' ^m '^^ I m ^^IP^-^f , .:> '^., -^'^ h ( ^'^^■^ 'V ;.^ i (^ '^Jf^Csy^^, A SELECT COLLECTION O F LETTERS OF THE LATE REVEREND GEORGE WHITEFIELD, M.A. Of Pembroke-College, Oxford, And Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countefs of Huntingdon ; WRITTEN TO His mofh intimate Friends, and Perfons of Diftin^liony in England, Scotland,' Ireland, and America, From the Year 1734, to 1770. Including the whole Period of his Miniftry, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE Orphan- House in Georgia, To the Time of his Death. in three volumes. VOL. IIL LONDON: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in the Poultry; and MeiTrs. Kincaid and Creech, at Edinburgh. MDCCLXXII. r 3 1 LETTERS. LETTER DCCCCLXy. To Mr. J B . My very dear Friend^ London^ Feb. r, 1753. THOUGH I have had no anfwer to my laft, yet i fup- pofe it hath reached your hands, and I am glad to hear that Ephratah plantation is in fome degree opened, and thereby a preparation made for a future progrefs this fpring. Mr. Fox- not coming, and going upon lumber, hath been a great lofs to my poor family, but I hope ere now all is fettled, and the fawing carried on with vigour. That feems to be the thing which providence points out at prefent, and as fo many negroes are ready, it will be a pity that Betbcjaa fiiould not do fome- thing, as well as the neighbouring planters. If it was not that I am eredling a large place for public worfliip, eightv feet fquare, and am called to preach to fo many thoufands in vari- ous places, I would come over immediately myfclf. But per- haps it will be befl to flay till the new Ciovernor is appointed and embarks, or at leaft to come a little before him. I hear that Colonel Vanderdifon will in all probability be the man; they are determined I find to have a military perfon. With this, I fend your brother a power to difpofe o^ Providence phnrarion, and I hope to hear fhortly that Dodor B , with your aflift- ance, hath purchafed more negroes. — My dear friend, do exert yourfelf a little for me in this time of my abfence, and I tnif^ the Orphan-houfe afFairs will fliortly be (l> ordered, that none A 2 ^A 4 LETTERS. fhall be troubled about its affairs, but my own domefllcs. As 'Nathaniel P is To willing, and hath hitherto behaved ib faithfully, I have fent him a full pow.er in conjunction v/ith Mrs. W to act under you. The man and woman that bring this, are with their fon indented to me, and I have an excellent fchool miftrcfs and a young liudent, engaged to come over fhortly. Ere long, I fuppofe we fhall have a large family. Lord grant it may be a religious one ! I would have nothing done in refpe£l to the building, befides repairing the piazza, and what elfe is abfolutely neceiTary, till I rome. Perhaps I may bring a carpenter along with me, v/ho will flay fome years. I cannot tell what can induce me to take care of a place, where the gofpel is io little regarded, unlefs it be a principle of faith. Surely it will not always be fo. What difference is there be- tween Georgia^ and feveral parts o'i England? Here thoufands and ten thoufands run, and ride miles upon miles to hear the gofpel, — There — but I do not love to think of it. O my dear friend, whatever others do, may you and your houfliold ferve the Lord ! I fee there is no happinefs, but in keeping near to Jesus Christ. — But this profperity, — this worldly minded- nefs, — how many fools hath it deflroyed ; how many of God's own children hath it awfully bewildered ! May the Lord keep all my dear friends clear of this dangerous rock ! My love to all. How is Mr. V ? Pray do your utmoil to bring about a reconciliation between him and Mr. B . I could give feveral particular and powerful reafons ; at prefent I can add no more. My dear friend, pray for us, and exert yourfelf for Bethejda ; Beihefda*s God will richly reward you. Yours mofl affectionately in our common Lord, G, IV, LETTER DCCCCLXVL To Lady H n, Ever-hoKcured JUfada??!^ London^ Feb. c^^ 1753* IT gives me pain, when any of your Ladyfhip's letters He by me unanfwercd, — I would always write immediately if I could. For many days I have been much engaged, but can now refrain no longer. Your Ladyfliip's letter was immediate- ly forwarded to Phlladelphin, — It will be an acceptable prefent J to LETTERS. 5 to the good old Governor. I wifn Mr. T may not make too great compliances, — but I fear inftability is his weak fide. I have not heard from South Audley Street^ fincc I wrote laft to your Ladyfh'p.- — The Moravians outward fcheme, I am apt to believe will Toon be difconcerted. Strange ! Why v,'ill God's children build Babels F Why will they flatter themfelves, that God owns and approves of them, bccaufe he fufters them to build high? In mercy to them, fuch buildings, of whatever kind, mud come down. I hope our new-intended tabernacle is not of this nature. It would have pleafed your Ladyfhip, to have feen how willingly the people gave laft Lord's day. At feven in the morning we colledied Fifty pounds, in the even- ing one hundred and twenty-fix pounds. Blcffed be God, we have now near nine hundred pounds in hand. He that hath begun, I truit will enable us to go on, and bring out the top- ftone, fliouting Grace ! Grace 1 Our Lord fiill continues to work in our old defpifed place. I truft it hath been a Bethel 10 many, many fouls. This your Ladyfhip knows may be any where. Clifton\ a Bethel when God is there. That your Ladyfhip may enjoy more and more of the divine prefence, and increafe with all the incrcafe of God, is the continual prayer of, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfiiip's moft dutiful^ obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G.JV. LETTER DCCCCLXVIL To Mr. G . London^ Feb, 19, 1753' 'Reverend and very dear Sir, I Have two of your kind letters lying by me unanfwcred.— I am not ufually fo dilatory, but bufinefs and bodily weak- nefs have prevented me. At prefent, I have a cold and fever upon me, but I preach on, hoping one day or another to die in my work. One Mr. Stevjard, a dear m.inifter of Christ, that began to be popular in the church, entered into his reft laft week. I faw him juft before he expired. Methinks I hear him fay, " Love Christ more, and fcrve him better." O that I may do fo in earneft ! For indeed my obligations in- A 3 creafe 6 LETTERS. creafe continually. We have had a blefled winter. Many have been added to our flock. — Next week I intend, Goi> willing, to lay the firft brick of our new tabernacle. I am now looking up for dire£^ion about my removal. — Which are the bcft feafons for the north ? I fhould be glad to know fpeedily. Have you the firft account you wrote of your converfion ? Or have you Icifure to draw up a fhort narrative of the rife and progrefs of the work of God in your parts ? A dear chriftiaii minifter in Si'otIa?iJ, is about to publifb two volumes, relative to the late awakenings in various places. Such things ftiould be tranfmitted to poiterity j in heaven all will be known. Thanks be to God that there is fuch a reft remaining for hrs clear people. 1 am too impatient to get at it. But who can help longing to fee Jesus? What but a hope and profpecl of furthering his glorious gofpel, can reconcile us to this acelda^ rna^ this v/ide howling wildernefs ? If we had not our beloved to lean on, what fliould we do? Go on, my dear Sir, in his ftrength ; I wifli you much, yea very much profperity. The Lord blefs you, and all the dear fouls in your parts, with all fpiritual bicffings. I am glad you have received the books. I 1 am now publifhing two more fermons, and a fmall collec- tion of hymns for public worfhip. Benedi£lus benedkat ei henc- dicentur. I commend you and all to his never-failing mercy, and myfelf to your continual prayers, as being, my very dear friend, Yours moft afFciStionately in our common Lord, G. ^. LETTER DCCCCLXVIIL ro c — TV — . My dear Friend^ London^ March 7,^ 1753* I Thank you and your brother moft heartily for the loan of the chapel. BlefTed be God, the work goes on well. — On Thurjday morning, the firft brick of our new tabernacle was laid with awful folemnity. I preached from Exodus the twen- tieth, and the latter part of the twenty-fourth verfe ; " In all places where I record my nume, I will come unto thee and blefs thee.*' Afterwards ue fung, and prayed for God's blefT- ing in all places, where his glorious name is recorded. Th-e wail LETTERS. 7 wall is now about a yard high. The building is to be elf^hty feet fquare. It is upon the old fpot. We have purchatcd the houfe, and if we finifh what we have begun, fiiall be rent-free for forty-fix years. We have above eleven hundred pounds in hands. This I think is the beft way to build. Mr. Steward's death fo afFecSted me, that when I met the workman that nif^ht to contra£l about the building, I could fcarce bear to think of building tabernacles. Strange! that fo many fiiould be fo foon difcharged, and wc continued ! Eighteen years have I been waiting for the coming of the fon of God ; but I find wo arc immortal till our work is done. O that we may never live la be miniftered unto, but to minifter ! Mr. Steivard fpoke for his Lord as long as he could fpeak at all. He had no clouds nor darknefs. I was with him, till a few minutes before he flept in Jesus. I have good news from feveral parts ; a door is opening at Wlnchejler. Surely the little leaven will ferment, till the whole kingdom be leavened. Even fo, Lord Jesus, Amen ! Pray how does our e.le£l Lady ? I hope to write to her Ladyfhip next poft. Joint love attends you and yours, and your brother and his houfhold.- — That all may increafe with all the increafe of God, is ftill the earneft prayer of, my dear Sir, Yours moft afFe6lionately in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER DCCLXIX, To Mr. M . London^ March lo, 1753. My dear Mr. M , I Am glad you have had fuch good times. I was grieved that Mr. E — •— was taken from London^ becaufe Mr. M was taken ill, and a carnal preacher put up in his room. But God's thoughts are not as our thoughts. Let this confider^r tion reconcile you to my not preaching at Mr. B 's. I went as far as Mrs. 5 's, but fo many things occurred, that I went no further. You may hear more when we meet again. I have preached at Spitalfields chapel twice. Both the Mr. fV—^-^s are agreed, as the younger brother writes me word, in anfwer to mv letter. Let brotherly love continue! I tlo not A 4 lil^e S LETTERS. like writing again il- any body, but I think, th.at v^ifdom wbJch dwells with prudence, fhould direct you npt to fill Mr. JV- s people (who expedl you will fervc them) with needlefs jealou- fies. He that believe th doth not make hafte. — I therefore wait, being allured of this, that every plant which our heavenly Fa- ther hath not planted fhall be rooted out. I hope to fee the time, v/hen ycu will talk lefs of pcrfons and things, and more of Him, who is the common head of his whole myftical body. This, and this alone can make and keep you fready in yourfelf, and extenfively ufeful to others. I am glad you know when perfons arc juftifted. It is a lefTon I have not yet learnt. There are fo many flcny-ground hearers that receive the word with joy, that I have determined to fufpend my judgment, till I know the tree by its fruits. You will excufe this freedom. I love you with a difinterefted love. I only wil"h you may be happy in JesU3. This will make you fee things with new eyes, and give you fuch a freedom of heart as is unfpeakable, and full of glory. For the prefcnt I muO: bid you adieu. That the Lord of all Lords may confirm, ftrengthen, flablifn, and fettle you in his love, is the earned prayer of, my dear Mr. M , Yours moft afFedionately in our common Lord, G. IK LETTER DCCCCLXX. To Mr, S . My very dear Friend, London, March 2r, 175' BY laft Monday^ waggon there v/as fcnt a box of book< May the Redeemer ov/n and blefs what is fent in it ! Then all will be well. I know your prayers will not be want- ing. I am glad 30U haye found out another thief, that lay hid in the chambers of im.agery, which are in your heart. Tinie and temptation will draw out tzn thoufand more, which as ye^, you know nothing of. Happy they, who can difcover, pluck cut, and cur off their right hand and right eye corruptions. Tliis mull be done, or we fhall only take wp with the bare fcmblance of holinefs. The Redeemer muft fit as a refiner's £re upon our hearts, or \ye (hall never be purified as gold or filver. This is our comfort, when we arc tried wc fnall come forLh like gold. 7 he ohences that v/e meet with in the churchy are LETTERS. 9 are moft trying ; — therefore they are permitted to come. I wiih n.y dear Mr. G — — , as weii as yourfelf, may learn expe- rience from vvhut hath happened, and never run yourfelves into needlefs difficulties. What is happening to the Moravians is no more than I have long expected, and fpoken of to many friends. Their fcheme is fo antichrijilan in a! mod every re- fped, that 1 am amazed the eyes of the EngUJ}) brethren have not long fince been opened, and the Babel (iopt at the firft. But the glorious God generally fuffers fuch buildings to go high, that their fall may be more confpicuous. May the builders rife ([ mean as to fpirituals) by their falls, and '2;ain by their loffes ! Th^at is all the harm I wifh them. My dear man, what a blcffed thing it is to live and walk in the fimpli- city of the gofpel ! How happy is that man, who beino- nei- ther fond of money, numbers, nor power, goes on day by day without any other fcheme, than a general intention to promote the common falvation amongft people of all denominations. Will you pray that I may be thus minded ? I ceafe not to pray for you and yours, and my other dear friends at Leeds-, and I would fet out immediately for the north, was I not oblio-ed to be here in about two months, to attend and give further orders about our building. But fome time in the fummer— What ? — I hope to fee the fields white, ready unto harveft again, and to rejoice together with you in our common Lord. ■ — In the mean while, let us be bufy for fo biefied a Mafter, and be continually prelTmg forward towards the mark for the prize of our high calling. The Lord Jesus fay Amen ! Adieu. With joint iove to all, I fubfcribe myfelf, my dear friend; Yours mofi aiFeclionately in our glorious Head, G,fr, LETTER DCCCCLXXL To Mr. G . Dear Mr, G — , Norwich, Jpril jj, JJS3' T hath given me concern, that your letter, with Mr. D 's and Mifs J 's, have lain by me fo long unan- fwered. Bufmefs, and not want of love, hath prevented my writing. Was it not finful, I could wifh for a thoufand hands, a thou- I lo LETTERS. ;i thoufand tono-ues, and a thoufand lives : all fliould be em- ployed night and day, without ceahng, in promoting the glory of the ever-lovely, ever-loving Jesus. Thanks be to his great name for reviving his vi'ork in the midft of the years. I truft that his people every where will be made to fuig, *' The Winter is paR, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land." All things promife well at London ; and I hope you will yet fee greater things than ever in the North. Some time this Summer I hope to fee you all again. In the mean while, you muft not fail to pray for me. I muft now begin to enter upon my Spring circuit. For thefe three days paft, I have been preaching here twice a-day. In the mornings we have been quiet, but in the evenings the fons of Belial have been fome- vvhat rude. The place built here for public worfhip, is much larger than yours at NcwcaJlU ; and, I believe, hundreds of truly awakened fouls attend. What cannot God do ? What will the end of this be ? The deftruilion of Jericho, — The rams-horns mull go round, till her tow'ring walls fall down. Who would but be one of thefe rams-horns ? My dear Sir, let us not be afliamed of the crofs of Christ : it is lined with love, and will ere long be exchanged for a crown. Jesus himfelf will put it on our heads. I am called away, and there- fore cannot enlarge. To-morrow, God willing, I return to London,, and hope foon to get time to anfwer my other Neiv- cajlle correfpondents. In the mean while, pray remember me to them and all in the moft cordial manner, and beg them liever, never to ccafe praying for, my dear Sir, Their and your moft afFedtionate friend and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER DCCCCLXXII. To Mr, R K n. My very dear Friend^ Norwich^ April 1 8, 1 753. HOW does God delight to exceed even the hopes, and to difappoint the fears of his weak, though honeft- heartcd people ! In fpite of all oppofition, he hath caufed us to triumph even in Norwich. Thoufands attend twice every day* LETTERS. 1, day, and hear with the greateft eagernefs. I hope it will ap- pear yet more and more, that God hath much people here. I am greatly importuned to ftay over Lord's-day, but I hope to be in Spitalfields on Saturday evening, and to ipend the ho- lydays in London. O that they may prove glorious days of the Son of Man ! Thanks be to Gon, it is the chriftian*s privi- lege to keep holyday all the year round. *' Christ, our pafT- over, is facrificed for us," and we are called to keep a perpe- tual feaft. Happy, happy they, who know what it is to banquet on the love of JESUs. Surely it pafTeth all under- ftanding. Of this happinefs, you and yours have been made partakers. What need have we then to cry out, '* What fhall we render unto the Lord for all his mercies !'* O my dear Sir, let us keep clofe to our loving Lord, and not fufFer the noife and hurry of bufmefs, to rob us of one moment's communion and feilowfhip with the ever-blefied God. I commend you both to his never-failing mercy ; and wifliino- you, from my inmoft foul, the very beft of bleffings, even the iure mercies of David., I fubfcribe myfelf, my dear friend. Yours moft affectionately in our common Lord, G. IV, LETTER DCCCCLXXin. To Mr, D . Dear Sir J London^ Jprili'j^ '753' ON Saturday evening a never-failing Redeemer brought me fafe to London, where I have been indifpofcd ever fmce. But I (hall little regard the weaknefs and Indirpofitioii of my body, if I can but have the pleafure of hearing, if not before, yet at the great day, that good v.as done to one pre- cious foul at Norwich, BleiTed be God for the feed fovvn there. I doubt not but it will be v/atered with the dew of his heavenly blefling, and bring forth a divine increafe. O that it may fpring up, and bear fruit abundantly in the heart of you and yours ! My poor prayers (liall not he wanting in your behalf. This is the only return I can make to you both, for the great kindncll'es conferred on me at your houfe. You know who hath promifed, '^ That a cup of cold water, given for his name's fake, (hall not lofe its reward." What a Sa- viour 12 LETTER S. vjour is this ! Who woulJ but love and fcrve him ! Surely his fcrvice is perfc6l frec-thm I I hope all my dear iVy-rzcvV^ fiiends will find it To every day. Be pleafcd to fiilute them all moft affe^Sliotiately, as they come in your way. 1 truft they will remember me at the throfie of grace. You all know my name : I am the chief gf Tinners, and Itfs than the lead of ail lauus, but Their and yor.r obliged friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IK LETTER DCCCCLXXIV. My dear David, London^ May i, 1 753. DO you enquire where I am ? I anfwer, in London, long- ing to come to Leeds, and yet withheld hitherto by His providence who ordereth all things well. Let us have a little more patience, and then in a few weeks I hope to have a bielTed range in the North. God's time I have always found to be the beft time in the end. Ere now, I fuppofe, Mr. L hath re- ceived my letter from Norwich, The word ran and was glorified there. Preaching fo frequently, and riding hard, almoft killed me ', but what is my body in comparifon of precious and im- mortal fouls ? O that this Spring may prove a Spring-time every day 1 Indeed I want to begin to begin to do fomething for Jesus. At prefent I am engaged in a very ungrateful work ; I mean, in writing againft the leading Moravia?! bre- thren. When you fee it, you will know whether there was not a caufe : a fecond edition of the pamphlet is juft come out. I fear the third part of the Journals cannot be procured : per- haps it is not much matter. I am fick of all I do, and fland aftonifhed' that the Redeemer fiiii continues to make ufe of and blefs me. Surely I am more foolifh than any man ; no one receives fo much, and does fo little. If you was here, we would weep together : friends know what it is to exchange hearts. May the common friend of finners keep both our hearts near himfelf, and then all will be well. I cannot think o^ Leeds without weeping, I love that people, and pray that they may incrcafe with all the increafe of God. " Brethren, pray for us," is ftill the earned requeft of my poor heart. I am weaker than the weakeft, lefs than the leafl of all. Write to G. /;■ LETTERS. i^ to me ; I do not like your lending fuch round-ubout v/ays : fiiends letters always pay poftage. O let us fend often by pod to heaven ; I mean, on the wings of faith ^nd love : tVoni thence we (hall afluredly receive good anfwers, though net always in our own way or time. For the prelent, farcwtl. My hearty love to all the true followers of the Lamb. 1 hops to write to all in time. In great hafte, but mucii greata- love, I fubfcribe myfelfs Yours, Sec, LETTER DCCCCLXXV. n Mr. S . 7iIy dear Man^ Haverford-iucft^ May I'j^ 1753* T"!^ HOUGH my wife hath not fent me the letter, yet fhs A writes me, " That you have fert me a threatening one." I thcink you for it, though unfeen, and fay unto thee, if thou art thus minded, '' What thou doeft, do quickly." Bleffed be God, I am ready to receive the moft traiterous blow, and to confefs before God and man, all my weakneflcs and failings, whether in public or private life. I laid my ac- count of fuch treatment, before I publifhed my expoftulatcry letter. — And 'your writing in fuch a manner, convinces me more and more, that MoravianJJm leads us to break through the moft facred ties of nature, fricndfhip, and difmtereftcd love. But my wife fays you write, *' That I am drunk vjith power and approbation.^* Waft thou with me fo long, my dear man, and haft thou known me no better ? What power didft thou know me ever to grafp at ? Or what power am I now invefted with ? None, that I know of, except that of being a poor pilgrim. And as for approbation, God knov/s, I have had little elfe befides the crofs to glory in, ftnce my firft fetting out. — May that be my glory ftill I But my wife fays you write, " That I promifed not to print." I remember no fuch thing. I know you advifed me not to do fo, but I know of no promife made. If I remember, I had not then read Rlmius ; but after that, I both heard and faw fo many things, that I could not, with a fare confcience, be filent. My wife fays iikewife, that you write, *' The bulk of my letter is not truth." 14 LETTERS. truth." So fays Mr. Peter B ; nay, he fays, <« that all is a lie:'* and I hear he declares fo in the pulpit. So that whether I will or not, he obliges me to clear myfelf in print ; and if he goes on in this manner, will not only conftrain me to print a third edition, but alfo to publifh the dreadful heap that lies behind. My anfwers to him, the Count, and my old friend H , are almoft ready. I cannot fend them this poft, but may have time ere long. O my dear man, let me tell thee, that the God of truth and love hates lies : and that caufe can never be good, which needs equivocations and falf- hoods to fupportit. God willing, you fhall have none from me. I have naked truth. 1 write out of pure love : and the Lord Jesus only knov/s, what unfpeakable grief and pain I feel, when I think how many of my dear friends have fo in- volved themfelves. If any thing flops my pen, it will be con- cern for them, not myfelf. I value neither name, nor life itfelf, when the caufe of God calls me to venture both. Thanks be to his great name, I can truly fay, that for thefe many years laft paft, no fm hath had dominion over me ; neither have I ilept with the guilt of any known, unrepented fm lyinw upon my heart : if you will tell me of any, I will be oblio-ed to you. In the mean while, I wifh thee well in body and foul, and fubfcribe myfelf, my dear Jobn^ Your very aiTedlionate, though injured, friend for Christ's fake, LETTER DCCCCLXXVI. To Mr, R K iu Newman^ June 2, 1753. DO not think that I have forgotten either you or yours, or my promife of writing to you. Travelling and preaching have prevented me. Within a little more than a fortnight, I have rode three hundred and fifty miles, and preached above twenty times : with v/hat fuccefs the great day will difcover. Then we fhall know who are flony-ground hearers, and who receive the word into honefl and good hearts. At Narhothy Pembroke^ Haverford-weji, Sic. congregations were large 5 and a gracious melting feemed to be among the people. LETTERS. 15 people. Nature now cries out for a little eafc, but faith fays, «' It is now juft time to begin to begin.'* Perhaps you may hear me preach next Tburfday evening. London people attract me much. O that our hearts may be more and more drawn to- wards Jesus ! I hope this will find you (like the imprciTion of my feal) with your foul winged for heaven, and this poor, earthly, good-for-nothing world, under your feet. Could I fly away, you lliould never fee me till we meet at the rif^ht hand of God. There the wicked, and even my own mother's children, nay my fpiritual children, will ceafe from troubling me, and my weary foul will enjoy an everlafting reft. I can now no more. I am baiting at an inn not far from Gloucejlery hoping fliortly to fee you and yours grown in grace j and begging all your dear relations to accept hearty love, I fub- fcribe myfelf, my dear, dear friend. Yours moft afFedionately in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER DCCCCLXXVIL 'To Mr, . My very dear Frmid^ London, yune 8, 1 753. I Was glad, at my return from a late excurfion, to find a letter from you, efpecially as it befpoke your heart to be nearer than ufual to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. May this intimacy increafe daily, and the fruits of it appear in your abounding in every good word and work ! I find more and more, that one's whole life ought to be a continued facrifice of Jove. I am glad Mr. R is owned. This gives me hopes, that he begins to preach as when he firft fet out, and as he told a friend, a little before his embarking, " that he hoped he fhould." It never went.better with his heart than then. God keep him and all from further entanglements by fleflily wifdom and worldly policy ! which I think have nothing to do with the work of the Lord. Mr. S can tell you what con- cern the B «'s awful condud hath given me. Surely if the Redeemer had not fupported me, I (hould within thefe two months have died with grief. But I will fay no more : —Jesus knows all things. He will not long bear with guile. You know my temjier. The Lord help mc in fimplicity and 5 g^^^y iff LET T E R S. godly fincciity to have my conveiTation in the world, and in the church ! By this time twelvemonth (if in the land of the dying) I hope to fee you. In the mean while, let Mr. S rpeak. I hope he hath fucceeded to his wifhes ; and I pray carneilly that the God of the Teas and of the dry land, may bring him fafe to the dcfired haven. Ere long we' fhall 3II arrive, I truft, in Jbj^aham*s harbour ; from thence we fhall never put out to fea any more. There the wicked world, and even God's own children, will ceafe from troubling, and our weary fouls enjoy an everlafting reft. M^ly you and yours enter with a full gale ! Let us write to, though we cannot as yet fee each other. Our hearty love and rcfpc61s av/ait Mr. P , and all enquiring friends. I am glad to hear Mr. T is coming over with Mr. D— — . ' If they come with their old fire, I truft they will be enabled to do wonders. I and Mellrs. W 's arc very frien-dly. I like them, becaufe they p-o out and let the world fee what they are at once ; I fufpe6t fomcthing wrong, when fo much fecrecy is required. But I muft have cone. Only let me tell you, that the Redeemer flill ov;ns my feeble labours. I have been a circuit of about 700 miles, and preached to many thoufands. My body yet is upheld, and my foul rejoices in God my Saviour. Help me, help me to praife him. I thank you for what you have done for Mr. H , and for all pail favours. That grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied upon you and yours, every day and hour, is the earncft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours mod affectionately in our common Lord, Q. IK LETTER DCCCCLXXVIIL To Lady IL n. Ever-hcmurcd Madam^ London^ June 20^ 1753. I Have been unaccountably detained In LondonXong^x than I expected, but am jult now fetting out for Porifmouth. However, I cannot help fending your Ladyfhip the inclofed. It hath fet me at liberty, and fully convinced me, againft what a difguifcd fpirit I have been teftilying. At prefent, I fhall go on in my old way, preaching the everlalting gofpel. Blefied be God J it is fuccefbful here. We had a moil glorious facra- * ment. LETTERS. i^ Iment laft Sunday in our new Tabernacle ; the Mafter of the feaft was with us of a truth. As I purpofe returning from Portf- mouth next Tuefday^ I (hould think myfelf highly honoured by receiving a few lines from your Ladyfliip. May this find you in the blifsful enjoyment of him, who I arh perfuaded is your Ladyfiiip's all in all I I can only add, that words cannot well exprefs how much I am, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyftiip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER DCCCCLXXIX. To the Reverend Mr. T . My very dear Friend, Portfmouthy June 23, 1753. FROM April to near July, is a long time for a kind letter to lie by unanfwered ; but neceffity hath no law. A great variety of circumftances hath occurred lately to prevent my correfponding with you, and many ether dear friends. Some time next month perhaps you may be acquainted with them. I have thoughts of feeing Edinburgh then, though I muftpufh hard to bring it about. I purpofe at my return, to ftay in London but one night, and then fet out for the North, O for a gracious gale of divine influence ! The facred wind hath blown fweetly in our new Tabernacle ; and I truft it will be faid of this and that man, at the great day, that they were born of God there. At Brijiol^ in Wales, and Gloucejlerjhire^ our Lord was pleafed to fmile on my feeble labours ; and here in this place are feveral who bring forth fruit unto God. Affairs go on well at Bethefda. Mr. T , I find, is com- ing over in behalf of New-Jerfey College. Lord, make us all flames of fire ! The language of my foul is this, " Qtiicken me in thy way." You muft continue to pray for me ; you muft remember me in the kindeft manner to all my dear friends, and to your father and relations in particular, as being afTured, that I am, my very dear Sir, Yours moft aft'cdionately in our common Lord, G, JK VoL.m, *B LET- 21 i8 LETTERS, LETTER DCCCCLXXX. To Mr. N . Dear Sir^ Port/mouth, 'June 23., 1753:* NOT v/ant of love, but leifure, prevented my anfwerinjj your kind letter much fooner. As I lead a pilgrim lifey have a weak body, and am almoil: continually furrounded witli a variety of trials and temptations, I cannot vi'rite fo frequently as I otherwife vv^ould choofe to do. However, my friends are always upon my heart and feme time next month, I hope to fee you, amongft the refl of my Edinburgh acquaintanees^. grown in grace,, and upon the full ftretch for Him who bled, and groaned, and died for us. If your trials are not over, and you have indeed entered upon the field of battle, I wi(h you joy. Fear not, neither be difmayed. Nil defperandum ChriJiQ. duce. Let this be the knguage of your heart and mine ; Give fnejlrength, 0 God of power ^ *T'hen let winds blow or thunders roar ^ Thy faithful witfiefs will I be : ^Tis fix'd — '1 can do all through Thee. I need not inform you, dear Sir, that our L5rD' hath chofen the w^eak things of this world to confound the flrong ; and things that are not, to bring to nought the things that are* If it was not fo, what fhould fuch a poor, weak, helplefs wretch as I am do ? In Jesus, and in him alone, is all my ftrength and fupport founds Still he continues to uphold me, and crown my feeble labours with fuccefs. In Walcs^ Gloucejierjlnre^ and Brijlolj we have lately felt his power j and in our nev/ Tabernacle at London^ he hath alfo manifefted forth his glory. O for a good gale in the North I Who knows but we may fee each other foms time the next month I I have thoughts of fetting forwards from London next week. May the good Lord direcl my goings in his way I Yoi* muft defire all of the hofpitals, and in the focrety, and all my other dear friends, to pray moft earneftly for me. I retain my old name : I am the chief of finners, and lefs than the leaft oF all faints, but for Christ's fake, dear Mr. N , Their and your moPc affeclionate and vvilling friend and fervant, G. IK LETTER L E T T E H S; 19 LETTER DCCCCLXXXI. To Mr, S . Jlfy very dear Friend^ Leiccf,n\ July r, 1 753. Cannot go farther (as Mr. MiddUton returns to Londm to- morrow) without fending you a few lines. They bring good news, even that the Redeemer hath much owned and blefied the firft part 'of my circuit. At Oulney we had two good meetings ; and at Northampton our Lord filled his people as with new wine. One aged faint told me, " that the meet- ing-place was no other to him than the houfe of God, and the gate of heaven." Several thoufands attended ; and I could indeed fay, " It is good for me to be here." Lail: night I Came to this place quite fatigued in my body, but willing, I hope, to employ a thoufand fouls (if I had them) for the dear Lord Jesus. This is a cold place, but people flood very attentive this morning, and fome were affedted. To-morrow I muft move to Nottingham, You and- yours muft promife to follow me with your prayers. I hope you will hear that they are anfWered. You may be afTured of mine ; they are your due J they are a poor, but as they are the only return I can make, I hope they v/ill be accepted by, my very dear Sir, Yours moft affe61:ionately in our common Lord, G. FA LETTER DCCCCLXXXIL To Mr, S . My dear D , Leeds, July 7, 1753/ WHAT ! juft come from the borders of the grave, and ftill capitulating ! Will you never give up your whole heart to Him, who hath dealt fo bountifully with you ? Was this once done, you would not (efpecially as you have a competency) talk of a hundred a year, but you would count the work of the miniftry its own wages, and efteem the re- proach of Christ above all the riches in the univerfe. Pray remember what Mofes faid to Pharaoh, '' not a hoof muft be left behind." Christ will have aU or none. Halt no longer lietween two ; fvn ao more by withholdirg from God what is ^o LETTERS. his juft due, left a worfe evil befall you. Accept all thLi in love. Your letter hath extorted it from me. I pity you amidft all your gaudy Ihew. The pleafure I have had but this week in preaching the gofpel, I would not part with for a thoufanJ worlds. Blefled be God, v/e have had fweet fea- Ibns on the road ; and lafl; night at this place, the cups of many ran over, O Lord, keep me a pilgrim, till thou art pleafed to call me home ! I can now no more. My hearty- love to our dear Mr. H . O that you was likc-mindtd with him ! Accept this as from one, who is indeed, dear Sir, Your moft affeclionate friend and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. TV. LETTER DCCCCLXXXIIL My dear Mr, D ^ Tork, July i r, 1753. THUS far, but no farther, am I as yet advanced in my way to Scotland^ and was I to comply with the preiTing invitations of the Torkjhirc people, I know not when I fnould get there. The fields are exceeding white, ready unto harvefr ; but by preaching thrice a day to great multitudes, my poor ta- bernacle is enfeebled, and I have fuch a cold that I cannot well write much. Strange, that I can do no more for Him who hath done and fufFered fo much for me ! Be pleafed to re- member me to all ; and acquaint dear Mr. and Mrs. S , that I hope to fend them an hiftorical letter from Neivcajlle^ where I expecfl: to.be nejct Lord's-day^ I fliall be glad to hear that your foul profpers, and that all goes on well at the Ta- bernacle. I hope to fee Edinburgh next week. My hearty iove to all. Accept the fame yourfelf, from, dear Mr.D , Yuur afFcdlionatc friend and fervant for Jesus Christ's fake, G. W, LETTER LETTERS. 