fome days paft, than in any journey before. Our Saviour
loves to let us fee yet greater things. O for a large heart to
receive all the fulnefs of God ! I rejoice to hear that the
Lord is with you at the Tabernacle. May his glory appear,
and fhine in it more and more ! I believe it will. I believe
God will blefs your fchool. Our Lord's Difciples are gene-
rally too much in a hurry ; at leaft I am. They are not con-
tent to wait. " He that believeth, doth not make hafte." O for
a paflive, tender, truly broken, child-like heart I that we could
watch
430 LETTERS.
watch in real it v, and from moment to moment hear the crv
of every Chriftiao, with every call from God, whether by his
providence or fpirit. It is faid, that God brought and kept
Jbrahatn at his feet. O that we were always there, waiting for
divine direction ! Blcllcd be liis name, I am for the moft parC
at the feet of Jesus, and indeed he gracioufiy teaches me mo-
ment after mon-'.cnt. I have many things before me now. I
know brother A will help me by his prayers. Blciled be
God, our heaven is begun here.
Your truly affectionate brother and
fervant in Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCCL.
To Mr, S C , in Deptford,
GlafgoWy Sept. 2, 1742.
My very dear Brother C ,
I Am juil now come from the pulpit, wherein I have experi-
enced much of the Redeemer's power, and feen his ftately
out2;oings in the fanciuary. My brother, the cry of my
heart is, " and will God indeed dwell with fuch a wretch as
I am." IMethinks a voice echo's from above, " I have dwelt
in thee, I do dwell in thee, I will dwell in thee for ever-
more." My heart replies, '' Lord, I believe and worlliiip."
A heart that 710 drftre can move^
But jiill to adorcy believe, and love.
This, my dear brother, is the prcfent, and indeed continual bent
of m.y foul, which I truft profpers. I feel my felf to growr
more poor inwardly; I fee, I am but a learner in the fchool
of Christ, and my dear Mafter teaches m.c new leilbns every
day. About a week ago, I think he did more for me than
ever I faw before. Glory be to God, that he is fo much with
you at Londm, I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice. I atn
amazed when I hear, as I do almofl every day, of Ibme frcfh
perfons wrought upon by my unv/orthy miniftry. This hum-
bles me very much, and brings me very low at the icet of the
ever-loving Jesus. I dare not deny that I am one of his cho-
fen ; but I am jealous for myfelf and for thofe about me, left
we iliOuld grieve the holy fpirit, ^i.d oblige him to withdraw
for
LETTERS. 43t
for our ingratitude, unfruitfulnefs, pride, fclfiQincfs, and in^
fenfibiJity of the hleflings we enjoy. Lad night I went to
fleep quite angry, but chiefly with myfclf. — I law that I had
received much, and did lb little for my God, and Christ, that
I could feelingly fmite upon my bread, lay my head upon my
pillow, and clofe my eyes with thefe words, " God be mer-
ciful to me afmner?'* And to-day, what have I feen ancl
felt, yea what do I now feel? My foul is fwallowed up in
God. His prefence is filling my foul, and renewing my bodi-
ly ftrength. Here is free grace, my dear brother. Was you
here, I think I could now warm your heart with a Icctur!?
upon the unparalleled love of Jesus ; but time is (hort : blcfled
be God, an eternity is before me, but " eternity too (hort to
utter all his praife." I think: I love you and yours unfeign-
edly, and rejoice that you enjoy fwect fcllowfhip together.
Glory be to God, that you have gotten many living fiones.
Truft the great Redeemer, the all-wife contriver and perfetSler
of his fpiritual temple, to put them together. I have bcea
faulty in looking too much to foreign help, and defpifing that:
which God had given me. When our Lord was to feed the
multitude, he would not create new bread, but multiplied the
loaves that were already at hand. " Ye need not fend them
away, give ye them to eat," faid he : fo fay I to my dear bre-
thren at the tabernacle. " Work with the materials you
have." In doing the work, God will teach you how to do
it. — Experience will grow up with the work itfelf. Thus God
hath dealt with me, and fo he continues to deal. May his
blefled fpirit guide you all into all truth, and give you a right
judgment in all things I 1 love to fee the little child in other?,
though I fee fo little of it in my unworthy felf. But I muil
not exceed ; other bufinefs demands my attention. Write
to me often about the ftate of the church. Mr. E 's peo-
ple rather run greater and greater lengths in mifguided zeal.
Our love to all. I intreat a continuance of your prayers, be-
caufe the archers are (hooting from every quarter at, dear bro-
tiicr C .
Your poor weak brother in the kingdom and
patience of Jfisus Christ,
G. rr.
LETT K R
43^
L £ T t E R S.
LETTER CCCCLT.
To Brother T- , /« London,
GlafgoWy September 4, 174^*
My dear Brother^
I Hope this letter will find you, where your laft left you, aC
the feet of the meek and lowly Jesus. My dear brother,
it is a delightful fituation : Mary found it fo. O true poverty
of fpirit, what a rare, yet what a precious thing it is ! The
foundation of it, is a deep, abiding knowledge of the corrup-
tion of the heart, and its defperate wickednefs. I find more
and more the necelTity of leaning upon my beloved, whilft tra-
velling through the wildernefs of this world. I find I am yet
but learning in the fchool of Christ, and fcarce know any
thing as I ought to know. I often blufh at a fenfe of my un-
fruitfulnefs, ingratitude, &c. and yet am made continually to
lejoice in his great falvation. My brother, prefs on and faint
riot ; though faint, yet ftill purfue. When your father and
mother forfake you, the Lord will take you up. I do not
wonder at your father's oppofition. His letter befpeaks him
to be a man of a very bad fpirit. I thought proper to burn it.
My brother, pray for him, and beg of Jesus that you may be-
have with all meeknefs, humility and love. I would enlarge,
but time is fhort, and much of my dear Mafter's bufmefs is
lying before me. For the prefent, adieu ! A^Iy kind love to all.
May the Lord keep you unfpotted from the world. You fhall
overcome by the blood of the Lamb. We fee wond'rous
things here. Pray and give thanks for
Your afFedionate friend, and fervant in Christ,
G. m
LETTER CCCCLH.
To Mr. B , in London,
Glafgowy Sept. 4, 1 742.
My dear Brother B ,
I Embrace a few moments to anfwer your kind letter. Not
want of love but leifure prevented my doing it before;
yet I have not forgotten you in my prayers. Your cafe hath
2 been
LETTERS. 4^3
been upon my heart. I pray God you may be enabled, at this
time efpecially, to plead the promife of temporal bleiTino-?.
Remember, my dear brother, you can call God, your God and
Father : if fo, your God will fupply all your wants. Thefe
words were fo preficd upon my foul once when in extremity,
that I hope I fhali never forget them : " Be careful for no-
thing, but by prayer and fupplication with thank:fgiving,let your
requefts be made known unto God." • I have for thefe eio-ht
or nine years paft, had no vifible fettled fund, but fetched in
all temporal fupplies by pleading the promifes. My God ne-
ver failed me, he never will. This morning I have been lec-
turing upon EliJ}m\ multiplying the widow's oil. The Lord
God of EliP)a is yet living. O that you may have faifh
to apply to him. O that you may be willing to be made
poor. My brother, I find freedom in writing to you. BlefTed
be God, who hath made any thing that I have fpc.ken of
ufeto your foul. Tell your wife, ftie muft take my advice, and
pray with you. She fins, I think, in omitting it. I rejoice to
hear that the Lord is with you at the tabernacle. May he
be with you more and more ! My brother, God is doing won*
ders here indeed. Every day he fhews us great things. Yef-^
terday, and the day before, how did hedifplay his power i^ I
am loft when I think of it: O that God fhou'.d ever dwell
with fuch an ill and hell-deferving wretch as I am ! Amaz-
ing ! Thy mercies, O God, they humble me. Adieu.
Your unworthy and affectionate friend and brother,
LETTER CCCCLIIL
To Mr. J A^ .
Edinburgh^ Sept, 13, 1 742,
My very dear hroiher N ,
I Have juft been writing to our dear brother G T ,
and now fit down to write to you. Both your letters
came to me at the fame time, and had I not been ufcd to trials
of that nature, would have affe6ted me much. Dear Mr.
T fpeaks mar.y things, that I know are too true oF tiie
Moravian Brcthroi \ but his fpirit fccms to be too much heat-
ed, and I fear fome of his own wild-fire is mixed with that
facred fire of zeal, which comes from Qqh. My dear bro*
Vol. I. Y i thcr,
10
434 LETTERS.
iher, I want to be more like unto God, who fees aiid corrcc!?
all things that are amifs, and yet continues unmoved in his
own nature. I want to be more like unto Jesus, God blelT-
cd for evermore ! who fees all the quarrels and heart-rifmgs o-f
his children one amongft another, and yet bears wrth, and
loves them ftill. My heart doth not reproach me^ for my krnd-
nefs and fricnclfliip with thofe that differ from me. I think I
have been led by the word and fpirrt of God- into this part of
my conJudl ; but I confefs that I am jearlous, and tru'ft with a
godly jcaloufy, over many who talk and wrice of the Lamb,
and who mimic fome particular perfons in their outward way
of behaviour, but yet are not truly poor in fpirit. They a6t
too much like me, who at my firft fetting out imitated the
outward fhew of humility in Monfieur Dezenly, before I got
true fmiplicity of heart. Indeed, I have too little of it now.
But, biclTed be God by his free grace, I am what 1 am. I
think I can fay I am made unfeignedly happy in the Lorl>
Jesus Chri&t, and can difcover in fome meafure between a
talfe and difguifed hoJrnefs. Glory be to the Rcdeemtr's
name, I walk in- light and liberty, and am ejaabled to rejoice
in the Lord always. Though 1 can f^y to corruption, " Thou
art mv lifter," yet I can with a full alilirance of faith at all
times fay, *' God is my father, and all is mi-ne, becaufe I am
Christ's." My dear, very dear hbft and brother, I pray God
that you and I may more experience the glorious liberty oFth>t
children of God : a liberty not from the in-being, but fron^.
the reigning power and dominion of fm. Jesus came to
make us kingjs, as well as pricPis, and it is our privilege to
reign upon the earth. We that believe, do enter into rcfb.
Faith is of an all-conquering nature, and caufes us to trarnpl'
im, death, and hell under our feet. My dear brother, I ex-
perience more, unfpeakably more of the PvedeeiPiCr's powc:\
than when' I faw you lai^. My happinefs increafes daily, and
I am perfuaded will increafe, 'till grace is fwaliowed up in glo-
ry. My principles as to the fundamentals of the gofpel are
juft the fame as yours. I cannot renounce thofe precious
truths, that I have felt the power of, and which were taugh:
me not of man but of God. At the fame time, 1 would love
all that love Jesus, though they differ from me in fome pointii.
The angels love all the true worfliippers of Jesus every where,
anc
LETTER S. 4:?5
and v/hy (hculd not we: If mir brethren will quarrel with
us, let us not quarrel with them. O my dear broihcr, I pray
our dear Redeemer to give you mceknefs to ihofc, who may
not fee (o far as you do. 1 entreat you, my dear brother, to
overcome their evil with your good. Zeal tor God may ex-
cite others to oppofe you, as well as you to oppole them ;
th'^refore bear with and love them. This will (hew you to be
a difciple indeed, and to have that mind, which was in Christ
Jfsus. O that we grevv up into his divine likenel's, and were
indeed conformed to our great Exemplar ! How truly tlmple
and void of guilt (liould we be ! Our brother, I fear, has not
dealt uprightly with me. At firft he called me a fervant of
God, and then a blafphemer and deceiver, and faid, I (hould
be in a miferable condition. Pray tell P of it, and ac-
quaint him at the fame time, that I grow happier and happier
in the Lamb every day, and more and more honoured by the
great Head and King of the Church. O fimplicity ! whether
art thou fled r — In a (hort time I hope to embark for Gt^orgia,
and then, God willitig, I iliidl fee you face to face. Won-
derful things have been doing here ; things unfpeakable and
full of glory. The confufions abroad are no greater than
what I expelled to hear of. J all: fuch a fccnc hath been at
home : but the glorious Enimanucl will over-rule all for (^ood.
Why have y(^\x not written to my poor fam'ly in Georgia? I
am perfuaded great things will come from the orphan-houfe.
O remember, my dear brother, to exercife catholic love in all
its branches. I love and long much to fee you. I fhall write,
(3OD willing, to Mr. IP''- . I find his fplrit is alfo ini-
bittered. May the Lord fweeten all your hearts ! With
hearty thanks for all favours, I am, my very dear brother,
Moll; aRc61ionately yours in the gloiious Jesits,
G. JP\
LETTER CCCCLIV.
1:0 Mr E , in Pkihdelphit].
Edinl^urgby^'S/'pt. 14, 1 742.
