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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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. 0 , 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
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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,