24 LETTER DCCCCLXXXIV. To Mr,S . My vnydcar Sir^ Newcqfile, July 14, 1 753. BEING, through the goodnefs of a never- failing Rc^ deemer, juft come hither, I fit down to perform my pro- mife by writing to you. But where fhall I begin, or where fhall I end ? Surely the goodnefs of the Lord to fuch a wretch as I am, is unfpeakable. I will, inform you of a little. After leaving Leicejier^ I went to Nottingham^ where a great multitude came to hear, and I truft good was done, thouo-h a fon of 5^//W endeavoured to dilTurb us. From thence I went to Sheffield, where we had two good meetings. The congre- gation in the afternoon confilled of feveral thoufands. Here fome dear friends from Leeds met me, two of which were my fpiritual children, and all had been blefled under the wori. The next morning we fet out for Leeds, and in our way preached at Rothcram and IVakcfield. At the former place, I had been difturbed tv/ice or thrice, and was almoft determined to preach there no more. But we arc poor judges. A perfon told me, " That God had made me inftrumeiital in convert- ing his wife and brother, who had boih been bitter pcrfecutors, but now gladly received me under their roof. After preach- ing, a young man was fet at liberty, who had been i;ioaning under the fpirit of bondage four years ; and whilft I was bap- tizing a child, the Holy Spirit was pleafed to baptize feveral, oriC in particular with a holy fire. What we faw, and felt, and heard at Leeds, cannot well be exprelled. Thoufands at- tended daily ; and on the Lord's-day it was computed that near twenty thoufand heard at once. I preached thrice, and the next day at Bunjlall and Bradford, where many thoufands fiocked alfo. Many were filled as with new wine ; and as for myfelf, I fcarce knew whether I was in heaven or on earth. On *TueJday morning, though we had drank plentifully before, yet our Lord kept the good wine till the laft. We had a glorious parting-blelling. At Xork I preached four times. Twice we were difturbed, and twice we had fweet feafons. There is a good work begun there. The profpcdl all around js fo glofious, I almoft rcpeiat that I have engaged to go to B 3 Scotland ^t LETTERS. Scotland. God willing, I fnall come back as faft as poiTible. What a pity is it that I have but one body, and that a very- weak one too. Lord, magnify thy ftrength in my weaknefs, and kyA me where thou wilt. Here I am moft kindly received. How the Lord will be pleafed to deal with me, you may know hereafter. I can now only entreat the continuance ©f the pra5^ers of you and yours ; and with repeated thanks for repeated favours, beg leave to fubfcribe mylelf, my very dear friend. Yours, &c. LETTER DCCCCLXXXV. To Lady H •«. Ev er -honoured Madam ^ NezucajUe^JuIy 17, I753,» I Wrote to ycur Lady&ip jufl before I fet out for Portfmouth^ and thought to have written again at my return, but was hindered by flaying only one night at London, Ever fince I have been upon the range for loft fmners, and blelled be God, have been much owned by him who delights to work by the meaneft inilruments. In Northampton/In re our cup ran over. \n Le'icejler^ the Redeemer caufed us to triumph ; and in York- (h'lre^ at Leeds and the adjacent places, I have fometimes fcarce known whether I have been in heaven or earth. I have been enabled to preach thrice a day, and once at Lceds^ perhaps to near twenty thoufand, as they were computed. Indeed we kept holy-day there. Many came to me that were awakened at my former vifits. Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto thv free and unmerited mercy be all the glory ! In my way hi- ther I preached four times at Tork\ twice we were difturbed,and twice all was quiet ; and a fweet influence attended the word. i lodged at Mrs. G — - — 's, who keeps fteady. She enquired moft heartily after your Ladyfhip, and begged to be remem- bered in the moft refpe^lful manner. Plither I came on Satur- iay^ and have preached iQ,\tx\ times, and once at Sunderland^ where a great multitude attended, and were deeply imprefied. At five in the morning the great room is filled, and on Lord's- dav the congregation without was great indeed. Surely the fhout of a king hath been amongft us. All is harmony and lovco LETTERS. 2^ Sofve. I am now going to a place cabled Sheep-hUI, and (hall, return in the evening to preach here again. I'o- morrow "God willing, I fet forwards to Scotland. I could almoft wifli this was to be the end of my circuit, for I want to go to various parts. Lord Jusus, magnify thy flrength in my weaknefs, and fend me where thou wilt ! If your Ladyfliip plcafes, this may be communicated to C IF , to whom I would write if I had time. I can only now entre:ic the con- tinuance of your Ladyfhip's prayers, and beg your LadyfiiipVs acceptance of repeated acknov^/ledgments for repeated favours, fiom, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful and ready fefvant for Christ's fake, G. JP\ LETTER [DCCCCLXXXV.I To Mr. G , at Glafgow, Edinburgh^ July 21, 175^. YOURS I juft now received, but know not what to fay by way of anfwer. The inward difcouragements I have felt for above a v/eek, againfl coming to Scotland, have been very many. I have left a people full of fire. Thoufands and thoufands flocked to hear the glorious gofpel. Awakenings I have heard of in every place; faints have been revived, and heaven as it were come down on earth. Vie. have enjoyed per- petual CambuJIang feafons. My eyes gufh out with tears of joy, (and I truft at the fame time with godly forrow for my vilenefs) at the very thought of it. My heart is quite broken, to think poor Scotland is fo dead. O how gloomy hath been the afpecl ! I have been afraid of catching cold, though, alas I I am too too cold towards Him, who out of warm love bled and died for me. O that GV-t/^^w friends, if I do come, may pray for me ! I could fcarce believe your letter, that your people would be glad to fee fuch an ill and hell-deferving, good for nothing creature as I am. If 1 lofe the opportunity of feeing you, I fliall be difappointed indeed. I believe I fhall keep to the time propofed. O time, time, how flowly doft thou go on ! When fiiall I be wafted to an happy eternity ? Often with- jn thefc three weeks have I hoped to die in the embi-uces of B 4 "'Y 24 LETTERS. my God. Had I a thoufand fouls and bodies they (hould be all itinerants for Jesus Christ. I want to fee all on a flame of fire. You know, dear Sir, what fire I mean. O \ break heart firings, break, and let the imprifoned foul be fet at liberty. I want to go where I fliall neither fin myfelf, nor fee others fin any more. My tender love to all. I can no more for weeping. When 1 forget to pray for my ungrateful vile feif, — then wijl my worthy and dear friend ceafe to be remembered by, reverend and very dear Sir, Yours moft ^fFedionately in our common Lord, 6\ IF. LETTER DCCCCLXXXVI. ' '■ To Mr. B S— . Glafgow, July 25, 1753. OTK your letters came fafe to hand, and met with fuch a reception, as none but thofe who are knit together in the love of God can either experience, or have any idea af. What you mentioned concerning a certain gentleman, melted me down. — For having met with fonie unexpedled pull-backs, I lafl: night and this morning had been P^'^V'^g? that relief might come from what quarter our Lord thooght moil proper. How true is the faying o^ Luther : Fix on his work thy Jlcdfaji cycy So Jhall thy work be done. This, I truft, will teach me more and more to be difinte- rcfted in what I do for Christ and fouls, and then never fear ; even ravens (hall be fent to feed and nourifli upright Elijahs, But above all, am I humbled and comforted at the good news from Leeds, and Tork. And will the high and lofty one then continue to delight to honour fuch a wretch as I am ? Then, through the divine ftrength, let me now begin to preach more than ever. Yefterday I was enabled to preach five times, and I fuppofe the lafl: time to near twenty thoufand, and almofl: to as many in the morning. People flock and are more fond than ever to hear; at Edinburgh alfo, I preached twice every day to many thoufands ; among whom are many of the noble and polite. — Attention fits upon the faces of ail, and friends come round LETTERS. 25 round me like fo many bees, to hr.portune for one v^eek longer flay in Scotland. But 1 think I am fixed. God williufy on Thurfday I return to Edinburgh, and the Tuefday follolvine; {hall fct out for Btrwick, ^c. Hafte, time ! Fly, fly on (fo that I can but keep pace by filling thee up with duty) and bring me to fee the face of God in heaven. I hope to write again foon ; then you will know my rout. O that Jesus mav dired my goings in his way ! He will, he will. He will never leave nor forfake thofe that put their truft in him ; and he knows, that as far as I know my heart, I think his work the very beft wages that can be given to. Your?, ScC. G. IV. LETTER DCCCCLXXXVH. To Mr. G ., at Glafgow, Kczvcafde^ Aug. 12, 1 753. My very dear Sir^ 1 Would have anfv/ered your kind letter before I left Edin- hurghy but I had not a moment's leifure. With great dif- ficulty I got av^^ay, after a heart-breaking parting on Tuefday about noon. On IVednefday evening, and the Thurfday morn- ing, I preached at Bcrivick, and on Thurfday evening at Jbi" wick., in the flreet. It being the time of the races, I uif- courfed on thefe words, *' So run thrrc ye may obtain.'' Whilft I was difcourfing, the gentlemen came down from the race, and furrounded the congregation, and heard very atten- tively. The next morning at five I preached again, and about noon at a place called Placy, and in the evening about nine at Newcaflk^ vv^herc a great number expected mc. My text was " At midniglit a cry was made, behold the bride- groom cometh." The next morning I received the following note, " Dearly beloved in the Lord, I write to you gocid news. Your labour was not in vain laft night, for my wife anfwered to the midnight cry, and received Christ into her foul.'* O that we may all ptaife the Three in One I Laft night I prepared for, and this morning I opened the gofpel fair from thefe words, " Ho I every one that thirfteth." Much of the divine prefcncc was in the congregation, and I believe many tafted of Christ's wine. I am to preach three times ahnoft everv 26 LETTER S; every day this week. This promife fupports me. ** As thy day is, fo fliall thy ftreftgth be.'* By the inclofed, you will fee the devil owes me a grudge for vi^hat was done at Glaf- gow. Would it not be proper to infert a paragraph to contra- did it ? Thoufands and thoufands come to hear notwithftand- ing. Lord, what am I ? A poor hell-deferving creature 3 and yet the Lord makes ufe of fuch to threfh the mountains with. May the Lord help me fo to do, and then let him dfial with nie as feemeth good in his fight. Pleafe to remember us in the Icindeft manner to dear Mr. M w, our kind hoft and hoflefs, and all friends. I fhall not forget you and yours, or vour undertaking. The Lord profper this, and every other work of your hands upon you ! My lot is to be a pilgrim, a run-about for Christ. Commend me to Him who gives lirength to the weak, and for whofe fake I am, Yours moft affedionately, G. TV. LETTER DCCCCLXXXVIIL To Mr. B S- — . Newcafile, Aug. 13, 1753. My very dear Friend^ MY rout is now fixed. After having preached here and hereabouts three times each day, I am to leave this place on T^hurfday^ to be at Stockton on Sunday^ at Ofmoiherly on Monday noon, lie at Topcliff^ and reach Tork^ God will- in «y, by way of Burrough-hridge^ on Tuefday next, and then come forwards to Leeds. I truft that our meeting will be like that of Jonathan and David, Only fometimes I muft change names ; where it is faid " David exceeded," there I will be David, and you Jonathan, Where Jonathan exceeds, there I will be Jonathan and you David. But more of this here- after.— I mufl now tell you good news. I could not finifli this letter laft night, it is now Tuefday morning. But furely heaven came down amongft us, under the laft evening preach- ing : it was almoft too much for my body. O that the pri- fon door was fet open, and the bird fuffercd to fly out of the cage ! Then would I fly to heaven, and upon one of the bo-ughs of free grace fing the praifes of redeeming love for ever 2 and LETTERS. 27 and for ever. Till then, may we be employed in Jinftjng here on earth ! But I muft away to Horfey to preach, from whence I am to return to preach again in the evening. Thrice a day tries me, but in the Lord have I righteoufncfs and ftrcnr^th. If you hear of a mob's being raifed by my preaching at Glaf- goiv, afllire all your friends that there was none, but Satan owes me a grudge for fpeaking againft the pkiyhoufe. Par- ticulars expecl when we meet. In the m.ean while, give my tender love to all, and forget not to pray for, my dear Yours in our precious Christ, LETTER DCCCCLXXX X. To Lady H . Newcqfile^ Aug. 13, 1753. Ever-hortGured Madam^ NOT want of refpecSt, but leifure, hath prevented my writing to your Ladyrnip. Since my lafl, I have been travelling and preaching twice or thrice, and once five times a day. 1 cannot tell your Ladyihip of one thoufandth part of what we have feen and iz\t. In Scotland the congregations were larger than ever. At Glnfgow^ the man who owned the playhoufe was made fo uneafy by the word preached, that he took dov/n the roof himfelf. For this Satan owes me a srudo-e. to f? • and therefore it is put in the paper, that a mob v/as raifed. But there was not the leail appearance of any fuch thinTY laft, I think was from NarJzvich. Since that, the. j- V X ever-loving, ever-loVely Jesus, hath vouchfafed to em- p!<,y me in breaking up new ground. I have preached four times at Alpcrafn in Chcjljtie^ where the Lors.D v/as with us ff a truth, and vvhere he had fweetly prepared my way, by blclT^ng feveral of my poor writings. At Chcjler I preached four times j a great concourfe attended ; all was huflied and quiet, feveral of the clergy were prefent, and the v^ord came wiih power. I have fince heard, th^t the moll: noted rebel in town, was brought under deep convi(£iion, and could not deep ni'^ht or day. Within dc-jrs, where I preached early in the morning, convi'flion fccmed ro go through the whole congre- ^at'von. Ac LivapQoI^ the way v/as equi^Jly prepared.— A. per- foi> LETTERS. ^5 foil who had been wrought en by fome of my printed fcrmons, met me at landing, and took me to his houTe-, a great number at a fhort notice was convened; all v/as quiet here alio. Some came under immcdiat-e conviilion i and 1 could. wiPn to have 'flayed much longer, but notice was given for my pieachin'^ at lyrexbarn^ vv'hich I find fmce, hath been a rude place indeed. Upon my coming, the town was alarmed, and fcvcral thou- fands came to heat-. Several of the bafer fort made a sreiit noife, and threv/ Itcncs, but hone touclied me, and I truii!: I can fay, our Lord got himfclf the viclory. The next day, near Alperam^ we had another heuven upon earth, A divine power defcended among the people, and we could fay, hov/ awfully fwcet is this place ! The next morning I intended to preach near Nanizvich^ where a ulethodiil mecting-houfe hath lately been pulled dovrn. Here Satan roared. — The mob pelted Mr. D and others much, but I got off pretty free, and had opportunity of preaching quietiy a little out of town. Laft night I preached here in the dark, to a great body of heareis, for this country, and am novi' bound for Wcdnefiury^ Dudley and liiddenianjhr , Froni thence^ perhaps I may come to London for a few days. But this as yet is not determined. You will either fee or hear again from me foon. In the mean while, I commend myfelf to the continual remembrance of your whole fclf, and v/ith ten thoufand thanks for all favours, beg leave to fubfcribe myftif, my very dear Sir, . Yours, &c. in our blefTed Lord, LETTER DCCCCXCVJII. ro Mr. g . Dt\ir M\ E- , Lcndan, Kov. 8, 1753. MAN appoints, but it is God's prerogative to dif^ppoinf, wh.u dif;;ppointments are necefTary for our good. But hov/ hard is it to believe this f How apt are we in our halte to (ji^^ all thefe things are againii us 1 But what fays Doctwf IVhere reafon fulls with oJl her pczvri^ Ihcre fuith prtvails and love adores. ■ C 7, Come 36 LETTERS. Come then, my dear Sir, and chearfully give up your Ifaac for God, He will be better to you than a thourand creatures. Leave to his f over eign fwa}\ 7o choofi and to command; Sojkalt thou wond'rwg own his ivay: How wife ! hoiv Jirong his hand / Far above thy thoughts^ His counfel Jhall appear^ When fully he the work haih wr ought y That caused thy needlefs fear. Ere now, I truft, the ftorm is blown over, and that the Re-* deemer hath made you happy in himfelf. His love is unchange- able ; this rock of ages can never fail you. Build upon him, and you are quite fafe. I could enlarge, but time fails. Be pleafed to remember us to all, and believe me to be, dear Sir, Your affe6tionate brother and fervant in our common Lord, LETTER DCCCCXCIX. To Mr, P . My dear P , Gloucefler^ Nov, i6, 1753. I Thank you for your kind letter; it found me juft returned from another tour in the north, which, like the former, I truft hath been owned and bleffed to many precious and im- mortal fouls. At Liverpool J Chejier^ Dudley^ Wednefbury^ Bir- mingham^ Cmjentryy Northampton^ and various other places, the gofpel report was believed, and the arm of the Lord was re- vealed. At Nantwich and Wrexham^ I met with a little rough treatment ; but what have pilgrims to cxpecSt better, in their journeying through the wide howling wnldcrnefs of this noify and troublefome world ? At London^ we had blefTed feafons ; and here, in my native country, the Lord of all Lords hath repeatedly made us cry out, " hov/ dreadful is this place V^ After Lord's day, I am bound for Briflol and Ply?nouth^ and hope to get into my winter quarters fome time before Chriji- ?nas. Glad fhould I be to travel for Jesus all the year round, it is mere to me than my necciTary fgod. Thank you, thank you LETTERS. ^y you my dear Tinging friends, for praying for me. I am per- fuaded, you help to hold up my weak hands. O continue to pray, that I may at length begin to be a pilgrim indeed. No ether honour do I defire, whilfl on this fide eternity. I hope to fend you fome new times ere long. And what is better infinitely better, I hope to join with you in finging the fong of Mofes and the Lamb ere long in the kingdom of heaven. Till then, though as yet we are embodied fpirits, IVc'llJIrive to fing as loud as ihey^ JVho Jlnne above in brighter day. Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you all. But a word or two concerning Jenks on the righteotifnefs cf Christ, It is a precious book, and I think your extrading Mr. Hervefs recommendation, and putting it by way of preface, to a new edition, will be fufficient. This 1 know is all he would con- fent to have done fome time ago, when applied to by a London bookfeller. God profper this v;ork of your hands upon you. Pray remember me to all my never to be forgotten friends, and afTure them, that not want of love but leifure prevents their hearing more frequently from, my dear Sir, Theirs and yours mod: affectionately in our common Lord, G. IF. L E T T E R , M. To Mr. G . Gloucejler^ Nov. 16, 1753. Reverend and very dear Sir, YOUR kind letter I received, and would have anfwered it during my ftay in London (which was only a few days) but really I was almoft killed with a multiplicity of bufinefs. The journals alfo I would have fent immediately, but knew not how. — My wife prom.ifed me to embrace the firft opportu- nity that offered, and I hope ere long they will come fafe to hand. As for my pointing out particular pafTages, it is im- pradicable ; i have neither leifure nor inclination fo to do. At prefent, my doings and writings appear to me in fo mean a light, that I think they def^rvc no other treatment than to be buried in eternal oblivion. " Behold, I am vile, I am vile,'* C 3 is 38 LETTERS. is all that T can fay to God or man. And yet, amazing love f vile as I am, the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, flill delights to honour me, by owning and fuccceding my poor feebl: labours. Great things were done in and about NcwcaJUe\ but far grezitcr did we fee aiicrwards in Torkjlnre^ Lf^nc{2i}jire^^ty:c. Since that, I have been another tour, and l:avf p.cr.Ciicd ai- Liver^'ool^ Chcjler^ Coventry^ Birmingham^ Dui'it^^ iyednejlur\\ Kiddermirijier^ Norihanipion^ Bedford, &c. CX.C. Ere now I fuppofe I^vlr. B P hath informed you, v/hat apoftolical treatment we met with at Naniwkh, Lord, what am I, that I fliould be accounted worthy to fufFer reproach for thy great name fake? At prefent I am in my native country, where the Lord of all Lords hath vouchfafcd to give us feveral precious meetings. After a few days fojourn- jng here, I am bound for Briflol and Flymcuih^ and in about three weeks, I purpoic to betake myfelf to my winter quarters. Blefied be God, 1 have had good news from Georgia. O that we all may at length fafcly arrive in Jbrahamh harbour ! From thence v/e fnall never put to fca aoain. My dear Sir, in the mean while, let us pray for each other. Christ is in our fliip, and therefore it will not fink. I commend you and yours, and all my other never to be forgotten Glajgcw friends, to his never-failing protcdion, 'z,k\^ beg them, for Christ's fake, to always remember to pray for, my very dear Sir, Yours m.oft alTedlionately in our common Lord, G, IF. LETTER ML To Mr, S—^. My very dear fiir, GlouceJIer^ Nov. 17, 1 753. IT is now juft a week fmce I left Lcndoti. I muft not, I cannot go any further without writing to him, who doth fo much to ftrengthen n y hands in the Lord. And v/hat ihall 1 fay ? Truly ihe glorious Emmanuel fti'l continues to fmile upon mv feeble labours. Although I am in my native coun- try, yet he hath not left hi mfcif without witnefs. Laft Lord's day was a high day, and fmce that, we have had fome more beautiful fcafons in the country. I write this from a nineteen years friend's houfe, an Alderman of the city, who with his wife, are my fpiritual children. Lord, what am L? To-mor- 0 row LETTERS. 39 row I am to move, and expedt, befides riding, to preach tin ice for fome days. ChRISt'j pre fence will my pains beguile y And make vic^ though fatigii dy to f mile. After vifiting Brijlol and Plymouth^ I purpofe haftening to my winter quarters. Winter quarters! — The word ivinter almoft fhocks me. Alas, winter come already, and f, ungrateful, ill and hell-deferving I, have done fo little for rcy God in the fummer ? How can I lift up my guiky head ? 1 blufh and am confounded before thee, O Lord. Behold, I am vile; O dicr and dung round me, that I m.ay bring forth more fruit to thee my God ! Still, my dear Sir, I mull: beg your prayers, and thofe of your dear yoke-fellow, v.'iiom I love and honour, and whom (v/ith your dear little daughter) I falute much in the Lord. A fenfe of my own unfruitfulnefs, and of God's amazing condefcenfion in employing fuch a wretch, at prefent {o over-powers me, that I am obliged to retire, to give vent to piy heart, after having fubfcribed myfclf, my very duar Sir, Yours under innumerable obli2;ations, *' • in the beil of bonds, G, ir, LETTER MIL To Adr, A . My very dear fricndy Brijlol^ Nov, 21^ 1753. I Hoped a k\v days ago to fend you glad tidings, and bleffpd be God, I am not difappointcd. Never had I before fuch freedom in Glouc^erJJnre, It was fo pleafant, that I intend taking it again in m,y way to London. Sunday was indeed an high day. I preached and gave ihe facrament at the new-houfe in the morning, and preached again at Mr. G~-J^'s and Mr. F 's in the field, at noon and in the evening. Showers of blefTings defcended from above. Mr. L- fuppcd Vvith mc; our Lord gave us richly to fea/l upon his great love. At Painfwick we had two pleafant feafons, and the fame, favour was vouchfafed us at Chajford and Tcdbury. At Glonce/ler alfo a time of refrefhing came from the prefence of the Lord, and the dear Aldcrmsm's houfe was made a Bethel to my foul. God brought me here on Monday evening, and to my great difap, C 4 pv-iiiimciit 40 LETTERS. pointment the nesy tabernacle is not finifhed, fo that I know not well what to do. However, we had a good time laft night at the hall, and I hope aU this is but the beginning of a warm winter. I am glad that the Lord Jesus deals fo bountifully with you at London. May he do fo more and more ! I believe he will. Your motion to go to Norwich I much approve of. Whatever others defign, that is nothing to us. Simplicity and godly Imcerity will carry all before it in the end. O that the ions of Z.eruiah could be perfuaded to let us alone I But how then fliould we be able to approve purfelves fons of David P By thorns and briars, the old man muft be fcratched to death. » — O this crucifixion v/ork ! Lord Jesus help us to go through it ! He v/ill, he will. I commend thee and thine to bis almighty protediion and never-failing mercy, as being, my yery dear man, Yours ipail affe£lionateIy in our common Lord, 6\ FA LETTER Min. Dear Mrs. C , Sirondi^ Nov. 27, 1753. YOUR letter came to my hands at IVrcxham, but being upon the road I could not anfv/er it. What faid God to Abraham^ " Fear not; I will be thy fliield and thy exceeding great reward." Now js your time to approve yourfelf his daughter.—My heart's dehre and prayer to the Lord of all Lords is, that you may be flrong in faith, and thereby give glory to God. — I am much obliged to thofe who diffuade you from going. — I find moft love to be friends till they begin to have their Jfaacs den^anded. — Let them have but a little pati- ence: perhaps I may embark myfelf,-— If they do not think it a privilege to go for Christ over the waters, I do.—- Thij^ even this is the language of my heart, Lord, ohedieniVj Vll go^ Gladly leaving all beloiv. Only Thou my leader be^ And Ijnil willfoUozv Thee. O for a pilgrim heart ! This I believe God hath given you, ctnd I do not fear repenting the confidence I h«ve repofed in you. — 7\^at the Lcrd may make you a mother in IJ'rad, and I ' blefs LETTERS. 41 biefs you in taking care of his dear lambs, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mrs. C , ^ ^ ^ our moft aflurcd friend and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. JV, P. S. We have had blefTcd feafons in the country : the Lord has been with us of a truth. Grace ! *^race ! LETTER MIV. To Mr. S . My very dear Friend^ BrtJloU Dec. I, 1753. THIS hath been a long fortnight, for fo long it is fince I wrote to my very dear friend ; but I waited to fend him a bundle of good news together. BlelTed be God, I am not difappointed of my hope. Since my laft, I have preached fe- verai times in Gioucejlerftiire^ where the people, as well as the unworthy preacher, drank plentifully of the good wine of the kingdom. In the fields feveral thoufands attended. Here we have alfo enjoyed much of God ; twice T preached in my brother's great houfe to the quality, amongft whom was one of Cafar^s houftiold. On Sunday I opened the new Taber- nacle. It is large, but not half large enough : would the place contain them, I believe near as many would attend as in f^ondon. Laft Monday I fet out for Somerfetjhire^ intending to -^ have gone as far as Plymouth^ but the weather was fo violent, and my call to LorJon likely to be fo fpeedy, that I turned back. However, I preached in Sotnerfetjhire four or five times. Some told me, they were fcarce able to ftand under what God gave them. On Tuefday^ at feven in the evening, I preached in the open air to a great multitude ; all v/as hufh'd and exceeding folemn j the ftars {hone exceeding bright, and then, if ever, by an eye of faith, I faw him who calleth them all by their names. My foul was filled with an holy ambition, and I longed to be one of thofe who (hall fhine as the ftars for ever and ever. My hands and body at this, and at other times were pierced with cold ; but what are outward things when the foul within is warmed with the love oi God ? O my \exy dear Sir, increafe my obligations by contiuuing to pray, that this 42 LETTERS. this unfpeakable gift may be (bed abroad abundantly in my heart by the Holy Ghoft. Then fhall I not grovel as I do now here below, but mount on wings like an eagle ; I flial'l walk and not be weary, I fhall hold on and not be faint. O that I may die in the field ! But die when or where 1 will, I {ball die under the flrongeft obligations to you and your dear yoke-fellow, who will both knov/, at the day of judgment, how fmcerely I fubfcribc myfelf, very dear Sir, Yours, kc, G. m LETTER MY. To Mr. S . Brijiol, Dec. 3, 1753. WHEN I h\v the feal of your laft fweet letter, I guefled at the contents of it. Blefled be God, I w^as not dif- appointed. The heart was foaring aloft, mounting on the wings of faith and love, and had fied out of fight of this poor and troublefomc world. Thus may that God, who is rich in mercy, pay and reward ail that love ill and hell-deferving me i The devil himfelf dares nor accufe us, for ferving and loving God or man, for thefe v/ages. They are wages of God's ap- pointing, God's promifmg, God's paying. May my dear friend alv/ays find fuch payment ! I believe he will. O Lord, enlarge our fcanty thoughts^ To fee the wonders thou hajl wrought ; Unloofe our Jlammering tongues to telly Thy love immenfe, unfpeakable, I rejoice in the promifmg profpc£l of the happinefs of your brother's houfiiold. May it widen and fpread over all ! If I have any time, I hope to fend him a few lines. Lord, haften the time when my poor kinfmen and brethren after the flefh Iball be joined to thee by one fpirit ! Till then, help me, O Lord, to be continually crying out, " Why me, Lord, why me ?" Well may difunguifliing grace, and the thoughts of everlafting love, Avallow up your whole foul. Strange ! that God's children fnould not know their own bread. But thefe corrupt hearts of ours flill verge towards the law. Grace, omnipotent LETTERS. 43 (Ojr,nipotcnt gnic£ a^one, can enable us to fee our complcatnefs in Christ, and yet excite us, from principles of gratitude and love, to raithfulnefs and zeal, as though we were to be favcd entirely by them. Glorious myflcry ! Like the blefled angels, may you and yours, my dear friend, be continually employed in looking into it ! This is what I have been preaching on lad week in So?nerfetJ])ire. T\\q fire there warmed and cnflamcd me, though I preached in the air on Tuefday evening at ieven o'clock, as v/e!l as on JVedncfday and Tburfday. I purpofed to go as far as Ply?nouth^ but providence feath brought rae back, and I am now haftening to London^ to pay my lail refpec^s to my dying friend. It may be, that fhortly Mr. J IF will be no miOre ; the phyficians think his ^ikz{Q is a galloping confumption. I pity the church, I pity myfclf, but not him. We m.ud Hay behind in this cold climate, whilfl he takes his flight to a radiant throne, prepared for him from the foundations of the world. Lord, if it be thy blefTed will, let not thy chariot wheels be long in coming. Even fo come Lord Jesus, come quicklv ! Poor Mr. C will now have double work. But we can do al] things through Christ ftrengthening us. The refidue of the Spirit is in the Redeemer's hands, and he hath promifed not to leave his people comfortlefs. Our eyes, O Lord, are unto thee from v/hom cometh all our falvation. Here I could enlarge, but I mufi fend a few lines to London^ vvhicli I hope to reach myfclf fome time tljis week. Ee pleafed to direcSlyour next there. My Leeds friends have my cordial acknowledge- ments for their kind enquiries concerning me. I hope x\\\% will find thern all, with your dear yoke-fellow, leaning on thf Mediator's bofom. There am I now reclining my weary liead. Adieu. The Lord Jesus be with your fpirit. Yours, he* G, ll\ LETTER 44 LETTERS. LETTER MVI. Jo Mr. C TV . Brijloh Dec, 3, 1753. BEING unexpedledly brought back from Somerfctjhire^ and hearing you are gone upon fuch a mournful errand, I cannot help fending after you a few fympathizing lines. The Lord help and fupport you ! May a double fpirit of the afcending Elijah^ defcend and reft on the furviving Elijha ! Now is the time to prove the ftrength of Jesus yours. A vvife^ a friend, and brother, ill together. Well ! this is oui- comfort, all things (hall work together for good to thofe that love God. If you think proper, be pleafed to deliver the in- clofed. It was written out of the fulnefs of my heart. To- morrow I leave Bri/iol^ and purpofe reaching London by Satur- day morning or night. Glad (hould I be to reach heaven firft ; but faith and patience hold out a little longer. Yet a little while, and we fhall be all together with our common Lord. I commend you to his everlafting love, and am, my dear friend, with much fympathy, Yours, &c. G. IK LETTER MVIL To the Reverend Mr, J IV . Reverend and very dear Sir, Bri/Iol^ Dec. 3, 1753. IF feeing you fo weak when leaving London^ diftrefled me, the news and profpetl: of your approaching diflblutioa hath quite weighed me down. I pity myfelf, and the church, but not you. A radiant throne awaits you, and ere long you will enter into your Mader's joy. Yonder he f^ands with a mafTy crown, ready to put it on your head amidft an admiring throng of faints and angels. But I, poor I, that have been waiting for my diflolution thefe nineteen years, muft be left behind to grovel here below ! Well, this is my comfort, it cannot be long ere the chariots will be fent even for worth- lefs me. If prayers can detain them, even you, reverend and very dear Sir, {hall not leave us yet : but if the decree is gone forth. LETTERS. 45 fprth, that you muft now fall afleep in Jesus, mav he kifs your foul away, and give you to die in the embraces of triumphant love. If in the land of the living, I hope to pay my laft re- fpeds to you next week. If not, reverend and dear Sir, farewel. — I pra, fequar^ etfi non pajjibus aqu'is. My heart is too big, tears trickle down too faft, and I fear you are too weak for mc to enlarge. May underneath you be Christ's cver- lafling arms ! I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am, very dear Sir, Your mofl afFe6lionatc, fympathizing, and afflided younger brother in the gofpel of our common Lord, LETTER MVIII. ro Mr. c — rr — . Aly dear Frieml, London^ Dec, 13, 1753. THE fearcher of hearts alone knows the fympathy I have felt for you and yours, and what fiifpence my mind hath been in concerning the event of your prefent cir- ciimftances. I pray and enquire, enquire and pray again, al- ways expelling to hear the word. Ere this can reach you, I cxpe(5l the lot will be caft either for life or death. I long to hear, that I may partake like a friend either of your joy and forrow. BlefTcd be God for that promife, whereby we are afiured, that " all things (hall work together for good to thofe that love him." This may make ms at leafl: rcfigned, when called to part with our Ifaacs. But who knows the pain of parting, when the wife and the friend are conjoined ? To have the defire of one's eyes cut off with a ftroke, what but grace, omnipotent grace, can enable us to bear it ? But who knows, perhaps the threatened ftroke may be recalled. Surely the Lord of all lords is preparing you for further ufefulnefs by thefe complex trials. We muft be purged, if we would bring forth more fruit. Ybur brother I hear is better ; to-day I intended to have feen him, but Mr. B fent me word he thought he would be out for the air. I hope Mr. H is better 5 but I can fcarce mention any body now but dear Mrs. Jl\ , Prav let me know how it goes with vou, My wife 46 LETTERS. truly pins h) fympathy and love. Night and day indeed yoU are remembered by, my dear friend. Yours, &c. G. IK LETTER MIX. To Mr. S My dear Friend^ Londofi^ Dec. 1 3, 1 753. TH K mail not coming in till to-day, I began to fear left fomeihing had happened to prevent your writing. But, ble^ed be God, my fears are difpelled, my friend is well, his temporals, his fpirituals profper : herein I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. But what news do you tell me? Hath an infi- nitely ccndefcending God vouchfafed to breathe on my poor worthlefs fcribble ? Hath life and power attended inanimate ink and paper I This then, my God, fliall be the language of my heart \ Forgive my faults.^ and work thy will By Juch a ivorthlefs injhument ; // will at once thy goodnefs flieWy And prove thy power omnipotent. Whatever fome may boafl of, I know not ; but this I can fay, that although, through rich, free, and fovereign grace, I have been enabled thefe nineteen years to fay unto God, " Thou art my father,'* yet I can ftill fay to corruption, '' Thou art my filler.'