Afy very char Brother^
YOU R kmci letter came to hand a few days ago, and I
rejoice to hear that you are now happy, I wifh you
niav be :ea!l>' fettled and rooted and giourided in love, and
F f 2 no
436 LETTERS.
no longer fo tofled about as you have been in times paft. I
find many talk and boaft of reft, of which I fear they have not
yet got a feeling polfcfTion. There is as much difi'erence be-
tween thofe two, as between a fhadow and the fubftance. Far*
be it from me, to think thus of you, my dear brother. No,
I believe our Saviour has really loved and wafhed you in his
blood, and redeemed you unto God, that you might be a
king and prieft, and reign upon the earth. Inhere is plente-
ous redemption in the blood of Jesus. He came, not only
that we might have life, but that we might have it more abun-
dantly. He that beiieveth on Jesus, out of his belly fhall
flow rivers of living water. They that believe enter into reft*
O glorious redemption ! O glorious liberty of the children of
God ! Blefled are they who have not feen, and yet have be-
lieved ; they, who having not feen, yet have loved Jesus, and
do rejoice with joy unfpeakable, even with joy that is full of
glory. Blefled be God, that you feel more of this than you
did a twelvemonth ago. In a year's time, you will be afhamed
to think what a dwarf you are now. A believer is to pafs
from glory to glory. It is ignorance and pride that makes us
think we have already attained. The more we are acquaint-
ed with Jesus, the more we (hall be acquainted with our own
hearts, and grow more truly poor in fpirit every day. Indeed,
my dear brother, I am a thoufand times happier than when you
faw me. Jesus hath faved me from many corruptions, and
is every day transforming me more and more into his own
likenefs, I cannot reft, unlefs I feel a fenfible growth in my
foul, and find that I get more of the true artlefs fimplicity that
was in Jesus. Blelled be God for that fulnefs which is
in Christ, out of v^hich we are all to receive grace for
grace. Many, many fouls have lately been drawing out of
this fulnefs. I am amazed at his love to me I O free grace I
fovereign, diftinguiftiing, unmerited love ! — I think you did
well in receiving fome particular perfons into your houfe.
*' Be not forgetful to entertain ftrangers," fays the Apoftlc.
1 cannot think it is right, to be fo far carried away with aa
orthodox fcheme, as to neglc6t a(51:s of love to the members of
Christ's body. Give me leave, my dear brother, to behave
with all mecknefs tov/ard thcfc, who may not be fo well affect-
ed toward fuch whom you love. If you do not take care, and
keep
LETTERS. 437
keep clofe to the bJcfTed Jesus, your fpirit may be imbittered,
and you may yet infenfibly fmk into bigotry. Some of our
Bnglijh friends, I am fure, have done fo. It is a blefied thing
to be kept free. Jesus can do this for you, my dear brother,
and I am perfuaded he will. In the love of a cruciiied Jesus,
Ever yours.
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLV.
To Mr, M , at CambuJJang.
Rev. and dear Brother
Edinburgh, Sept. 15, 1 742.
YOUR kind letter I received this morning. I wonder
you can love me, for I feel myfelf more unworthy every
day; and yet, dear Sir, the King of Kings ftill delights to
honour me. At Cumbernauld^ and Torphicheuy the Lord was
with me. I was much led to difcourfe upon walkin"- with
God, and had a fwect opening upon thofe words, " And
*' Enoch walked with God, &c." Since I have been at Edln-
lurgh, the Lord has much blefled me, and given me fome
frefh teachings from his blelTed fpirit. I believe hundreds are
fed day by day. O dear Sir, help me to adore free o^race.
May God reward you for all kindneiles fhewn to me and
mine ! Indeed, dear Sir, I have fcarce patience with myfelf.
I can do fo little in the day for God, that when I go to bed
at night, I am quits afhamed. I truft I fhall begin to do
fomething now. Dear Sir, help me, help me by your prayers,
that I may ftir up the gift of God that is in me. I fliall not
eafily forget you ; fear not, the Lord will yet he with you.
I have fent to Mefirs. O— — and L . I fear I cannci
reach cither of their places ; but, God willing, I purpofe to
come home once more to Cambujlang, and then muft take a long,
long farewel. Blefled be God, wc fliall meet by and by, ne-
ver to part any more. Then, dear Sir, our warfare will be a^-
compli{hed, and the archers will fhoot at us no more. My
foul glows with love whilft I am writing. Sometimes I am
enabled to look within the veil, and to take a view of the pro-
jnifed land. I am nothing, but Christ is my all. For the
gjefent^ adieu ! Pear Sir, adieu ! My love to Koherty furnaraed
F f 3 NathanuL
438 L E T T E R S.
Kathaniel, All with mc dearly love him. O join with liiin
in praying, and giving thaiiks for us, elpeciully, dear Mr.
M^ , fo
Your weak, unworthy, though hnppy brother
and Tcivant in Jesu$ Christ,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCCLVI.
To Mr, F' , /// Penfyhania,
Edinburgh^ Sept. 22, 1 742.
My clear Brother P ,
I Received your two kind letters, dated June the id aivi
6th, and can only fay, Christ is king in Z'lon, and or-
ders all things well. 1 think vou cannot have a fcene ot
greater confulion among )ou, than there has been in Euglcnd,
But blclTcd be God, matters are brought to a better illue, and
though we cannot agree in principles, yet we agree in love,
Tho', as you know, 1 am clear in the truths of the gofpel, yet I
find that principles of themfelves, without thefpirit of God, will
not unite any fet of men whatever j and where the fpirit of God
is in any great degree, there will be union of heart, though there
may be difference in fentimcnts. This I havelearnt,my dear bro-
ther, by happy experience, and find great freedom and peace in
my foul thereby. This makes me to love many, though 1 cannot
agree with them in fome of their principles. I dare not look
upon them as wilful deceivers, but as perfons who hazard
their lives for the fake of the gofpel. — Mr. JV — r~ I think is
wrong in fome things, and Mr. Z — --^ wrong alfo; yet I
believe that both Mr. L and Mr. W , and others,
with whom we do not agree in all things, will fliine bright in
glory. It is beft ihereiore for a gofpel-minifter, Hmply and
powerfully to preach thofe truths he has been taught of God,
and to meddle as little as pofiible with thofe who are children
of God, though they fliould differ in many things. This
would keep the heart fwetr, and at the fame time not betray
the truths of Jesus. I have tried both the difputing, and the
quiet way, and find the latter far preferable to the former. I
have not given way to the Moravian Brethren, or Mr. JV--^^
Ot to Auy^ whom I thought in aa error, no not for an hour.
But
LETTERS. 439
But I think it bcft not to difpute, when there is no probabi-
lity of convincing. I pray you. For Christ's lake, to take
hceJ left your Iprrit fliould be imbittcrcd, when you arc fpeak-
inT or writing for God. 'I'his will give your a<lverfaries ad-
vantacTc over you, and make people think your paflion is thi-
eftect of your principles. Since I have been .in E fig land ihls
time, CahiKS example has been very much prefled upon mc.
You knov/ how Lritlhr abufcd him. As we are of Calvini/U'
CKil principles, I truft wc fhall in this refped imitate Calvin s
praaice, and fliew all mcekncfs to thofe who may oppofe.
My dear brother, you will not be offended at my ufing this
freedom. I am a poor creature, unworthy to advife you ; but
I fimply tell you a little of my own experience. May the
Lord give you, and all that ftand up for the dodrines of the
^ofpel, a right judgment in all things ! For Jesus Christ's
Eike, iis much as in you lies, put a ftop to difputing. It im-
bitters the fpirit, ruffles the foul, and hinders it from hearing
the fmall ftill voice of the Holy Ghoft. May you be filled
with all joy and peace in believing ! God has been very gra-
cious to me here. Wonderful things have been done in Scot-
laud. When I fhall come to you, I cannot as yet determine.
I hope to embark in a few months. In the mean time, be
pleafed to remember me to all that love the glorious Emmanuel^
and accept this in tendereft love from, my very dear brother,
- Yo4ir nioft affeaionate though moft unworthy brother and
fervant in the kingdom and patience of Jesus,
G, n\
LETTER CCCCLVII.
<ro Mr, H
Edinburgh, Sept. 24, 1 742.
My mojl endeared Friend and Brother.,
YO UR fhort letter, dated July the 14th, I received two
days ago, to my great fatisfaaion. I am glad my
dear family js° removed to Mr. B , and rejoice that our
glorious God had raifed him and his brother up, to be fuch
friends in time of need. Our all-wife Saviour law this, and
therefore lent them to be converted at the Orphan-houfe. O
Lord, thou art fearful in praifes, glorious in holinefs, doing
Y i ± worwders !
440 LETTERS.
wonders ! I truft this will find you, my dear friends, and my
dear latnbs, happily fettled at Bethefda. I cannot think, God
will give you over into the epemics hands, or that he will
fufFer the enemy to ab'de in Georgia for any confiderable tin^e.
My thoughts h ave been varioufly exercifed, but my heart
kept ftedfiift and joyful in the Lord of all Lords, whcfe
mercy endureth for ever. The kings taking Lot, and Abra-
ham recovering him out of their hands, hath been much prefT-
cd upon my heart. Abraham^ goij^g into the land of Canaan^
and being driven out by a grievous famine foon after he came
there, has alfo been applied to my foul. And thofe words of
JUofesy " Thcfe enemies which you fee, you fhall fee them no
more," have fallen with great warmth, and wait upon me,
Thefe things put together, keep my mind humbly depending
upon God, in a full aflurance that fome great and good event
for the kingdom of Jesus will erelong be brought about. I
am fupported in a peculiar manner, and kept from ftaggering
through unbelief. — With this, I fend you a continuation of
the Orphan- houfe account, which I printed to fatisfy the pub-
lic, and to promote future colletSlions. The news about the
Spaniards, perhaps may ilrike a damp upon the colle£lion at
this time 5 but even this fhall work for good. God has ^
wheel within a wheel. O, my dear brother, how do I long to,
be with you ! You need not fay, " if poflible now come over,"
for I have long wifhed for the wings of a dove to fly to Geor^
gia. I yet owe upwards of two hundred and fifty pounds in
England, upon the Orphan-houfe account, and have nothing
towards it. Hov/ is the world midaken about my circumftan-
ces : worth nothing myfelf, embarrafiTed for others, and yet
looked upon to flow in riches? Our extremity is God's op-
portunity. O faith, thou haft an all-conquering power I
furely, my dear man, you and the reft of you will grow now^
in this time of trial. Fear not, neither be difmayed : the
Lord your Gop will fight for you. 1 put my truft in him,
and through his mercy I fhall not mifcarry. He flill ftrength-
cns me to go on from conquering to conquer. I pray for
you, I think and dream of you almoft continually. I long, I
long to be with you, and methinks could willingly be found
at the head of you kneeling and praying, though a Spaniard's
fword fliould be put to my throat. But alas I I know not how I
lhoul4
LETTER S. 441
fhould behave, it" put to the trial : only we have a promife,
" that as our day is, fo our ftrength fhali be." I vi^ould gladly
write to you all, but being fo varioufly employed, having the
fuperintendency of fo many fouls and fo many fpiritual affairs, in
many different places, I feel a little of what St. Paul fays, when
he wrote thefe words, " befides that which cometh upon me
daily, the care of all the churches." What am I ? Lord, I
adore and worfhip ! I hope ere now you have had letters from
brother G and Philadelphia friends. Some there, are
fufpicious that I am joined with the Moravian Brethren, but
indeed I am not. My principles are ftill the fame ; only as I
believe many of them love the Lord Jesus, I would love and
be friendly to them, as I would be to all others, who I think
bear the image of our common Mafter, notwithftanding fome
of my principles differ from theirs, and are as fardiftant as the
Eaft is from the Weft. Glory be to God, for keeping me
ftedfaft to thofe truths, which himfelf and not man hath taught
me. I feel the power of them more and more every day, and
am continually made happier and happier in the righteoufnefs of
the glorious Redeemer. O free, fovereign, diftinguifhing, elect-
ing, everlafting, infinitely condefcending love I it quite amazes
me. The thoughts of this love carry mz above every thino'.
My dear friend, the Spaniards cannot rob us of this, nor can
men, or devils. It is immutable and eternal as God himfelf.
May the meditation on this, lead us nearer and nearer to God
in Christ, that we may every day, every hour, Qv^ry mo-
ment be more and more conformed to his blefled image, and
fipen more and more for eternal glory. But I muft have
done. Adieu ! my dear man, adieu I I am ready to weep
tears of love. Humbly hoping, that I fhall fliort.ly hear of the
fpiritualand temporal welfare of you all, I fubfcribe myfelf,
>vith the utmoft fmcerity and affedlion.
Ever, ever yours,
G. r/.
LETTER
h^
p LETTER S,
^<W L E T T E R CCCCLVliL
Ts the RcV£)cnd Dr. C , /'// hyi-jn.
EJnibur^h^ Sept. 24, 1742.