* Time and experience will convince others alfo of this important truth. God keep me, and all concerned witK me, from fuch manifeR-ations, as do not lead us more and more into the chambers of imagery, which are latent and undifco- vered in the fccret corners of our hearts I Such only come from God : ilIua:iination3 which engender pride, and lead us from a deep and pungent feeling of our oy/n nothingnefs, and the remainders of in-dwelling corruption, arc either of a dia- bolical cjctracliion, or at lead are perverted by the devil and proud nature, to feed that difcafe, which when operating in a genuine w^ay, they have a native tendency to remove. Well nvght Mfv /7< ;////xX lay-. '^ Lord, grant rne a divine mani- feftation-, LETTER S. 47 fcftation, but O teach me to manage it after thou hafl granted it." Paul needed a thorn to teach him how to manage fuch favours aright. I tremble for thofc who hug their deUifions and look upon the dunghill of corruption as quite removed when it is only covered ever as it were with a lictlc fnov\\ How white did the moll foul places look only a few days ao-o! But the thaw is come, the v/hitenefs is vanifncd, and filthy dunghills are dunghills ftlU. My dear friend knows how to make the application. BlefTed be God for leading you into the knowledge of the myftery of gofpel holinefs. — Holinefs, not built on Alcfes^ or the fandy bottom of our own faithful- nefs, but on Jesus, that rock of ages, whofe faithfulnefs makes us faithful, and a reliance on whofe compleat and all- fufficient righteoufnefs, doings, and fuiTerings, carries the be- liever on (without thinking of a reward) to do and fufFer, what a legal heart will flirink and boggle at. May this mind be in you and me, and all that love our dear Lord Jesus in fincerity ! When the Son of Man makes them thus free, then will they be free indeed. You may eafily fee, that part of your letter hath led me infendbly into this ftrain of writing. If it pleafes or profits, or both, it will anfwer the end dcTigned, and the dear, eyer-dear, ever-loving, and ever- lovely Redeemer (hall have all the glory. As our acquaint- ance was begun in him, and I trult hath hitherto been bleiied, io I would have it continue to run in the fame channel, and, whether abfent from or prefent with each other, fwcetly lead us to our ocean, God. I am only f«rry you have f^ch an unprofitable correfpondent. Tears are ready to gufh out at the thought, and I am ready to fink into the earth, v/hen I confider how little I can do for that Jesus, whom I love for himfcif, or for my friends, whom I love for his great name's fake. Friend of finners, circle me in thy own compleat and all-fufficient Self ! Good night, my dear Sir, good night. If you guefs at my prefent frame, you will know at whofe crofs this leaves me, and how much I am Yours, &c. G. U\ LETTER 48 LETTER S. LETTER MX. To Mr, V—. London^ Dec, 15, I753» A^y very dear Mr. V- — — , JUST now I received, and have read over your kind letter, dated Auguji 22d, and in reading it, could have wifhed for the vi'ings of a dove, that I might have fled and embraced you in thefe unv^orthy arms, and v^^ifhed you joy of being afTured of his love, who fo loved us as to give himfelf for U3. May this find you in the fame happy frame, and may you for ever hereafter be blefTed with the uninterrupted witnefs of God's Spirit, witneiTing with your fpirit, that you are indeed his child ! As you have undergone a long and tedious law work, I hope your joys are of the right kind, and will be more fub- ftantial and lading, than thofe who leap into a fancied liberty at once, and having no root in themfelves, in time of tempta- tion fall away. Your houfe, my dear friend, I believe, is not built upon the fand, but upon Jesus, even Jesus oi Nazareth^ the rock of ages; againft which the gates of hell fliall never be able to prevail. Whoever hath been the inftrument of bringing you into this happy frame, it is no matter to me; I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. If I know any thing of my heart, I am juft the fame difmterefted perfon as when I fav/ you, and believe me, you are my dear, very dear Gaius, my fon j my friend ftill. Mr. S can tell you, why you received no letters. They are ready, and were fent to his lodgings : — but to my great furprize I was told, a coach came for him and the other pafiengers. Ever fince I have been preaching and tra- velling as ufual, generally twice, and frequently thrice a day. I came only lad Saturday into Winter quarters, and fhall long for the Spring again, that I may enter upon a frefh campaign. 0 that my dear Lord may never difcaid me from this divine employ ! An itinerant pilgrim life is that which I choofe. — And why? It was the life of my bleficd Lord. I hope you will not fail of calling out dear Mr. Z y to it every year. — 1 am fure America^ dear America flands much in need of it. Let envious, lukewarm elder brethren Ciy what they plcafe p.gainll: it, this is the way that God hath honoured, yea and I believe LETTERS. 49 believe will honour even unto the end. But I find, love of honour, power, eafe, and fulnefs of bread, make even o;ood people to think, and fpeak, and a6t unlike themlelves. Thefe, thefe are the things which have led the Moravian brethren on this fide the water, from the crofs of Christ, and made them to differ as much from Vv'hat once they were, as light from darknefs. O how have my dear fpiritual children, (for whom I travailed in birth^ and whom I love as my own foul) been infenfibly led away, and robbed of their fpiritual and temporal fubftance, at leaft for a while, by fome felf-defigning and de- ceitful men. Againft thefe, and not the dear people, who have been eaten up as bread, with a bleeding heart, have I drawn my pen ; and I believe fhall rejoice that I have done fo to my dying day. God grant that the like fcene may never be opened on your fide the water ! But I forbear.— O for hea- ven ! O for that time when we ihall get out of this church militant ! I long to be Where fin andjlrlfe and f arrow ceofe^ And all is joy and calm and peace. Dear Mr. J TV is going thither apace : he is fup- pofed to be in a galloping confumption. Lord Jesus, give me patience to wait till my wifiied-for change alfo fhall come ! I long to awake after thy likenefs ; I long to be diflblved to be with thee ! Then, then (hall I meet you, my dear friend, and rejoice, together with all the blefTed train that fhall follow the Lamb ! O my dear Sir, bear with me, bear with me, I pray you, for indeed I am fick of love. Surely of all the re- deemed, I, even ill and hell-deferving I, fhall fing loudefl in heaven. Behold I am vile ! black, but yet comely : not in myfelf, but in the comelinefs which my dear Jesus hath put upon me, I can now no more. I muft retire to pray for you and yours. The Lord blefs you, and keep you, and give you a heart continually to remember before his throne, my dear Mr. V , Yoiy mcfl afFe£lionate friend, brother, and fervant in Christ, G. TV. Vol. IIL * D LETTER 22 so letters; LETTER MXI. To Lady 11 -— w. Ever -honour ed ?Aadam^ London , Dec* 15, 1753* THE mail not coming in regularly, your Ladyfhip's leN ter did not reach mc till Thurfday afternoon. Yefterday m(Mning I obeyed your Ladyfliip's commands, and carried the iiicloled to Mrs. G- , at "^i. James's palace. I was much faubfied with my vifit, and am much rejoiced to find, that ilie fcems reiblved to fliow out at once. The court, I believe, rings of her, and if Hie {lands, I trull (lie will make a glorious martyr for her blefled Lord. O that your Ladyihip could fee your way clear to come up ! Now feems to be the time for a frefh llir. Few have either courage or conduifl: to head a chriftian party amongfl: perfons of high life. That honour feems to be put upon your Ladyfhip :• — and a glorious honour indeed it is. Till Mrs. G can meet with company that \s really in earneft, I think the clofcr (he keeps to her God and her book, the better. The Lord ilrengthen, ftablifh, and fettle her in his ways and v^ill I I am yet kept in fufpence about Mrs. IF ;; ; and have been much concerned, left by intenfe fympathy, your Ladyfhip fhould contra£l an illnefs yourfelf. But your Ladyfliip hath Jong fmce learnt, that as your day is, fo fhall your ilrength be. I pray the Lord of all lords to lengthen out your important life, and make your Ladyfhip ten thoufand times more ufeful than ever, long after my worthlefs head is laid in the filent grave. If I fliould live to fee my dear brother truly converted unto Gob, O how Vi/ould it delight me I T^e diflant profpe£l is fo pleafing, that I cculd fcarce contain myfelf at the news of it. I hops to hear from him foon, having written to him lately. On Tucfday I am to dine with Mr. J W , who was yefler- day for a few minutes at the.Foundery : but I hear his lungs are touched. I cannot wifh him to furvive his ufcfulnefs. It is poor living to be nurfcd. But our Lord knows what is bed for his children. I Vvifh I might have the ufe of tFefi- Jircet chripel once or twice a week ; many want to hear at that end of the toy/n : the Mefiir.. W y's, are quite wel- come LETTER S. 51 ^ come to all the help I can give them. I have no defire but tg promote the convnon I'alvation among all* From felf and party fpir'it free^ Si?nply^ 0 Lord, Vd follow thee. Your Ladyfhip will ftill add to my innumerable obligations^ by praying that fuch a mind may be given to, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, LETTER MXII, To Mrs, G- . Ibear Madame Tabernacle- Houfe^ Dec, 17, 1753. I Was fo well fatisfied with the frame I found you in yefter- day, that I could not refrain fending you a few lines to- day. O that you may have grace given you, to fland the firft attacks that you muft necefTarily meet with from every cjuar- ter ! Blefied be God, that you are determined to fliev/ out at once, and to let all know, that you are determined not (o much as to attempt to compromife matters betv/ecn Christ and the world. One might as well attempt to reconcile lighc and darknefs, heaven and hell. Happy they who fet out on a difmtereflcd bottom; it is the foundation which our great High-prieft hath laid, and is a rock that v/ill never fail. Never fear, Madam, though florms and billows, aiTiidions and temptations abide you ; he that enabled the three children to pafs unhurt through the fiery furnace, and kept his beloved Daniel from being devoured in a den of lions, can and will preferve you unfpotted and undefiled, though funounded on ever,y fide. My poor worthlefs prayers ihali not be wanting for you night and day. Look up, dear Madam, determin^^to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, and he will make your very enemies to be at peace with you. But faith muft be tried, and grace, when given, muft be kept in exercile. Welcome, welcome dear Madam, into the glorious kingdom of the children of God. O that all of d^far'^ houfliold were in the fame fituation i How would they exuU D 2 »« 'St LETTERS: in the happy change ! A change from darknefs to light, frortl bondage and mifery to the mod confummate liberty and hap- pinefs. For thofe whom the Son oF man makes frecj they are free indeed. Now, now may you ftng^ i Be gone^ vain worlds my heart refign^ For I rnuft he no longer thine , , A nobler^ a diviner' gueji^ Now claims poJfeJJiQn of my breajl, I could enlarge, but am afraid of being too bold. The free- dom already taken, proceeds from unfeigned regard to our common Lord, to good Lady H , and to yourfejf, for his great name fake. Ijuft now informed her Ladyfliip of the honour done me yefterday, and of the providential call Die feems to bave to town. Her Ladyfhip is a mother in Jfrael indeed, a mirror of piety, detached from worldly hopes and worldly fears, and therefore no wonder that fhe fo fira- ply copies after her great Exemplar, and glories only in his blefled crofs. I'ill you can find fome like-minded, I believe you will find your God and your book the befl company. — That you may be never lefs alone, than when you are alone, and that you may be continually direited fo to fpeak and a6t, that you may win many fouls among the rich and great to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, is and fliall be the earneft conftant prayer of, dear Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervant for Christ^s fake, LETTER MXIII. To Mr. B ~. Dear Mr, B , London^ Dec, 17, 1753. I Am forry to find by your laft, which came to hand on Saturday^ that the tumults in your parts ftill continue at fuch an height. I heartily wifli, that the kind and generous Juftice who hath fo laudably exerted himfelf, may have cou- rage to proceed in a due execution of the laws, and I doubt not but the iflue will be, that you will have peace. In the mean while, may the Redeemer enable you and all concerned to polTefs their fouls in patience ! I think the ftorm is too vio- lent LETTERS. 53 lent to hold long. The death of dear Mr. J Jf/ ^ if that fhould be the iflue of his prefent ilhiefs, I think is of a far more threatening nature. At prefent, I hear he is foirie- what better, but if his diftemper be a galloping confumptiori (as they fay it is) there are but little hopes of his furvivinr long. But all things are poflible with God, O that my tardy pace may be quickened, and my fluggifh foul begin to be alive to God i He hath dealt bountifully with me fmce we parted. In various places the word ran and was glorified, and we had a iovely ihutting-upof the Summer'^ campaign in Gloucejlerflnre, •— I am now in my Winter quarters, moaning and bewailing myfelf, for not having done more when the days were longer. 0 for Spring, that I may fpring afrefli for my Lord ! You and all muft pray for me. I fend you and yours, Mx, C and his fon, and all enquiring friends (not forgetting i^ooxFeggy) my hearty love. My wife joins with, dear Mr. B , Your very affedtionate, fympathizing friend, and fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MXIV. To Mr. E P . Dear Sir, London, Dec. ly, 1753. I Doubt not but the receipt of this will fill you v/ith fur- prize ; yet I hope it will be a pleafing one. Laft night aftep preaching, your fon, who hath been lately confined, caaie to me and gave me a particular detail of his feemingly unhappy circumftances. — The narration afFedted me, and 1 afked him to flay fupper ; the company then with me I thought was what he wanted. — The confequence was, that he went home rejoicing in God ; temptations fubfided. I cannot help think- ing, but that if he converfed with proper perfons who knew his cafe, he might yet come forth as gold tried in the fire. His experience is fomewhat uncommon, and perhaps when fuf- fici-ently humbled, the glorious Redeemer may exalt him. Sa- tan hath certainly defired to have him to fift him as wheat ; but 1 verily believe Jesus hath prayed for him, and therefore his ffiith (hall not fail. As I know what unfpeakable concern, tender parents mufl necelTarily undergo for a child in fuch a D 3 ^^y> '54 LETTERS. way, I could not help fending a fev/ lines to you. If the glorious Emmanuel, whofe love conftrains me to write, fhould vouchfafe to blefs them to the confolation of you and yours, it v/ould much rejoice, dear Sir, Your fympathizing though unknown friend, and fervant for Christ's fake, G. ^ LETTER MXV. To C — TV . My dear Friend, London, Dec. 20, 1 753. IMoft fmcerely rejoice in, and have given private and pub- lic thanks for the recovery of your dear yoke-fellow. My pleafure is increafed by feeing your brother fo well, as I found him on Tuejday at Leiuifnam. — 'O that you may both fpring ^frefh, and your latter end increafe more and more ! Talk liot of having no more work in the vineyard ; I hope all our work is but juft beginning. I am fure it is high time for me to do fomething for Him, who hath done and fufFered fo much for me.-— Near forty years old, and fuch a dwarf! The Win- ter come already, and fo little done in the Summer ! I am afhamed, I blufh and am confounded. And yet God blefleth us here. Truly his out-goings are feen in the tabernacle. The top-flone is brought forth ; we will now cry Grace ! grace ! I muft av/ay. Our joint refpeds attend you all. I hope Mr. H- mends ; 1 hear that his brother is dead. Lord, make us alfo ready ! My mod dutiful refpe(3s await our eleft Lady. — God willing, fhe fliall hear foon from, my dear friend. Yours, &c. G. W. LETTER MXVL To the Marquifs L . My Lord, London, Dec. 2J, 1753. A Matter of fome importance. Is the occafion of my troub- ling your Lordfliip with another letter. The reverend Mr. G T of Philadephla, and the reverend Mr. D from Virginia (both eminent minifters of Jesus Christ) LETTERS. rr Christ) are jufi: arrived. They are commlfTioned to app!v for a general colleclion in Scoihmd^ and to procure private contributions for the building and maintaining a prefln'tcrian college in Neiv-Jerfey province. What I v/ould therefore beg of your Lordfhip is, that yourLordfiiip would do them the honour of permitting them to wait upon you, and that they may be alfo introduced to Lord L- . One Mr. D D who I believe was lately chofen a correfpondent member of that fociety, over which your Lordfhip prefidcs, and who is a fteady friend to the interefts of the Redeemer, if your Lord- fhip is pleafed to give leave, will come along with them. I fhall wait far your Lordfnip's anfwer, and then apprize them of it. In the mean time, I heartily wifh your Lordfhip not the compliments, but the blcflings of the feafon, even all thofe blefTmgs that have been purchafed for a loft world by the death and fufFerings of an incarnate God. — Adored, for ever adored be his free grace, he vouchfafes to ma- manifeft himfclf amongft us here. Convi£lion and converfion work feems to go on profperoufly, and God's people are abundantly refrefned. That your Lordfhip may continually drink of divine pleafures as out of a river, is and fhall be the earneit prayer of, my Lord, Your Lordfhip's moil dutiful, obliged and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IF. LETTER MXVIL ro Mr, G . London i Dc;. 27, 1753. Reverend and very dear Sh\, I am furprized to find by your lad: kind letter, that my poor journals are not come to hand. My wife informs me that they were fent to, or by one Mr. E , who was to fend off goods the very ne>;t day. Perhaps it will pleafe you to hear that MefTrs. T—r^i^nd Z)— ■— . fuppcd with me lafl night ; may the good Lord profper the work of their hands upon them ! I hope they will be introduced (con to the Marquifs of L , and by him to Lord L . I fliall help them all I can. At the great day all things will be laid open. O how do I long for it ! And yet, how afhamed fliall I be to D 4 ^PP^^ 56 LETTER S.- appear before my Lord, when I haye done fo little for him, 3nd made fuch poor returns for his dying love ! Would you think it ? I am this day thirty-nine years of age. Did not my bufmefs require my attendance, I could lock myfelf up, and lie proftrate all the day long in deep humiliation before him, who hath vouch fafed to call me by his grace, reveal his foa in me, and I truft made me the inftrument, (O amazing love !) of calling fome others to the experimental knowledge of the fame unfpeakable gift. My dear, very dear Sir, let none of my friends cry to fuch a fluggifti, lukewarm, unpro- fitable worm, *' Spare thyfelf." Rather fpur me on, I pray you, with an '' Awake thou fleeper, and begin to begin to do fomething for thy God." The Lord being my helper, I will. Do thou ftrengthen me, my Lord and my God, and I will go for thee, at thy command, to the uttermoft parts of the earth ! O break, break my heart, look to him, whom thou haft pierced. — Look and love, look and mourn, look and praife ; thy God is yet thy God ! Every day. Sir, we hear of frefb work ; fcores of notes are put up by perfons brought under conviction, and God's people are abundantly yefrefhed. Lad night the glory of the Lord filled the tabernSf cle ; I cannot tell you half. — -I am loft, I am loft in Wonder. I muft retire to give vent to my heart. For the prefent, my dear Sir, adieu ! The Lord blefs you and yours, and all my other dear friends. Ere long, I hope to fpend an eternal new year with you in the yerufaJem which is above. That in the mean time, all things belonging to the old man may die in us,^ and all things belonging to the new man may more and more live and grow in us, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours moft afi^edionately in our glorious Headjj LETTER MXVIIL To Lady H -n, London y y^in. 3, 1754. Ever-honoured, Mada?ny ERE now, I hope your Lady (hip is delivered from fuf- penfe, and that the danger concerning little maftcr is intirely overo The concern I was in for your Lady&ip when S I wrotq. LETTERS. 57 I wrote lall, made me forget to fpeak about Mrs. //— , And indeed I cannot tell where fhe lodges. I could wifh Ihe was bettered by afHidion. — But alas ! though, why do I fpeak of others, when another new year is come, and I am bettered fo little by all the Lord hath done for and in me ? O that he may dig and dung round this barren fig-tree, that It may at length begin to bring forth fome fruit unto God I But who can tell what this digging and dunging means ? What temptations, afHiclions and trials of every kind doth it include ? And all little enough to keep thefe hearts in any to- Jerable order. Out of darknefs he can and will bring light. That your Ladyfhip may experience this more and more every day, is and fhall be the earneft prayer of, ever-honoured Ma- dam, ^Your Ladyfhip's mofi: dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. t. E T T E R MXIX. To Mr. IF . London^ Jan, 5, 1 754. My dear Mr, W , YOUR letter much affeded as well as furprized me. — I may fay of it as Dr. G' fays of the Apoftle PWs epiftle to the Ephefians^ " It fmelt of the prifon." Surely God's thoughts are not as our thoughts, neither are his ways as our ways. How amazingly does he over-rule all things, for the fpi- ritual and eternal good of thofe who love him in fmcerlty ! Through his gracious and never-failing care^ out of the eater pometh forth meat, and out of the flrongeft trial cometh forth unfpeakable, fpiritual fweetnefs. If this be the effed: of afflic- tion, then may the believer boldly fay, All hail reproachy and welcome pain / Surely you may fing, 0 happy rod. Which brought me nearer to my GoD. Now will you prove the ftrength of Jesus to be yours, now, ^iJl you find that your very enemies fhall be a>t peace with you ; ravens 5$ L E T jT E R S. ravens (hall feed you, and the bread which you caft upon the waters many days ago, (hall now happily be found. I fympa- ihizb moft fincerely with your dear yoke- fellow, and piarent. Blefled be God, we have a rich Saviour to go to. — A Saviour, who though infinitely rich in himfelf, yet for our fakes be- t'ame poor. Rejoice then, my dear friend, for having an opportunity of being conformed to him. And whether your afHi^tion be brought on you by any imprudent condu£l, or by the immediate hand of God, caft not off I pray you your confidence in Christ. He is a compaflionate high-prieft. Perhaps this year, if v/e fhould live to the fall, we may have an opportunity of converfmg about him face to face. In the mean while, let us pray for each other, and wait for that bleiTed time, when we fhall be afHided and tofled no more. I meet with my fhare of trials ; but v/ith thankfulnefs would I fet up my Ebenezer ; for hitherto my God hath helped me. Glory be to his great name, his word runs and is glorified more and more. The wildernefs in various places bloflbms like a rofe. May the Lord revive his work in your parts ! Mr. D * and Mr. T have fupped with me twice. I hope they will meet with wifhed-for fuccefs. My wife joins in fending love and cordial refpei^s to your whole felf, your mother, fifter, and all that love the glorious Jesus in fincerity. That you all may increafe with ^U the increafe of God, is the earneO; prayer of, my dear Mr. TV , Yours moft afFedionately in our common Lord, LETTER MXX. To Governor B . Honoured Sir^ London, Jan. 1 1, 1754. I Had the favour of your lafl kind letter by the hands of MelTrs. T— and D , whofe work 1 pray the Lord of all Lords to blefs and profper. Was Lady H n in town, they {hould have been inv'roduced before now, but at prefcnt jfhe is at Bath drinking of the waters of life freely, and communicating them freely to others. One of Cafars houf- hoid hath been lately awakened through her Ladyihip's in- ibrumentality, and I hope others will meet, with the like blef- 4 ii"g« LETTERS. 59 fing, Amongft the common people the gofpel alfo run:;, atid is glorified in divers places. Our new tabernacle the Ke- deemer vouchfafes to fill with his prefence, and gives us daily to hear that delightful mufic, '5 The triumphs of his word." Winter quarters are made pleafant to me, but I long for my Spring campaign. — Perhaps it may be a Spring Voya ear Madam ^ London^ Feb. 15, 1754. WITH this I fend you the promifed pamphlet, which was written with a lingle eye to prevent fraud and fu- perftition, and to promote the Mediator's glory. Notwith- ftanding, I would advife you, dear Madam, not to let other people*s foibles drive you from the crofs of Christ : he is altogether lovely. — And if perfons were more taken up in con- templation of his lovelinefs, and their ov/n deformities, they would not have fo much time to talk of others, nor take fo much pains to gain profelytes to any particular party under heaven. Such a practice is beneath the dignity of a free-born child of God. — His fpirit breathes another kind of language, and teaches us to be all eye within. O that your heart may be filled with that wifdom which is from above, v/hich is firft pure, then peaceable, gentle^, eafy to be intreated, without partiality, without hypocrify, and full of faith, felf-deniaJ, zeal, difmtereftednefs, and good works! That Jesus, whom I believe you love, is able, dear Madam, to fill you v/ith this wifdom. He hath promifed, «' if we afk, it fiiall be given." Nay, he hath faid, *' that he giveth liberally and upbraideth not." May you be enabled to lay hold on him in the omni- potence of prayer, and find grace to help in every time of need ! Have you not found him faithful, in your intended vifit to your friend? May you be made wife as an angel of God, to win her and others over to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus ! Pray, dear Madam, have you heard from Bath? There is a copy you may fafely write after; but a perfect one is no where to be found but in our common Lord, the God-man Christ Je.sus. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I moft humbly LETTERS. gf liumbly recommend you, ahd, for his great name's fake, moft heartily fubfcribe myfelf, dear Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervantj G. fV, LETTER MXXVIL To Mr. S — - Lijlon Harbour^ March 17, 1754^ My very dear Sir^ SURELY our God is a prayer-hearing, promife-keeping God. He delights to difappoint our fears, and even ex- ceeds our hopes. On the feventh inftant we left Grav^fend^ ori the eighth we pafled through the downs, and yefterday we an- chored in this port. Through the channel we rliet not with the leaft obftrudtion, neither had we the leaft contrary wind ail the way. Cape Finlfterre^ the Burlings^ and the rock of Lijhon^ (high-lands we defired to make) we came diredlly up- on, and though the wind was very high, yet being for us, it was not fo troublefome, but (like fancSlified afflidions to th^ chriftian) drove us nearer to our defired haven. We are now- lying before a large place, where we fee hundreds going to Worfhip in their way. We havejuft been at ours, and I truft I have felt fomething of that reft, which remains, even on this fide eternity, for the people of God. You and yours arc not forgotten by me at his throne. No, I remember you night and day, and am longing for that happy time, when we fhall part no more. Though fent without a friend to return with hie, yet I am not left alone, I thank the Lord of all Lords, for honouring me fo far as to employ me on fuch expeditions fis thefci O my God, what am I, that I fhould be called to leave my native country^ and to facrifice not only my carnal but fpiritual afFedions for thee ! Thy prefence on earth, thy prefence in heaven, will make amends for all. Well! BiefleJ be God, this heaven is at hand. Yet a little while, and he that Cometh, will come, and will not tarry. O that he may find us bufy for him ! I am perfuaded this will be your cafe. Add, my dear Sir, to my manifold obligations, by praying that it may be mine alfo. — Fain would I be kept from flagging in the latter ftages of my road j fain would I return to my native Country (if I am to return) grown in grace, and in the know- Vol. IIL * E ledge 66 LETTERS. Jedge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Indeed h^ is a good maftcr. He hath given me the affections of all oa board, and as kind a Captain as we could defire. What I meet with when on fhore, you may know hereafter. I grudge your paying poftage for my poor fcribble, and yet I know not well how to prevent it. Be pleafed to put it down to the amount of our common Lord, and if you >have any leifure from working for the poor, and trading for him, let me have a line. I recommend you and them to the Redeemer's never- failing mercy, and am, I trull with fome degree of gratitude, very dear Sir^ Yours, &c. G. W. LETTER MXXVIIL ro Mr. B . Lifbon Harbour y March ic^^ i754' My dear Mr, 5~, HOW foon does the fcene (hift? At what a diftance, in a few days, may we be removed from each other ! On the fixteenth inftant, that God whom I defire to ferve in the aofpel of his dear Son, brought me and my orphan charge to this harbour. As yet I have not been on fhore, but expedl: to 00 to-morrow. At this diftance, I fee enough to blefs the Lord of all Lords for calling me out of darknefs into his mar- velous lio'ht, and for redeeming me from this prefcnt evil xvorld. O my dear friend, to an eye fixed on the ever-loving, cver-lovely Jesus, how little, unfpeakably little do all fublu- nary things appear. I hope this will find my dear Mr. B ' crying out from the bottom of his heart, " indeed they are not worth a thought." Well faid, my dear Sir; let us then be laudably ambitious, and get as rich as we can towards God ; fuch are durable riches. The bank of heaven is a fure bank. 1 have drav/n thoufands of bills upon it, and never had one fent back protefted. God helping me, 1 purpofe lodging my little earthly all there. I hope my prcfent poor but valuable cargo, will make fome additions to my heavenly inheritance. O free grace! That ever fuch an ill and hell-deferving wretch as I am, Ihould ever be called out to leave his carnal and fpi- 2 ritual LETTERS. ej iitual friends-, for that friend of finners the Lamb of God ! Thefe partings are indeed trying to nature ; but heaven, my dear Sir, will make amends for all. There I hope to meet you and yoursj whom I love in the bowels of Jjisus Christ; there you fhall be amply rewarded for all ads of kindnefs con- ferred either on me or mine. Increafe my obligations, by continuing to pray for us, and accept this as a fmall tribute of thanks, and a teftimony of love unfeigned, from, my d^ar friend. Yours moft affedionately in our glorious Head, Go JV. LETTER MXXIX. To Mr, R. K n. My dear Mr. K— w, Lrjhon^ March 21, 17^4, T Do not forget my promife, either in refped to writing or X praying. — Though at this diftance, I am ftill prefent in fpirit with you and yours, and with my other dear London friends; and I live in the expectation of feeing them all grown in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.— This leaves me an old inhabitant of Lijbon. ' — We have now been here almioft a week, and I fuppofe fhall flay a fortnight longer. — A very reputable merchant hath re- ceived me into his houfe, and every day fhews me the cede- fiaftical curiofities of the country. — O my dear friend, blefs the Lord of all Lords for caufing your lot to be caft into fuch a fair ground as England, and giving you fuch a goodly heri- tage.— It is impoffible to be fufficiently thankful for civil and religious liberty, for fimplicity of worfhip, and powerful preach- ing of the word of God. — O for fimplicity of manners, and a correfpondeht behaviour ! " What fhall I render unto the Lord for thefe amazing mercies," ought furely to be the lan- guage of our hearts. — O that I was thankful ! O that I was humble ! My obligations to be (a increafe daily. — Every where does the Lord of all Lords command fomebody or an- other to receive me. — All is well on board, and Lijbor} air agrees with my poor conftitution extremely. — Through divine afTiflance, I hope what I fee will alfo much improve my better part, and help to qualify me better for preaching the everlafl- ing gofpeJ. — Amazing, that fuch an honour ihould be con- £ 2 ferred 68 LETTERS. ferred on fuch an ill and hell-deferving worm! O pray for me, my dear friends', and add to my obligations by frequently vifit- ing my poor wife. — Kindnefies fhewn to her in my abfence, will be double kindnefies. — You muft remember me to dear ;^4r, C w, to your relations, and all enquiring friends.-^ Adieu ! The Lord Jesus be with your fpirics. I am, my dear Mr. and Mrs. K w, Yours moft afFcdionately in our common Lord, G, TV. LETTER MXXX. To Mr. C . My dear Priendy Lijbon^ March 26^ 1754' SHALL I promife and not perform? I dare not. This therefore comes to inform you, that I am now as it were an old inhabitant of Lijhoriy having been here above a week. In that time, what have I feen and heard ? Strange and incre- dible things, not more ftrange than inftruiStive. Never did civil and religious liberty appear to me in fo amiable a light as now. What a fpirit mull Martin Luther^ and the firfl Re- formers be endued with, that dared to appear as tjiey did for God I LoRDj haften that blefled time, when others, excited by the fame fpirit, fliall perform like wonders. O happy England! O happy Methodifts, who are Methodifts indeed ! And all I account fuch, who being dead to feds and parties, aim at nothing elfe but an holy method of living to, and dying in the blefled Jesus. This be their, this be my happy lot ! Blefled be his name for calling me to a pilgrim life I Thanks be to his great name, for confl:raining me to leave all that is near and dear to me, for the fake of his glorious gofpel. He takes care to provide for me. A gentleman hath moft gladly re- ceived me into his houfe, and behaves like a friend indeed. To-day I dine with the Conful : ere long, I hope to fit down and eat bread in the kingdom of God. I wait for this falva- tion, O Lord ! You mufl: pray for me, and defire others to join with you. I intend writing to our ele61: Lady before I leave Lijbon. In about ten days we expe<51: to fail. For the prefent, adieu ! This leaves us all well. My fatherlefs charge is in good health. O that they may be converted and made 4 new LETTERS. 69 new creatures in Christ ! O that I may begin to begin to be converted myfelf. — I am a dwarf. — Lefs than the leaft of all, ihalJ be my motto flill. As fuch, pray for, my dear friend. Yours moft affe6lionately in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER MXXXI. TeMr.A . Very dear Friend^ L'ljhon^ March 29, 1754^ INDEED you have loft the feeing and hearing of many ftrange, but to a truly enlightened foul, inftru6live things; I thank God for fending me here ; I know your heart hath been here alfo ; but all is well. — What is, is beft. I hope you go on comfortably at home, whilft I, unworthy, ill and hell-deferving I, am travelling for the fame Lord Jesus abroad. He doth not leave me comfortlefs, — he doth not leave me alone; H'ls prefence doth my pains beguile^ And makes me tho alone to fmile, O the happinefs of feeing and enjoying all in God, even a God in Christ ! Such happinefs they only can know, who being feparated from all that is near and dear unto them, can wrap themfelves in Him, in whofe prefence there is life, and at whofe right hand there are pleafures for evermore. This be my happy lot, during my prefent exile ftate ! O my dear tabernacle friends, my dear never to be forgotten hearers, into what a fair ground is your lot caft ! What a goodly heritage hath the Lord of all Lords vouchfafed you ! I remember my- promife, I think of your hours of meeting, and though abfent in body, am, not\yithftanding, prefent in fpirit, and live in hopes of hearing of your ftedfaftnefs and joy in God our Savi- our. Blefs him, O blefs him from your inmoft fouls, that you have been taught the way to him, without the help of fiditious faints. Thank him night and day, that to you, even to you are committed the lively oracles of God. Adore him conti- nually for giving you to hear them preached with power, and pity and pray for thofe, who are forbid the ufe of this facred depofitum, and are led blindfold day by day, by crafty and de- figning men. May you fee and improve yo^r privileges ! Much, E 3 very 70 LETTER S. very much indeed is given you. Of you, therefore, Goi? and man may juftly require the more : accept this in love. Continue to pray for me and my fatherlefs pilgrim charge. Blefled be God they are all well. I vi^rite this from a merchant's houfe, whom the Lord of all lords hath inclined to receive me y let him not be forgotten In a lliort time we expe6l to move. Still my requefl is, " If thy prefence go not with me. Lord Jesus, fend me not even from hence ! " I wifli you all, dear friends, much, very much of it. I intend to write to as pany as I can, and I beg them and you to accept this as a token of love unfeigned, from, my very dear T , Theirs and yours moft afte£lionate1y in our ccmmon Lord, LETTER MXXXIL To the Rev. Mr. Z . Lijbon., March 29, 1754. My dear and honoured Sir, THROUGH the goodnefs of a gracious and never-fail- ing God, we have been at this place near a fortnight. pur voyage was but about nine days long, and the fame God who took care of us on the great deep, hath alfo provided for me on fhore. A merchant of great credit bath received me into his houfe, and every day I have feen or heard fome- thing, that hath had a native tendency to make me thankful for the glorious reformation. O that our people were equally reformed in their lives, as they are in their do6lrines and manner of woifliip ! But alas ! alas ! — O for another Luther, O for that wilhed-for feafon, when every thing that is anti- chriftian fhall be totally deflroyed by the breath of the Re- deemer's mouth, and brightnefs of his appearing ! Then fliould I, even ill and hell-deferving I, be entirely conformed to the copy of my great Exem.plar, and not be fuch a dwarf as I am in the divine life. As my prefent fituation leads me to be all eye and ear, I endeavour to look more into my heart. B'.iL the more I fee it, the more I admire the fieenefs and richnefs of that grace, that hath called me out of darknefs into God's marvelous light, and made me a minifter of the everlafting gofr '" ' ' ^ ' ' ■ pel. LETTERS. 71 pel. May this voyage be over-ruled for my improvement In that delightful employ ! Hitherto, I think it hath done me good. The country agrees with my bodily health ; and, through grace, I truft what I have feen and heard hath benefited my foul. My fatherlefs charge are all wel), and J hope in a few days v/e iliall fet fail for Georgia. From thence, God willing, honoured Sir, you fliall hear from m.e again. In the mean- while, I recommend myfelf to the continuance of your daily jnterceflion, as being, very dear. and honoured Sir, Your moft dutiful, obliged, though unworthy fon and fervant in our glorious Head, G, TV. LETTER MXXXIII. To Mr. C . Fery dear Sir, Lijhsfi, March 30, 1754/ THIS leaves me pretty well fatisfied (not to fay furfeited) with the ecclefiaftical curiofities o^ Lijhon. This day fortnight we arrived ; and the country being in want of rain, and it being Lent feafon, we have been favoured with frequent proceffions, and feveral extraordinary pieces of fcenery. Alas ! to what lengths will fuperftition run ! And hov.^ expenfive is the pageantry of a falfe religion ! Blefied be God for being; born in England! BlefTed be God for being born again, and thereby being taught to worfhip the Father in fpirit and in truth ! This, mv dear Sir, I believe is your happy portion ; and therefore if it fliould be our lot never to meet here any more, I am perfuaded nothing can prevent our meeting in a blifsful country hereafter. O that we may be kept from flag- ging in the latter flages of our road ! I am confounded, when I think what a drone I have been, and daily wonder v/hy the Lord employs fuch a worthlefs wretch. — Surely it muft be, that in me he may fhew all long-fuffering. Help me, my dear friend, to praife him. Ltjhon air feems heaUhy for the body; and what I have feen and heard I truft will benefit my foul. Be pleafed to remember me to Mrs. C , your fon, and all enquiring friends. You will not forget to vifit my widow wife. Bleiled be God, her Maker is her hufband, and ere long we fcall all fit down together at the feaft, the marriage fupper of E 4 the 72 LETTERS. the Lamb. In a believing profpecl of this, I fubfcribe myfelf^ very dear Sir, Yours, &c. in our common Lord, G. IK LETTER MXXXIV. To Mr, F . Dear Sir, Lijbon, March 31, 1754^ I Owe you much love. — I wifh you and yours much happs- pincfs, and earneftly pray that you may walk together many years as heirs of the grace of life. Was I to be confinedi long in my prefent fituation, I fhould be in danger of envying niy proteftant friends, v^ho breathe in a free air, and are taught to worfhip the Father of fpirits in fpirit and in truth. This I fear is the lot but of few here ; all is pageantry and pomp. Particulars perhaps I may fend by another opportunity, Blefled l)e God that I have feen and heard for myfelf. It furpafleth all defcription. This week we expe£l to fail : I beg the con- tinuance of both your prayers ; it will be a very great a6l of charity ; for indeed I am a poor helplefs worm, but notwith-? Handing, if I know any thing of my heart, willing to fpend ^nd be fpent for Jesus. He doth not forfake me on the mighty waters. — My fatherlefs charge are all well, and in due time I hope we fhall fafely arrive at our defired port. — Ere long I hope to be, from whence I fhall never put ":> fea any more. O for a triumphant entrance into the blifsful har-» bour ! Jesus is able to do this for us. To his never-failing mercy do I earneftly commend you, your brother, and all en? quiring friends, as being, dear Sir, Your afFedtionate, obliged friend, ^nd ready fervant for Christ's fake, (?. W. LETTER MXXXV, To Mr, . . My dear Friend^ Lijhotty Jpnl r, i ^^4.^ BY this time, I fuppofe, you have heard of my arrival at Lifion, and are wondering what led me thither, efpecially fmce my laft informed you of my intenuon to go to Georgia by way LETTERS. 73 way o^ New -Tor k. This was really my defign at the time of my writing ; but being afterward called by Providence to take with me feveral orphan children, I thought it mcft advifeablc to go and fettle them, and my other domeftic affairs, at the Orphan-houfe firft, that I might vifit the northern parts of America with more eafe and freedom in my own mind. It happened that the Succefs^ Captain Thomfon, bound for Port" Royal^ South-Carolina^ (which is not very far from Georgia) was then almoft ready to fail. — I fent for the Owner, and finding that the fhip was to touch at LiJbo7i to unload fome wheat, it occafioned a little demur ; but, upon fecond thoughts, believing it might be ferviceable to me, as a preacher and proteftant, to fee fomething of the fuperftitions of the church of Rome^ I took my paflage, and embarked in the Suc^ cefs the 7th o^ March. On the 14th we reached Cape Finijler. On the 15th came in fight of the Burlings ; and on the i6thi anchored fafe before Bellem, about four miles diftance from Lifion, the metropolis of PortugaL As I knew nobody there, and had formed but an indifferent idea of the inhabitants, from the account that had been given me of them, I had purpofed within myfelf to keep on board, and go afhore only now and then in the day-time. But Providence fo ordered it, that a gentleman of the fa£lory, who had heard me himfelf, and whofe brother had been awakened under my miniftry feveral years ago, immediately, on hearing of my arrival, fent me an offer of his houfe during my flay. I thankfully accepted it ; and fpecial leave being procured for my going afhore, I was carried in a chaife and pair from Belletn to Lijbon, A new fcene, both in refpe£l to the fituation of the place, the fafhion of the buildings, and the drefs of the inhabitants, prefented itfelf all the way. But what engaged my attention moft, was the number of crucifixes, and little images of the Virgin Mary^ and of other real or reputed faints, which were placed almoft in every flreet, or fixed againfl the walls of the houfes almoft at every turning, with lamps hanging before them. To thefe, I obferved the people bow as they pafTed along ; and near fome of them flood feveral little companies, finging with great earneffnefs. This feemed to me very odd, and gave me an idea of what further ecclefiaftical curiofitles would probably fajl in my way, if I fhould be detained here any time. Thefe ex- 5;4 LETTER S; expe(SlatIons were quickly raifed ; for, not long after my arrs^' val at my new lodgings, (where I was received and enter- tained with great gentility, hofpitality and friendlinefs) upon looking out of the window, 1 faw a company of priells and friars bearing lighted wax-tapers, and attended by various forts of peor le, fome of which had bags and bafkets of victuals in their hands, and others carried provifions upon their (boul- ders on flicks between two. After thefe, followed a mixed multitude, fmging with ^a very audible voice, and addreiling the Virgin Mary in their ufual flrain, " Or a pro nobis" In this manner they proceeded to the prifon, where all w2is de- pofited for the ufe of the poor perfons confined therein. But a far more pompous proceffion of the like nature (as a ftander- by informed me) paffed by a few days before. In this there were near three hundred Frandfcan friars, many of which (befides porters hired for the purpofe) were loaded with a va- riety of food -y and thofe who bore no burden, carried either ladles or fpoons in their hands. Sights of this nature being quite a novelty to me, I was fond of attending as many of them as I could. Two things concurred to make them more frequent at this junfture, — the {t?i{on of Lent^ — and an ex- ceffive drought, which threatened the total deftru6lion of the fruits of the earth. For the averting {o great a judgment, and for the imploring the much longed-for bleffing of rain, daily proceflions had been made from one convent or another, for a confiderable time. — One of thefe I faw : it was looked upon as a pretty grand one, being made up of the Carmelite friars, the parifh priefls, and a great number of what they call the bro- thers of the order, v/ho walked two by two in divers habits, holding a long and very large lighted wax-taper in their right hands. Amidft thefe was carried, upon eight or ten mens Ihoulders, a tall image of the Virgin Mary^ in a kind of man's attire ; for I think ftie had a very ^.ne white wig on her head, (a drefs ilie often appears in) and was much adorned with jewels and glittering ftones. At fome diflance from the Lady, under a large canopy of flate, and fuppprted likewife by fix or eight perfons, came a prieft, holding in his hand fome noted relic. After him, followed feveral thoufands of people, joining with the friars in fmging, " Eandem cantilenam^ Or a pro riohis" all the way. Still rain was denied, and ftill proceffions were ' continued. LETTER S. ^,5 continued. At length the clouds began to gather, and the mercury in the barometer fell very much. Then was broug-ht out a wooden image, which they {^.j never failed. It was the figure of our blelTed Lord, cloathed with purple robes, and crowned with thorns. I think they call him the Lord of THE Passion. Upon his fhoulders he bore a large crofs, under the weight of which he was reprefented as ftooping, till his body bent almoft double. FJe was brought from the Le Grafs convent in very great pomp, and placed in a large cathedral church. Being on board at that time, I lofl: this fight ; but the fubfequent evening I beheld the Seigneur fixed on an eminence in a large cathedral church, near the altar, furrounded with wax tapers of a prodigious fize. — He was attended by many noblemen, and thoufands of rpe6lators of all ranks and ftations, who crouded from every quarter, and in their turns, were admitted by the guards to come within the rails, and perform their devotions. This they exprefTed by kneeling, and kifHng the Seigneur's heel, by puttino- their left and right eye to it, and then touching it with their beads, "which a gentleman in waiting received from them, and then returned again. This fcene was repeated for three days fuc- ceffively ; and during all this time, the church and fpace be- fore it was fo thronged with carriages and people, that there was fcarce any paffing. The mufic on this occafion was ex- tremely foft, and the church was illuminated in a very flriking manner. The third day in the forenoon it rained, and foon after the Seigneur was conducted home in as great fplendour, and with much greater rejoicing, than when he was brought forth. As my fituation was very commodious, I faw the whole ; and afterwards went and heard part of the fermon, which was delivered before him, in the church to which the Seigneur belonged. The preacher was full of a6lion ; and in fome part of his difcourfe, (as one who underftood Portu- guefe informed me) pointing to the image, he faid, " Now he is at reft. — He went out in juftice, but is returned in mercy." And towards the conclufion, he called upon the people to join with him in an extempore prayer. This they did with great fervency, which was exprefTed not only by repeating it aloud, but by beating their breafrs, and clapping their cheeks, and weeping heartily.' Toecmpleat the folemnity, immediately '" • after 76 LETTERS. after the delivery of the blelTing, all on a fudden, from the place near which the image flood, there was heard a moft foft and Toothing fymphony of mufic, which being ended, the af- fembly broke up, and I returned to my lodgings ; not a little affeded, to fee fo many thoufands led av/ay from the fimplicity of the gofpel, by fuch a mixture of human artifice and blind fuperftition, of which indeed I could have formed no idea, had I not been an eye witnefs. This concern was ftill in- creafed, by what I heard from fome of my fellow pafiengers, who informed me, that about eleven one night, after I came aboard, they not only heard a friar preaching moft fervently before the Seigneur, but alfo faw feveral companies of peni- tents brought in, laftiing and whipping themfelves feverely. How little unlike this, to thofe who cut themfelves with knives and lancets, and cried out from morning till night, *' O Baal, hear us." Methinks I hear you fay, " And had I been prefent, I fhould have wifhed for the fpirit of an Elijah to — '* Hufh, my friend, — I am content to guefs at the reft till we meet. In the mean while, let us comfort ourfelves with this thought, that there is a feafon approaching, when the Lord God q^ Elijah will himfelf come, and deftroy this and every other fpecies of antichrift, by the breath of his mouth, and the brightnefs of his appearing, even by the all-conquer- ing manifeftations of his eternal Spirit. Whether as men, chriftians, and proteftants, we have not more and more reafon to pray night and day, for the haftening on of that glorious and long wifhed-for period, you will be better able to judge, when I fend you (as I purpofe to do, if I have time) a further account of a Lent proceffion or two, of which I was alfo a ipe^lator. At prefent I can only beg a continual remem- brance at a throne of grace, as being, my dear friend. Yours moft refpedfully in our common Lord, LETTER MXXXVI. To the Same, My dear Friend, Lijhon^ April 3, 1754. THOUGH fome other bufinefs demands my attention, yet I muft not forget the promife made you of a further accounc of the proceiKons I faw at Lifbon, Some of thofe already LETTERS. 77 already mentioned, were extraordinary, by reafon of tbelr great drought ; but that which is to be the Tubje^t of my pre(ent letter, was an annual one : it being cuftomary at Li/hon to ex- hibit fome procellion or another every Friday in Lent. An intelligent Proteftant, who flood near me, was fo good as to be my interpreter of the dumb (hew as it pafled along. I fay dumb Jhew : for you muft know it was chiefly made up of waxen or wooden images, carried on mens (boulders throuo-h the ftreets, intending to reprefent the life and death of St. Fran- cis, the founder of one of their religious orders. They were brought out from the Francifcan convent, and were preceded by three perfons in fcarlet habits, with bafkets in their hands in which they received the alms of the fpe<5lators, for the bene- fit of the poor priToners. After thefe, came two little boys in party-coloured cloaths, with wings fixed on their fhoulders in imitation of little angels. — Then appeared the figure of St. Francis, very gay and beau-like, as he ufed to be before his converfion. In the next, he was introduced under con- viction, and confequently ftript of his finery. Soon after this, was exhibited an image of our blefTed Lord himfelf, in a purple gown, with long black hair, with St. Francis lying before him, to receive his immediate orders. Then came the Virgin Mother, {horrefco referens) with Christ her Ton at her left hand, and St. Francis making his obeifance to both, — — Here, if I remember aright, he made his firfl appearance in his friar's habit, with his hair cut fhort, but not as yet fliaved in the crown of his head. After a little fpace, followed a mitred Cardinal gaudily attired, and before him lay St. Francis almoft proftrate, in order to be confirmed in his office. Soon after thi^, he appears quite metamorphofed into a monk, his crown (horn, his habit black, and his loins girt with a knotted cord.— Here he prays to our Saviour hanging on a crofs, that the marks of the wounds in his hands, feet, and fide, might be impreflTed on the fame parts of his body. The prayer is granted 5 blood comes from the hands, feet, and fide , and the faint, with great devotion, receives the imprefiions. This was reprefented by red waxen firings, reaching from thofe parts of the image to the correfponding parts of St. Francises body. Upon this he begins to do wonders ; and therefore, in a Jittlc while, he is carried along, as holding up a houfe which was ju(i 78 LETTERS. juft falling. This miracle;' they fay, was performed (if my in- formation be true) at Madrid^ but the particulars of its hiftory I have forgotten. 'At length the father dies, and is brought forth lying in his grave. But lo ! the briars and nettles under which he lay, are turned into fine and fragrant flowers. After this he is borne along upon a bier covered with a filver pall, and four friars lamenting over him. ne then appears for the laft time, but with an increafe of pov/er ; for he was re- prefented as drawing tormented people out of purgatory with his knotted cord, which, as you may well imagine, the poor fouls catched at, and took hold of very eagerly. At length came a gorgeous friar under a fplendid canopy, bearing in his hand a piece of the holy crofs. After him followed two more little wing' d boys, and then a long train of fat and well-fa- voured Francifcans^ with their Cakeis FeneJiratiSy as Eraf?nus calls them ; and fo the proceiTion ended. Methinks I hear you fay, " It is full time j" — and fo fay I : for as the fight itfelf difgufted me, fo I am perfuaded the bare narration of it, though ever fo fhort, cannot be very pleafant to one who I know abhors every thing that favours of fuperflition and idol- atry. We will therefore take our leave of St. Francis^ whofe proceffion was in the day time : but I mufi; tell you it is' only to inform you of another of a much more awful and fhocking nature, which I faw afterwards at night. About ten o'clock, being deeply 'engaged in converfation with my kind hoft, in came an Englijlnnan^ and told me in all hafte, that he had feen a train of near two hundred penitents palTing along, and that in all probability I might be gratified with the fame fight, if I haftened to a place whither he would condud me. I very readily obeyed the fummons, and, as curiofity quickened my pace, we foon came up with fome of thofe poor creatures, who were then making a halt, and kneeling in the flreet, whilft a friar from a high crofs, with an image of our Lori> crucified in his hand, was preaching to them and the popu- lace with great vehemence. Sermon being ended, the peni- tents went forwards, and feveral companies followed after with their refpedive preaching friars at their head, bearing crucifixes. Thefe they pointed to and brand ifhed frequently, and the hearers as frequently beat their breads, and clapped their cheeks. At proper paufcs they flopped and prayed, and one LETTERS. 79 one of them, more zealous than the reft, before the King's pa- lace, founded the word penitcntia through a fpeaking trumpet. The penitents themfelves were clothed and covered all ovtr with white linen veftments, only holes were made for their eyes to peep out at. All were bare-footed, and all had long heavy chains faftened to their ancles, which, when dragged along the ftreet, made a difmal rattling : but though alike in drefs, yet in other refpects there was great variety amongft them. For fome carried great ftones on their backs, and others dead mens bones and fkulls in their hands. Some bore large and feemingly very heavy crofles upon their flioulders, whilft others had their arms extended quite wide, or carried a bow full of fwords with the points downwards. Moft of them whipped and la{hed themfelves, fome with cords, and others with flat bits of iron. It being a moonihine night, I could iee them quite well ; and indeed fome of them ftruck fo hard, that I perceived their backs (left bare on purpofe to be flafhed) were quite red, and fwoln very much by the violence and re- petition of the blows. Had my dear friend been there, he would have joined with me in faying, that the whole fcene was horrible ; — ^fo horrible, that, being informed it was to be continued till morning, I was glad to return from whence I came about midnighr. Had you been with me, I know you would have joined with me in praifing and gratefully- adoring the Lord of all lords, for the great wonder of the re- formation, and alfo for that glorious deliverance wrought out for us a few years paft, in defeating the unnatural rebellion. O what a mighty fpirit and power from on high muft Luther^ Calvin, Melan^lhon, ZuingUus, and thofe glorious reformers, be neceffarily endued with, who dared firft openly to oppofe and Hem fuch a torrent of fuperftition and fpiritual tyranny ! and what gratitude owe we to thofe, who, under God, were inftrumental in faving us from the return of fuch fpiritual flavery, and fuch blind obedience to a papal power I To have had a papift for our king ;— a papift, if not born, yet from his infancy nurfed up at Rome -^ — a papift, one of whofe fons is advanced to the ecclefiaftical dignity of a Cardinal, and both under the ftrongeft obligations to fupport the intereft of that church, whofe fuperftitions, as well as political ftate prihcl- f les, they have fucked in^ and imbib^ even frgm their infancy. But, go LETTERS. But, blelTed be God, the fnare is broken, and we are dell^ vered. O for proteftant practices to be added to proteftant principles ! O for an obediential acknowledgment to the ever-bleiTed God for our repeated deliverances ! But alas I- — - Pardon me, my dear friend, I flop to weep. Adieu. I cannot enlarge, but leaving you to guefs from what fource my tears flow> I muft haften to fubfcribe myfelf, my dear Sir, Yours moft cordially in our blefled Lord, (?. /F. LETTER MXXXVIL To Mr. ^~. Reverend and dear Sir^ Lijhon^ April 9, i y^^i THE time of our departure hence is juft at hand. I can^ not move without fending you a few lines 5 I remember your unmerited love, I remember our afFedtionate parting, and I truft feel the benefit of your diftant prayers. Though called to part with what is dearer to me than life, yet my heavenly Father hath not left me comfortlefs. True, it is a filent, hut I hope an inftrucStive period of life. One muft be all eye and ear at £//^5«;— and indeed, I would not but have feen and heard what hath pafied here, fmce our arrival, upon any ac- count. It furpafleth all defcription. Surely England, and Englijh privileges civil and religious, will be dearer to me than ever. The preachers here have alfo taught me fomethingj their action is graceful. Vividi ocuU^-^vvvida manus, — omnia vhida. Surely our Englijh preachers would do well, to be a little more fervent in their addrefs. They have truth on their fide, why fhould fupcrftition and falfhood run away with all that is pathetic and afFedling ? But my dear friend needs not this note. Blefled be God for making you fervent in fpirito Go on, my dear Sir, in the name and ftrength of Jesus* Sequar, etji non pajjibus aquis, — Nil defperandum Chrijio ducci Pray remember me to all that love him, and are fo kind as td enquire after a worthlefs worm for his great name's fake. It will be an a6t of the greateft charity to intercede in my behalf^ Alas ! alas ! I am a dwarf indeed. My dear Sir, pray that 1 may grow 3 I cannot bear to live at this dying rate. I want to L fi t f E ft g. 8, to he a flame of fire. That this may be your happy lot, is and Oiall be, through Christ ftrengthening rtie^ the earnefl: re- qucft of, thy very dear Sir, Your moft unworthy, though affeaionate friend, brother, and fellow-labourer in our common LoRt^^ G. I'A LETTER MXXXViil. To Mrs. G . Dear Madam^ Lifion, /prtl c), i)'^^. IHope this will find you more thin happy, in the enjoyment of Him, whofe death and paffion rhany at this feafon ard peculiarly called upon to remember, artd be thankful for* Vaft are the outward preparations made here. Altars uporl altars are ere6ling. Penitents upon penitents are walking and lafhlng themfelves ; but what I want to haVe erecSled aHd adorned, is an altar in my hearty and the blows and laflies I defire to feel, are the crucifixion and mortification of the old man and its deeds. Without this, ^all is mere parade. Gol> be praifed for opening your eyes, and teaching you the holy art of worfliipping him in fpirit and in truth. Is it not a glo- rious privilege ? Would you lofe it for ten thoufand worlds ? Blefled be God, it i« in fafe hands ! The life of a believer is a hidden life ; a life hid with Christ in God. May the Author and Finiflier thereof, caufe it to open and be difplayed more and more every hour and every moment in your heart ! • Thus prays, dear Madam, Your mofl obh'ged and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. m LETTER MXXXIX. To Mr, H . My viery dear Friend^ Lifiorij April lo, 1754^ STILL I am here, furrounded with every thing, in an cc- clefiaftical way, that can offend a mind which defires to worfliip the Lord Jesus in outw^ard as well as inward fim- plicity. To-morrow is what they call Holy Thur/day. May Vol. IIL * F I be 22 , ■ S2 LETTERS. I be as follcitous to have my heart ill uniiiiated by the fpirk of God, as the people here are to illuminate their churches and altars. The pageantry is indeed incredible. Though wer have been , My dear Mr, R , I once thought to write you a long letter, but it pleafed God to cut ofF my ftrength in my journey. Yefterday I was taken with a violent cholera morbus, and hoped ere nov/ to have been where the inhabitants ihall no more fay, '* I a:n lick." But I am brought back again. May it be in order to bring fome more precious fouls to the ever-bleiTed Jesus I This is all my defire. O that God (liould ever make ufe of fuch a worthlefs creature as I am ! But his grace is (rt€^ he yet bleiles me, and rather m.ore than ever. My poor labours, feem to be owned here, as well as at Neiu-Tork. I received the facrament at church on Sunday^ and have preached in the academy j but I find Mr. Tennent'% houfe abundantly more G 2 cpni" loo LETTERS. commodious. I fear it will be impoflible for me to come yoiff way. This is the believer's comfort, all God's people fhall meet in heaven. There i hope to fee you and yours. Accept hearty love, and fail not to pray for, my dear Mr. R , Yours moft afFcvSlionately, LETTER MLV. To Mr, V . Philadelphia^ Augnjl 15, 1754. My very clear Mr, V- ONCE more, after having my cables out ready (as I thought) to caft anchor within the port, I am conftrained to put out to fea again. My late ficknefs, though violent, hath not been unto death. O that it may be to the glory of God ! With fome difficulty I can preach once a-day. Con- gregations rather increafe than decreafe; and m.any, O ftrange! are defirous of my making a longer ftay. But the time is fixed for next Tucjday\ and all the following days till Sunday^ are to be employed between this and New-Brunfwick. There I am informed fome execution was done. Whilft I live. Lord Jesus, grant I may not live in vain. I could enlarge, but really am fo faint, that I have been obliged to flop, and can now with difficulty fubfcribe myfelf, my very dear friend. Yours moft affciStionately in our common Lord, G. IK LETTER MLVI. To Mr. E . Philadelphia^ Aiigujl 17, 1 754. My dear Mr. E , I Hope this will find you fairly thruH out into the highways and hedges, and under a divine commiffion to compel many poor flnners to come in. Fear not. Jesus will take care of body and foul. Fix on his work thyjiedfajl eye^ So Jhall thy work be done. Was LETTERS. loi Was you on this fide the water, you would find work cnoucrh. Here's a glorious range in the Jmerican woods. It is pleafant hunting for Tinners. Thoufands flock daily to hear the word preached. Let us pray for each other. When we meet, we may talk more together. In the mean v/hile, I recommend you to the unerring guidance and protection of the great Shep- herd and Bifhop of fouls, as being, for his great name's fake, my dear friend. Yours aliecSlionaiely in our common Lord, G. JV. LETTER MLVIL To Mrs. S . Dear Mrs, S , New-Tor k, Sept. 2, 1754. I Am much, yea very much indebted to you for your works of faith, and the labours which, I believe, have proceedec} from unfeigned love to the ev5r-loving and ever-lovely Jesus. Put all to his account. You (hall be rewarded at the refur- redion of the juft : then fhall the righteous flilne forth like the fun. O happy, happy time ! Lord Jesus, haften it ! May the blefled Spirit prepare us to meet liim ! Methinks I hear you fay, " I will not lofe a moment." The Lord ilrengthen you in this and every holy refolution ! You mufl pray that I may not flag in the latter ftages of my road. BlefTed be God, we had good feafons betv/een 'Philadelphia and New-York, In the New-Jerufalem more glorious feafons await us yet. At prefent I can no more. Be pleafed to re- member me in the kindeft manner to all, and believe me to be, fdear Mr. S , Your afTured friend, and ready fervant |pr Christ's fake, G.7V. LETTER MLVIII. My dear DoHor., New-York^ Sept. 2, 1 754. T^ /f AY this find you rejoicing in the holy comforts of that XVA infinitely great and gracious phyiician, to who;e all- powerful blood and righteoufnefs, you and I are fo much be- G 1 holden ! 102 LETTERS. hoklen ! Surely he hath been loving unto us. O that we may recover our firft love, and return and do our firft work ! Jesus is able and willing to do this for us. The return of backiliders, and forgiving thofe who cannot forgive themfelves, is his heart's delight. He fpares when we deferve puniihment, and in his wrath thinketh upon mercy. Fly then, my dear friend, to his loving arms and heart ; he v;aits to be gracious. Let us wait on him in the way of duty, and we (hall find that his arm is not fliortened, but that be is fliil able and v/illing to fave to the uttermoli: all that come to the Father through him. Lord Jesus, who can tell how far thy uttermofl ex? tendeth I None but thy own eternal Self: furely it mull exr tend to the vilcfl of finners, or it ncyer could have reached ill and hell-deferving me ! Help me, my dear Sir, to cry Grace ! grace ! We had pleafant feafons in our way hither, ^nd here people attend gladly. Some time this week I expe6l to fail for Rhode IJJand. Remember a poor but willing pilgrim, 2nd accept this as a token, that neither you nor yours are for- gotten byj my dear friend^ Yours, 5:c. LETTER MLIX. To Air. 5-~»-. My Viry dear Sir, Netvark-, Sept. 27, 1754. THE fearcher of hearts only knows what flruggles and tolfings your laft letter, as well as that of dear Mr. IF , hath occafioned in my breaft. Affe6lion, intenfe af- fection cries aloud, '* Av/ay to New-England^ to dear New England diie£i\y.'* Providence, and the circumftances of the Southern provinces, point diredly towards Virginia and the' Orphan-houfe. In the former, I am told, the door is opening in earneft ; and the bufmefs of the latter requires my prefence this Winter. Thefe being difpatched, my mind will be dif- burdened, and my heart free for a large range in New- England, For this, I hereby give you and my dear never to be forgotten friends, a promiiTory note of hand. Deo volente^ I vAW perform jv, before I leave Jmerica. I think I can take fliipping from Boftonioi England. It will not dp to §0 thence to the IVeJi-. JndieSi LETTERS. 103 Indies^ becaufe I cannot go without a companion, and that corr.panion (ifpoiTible) is to be Captain G~ . Thefe are my prefent thoughts. Have a little patience, and by delaying fpr a fliort time, I fliall enjoy more of my dear friends com- pany : this is what I want to be filled with. In the mean while, my enemies may be preparing their artillery. 1 have nothing but a fling and a {tone. I trufl that ray determination is agreeable to the mind of Jesus. Many of his true miniRers have been confulted, earnell: prayers have been made, and I humbly hope the event will be glorious. V/lyit a pity is it that we can have but one body and one foul to glorify the blefTed Redeemer with ! Lord, accept my two worthlefs mites, and help me at length to begin to begin to do fomething for thy great name's fake ! The worthy Prcfident, who v/as to be my companion to Boflon^ will let you know how afi'airs go. BleiTed be GoD, the fliout of a king hath been amongft us. I am extremely well pleafed with the fynod and commence- ment. O that I had wings ! then would I fly, if it was only juft to have a fight of you and yours, and my dear and worthy friends. — But — I muft fay no more. Pray, pray earneflly, m;y dear friend, for him, who is lefs than the leaft of all, indeed and indeed, but Yours moft afreclionately, &c. G. W, LETTER MLX. To Lady H «. EUzaheib'Tcivn (Neiu-Jerfey)^ Sept, 30, 1754. Ever-honcured Madam^ A Little before I had the favour of your Ladyfiiip's kind letter, I had vrritten from Nezu-Tork. Since which time, I truiL, through the efHcacy of divine grace, many new creatures have been formed for God. Every where a divine power accompanies the word, prejudices have been removed, and a more effectual door opened than ev^r for preaching the everlading gofpel. I am now at Governor B 's, who fends your Ladyfiiip the moft cordial refpecis. His outward man decays, but his inward man feems to be renewed day by day, I think he ripens for heaven apace. This laft week G 4 was 104 LETTERS; was the New-Jerfey commencement, at which the Prefident and Truftees were pleafed to prefent me with the degree of A. M. The fynod fucceeded. — But fuch a number of fimple hearted, united minifters, I never faw before. I preached to them feveral times, and the great Mafter of aflemblies was in the midft of us. To-morrow, God willing, I ftiall fet out with the worthy Prefident for New- England^ and expe£l to return back to the Orphan-houfe through Virginia^ where the gofpel I truft will have free courfe and be glorified. This will be about a two thoufand mile circuit; but the Redeemer's ft.ength will be more than fufficient. Once this Summer, I thought my difcharge was come ; but it feems the fliattered bark: muft put out to fea again. Father, thy will be done ? I hope this will find your Ladyfliip fafe at your beloved Clifton^ where you may enjoy yourfelf and God, without the interruptions of a noily town. This is indeed heaven upoix earth. That you and yours may enjoy it more and more every day, is and (hall be the earned prayer of, ever-honoure4 Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft obliged, dutiful, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. Pf\ LETTER MLXI. To Mr. Z . Blhabeth-Totvn (Nciv-Jerfcy)^ Sept, 30, 1 754. Very dear ajid honoured Sir^ JUST two months ago, I arrived at New-Tork from Souib- CarcUna^ and ever fince have been endeavouring to labour in my poor way for the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Many things have concurred, to prove that my coming at this time was of God. Sinners have been av^^akened, and faints quickened, and enemies made to be at peace with me. Grace I grace ! In general, I have been enabled to travel and preach twice a day. Evey where the door hath been opened wider than ever. At Philadelphia^ I had a moft comfortable evening with Mr. B and his coUegues ; and at the Neiv-Jerjey commencement I was much refrefhcd with the company of a whole fynod of miniiters, that, I believe, do indeed love the Redeemer LETTERS. 105 Redeemer in fincerity. I write this from Governor B - 's who is indeed fmgularly good, and whofe Jattcr end greatly increafes as to fpirituals. O that this may be my happy lot ! About a month ago, I thought my great change was coming, but I foon was fent back to fea again. To- morrow I fleer for New-Ryigland^ and from thence purpofe returning to the Orphan-houfe through Virginia^ where the door for preaching I hear is opening wide. Sometimes I have thoughts of gcing to the Weji-lndtes^ but fear it will not be practicable, before I fee England. Lord Jesus, direct and ilrengLhen, and then fend me where thou pleafeft ! 1 beo-, moft earneftly beg the continuance of your prayers, and am, very dear, honoured Sir, Your moft dutiful, &c. LETTER MLXII. ro Mr. H . My very dear Friend, B oft on, OSiohcr 13, 1754. IT hath given me concern, that I have not been able to write one letter to Georgia, fince my arrival at New-York* But it was impradicable. Sicknefs, travelling, and preach- ing prevented me. However, I muft fnatch a few nunutes now. They leave me at Bojhn, where as well as m other places, the word hath run and been glorified, and people ra- ther more eager to hear than ever. Lord, what am 1 ? O that I could fmk into nothing; before thee ! After ftavin"; a fhort time, I purpofe, God willing, to go through Conne6licut to New-York, and fo on by land to Georgia, Bleiled be God, that a Governor is at length nominated. I wifh you joy of your new honour, which I find, by this week's poll:, is conferred upon you. May the King ot kings enable you to difcharge your truft, as becomes a good patriot, fubje6t, and chriflian ! The Lord help us to look to the rock whence we have been hewn. I wiih I knew when the Governor intends being at Georgia, I would willingly be there to pay my refpedts to him. Bu: this muft be left to divine Providence. If we ar'^.iowledge God in all our ways, he hath promifed to dired our paths. P my dear old friend and firft fellow-traveller, my heart is engaged io6 • LETTERS. engaged for your temporal and eternal v/elfare. You have now, I think, a call to retire^ from bufinefs, and to give up your time to the public. May the Lord of all lords dirc6V, affiil, and blcfs you and yours more and morCi I hope Mrs. // is well : I have much to fay when we meet. God deals moit bountifully with me. Enemies are made to be at peace, and friends are every vv^here hearty. Remember me in the kindeft manner to all with you, and continue to pray for Yours moil aH'edionatsly in our common Lord, G. IV. ' LETTER MLXin. To Mr, V . My very dear Friend^ Bo/lon, OSioher 14, 1754. , SURE LY my coming here was of God. At Rhode-If.and I preached iive times. People convened immediately, and flocked to hear more eagerly than ever. The fame fcene opens at Bcjion, Thoufands waited for, and thoufands at- tended on the word preached. At the Old Norths at feven in the morning, v,e generally have three thoufand hearers, and many cannot cbme in. Ucnv!61:ions I hear do faflen, and many fouls are comforted. Doclor S hath engaged me' cnce to preach his leclure. The polite, I hear, are taken, and oppofition falls. V/hat art fliou, O mountain P before our gr^at Zeruhbabel thou (halt become a plain. I preach at the Old and the Neiu North. Mr. P and Dr. 6'— continue to pray for me. A Governor for Georgia being nominated, determines my way thiiher. O that I njay always follow God, even a God in Christ ! This week I fet out for Mr. S — ■ — 's. The door opens v/ider and wider. Pray tell Mr. // -, that I left his horfe a little lame at Lcng-Jfiand^ with one who is called in contempt Saint Dick, All hail fuch reproach ! I could enlarge, but muft away. Adieu. My hearty love awaits your whole felf, and all who arc fo kind as to enquire after the chief of finners, but for Christ's fake, my very hear, gnd Jesus mai^ifells forth his glory. I know you v»'ill rejoice, and io8 LETTERS. and join in crying Grace ! grace ! I am now come to the end of my 7wrtkzvard line, and in a day or two purpofe to turn back, in order to preach all the way to Georgia, It is about a fixteen hundred miles journey. Jesus is able to carry me through. Into his almighty and all-gracious hands I commend my fpirit. I hope to write to you in the way. Gladly would I embark now for England.