Rcv^vend and dear Sir,
TO my c;i'cat and abundant rati>fa6tion, I received vouv
long wifiiedfor letter of June 3. It was late at night
ere it came to hand ; but I could not go to reft without read-
ino- it. I read, and rejoiced, and prayed for the writer with
my v/holc heart. O reverend and dear Sir, God only knows
how clofcly t am knit to the dear minifters and people of
New-En(rhind, I'hey arc ever upon my heart, and it rejoiced
me to find I was not forgotten (unworthy as I am) by them.
Dear Sir, I am glad to hear that the work ftill goes on ; be
not furprizcd, if you are forfaken. Paul \v2ls ferved fo, and
when I came to England moft of my old friends and fpiritual
children were exceedingly prejudiced againfl: me. Our great
high-prieft fees thefe trials to be necefTary for us, to try our
faith, and teach us to ceafe from man. I hope they have pro-
; duced this bleffed effed in fome meafure upon my foul. There
v^ feems to be I'uch a fcene in Philadelphia, as we have had in
>'' old Eyigland. I have wrote to Mr. T . He in a late letter
thinks me too charitable j but my confcicncc doth not reproach
me for that. My principl'.s are ftill the fame. I embrace
the calviniftical fcheme, not bccaufe Calviny but Jesus
Christ, I think, has taught it to me. I go on preaching
the crols and power of the Redeemer, and defire to fay as little
as poffible about others, left thereby I fliould divert people's
minds from the fimplicity of the gofpel. I have often found
that oppofinir, inftead of hurting, makes erroneous people
become more confiderable. This made me wilh, that the Bojlcn
rninifters would not take up fo much time In fpeaking againft
the Exhorters. It will only fet the people the more upon fol-
lowing after them ; but I cannot well judge at fuch a diftance,
and indeed I find I am fuch a poor creature, that I fcarcc
know any thing yet, as I ought to know. At the fame time,
I will not deny what I have received ; no, this would be dif-
honouring my dear Saviour. He makes me daily more and
more happy ia himfelf, and I continually rejoice in his great
falvation.
LETTER S. 443
falvation. Ar prefcr.t he Uipports mc in an uncommon man-
lier, and the nevvs of the Spaniaidi attacking Georgia atFedts
me no othcrs&'iie, than to incieal'e my faith and eonhdcncc in
hiin, whom I am fuie tarcth for me aiid m/mc. O dear Sir,
what a 'glorious thing is divine faith ! iVl;!y you have much
of it, and feel the power of it more and mcMe every day !
Wit^i repeated lalutati(»ns and returns of love, I one;: more
fubferibe myfeh'', reverend and dear S.r,
Your moft aiYectionate friend, your.gcr brother,
vai)d fervant in the <i,lorious gofpel of
the ever bkiied Jesus,
LETTER CCCCLIX.
To Jonathan B , Efq\ in Nciv-En^Iand,
Ho7icured Su\ Edinburgh^ Sept. 2^, 1742-
IRe'ioiced to hear by the reverend and dear Dr. C , that
you are retired from the world, full of piety and devotion.
1 congratulate you, honoured Sir, upon your happy change,
and pray that von may be filled with all the fulnefs of God,
Exceedmgly engaged as I am, I could not but fend a line to
you, becaufe I love you in the bowelo of Jesus Christ.
1 remember your command ; I have you upon my heart, and
pi ay the glorious Emmanuel to do more abundantly for you and
youis, than you are able to afk or think. It is impoirible to
tell you what the Lord hath done for unworthy me. Ho-
noured Sir, I feel a blils I cannot exprefs. My happinefs
in Jesus incrcafes daily. 1 am only alhamed of my unfruit-
fulncfs, and the little I do for God. Indeed, honoured Sir,
1 could wifn for a thoufand lives. My Jtsus (liould have
them all. Methinks I hear you fay, " thus it is with me."
Kail then happy man I All generations fhall call you blelled.
Honoured Sir, my foul is full in the midft of many trials.
O what a glorious redemption hath Jesus purchafcd lor us I
Indeed it is a plenteous redemption. By the power of his
death we are enabled to tread fin, death, and faran under our
feet. I'his is the prefent frame of my foul. O free grace !
unfearchable riches I The brighinefs of it dazzles the eyes of
tt^y fuith. LoRD; I adore and wordiip in the temple of my
heart !
444 LETTERS.
heart ! Honoured Sir, be pleafed to accept thefe few lines
from a heart overflowing with love to God, and for his great
name fake to you. With moft humble refpeds, and afFedi-
onate returns of gratitude for all favours, I beg leave to fub-
fcribe myfelf, honoured Sir,
Your moft obliged humble fervant,
G.IV,
LETTER CCCCLX.
To Mr, E , in Philadelphia,
Edinburgh^ Sept, 25, 1 742.
My very dear Brother & m ■ >,
SINCE I wrote laft, your other kind letter, dated July2^y
came to hand, by which I find matters at Philadelphia are
much the fame as when you wrote before. I pray God to
give me wifdom, and a right underftanding, to judge of thofe
different jarring accounts that are fent me. As far as I am
able to determine, I think fome who have the truths of Gop
on their fide, defend themfelves with too great a mixture of
their own fpirit, and by this means perhaps fome perfons may
be prejudiced even againft truth itfelf. This is one rock,
I pray God, my dear brother, to keep your foul from fplitting
againft. Again, I think the Ad-, n Brethren (hew a better
and milder fpirit in the general ; but many of their principles
deviate as far from the truths of Jesus Christ, as the eaft
is from the weft, or the north from the fouth. I wifh you
may not have gone a ftep too far. It was unjuft for Mr.
B 's brother to be denied preaching in the new building.
Shall I commend Mr. B -for this? I commend bim not.
The brethren fhould have fome other place to preach in, and
not make that houfe a Babel. I cannot give up truth for them,
or for any other under heaven. I find they are as weak and
fallible as thofe whom they judge not to have drank fo deeply
of the fpirit of Christ ; and therefore, my dear man, though
we love all, we muft be upon our guard, and follow not
man's teaching, but the teaching of the Holy Ghoft. Though
principles are not to be refted in, yet it is a good thing to
have a clear head as well as a clean heart. Some people make
nothing of principles ; but why are they fo zealous in propa-
gating their own ? I think, my dear brother, I am a happy
LETTERS. 445
firmer, and have really entered into an abiding reft in God,
through the Lord Jesus Christ ; but yet the ftirrings of
corruption I expert in fome degree or other, till I breathe my
laft. This I hope is all that dear Mr. T infifts on. My
dear brother, love the brotherhood, but do not give up the
truths of God ; and when you are brought ofFfrom idolizing
©ne creature, take care you do not infenfibly fall into idolizing
another. Do not think that all things the moft refined chrif-
tian in the world does, is right ; or that all principles are
wrong, becaufe fome that hold them are too imbittered in their
fpirits. It is hard for good men, when the truths of God are
oppofed, to keep their temper, efpecially at the firft attack.
Nothing but the all-conquering blood of the dear Redeemer
can deftroy the wild-fire in the heart. You will fee what I
have wrote to the dear Truftees. I hope our loving Saviour
will incline you to comply with my advice. I believe it is
from him, and will much tend to the profperity of Zion. That,
I truft, we have all at heart. I pray God we may be enabled
fo to a61:, as to do nothing to obftrudl: it, but bear and for-
bear with one another in love, and give way in fome things
to promote the common good. You fee, my dear man, bow
freely I write to you. It is out of the fulnefs of my heart,
I hope you and I fliall be happily furprized, in finding each
other better than we expected. God forbid that we fhould
live one hour without growing more like the bleffed Lamb of
God. I am too credibly informed, that fome make it their
bufinefs to prejudice my friends againfl me. Such wifdom
cometh not from above. They are as the falfe apoftles, of
whom Saint Paul fpoke, " They would exclude us, that you
might affedl them." But glory be to hQQ grace ! I can re-
pofe myfelf in Jesus, and am happy in him. However I may
be dealt with by man, blelTed be his name, I am now happy
in the midft of various trials, even beyond expreffion. I only
add, through grace I have laid the foundation ; let others
beware how they build thereon. Adieu, my dear brother.
I am, with cordial refpects and affeition.
Ever, ever yours.
LETTER
•446 I. E T T E U a
LETTER CCCCLXI.
Tg the Reverend Mr, R J , in IFahs.
Edinburgh^ Od. 6, 174:".
My very dear Broi/'-r,
YKSTKRD A Y your kind ano* proft:^.ble letter came to
hand. My d'.'ar wife being emb.jrked, I opened, read, ?.nd
now fnatch a few moments to anfwer it. I took yotir hints upon
yacol's ladder, and preached upon it with freedom yefterday ui
the afternoon. I truft fojne will be induced to begin to climb,
and others be iVirrcd to climb fafter ; at leaft I fliail mvlcir
for one, for indeed 1 am afliamed 1 have mounted no higher
yet. Bieflcd be (jod, I am afcended fo far as to have the
world almoft out of niv light, and I fee my dear mafter ftand-
in'? at the top reaching out his band, readv to receive me up
jnto heaven. Indeed, my dear brother, the J^ord hath dealt
iTioft bountifully with niC j he gives !ne to rejoice in all h\s
diipenfatlons towards me. It we'd becometh God's chi'dren
to give thanks for all things that befal them, fince it is God's
will concerning them. I am taught more and more every day
to live by faith in the Son of (jOD, v/ho loved and gave him-
ielf for me. God keeps me, and brings me where I woulJ
defire to be, at his feet, waiting his will, and watching
the motions of his bleiicd fpirit, word, and providence. Here
i find fafety and refuge amidft the various fiorms of oppofition
and reproach which 1 daily meet with. (tOD isonmvfKJe,
i will not fear what men nor devils can fay of, or do unco
me. The dear McAVs. E ; have dreiTcd me in very
black colours. — Mr. G 's pamphlet will Ihew" voti
how black. Dear men, I pity them. Writing I fear will be
in vain. Surely they mufl" grieve the holy fpirit much. O
for a nnnd divellfd of all feels and names and parties! i
think it is my one fimple aim to promote the kingdom oi
Jesus, without partiality and wnhout hypocrify, indefinitely
amonp^ft all. I care not if the name of George lyijitefield be
banifned out of the world, fo that Jesus be exalted in it.
Glory be to his great name, we have fccn much of his power
apd greatnefs in S.toUmid. The work ni the weft (till goes
on snd increafcs. i.aft fabbaih-day, and iVIondciy^ very great
things, greater than ever, were itt.i\ at Kiifyth. Inhere js a
i
I, E T T E R S. 447
great awakening alio at Aluihel^ and many living ftoncs build-
ing up in Edinburgh. I preach twice every day with great
power^ and walk in liberty and love. At the lame time I
fee and feel my vilcneis, and take the bleilcd Jesus to be my
rightcoufnefs and all. I purpole, God willing, to go through
Newcajile and Torkjhire to England. Ireland i believe mull be
left till another circuit. In about three weeks, I purpofc, God
•willing, to leave Scotland^ and hope to fpend a month ere long
in /rules. My dear and honoured brother, I hope the Lord
will give you an heart to pray for me, for indeed I am a very-
poor finncr, and many are waiting for my halting ; but Jesus
is able and willing to make me fland. I have been much
Urcngthened, hncc the Spaniards have invaded Georgia, I think
I am like the ark iurrounded on all fides with waves, but
through free rich grace am enabled to fwim above all. Ere
long, I fhail rell on mount Zhn in the arms of my beloved
Jfsus. Here Is love would make me drop a tear, and fet
my pen a writing quicker, but other bufinefs calls for me.
Dear Sir, be pleafed to pray for me, and remember me to
your dear wife, and all the followers of the Lamb. Pray
write to Mr. M^ C immediately, and [(^nd as ofcen as you
can, dear ?vlr. 'J , to
Your v/eak, unworthy, but truly affeftionate
bi other and fervant, in the kingdom
and patience of Jesus,
L E T T E R CCCCLXIIv
To Colonel G .
l-lof^'Ured Siry Edinburgh^^ Ot7^^^r 7, 1742.
(^"T"^ ii O U G H I never had the pleafure of feeing you, yet
X ^ have often prayed for you, and can afiure you I love
you in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I hope you will not be
cift'eiided with me, for troubling you with this. Your ho-
noured lady tells me, you will not. Love, I am pcrfuaded,
inclines me to write, and I doubt not but you will receive it
in the fame fpirir. Dear Sir, I rejoice to hear that you are
a good foldier of Jesus Christ, and t'aat you delight to
light the Redeemer's battles. May you be covered v/ith all
h:s annours and HUed with all his fulnefs ! I have the plea-
fure
44? LETTERS.
fure often to go without the camp, and to bear a little of hii
facred reproach, and I prefer it to all the treafurCs in the world.