^ but I fhall leave my Jmerican bufmefs but half done, if I come over now. Lord, help me ! How little can I do for thee ! And the little I can do, alas ! with what a mJxture of corruption and infirmities is it attended. Behold I am vile, Increafe my obligations^ xny very dear Jjir, by continuing to pray for Yours moft affedionately in our common Lord, (?. W. LETTER MLXVL ro Mr. S ^. Port/mouthy OSioher 25, 17540 My very dear Friend^ YOUR letter, as well as another from Rhode- JJland^ helped to lay me low before him, who delights to work by the meaneil: inilrument. Still the Lord of all lords ftoops to accompany my feeble labours with his divine prefence. At ^aleui we were favoured with a fweet and divine influence. Sunday was a hij^h day at Ipfwich ; twice I preached for Mr. iv 5 and once for Mr. W- . Hundreds were Vv^ithout the doors. On Monday at Newhury the like fcene opened twice. Here Mr. S met me, and on Tuefday morning we had a blefled feafon. Too many came to meet and bring me into Fortfmouib^ where I preached on Tuffday evening, alfo twice ti>e next day, and juft now I have taken my leave. The blefied Spirit vouchfafed to be with us each time. Ycfterday I preached at Tork and Kittery : at both places^ the Redeemer m.mifefted forth his glory. In the even- ting I waited on general P , who, with his Lady, were very glad to fee me. I am now going to Greenland and Durham^ and to-morrow (hall preach at Exeier. The fabbath is to be kept at Neivbury. Monday I am to preach thrice, — at Rowley^ Byfidd^ and Ipjivich y Tuefday^ at Cape Ann^ and Wed- nefday Y LETTERS. 109 nefday night or Thurfday morning at Bofton^ if the prifoner is ta die, though I want another week in thcfe parts. Excufe great hafte ; I muft away. Pray write a line by next fliip to Lon- don. Salute all friends, and continue to pray for, very dear Sir, Yours in our glorious Head, G. TV, LETTER MLXVIL To Mr, S . Rhode- IJIand, Nov. 22, 1754. Jlly very dear Friend^ ESTERDAY as I was riding along, I felt a love for you, which only friends experience, and was determined to write to you immediately. In the evening my faithful Gaius Mr. S brought your kind letter, which I now take the firft opportunity of anfwering. But what (hall I fay? What you have heard is more than true. A more efFe61:ual door I never faw opened, than lately at Bojioriy and indeed in every place where I have been in New- England -y not a hun- dredth part can well be told you. With great difHculty I am got to this place, where people, as I am informed, are athirft to hear the word of God. I (hall therefore fl:ay, God willing, till Monday^ and then fet forward to Connecticut in my way to New-York^ which I hope to reach in about a fort- night. O that you may fee me grov/n in grace, and humbled under a fenfe of thofe amazing mercies which I have received during this expedition ! It feems to me to be the moft im- portant one I was ever employed in. Much, yea very much have I to tell you when we meet. I wifli for the feafon, and entreat you in the mean while not to forget me at his throne, who alone can uphold me with his right hand. O what a friend is Jesus 1 A friend that flicks clofer than a brother. He is in- deed the pilgrim's flay and flaff ; fewchoofe to try him in fuch a ftation. This be my happy lot ! I write this at Mr. C *s who hath lately buried his wife. What a changing world I Thanks be to God for an unch'angcable Christ ! To his moft tender and never-failing mercy, do I moft earneftly commend both you and yours, and hoping ^re long to fee you, and rejoice together no LETTERS. together in our commoii Lord, I fubfcribe myfcir, vciy dear Mr. S , fc Yours^ &c, LETTER MLXVIII, 21? the Reverend Mr. G . Rhode- IJIand, Nov. 25, I754i Reverend and very dear Sir, IS it true that your father-in-law and your dear joke-kU low are dead ? I iympathize with you from my inmoft foul, at the fame time as I rejoice on their account, who are hap- pily arrived, Where pain and Jin and for row ceafcy And all is calm and joy and peace. Surely your turn and mine will come ere long. In the mean while, may I be doing fometbing for my God ! This (liews vou where I am at prerent,^oing towards Georgia from Bojion, where my reception hath been far fuperior to that fourteen years ago. In that and other places in Nav-England, I have been enabled to preach near a hundred times fmce the begin- ning of Ocloher^ and thanks be to God, we fcarce had fo much as one dry meeting. Not a hundredth part can be told you.' In Philadelphia., New-Jerfies^ and at New-York al fo, the great Redeemer caufed his word to run ?.nd be glorified. I am novv returning through thofe and the other Scuthv/ard provinces again, in my way to Georgia.^ where I expect to fee our new Governor. BlefTed be God, Betbefda is in growing circum- fiances, and, I truft, will more and more anfwer the end of its inftitution. 1 was exceedingly delighted at New-Jerfey commencement. Surely that college is of God. The wor- thy prefident (?vlr. Burr) intends to correfpond with you. O that 1 could do it oftener : but it is impracticable. Travel- ling, and preaching always twice, and frequently thrice, en- groHeih almoft all my time. However, neither you nor any of my dear Glafgow friends, are forgotten by me. No, no : they are engraven upon the very tables of my heart. O-that the Lord of- all lords, whofe mercy endureth for ever, may give ' LETTERS. Ill give you hearts to remember poor finful, ill, and hell-defervlno- me ! Fain would I continue a pilgrim for life. Chrijl^s prefence doth my pains beguile. And make each vuildernejs to fmile, I have a fourteen hundred miles ride before me ; but nil defpc- randum^ Chrijlo duce, aufpice Chrijlo, When I have feen Gover- nor D , I hope to write to dear Mr. M- . How is my dear Gaius^ S , &c. ? But I mufi: not begin to mention names. AiFc6lion rifes, and I Ihall be too eager to fee them. Lord Jesus, hailen that blelTed time, when we ihall together fee and enjoy thee for ever in glory ! To this comforting and never-failing Jesus, do I moft heartily commit you, as being;, reverend and very dear Sir, Yours moft afFcdlionately in our glorious Head, G. IF. LETTER MLXIX. To Mrs, C . Bohemia (Alary land )^ Dec. 27, 1754. Dear Madam, IHave juft now taken leave of the northern provinces, where I have been travelling and preaching for near thefe five months. I fuppofe in all, I may have rode ne:.r two thou- fand miles, and preached about two hundred and thirty times; but to how many thoufand fouls cannot well be told. O what days of the Son of man have I feen ! God be merciful to me an ungrateful linner I I am now forty yearsi of age, and would bufinefs permit, would gladly fpsnd the day in retire- ment and deep humiliation before that Jesus for whom I have done fo little, notwithftanding he hath done and fufrered fo much for me. Well I to-morrow, O blefTed Jesus, through thy divine afllRance, will I begin, and travel for thee again I Lord, is the. call to Virginia P Who knows but an infinitely condefcending God may improve me there ! About February I hope to reach Georgia^ and at Spring to embark for England, There, dear Madam, I expccl to fee you once more in this Jand of the dying. If not, ere long I (hall meet you in the I Jand 112 LETTERS. land of the living indeed, and thank you before men and an- gels, for all favours conferred on, Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. W, LETTER MLXX. To Mr. 0 . Very dear Slr^ Bohemia^ Dec, 27, 1 754. HOW condefcending is true Friend(hip ! And how doe^ love, founded upon the love of God, like its bleficd Author, delight to (loop to its beloved objed ! Your kind letter, which I received laft week from worthy Governor 5 , is a proof of this. An affe6lion, a reciprocal aiTe^ion fomething like your own, would have conftrained me to an- fwer it fooner, but travelling and preaching (my old excufe) have prevented me. At length I am got into lAaryland., and into a family, out of which, I truft, five have been born of God. Gladly would I fpend this whole day in deep huinilia- tion and prayer : for I am now forty years of age. Fy upon me, fy upon me. Alas ! how little have I done for Jesus \ O that my head was water ! O that my eyes were fountains of tears ! What mercies, what infinite mercies have I re- ceived ! What poor returns have I made ! Behold, I am vile \ Am not I treating you like a friend, even like a Bojion friend, my dear Sir ? Yes, I am ; and fince you commanded m.e, I v/ill. Your letter befpeaks you to be worthy of that facred name, and to be acquainted with that which few, very few know any thing about ; I mean the delicacies of true difinterefied friend- ihip. This is a fecret that none but beloved difciples are let into. May you always remain in the number of thcfe, and when you are leaning on that bofom, where all thatf is lovely centers, may you have a heart to remember one who is called to travel, whilft you are acling in another fphere for God ! Blefied be his name, heaven is at the end of the journey. Happy Mrs. L / (he hath had a fpeedy tranflation. May my lat- ter end be like hers ! How ought fuch events to teach us to converfe when together, that if we (hould be called before the 7 next L fi t T te R S; 113 ftext intended meeting, we might have no trifling converfation to refledt upon. To-morrow, God willing, I move again. Ere long my laft remove will come ; a remove into endlefs blifs, where with you and all the redeemed of" the Lord, I iruft you will fee, very dear Sir, Your moft obliged, afFe£lIonate friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake^ G. /#*. LETTER MLXXL ro Mr. R . Virginia^ Jan. iy, 1755, IAm jUft now on the borders q{ North-CaroUna^ and after preaching to-morrow in a neighbouring church, I pur- pofe to take my leave of Virginia. Had I not been detained {o long at the northward, what a wide and effedual door might have been opened. — Here^ as well as elfewhere, rich and pooir flock to hear the everlafting gofpel. Many have come forty or fifty miles, and a fpirit of conviction and confolation fecmed to go through all the aHemblles. One Colonel R — — ^ a perfon of diftindion, opened one church for me, invited me to his houfe^ and introduced me himfelf to the reading deik* As I was riding in his chariot^ he informed me of his inten- tion to fee Bojlon next Summer* If my friends woUld be fo good as to mention my name, and fbcv/ him fame refpedl when he comes amongft you^ it would add to my t)bligationSi Blefled be God, I fee a vaft alteration for the better. O fot more time, and if poiTible for more fouls and bodies ! Lord Jesus j twenty times ten thoufand are too few for thee^ and yet (O amazing love) thou art willing to accept of only two mites ! Thefe, I tjuft, you, my very dear Sir, have put into his facred treafiiry. O that the trifling thing Called honour!^ may never, fo much as for a fingle moment, draw you from your God ! I hope Colonel P — ^ — ftands to his colours. Theh I live, if my dear fJ-iends ftand fail in the Lord. My moft cordial refpedts and tender love await them all. I doubt not of your improving Mrs. L- 's fudden diffolucion : another call to be always ready. That this may be the happy Vol. in. * H iot 114 LETTERS. lot of you and yours, is and (liall be the carneft prayer ©f, very dear Sir, Yours mofl: alFedlionately in our glorious Head, LETTER MLXXII. To Mr. P Virginia, Jan. 17, 1755. Reverend and very dear 5/V, THOUGH at this diftance of time and place, yet I do not forget our folemn and mournful parting. Blefied be God, there is a time coming, when tbefe cutting trials will be over. I long, I long for it, and yet v*'hen frefh doors of i?fefulnefs are opening, I am content to ftay below. This I truft is the cafe at prefent in Virginia. The profpedl is pro- mifmg indeed. Pepple have flocked from all parts to hear the word, and arrows of convi6lion have fled, and I believe ftack faft. Seed fown feveral years ago, hath fprung up and brought forth fruit. Doth not the Lord of the harveft by this fay, " Go forward." Do, my dear Sir, help me by your prayers ; I want to have my tardy pace quickened, I am jiow forty years old. Surely it is high time to awake out of jQeep. I doubt not but this will find you and yours all alive for Jesus. Being ftraltened for time, I muft beg you to re- member me in the mod tender manner to all dear, very dear friends as they come in your way, and accept the fame for your whole (elf, from, reverend and very dear Sir, Your mofl aiie£l:ionate, obliged friend, brother, and fervant in our common Lord, G. U\ LETTER MLXXIIL To Mr. F-^ — . Virginia, Jan. 17, 1755' My dear Mr. F , I Hope that this will find you fafely arrived at Philadelphia, from your northward expedition, and ready to come fur- ther foiilhwards. This lenves me in my laft Virginia flage, near the borders 0^ North- Carolina. People as I came along 5 have L' E T r £ R s; 115 Jiave been very willing to attend on my feeble labours, and I hope that fome real good hath been done* If this be efFedled, it matters little how the labourer himfelf may be fometimes fatigued. His prefence doth my pains beguiky And mahs the wildernefs tofmile. Lovely delufion this ! Living, dying, and after death I hope to be pofTelTed of it. I have k^n your Epitaph, Believe on Jesus, and get a feellrg pofleiTiGn of God in your hearty and you cannot pofilbly be difappointed of your expected fc- cond edition, finely corredled, and infinitely amended. Ver- bum fapienti fat eft, I could fay more, but time is ftiort. Glad fhall I be to v^^ait on you and Mr. H at the Or- phan-houfe. I fend you both my cordial refpecSts, and pray- ing that you may have what good Colonel G r once %vifhed me, " A thriving foul in a healthy body," I fubfcribs myfelf, my dear Sir, Your afFedionate^ obliged friend and ready fervant, LETTER MLXXIV. To Mr. -. Virginia y in Hanover County ^ ^an. 23, 1755- My very dear ^onathan^ THAT ever-loving and ever-lovely Redeemer that owned my feeble labours in the northv;ard, ftill continues ta blefs and fucceed me in my journey fouthward. I have not been here a week, and have had the comfort of feeing many imprefTed under the word every day. Two churches have been opened, and a third {^Richmond) I aril to preach in to- morrow. Prejudices 1 find do fubfide, and fome of the rich and great begin to think favourably of the work of God. Se- veral of the lower clafs have been with me acknowledging what the Lord of all Lords did for them, when I v/as here before. O that I may be humbly thankful, and improve every fmile to quicken my tardy pace, and make me all alive for Jesus! About this day month, I hope to reach Georgia-^ from thence, I intend writing to you again. But be where I will, dear B^Jlm is much upon my heart. This may ferve H 2 n ii6 LETTER S. as a proof that you and yours are not forgotten. Indeed ahd indeed I often think ofj and pray for you from my inmoft foul. Bleflcd be God^ that we csn meet at the throne of grace ! Jesus fits thereon, even Jesus our advocate, our God, and our All. You muft add to my obligations, by continuing to pray, that I may begin to love and ferve him in earneft, and thus you will appear a yonathan indeed, to, Yours moft afFetlionately in our common Lord, LETTER MLXXV. ro Mrs. C . Cbarles-Tewn^ March 3, 1755^ Dear Mrs. C -^V H ROUGH divine goodnefs we Arrived here laft TFed-* T nefday afternoon, on Thurfday Mr. E was fokmnly Crdained, and on Friday Andrew H n and his wife, arid R , came in a fchooner from Fort-Royal. I believe they V^ili fettle here.— The trials 1 have met with on various ac- counts, have brought my old vomitings upon me, and my foul hath been pierced wHti iftany forrows. — But I believe, (Lord help my unbelief!) that all is intended for my good. — • Amidft every thing, I am comforted at the prefent fituation of Beihefda. — I hope you will love and walk in love, and the children alfo grow in years and grace. — I purpofe fending all the things by Mr. R n, who comes fliortly by water* Then I purpofe writing to dear Mr. Dixon and others, and hope by that time to be determined what courfe I fhall fleer. O that it may be heaven-wards, go where I will ! This I know will be your prayer, and the prayer of the refi: of my dear family in my behalf — I pray for you all night and day. •^I Vv'ould have you write to Mr. H 1 by the bearer, who is an experimental Baptift preacher from the northward. — » O that he may fay fomething, that may do my dear family (ome good. — Mr. Z y will be with you in about three weeks. The Lord be v/ith you all. Hoping to write again ere long, and wifiiing you all much of his prefcnce, that is bet- ter ilian lif', I fubfcribe myfelf, dear Mrs. C , Your mod afifured friend, brother, and fervant m Christ Jesus, 4 G. JV. L E 'I^ T L R LETTERS. M7 LETTER MLXXVI. 5^ the Same. Charks-Town^ March 17, 1755. Dear Mrs, C , HAD I wMigs like a dove, how often would I have fled to Bethefda fince my departure from it. I could almoft fay, that the few laft hours I was there, were fuperior in fa- tisfaclion to any hours I ever enjoyed. But I muft go about my heavenly Fajtber's bufmefs.-r-For this, I am a poor but willing pilgrim, and give up all that is near and dear to me on this fide eternity. — This week I expert to embark in the Friendjhipi Captain Balh, but am glad of the letters from Be^ ihefda before I go. — They made me weep, and caufed me to throw myfelf proflrate before a prayer-hearing and promifer keeping God. — He will give ftrength, he will give power. Fear not ; you are now I believe where the Lord would have you be, and all will be well. -—I repofe the utmofi: con- fidence in you, under GoD, and verily believe that I fhall not be difappointed of my hope.— I (hould have been glad if the apples had been fent in the boat 5 they would have beeij ufe- ful in the voyage. — But Jesus can ftay me with better apples. . — May you and all my dear family have plenty of jhefe I I imagine it will not be long before I returi) from England, l^ow Bethefda would be pleafant. God make it more 'and more fo to you and to all. I can only recommend you in the moft endearing manner to the ever-blefled Jesus, and my un* worthy vile felf to your continual prayers, as being, dear Mrs, C , Yours moil afFe£lionately in our blefled Lord, G. TV. P. S. I hope that one of the players is fnatchcd as a bran4 out of the burning. Grace ! grace ! Hi LETTER ;ji| LETTERS. LETTER MLXXVIL To the Reverend Mr. G , Loyidon^ May lo, 1755* "Reverend and very dear Sir^ THE love which I owe and bear to' you for the Lord Jesus Christ's fake, conftrains me to fend you a few lines immediately upon my arrival at my native country. —I arrived at Neiv-haven in Sujex the 8th inftant, after a fix weeks pafiage. Hither the cloud feemed to move, though I muil own that I left America with regret.^ — Never was the door opened v/jder in thofe parts for preaching the everlafling gof- pel, than now.- — Perhaps this may fliorten my ftay at home, but future things belong to Jesus. It is not in man to di- re6l his fteps.— Prepare us, O Lord, for whatever thou haft prepared for us ! I hear, you have met with changes fmce my departure. — 'What have we to do to expe£l any thing elfe ? Dear Mr. i^ » /—Whither is he gone? Where Jesus mgns, and where, through rich and fovereign grace, even ill and hell deferving I, hope ere long to be. — Haflen, glorious Emirifinuel^ that wifhed-for time !— If your dear yoke-fcllow'' is alfo gonej (he I truft is happy too. — Sequar^ eift non pajfibm i ^quis. — You will write foon, and fend me fome news about the upper world —This is fcarce worth a thought. — -I hope my dear hoft and hoftefs, Mr. S -, Mrs. M , and all friends are well.— I can only fend them and you my hearty love, and beg the continuance of your prayers for, very dear 8ir, Yours* &c. G.IF. LETTER MLXXVIIL To Lady i7" ??. JLondon, May 13, 1755. Ever -honoured Madam ^ SINCE I put my letter into the office on Saturday nightj I have heard that your Ladyfhip was gone to Jjl:>hy^ and therefore make bold to trouble your Ladyfliip with a few more; lines, T,hey leave mefafely arrived at mydefired port, and ^adeavcjuring L; E T T E R S. 119 endeavouring to begin to do fomething for him, who hath loaded me with his benefit?, and ilill continues to fmile upon my feeble labours. Glad am I to hear, that fo many have lately been ftirred up to preach a crucified Saviour. Surely that fcrlpture mufi: be fulfilled, ^' and many of the priefts alfo were obedient to the word." The work is of God, and there- fore mufl profper. Blefifed be his great name, for continuing to hold your Ladyfhip as a ftar in his right-hand. May you fhine more and more till the perfccSl: day ! I find your Ladyfhip ftill delights to do good. The late bencfaclion for Bethefda came very opportunely; God will provide 1 That inftitution begins to rife. But I cannot defcend to particulars nov/; ere long I hope to wait on your Ladyftiip at Briffol. My firft cir- cuit is to be in the weft. Hoping to be favoured foon with a line to acquaint me of your Ladyfnip's welfare, and earnefl;ly praying that your Ladyfl:iip and honoured relations may be filled with all the fulnefs of God, I beg leave to fubfcribe my- ielf, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfliip's, &c. G. W. LETTER MLXXIX. To the Marquis of L — . LoJidon^ May 14, 1 755. BEING but lately arrived in my native countr}/-, I take the firft opportunity of returning your Lordfhip thanks for your great zeal in promoting the welfare of Ne%v Jerfey college. Surely it is the purefr feminary that I have known. Your Lordfliip's name is precious in America^ and children yet unborn will be bound to blefs God for v;hat.you have done. I think, if the degree of Doctor of divinity could be procured for Mr. A B , their prefent worthy prendent, it would ftill make an a^ldition to the honours of the college. He is a moft excellent man; your Lordfhip will not be offended at my making the motion. BlefTed be God, in various places abroad, the gofpel runs and is glorified. In Virginia a wide and eflTec- tual door is opened. The Indian miffion can never I think come upon a proper eftablifliment, till feme lands are pur-^ chafed, and the Indians brought to live together upon them. The plan thjit was laid, I mentioned to Mr. D- fome H 4 ' rnontbs i2Q LETTERS. months ago, and ere now, I fuppofe y«ur Lordflilp hath feen it. O for that happy time, when the kingdoms of the earth fnall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ ? Blefled Efnmanuel^ may thy temple |pe built in troublefome times 1 But 1 forget myfclf. Your Lordftiip will excufe my freedom. I am writing to one who delights to ftrve the Re- deemer's intereft. That your Lordfhip may have the continued honour of confeffing him upon earth, and be confefled by hini after death in the kingdom of heaven, is and fliall be the prayer pf, ipy Lord, Your Lordfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G, TV. LETTER MLXXX. To Lady H «. Ever-honoured Madam^ London^ May 7."]^ l"]^^., "YT hath given me great concern, that I have not been able JL till now, to acknowledge your Ladyfhip's moft kind letter. I could almoft fay, excefs of bufinefs at my firft coming over hath prevented me; but to make the moft of it, I do but little, and that little in fo bad a way, that if it; was not for the com^ pleat and all-fufficien^ righteoufhefs of the everlafling, ever- lovely Jesus, I could not lift up my guilty head. And ye^ what a blefled week have we had ! Surely, fmners have come like a cloud, and fled like doves to the windows. In about a^ fortnight, I hope to take the field in Gloucejicrjh'ire^ and fhall endeavour to make all poflible difpatch in the weft, in order to wait on your Ladyfliip in my northern vifit. Help m.c, thou friend of finners, to be nothing, and to fay nothing, that thou inayeft fay and d® every thing, and be my all in all ! — What a happinefs is it to be abforbed and fwallowed up in God? To. have no fc hemes, no views, but to promote the common faU vation. This be my happy lot ! Your Ladyftiip will ftill add to my innumerable obligations, by 'praying for me. How fhall I exprefs my gratitude ? — Tears trickle from my eyes, whilft 1 am thinking" of your Ladyftiip^s condefcending to patronize fuch a dead dog as I am. But it is becaufe I belong to Jesus. He will, he will reward your Ladyftiip openly. Ever-honoured Madam excufe me. Tears flow too fait for me to write on. I LETTERS. j2i I muft go and fpeak to God for you and yours, as being, eyer-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip*s moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MLXXXI. To Governor B • •• , Much-honoured Sir, London, yune 6, 1755. WHILST I remain myfelf where you are called to re- journ, in this dying world, I truft your Excellency will never be forgotten by unworthy me. You fee, honoured Sir, where a poor but willing pilgrim is tofTed now. Juft this day month did I arrive in this metropolis, where, glory, glory be to the great head of the church ! The word hath ftill free courfe. The poor defpifed Methodifts are as lively as ever, and in feveral churches the gofpel is now preached with power. Many in Oxford are awakened to the knowledge of the truth and I have heard almoft every week of fome frefh minifter or another, that feems determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. This, I ara perfuaded, is the beft news I can fend to your Excellency. This, muft necefTa- rily rejoice your heart, which I know pants after nothing more, than the enlargement ®f the Mediator's kingdom. Ere long, your utmoft thirfting fhall be fatisfied, you fhall fee Jesus ; you fliall fee him as he is : O Gloriam quantam et qua- km! God give me patience to wait till my appointed change comes ! But would it not be a Ihame to go to heaven with- out fcarce beginning to do fomething for the blefled Redeemer? He that fearches the heart and trieth the reins, knows full well, how often I cry out, *' my leannefs, my leannefs !" God be praifed, next week I hope to go on my country range. 1 hope that your Excellency will have a heart given you to pray for me, whilft life lafts, and after death I doubt not but the glorious Emmanuel will reward you before men and angels, for all your works of faith, and labours of love, which you have done for the church in general, and particularly for all favours conferred on, honoured, much-honoured Sir, Your Excellency's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. /r. LETTER >2i LETTER S, LETTER MLXXXIL -' ' ■ ToMr.C . ■Reverend and dear Sir ^ London, yune "j, 1755* JUST now I was informed that the bag is to be taken away this afternoon ; hurried^ therefore as I am, you muft have a few lines. — Arid why? Becaufe I love and honour you for Jesus Christ's fake. Will it not rejoice you to hear that his glorious gofpel gets ground apace. Several of the cler- gy, both in town and country, have been lately ftirred up to preach Christ crucified, in the demonflration of the fpirit and v/ith power. This excites the enmity of the old ferpent, which Jifcbvers itfelf in various Ihapes. The greateft venom is fpit out againft Mr. R •• ■;?, who having been reputed a great fcholar, is nov/ looked upon and treated as a great fool j be- caufe'made wife himfelf, and earneftly defirous that others alfo fhould be made wife to eternal falvation. Methinks I hear you fay, O happy folly! May this blefled leaven difFufe and fpread itfelf through the v/hole nation ! The profpecl is promifing. Many ftiidents at Oxford are earneftly learning Christ, Dear Mr. H ■;' hath learnt and preached^ him fome years 5 his laving and truly catholic heart chearfully complied Vi^ith the motion about your future correfpondence. As for myfelf, I can only fay " that lefs than the leaft of all," muft be my motto Hill. I labour but feebly, and yet, O amazing condefcenfion ! Jesus owns and fucceeds fuch feeble labours. People ilill continue to Hock to the gofpel, like doves to the windo'vs. Next week I begin to take my country range. Be fo good, my dear Sir, to add to my obligations, by continuing to remember a poor but willing pilgrim, and to falutc all my dear friends as they come in your way. I hope, Mr. J (to whom I fend cordial refpeiSls) goes hand in, hand u'ith you, Uriving together for the faith and the practice of the gofpel. — Glorious flrife this ! I do not forget the books I promifed to look out for.-- -I h'ave fpoken to Mr. //— — , but he fays they are very difficult to be procured. I would vv^rite to the Chief Juftice, but fup- pofe he is at the northward. Vv^ill you be pleafed to accept ©f,my LJjhn letters; to be difpofed of as you think proper? My little communion- book is not yet come out, God be r^raifed^ LETTERS. 123 praifed, that there is a turiC coming when we {hall need books 9nd ordinances no more, but {hall be admitted into an unin- terrupted communion and fellowfhip with the bieiTed Trinity for evermore. The Lord ripen us for that blifsful ftate 1 I muft bid you fareweh Be pJeafed to excufe the length of this,-, as being occafioned by the love unfeigned which is due to you from, reverend and dear Sir, Yours moil affedlionately in our common Lord, G. /; ■, LETTER MLXXXIIL To Mr, P . Dear Nat. London^ ^iine 12, 1755. I Think every thing is now procured that was in the memo- randums. I would have fent the children's deaths, etc; but the)', could not be got ready; you will therefore have tliirnl by another opportunity. I am glad to hear by your iai^, that the children go on well in their learning. Let this encourage, you to go on, and who knows, but by and by they may learn Christ ? Such power belongs only unto God. I am quite fatisfied in your prefent employ, and doubt not (if you are' cloathed v^'ith humility, as I truft you will be) but God will blcfs and delight to honour you. To have our own mother's- children angry with and defpife us, if fan^iified^ is a good pre- fervative againft felf-love, and felf-complacency : it puts us more upon the v/atch, and drives us nearer to God. This be your happy lot ! As for your aiFair with Mr. C , I can only fay, you have my leave to acl as you think beft. — Shev/. thy will, O God, and give power to perform it ! To A /^ and his wife, I have allowed twenty pounds />^r annwn^ till they have a place, or get into bufmefs. God knows, I can little afford it; but I can as yet truft on him, who fecdeth the ravens, and hath promifed to fupply all my wants. O that the Lord of all Lords may keep you all at Bethefda of one heart and one mind, and give you to fend me fuch news, as' jnay gladden my frequently burdened (though I hope difin-' terefted) mind ; and caufe me to go on with more chearfulnefs; and joy ! Thanks be to God, my feebJe labours on this fide the water, are owned and fucceeded. People fecm to.be as; lively as ever, I hope the time will come, v^hen Bethejda .2^S&s ''' ' ' ^ ..... ^^^^^ 124 LETTERS. Ihall blofTom like a rofe. We wait for thy falvation O Lord ; make no long tarrying our Lord and our God ! My dear Nat, farcwel. Feed Christ's lambs, and he will feaft thy foul. — Look upon his work as its own wages, and he will richly repay thee for all thy care. I charge you, and all, to continue Wreftling in prayer for me, as being, dear Nat. Your aflured friend and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, G. W, LETTER MLXXXIVo To Airs. C . Dear Mrs, C , London, June 13, 175^. I Wrote to you amidft a great throng of bufmefs, a few days ago, by a Ctry's good. That God whom you ferve, will richly reward you for fuch a facrifice, and be better to you than fevea liufbands. I long, I long ;o hear that he is returned victorious. He is gone upon a good caufe, and under the conduit of the befl general, even the Captain of our falvation. To him I am praying night and day for the tcmpor?! and fpiritual wel- fare of dear, never to be forgotten Nav- England. Courage, dear Madam, courage : — a tew more partings, a few more f:hangcs, a few more heart-breakings, heart-purifying trials, and we fhall bs Mo. landed. That you and yours, dear Ma- dam, may have a triumphant entrance adminiftered to you into the heavenly kingdom, is and fhall be the hearty prayer ofj dear Madam, Your ^adyfhip's obliged and ready fervant, he, G.W. LETTER 138 LETTERS. LETTER MXCVII. ro Mr. V — . My dear Friend^ Wejlon-Favcll^ Aug, 30, 1 755. I Wrote you a letter juft before I left Charles-Town^ which I find you have not received. The things fent proved bad, but I have a God to go to, who can and v/ill fupply all my wants according to the riches of his grace in Christ Jesus. I am forry that your people continue yet as laeep having no Ihepherd. What I faid about Mr. B , was by commiilion from himfelf. I wifh Mr. D may fee his way clear. But who will come to be torn in pieces by tv^o con** tending parties ? Giver of concord^ prince of peace ^ Meek lamb- like Son of God ^ Bid thefe unchrijiian jarrings ceafe^ O quench them with thy blood ! Amidft all this, what a mercy is it, my dear friend, that Jesus flievvs you more of your heart. O thank him a thoufand and a thoufand times, for pointing out to you the fin that doth nioft eafily befet you. Surely it is a too great love of money. Of this your friends every where take notice ; and this, in many cafes, makes you act an unfriendly part. If- God ihould fufFer our enemies to prevail, you will v.ifn you had laid up more treafure in heaven. BlefTed be God, mine is ©ut of the reach of men or devils. Strange ! that five per cent, from man, fliould be preferred to a hundred-fold from Christ ! A word to the wife is fu0icient. I fhould not have faid this, left there fhould be the appearance of felf-intereft, had you not given me the hint. But I hope you know, (however, I am fure that God knows) that I want to deny, not enrich myfelf. But enough of this. I am now looking out for more pews from dear America, May the late defeat be fanctifi-^d; and then I doubt not but we fhall be more than conquerors through the love of Christ. I often wifh myfelf abroad ; but alTuredly Providence called me hom.e. — My poor feeble l?.lour3 are ftill bicffed both in town and country, and many dear miniilers of Je§us are coming out. Jt would delight you LETTERS. ,3^ you to be at Tabernacle. We are often in the fuburbs of heaven. I write this from dear Mr. H •/$, in my way to Torkfoire^ and perhaps Ireland, I told him what you wrote aboui Theron and Afpafto, and he begs your prayers. O America how near dolt thou lie upon my heart ! God preferve it from popifh tyranny and arbitrary power ! I can write no more.- Adieu, my dear Mr. V . Continue to write to me, and live and give for Jesus, who hath given you this world, and that which is to come. V/as you here, methinks we fnould weep together. O redeeming love I How can we think of it, and at the fame time not be ambitious of opportunities to fpend and be fpent for Jesus. Non magna loquimur^ non 7naona fcribimus, fed vivimus^ is the chriftian's motto. Mr. D . can EngUJh it. I fend to him, and all enquiring friends, mv cordial refpeds. I faw his daughter well at Braintree a little while ago. There, as well as elfevv'here, wc had bleiTed fea- fons. 1 know you will join in crying Grace I grace ! with py dear Galusy Yours moll afre(5i:ionateIy in our common Lord, G. JK LETTER MXCVIII. ro Mr. J S — . Northampton^ Sept. I, 1755. AND did my dear Mr. 5 dired a letter and not fend me one line at a venture ? Well, I thank him even for the direction, as well as for all other unmerited favours. O that it was in my power to fhew my gratitude in a fub- ftantial manner ! This is my comfort, God is a prayer- hearing, promife-keeping God, He will not fail thofe, who have confeffed him or his miniflers before men. — It may be, before men they fhall be rewarded. Certain it is, they fliall be confeiied by Jesus Christ in the prefence of men and angels in the kingdom of heaven. This, ere long, will be your happinefs. Methinks I long for the day; but am afhamed I do no more for Jesus, who yet continues to em- ploy me. Every where the fields arc white ready unro harveft. At London^ Brf/iol, Bath, in GlouceJIerJhire^ at Norzvich^ Bury^ ^raintreey and yefterd-ay twice here^ vve had bklTed feafons. I HO LETTERS. am now going into Yorkjlnre^ and it may be to Ireland, If there ihould be a bloody war, God only knows when I fhall fee my dear Neiu-Ejjgljnd. Thither I find a {irong atrradion. 0 for good news from the northern forces ! I fuppofe death inuft come firft before life. —This is always the method of Pro- vidence. " Lord, help us to pray and not faint 1 Happy they who have got a Jesus to fly to : he is our refuge from every iiorm. Your whole felf and all enquiring friends do I mioft earneftly commend to his never-failing mercy, as being, my very dear Sir, Yours mod affcdionately in our common Lord, G. JV. LETTER MXCIX. To Colonel P— . My dear Str^ Northampton^ Sept, i, 1755. ACCORDING to my promile, before I embarked for Engiaiid^ I fent you the copy of my oath, frorri Charles- Town \ which, I fear, is not come to hand, becaufe not men- tioned in either of your letters, which I had the pleafure of receiving a few davs ago. In my way nptthwai^d, I take the firil opportunity oF thanking you for both, and at the fame time heartily thank the Captain of our lalvation, for giving you grace to ftand to your colours, and perfifl: in your fpirituai warfare. Perhaps, ere this reaches Bj/lon^ you may be called out in the fervice of your country. May your head, and th? heads of all engaged, be covered in every day of battle ; and may our troops be made in the end more than conquerors through the love of Gop ! This is what we are afiured of in our fpirituai combat. — Jesus, who is truth itftlf, hath told •us, that nothing fliall pluck us out of his almigiuy hands. Though faint then, let us ftill purfue. Through the Re- deemer flrengthening me, I am yet continuing my feeble la- bours, which, I trul}, are not in vain in the Lord. Fam would 1 be with you ; hut Providence feems to have caft my lot at prefent here. Well, my dear Sir, there is a place, at which, though abfent from, we may be prefent with each other ; I mean the throne of grace. There, God willing, I will often meet you. I know you will accept the challenge, and G09 himfelf LETTERS. i4t himfelf will fay, Jmen. Glad fhould I be to hear from you frequently. O for good news from dear Nevj- England I Blefied be God for what you fend me concerning Mrs. P- .. May root and branch be fpared for the Mediator's glory ! To his tender, never failing mercy, do I moil humbly commend you, and all other enquiring friends, as being, my dear Sir, Your mod affeclionate friend and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER MC. To Mrs, M . Dear Madafn^ Llveypco!^ Sept. 12, 1755, ERE this can reach you, I hope the days of your mourn- ing will be ended. By your laft to Mr. JV I find your harp was hanging upon the willows, your chariot wheels taken off, and yo^^r poor foul driving heavily. Add to a* ihis, — Satan wa^^ befetting you on every fide, and fo daring as to fay, " Where is now thy God ?" — This is his common arti- fice; thus he attacked the great High-prieft and bl-fled apoftle of our profeffion, '' If thou be the Son of God, &c." But if you love not Jesus, whence this pain of abfence? Why {q often crying out, For to my foul it's hell to be But for one moment void of thee ? This is not the language of a hypocrite. No : it is the na- tive, genuine cry of a new and heaven-born foul. Woman, therefore, why weepcft thou ? Thy Lord hath drank of this bitter cup before thee. He knows what this temptation meansy For he hath felt the fame. Look then to Him, dear Madam, who upon the crofs cried Gut in the bitternefs of his foul, " My God, my God, why haft thou forfaken me ?" The Redeemer is now only giving you bleflings in difguife, and teaching you inftruc^ive lefTons by the thorns and briars of the wildernefs. Now is the time for 142 LETTERS. for you to prove the flrength of Jesus yours, and to learn to liv€ upon a God that changeth not. Be pleafed to excuCe this freedom. At Mr. /"^ ^'s defire I take it. Your advice to him, amidft all your gloom, befpeaks your concern for the ark of God ; 1 wifli he may take it. But I love not to inter- fere in other people's plans, any further than I can contribute a mite towards promoting the common falvation. This prin- ciple made me incline to fee Ireland, but I believe the fcafon is too far gone. Tne Redeemer's time is beft. O that all may have grace given them to wait his leifure ! Then will affairs have a more comfortable afpedi:, and many wrong touches of the ark be happily prevented. BlefFed be God, in many places the word runs and is glorified. O that I could begin to begin to do fomething for Jesus ! I wifli that Mr. C may be raifed to work for him once more. And yet, methinks it is cruel to v/ifn him to ftay longer out of heaven. God give me patience to wait till my wifhed-for change fhall come! My cordial refpeiiis await all that love Christ Jesus in fincerlty. — Be pleafed to accept the fame for your whole felf, from, dear Madam, Your fy mpathizing friend, and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, LETTER MCI. To Mr. S-—. Ji/ly very dear Sir, Ncwcajlk, Sept. 24, 175^* AT length I can fit down, and fend you (what I knoW you dearly love) fome good news concerning the king- dom of Jesus Christ. O infinite condefcenfion ! He hath vouchfafed to own and blefs my feeble labours all the way. At Northampton we had blefled feafons ; at Lady H ns, the Lord of all Lords was with us of a truth ; at Liverpool I truft fome fallow ground was broken' up j at Bolton the cup of many ran over ; at Manchejler people heard moft gladly 5 and at Leeds and Bradford, what many felt, I believe, is unut- terable. In my way hither^ 1 hope a fmart gentleman was touched at York^ and feveral I find were awakened wiien I was at this place iaft. Lord, what am 1 1 If LETTERS. 143 If thou excufe^ then work thy willy By fo unfit an injlrument\ It will at once thy goodncfs JJoeiu, And prove thy power oinnipotent. What God does further, you may hear by and by. Perhaps I am at the end of my northern circuit, and I fear I am too impatient to get at the end of my chriftian race. I long, I long to fee Jesus. Well, he that comes, will come and will not tarry. His reward is with him, ; then, but not till then, fhall you and yours be fully recompenfed, for ftrengthening my poor feeble hands in the Lord. He only knows how feeble. Surely this is grace indeed, to employ fuch a wretch as I am. Help me to adore it. Continue to pray for me, and thereby add to the obligations already conferred on, m.y very dear friend, Yours mofl alFedtionately in our common Lord, G. W. LETTER MCIL To Lady H n. Ever-honoured Madam^ Newcajile, Sept. 2^, ^7^^' I Know not how long it is fmce I left your Ladyfhfp ; hut this I know, a fenfe of the fatisfaclioii I feh when at Donington^ ftill lies upon my heart. Surely, was I not called out to public work, waiting upon and adminiftring to your Ladyfhip in holy offices would be my choice and highell pri- vilege. But Jesus calls, and therefore I travel to do or fuiFer thy will, O God ! The only new ground that hath been broken up, I think is Liverpool-, there the profpect is promif- ing. I preached in a great fquare on the Lord's day, and the alarm I hear went through the town. At Bolton the cup of God's people ran over ; and at Manchejler we had large audi- tories and bleffed feafons. At Leeds we felt what is unutter- able, and at Bradford^ I believe, laft Sunday the congregation confifted of at leaft ten thoufand. But O how hath my plea- fure been alloyed zt Leeds/ I rejoiced there with trembling; for unknown to me, they had almoft flnifhed a large houfe in order to form a feparate congregation. If this fcheme fuc- ceeds, an awful feparatioa I fear will take place amongft the focieties. 144 LETTERS. focieties. I have vf another, by being faniiified, will make your foul as a watered garden. You knov/ who hath faid, " They that fow in tears, fhall reap in joy." O bleiled religion, that fliews us the holy art of gaining by our lofies, and rifmg by our falls ! Was it in my power, this letter fhould enclofe fotnething that w^uld flop every temporal gap ; but I am not rich at prefent. Poor, yet endeavouring to make many rich, I would have my motto ftijl ! Thanks be to God, at our lowed eftatc we can draw on the bank of heaven. A believer never hath a bill protefted there. *' My God (fays the Apoflle Paul) (hall fupply all your need according to his riches in Christ Jesus." Away, and en- dorfc it afrefh, and fend it directly away poft on the wings of prayer. Never fear any trial that fends you to your knees ; You muil then needs go forward whether you know it or not, I would enlarge, but weaknefs prevents. I have been in the furnace ; I hope it is intended to prepare me for frefli fuccefst The awakening at London feems to be c^uite new. Adieu, adieu. I am called away. Ever yours, 5cc. G. W. LETTER LETTERS, 155 LETTER MCXIV. To the Reverend Mr, G . London^ Jan. 22, 1756« Reverend and very dear Sir, ENCLOSED you have fome extracts, which perhaps may afford you comfort, and I truft will excite you to pray fV r one, who is indeed lefs than the leaft of all faints. Ever fince I came from the North, it hath pleafed a fovereign Lord to vific me with a violent cold and fore throat, which threatened an inflammatory quinfey. Such a thing, I hoped, would have foon carried me, where this cold heart fhould for ever be inflamed with feraphic love. But alas ! I fear this wifh'd- for time is not at hand. One phyfician prefcribed a perpetual llijley, but I have found perpetual preaching to be a better re- medy. When this grand catholicon fails, it is over with me. You will p-ay, that (if I muft put out to fea again) it may be to take fome frefh prizes for my God. Every day brings us fre{h news of newly awakened fouls. Both at this and the other end of the town, (where I now preach at a chapel twice a week) there is a glorious ftirring' amongft the dry bones. My heart is pained for dear America ; but I truft the Lord will fight their battles, and make them more than conquerors. Happy they who have fled to Jesus : he is a ftrong and fure refuge from every (torm. I hope he hath appeared for his caufe at Glafgow. May that dear people never be left without many teaching priefts ! I fend my kind hoft and hollefs, and all enquiring triends, moft cordial refpedls, and beg you to ac- cept the fam.e from, my very dear Sir, Yours moil afFedionately in our common Lord, G. IK LETTER MCXV. To Lady H n. Ever 'honoured Madam, London, Jan, 7.(), 1 756. YOUR Ladyihip will fee by the inclofed, how dangerous it is to give me liberty. I would not grow upon it, and ^j^i I cannot difcharge my confcieDce, unlefs 1 lay particular diftreffing is6 LETTERS. diilreffing applications before your Ladyfhip. I know tbe perfon mentioned in Mr. G 's letter, and believe he belongs to the little flock of Jesus : the beft recommendation that can be laid before your Ladyfliip. I doubt not but what your Ladyfliip hath done in behalf of the prifoner, will have good effeft : I do not know how Toon I may be called before my Superiors myfelf. The fons of Tubal and Caif^ continue to ferenade me at Long- Acre chapel. They have been called be- fore a juftice; and yellerday the Bifhop of B fent for them, and enquired where I lived. My houfe is pretty public, and the Bifhop of fouls fhall anfwer for me : — he does. One, who fubfcribes to hire men to make the noife, hath been pricked to the heart, and can have no reft till he fpeaks with me. Thus Jesus gets himfelf the vidory. One of the jnclofed extrads comes from a perfon, that a few weeks ago was a confirmed deift : now> I truft, he is a little child. The Redeemer fpeaks, and it is done ; he commands, and new creatures inftantaneoufiy arife before him. Your Ladyfhip enjoined me to be particular ; I could be more fo, but muft fend a few lines to the ele6t Ladies. That they may find both them and your Ladyftiip filled with all the fulnefs of God, is the earneft prayer of, ever- honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and very ready fervant for Christ's fake, G.fT. LETTER MCXVL To Mr, F -. Honoured Sh-y Jatu 30, 1756. GRATITUDE conftrains me to fend you a few lines of thanks for the care and zeal you have exprefied in fupH prefling the late diforders at Long-Acre chapel. A better ac- knowledgment will, I trufl:, await you at ihis bar, by whom kings reign, and princes decree juftice, and who hath inftituted magiflracy to be a terror to evil doers, and a praife to them that do well. I hear that fome unhappy man hath incurred the penalty infli£led by our falutary laws. As peace, not re- tenge, is the thing aimed at, I fliould rejoice if this could be procured without the delinquents fufFering any further punifh- ment. LETTERS. 157 mcnt. Perhaps what hath been done already, may be fuffi- cient to deter others from any further illegal proceedings, and that will be fatisfadtion enough, honoured Sir, to Your much obliged humble fervant, G. IK LETTER MCXVII, To the BiJJjop of B . My Lord^ Tabernacle- Houfe^ Feb. 2^ ^IS^* A Few weeks ago, feveral ferious perfons chofen to be a committee for one Mr. B , applied to me in the name of Jesus Christ, and a multitude of fouls defirous of hearing the gofpel, to preach at a place commonly called Long- Acre chapel. At the fame time they acquainted me, " That the place was licenfed ; that Mr. B either had taken, or was to take it for a certain term of years, and had preached in it for a confiderable time, as a proteftant DilTenting miniiler : notwithftanding, (they added) I might ufe the Liturgy if I thought proper, fo that I would but come and preach once or twice a week." Looking upon this as a providential call, from him, who in the days of his flcfh taught all that were willing to hear, on a mounts in a ft)ip^ or by the Jea-fide^ and who after his afcenfion, commanded us by his Apoftle, to be *' inftant in feafon and out of feafon,** I readily complied, and humbly hope that my feeble, though I truft fincere labours, have not been altogether in vain in the Lord. This being the cafe, your Lordfliip will neceflarily fuppofe, that I was fomewhat furprized at the prohibition I received from your Lordfhip this evening. For I looked upon the place as a particular perfon*s property, and being, as I was informed, not only unconfe-- crated, but alfo licenfed according to law, I thought I might innocently preach the love of a crucified Redeemer, and for his great name's fake, loyalty to the beft of princes our dread fovereign King George^ without giving any juft offence to yeztj or Gentile^ much lefs to any biftiop or overfeer of the churcli of God. As I have therefore given notice of preaching to- morrow evening, and every Tuefday and Thurfday whilft I am in town, I hope your Lordfhip will not look upon it as contu^ macy^ or done oat of coRtempt, if I perfift in profecuting my di:iigrs 158 LETTERS. defign, till I am more part'cularly apprized wherein t have erred. Controverfy, my Lord, is what I abhor, and as raifing popular clamours, and ecclefiaftical difientions muil be quite unfeafonable, efpecially at this jun6lure, when France and Rome and hell ought to be the common butt of our refentment, I hope your Lordfhip will be fo good as to inform yourfelf and me more particularly about this matter ; and upon due con- vi£i;ion, as I have no defign but to do good to precious fouls, I promife to fubmit. But if your Lordfhip fhould judge it befl to decline this method, and I fiiould be called to aniwer for my conduct, either before a fpiritual court, or from the prefs, I trufl the irregularity I am charged with, will appear juftifiable to every true lover of Englijh liberty, and what is all to me, will be approved of at the awful and impartial tribunal of the great Shepherd and Bifhop of fouls, in obedience to whom I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, my Lord, Your Lordfliip's moft dutiful fon and fervant, G,JV. LETTER MCXVIII. To Mr. B . Reverend Sir ^ Tabernacle- Houfe ^ Feh. 9, 1756. ON our late fafl day, a colie61ion was made at the Taber-^ nacle w^here I preach, eighty pounds of which I have depofited in the hands of Mr. A-^- ", in Fleet-Jireet^ for the ufe of the poor perfecuted French proteftants. That our greaE and compafTionate High-priefl: may accept it as done to himfelf, and blefs you and the honourable fociety eflablifhed for pro^ moting fo laudable a charity, is the hearty prayer of, reverend Sir, Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in the caufe of our common Lord, LETTER LETTERS. 159 LETTER MCXIX. To the Bijhop of B . ^ My Lord^ Tabernacle- Houfe^ Feb, 16, 1 756. I This evening received your Lord(hip*s kind letter, and though it is late, and nature calls for reft, yet in the fear of him to whom all hearts are open, all defires known, and from whom no fecrets are hid, I defire now to fit down and give your Lordfhip an explicit anfwer. God, even that God by whom I am to be judged, can witnefs, that with a difinterefted view to promote his glory, and the welfare of precious and immortal fouls, I entered into holy orders, according to the form of ordination of the church o'i England \ and, as thou- fands can teftify, for near thefc twenty years laft paft, I have confcientioufly defended her homilies and articles, and upon all occafions fpoken well of her liturgy. Either of thefe, to- gether with her difcipline, I am {o far from renouncino- much lefs from throwing afide all regard to, that I earneftly pray for the due reftoration of the. one, and daily lament the wanton departure of too, too many from the other. But, my Lord, what can I do ? When I aded in the moft res^ular manner, and when I was bringing multitudes even of Diflen- ters themfelves to croud the churches, without any other rea- fon being given than that too many followed after me, I was denied the ufe of them. Being thus excluded, and many thoufands of ignorant fouls, that perhaps would neither go to church nor meeting-houfes, being very hungry after the gof- pel, I thought myfelf bound in duty to deal out to them the bread of life. Being further ambitious to ferve my God, my King, and my country, I facrificed my afte6lions, and left my native foil, in order to begin and carry on an Orphan-houfe in the infant colony of Georgia^ which, through the divine blefiing, is put upon a good foundation. This ferved as an introdudion, though without defign, to my vifiting the other parts of his Majefty's dominions in North- America -, and I humWy hope, that many made truly ferious in that foreign clime, will be my joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. If it was not for this hope, nay^ my Lord, if 1 was not aflfured, that the bleifed Redeemer (O amazing conde- j6o LETTERS. condefcenfion) hath vouchfafed to own me for the real con* verfion, and turning of many from darknefs to light, the weak" nefs of my frequently worn out and decaying body, the in- numerable temptations that have befet my (oul, together with the violent oppofition I have met with from variou.s quarters, would long fmce have quite overwhelmed, and at leall have prevailed on me to accept fome of thofe offers that have •been made me to neflle, by accepting of which I might have fcreened rnyfelf from that obloquy and contempt, which, in fome degree or other, every day I have the honour to meet with for Jesu's fake. But hitherto having obtained help from God, without eating a morfel of the church of England^a bread, I ftill continue to ufe her liturgy, wherever a church or chapel is allowed me, and preach up her articles, and en- force her homilies. Your Lordfhip therefore judgeth ex- ceeding right, when you fay, " I prefume you do not mean to declare any diffcnt from the church of England." — Far be it from mc j no, my Lord, unlefs thruii out, I fliall never leave her, and even then (as I hope whenever it happens it will be an unjuft extrufion) I (hall ftill continue to adhere to her do6lrines, and pray for the much wilhed-for reftora- tion of her difcipline, even to my dying day. Fond of difplaying her truly proteftant and orthodox principles, ef- pecially when church and ftate are in danger from a cruel and popifh enemy, I am glad, my Lord, of an opportunity of preaching, though it fhould be in a meeting-houfe ; and I think it difcovers a good and moderate fpirit in the Diflenters, who will quietly attend on the church ferrice, as many have done, and continue to do at Long-Jcre chapel, while many, who I fuppofe ftile themfelves her faithful fons, by .very im- proper inftrumcnts of reformation, have endeavoured to diflurb and nioleft us. If the lefibr of this chapel, my Lord, hath no power to let it out, or if it be not legally and properly licenfed, I have been deceived indeed ; and if upon enquiry I ^ni\ this to be the cafe, I fliall foon declare in the moft public man- ner, how both your Lordfhip and myfelf have been impofed upon. But if it appears, that the leHbr hath a right" to dif- pofe of his own property, and that the place is licenfed, if not in the court books of the Q^iarter Seffions, yet in the Com- mons or fome other proper court j and as fome good, I truft, has been, LETTERS. i6t been, and hope will )'et be done bj' this foolifhnefs of preach- ing, furcly your Lordfhip's candour will overlook a little irre- gularity ; fince I fear that in thefe dregs of time, thefe laft days, vvherein we live, we mufl: be obliged to be irregular, or in {hort we niuft do no good* at all. My Lord, I remember well, (and O that I may more than ever obey your Lordfhip's admonition) and often recollecl that awful day wherein I was ordained prieft, and when authority was given me, by my ho- noured friend and father good Bifhop Benforiy to preach the word of God. O that the glorious exhortation, v/hith he de- livered with fo much folemnity, may be written upon the ta- bles of my heart I Mindful of this, I fliall be always ready to go out, and feek for Christ's {heep that are difperfed abroad, and be willing to fpend and be fpent for the good of his children which are in the midft of this naughty world* Never did 1 fo much as dream, my Lord, that this was only a local commiflion, or that the condition annexed, " Where you ihali be lawfully appointed thereunto,'* was to confine me to any particular place, and that it would be unlav/ful for me to preach out of it. It is plain my Lord Bifhop of Gku- cejler did not think fo j for when his fecretary brought a li- cence for me, his Lordfhip faid, " It would coft me thirty {hillings, and therefore I fhould not have it." And when after being prefcnted to the late Bifliop oi London ^ I applied to him for a licence, his lord(hip v/as plcafed to fay, " I was going to Georgia^ and needed none," Accordingly I preached in mofl of the London churches under his Lordfliip's immediate infpe£lion J and v/hy any other licence ^.than my letters of orders fhould now be required, I believe no fubftantial, I am pofitiveno truly fcriptural, reafon can be afligned, It is true, as your Lordfhip obferves, there is one canon that fays, *' That no curate or minifter fhall be permitted to ferve in any place, without-cxamination and admiHion of the Bifliop of" the diocefe." And there is another alfo, as quoted by yout Lordfhip, which tells us, " That neither minifter, church- wardens, nor any other officers of the church, fhall fuffer an/ man to preach within their chapels, but fuch as, by fhewing their licence to preach, ihall appear unto ihem to be fuffi- ciently authorized thereunto." But, my Lord, what curacy or parfonage have I defired, or do I defire to be admitted to Vol. IIL ^ L ferve ,62 LETTERS. fcrvc in ? Or into what church or chapel do I attempt to intrude myfelf, without leave from the churchwardens or other officers ? No, my Lord, being, as I think, without caufc de- nied admifTion into the churches, I am content to take the field, and when the weather will permit, with a table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my founding-board, I defire to proclaim to all, the unfearchablc riches of Jesus Christ. Befides, my Lord, if this canon fliould be always put into full execution, I humbly prefumc, that no bifhop or prefbyter can legally preach at any time out of the diocefe in which he is appointed to fcrve ; confequently no city incumbent can even occafionally be lawfully alTifted by any country clergyman, or even a blfliop himfelf be lawfully permitted to preach a charity fermon out of his own diocefe, without a fpecial li- cence for fo doing. And what a lofs would that be to many noble charities here in town ? As for that other canon which your Lordf^ip mentions, and which runs thus, *' Nei- ther fhall any minifter, not licenfed as is aforefaid, prefume to appoint or hold any meetings for fermons, commonly termed by fome, prophecies or exercifes, in market towns or other places, under the faid pains." I need not inform your Lord- fhip, that it was originally levelled againft thofe who would" not conform to the church of Engla?id^ and that too in fuch hic^h flying times, which I cannot believe any one of the pre- fent moderate bench of bi/l"iops would wifh to fee again reftored. And if this be the true ftate of the cafe, how, my Lord, doth this canon belong to mc, who am epifcopally ordained, and have very lately publifhed a fmall tradl (which 1 humbly beg your Lordfnip's acceptance of) on purpofe to recommend the communion office of the church of England ? But, my Lord, to come nearer to the point in hand, (and for Christ's fake let not your Lordlhip be offended with my ufing fuch plain- nefs of fpecch) I would, as in the prefence of the living God, put it to your Lordil^ip's confcicnce, whether there is one bi- ihop or prefbyter in England, JVales, or Ireland^ that looks upon our canons as his rule of a£lion ? If they do, we are all perjured with a witnefs, and confequently, in a very bad fenfe of the word, irregular indeed. May I not, therefore, fay on this, alluding to what my LleiTed Mafter did on another occa- 9ik:n^ '' He, that is wnhout the fm of acting illegally, if the 5 canons LETTERS, 163 canons of our church be implicitly to be obeyed, let him caft the firft floiie at me and welcome." Your Lorclhip knows full wellj that canons and other church laws are good and ob- ligatory, when conformable to the laws of Christ, and agreeable to the liberties of a free people j but when invented and compiled by men of little hearts and bigotted principles, on purpofe to hinder perfons of more enlarged fouls from do- ing good, or being more extenfively ufeful, they become mere hruta fuhnina \ and when made ufe of only as cords to bind up the hands of a zealous few, that honeftly appear for their King, their country, and their God, like the withes with which the PhlliJ^ines bound Sampfon^ in my opinion, they may very legally be broken. What pains and penalties are to be incurred for fuch offence, (as I have not the canons at prefent before me) I cannot tell ; but for my own part, my Lord, if any penalty is incurred, or any pain to be iaflided upon me^ for prophefying or preaching againft fin, the Pope, and the devil, and for recommending the ftri(£teft loyalty to the beft of princes, his Majefly King George^ in this metropolis, or any- other part of his Majefty's dominions, I truft, through grace^ i fhall be enabled to fay. Ml hail reprcachj and welcome pain ! i think there now remains but one more particular in your Lordfhip's letter to be anfwered :— your Lordfliip's truly apo- flolical canon taken out of 1 Cor. x. 16 ; upon turning to, and reading of which, I could not help thinking, my Lord, of a paffage I once met with in good Mr. Philip Henry ^ life. It was this : Being eje6led out of the church, and yet thinking it his duty to preach, he ufed now and then to give the people of Broad-Oaks^ where he lived, a gofpel fermon j and one day^ as He was cortiing from his exercife, and meeting with the in- cumbent, he thus addreffed him : " Sir, I have been taking the liberty of throv/ing a handful of feed into your field.'* *' Have you fo, faid the good rtian ? may God give it his bleffing ! There is work enough for us both.'^ This, my Lord, I humbly conceive, is the cafe not only of your Lord- fhip, but of every minifter's parifh in London^ and every bifhop's diocefe in England; and therefore as good is done, and fouls are benefited, I hope your Lordniip will ngt regard a " L \ iittl« 164 LETTERS. little irregularity, fince at the worft, it is only the irregularity of doing well. But fuppollng this Ihould not be admitted as an excufe at other feaibns, I would hope it will have its weight at this critical junilurc, wherein, if there were ten thoufand found preachers, and each preacher had a thoufand tongues, they could not well be too frequently emplcyed in calling; upon the inhabitants of Grcai-Brhain to be upon their guard, againft the cruel and malicious defigiis of France^ o{ Ro7ne^ and of hell. After all, my Lord, if your Lordfhip will be pleafed to apply to A4r. B' himfelf, (who, I fuppofe, knows where the place is regiflered) or if upon enquiry I fliall find, that the leflbr hath no power to let it out, as 1 hate and abhor every diftionourable a6lion, after my fetting out for Brifiol^ which I expert to do in a few days, I fhall decline preaching in the chapel any more. But if the cafe fhould appear to be otherwife, I hope your Lordrnip will not be angry, if I perfift in this, I truft not unpardonable, irregularity : for if I decline preaching in every place, meerly becaufe the incumbent may be unwilling I fhould come into his parifh, I fear I muft feldom or never preach at all; and this, my Lord, efpecially at this jun6^ure, when all our civil and religious liberties are as it were at ftake, would to me be worfe than death itfelf. I humbly afk pardon for detaining your Lordfhip fo long, but being willing to give your Lordfliip all the fatisfadion I pofii- bly could, I have chofen rather to fit up and deny myfelf pro- per repofe, than to let your Lordfhip's candid letter lie by mc one moment longer than was abfolutely necefiary. I return your Lordfliip a thoufand thanks for your favourable opinion of me, and good wifhes, and begging the continuance of your Lordfhip's blefiing, and earneftly praying, that whenever your Lordfliip (hall be called hence, you m^ay give up your account with joy, I beg leave to fubfcribc myfelf, my Lord, Your Lordihip's moil dutiful fon and fervant, G. IV. SL E T T E R LETTERS. iCs LETTER MCXX. To the B'l/Jjop ofB . My Lord^ Tabernacle- Honfe^ Feb. 23, 1 756. SINCE I had the honour of wriiing my laft letter to your Lordfhip, I have made inquiry, and find that the certifi- cate is in the hands of one ^']r, Cidverivcll^ with' whom Mr. Gardiner lodges. I |hink he told me, the place was licenfed in the Commons, and as far as I can judge, Mr. Barnard's committee do not intend to let the chapel go out of their hands. As therefore, your Lordfhip would undoubtedly chufe that the church liturgy fliould be read in it fometimes, rather than it fliould be entirely made ufe of in a non-conformift way, I hope your Lordfliip will not be offended, if I go on as ufual after my return from BrijUl. I affure your Lordfliip, through the divine bleffing, real good hath been done; and therefore I am forry to inform your Lordfhip, that notwithftanding the admonitions I hear your Lordfliip hath given them, fome un- happy perfons have ftill endeavoured to difturb us, by making an odd kind of a noife in a neighbouring houfe. I hear that fome of them belong to your Lordfliip's vellry, and therefore wifh that your Lordfliip would fo far interpofe, as to order them once more to fl:op their proceedings. But I only juft mention it, and fliall leave it to your Lordfliip's difcretion. I can only entreat the continuance of your Lordfliip's bleffing, and begging your Lordfliip's acceptance of a fliort addrefs I am now publifliing, I haPcen to fubfcribe myfelf, my Lord, Your Lordihip's mofl; dutiful fon and fervant, G. TV. LETTER MCXXL To Mr, W . My dear Friend^ London^ March 18, 1756. YESTERDAY I received your kind letter, and this morning I fend you a few lines by way of Neiv-Tork, May they find you and all my dear Bojion friends ftrong, yea very fl:rong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Every day do I make mention of them, and dear New-England^ in my fermons and prayers. Thoufands I truH are Interceding L 3 fot i6$ LETTERS. for you continually. Laft nig.bt 1 preached upon Mofes's pray- ing on the mount, whilft Jojhua fought againft Anialek in th® valley. I hope fome fpiritual fhot went after the fleet, that we hear is gone to America. What awaits us here at home, the Redeemer only knows. We deferve the greateft fcourge, but I truft we have too many praying people amongft us, to have fuch a one as the threatened invafion, laid upon our backs — The event will prove. Bleiled be God, for the effedls of the late earthquake. May they be jailing ! no doubt they will be upon fome. 7^he awakening at London continues, and more miniftcrs are coming out for the ever-blefTed Jfisus. Laffc Lord's day I opened my fpring campaign, by preaching thiice in the fields to miany thoufands in GlouceJlcrJJnre. O that I rnay begin to begin to fpring for my God ! I truft you and my other never to be forgotten friends will not fail to remem- ber us here. Though at fuch a diftancc, we can meet at the throne of grace. Why does not dear Mr. Si fend me one line? i defire to be remembered in the kindeft manner to him, and his, and all my dear, very dear friends. I can now add no more, but hoping to have another opportunity, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, with tender afTe6tion to your whole fclf, ■ Yours mofl afFeclionately in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER MCXXII. To the B'l/hop of B . My Lord^ Tabernacle- Houfe^ March 20, 1 756. TO my great furprize, upon my coming up to town, I found that the difturbances fo juftly complained of nea?" Long- Acre chapel, had been continued. Qn Thiirfday even- ing laft, when I preached there myfelf, they were rather in- crealed. Notwithftanding fome of the windows were ftopped up, to prevent in fome degree the congregations being difturb- cd by the unhallowed noife, yet large ftones were thrown in at another window, and one young perfon fadly wounded. This conftrains me to trouble your Lordfliip once more, and to beg the favour of your Lordftiip fo far to interpofe, as to defire the perfons belonging to your Lordfhip's veftry, to de- feft from fuch irregular proceedings. For niy own irregularity in LETTERS. iSj in preaching, I am ready at any time to anfwer ; and was I myTelf the only fufferer, I fhould be entirely unconcerned whatever perfonal ill treatment I might meet with in the way of my duty. But to have the lives of his Majefty's loyal fub- jc(St:s end.mgered, when they come peaceably to worfliip God and to pray for his long and profperous reign, is an irreo-u- larity, which I am perfuaded your Lordfliip will look upon as unjuflifiable in the fight of God, and of every good man. However, as a fubjcifl to King George^ and a minifl-er of Jesus Christ, I know your Lordfliip will allow, I have a right to do myfelf jufcice, and therefore, I hope, if the difturbances be yet continued, your Lordfiiip will not be offended, if I lay a plain and fair narration of the whole affair, together with what hath paffed between your Lordfiiip and myfelf, be- fore the world. I beg your Lordftiip not to look upon this as a threatning, or as done with an intent to expofe ; I fcorn any fuch mean procedure. But as providence feems td point out fuch a method, I hope your Lordfnip will have no jufl reafon to cenfwre me, if it be purfued by, my Lord, Your Lordfhip's moft dutiful fon and fervant, G. IV. LETTER MCXXIIL To Mr. . Honoured ^Wy Londoriy March 22^ 1 75^* THE long and intimate acquaintance I formerly had with Mr. N and Lady Jane, would have induced me to fend you the inclofed fome weeks paft, as a mark of unfeigned refpect due to you for your perfonal worth and charader ; but I heard, that both Lord M and yourfelf were out of town : accept it therefore, honoured Sir, though late. I like- wife want to confult you on account of a very indecent, and I think illegal diflurbance, that hath been made for many weeks laft paft, whilft I have been preaching at Long-Acre chapel. Several have been fadly wounded, and I fear the fame fate awaits more, unlefs thofe that have hitherto difturb- ed us, are fome way or other reflrained. Did I know when it would fuit you, I would wait upon you in perfon, and ac- quaint you with particulars. In the niean while, praying that L 4 be. I i68 LETTERS. he, who is the wonderful Counfellor, and who hath fo richly furnifhed you with talents for your country's fervice, may more and more improve you for fuch noble purpofes, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, honoured Sir, Your very humble fervant, G. /r. LETTER MCXXIV. To the Bljhop of B- . London^ March 25, 1756. Heartily thank your Lordfnip for your kind acceptance of my three fmall tracSts, and my very long letter dated Fe- bruary 1 6th.- — At the fame time, I acluiowledge myfelf con- cerned, that any thing I have written fince, (liould prevent your Lordfhip's pointing out to me any miflakes, which I may lie under in regard to the canons. God knows, if I do err, it is for want of better information ; and therefore if your Lordfliip will vouchfafe to favour me with the letter prepared for that purpofe, it fliall be moft thankfully received, moft impartially examined, moil: explicitly replied to, but withal never expofed to the view of the world. Your Lordihip need- ed not to inform me of the privilege of a Peer, to deter me from publifliing your Lordfhip's letters without firft :fking leave. I thank God, I have not fo learned Christ. By his help, nothing ihall be done in that way, which is the lead inconfiftent with the {Iridteft honour, juftice and fimplicity. But I hope, if a public account of the repeated difturbances at Lo7ig-Acre chapel fbould be rendered neceilary, your Lord- ihip will not efteem it unreafonable in me, to inform the world, what previous fleps were taken to prevent and flop them. Surely fuch a fcene, at fuch a jun6iure, and under fuch ^ government, as has been tranfaded in your Lordfhip's parifii, in the houfe or yard of one Mr. Cope^ who I hear is your Lordfliip's overfeer, ever fincc laft Twelfth-Day^ I believe is not to be met with in Englijh hiftory. Indeed, my Lord, it is more than noife. It deferves no milder a name than pre- meditated rioiing. Drummers, foldiers, and many of the bafer fort, have been hired by fubfcription. — A copper-furnace, bells, drums, clappers, marrow bones and cleaversj and fuch like inftruments LETTERS. 