Weak as I am, my Jesus makes me more than conqueror
through his love. He has brought mighty things to pafs
here, and gotten himfelf the vi6lory in many hearts. I truft,
there is not a day palTcs but fome poor creature or another is
plucked as a brand out of the burning. I wifti I could hear
God was more in the camp. BlefTcd be his name for raifing
you up, honoured Sir, to lift a ftandard for him. May you-
be endued with the meeknefs of MofeSy the courage of Jojhua,
the zeal of Paul, and a large portion of the blelTed fpirit of^
Christ ! I hope, honoured Sir, you will now and then re-
member me a poor Tinner, and fpeak a word for me to the King
of kings and Lord of lords, that I may not turn my head
in the day of battle, but rather die for, than deny him in any
wife. Neither you nor yours are forgotten ' by me. Indeed
I am a poor creature, but happy, very happy in the once cru-
cified, but now exalted Jesus. For his fake, and in his
great name, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, honoured Sir,
Your affedlionate humble fervant, &c.
G. IV'.
LETTER CCCCLXIIL
To the Reverend Mr. J TV .
Edinburgh^ O^obsr 1 1, 1742.
Reverend and dear Sir,
ABOUT ten days ago, I fent you a packet by my deaf
wife, which I hope you will have received ere this
comes to hand. Yederday morning 1 had your kind letter
dated O^ober 5. In anfwer to the firft part of it, I fay, '' Let
old things pafs away, and all things become new." I can
heartily fay, " Amen" to the latter part of it. " Let the king
ViVQ for ever, and controverfy die." It has died with me long
ago. I fhall be glad to fee the extracl of your journal. Be
pleafed to fend it immediately, under cover, to Mr. E y
member of parliament in Edinburgh. I (hall not leave Scot->
land in lefs than three weeks. Before yours came, I had en-
gaged to go through Nezvcajlle in my way to London. I re-
foice to hear the Lord has bkflcd your dear brother's labours.
I am enabled to preach twice iaily with great power, and find
A I v/.dk
LETTERS. 449
I walk in light and liberty continually. Like the ark, I ant
iurrounded on all fides, but enabled to fwim triumphantly over
all. O free grace ! I thank you, dear Sir, for praying for
me, and thank our common Lord for putting it in your
heart fo to do. I have been upon my knees praying for you
and yours. O that nothing but love, lowlinefs, and fimpli-
city may be among us. It grieves me to fee u'hat a fad fpirit
prevails among Mr. E 's people. Father, forgive them !
I truft you will remember my poor orphans. God gives me
flrong faith for them, though no news yet of the Spa-niards
leaving Georgia, Yefterday morning a dear little hofpital girl
went off in triumph. The work is ftill increafing in Scotland^
efpecially at Kilfytb. Surely we (hall fee great things crc long.
Dear friend, my foul is on lire. O let us not fall out in the
way ! Let us bear with, and forbear one another in love.
God be praifed for giving you fuch a mind. My kind love
to all that love the Lord Jesus in fincerity. In much hafte,
and with great thanks for your laft letter, I fubfcribe myfelf,-
reverend and very dear Sir,
Your moft affectionate, though younger brother,
in the gofpel of our glorious Emmanuel^
G. IK
LETTER CCCCLXIV.
To Airs, Ann £)— •, in HuntingdonJJy'ire.
Edinburgh^ OSioher 13, 1742.
My very dear Sijler^
WITH great pleafure I received your kind letters.
They incrcafed that love, Vv'hich I had before to the
writer of them. I redeem a few moments to return you aiY
anlwer to them, 2nd am afhamed to think how I put voir
off; but I fee vou confider my circumftances, and love to
our dear Jesus inclines you to excufe me. Bleffed be God,'
I can ftili fend vou an account of the increrJc of Rynma-
71 lit
/'c
kino;dom. I preach always twice, fomctimcs three or
four times in a day. The people are more c.i?^er than ever,
and much folid work is done for God. My ftreng-th is
daily renewed. Still -I delire to cry, grace! grace! I nrrr
f ndied exceedinirly, I icarce have nnv damp." My foul conr-
tinually magn,itic3 the Lord, and my fpirit rejoices in Qovi'
Vol! L G^ ■ ' ^ nvf
JO
450 LETTERS.
my Saviour. I know you will help me to praife him. I col-
lected laft week 128/. for my poor orphans. I have fent you an
account of them. You will continue writing to, and pray-
ing for my dear family, I hope to fee you hefore I embark.
By this, you will receive a line from one Mr. j^ , an
humble walker with God, and Mr. T , a bookfeller,
who I believe loves the Lord Jesus in fmcerity. Pray an-
fwer them. 1 would have your correfpondence enlarged, and
therefore I fet other people writing to you, though I cannot
write fo much myfelf. My dear fifter, adieu. The Lord
be with you, and yours. I am now in a lady's family, whom
God has blefled. — We have feveral fuch here. With great
lincerity and affedion, I fubfcribe myfelf,
Ever yours, in yours and mine,
G, TV,
LETTER CCCCLXV.
To Mr, T 5 in Edinburgh,
Glafgcw, OSioher 20, 1742.
Dear Mr. T ,
YOUR letter much refreflied me. Thanks be to God,
for putting it into your heart to write to unworthy me.
The blefled Jesus hath been the author of cur friendfhip, and
therefore it will be blefled. I rejoice much, that the Lord
is with you and your minifters. May you all increafe with
all the increafe of God ! O that the focieties may remember
to pray and give thanks on my behalf. Dear Mr. T ,
what deliverances hath the Lord wrought for me ? Before
the news came of the Spaniards leaving Georgia^ the words
came to my mind, that were prefied on me in the park with
great power : " Thefe enemies which you have now feen, you
fiiall fee no more." W^hat a life is a life of faith ? I know I
am reckoned enthufiaftic, even by many chridian friends, in
refpedt to my Orphan-houfe; but " he that believeth, doth
not make hafl:e." I find we mufl be tried by friends, as well
as by foes. All is intended to bring us nearer to the friend of
all. I hope I improved my intereft in him juft now, for you
and yours, and for all Edinburgh friends. As foon as we had
perufed the letters, we kneeled down, and prayed, and gave
thanks. Good news came from London, I hope, next poft,
2 to
LETTERS. 451
to hear that our dear friends have got fafe thither. O what
reafon have I to be thankful ! Help me ftill, my dear Mr.
T , to praife the Lord. I hope to be with you next
week. In the mean time pray for, and if leifure permit, drop a
line to, dear Mr. T ^
Ever yours, &c.
G. ly.
LETTER CCCCLXVI.
To Mr. J r , in Edinburgh.
Decir Mr T-^ ^, London^ Nov. 6, 1 742.
ABOUT five this evening, our ever blefTed Jesus brought
us hither, and gave us a happy meeting with our dear
friends. How good is Jesus to the chief of finners ! He {o^
laced my foul all the way, and gave his angels charge con-
cerning us, otherwife we muft have been frequently hurt ia
our ways : but he heard the prayers of his people. I am per-
fuaded he gave them a fpirit of fupplication in our behalf.
I felt it, I feel it now, and long to preach again. My dear
friend, remember us in the dearefi: manner to all. I hope
to write to feveral on Monday next. Hov/ fweet is reft after fa-
tigue ! How fweet will heaven be, when our journey is ended.
Forgive the brevity of this.
Ever yours,
G. JK
LETTER CCCCLXVII.
To Mr. J H , at Bethefda.
Lcndon^ Ng*u. 12, 174^.
My dear eft Friend and Brother in a crucified ]esvs^
HO W do I long to come over to fee you, and the reft
of my dear family ? How do I long to hear how it is
with your dear fouls, and that you are returned to Beihcfda in
fafety ! The cloud feems now to be moving toward America,
I truft I (hall be with you in a few months. Wonderful
great things did the Lord perform for me and his people in
Scotland. The concern exprefled at my departure, was really
unfpeakable. O my dear, my very dear brother, the love of
God to fuch an unworthy wretch quite amazes me. I rode
452 LETTERS.
poft, and came here in rather lefs than five days from ^rt'/'w-
burgh on Saturday laft, and here feems to be a new awakenin<^.
We have been obliged to enlarge the tabernacle. The Lord's
glory does indeed appear in it.^ Dear brother H has
been fent with a fweet fearching commiffion. Brother C
is much bleft in Wiltjlnre. The word runs and is glorified in
IValcs^ and God is raifing fome frefli vvitnclles of the power of
his dear Son's blood in Gloucrjierjhire. BlefTed are the eyes that
fee the things that we fee. God doth greatly countenance
us indeed. O free grace ! O electing love ! The collections in
ScotIa7id were large. At Edinburgh^ I collected 128/. at one
time, and 44/. at another ; at Glafgcw 2iho\it 128/. with private
donations. I think we got about 300/. in all. Blefled be
God, I owe nothing now in England on the Orphan-houfe ac-
count ; what is due is abroad. I think fince I have been in
England^ we have got near 1500/. The Lord will raife
up what we want further ; glory be to his name. He keeps
my faith from failing, and upholds me with his right hand,
and makes me happier in himifelf every day. My wife lies now
very weak. She was tofled for ten days in her voyage from
Scotland: The fhip was in imminent danger, but the Lord
gave her much of his prefence, and I trufc Ihe v/ili be ready
{hortly for another voyage. She heartily and moft lovingly
greets you all, as does in hafle.
Ever, ever yours, &c.
C. TV,
LETTER CCCCLXVIIL
To Lady Frances G .
Honoured Madam^ Loyidon Nov. 13, 1742.
MINDFUL of my promife, v/hich I made before I
left Edinburgh, I now fteal a few moments to fend
your Ladyfhip a letter of thanks, and which 1 trufi: will find
you fitting under the Redeemer's fliadow with great delight. It
rejoiced me when I heard that our infinitely condefcending
God had blcfied my unworthy minifiry, to recover your La-
dyfhip from a ftatc of diirknels and fpiritual defertion. Glory,
Cilory be to rich, free and fovereign grace I I truft your Lady-
Ihip will now be kept in the love of God, and no idol in-
tcrpofe between the Ivcdeeaiei and your loui, I hope the
c dear
LETTERS. 453
dear Colonel is now in his proper place, and that you can
think of him without anxiety or diftradino- care. This is
that freedom, wherewith Jesus Chr»ist makes us free. To
love all things in him, an"d for him, and to love him above
all. Thus we have peace and joy. Whenever- we deviate
from it, we fall into darknefs and dirtrefs of foul. I pray
God your Ladyfliip may be thus kept, and enabled to rejoice
in God all the day long. For ever adored be frcQ "iace.
1 have enjoyed much freedom of foul fincc I left Edinburgh,
Very good was my mafl:er to us on the road, and ilill better
to me now I am in London. We have bjeficd feafons. O
who can exprefs the loving-kindnefs of the Lord, or fhow
forth all his praife ! We beg your prayers ; and wifliing you
and your honoured Colonel all manner of profperity, 1 beo-
leave to fubfcribe myfelf, with unfeigned thanks for all paft
favours, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyfliip's moft obliged humble fervant,
G, IV.
LETTER CCCCLXIX.
To Mifs S .
London^ Nov. 13, 1742.
AS I have been writing to the honourable lady Frances^ I
am willing to inclofe a line to you. I trult it vvilj find
you walking by faith, and trampling upon the luft of the eye,
the luft of the flefh, and the pride of life. This is the happi-
nefs which Jesus Christ has purchafed for poor Tinners.
This is that better part, which I hope you have been enabled to
choofe, and in which, I truft, through grace you will be ena-
bled to perfevere even to the end. Dear Mifs, if this be the
cafe, well v.'ill it be v/ith you, and happy, exceedingly happy
fhall you be. Methinks I hear you fay, " I feel my happi-
nefs begun." Keep clofe, Dear Mifs, keep clofe to the
lovely Jesus, and you will find it increafe day by day.
Many, many temptations and difficulties you will meet with ;
but fear not; look unto Jesus, and he will make you more
than conqueror through his love. Never reft without look-
ing up to him, in and for every thing you ftand in need of.
He will richly fupply all your wants. I fpeak this by happy
G g 3 experience.
'454 LETTERS.
experience. Many bleflings have I received fince I came
hither. O help me to praife our prayer-hearing God.
Your moll afFeclionate friend and fervant in Christ,
LETTER CCCCLXX.
To the Honourable Lady Jane H- , in Edinburgh,
Honoured Madam^ London^ Nov. 13, 1742.
IT is with fome regret, that I look back upon my not writ-
ino- to you, when I was at Glafgoiv. I refolved ever fince,
to fend your Ladyfhip a line as foon as poflible, after I reached
London. Being now fomewhat fettled, I attempt in the di-
vine flrength to put my defign in execution. And now,
honoured Madam, what fhall I fay ? I hope this will find you
a very poor fmner, and fitting at Jesu's feet. With pleafure
I have often thought your Ladyfliip has been made willing to
become truly, inly poor, and to feel the full power of the Re-
deemer's precious blood. If I miftake not, your foul is a-
thirft for God, yea to be filled with all the fulnefs of God.