169 inftruments of reformation, have been provided for, and made ufe of, by them repeatedly, from the moment I have begun preaching, to the end of my fcrmon. By thefe horrid noifes, many women have been almoft frightened to death, and mob- bers encouraged thereby to come and riot at the chapel door during the time of divine fervice, and then infult and abufe me and the congregation after it hath been over. Not content with this, the chapel windows, while I have been preaching, have repeatedly been broken by large ftones of almoft a pound weight ffome now lying by me) which though levelled at, providentially miffed me, but at the fame time fadly v/ounded fome of my hearers. Mr. C , one of your Lordfliip's re- lations, can acquaint your Lordfhip u'ith many more particu- lars, and if your Lordfhip would be fo good as only to ride to Mr. C 's houfe, you would fee fuch a fcafFold (unlefs taken down) and fuch coftly preparations for a noife upon it, that muft make the ears of all that fliall hear it to tingle. In.- deed laft Tuefday night all was hufh'd, — and in order to throw off all popular odium, I gave it as my opinion, that it was owing to your Lordlhip's kind interpofition. One Mr. C and one Mr; Ad , 1 am informed, are parties greatly coi;i- cerned. I know them not, and I pray the Lord of all Lords never to lay this ill and unmerited treatment to their charge. If no more noife is made on their part, I affure your Lr^rdiliip no further refentment iliall be made on mine. But if they perfift, I have the authority of the Apoftle on a like occafion, to appeal unto C^fij-.-^-And thanks be to God, we have a C^far to appeal to, whofe laws v/ill n;.t fuffer any of his loyal fubjedxs to be ufed in fuch an inhuman manner. 1 have only one favour to beg of your Lordfhip, that '' you would fend (as they are your Lordihip's pariihioners) to the above gentle- men, and defire them henceforward to defiff from fuch un- chriftian (and efptcially at this critical jundfure) fuch riotous and dangerous proceedings." Whether as a Chaplain to a moft worthy Peerefs, a Prcfbyter of Che church of Ef7glana\ zt^.d a ft^ady difinterefted friend to our prjefent happy conftitution, I have not a right to aflc fuch a favour, I leave to your Lord- ihip's mature deliberation. Henceforward, I hope no more %Q trouble your Lordfhip i but committing my caufe to him, who J70 LETTERS. who judgeth righteoufly, I beg leave to fabfcribe myfelf, my Lord, Your Lordfhip^s moft dutiful fon and fervant, G. IK LETTER MCXXV. Gentlemen y London^ Jpril i^ 1756. YOUR obliging letter came to hand lad night. As my influence 1 fear was but v?ry fmall, it fcarce called for fuch an acknov/ledgment. I trad, my views to ferve my God and my King are difintereded ; and therefore 1 fhall al- ways think ii: my duty to efpoufe their caufe, who are firmly united in the bonds of friendfhip and fociai love, to defend the proteftant intereft, and the glorious privileges we enjoy under our dread and rightful fovereign King George. Such a union I take yours to be. — That you may therefore meet v^ith fuc- cefs on earth, and by an infinitely fupcrior union (I mean that of your fouls with God) be prepared for a never-ceafing union with the fpirits of jufl men made perfect in heaven, is and fiiall be the hearty prayer of, Gentlemen, Your obliged humble fervant, G. IF. LETTER MCXXVI. To the Reverend Mr. B- . My dear Friend^ London^ April t^., 1756. NONE but he, wbofe name and nature is love, can tell what I felt at the receipt of your kind letter. O how did the welfare of dear never to be forgotten New England^ lie upon my heart. How could I have wii^ed for the wings of a dove to fiv thither ! The delightful interviews we have had together, when in the confidence of fociai prayer we have laid hoh! on God, came fo frefli upon my mind, that I knew not what to do. O come, Lord Jesus, come quickly, that fricndfhip begun on earth, may be confummated in the king- dom of heaven ! He only knows, what awaits us here below, before we are called to live with him above. England is now equally threatened with America. Let this be our comfort, " the LETTERS. 171 " the Lord reigneth." Nothing can rob us of our Christ, ' — let us help each other by mutual prayer. Thoufands here hold up their hands daily for you. I know you will gladly return the favour. You would be pleafed to fee how eao-erly people attend the word. I think the awakening, and profpeft of doing good in London^ is as great as ever. Satan hath ra2;ed at a place called Long- Acre chapel, near the play-houfes, but you know who hath promifed to bruife him under our feet. Send me what good news ycu cin from your fide the water, and affure all the followers of rhc Lamb of God, that they are wpon my poor heart night and day. How goes on your fon Daniel? May he greatly be beloved ! I could fill, yea more than fill a fheet, but with great difficulty I write this. Adieu, my dear friend, for the prefent. I fhall never forget our laft pleafant fhort journey. Surely our hearts burned within us, when we talked of Jesus in the way. I can no more. Yours, hz. G,JV. LETTER MCXXVIL To the Honcurahh Hume C . Honoured Sir^ Canterhury, April g^ ^75^* YOUR kind behaviour when I had the picafure of waiting upon you, emboldens me to trouble you with the in- clofed. It is the copy of an anon}mous letter, that was fent to my houfe on "7 uefday lad, juft after I left town, and for- warded hither to me by my wife the day following-. As I am fatisfied that the Lord reigneth, and that a fparrow doth not fall to the ground without the knowledge of our heavenly Fa- ther, its contents in refpe6t to myfelf, I thank (5OD, do not much alarm me. But as others are concerned, and it is an affair that hath reference to the welfare of civil o-ovemment, I would beg the favour of your advice. Next Tuejday I expert to return to London^ and on IVednefday morning, purpofc, (tOD willing, to wait upon you in perfon. In the mean while, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, honoured Sir, Your moft obliged humble fervant, G. IK LETTER 172 LETTERS* LETTER MCXXVIII. Tq Lady H n. CanUrhury^ April lo, 1756. Ever-honoured MadatJi^ THE letter on the other fide, was fent to me laft Tuefday. By that, your Ladyrnip may fee to what an height the oppofition hath rifen at Long- Acre \ indeed the noife hath been infernal. For a night it was ft )pped, but I havt; reafon to fhink there was a fccret di^fign for my life; fome of my friends were fadly ufed; they applied for warrants, and that occafioned this letter. I have written to Mr. //— — C for advice^ May the wonderiul Coanfellor direct me how to adt I Here, all is peaceable. It is moft delightful to fee the foldiers flock to hear the word ; officers likewife attend very orderly. On Monday I return, God willing, to London. Lord Jesus, do thou prepare me for whatever thou haft prepared for me ! Baron Munchaujcn hath been very kind in Long- Acre aftair; I would if poffible hufh all up, but I know no other way but holding my tongue. O this enmity of heart ! This is my comfort, — *' the Lord reigneth." I hope to anfwer Mrs. G foon. At prefent, I have fcarce time to beg the continuance of your Ladylhip's prayers, and to fubfcribe myfclf, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, G. IV, LETTER MCXXIX. To Lady H n. Ever-honoured A4adam^ London,^ April i?,^ lj^6. SINCE my laft from Canterbury^ I have received two more letters of a like kind with the former. Before they came to hand I was exceedingly comforted, from whence I inferred a further ftorm lay before me. My greateft diftrefs is, bow to aci fo as to avoid raflinefs on the one hand, and timidity on the other. I have been introduced to the Earl of H -fs, who received me very courteoufly, and feemed to make no objedion againft iftuing out a pewaid for the difcovery of the letter- LETTERS. 173 letter-writer. Whether I had bcft accept it, I know not. Sir H C fays, it is not felony ; and he advifes me by all means to put all concerned into the court of King* s Bench* The facls are moft flagnant. Lord Jesus dire£l me for thy mercy^ fake ! A man came up to me in the pulpit at the taber- nacle ; God knows, what was his defign : I fee no other way for me to aiSt, than either refolutely to perfift in preaching and profecuting, or entirely to defift from preaching, Vv'hich I think would bring intolerable guilt upon my foul, and give the ad- verfary caufe to blafpheme. BlefTed be God, I am clear, quite clear in the occafion of my fuftering. It is for preaching Christ Jesus, and, for his great name's lake, loyalty to King George^ to whom under God I ewe the liberty of preach- ing many years. Alas ! alas ! what a condition would this land be in, was the proteltant intereft not to prevail ? Glad Ihould I be to die by the hands of an aiTafTin, if popery is to get footing here. I fhall then be taken away from the evil to come. I hope that your Ladyfhip, and the good Ladies with you, will have hearts given you to pray for me, that, whether by life or by death, Jesus may be glorified. Thanks be to God, to me to live is Christ, and to die will be my gain. Fie knows, that with fimplicity and godly fmcerity, I have endeavoured to promote in my feeble way his honour and glory, I (hould be glad of a line of advice from your Lady- fhip; this is giving trouble I no way deferve, but as your Ladyfhip is pleafed to honour me with your friendfliip, it will be adding to the innumerable obligations already conferred upon, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip-'s rnofl: dutiful,' obliged, and ready ferva/it, G. jr. LETTER MCXXX, To Mrs, G . Dear Madam^ London^ April 20, 1 756. IT hath given me concern, that I could not anfwer your kind letter till now j but making a fhort excurfion abroad, and fighting with a kind of beafts at home, hath prevented me. I fancy that fomething we cannot fee is behind the curtain. Satan feems to have overfhot himfelf. O what a mtrcy is it, 7 dear 174 LETTERS. dear Madam, to be refcued from his fiavery ! Nothing lefs than an Almighty arm could bring about i'uch a great falvation. Its depths, its lengths, its breadths, who can fathom ? By be- ing plunged into the iirit, we ftretch and rife into the two laft. Our Saviour's death preceded his refurredion, and his xcfurredion that of his glorious afcenfion into heaven. — So mufl wc die, and rife, in order to afcend hereafter where he is gone before. No matter if a fudden ftroke opens the paflage: God grant I may be always ready ! I hope that you, dear Madam, and the other elc6t Ladies, have hearts given you to pray for me. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. I thank Mr. S for his hint. If occafion requires, I fhall improve it. O for a fteady difmterefted zeal for my God, my King, and my country! Welcome death, when brought upon me in defence of thefe. As I exped to be called away every moment, I can only add, after fending my moft cordial and grateful acknowledgments to the whole Clifton court, that I am, dear Madam, Your mofl obliged and ready fervant for Christ's fakcj G. JK LETTER MCXXXL To Mrs. D -. Dear Madam ^ London^ April 21^ I'j^b, Have heard by feveral hands, that you are lately entered I into a new relation of life. Gratitude conftrains me to wifh you joy, and earneftly to pray, that you and Mr. D may live together as heirs of the grace of life, and bring forth nauch fruit unto God in the decline of age. This is a chang- ing world ; but we are haflening towards an unchangeable ftate, where we (hall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but be like unto the angels of God. For this 1 am waiting day by day. Many feem to be quickened in this work too j thoufrh at the other end of the town, amongfl fome of the popifti party, I have lately met v/ith much oppofition. But we knov/ who bath promifed to tread Satan fliortly under our feet. I hope this will find you, my dear Madam, and my other Charles Toimi friends, going on from conquering to conquer. I do not, I caanot forget them. I fend them my moii: cordial love LETTERS. i'^^^ love and refpecSls, and beg you and Mr. D to accept the fame from, dear Madam, Your moft afFe^ionatc, obliged friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV, LETTER MCXXXII. To Mrs, C . London^ Jprii 21. 1756. Dear Mrs. C , ^ YOUR laft kind letter is come to hand.— By that, I find poor A^ P is engaged, and that fome good friends in Carolina have been indrumental in drawing him from the care of a family, over which I thought divine pro- vidence had made him overfeer, and where I imao-ined he in- tended to have abode at leaft for fome years. — I know not what reafon I have given him, to fufpedl my confidence was weakened towards him. — I could do no more than truft him with my all, and place him at the head of my aftairs and fa- mily without the leaft check or controul. — Add to all this that notwithftanding the difparity of age, I confented that he Ihould have my dear friend's fifter, with whom I thoucrht he might live moft ufefully and happily at Bethefda^x^ yoM pleafed, as long as you both fhould fojourn here below : and you know what fatisfadion I expreilbd when I took my leave. — But it feems my fcheme is difconcerted, and my family like to be brought into confufion. — Alas, my dear Mrs. C if this be the cafe, whom can I fend that I may hope will continue difmterejhd long? But you know, this is not the firft time that 1 have been wounded in the houfe of my friends. — However, I truft the wound is not incurab'e. — Till I can procure a proper Latin mafter, I fhould think Mr. D'lxon^ See, might do in the fchool, and if you think George IVhitefield would do for the houfe, he mij/ht be gradually bied up for it.— If not, I fhall v/rite to Mr. T and Edn of CharleS'Toivn to get him a place there : upon the whole, I be- lieve this would be beft. ''Jifeph P I dcllgn for Neiv-Jer- fey college, and fhall fend particular orders concerning him in my next by Cheefeman. — Your brothers are very fond of your marriage with Mr Z>— — . I am quite free for it. — May Goo 176 LETTERS. God blefs you both together ; I cannot think of parting with you for any body I know. — God blefs and direct you to do his will ! Never fear ; God will be Bethefdas God. — He knows the way that I take ; when I am tried I {ball come forth like golc], — Will not Mr. D and you be a proper check upon the overfeer ? As I think at the bottom he is honeft, I can fcarce provide myfelf with a better. (Sladly would I come over, but at prefent it is impradicable. 1 muft throw my affairs into the hands of my G^d and you. I pity thofc who without caufe have troubled my envied camp. Well, my dear Mrs. C , let us remember, that thou[;h the bufn burned it was not con/umed. And why ? becauic the Lord was in the midft of it. He hath fpoken to us many times out of the bufh, and fo he will agnin. 1 know you muTi have been in the fur- nace : but our affe6lions muft be crucified. I pity Dr. . from the bottom of my heart. Never was I wrote to or fcrved fo by any from Bethefda before. Lop.d Jf.sus, lay it not to his charge ! Lord Jesus, fuller us not to be led into tempta- tion ! I did not think to wiitc fo much. I rather choofe to fpread all before Bethefdas God. But you will not mifirh- prove it. By Mackllan I hope to hear more particulars, God willing, they (ball be anfvvered. My wife will get you the things fent for. 1 have no tl^oughts at prefent of her ever feeing the Orphan-houfe again. Bleffed be God, we fhall ere long fee heaven. Some antepaits of it we are favoured with daily. Though lately my life hath been threatened at the other end of the town, Jesus can and will guard nie. 7'his even- ing I am to bury Wiiterns mother : flie died triumphant. Adieu for the prefent. God blefs you all. I am., dear Mrs, Your mofl aftectionate, fympathizing friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER MCXXXIIL ro Mr. C . My dear Mr, C , London^ April 25, 1756. BY this time I thought to have been moving towards Brijioly but am detained in town, by endeavouring to put a ftop to the dreadful uproar made at Long-Acre chapel. Such an in- fernal Letters. 177 fernai continued noife, on fucli an occafion, at I'uch a jun^lure^ linder fuch a governmejit, I believe was never heard of beforCo To complete tiie Tccne, 1 have had three anonymous letters fent me, '' threatening a certain, fudden, and unavoidable ftroke, unlefs I deiilt from preaching, and purfuing the oHen- dehs by law/' You have guefl'ed at the quarter from w^hence it comes. Blcfled be God, it is for fpeaking in behalf of the glorioiis JeslfS, and our dread and rightful fovereign King George and his government. Mr. S hath been fo good as to go with me to the Earl of H -'s, from vv?hom I hope this week fome redreft will be obtained. On Thilrfday next, I am to wait upon his Excellency again. Mine eyes are wait- ing on the blefled Jesus, from whom all falvation muft comcc Ere long I hope to fhew you the letters ; they are indeed very extraordinary. O the enmity of the heart ! Lord, help us ! What would become of us, if fdme folks were to have the up- per hand ? Our Caufe, in my opinion, is the caufeof God, ahd the caufe of civil and religious liberty 3 and if death itfelf Ihould be permitted to befall me for defending it, 1 hope^ through Christ ftrengthening me, it would be gratefully re« fceiyed by, my dear Sir^ Your mofl obliged, afFe6lionate friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MCXXXIV. To Lady H- n, Evir-hofioured Madam^ London, May 2^ 1 75^* VARIOUS have been my exefcifes fmce I wrote to your Ladyfhip laft. But I find, that out of the eater cometh forth meat, and that all things happen for the furtherance of the gofpel. I fuppofe your Ladyfnip hath feen his Majefly's promife of a pardon to ahy that will difcover the letter writer; and this brings your LadyOiip the further hews of my having taken a piece of ground very commodious to build on, not far from the Foundling-Hofpital. On Sunday I opened the fub- fcriptiort, and through Gob's bleiling, it hath already amounted to near fix hundred pounds. If he is pleafed to continue to fmile upon my poor endeavours, and to open the hearts of Vol. III. * M fome H 178 LETTERS. fome more of his dear children to contribute, I hope in a kW months to have what hath been long wanted, — a place for the gofpel at (he othef end of the town. This evening, Gou willing, I venture once more to preach at Long-Jcre. The enemy boafts that I am frightened aWay : but the triumph of the wicked is fliort. Our people. Sir //-— — C—- — , Mr. M — — , &c. are all for bringing the rioters to the King's- Ber.ch, and perhaps upon the whole it may be beft. Lord Jesus, dire6t my goings in thy way ! On Tucfday next I hope to fet out for iValss. For Indeed my body is weakened through care and watchfulnels, a variety of exercifes, and want of fleep. But the Redeemer's grace is all-fufficicnt. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I moft humbly commend your LadyPnip, and the other cle(Sl: Ladies, and beg a con- tinued intered in their prayers. With repeated thanks for re- peated favours ;T fubfcribe myfelf, ever-honoured Madum, Your Ladyfliip's mod dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant^ L E T T E R MCXXXV. To Mr, H-^ . My very dear Sir, Brijioly May 20, 1756* FOR fo I mud addrefs myfelf, having had you in a pecu- liar manner upon my heart, ever fince I faw and read a letter thst ci"^me from you fome months ago. It befpoke the language of a heart devoted to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Je-* Sus. Mrs. B confirmed me in this opinion yederday, and withal told me, die believed you wouU be glad of a line from me, who am indeed lefs than the lead of all faints, but willing^ if I know any thing of my own heart, to fpend and V;e fpent for the good of fouls. 7"hey are redeemed by the blocd of Jesus, vvhofe crofs, bleded be his rlame, hath ^een made delightful to me for fome years. I thank God that I am cad (^uc for my Mader's fake. Lideed, my very dear Sir, it is preferable to all other preferment 'vvhatfoevcr. It is the way to the crown. Glory be to Cjo.d, that there are fome yoii!ig champions coming forth : methinks I could now dng , my nunc d'lmittis with triumphant joy. T'hough I decreafe, may you, my very dear Sir, iiicrcafe, O that yeu may be kept fiom LETTERS. ty^ from conferring with flefti and blood ! O that you may be owned and blefTed of God [ 1 believe you will, and never more fo than when you are reviled and defpifed by man. It is a fatal miftake, to think we muft keep our characlers in order to do good ; this is called pf'iidcnce; in moft, I fear, it is trimming, Honefty I find always to be the beft policy. They who honour Jesus, he will honour. Even in this world, if we confefs him, his truthj and his people, we fhall receive an hundred-fold. To lofe all in this refpecS^, is to find all. But whither am I going ? Excufc, m.y very dear Sir, the overflowings of a heart, that loves you dearly for the glorious Redeemer's fake. I am here preaching his crofs, and expedl to {tay over Sunday. Next week I have thoughts of being at Bath and Wejlbury. I lead a pilgrim lifei You will pray that I may have a pilgrim heart. Ere long I hope my heavenly Father will take md home. I am a-ibitious 5 I want to fit upon a throne, Jesus hath purchafed and provided z throne and heaven for me. That you may have an exalted place at his right hand, is and fhall be the ejtrnefl prayer of, teverend and very dear Sir, Yours moft afFedlionately in our common LoRl?, LETTER MCXXXVL ro Mr, 5—. My dear Mr, B , Brifol^ May 21, I75S. THE firft part of your letter made me fmile : for what ? Becaufe I was glad to find you liad fuch an enlarged heart, and at the fame time imagined, that I could build two houfes at a time. If the top-ilone of one is brought forth, I iliall think we have reafon to fliout unto it^ Grace ! grace ! This I hope will be the happy lot of you and your young fel- low-foldiers, in refpecl to your fpiritual building. Remember, war is proclaimed ; the fword is uniheathed 5 the devil, the world, and the ilefh will difpute every inch of ground, and you muft fight or die. Angels ftand by to fee the combat, and Jesus ftands ready to make you more than conquerors through his love. Provoke then one another, but let it be to love and to good works. Take heed of a trifling fpirit when M 2 together. i8a LETTERS. together. It will hurt you, and by degrees rob you of true and holy joy. I thank you for remembering unworthy me^ I am called to travel, you ro trade for Jesus. ' Laft wtelc, I truft, was a good week. The Lord of the harveft is pleafed to fmile upon us here. I hope to be in tov/n at the appointed time. I hope that dear Mr. y — — profpers every day. Pray remember me to him, and your fingle circle, in the moll len- der manner, and believe me to be, my dear Sir, Your afFedionate friend and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MCXXXVil. To Mr. J R , Aly dear St'r^ Brijiol^ May 21, 17^6. THIS morning, (which is the firft leifure time I have had fince my leaving town) looking over my letters, I found one from you, who I fuppofe to be the perfon whom I have taken notice of at Long- Acre chapel. As your behaviour there, and your letter before me, befpcak you to be in earneft about your foul, you will be quite welcome to come to my houfe ; and if God (hould vouchfafe to blefs any thing that I may drop for the furtherance of your faith, to him and him alone be all the glory. 1 defire to blefs hirh for what he hath al- ready done. O amazing mercy 1 to be tranfla'ed from the kingdom of darknefs into the kingdom of God's dear Son ; to be brought from the fwine's trough to feed upon the fatted calf; what a heaven upon earth is this ! Be not difcouraged, though you are obliged to fight every inch of your way, Jesus will pray for you, and your faith (hall not fail. He can and will enable you to overcome yourfelf and the world. To his never-failing mercy do I moft earneftly commit you, as being, for his great name^ fake. Your friend and fervant. LETTER LETTERS. i8x LETTER MCXXXVIII. To the Reverend Mr. V . London^ June ^^ 1 756. Reverend and very dear Sir, GLAD, yea very glad was I to hear by Mr. J , that you grew better and better every day. Surely your late ficknefs was only to purge you, that you might bring forth more fruit unto God. Such trying and threatening difpenfa- tions are glorious prefages of future ufefulncfs. It is in the furnace, that both our gifts and graces are purified and increafed. How gradually doth our great, compaiTionate, and all-wife H'gh-prie{t train up his chofen ones for the fervices appointed to them ! Happy they that can eye his providences, and with a difmterefted fpirit be ready to follow the Lamb whitherfoever he is pleafed to lead them. Through winds and clouds andjlorms^ He gently clears our way ; TVait we his time^ fo Jhall each night Be turn d to joyous day, I rejoice in the profpecSl of your coming forth like gold that is tried. May you increafe though I decreafe ! Juftly might my Mafter throw me afide ; but he is patient and long-fuffer- ing, and will fend by whom he will fend. Since we parted, I have been led to feveral new places. Travelling and preach- ing thrice a day was made delightful. Blefled be God for my airy pluralities ! O what am I, Lord, that I Ihould be fent into the highways and hedges I Jll hail reproach, and welcome pain^ Only thy terrors. Lord, rejhain ! Thefe I cannot bear. A Father's, a Saviour's frowns are in- tolerable. But what am I doing ? Excufe this freedom, bc- caufe it flows from love. How does dear Mr. D ? How are the eledf Ladies ? If polTible I fhall write to-night ; if not, very foon. I am glad Mifs G is in fuch a promifmg way. She nor any of our honoured friends are forgotten in my poor prayers. If I ihould be prevented from writing, be M 3 pleafed 4 i8j LETTERS. pleafed to prcfent my moil dutiful refpe^ts, and accept mo^ cordial love and falutations from, my very dear Sir, " yours moil affedjtionately in our common Lord, LETTER MCXXXIX. To Lady H- n. Ever-honoured Mada?n^ London^ 'June 4, 1756, "1^ /f AN appoints, but God difappoints. In hopes of fee- iYjL i"g y<-'"^ LaJyfliip, I haflcned to Br'iJloU but found your Ladyfliip had been in London whilft I was there. Sorry was I for the occafion of your Ladyfhip's journey, and ye»t glad to hear that Mailer //- u^as fo well recovered. At Brijlol the Redeemer caufed us to triumph, and likewife in GlouccfierfJoirey at Bradford^ FromCy Wqrnnnjler^ and at Ports- mouth^ whither I have been thefe three weeks laft paft. I am now come up for about, ten days to keep Pentecofl ; I trufl it will be a Pejuccofl to many fouls at Loyig-Acre. Blefied be God, a new building is now ere hath ferved me as others before him havetjone, God keep us from that profperity which deitroyeth [ In all time of our wealth, good Lord deliver us ! Let rpe hear from you con- cerning Bethefda, Watch and pr^y. I fend moft cordial re- fpects to you and yours, and all dear friends that are fo |cind to enquire after, my very dear Sir, Yours rr*oil affectionately in our common Lord, G. IV, M 4. LETTER ,S4 LETTERS, LETTER MCXLI. To Lady H- ». Evsr-homwed Madam^ London^ June lO, 1 7 56, BEING juft come ofF the bed, where 1 have been i wear- ing for a cold and choljc that had feised pie this day, \ met with your Ladyfhip's very kind and fondefcending letter. I fee your Ladylbip is touched in a very tender point : gene- rous minds are always thus affected, when a friend is abufed. But I find more and more, honoured Madam, that our own mother's children will be permitted to be angry with one. The contradiction of faints, is more trying than that of fin- jicrs :-— but it is all to teach us to ceafe from man, and wrap ourfelves in Him, in \vhom alone dwells confummate perfec- tion. That I might fay, " fome of Mr. L 's principles, in my opinion, are wrong," I do not deny ; but that I put JVli"- W— — y Lipori writing, or had any ^active hand in his pamphlet, i^ utterly faUe. I think it is a moft ungentleman- like, injudicious, pnchrifiian piece. However, Mr. L- knows too much of the divine life, not to fee fome call even m this crofs ; and I hope your Ladyfhip will not fufFer it to burden your niind any longer* Satan wants to difturb youj- Ladyfhip's repofe. Ere long, blefied be the glorious Emmanuel^ 5ie will be bruifed under our feet. This laft week i have had fome refpite from his artful and perplexing fuggeftions, and have been enabled to ride upon my high places. My prefent work at London feems to be over, and Monday or Tuefday next, God willing, 1 hope to fet out for Brijiol^ where J purpofe preaching next Thurfday. If divine Providence fhould not dire<5l your Ladyfhip thither, I have thought of coming through l^eiceftcrflnre^ in my way to Scotland. This circqit, 1 hope, yi\\\ be a three months circuit. The profpe6t in London is very promifmg. Every day we hear of frefti conquefts. Tq thee,^ and thee alone, moft adorable Redeemer, be all the glory ! Want of ftrength forbids my enlarging. O this vile body ! Surely our treafure is in earthly vefiels. When it is break- ipg to pieces, and the rattles are in my throat, I hope with my |?.iei| bfeath to acknowledge the innumcra.ble unmerited fa- LETTERS. ,85 vouTS which have been conferred by your Ladyfliip on, ever- ^lonouied Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervanc for Christ's fake, LETTER MCXLII. To Mrs, C . D-ar Mrs. C — — , London^ June 21, 1756. NOTHING concerns me in your laft letter, but your having the leaft fufpicion that I was not pleaied witJi your condudl, or was not fatisfied with your being at Bethefda, I know of no perfon in the world that I would prefer to you, neither had I ever one thought to the contrary. I think my- {t\^ happy in having fuch a mother for the poor children, and ^m peifuaded God will blefs and own you more and more, I pity poor Mr, P , but doubt not of Beihefdas being weH fupplied. I think if Mr. R manages outward thincrs, and Mr. D takes the accounts, and keeps to the children, affairs may be managed very well. I care not how much the family is leflened. As it is a time of war, this may be done with great propriety, and then the plantation will have time to ^row. J H y writes that you ufe him quite well, and feems very contented. Never fear, my dear Mrs. C -^ Jesus will (land by a difinterefted caufe. I have aimed at ^lothing in founding Bethefda., but his glory and the good of my country. Let Lots then chufe the plain^ God will be ^braharns' Ihield and exceeding great reward. All is well that ends well. Faith and patience muft be exercifed by meai>^ of friends as well as by foes. I hear that my nephev/ is married, A'las, what a changing world do we Jive in * BlefTed be God for an unchangeable Christ ! Amidft all, this is my comfort, his word runs and is glorified. A new building is now ereding at the other end of the town, and many fouls, I truft, are daily built up in their moft holy faith. To-morrow, God willing, I fet out upon a long range. Fain would I have all concerned with me to be happy. Juft now Mrs. F hath determined to come over and marry H . I have advifed her to go with M — — 3 and told her fhe (hould bs iS6 LETTER S. be welcome to my houfe till fhe goes to Carolina, I know you will receive her kindly. It is her own choice, and there- fore fhe muft look to the confequences. The Lord give us all a right judgment in all things. Near this time, I fuppofe, you know my mind about Mr. D-r' . \ have no objection, and your brothers are quite fond of the match. Perhaps, take all together, it may be more agreeable than the other. We feldom choofe well, when we choofe for ourfelves. God's thoughts are not as our thoughts. Take courage, my dear Mrs. C- ; Bethcfdah welfare doth not depend on a fingle pcrfon. God will provide: I think he hath already. I care' not if all the boarders were gone. Mr. R^ and D- — «» and you are hearty. Enough, enough I God will blefs and profper you. I am more than contented. My blefling to all the children. That the God of all grace and mercy may fil} you with all his fulnefs, is the earnefl prayer of, dear Mrs? c , Your very affectionate, fmcere friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MCXLIII. To Mr. D . My dear Mr. D — , London^ July lO, 1756. YOUR letter gave me fatisfaclion. I read it on our Let- ter-day, and yqu and the reft of my dear family had m?my prayers put up for you. May they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth ! Ere now, I hope you have agreed iipon what plan to acl, I fliall fend no one over. As I would have the family leflened as much as poffible, you that are left upon the fpot will be fufFicient. Debts may then be paid, and the plantation brought into good order, by the time Providence opens a door for my feeing Jtnerica again. What think you Qf y P ? If not truly ferious, I would not have him fent to the college. Lord Jesus, do thou (hew all con- cerned, what thou wouldv^ have them to do ! Surely Bethcfda will be a houfe of mercy ftill. God blefles my feeble labours here. Laft night I came from Brijiol. There the word ran and was gloriEcd. Tn a i^v{ <;lays 1 fet out for Scotland, God, continue )L E T T E R S. i^y continue my moving life, till I am moved at lad to o-|ory ! Continue to pray for me, and afTure yourfelf of not bein^^- for- gotten byj my very dear Mr. D , Yours moft afFedionately, &c. G. IK LETTER MCXLIV. To Lady H n. Ever-honoured Mada?jiy London^ July 17, 1 756, YOUR Ladyfliip's kind letter found mejuft returned from Brijlol^ and jull: fetting out for Maidjione and Chatham^ where I have been to preach the gofpel, and to vifit a poor murderer. I hope that my poor feeble labours vv^ere not alto- gether in vain in the Lord. A divine influence accompanies the word preached here, and I am now preparing for my northern expeditionp If your Ladyfhip removes not from Donnington foon, perhaps I may have the honour of waitino- upon your Ladyfhip there. My motions muft be very quick, becaufe 1 would haften to Scotkjtd as faft as poflible, to have more time at my return. Eternity ! eternity ! O how do I long for thee ! But alas, hovv often muft we be like pelicans in the wildernefs, before we arrive there ? Solitarinefs pre- pares for the focial life, and the focial life for folitarinefs again. Thus doth an all-wife Redeemer {^t one over againft another, Jesus is the alone center of peace and comfort in either fitua- tion. Your Ladyfhip knows this by happy experience. Per- haps our confolations come fweeteft, when immediately derived from the fountain head. Springs fail, the fountain never can nor will. That your Ladyfhip may every moment be refrefhed with its living waters, is and (hall be the earneft prayer of, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfliip's moft dutiful, obliged, 9nd ready fervant, " ' ' G, JV. LETTER j^S LETTERS. LETTER MCXLV. To Mrs, C . Dear Mrs. C , IJlington., July 27, 1756. SINCE my laft, which I believe is not yet gone, I have given an order to have Mr. R *s cliildren delivered to him or his mother, or whomfoever they fhall appoint : and pray leflen the family as much as poffible. I wifh 1 had none in the houfe, hut what were proper orphans. The plantation v^ould then fuffice for its fupport, and debts be paid : but we muil buy our experience. Troubles feem to befet us here: but we are all fecure in God, even in a God in Christ. His gofpel flourifhes in London. 