Go on, dear Madam, for God (hall fatisfy all your defires :
He has promifed, and he will perform. I find my happinefs
in Jesus increafing daily, and that there is no end of his
goodnefs. Greatly did he ftrengthen me on the road j
greatly has he blefled me fince I came hither, I believe your
Ladyfhip will hear fhortly from Mr. H . He is a dear
foul indeed, and left London on Thurfday morning lafi-, full of
fimplicity and love. The work goes on bravely in IVales^
and eifewhere. Surely it is the midnight cry ; Surely the
bridegroom is coming. Methinks I hear your Ladyfhip fay,
«' Then I will make ready to go forth to meet him." That
you may be always ready to obey the moft fudden call, is the
hearty prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyfhip's mofi: obliged
bumble fervant in Jesus Ckrist,
LETTER
LETTERS. 455
LETTER CCCCLXXI.
To Mifs N 'i.
London^ Nov. 13, 1742.
Dear young Ladies^
THIS week I wrote a few lines to your honoured mamma.
I now fnatch a few moments to fefid a line to you.
And why ? Becaufe I love you both in the bowels of Jesus
Christ, and wifli above all things, that your dear fouls may
profper. I faw a happy alteration in you for the better, whilft
I was at Edinburgh, and my conftant prayer is, that you might
flill go on from ftrength to ftrength. Here f<fem$ to be a new
awakening. We had a glorious faft-day indeed. I truft you
had the fame at Edinburgh, I am fure we prayed heartily, it
might be fo. O Edinburgh ! Edinburgh ! I think I (hall ne-
ver forget thee. Surely many can fay, " Our fellowfhip has
" been with the Father and with the Son." And now though
abfent, we may have fellowfhip together in and through the
eternal Spirit. Thus it is with me, and thus it is, I believe,
with my dear wife. She moft heartilyjoins with me in falut-
ing your moft honoured mamma, as well as yourfelves. Wifh-
ing that your lamps may be always trimmed, and your loins
always girded, and that you may be continually in readinefs
to meet the heavenly bridegroom j I fubfcribe myfelf, dear
young ladies.
Your moft afFedionate friend and fervant in Jesus,
LETTER CCCCLXXII.
To .
London^ Nov. 15, 1742.
My Lordy
IT has given me fome concern, that I could not write to
your Lordfliip before I left £ . My departure from
thence was very fudden, and it was but a few days before that
I heard of your Lordftiip's illnefs. However, I have not been
unmindful of your Lordfhip, and I truft, in anfwer to prayer,
our Lord has rebuked your fever, and that this will find you
rifen and miniftring unto him. O, my Lord, I think I can
G g 4 fay.
456 LETTERS.
fav, "It Is good for me that I have been affli6led j" for had it
; ot been fo, I fhould have gone aftray. How apt are we when in
health, to follow Jesus afar off, and fink into tepidity and a
Jaodicean fpirit ? May this ficknefs be fandified to the purg-
ing of your Lordlhip's foul, and be a means of drawing you
r.ear?r to God ! Our glorious High-prieft ftill continues to
load me u'ith his benefits. He dealt moil: tenderly with me
oj^. the road, and blefles me much here. I am now in my
winter quarters, preparing for a frefli campaign. Happy
they that fight under the Redeemer's banner ! That your Lord-
fhip may be always fighting the good fight of faith, and at
length lay hold on eternal life, is the carnefl prayer of, my
Lord,
Your Lord/hip's mofl obedient and obliged humble fervant,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCCLXXIII.
To Mr. S , of Bri/loL
London J Nov. 15, 1742.
M^ dear Brother S- ,
I Gave thanks on your behalf, when I read your letters ;
being encouraged thereby to hope, that Jesus Christ is
indeed about to take full poffenion of your foul. A proper
feafon this to enter into the marriage flate, an union repre-
fenting the myflical union between Jesus Christ and his
Church. My brother, you cannot think of it with too much
folemnity. It ib a matter of great importance, in which the
future comfort of your life much depends. I would advifc
you to read over the matrimonial office, and turn it into a
prayer. As for outward affairs, I think it quite proper to
have them fettled, as I am a minifler of Jesus Christ, and
ou^ht therefore to be freed as much as may be from all world-
ly incumbrances. Be pleafed to draw out your account, and
when the captain comes, defire him to draw out his, that re-
ceipts m.ay pafs on both fides. I fliall pay Mr. N as de-
fired. I am glad you are fo friendly with Mr. IV- . I
truil we fhail learn more and more to love one another.
Yours mod: aiiectionately in Jesus Christ,
G. IF.
LETTER
LETTERS.
457
LETTER CCCCLXXIV.
To the B'ifi)op of Bangor,
London^ Nov. 17, 1 742.
My Lord.,
THE inclofed vvas fcnt by a young man, who was com-
ing up to London^ and was in his way as far as LndlovOy
on purpolc to wait on your Lordfhip about the contents of 't.
If your Lordfhip pleafcs, I will wait upon your Lordf]:iip for
your Lordfhip's anfwer. The charaL,lcr your LordHiip has
tor candour and moderation, makes me believe, your Lordfliip
will not favour any pcrfccuting proceedings againft thcfe that
love the Lord Jesus in fincerity. If your Lordfliip thinks
proper to fpeak with me, upon the Icaft intimation, you (hall
be attended by, my Lord,
Your Lordfhip's mod obedient fon and fcrvant,
G. W,
LETTER CCCCLXXV.
To Mr. J , ofTo'ven in Wales.
London^ Nov, 18, 1742.
My dear Brother^
HOW fweetly does the blefied Jesus guide the meek in
his way ! I believe your turning back from Ludlow was
of God. Dear brother H was about that time p-ointr
mio JVales^ and the Lord fending me hither (unworthy as 1
am) to tranfact affairs for you. 1 have feen your letter to Mr.
L , and likewife that from brother C , to the bifliop of
Bangor. I am juft now fending it to him, with a letter from
myfelf, dcfiring leave to wait upon his Lordiliip. What the
event will be, our Lqrd only knows. This, however, we
know, " All things fhall work together for good to thofe that
love God i" and the gates of hell fliall never prevail againft:
the church of Jesus Christ. What you have met with, is
no more than might be expected long ago. There has been a
hook in the Leviathan's jav/s, or otherwil'e our mouths had
been flopped long before this time. I had once the honour of
being publickly arraigned, for not reading the Common Prayer
in a Mceting-houfe. At another time, I was taken up by a
warrant
458 LETTERS.
warrant for corrcding a letter wherein were thefe words, ** Shall
our Clergy break the Canons." The profecutions were un-
juft, but there is our glory. I remember when Socrates was
about to fuffer, his friends grieved, that he fuffered unjuftly.
What, fays he, would you liave me fufFer juftly ? If we are
buffettcd for our faults, and take it patiently, fays a greater
than Socratesy we are not to glory ; *' but if we are reproached
for Christ, and fuffer as Chriftians, happy are we." I think
our prefent fufferings are for him. Surely the fpirit of Christ
and of glory will reft upon you. However, I truft this ftorm
will foon blow over. If poflible, let an open feparation from
the church be avoided. Mr. H can tell you more by
word of mouth. I truft the glorious Jesus has fent him a-
mongft you, in the fulnefs of the blefting of the gofpel of
peace. He is a dear foul. I am perfuaded you are dear to
him : 1 find you are dear to me, though I never faw you. It
is enough, that we have drank into one fpirit. This create*
an indiflbluble union. Pray remember my kind love to dear
brother C . I wifti him joy with all my heart ; but would
not have him deny that exhorting is preaching. The Chan-
cellor will be too many for him ; for to be fure, exhorting is
at leaft one part of preaching. Granting this, he has warrant
enough, notwithftanding, from fcripture, to tell others what
God has done for his foul, and to bid them come and fee
and believe in a precious Christ. O that word ! How fwcet
is it to my foul ? It is like ointment poured forth. Had I
time, I could tell you much of his love. He has been exceed-
ing good to me in Scotland : He is ftill fo to me here. Vile,
bafe, ungrateful as I am, he lets me lean on his bofom night
and day. My dear brother, help me to praife him, and engage
all the brethren's prayers in behalf of one, lefs than the leaft of
^11 faints, but
Yours raoft affcdionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER
LETTERS. 459
LETTER CCCCLXXVI.
To the Reverend Dr, C— , in Bojlon.
London^ Nov, 18, 1742.
Rev. and dear Sir,
GLAD was I to receive another letter from you, before I
lent off my packets. I thank our loving Lord, for grant-
ing me the continuance of his minifters affcdions. I hope
this, and all his other mercies, will lead me nearer and nearer
to himfelf the fountain of all mercies. Surely the friends of
Jesus pray in my behalf; for I am ftill ftrengthened more
V than ever^ and enabled to rejoice in his goodnefs all the day
..-Hong. The confufion at Nezv- England has given me concern j
^' but our Lord will over-rule all for good. I was forry to hear
^y " o( Mr. D 's imprifonment ; and to be imprifoned for an
P unguarded exprejrion, I think is too, toofevere, and not for the
honour ot Bo/ion at all. Had I been in his place, I fnould
have accepted bail. When I fhall come to Bojion, the Lord
Jesus only knows. I believe it will not be long. I find I
ihall come in perilous times ; but that all-gracious Saviour,
who has helped me hitherto, will guide me by his council,
and give me a true fcriptural zeal. This is what I defire all
my friends to beg in my behalf. How hard is it to keep in the
trne narrow path, when fpeaking for the Lord Jesus ? God
preferve me, and all his minifters, from defending his truths
and caufe in our own, or under the influence of a falfe fpirit !
It deftroys the very caufe we would defend. As yet, in Scot-
land there have been but hvj of the diforders complained of
amongft you. But as the work increafes, I fuppofe the ene-
mies flratagems will increafe alfo. This is my comfort, Jesus
reigns. The gates of hell fhall never be able to prevail againft
his church. I have had a late inftance of his power and good-
nefs, in driving the Spaniards out of Georgia. I hear they are
gone. I hope the Orphans are now at Bethefda in peace. The
continuation of my account, I have fent with this, and a par-
cel of my fcrmons. Be pleafed to difpofe of them, as you (hall
think proper. I falute all my Reverend brethren that preach
Jesus Christ in fmcerity. I wifii them profperity with all
r»iy heart, and pray for them every day. Ps.cyerend Sir, my
(ouj
46o LETTERS.
foul is now filled with a fenfe of redeeming love. O why me,
Lord, why me ? Even fo my Saviour, for fo it fecmed good
in thy fight ! But I can write no more, having much bufinefs
on my hands. We go on well here. Our Lord bleffes us
much. I am, with much afFcclion, Rev. Sir,
Your moft unworthy and younger brother
in the gofpel of Jesus Christ,
G. TK
LETTER CCCCLXXVII.
To Mr, J E .
London^ Nov. 18, 1 742.
Dear Sir,
YOUR letter pleafed me much. As foon as I read it, I
kneeled down, prayed, and gave thanks on your behalf.
How faithful is he that hath faid, " I will never leave thee, or
forfake thee.'* Surely the Lord intends to honour you, in
making you an inrtrument in bringing many fons to glory. I
Ijopc he will biefs your fiift public effays to ferve the intereft
of his great name, and enable you to go on from ftrcngth to
ftrength. I cannot think you will be long v.ithout a feeling
poficlTion of your God. Shortly, I truii:, you will be touched
with a coal from the heavenly altar, and be made to fay, "Lord
fend me." I think our Saviour has given you great know-
ledge in the fcripturcs. May you be kept clore to and be
daily taught of him. My prayer for you is,
Tah bis poor heart, and let it be
For ever closed to all but thee.
1 think you may ftudy conveniently in Scotland \ but in this
and every thing elic, 1 pray the Lord Jesus to direct and
'ruide your foul. I mofl: heartily love you, and widi you
profperity in the name of the Lord. Our blefled Saviour
has been exceeding kiud, nnce I have been here. I go on my
wav rejoicing, and am flrengthened day by day. Tiiat you
may abundantly experience the fame, is the hearty prayer of,
dear Sir,
Yours mod afteclionatelv in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
L E T 1' E R
LETTERS. 4.61
LETTER CCCCLXXVIJI.
To Mr. M 5 JJle of Man,
London^ Nov. 19, 1742,
Rev. and dear Sir^
I Am concerned to find by your laft, dated November 4th,
that the letter I fent you from Scotland did not come to
hand. But providence over-ruleth all things ; even this {hall
work for good. I wonder not, if the Lord has given you more
zeal, that you meet with more oppofition. However, I would not
have you rafh, or over hafty in leaving the [/Je of Man, Wait,
continue inflant in prayer, and you fliail fee the falvation of
God. I have not heard from my family abroad for fome time,
and cannot give you any determinate anfwer about your going
to Georgia^ becaufe I know not how their aftairs ftand. God
will yet {hew you what he would have you to do. Even fo
Lord Jesus, Amen and Amen ! Our glorious Em?nanuelh\c(-
fed me exceedingly after we parted from Scoilandy and blefTes
me in like manner, now he has brought me to England. Vile,
ungrateful as I am, he vouchfafes to give me much of his pre-
fence, and keeps me under the fliadovv of his wings. Let his
goodnefs to me, encourage you to hope and tru{l in him. Re-
member, dear Sir, Jesus came to make poor fmners happy,
and to give them victory over their lulls and paffions. Plead
his promifes, be much in fecret prayer, and never give God
rcll, 'till your foul is filled with ail his fulnefs. That the
Lord may haften that blefied time, wherein his kingdom lliall
come with full power into your dear foul, is the earneft prayer
of. Rev. and dear Sir,
Your moft aftedtionate friend, brother and fervant,
G. JV.
LETTER CCCCLXXIX.
To Mr, B , at Bethefda.
Lo?:don^ Nov. 19, 1742s
BLESSED, blelTcd be God, the p:icket is not gone ;
fothat I have juft time to tell you, I received your kind,
very kind letter, though I have rot time to reaJ it tho-
roughly, leaft I (hould mifs this opportunity. God only
knov»'s
462 LETTERS.
knows how I fympathize with you and my dear family.
Though I have no money to pay Mr. Jones^ &c. yet, if I can
take up two or three hundred pounds upon my own account,
I will come over, God willing, the very firft opportunity.
The time of your faPiing, I hope is now near over, and the
days of your mourning ended. Remember the burning bufh ;
it was on fire, but not confumed. Surely fome great good is
to come out of the Orphan-houfe. Blefled be God, for
ftrengthening you to ftay with my dear family. Ten thoufand
bleflings defcend upon your foul ! I wifh dear brother G •
joy. I am much obliged to my dear friend and faithful fteward.
Next fhip, I hope to anfwer his letters di{lin6tly. O my dear
man, I do not forget any of you. God, and not my own
will, has kept me on this fide the water fo long. But furcly
you muft: judge me fometimes. You need not make any apo-
logy for moving ; it is what I wiflied you might do. Your
care and tendernefs towards me, makes me long to embrace
and weep over you one by one. Forget you ! no, no ; I think
I could rather die for you. My brother, my dear brother, go
on. Surely God is with us. Great things are to come out
oi Georgia. Remember Abraham^ how did he fojourn in the
land of Promife, as in a ftrange land ? The Lord increafe
your faith. My tendcreft love, and ten thoufand thanks, to
dear Mr. J s. God v/ill blefs him for helping you. The
Lord Jesus be with you ail.
Ever, ever yours,
G, W.
LETTER CCCCLXXX.
To the B'ljhop of Bangor »
My Lord^ London^ Nov. 19, 1 742.
THIS evening I received your Lordfhip's kind letter. 1
humbly thank your Lordfhip for it. It confirmed me
in the charad^er given me of your Lordfhip's fpirit. I verily
believe your Lordfliip abhors every thing that has a tendency
to perfecution, and yet, in my humble opinion, if Mr. C — —
is not fomewhat redrefled, he is perfecuted indeed. That
your Lordfhip may know his fpirit, and the fpirit of the per-
fon who came as far as Ludlow on the i)ufinefs, I have fent
your
LETTERS. 46j
your Lordfhip a letter from each, which was written fome time
ago to Mr. H H . In them your Lordfliip will
fee their whole hearts. I verily believe they would rather die
than wilfully fpeak or write a falfhood. My Lord, the whole
of the matter feems to be this : In JVales they have little fel-
lowship meetings, where fome well-meaning people meet to-
gether, fimply to tell what God has done for their fouls. In
lomeof thcfe meetings, I believe Mr. C ufed to teil his
experience, and to invite his companions to come and be hap-
py in Jesus Christ. He is therefore indided as holding a
conventicle} and this I find is the cafe of one, if not two more.
Nov/, my Lord, thefe perfons thus indidted, as far as I can.
judge, are loyal fubjedis to his Majefly, and true friends to,
and attendants upon the Church of England fervice. You
will fee by thefe letters, how unwilling they are to leave her;
and yet, if all thofe a6^s, which were made againft perfons
meeting together to plot againfl Church and State, were put
in execution againft them, what muft they do? They muft
be obliged to declare themfelves Difienters. I afTure your
Lordfhip, it is a critical time in JVales. Hundreds, if not
thoufands, will go in a body from the Church, if fuch proceed-
ings are countenanced. I lately wrote them a letter, difiuad-
ing them from feparating from the Church, and I write thus
freely to your Lordfhip, becaufe of the excellent fpirit of mo-
deration difcernible in your Lordfhip, and becaufe I would
not have (to ufe your Lordfhip*s own exprefTion) *' fuch a
fire kindled in, or from your (Lordfhip's) diocefc.'* I would
beg the favour of your LordOiip to return me the inclofed, be-
caufe I have not kept copies. I fend them to your Lordfhip
juft as they are, that your Lordfliip may fee the whole alTair,
and cenfure what is exceptionable. I really believe the wri-
ters will thank your Lordfhip for it. I afk pardon for taking
up fo much of your Lordfliip's time, but I thought your Lord-
fhip would defire to have ali poflible information, that you
might be better capable of judging. I pray the great Shep-
herd and Bifliop of fouls to direct your Lordfliip in this, and
every other affair that comes before you, and that you may be
faluted at the great day with an Euge bone^ is the hearty and
fervent prayer of, my Lord,
Your Lordfhip's moft obedient fon and fervant,
G. JV.
LETTER
464. LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCLXXXL
To Mr. C .
London^ Nov. 20, 1742.
Afy dear Brother C ,
I Catch a few moments to give you an account of my agency.
Your letter I fent to the Bifhop of Bangor, inclofed in one
from myfelf. His anfwcr you have tranfcribed in this. That
he might not be impofed upon by the Chancellor's reprefent-
ing of things, I laft night fent his Lordfhip another long letter,
with that which you wrote to dear brother H fome time
ago. As the Biiliop fccms to be a man of a moderate fpirit,
I truft this ftorm will blow over. In the mean while, let us
wait upon the Lord, commit the caufe into his hands who
judgeth righteoufly, and pray, that wc may be " as wife as fer-
pents, and harmlefs as doves." Glad fiiall I be to ferve you,
my dear brother, in this, or any other affair, for advancing
our glorious Mediator's kingdom. Let this be our comfort,
the gates of hell fliall never be able to prevail againft it. Let
us go on then, and never fear what men or devils can fay of,
or do unto us. I fuppofe this is the language of your heart.
The love ^Christ doth ine conflrain
To feck the wand' ring fouls of tmn :
All hall reproach^ and welcome pain^
Only thy terrors^ Lord, refirain.
And if fo, furely the fp^it of Christ and of glory will reft
upon you. Our dear brother C is fadly ufed in JVutfhire.
The compalTionate Redeemer of fouls pities my weaknefs, and
fufFcrs very little difturbance to be made. We have fweet
times, and, vile as I am, Jesus is plcafed to keep me near him.
I hope this will find your dear foul fitting under his fhadow
with great delight. I know you not in the flefn, but hope to
fee you before I embark. Letters call me loudly to Georgia.
My dear family are returned to their Bcthefda in fafcty. O
help me, my dear brother, to praife the Lord. SuiUte all the
t>f
Ycr.rs mof^ afll'^iionatcly, ^ic.
G. W.
LETTER
LETTERS. 46.^
LETTER CCCCLXXXII.
To Mr. V , Secretary to the Trujices of GtorpL'.
Dear Sir^ Lomloti^ Nov. 20, I'] 42*
GOD willing, I intend waiting upon the honourable Truf-
tees at the time appointed. Ycflerday 1 received a packet
of letters from my friends at the Orphan-houfe. I find they
are returned in fafety to Bethefda^ and give a noble account of
the General's condu61. Blefi'ed be God, for enabling him to
repel the enemy j but nov/ another diftrefs is come upon poor
Georgia. A violent fickncfs rages and has taken oft many.
My letters fay, the Orphan-houfe furgeon had 50 under his
hands. This, I truft, will more and more convince the Ho-
nourable Truftees, of the benefit the Orphan-houfe is and will
be to the Colony. I hear, that Mr^ 0— — , the minifter of
Savannah^ is dead. I know one Mr. M , a clergyman in
the IJlc of Mcm^ who would go over and fupply his place, if he
was applied to. The Bifhop of Zodor and Man I believe will
give him a recommendation. You may acquaint the Honour-
able Truftees with this, and let me know th;ir anfwer. I hope
jn about two months to embark for Georgia. I find God has
given my family a good crop ; but the hands are Tick, {o they
cannot Ipeedily carry it in. What condition the Orphan-houfe
was in lately, the inclofed will (hew. Be pleafed to let the
Honourable Truftces have a fight of it, and believe me to be,
dear Sir,
Your obliged friend and fervant,
G. IV,
LETTER CCCCLXXXin.
To Mr. C .
LondoHy Nov. 20, 1742,
My very dear Brother^
THE firfl part of your letter did not fi.Tprizc me st all,
though it made me look up to the Lord for you. I
believed you would be down in the valley of humiliation foon;
but fear not, it is only that you may be exalted the more. I
truft, this will find you mounting on wings like an eagle,
v/alking, yet not weary 3 running, yet not faint. Qqd hay.
Vol. L ' Hh does,
10
466 LETTERS.
doe?, and will remarkably appear for you. Doubtlefs, yotJT
are his fervant and minifter. He therefore that touches you,
touches the apple of God's eye. Poor IViltJhire people! L
pity them. If I knew their Bifhop, I would apply to him on:
their behalf. I wrote to the Bifhop of Banger for our bre-
thren in IVahs^ and have received a very favourable anfwer.
The wrath of man fhall turn to God's praife, and the re-
mainder of it he will reflrain. How wonderfully has he ap-
peared in all ages for his church and people I My dear
family abroad has been marvelloully preferved. Bleffed be
God, they are returned to Bethefda m peace. We have
fweet feafons daily, and I am carried in the arms of love. My
Mafter careth for me, and fcems to order my goings in his
way. O help me to praife him. I think you are never for-
gotten by, my dear C ,
Your mod aflcdionate brother and fervant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCCCLXXXIV.
7o Mr. J E .
Dear Sir^ Lo?uion, Nov. 23, 1742.
HOW gently does the Lord deal with his followers?
*' As a father pitieth his own children, fo is the LoRO
merciful to them that fear him." Now your father is a little
uneafy, your grandfather is more favourable. The Lord
wilt never fufFcr you to be tempted above what you will be
enabled to bear. He will make a way for you to efcapc.
I am glad you have determined to fludy at E .
Two things, f would earncftly recommend to your conllant
(ludy, the l>ook of God, and ysur ozvn heart. Thefc two,
well underftood, will make you an able minifter of the
New Tcftament. In what manner you ihall be here-
after employed, I would have you be iiidiflcrent about.
'' Take no thought for the morrow/' i et the Lord fenvi
you, when and where he will fend you. in the mean while,
do as much for CjOD in a private way as you can. '* i^xer-
cife thyfelf unto godlinefs," and walk \'o humbly, that all
niay know our Lord has chofen you to be a gofpel prophet,
i rejoice, tli4t the woili. iS ftiii goi-ig on. BleJfcd be God*,
Letters. 41S7
We have good times here. I am kept in great liberty. Be
pleated to define all to accept of hearty love from, dear Sir,
Your moft aftetStionate friend and fervant,
LETTER CCCCLXXXV.
To thi Earl of ^^.
My Lord^ London^ Nov. 23, 1 742.
SINCE 1 wrote to your Lordfnip, I have received a com-
fortable packet of letters ivGrn Georgia^ giving me an ac-
count of my family's fafe return to their Bcthefda. The deli-
verance of Georgia from the Spaniards^ one of my friends
writes me, is fuch as cannot be parrallcled, but by fome few
inftances out of the Old Teflamcnt. I find that the Spam^
ards had caft lots, and determined to give no quarter. They
intended to attack Carolina, but wanting water they put into
Georgia, and fo would take that Colony in their way. But
•* the race is not to the fwift, nor the battle to the ilrong."
Providence ruleth all things. They were wonderfully repelled
iand fent away, before our fhips v/ere feen. Surely God re-
membered the prayers of the poor orphans, and the carncft
cries which have been put up on their behaU". I find they
now live at a fmailer expence. They hunt and ihoot for a
good part of their food. Their crop gives them a confiderabls
quantity of pea<?, potatoes, &c. and they kiU fome cf their
own flock. There has been a greait fickneff? at Savamiah,
Some of the labourers have been taken off, but none of th^
thilairen, as I hear^ have died as yet. I hope this will find
your Lo:d(}iip perfedtly recovered, and your honoured conforr,
Lady , and all your Lord(h:p*s fainiiy^ rejoicing in God.
He is pleafed to give me much of his love, and to blefs mz
every day. Several of our friends in jya'cs have been unjuft-
ly excommunicated. I have fent two letters, and have re-
ceived kind anfwers from the Biihop of Bangor, Perilous
times, perhaps, are coming on j but this is my comfort, " the
gates of hell Ihall never prevail againft the church cf ChrIst."
Hoping for a line from your Lordlh^, if it be not too much
tioublej I iubfcnbe myfelf, my Lordj
Yc^ur Lordfbip's mod obedientj
©b'i^eu humble fervant,
G. tV.
Hh2 LtTTER
468 LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCLXXXVL
To Mifs W .
London^ November 23, 1742.
My dear Mifs IV ,
YOUR letter affcaed me much, and if it had not been
for bufmefs, I fliould have anfvvered it ere now. It is
the hardeft thing in the world to keep the creature in his pro-
per place, "^e are apt to efteem the minivers of Jf.sus either
too much or too little. One while, we could pluck out our
eyes to give them ; at another time, run into a contrary ex-
treme, and not pay them that refpe6t which is their due
for their Mailer's fake. The love that a child of God feels
for its fpiritual father, is certainly unfpeakable. O how can
I but love him, who under God has brought me from dark-
nefs into light I Methinks I hear dear Mifs IV fay,
" how indeed !" But here is danger, left the afFedlions fhould
be too much entangled, and we unwilling to give up the be-
loved obje6t to our God. This, I fuppofe, is dear Mifs
W 's cafe, and I can fay,
/ kiioxv hoiv fore this trial isy
For I have fdt the fame.
O what have I fufFered in parting from fpiritual friends, ef-
pecially fuch as were my Jfaac\ ! But Christ's grace has
been fuincient for me, and fo it will be for you. I have pray-
ed for you, and hope by this time dear Mifs IV can fay,
my fpiritual Father keeps his proper place, and 1 walk in li-
berty and the love of God. Indeed, my dear Mifs, no one
but the fcarcher of hearts knows, v/hat a real concern I have
for your eternal welfare. I verily believe I (hail fee you fit-
liug at the right hand of your Redeemer. Surely he has cap-
tivated and ftolen your heart av/ay. I hope nothing wiil di-
vert you from him; but with a Tingle eye to his glory, you
will go through good report and evil report, 'till you come to
the blelled place, where the wicked will ceafe from troubling,
and your weary foul enjoy an everlafting reft. Glad fliall I
be to hear from yoa every opportunity. Ere long I muft
awiiv. Pray our Saviour to help me under all my difHculties,
4 but
LETTERS. 46^
but at the fame time help me to praife him : for amidft all
my various circumftances, I am kept joying in God, and
made more than conqueror through his love. We have had
b'efied times fmcc my arrival here.
Your moft afFcttionate friend and fervant In Christ,
G. IV.
LETTER CCCCLXXXVII.
To the Bifiop of Bangor.
My Lord, Londoriy Nov. 23, 1742.
1 Humbly thank your Lordfliip for your Lordfnip's fccond
kind letter. Your Lordfliip fliall have Mr. C 's
letter vi'henever your Lordftnip pleafes to demand it. I fent it
for no other purpofe, than to let your Lordfhip into the affair
as far as lay in my power. I am quite willing your Lord-
fhip fhould hear both fides. I doubt not but your Lordfhip
will do juftlce. The candour and moderation which breathe
in your Lordfhip's letters, and your condefcenfion in writing
to me, incline me to take the freedom of begging your Lord-
fhip's acceptance of my laft volume of fermons, and the
Orphan-houfe accounts, from, my Lord,
Your Lordfliip's moft obliged,
obedient fon and fervant,
G. IF.
LETTER CCCCLXXXVIIL
To Profejfor Franky in Germany,
Rev. Sir^ Lond.iiy Nov. 24, 1742.
LONG have I defigned writing to you, but fomcthing or
another has always prevented me. However, I can now
defer it no longer. For though I never faw you in the flefli,
yet I love and highly efteem you in the bowels of Jesus
Christ, and wifh you much profperity in the work of the
Lord. Your honoured father's memory is very precious to
nie. His account of the Orphan-houfe hath, under God,
been a great fupport and encouragement to me in a like un-
dertaking. How it profpers, the account fent with this will
inform you. Only it will be proper to obferve, that fnice the
publication of the laft, there have been upwards of 300/. col-
Hh 3 leaed.
470 LETTERS.'
leded. T am yet about 40c/. in arrears. But I know In wh»m
I have believed, for the carrying on of that building. Hi-
therto it has anfvvered its motto, and has been like the burn^
ing bufli on fire, but not confumed. The Colony's late de-
liverance from the Spaniards was very extraordinary. I cannot
but think the Lord intends yet to do great things for Georgia.
How is it with the Saltzburghers ? I have not heard. Some-
time ago I fent them over twenty pounds, and wi(h it was in
|ny power to fend them more. About January^ God willing, I
intend to embark. In the mean while, I fhould be glad to
know. Rev. Sir, how it is with your Orphan-houfe ? and
whether yoi4 have any commands to Georgia? I fuppofe you
have heard of the work of God in Scotland, Indeed the word
has run and been glorified, and Jesus has gotten himfelf the
vidlory in many hearts. In Brtgland alfo he is pleafed to blefs
us. Here are many clofe followers of the bleffed Lamb of
God, and though there is a difference of opinion bet\veen me
and Mr. JV , yet Jesus pities us and blefles us al]. I long
for that time, " when the watchmen fhall all fee eye to eye ;
when the leopard fhall lie down with the kid, the lioq e^t
draw like the ox, and the people of God learn war and jangle
no more.'* Haflen that time, Q glorious Emmanuel, and let
thy kingdom come ! — Rev. Sir, whilft I am writing, the fire
of love kindles in my heart. I am amazed, to think the blef-
fed Jpsus fhould employ fuch an unworthy wretch as I am.
I^ut thy grace is free, for, O my God, it fount} me out.
The love yoM bear to the lovely Jesus, I am perfuaded will
excite you to pray for me. Glad fhould I be of a line from
v-ou, and the Rev. Mr. Uifpurgher ; but I deferve no regard
for not writing to vou both. But you know how to forgivie,
for God for Christ's hko: hath forgiven you. Hoping there-
fore for a line from you by the hands of the Rev. Mr. Z ■,
I fubfcribe myfelF, Reverend and dear Sir,
Your mofl obliged, aftccfionate, tho' unworthy younger
brother and fcrvant in the kingdom
and patience of the blefl<;;d Jesus,
G. IF.
LETTER
LETTERS. 471
LETTER CCCCLXXXIX.
To Mr, P , cf Newbury.
Lomkri^ Nov. 27, J 742.
Rf-j. end dear Sir^
THIS morning I received your fwect and lovely letter.
It humbled me before God ; but I rejoiced, as I had
Jong fmce publickly recanted all that is exceptionable in that
•extra(5i:. 1 think I was overfecn in publifliing it; but this is
not the firfl: blunder 1 have made. My miftakes have been Co
many, and my imprudence i'o great, that I have often won-
dered that the glorioAis Jes^J'S would employ me in his Service
But he has pr-ovc<i his eternal goodnefs, long-fuffering, and
love, by bearing with me, and. Rev. and dear Sir, he ftill
delights to honour me. Since I have been in London^ he has
given me great frcc<iom of foul, and caufed his word to come
with power. I have news of my family being fafe at Georgia,
God willing, I purpofc to embark next January. I molt
heartily thank you for this laft inftancc of your love, and pray
our dear Jesus to reward you for it. Your feeing what a
poor, weak-, fallible creature I am, I truft will ftir you up to
be more earned for me at the throne of grace. Next week I
intend fending you a parcel, wherein you will have more par-
ticular accounts of the work in Siioiland, I hear the gofpcl
^ouriflies in Gloucejierjhire and IVdlcs, Dear Mr. C will
be fadly mifTed. But he is in peace, aiid the refidue of the
fpirit is in the Redeemer's hands. That you and your dear flock
and family may experience a large effuUon of it in your dear
/buls, is and (hall be the carncft jrayer oi^ dear and Rev. Sir,
Your ?noft afFedlionate, tho' moil: unworthy brother
and fervajit in Jesu^ Christ,
G, JV,
LETTER CCCCXC.
To the Bijhop of Sarum,
Aly Lordy Nov. 30, I742-
I Beg your Lordfhip's pardon for troubling von with this.
I helieve your Lorddiip will not be offended, when*" you
know the cauie. There is one Mr. C , a true lover of Jesus
H h 4 Chkisti^
^7x LETTERS.
Christ, who has been much honoured in bringing many poor
fmners in If^dtjlnre to the knowledge of themfelves and of God-
He is a member of the Church of Ef7gla7id^ but f:\dly oppofed
by the clergy in JVlltj})ire^ as well as by many that will come
to hear him preach. In a letter, dated November \(j\.\\^ from
Tcxham^ he writes thus: " The enemy feems to be more awaken-
" cd in the villages round about us, than before. The mini-
" fters of Bramhk^ Segcry^ Langley^ and many others, have
" ftridly forbidden the church-wardens and overfeers to let any
" of the C ''s have any thing out of the parifh j and they
** obey them, and tell the poor, if they cannot flop them from
" following any other way, they will famifn them. Several
" of the poor, who have great families (to my ov/n knowledge)
" have already been denied any help, for this reafon, bccaufe
'^ they f(jllow this way. Some of the people have, out of fear,
'^ denied they ever came, and others have been made to pro-
*' mife tli.?v will come no more ; whilil the moft part come at
" the lof? of friends and all they have. When the ofEccrs
" threatned fome to take away their pay ; they anfwered, if
^^ vou ftarve u?, v/e will go, and rather than we will forbear,
«' we will live upon grafs like the kinc. Surely the cries of
*' the diftrefTed people have already entered into the cars of the
*' Lord of Sabacih.'' In another letter I received from hini
laft night, he writes thus : '« I fhould be glad if you could
" mention the cruelty of the miniiicrs Oi Brn?/ihle^ and Scgery,
*' to the Bifiiop of Sanwiy indeed, their doings are inhuman.
" llie cry of the people, becaufe of their oppreffion, is vtry
*-'' great; federal fufier amazingly." — In compliance with my
dear friend's rcqucil, I prefume to lay the matter, as he repre»
fttits it, before your LordPnip, being pcrfiiaded that your
Lordfhip will not favour perfccuting pra<5iices, or approve of
fuch proceedings to keep people to the Church of EnglancL
Should this young man leave the Church, hundreds would
leave it with him. But I know that at prefent he has no fuch
defi'^n. If your Lordfnip pleafes to give n:ic leave, I v/ould
Vv'ait upon your Lordfliip upon the lead notice. Or if your
LordPaip is plcafl-d to fend a line into V/Uif:nrt\ to know the
truth of the matter, and judge accordingly, it will fati^fy, my
Lord,
Your Lord*]iip'5 inofl obedient fen and fervant,
G. IV.
L E 1^ T E R
LETTERS. 473
LETTER CCCCXCL
To Mr. J .
Londsuy Dec. 4, 1742.
IF my dear brother J took it kind, that I called at his
houfe, I am fure I took it much kinder that he was
plealed to fend unworthy me fo kind a letter. It has fo af-
fected me, that I have been praying before my Saviour for you;
and though nature calls for reir, 1 cannot obey it, before I
have written to my dear Mr. J . Vile, unfaithful as I
am, my Mafter lets me have my hands full of work. Froni
morning 'till midnight I am employed, and, glory be to rich
grace,, I am carried through the duties of each day with chear-
fulnefs, and almoft uninterrupted tranquility. Our fociety is
large, but in good order, and we make improvements daily.
My Mafter gives us much of his gracious prefence, both in our
public and private adminiftrations. In our love-feafts, Jesus
comes and fays, " Peace be unto you." In our great congre-
gation, he gives poor finners to look, and mourn, and live,
\n ScGiland the work was very extraordinary. In TVales the
word runs and is glorified much. In Gloucejlerfolre^ JFiltJhirey
and Br'ijlol^ our Lord gets himfclF the victory in many hearts.
In Neivcajlle^ our brother TV 's are blclTed much, and I
heartily rejoice to hear that our dear Saviour is fo much amono-
you. If I know any thing of this my defperately wicked
heart. I am dead to parties, and freed from the pain, which
on that account once difturbed the peace of my foul. In-
deed, Jesus has taken many things from me, and made me to
experience, that in him there is plenteous redemption. About
yanuary, I purpofe, GoD willing, to embark for Georgia.
My dear family hath been wonderfully prefervcd. As the
Qrphan-houfe was built by faith, 1 truft the gates of hell fhall
never prevail againfi: it. Methinks I hear my dear Mr. f .
iay, Amen. I mofl cordially falute your dear Lady, dear bro-
ther S 5 and all the brethren. I faw our dear S be-
fore he went. I intended having fomc fwect fcllowfhip v/ith
the church in TorkJJnrc^ but was prevented by riding poll. If
dear brother H , ov D , or any of the brethren, have
any thing to fay tq a poor finne(j I ihovtid be glad to hear
IVom
474 LETTERS.
from them. Let this provoke you, my dear brother, to fend
rre another letter. I'll redeem time from fleep, rather than it
(hould not be anfwercd by, my dear Mr. */ a^.
Your moft afte^lionate, though unworthy, fmful and
younger brother in Jesus Christ,
G. JK
LETTER CCCCXCII.
To the B'lfnap of BriftoL
My L^^d, London^ Dec. 5, 1 742.
AS your Lordftiip was pleafed to contribute towards the
Otphan-houfe in Georgia^ I think your Lordfhip has a
right to hear how that undertaking fucceeds. I have mads
bold to fend your Lordfliip the accounts of it, which are pub-
lifhed. Since the Jaft was printed, I have co]le(£^ed about 300/,
and have heard that my family are all fafe at the Orphan-
houfc. I have alfo taken the freedom of fending your Lordfhip
Kiy laft volume of fcrmons ; in accepting of which, your Lord*
ihip will much oblige
Your Lordfliip^s moft obedient fonand fervant,
G. IF,
LETTER CCCCXCIIL
To Mr. 5——, at IForceJler,
L^ndan^ T)ec. 9, 1 745.
R€v. and dear Sir,
HOWEVER engaged I may be, I think it my duty to
anfwer your kind letter as foon as pOilible. It is not fit
that my Malkr'ii aged fervant (hould wait long for an anfwer
from a younger broiher, cfpccially as I know you write with i'o
much difficulty. I thank you. Rev, Sir, for your plain dealing.
It is what pleafcth mc well. Indeed, I feel myfelf a poor, vile,
woithlcfs creature.3 and am glad to receive advice from you,
who have been fo long in the Redeemer's fcrvice. However
ungrateful it may be to thp old man, the langu.ige of my heart
is, *' LoRD,.rtarch mc ai\d try nic, and whatever fecret wick-
*' ednefs lurks in my foul, difcover it to me, and give rne
'' power over it, that nothing may divert me from that way,
** which leads nie to lite eveilcifting/' Your advice. Rev,
Sir,
LETTERS. 4y^
Sir, in refpe^t to prcachinp;, was falutary and pooii, and if I
may fpcak any thing of myfelf, is what i keep ciofe to. I am
remarked for my evangelical preaching, and comforting the
mourners of Z/'^w. I am never fo much in my element, as
when I preach free grace to the chief of linners. As to the
gentleman you mention, I do not remember I ever converfed
with fuch a perfon. I believe there can fcarce an inftancc be
given of any one font to Bedlam by my fcrmons. But I rejoice
in this, and all other calumnies that are caft upon me.
j^ii hail reproach^ and zvclcomc' pa'iriy
Only thy terrors^ Lord, re ft rain.
I muft: have fome thorn in the flefli, to ferve as a poifc to the
great honour my Mafter is pleafed to put upon me. la
Scotland^ my reception was extraordinary. It was almoft
wholly amongft the people and clergy of the kirk^ with many
of the highcft rank. 1 was very intimate with feveral perfons
of quality, who I truft have been awakened to a true feiife of
the divine life, and enabled to count all things but dung and
drofs for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
their Lord. My chief pppofition was from the dear Mr.
E s and the alTociate prelbytery. They firft invited me
to Scotland', but finding I would preach for the minifters of
the eftabliflied church, as well as for them, they fpoke all
manner of evil againft me falfly, and imputed all the work ia
Scotland and New- England to the agency of the evil fpirit. I
pitied, prayed for, and loved them, and do fo flill. O, reve-
rend Sir, v/hat thanks (hall I give to my Lord for carrying
me through fo many trying difpenfations ? I know you will
help me to adore and praife him. I am much blefied here.
V/e have many gracious fouls. Ere long 1 mufl leave them.
I have not the leaft thought of feeing JVorceJier. Glad fhali
I be to kifs your aged hands ; but I (ball fee you in glory.
Begging the continuance^ of your prayers, and with all poiTible
thanks for all favours, I fubfcribe myfclf, reverend and dtar
^ir,
Your njoft obliged and affe^^lionate friend and younger
l&rolher and Rrvant in Jesus,
G. IV.
LETTER
47^ LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCXCIV.
To Mr. D 5 of Edinburgh.
Loiidouj Dec. 185 1742.
My very dear Friend and Brother^
LAST night, juft before your kind letter came to hand,
I had been lying on my face before our compaffionate
High-Prleit, telling him what great expenccs lay before mc
for his great Name fake, I wanted 300/. to pay for the Or-
phans, and much to pay for my own ncceilary expences,
which he, by his providence, brought upon me. Your letter
came as an anfwcr to my prayer. It humbled, at the fame
time that it elated my foul, and greatly ftrengthcned my faith.
Surely the Lord is on my fide, and the Orphan-houfe will
ftand uncon-umed in fire. The enemies, and even many
friends of Jesus fpeak againft it ; but this is all to bring me
nearer to the bleffcd Jesus, and to convince me that our ex-
tremity is God's opportunity. My dear man, God will
abundantly blcfs you for helping me at this jun6ture. I can
find but few, who think it a favour to do any thing for God,
and love to help a friend to the very laH:. O, dear Sir, was
you here, I could weep over you, and thank you moil hearti-
ly. Lafl- night I was enabled to intercede for you very
much. God will hear my prayer, and not let my dear friend
iofehis rew^ard. The 16th of this month v/as my birth-day.
It made me -blufh to think how much fin I have committed
againft, and hov/ little good I have done for God. As foon
as 1 opened and read your letter, amazed, I cried out, I am
the vileft wretch living, and fo I thii^.k nov/. I know you will
pray for. me, and thank our Saviour too. He is very kind to
me. Our fociety goes on well. I am now in my winter^
quarters, preparing for a i':^'iVi cai^paign. Though I richly
defervc it, yet our infinitely condefcending Jesus will not lay
me afide, until he has performed all his good pleafure in and
by me. Wifliing you, my" dear Sir, all the blefiings of the
cverlafting covenant, and fending you ten thoufand tha'nks
for" all favours, I fubfcribe myfelf.
Your mcO: obliged afieaionatc friend, brother, and
unwortlw fcrvant in Jnsus CuRibT,
G. W>
LETTER
LETTERS. 477
LETTER CCCCXCV.
To Mr I .
London^ Dec* 21, 1742.
My very dear Brother^
WHEN your letters come, I find great freedom to fend
immediate anfwcrs. A proof this, I truft, that our
Saviour intends our brotherly love not only to continue, but
increafe. This day I dined with old Mr. F , and w^as
kindly entertained by him and his wife. I then remembered
what fweet counfel we had there taken together, and rejoiced
in the happy profpedl of our being ere long for ever together
with our blefled and glorious Lord. My brother, what has
our Saviour done for us fince that time ? What is he doing
for us now ? what did he do. ere time began ? what will he d©
when time fhall be no more? O how fweet is it to be melted
down with a fenfe of redeeming love ! It is this muft ftrike
the rock, and break the bars of unbelief afunder. O ! to be
kept always low at the feet of Jesus ! It is right, my bro-
ther, always to infift on poverty of fpirit, and emptying the
creature of felf. I heartily join with you In your petition for
yourfelf and unworthy me. I know what a dreadful thing
it is, to carry much fail without proper ballaft, and to rejoice
in a falfe liberty. Joy floating upon the fuifacc of an unmor-
tified heart, is but of (hort continuance. It pufFs up, but
doth not edify. I thank our Saviour that he is fliewing us
here more of our hearts, and more of his loye. I doubt not
but he deals fo with you. I heartily greet your dear honlhold,
and your focieties, and return my love to Mr. S . I have
heard him mentioned by hAy F G . If our Saviour
gives me leave, I would gladly come to Torkjhire. But I
think the cloud points ftrongly towards Georgia. He hatli
taken wonderful care of the Ihcep left in yonder wildernefs,
and interpofed mightily in their behalf. I know you will
thank him for it. I have had a loving conference with dear
Mr. B , and have received a fweet gofpel-letter from
dear Mr. H . With this I fend to him, you, and
yours, and all the brethren, moft hearty love, ar;u .r.n, my
"ry dear brother,
Ever vours in Chz'iist,
G. TV.
LETTER.
47S LETTERS.
LETTER CCCCXCVI.
To the Honourable Colonel G .
Honoured Sir ^ London^ Dec. 2lj ij^lo
YOUR kind letter put me in mind of righteous Z^f, who-fc
foul was grieved day by day at the ungodly converfatioii
of the wicked. It wns the fame with holy David. His eyes,
like yours, honoured Sir, gulhed out with water bccaufe men
kept not God's law. Let this be your comfort, honoured Sir,
that ere long " the wicked fhall ceafe from troubling you, and
your weary foul fhall be at reft." Our Saviour will give you a
difcharge, when you have fought a few more battles for him.
An exceeding and eternal weight of glory is laid up for you,
which God the righteous judge fhall give you at that day.
1 confefs your fituation and employment cannot be very agree-
able to a difciple of the prince of peace. But perfons can bet-
ter judge for themfelves, than ftrangers can judge for them.
However, I cannot fay, I would change ports. Indeed, ho-
noured Sir, I think mine is a glorious employ. I am not
aihamed of my mailer, though my mafter may well be afhamed
of me. I know no other rcafon, why Jesus has put me
into the miniftry, than becaufe I am the chief of finners, and
therefore fitted to preach free grace to a world lying in the
wicked one. BlciTed be God, he gives much fuccefs, and
for the generality anfwers your prayers, by giving me a thriv-
ing foul In a healthful body. But O my unfruitfulncfs 1 I
am often afhamed that I can do no more for that Jesus who
hath redeemed me by his own moft precious blood. Honoured
Sir, the thoughts quite confound me. O that I could lie
lower I then (liould I rife higher. Could I take deeper root
downwards, then (hould I bear more fruit upwards. I want
to be pool in fplrit. I want to be meek and lowly in heart.
I want to have the whole mind that was in Christ Jesus,
Blcfied be his name for what he has given me already. BlefieJ
be his name, that out of his fulnefs I receive grace for grace,
O that my heart was Christ's library f 1 would not have
one thief to lodge in my Redeemer's temple. '' Lord, fcourge
out every thief,*' is the daily language of my heart. The Lord
1^411 be>ir my prayer^ and let my cry come unto h'rm. I have
I jujft
LETTERS. 479
juft been writing to your honoured lady. I think (he grows
in grace. May you and yours be filled with all the fulnefs of
God ! In about fix weeks, God willuig, I purpofe to em-
bark, for Georgia. Our Lord has wonderfully appeared for
my poor orphans. I am yet in arrears for them, but my God
knows how to fupply all my wants. I am enabled to caft all
my care upon him, believing that he careth for me. I hope
to have the favour of another letter before I embark. In the
mean while, I beg the continuance of your prayers, and am,
honoured Sir,
Your moft afFe£lionate, though very unworthy
brother, arvi fervant in our glorious head,
G. n'
LETTER CCCCXCVII.
To Lady Jane H C .
Homured Aladain^ London^ Dec. 23, 1 742.
HOW are we obfigf^d to your Ladyfhip ? Had I time I
would endeavour to tell you; but this is my comforr,
when I have not time to write,. I have a heart given me to
pray for my dear friends, and you. Honoured Madam, have
a conllant Ihare in my poor petitions. I find by yours to my
wife, that you complain of darknefs. Ere now, I hope the
day-ftar hath again rifen in your heart, and you have been
made to rejoice with exceeding j^reat joy- Our Lord will
not leave you comfortkfs ; he will fend the Holy Ghoft to
comfort you. The time of finging of birds /hall come. Our
Lord will not be a!ways chiding. — This is only to fhew you
more of your hearf, and make you what you long to be, a
very poor finner. Our hearts, Honoured Madam, are fo dcf-
perately wicked, deceitful above all things, that without re-
peated inftances of feeling our helplefsnefs and mifery, wc
{hould forget ourfelves, and run away from the feet of our
Lord and Saviour. He therefore, in love, empties before he
fills ; humbles before he ex-alts. At Icaft, he is pjeafcd to
deal thuj with me. 1 thank him for it, from my inmoft foul :
for was it not fo, his mercies would deftroy us. He heJps
mc alfo to praifc him. When I difcovcr a new corruption, I
am as thankful as a ccntincl keeping warch in a garrifon,
would be at Ipying a flraggUng anemy com'5 nea; him. 1 ftani
not
48o LETTERS.
not fighting with it myfelf in my own ftrength, but run im-
mediately and tell the captain of my lalvation. By the fworcl
ofhisfpirit, he foon deftroys it, and makes me exceeding
happy. This is what I call a fimple looking to Christ,
I know of no other efFecShial way of keeping the old man down,
after he has gotten his deadly blow. Look up then, dear
Madam, to a wounded Saviour.. Go to him as a little child.
Tell him your whole heart. He will hear your lifping, and
fet your foul at liberty. He is pleafed gracioufly to anfwer
my petitions, and to blefs my poor labours. We have "many
good fouls in our fociety, that are gently coming 'into the
knowledge of themfelves. Our Saviour deals moft lovingly
with us indeed. Laft night we had a general love-feafl. It
was exceeding awful and refrefiiing. I could have wifhed
for fome of my dear Scotland friends. I was enabled to pray
for them mofl fervently. May Jesus blefs this letter to your
foul ! Wifhing, above all things, that it may be in health and
profper, and with humble acknowledgments for all favours,
1 fubfcribe myfelf, Flonoured Madam,
Your Ladyfliip's moft obliged humble fervant,
G, IK
The End of the Fi r s t Vo l u m k.