1 am juii returned from preaching it at Sheernefs., Cbatha?n, and in the camp. This afternoon or to-morrow I fet off for Scotland, I can only add, that with continual prayers for your temporal and fpiri-^ tual welfare, I am, dear Mrs. C — — , Your mofl afFedionate, obliged friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV, • p. 5. My hearty love to all. The Lord be with you ! Amen^ and Ajnm I LETTER MCXLVI. ro Mr. Z . Sunderland, Augujl 14, 1 756. Honoured and very dear Sir^ HOW fwiftly doth my precious time fly away ! It is now a fortnight fince I came to Leeds in Torkjhire, where the gofpel had indeed free courfe, did run, and was glorified. On the Sunday evening, a few hour? after my arrival, many thou- fands were gathered in the fields, to whom, I truft, Jesus enabled me .to fpcak with fome degree of power. The follow- ing week I preached in and about Le^ds^ thrice almofl every day, to thronged and affe^ed auditories j and on Sunday lafl the fields were indeed white ready unto harveft. At Bradford, s^bout feven in die morning, the auditory confjfled of about tea LETTERS. igj ten thoufand ; at noon, and in the evening at Burjlally to near double the number. Though hoarfe, the Redeemer helped me to rpeak, lb that all heard. Upon every account it was a high-day. In the evening feveral hundreds of us rode about eight miles. Tinging and prriifing God. Indeed it was a night much to be remembered. The next morning I took a forrow- ful leave of Leeds^ preached at Tadcafter at noon, and at Tork the fame night. God was with us. On Tuefday I preached twice at Tork (delightful feafons !) ; on Wednejday at TVarJiall^ about fifty miles ofF; on Thurfday twice at Tarm^ and iaft night and this morning here. All the way I have heard of a great concern fmce I was in thefe parts Iaft year, and of many glorious trophies of the power of redeeming love. In heaven honoured Sir, you will know all. There I fliaJl throw my crown befoie the Lamb, and there you Ihall be rewarded for ftrengthening the hands of the moft unworthy creature that ever was employed by God. After fpending my fabbath here, and vifiting Shields^ Newcaftle^ and fome adjacent places, I purpofe to go on to Scotland, From thence I hope to have the honour of writing to you again. This is the firft time I have had a proper opportunity of refrefhing myfelf in that way. Praying that you may increafe with all the increafe of God, and begging your acceptance of repeated thanks for re- peated unmerited favours, I fubfcribe myfelf, honoured and very dear Sir, Your mofl dutiful, though moft unworthy fon in the glorious gofpel, G. JV. LETTER MCXLVII. To the Reverend Mr. T . My very dear Friendy Edinburgh^ Sept. 9, 1 756. GLAD, yea very glad fhould I have been to have waited upon you at C . But it feems it was not to be. However, if I (hould return from GlafgoWy God willing, I fhall call upon you ; if not, in heaven, in heaven we fhall meet. God be with you and yours I I am juft going off. O thefe partings ! they are cutting. I truft Jesus hath been walking amidft the golden candlcfticks. You will hear i$o LETTER! hear particulars from others. I have only time to beg tfi^ continuance of your prayers, and with hearty love to your yokc-fellow, Mr. G , and his fpoufe, to fubfcribe myfclf,- niy very dear friend. Yours moft afFe^lionately in our common Lord, G, JV. LETTER MCXLVIII. To tlyc Reverend Mr, G . Edi7iburgh^ Sept. 2i, 1756. Reverend dfid very dear Sir^ I Thank you moil heartily for your kind letter, and for alF other tokens of your regard and love. I can only fend you a pepper-corn of acknowledgment. My Mailer, my long-fuft^ering, ever- loving, ever-lovely Mafter, will pay you all. I hope he hath diredied my fleps. On Saturday I re- ceived a meflage from our new Governor of Georgia^ defiring to fee and converfe with me, before he embarks. This could not have been done, if 1 had wem to Ireland now. Our Lord orders all things well. O remember me before his throne. To-morrow I leave Edinburgh, Your letter fhall be delivered to Mr. R . Be pleafed to give ths inclofed to Mr. Scot^ to' put in his Pbtladelpbia- Packet. I am bufy^ and yet, alas ! I do nothing. Impreffions feem to be promifirig here. Lord„ what am I ^ lefs than the leaft of all, but for Christ's fake, my very dear friend, Yours indifTolLibly in the beft bond?, G\ IV. LETTER MCXLIX. To Lady H n. Ever 'honoured Madam ^ Lmdon^ GSf. 27, 1 756. If T O P 1 N G that they Vv'ould find your Ladyibip at BriJioJ^ A A 1 wrote a few lines not long ago from Leeds. Since that I have been in honeft Mr. G arid Mr. J ^'s round, preaching upon the mountains to many thoufands. One that was awakened three years ago, is gone to heaven, and deftred to be buried upon the fpot where (lie was awakened. The facramcnt at Mr. G— -^'s was mL-il awfulj and the Welch LETTERS. 191 tp^elch night at Leeds exceeding folemn. I would have conti- nued my circuit, but found that preaching fo frequently in thofe cold countries, was bringing on my laft year*s diforder. Being therefore grown very prudenjc, I am come to open our new chapel in Tottenham-Court Roady and in my poor way to recommend the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Lord, what am I^ that thou fhouldeft fufFer me to put a pin in thy taber- nacle ! O for grace to ftand in a trying hour. Something Very extraordinary lies before us : " Prepare to meet thy God,'* feems now to be the call to all, BlefTed be God, his Spirit hath not done flriving for us. This, I hope, is a token for •good. Never did I know the fields more ready unto harveft, than I have {ten them in the North. May I wifli your Lady- fhip joy of what hath happened at the other end of the town. Mav his Lordfhip be made a long and public blefling to this finful nation ! If the other elecSl Ladies are all at Clifton court, I wifh you all the bleffings of the everlafting gofpel. Though utterly unworthy of fuch an honour, ofFering my poor pepper- corn of acknowledgment for all your Ladyfhip's unmerited kindnefles, 1 beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfiilp's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MCL. To Mrs. C . ' Dear Mrs. C , Loitdon, Oa, 30, 1756. I Can only drop you a few lines. I am juft returned from a thoufand miles northern circuit, and Mr. Graham is juft a going* All your relations are well. The fields have been white ready unto harveft. Ln about a week, a new building at the other end of the town is to be opened. I expe£t to fee your new Governor every moment. By his fliip I hope to fend letters to you all. May God blefs and profper you ! y H* 's relations are v/ell. You will give him all the encouragement you can. I am ftili for ieflening the fa-. mily 191 LETTERS. mil/ as much as poflible. My wife v^rote lately. I hat*^ fcarce time to fublcribe myfelf, dear Mrs. C , Your moft affedtionate, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. ir. LETTER MCLL To Alderman H ^. My dear Friend^ London^ Nov. 6, lyS^- I Am glad you got no more hurt by your late fall from your horfe. May the Lord Jesus write the laws of gratitude upon all our hearts ! I wifti my brother's lick.nef5 may be fan6lified to his better part. I know not the cafe of the poor weavers : I do not love to fifli in troubled waters, and yet I fear more and more troubles await us both at home and abroad, O that the walls and flreet of the New Jerufalem^ may be built in troublefcme times I He hath faid it, who is alfo able to perform it. I wifh I may begin to begin to build in earned. Do pray for ine : I fliall never forget you or yours. May this find you on the full ftretch for Jesus ! He was ftretched upon the crofs for you and me. Amazing love I Adieu. I muft away. Beg Mr. B to wrilfe if my brother grows worfe. I will anfwer him as foon as poflible; but whiJil my cold continues, I cannot expecl to fee you at Ghucejier. O for a warm heaven ! there you will know how much I am^ my very dear Friend^ Vours in dur common Lord, LETTER M.GLII. ro Mr. D . My dmr Mr. D i London^ Nov. I2j 1756. I Have juft been with your new Governor, who fcts out to- morrow. May the Lord of ail lords make him a blef- fing I Upon the receipt of this, do you wait upon his Ex- cellency, and give Hiirty and ivhsm he pleafes to hrifi^ with }?im^ an invitation to Bethefda. I know dear Mrs. C will make proper provifion. 1 have had no letters for a long feafon. I I have LETTERS. 193 1 have only time to inform you, that we have juft opened a new chapel at Tottenha?n' Court Road, and that 1 tiufl: the Re- deemer's glory filled it laft Sunday. Have you perfons enough to exercife before the Governor ? Can they receive him under arms ? That the Captain of our falvation may m^kc them all good foldicrs for himfelf, is the earnefl: prayer of, my dear Mr. D , Yours, &c. in our common Lord, G, IV. LETTER MCLIII. To Lady c Honoured Madam ^ London, Nov. 17, 1 756. AS I thought it would give your Ladyfhip fatisfa6bion, I herein inclofe the copies of two letters fent from the condemned youth, in whofe behalf your Ladyfhip hath inter- pofed. May the Redeemer crown your endeavours with fuccefs ! BlefTed be his name, we hear of daily inflances of his grace 1 At Long-Acre indeed the word ran, and at Tottenham-Court chapel we have had fome glorious earnefls of future blefHngs. Providence, I doubt not, will enable us to pray for it. My conflant work now is, preaching about fifteen times a week. This, with a weak appetije, want of refl, and much care lying upon my mind, enfeebles my too, too feeble nature. But the joy of the Lord is my ftrength. And my greatefl grief is^ that I can do no more for Him, who hath done and fufFered fo much for me. I thank your Ladyfhip for your kind letter and good wifhes. Indeed, honoured Madam, you are always remembered at the throne of grace. That your Ladyfliip's foul may always profper, and that you may increafe with all the increafe of God, is and fhall be the eafneft prayer of, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfl:iip's mofi dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G JV: Vol. ni. N LETTER 194 LETTERS. LETTER MCLIV. ro Mr. H y. My very dear Friend^ London^ Dec. 9, 1756. AST night Mr. M informed me, that Mr. C—- L fliewed hlcn a pamphlet, wrote on purpofe to prove the fundamental errors of my printed fermons, and that yon had offered to preface it, but he chofe you fhould not. That this is true, 1 as much believe, as that I am now at Rome. But I v/ifli that my very dear friend may not repent his conne<£lion and correfpondence with fome, when it is too late. This is my comfort, I have delivered my foul. Mr. i^— — hath been fo kind as to fend me the two volumes of Jenh's MeditaiicnSy and defires me to ^.nnex my recommendation to yours. I have anfwered, that it will not be prudent or beneficial to him fo to Ao, I fear they are too large to go off. I hope that my dear friend profpers both tn foul and body. Convi(5lion and con- verfion work go on here. Lord keep us from tares ! All is well at Claphani j I have expounded there twice. God hath met us at our new building. 1 know that you v^^ill pray, it may be full of new creatures. My moff cordial refpeds await your mother and filler; my wife joins. With great hade, but much greater love, I fubfcribe myfelf, my very dear friend. Yours moll affectionately in our common Lord, G.JV. LETTER MCLV. To Mr. Aaron 5——. My very dear Frlendy London^ Dec. q., ^75^' AS I am informed the Philadelphia packet fails this day, I cannot omit acknov^'ledging the receipt of Mr. P- 's paper : the duplicates came to hand before. A memorial is drawn up by proper perfons, and application is to be made for a charter. As yet, every thing promifes well. This morning I am going to fend P 's writing to thofc, who I believe will put it into his Majefty's hands. The letters mentioned by Mr. B , about purchafmg the land for the Indians^ I did not receive, but I fhall take the hint in the laft, and do what I can. Alas ! that is but liciko Some books fhall be. fecured LETTERS. 195 fecurcd for John O , and feme bibles, &c. for the India-n fchool. I wifli yohn 0 of Long-JJland was here, efpeci- ally if he can preach, and could be fpared from his miflion for a few months, and hi& paflage paid. I would pay his pafTafre back again, and I hope get fomething for that which you have in view. At the enfuing faft, if pradicable, I intend making a colleftion. Night and day, our hands are lifted up for dear A?nerica. I fear we are to be brought into far greater extremity, both at home and abroad, ere deliverance comes. The Lord reigneth, and blefTed be the God of our falvation. I am forry you have not your degree. It is ready, if teftimonials were fent from thofe that know you. This not being done, it looks as though the character given you on this fide the water, was not juftly founded. The Lord Jesus dired and blefs you ! I wifti you would v/rite oftener. How glad would I be to fee America^ but my way is hedged up. We have juft opened a new chapel at the other end of the town, and the awakening both in town and country continues. We have many pleafmg accounts from various quarters, and more minifters are coming out to preach the gofpel. This is refrefhing. How does the worthy Governor ? I cannot write now, but I pray. Dear Captain G is gone : O that my turn was come ! Jesus is kind. I am ftrengthened to preach fourteen times a week, and I truft it is not in vain. You have work enough. That the giver of all ftrength may fupport and fucceed you more and more, is the earneft prayer of, dear Sir, Yours moft afredionately in our glorious Head, G, IK LETTER MCLVL To Mrs, G . Dear Madam^ London, Dec. 15, 1 756. WHAT a prayer-hearing, promife- keeping God do we ferve ! O that I had a heart to blefs and praife him ! Your kind and opportune contribution for the new chapel, ftrengthened my faith, and encouraged me (in fpite of the oppofition of fome narrow hearts) to go forwards with it, till . it is compleated. Surely the work is of God. Laft Sunday there was a wonderful ftirring amongft the dry bones ; fome N % S^ca: 1^6 LETTER S. great people came, and begged they might have a conftant I'eat. An earneH: this, I believe, of more good things to come. To me, dear Madam, it is the moft promifmg vi'ork the Re- deemer ever vouchiafed to employ me in. Lord, what am I ? Help me, glorious Emmanuel^ to abhor myfelf in duft and afties ! He will blefs you, dear Madam, for what you have done. O that I had a thoufand lives to employ in his fervice ! I am much obliged to dear Mrs. B . Neither fhe nor you will have reafqn to repent your zeal on this occafion. It will be much for the Mediator's glory, and the welfare, I hope, of thoufands of fouls, to have every thing honourably difcharged. I know I fhall have your prayers, dear Madam, and I am fure y©u have mine. O that you may know in whom you have believed ! Come, dear Madam, be not difcouraged; you know who hath faid, " then lliall ye know, if ye follow on to know the Lord." I could enlarge, but it is near fix in the morn- ing, and I muft away to preach. O that my blefled Mailer may never turn me out of that divine employ I I hope my moft grateful refpe£ls and acknowledgments will find acceptance with dear Mrs. B ; and your acceptance of the fame will add to the obligations already laid on, dear Madam, Your moft ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. /F. LETTER MCLVIL To Airs. B . Dear Aladcim^ London, Dec. 30, 1 756. GRATITUDE conftrains me to fend you a few lines.- They inform you, that God is doing wonders at the new chapel. Hundreds went away laft Sunday morning that could not come in. On ChriJIfnas-Day, and laft Tuefday night (the firft time of burning candles) the power of the Lord was prefent, both to wound and to heal. A neighbouring Do61:or hath baptized the place, calling it " Whitcfield's Soul- trap.'' — Juft now the following letter came to hand. Reverend Sir^ A Thought came into my mind laft Sunday morning, to go to hear you at the new tabernacle, and to fee what fort of a place it was. In one part of your difccurre my heart 5 "^ trembled, LETTERS. ,9; trembled, and the terrors of the Lord came upon me. I then concluded, that I muft prepare for hell, and that there was no hope of falvation for me. I take this method, being allured that you will excufe the liberty I take to afk you one queftion» How I can be convinced that my pad fins are to be forgiven ? And O, what muft I do to be faved ! My fms are innumera- ble. God is juft. I cannot think that I have any intereft in the Redeemer's blood. My foul is full of grief. I muft conclude. Dear Sir, favour me with a line, which will be greatly acknowledged by. Your friend, A. B. I have anfwered my new friend, and pray the friend of fin- ncrs to make the chapel z foul-trap indeed, to many wandering creatures. Abundance round about, I hear are much ftruck. O for humility ! O for gratitude ! O for faith ! Wherefore fhould I doubt ?---Surely Jesus will carry me through, and help me to pay the workmen. Accept repeated thanks for the help afforded by your dear Ladies, and depend on }iavino- the poor prayers of, dear Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, LETTER MCLVIIL To the Reverend Mr. M . Reverend and dear Sir ^ London^ yan. ^^ ly-^y. JUST now I received and read your kind letter, ajid hope, God willing, on Friday, to have the pleafure of a per- fonal interview. May our common Lord fandtify it to our mutual edification ! Glad fliould I have been to have known you before. I love the Hanoverians, becaufe I think the^^ love, and would prove faithful to our dear King George, I am forry for the treatment they have met with, but it is not our province to meddle with politics. BlejfTcd be God for a kingdom that is not of this world, which can never be re- moved, or fo much as fliaken. N 3 5/^7? 198 LETTERS. Bkjl is faith that trujis Christ's power^ Bleft are faints that zuait his hour y Hajie, great conqueror^ bring it near ; Let the glorious clofe appear. You fee, my dear Sir, how free I write. It is becaufe I think you are a true minifter of our glorious Emmanuel. Be pleafed to remember me when near his throne. Though a ftranger, you know my name : I am the chief of finners, and lefs than the leaft of all faints, but for Christ's fake, reverend and dear Sir, Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer, in our Lord's vineyard, G. W. LETTER MCLIX. To Lady H . Honoured Madam^ London^ ^an. 12, 1757. ILL your Ladyflifp be pleafed to accept a it\N hafty lines ? They come with hearty wifhes, that your Ladyfhip, and every branch of your honourable family, may have a very happy new year.- — This can only be had in Jesus, and therefore I wifh, from the very bottom of my heart, that you all may be blefled with all fpiritual blellings. — Thefe are bleiTings indeed. They are folid, they are lading, commen- furate even with eternity itfelf. I hope we have fome daily foretaftcs of this. Indeed, honoured Madam, a wide door feems to be opening at Tottenham- Court chapel. The word flies like lightning in itj O that it may prove a Bethel^ a houfe of God, a gate of heaven ! I believe it will.— As the awaken- ing continues, I have fome hopes that we are not to be given up. Alas ! alas ! We are tefling and cotitejling^ while the na- tion is bleedin^- to death. We are condemnina; this and that ; but fin, the great mifchief-maker, lies unmolefted, or rather encouraged by every contending party. Well, the Lord reigns ;-— and therefore blefled be the God of our falvation,-— • I hope your honoured fifler, and her noble Lord, are well. I fometimes wifn that his Lordfhip was at the helm, but infinite wiidom knows what is beft. Happy they who can look beyond time ! The chriflian can j the Ihort-fighted infidel dares not, 7 cannot. LETTERS. igg cannot. But I grow troublefome. I muft therefore only add my moft grateful acknowledgments, and aflure your Lady- (hip, that I am, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfliip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER MLX. To Lady M H . Honoured Madam^ London., Jan, 13, 1757. IWifti your Ladyfhip joy. What a mercy, to be made an inftrument in fettling a true minifter of Jesus Christ ! May he be the fpiritual father to many fouls ! Your Ladyfhip's unexpected fight of your fon, was like life from the dead. What pleafure then muft be the confequence of feeing our relations brought home to God ! This be your happy lot ! The holy fpirit feems to be quickening many dead fouls here. I am informed, that all are alive without the Cannon-Gate , but fuch are dead whilft they live. O Scotland! Scotlaridf Turn us, O good Lord, and fo fhall we be turned ! We had need to faft and pray too. — Your Ladyfhip, I doubt not, mourns in fecret. The glorious Emmanuel will put your tears into his bottle. That your confolations In him may abound evermore, is the earneft prayer of, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfliip's mofl dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, LETTER MCLXL Dear Mrs. C , London, Feb, 5, 1 757. 1 Thank you heartily for your lafl kind letter, and for all your works of faith and labours of love. — Glad would I be to fee America, but the cloud doth not feem to move that way as yet. — The new chapel at the other end of the town is made a Bethel, and the awakening increafes day by day. O that it was fo at Georgia! Surely the great Shepherd and Bi-ihop of fouls will blefs you, for taking care of the lambs in that diftant wildernefs. — Mr. P 's leaving Bethefda fadly diftrefies me; but my eyes are upon Him who knows all. I N 4 wrote 200 LETTERS. \vrote to defire Mr. P to continue the overfight of rny affairs, till I can come myfelf. Whatever he and you (hajl agree to, in refpecSt to Mr. R- , &c. I (hall acquiefce iq ; only I defire that all who are capable may be put out, and the family reduced as low as pofliblc, till the war is over, and the inftitution out of debt. I find nobody mentions / P i. If / P m goes to the college, cannot he and Mr. D' be enough for the fchool ? Ere now, G JJ/ I hope is put out. — Lord, remember me and all my various concerns ! — God blefs and dirc(Sl you in every ftep ! He will,— ^he will.— I truft you will find it fo in your late de- termination ? Now you are free. Things that feem againft us at firft, afterwards prove to be defigned for us.— What is to become of us here, God only knows.-— A year perhaps may determine. — The beft fign is, that the a\yakening continues. — A parcel of the addrefics was put up for you, but through miftake not put into the box. All your relations are well. That you may profper both in body and foul, and be filled with all the fulnefs of God, is the earneft prayer of, dear Mrs. C , Your moft affe6lionate, obliged friend, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IK LETTER MCLXII. To the Reverend Mr. M . London, Feb. ly, ^757* Reverend and very dear Sir, YOUR kind letter lies before me, for which, be plcafed to accept my cordial thanks. I am glad you got fafe to Chatham^ and heartily pray, that the God of the fea, and the God of the dry land, may be your convoy on the mighty waters. The continuance of your correfpondence will be quite agreeable. Who knows but Jesus may blefs it to our mutual edification ? I want to be ftirred up, to begin to begin to do fomething for him, who hath done and fuffered fo much for ill and hell'deferving me. Surely, I am a worthlefs vi^orm, and therefore little moved with whatever judgment an ill-natured, mifmformed world may form of mc. The great day will dif- coyer LETTERS. 20I cover all. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.-— O to be an Ifraelite indeed, in whom there is no guile! Simplicity and godly fincerity is all in all. A want of this, I fear, hath led the Count into all his miftakes. With great regret 1 fpeak or write of any people's weakneiles ; but I did and do now think, that divine Providence called me to pubJifli what you mention. The Redeemer gave it his blefTing. I do not find that their fopperies are continued, and I hear alfo that they have difcharged many debts. You feem to have right notions of the fermon to which you refer. It certainly fpeaks of a finlefs ftate, which is not attainable in this life. We are called to be faints, but not angels. Strange, that after fo many years, fuch an error (hould be propagated ! — but fo it is. Lord what is man? Glory be to God, there is a time coming, when fin, root and branch, fliall be deftroyed : I mean at death. TJ?en an eternal flop will be put to the fountain of corruption, and we fhall be finlefs indeed. — Till then, O Jesus, do thou continue to waih us in thy blood, and cloathe us with thy compleat and everlafting righteoufnefs; and at the fame time, out of a principle of love to thee, do thou help us to follow hard after that holinefs, without which no man can fee the Lord! — But whither am I going? My very dear Sir, excufe prolixity. I write to you, as to one whom I love in the bowels of Jesus Christ. My mod cordial refpecSls await all that love him. My wife joins in fending you the fame, with, reve- rend and very dear Sir, Yours moft affedlionately in our common Lord, LETTER MCLXIIL To Lady H «. Ever-honoured Madam^ London^ March 2^ JJSJ' A Few days ago, I received the kind benefa61:ion for the happy convifts. Not doubting of fuccefs, I had ad- vanced fome guineas, v;hich with what hath been procured from other hands, hath bought both their liberties, and they are provided for on the other fide of the water; juft now I be- lieve they are under fail. O that he, who I fuppofe will now receive a pardon, was alike favoured I But not many mighty, not 202 LETTERS. rsot many noble are called. However, fome come to hear at Tottenham-Court. S the player, makes always one of the auditory, and, as I hear, is much imprefled, and brings others with him. I hope this will not find your Ladyftiip ill of the gout. May the Lord Jesus bear all your ficknefs, and heal all your infirmities both of body and foul ! I'am fenfibly touched when any thing affects your Ladyfliip; gratitude conftrains to this. What (hall I render unto the Lord for all his mercies? I would preach for him, if I could, a hundred times a day. Surely, fuch a worthlefs worm was never honoured to fpeak for the Redeemer before. Your Ladyftiip will excufe; I muft away, and give a little vent to the heart of, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. PV. LETTER MCLXIV. To the Reverend Mr. B . Londouy March lo, 1 757. Reverend and very dear 5/r, PROVIDENTIALLY, a Lady was at my houfe when the bearer brought your letter, who perhaps may want juft fuch a fervant, within the time mentioned. Thus God provides for thofe that love him. He is indeed a prayer-hear- ing, a promife-keeping God. Satan may and will have us, that he may fift us as wheat ; but Jesus prays for us ; our faith therefore (hall not fail. This is my fupport ; this, my very dear Sir, mufl be yours. Ere long we {hall be tempted no more. I am a poor foldier; I want to be difcharged. Not from Christ's fervice, but from this prifon of the flefh. O that I could do fomething for Jesus whilft here below ! my obligations increafe. He vouchfafes daily (O amazing love) to own my feeble labours. The word runs and is glori- fied. That it may run and be glorified more and more, under God, through your inftrumentality, is the earneft prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir, Your affedionate but unworthy brother, in our glorious Head, G. fF. LETTER LETTERS. 203 LETTER MCLXV. To Lord H . My Lord ^ London^ April 7.(^^ ^757* I Make bold to trouble your Lordftiip with the propofals about the Georgia college; they fliould have been fcnt be- fore, but I heard that your Lordfiiip was out of town. On Monday next, my bufinefs calls me into the country. If your Lordfhip fhould have lelfi'.re immediately to run over the me- morial, I would call on Saturday morning to know your Lord- fliip's mind. In the mean while, praying that your Lordfhip may be a lading bleflxng to your country, I fubfcribe m.yfelf. Your Lordfliip's moft dutiful, obliged humble fervant, G. IV. LETTER MCLXVI. To the Reverend Mr, T . Edinburgh^ May 31, 1 757. CANNOT you come here for one day this week? I fhall leave Edinburgh on Monday^ God willing. — Attendance upon the aflembly, and preaching, have engrofled all my time. I can fcarce fend you this. — Nil mihi refcribas aitamen ipfe vent, — Adieu I With love more than I exprefs, I am, my dear Mr. r , Yours, he, G.W. P. S. Jesus is good to us. My hearty love awaits your V/hole felf and family. — It is near eight at night. LETTER MCLXVII. To Mr, My very dear Friend, Glafgcw, June g, 1757. TO me, it is almoft an age fince I wrote to you laft. But at Edijiburgh I was fo taken up all day, and kept up fo late at night, that writing was almoft impracticable. Surely my going thither was of God. I came thither the twelfth of May, and left it the fixth of Juiie, and preached juft fifty times. 204 LETTERS. times. To what purpofe, the great day will difcover. I have reafon to believe to very good purpofe. Being the time of the -s letter. "Who but the Redeemer himfelf, can poflibiy defcribe the yearnings of fuch a tender parent's heart ? Surely your Ladyfhip is called to cut off a right hand, and pluck out a right eye ; " But it is the Lord, let him do "what feemeth him good." This was the language of ^//, whofe fons were Tinners before the Lord exceedingly. This hath often been the cafe of the beft of people, and the greateft favou- rites of heaven j biit none knows the bitternefs of fuch a cup, but thoCe who are called to drink it. If not fweetened with 3 ftnfeof thelove and mercy of God in Christ, who could abide it ? P wha't phyfic, what ftrong phyfic do our ftrong afFedions pblige our heaven y Father to give us ! What pruning knives do thefe luxuriant branches require, in order to preferve the fruit and delicacy of the yine. Blelled be God, there is a time com- jng, when thefe myfterious dignified providences (hall be ex- plained. I am glad Mr. L is with your Ladylhip : he has k friendly heart. May the Lord Jesus raife up your Lady- ihip LETTERS. 215 iljip many comforters I Above all, may he come himfelf. He will, he will. Mr. H—^-— afk'd mod kindly after your La- dyfi) ,• On Thurfday Sir John M , lam told, was at ch' pe], and many others. The profpec^ brightens at that end of the to-vQ. O for warm winter quarters ! O that I could bear part of your Ladyiliip's heavy load ! But I can only in my feeble way bear it on my heart, before him who came to heal our fickneiles and bear our infirmities. That your Ladyfhip may come out of thefe fiery trias, purged and puri*- fied like the brighteft gold, is the earncft prayer of, ever-ho- noured Madam, Your Ladyrnip's mod dutiful, obliged, fympathizing, and veiy ready fervant for Christ's fake, G, W. LETTER MCLXXVIII. ro Mrs. C . London^ 051, 25, 1757. My dear Afn, C , IFind by your lafl to your brother James ^ that you was ia jeopardy. But I truft He that once drove av/ay the Spani- ardsy will alfo preferve you and the refl of my dear family from a French invafion. God give you flrength and courage ! He will. Every thing feems to be ia a critical fituation. Goo knows the tv^nt, Blejl ts faith that trujls Christ's pozt^V, Bkjl are faints that wait His hour. In the midft of all, the work goes on here. In Dublin I was like to be floned to heaven : but I am on earth yet. W« had glorious feafons both in Scotla^id ^nd Ireland. O that the clo'dd polnttd to Jrnerica f But the Redeemer's time is the beft. He will blefs you for taking care of his family in the wildernefs. I wi(b it had been reduced more by the difmiilion of the R s and B /. But perhaps God may over- rule all for the childrens future good. I hear that R is in a French prifon ; God give to him and his true repentance ! They have aded an ungrateful part ; but thus our Lord was ^fed, and the fervant muft be as his Lord, The judgment- 0 4 ^-^y 21.6 LETTERS. day will clear all. I wifli Mr. B may be eafy where h^ is. Mr. P may agree upon terms with him, and with / J{ . I love old friends and fervants, and defire to blefs God that my family hath got fuch a governefs. Pray let mc know if you want any apparel, kc. I fhall be quite concerned if you abridge ypurfelf of any thing. I cannot re- Wdrd you : but the Gop whom I defire to ferve, can and will. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I moft hum- bly commit you, and beg the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my dear Mrs. C , Your moft affectionate, and obliged friend, and fervant fqr Christ's fake, G.rr, LETTER MCLXXIX. To Governor E — » Honoured Sir y London^ 051. 26, 1757. I Am glad to hear from my nephew and other hands, that your Excellency's adminiftration is fo univerfally apprqved of. I pray God to make you a lafting bleffing to that colony, which hath long wanted the bleffing of "an a6tive, fkilful and difmterefted Governor. I thank your Excellency for honour- ing Bethefda with your company. Lord HalUfax informed me, that you would fend him your fentiments concerning its being enlarged into a college. I have drawn out my propofals, and have delivered them to his Lordfhip ; but the uncertainty of the times prevents my pulhing that affair. However, Geprgias welfare lies much on my heart ^ and it is my full defign, if providence fhould open a way, and I am affured of meeting with proper encouragement, (which I make no doubt of) to ferve that colony, and pay it another vifit. In the mean while, my heart's defire and prayer to God is and fhall be, that you may have the horiour and comfort of making the people, over whom divine providence hath called you to prefide, happy and profperous. I muft not longer, dear Sir, detain you from the public, and (hall therefore only beg your acceptance of this, ^s a tp^en of refpeCl, from, honoured Sir, Your Excellency's moft obliged humble fervant, G. W, f. E T^ LETTERS. 217 LETTER MCLXXX. To J 5- , Ejq-, My dear Friend^ London^ 05i. 26, 1757. I Am quite giad to hear, that you have met with encourage- ment to return again to poor Georgia^ and that my nephew ferves under you. I humbly hope that colony is not to be given over into the enemies hands ; but God only knouts what is before us. The cloud at prefent looks black ; but it is always darkeft before break of day. Our extremity may yet be God's opportunity to help and deliver us. In the midft of all, the work of God goes on among us. At both ends of the town we have blefied feafons. In Scotland and //Wr^w/ the woid ran and was glorified. Who knows but we may meet once more in Georgia, BlefTed be God for a well- grounded hope of meeting in heaven ! My hearty love awaits all who are travelling thither, and are fo kind as to enaulre after, my dear friend, yours &c. in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER MCLXXXI. To the Reverend Mr, M . London^ Nov. 3, 1 757. YOUR kind letter was very acceptable. Ere now, I trulf, the Redeemer hath given you the profpe«5l of the barren wildernefs being turned in a fruitful field. Never fear; Jesus will delight to honour you. Every clergyman's name is Legion. Two more are lately ordained. Satan kits and men ohje^, Tei the thing they thwart^ <^^- Thoughts are vain ogainj] the LoRD^ All fuhferves his Jlanding word ; Wheels encirclir.g wheels muft run^ Each in courfe to bring it on. You need not remind me of praying for the noble pair : furely they are not to be prifoners another Winter. The kingdom pf God fi;fFereth violence, and really if we would take it by force, 2iS LETTERS. force, we muft do violence to our fofteft paflions, and be con- tent to be eftecmcd unkind by thofe whofe idols wc once vvere^. This is hard work ; but, Abba, Father, all things are poflibie with thee ! BlcfTed be God for putting it into "your heart to ailc the pulpit for v. v/eek-day fermon. Are v/c not commanded lo be inftant in feafon and out of feafon ? If dear Mrs. /// will take my word for it, I vAW be anfwerable for your health. The joy refulting fiom doing good, will be a concmual feaft. God knows how long our time of working may l^vft. This order undoes us. As affairs now Hand, we muft be diforderly or ufelefs. O for more labourerc. I am told thoufands went away laft Sunday evening from Tottenham-Court ^ for want of room. Every day produces frefh accounts of good being done, and at this end of the lown the word runs and is glorified more and more. Laft Friday we had a mod folemn faft : I preached thrice ; thoufands attended, and I humbly hope our prayers entered the ears of the Lord cf Sabaoth. More bad news from America about our fleet : God humble and reform us, for his infinite mercy's fake I Go on, my dear Sir, and tell a fmful nation, that fm and unbelief is the accurfed thing which prevents fuccefs. Thus at leaft we fhall deliver our ©wn fouls, and be free from the blood of all men. But I for- get : I fuppofe you are preparing for the pulpit ; I dare not detain you. My beft refpedts await Mrs. AI =-: your mo- ther is well. That you may return to London in all the ful- nefs of the blelTmgs of the gofpel of Christ, is and fhall be the prayer of, dear Sir, Yours, &c. LETTER MCLXXXn. To Mr. 0 . My dear Mr. 0 , London, Nov. 12, 1757. I Thank you very kindly for vifiting Bethefda family, and for adminiftering the Lord's-fupper. I am glad to hear that the Mafter of the feaft was prefent. Ere long I hope we Ihall be called to the marriage-feaft of the fupper of the Lamb in heaven. God only knows what awaits us in our journey thither. 1 hope poor Georgia will be preferved, I truft the LETTERS. 219 Lord of all lords hath faid, " Deftroy it not, for tliere is a bicfTing in it." We are in 'equal jeopardy. Jesus is our common refuge. Conviilion and converfion work goes on' ^mongft us. But I long to fee America once more. O that I may never ceafe itinerating, till I fit down in heaven. My hearty love awaits all that are bound thither. Hoping ere long to hear good news from you and yours, I hafte to fub- fcribe myfelf, my dear Mr. O-r — , Yours, &c. LETTER MCLXXXIII. To Mr. D . My dear Mr. D , London, Nov. 12, 1 757. I Am glad you have received my letter. I know not that I have one of yours left unanfwered. BlefTed be God, for caufing Bethefda to profper. May it do fo in every fenfe more and more ! I hope you will be preferved from the hands both of temporal and fpiritual enemies. God prepare us for all events 1 Pray let me know the names of all the children. I wifh they could be reduced this war time to the number of fifteen ; and I wifh my nephew was not fo hafty ; and that the perfons you mention were (fpirituallv) (liot through the heart; Many here feem to be wounded in that manner. At Totten- ham-Court chapel, as well as the Tabernacle, the word runs and is glorified. I am glad you have the ordinance now and then. That the God of ordinances may blefs you all evermore, is the earned- prayer of, my dear Mr. D , Yours moft afFedionately in our common Lord, G, JV. P. S. Pray be particular in the account of the family. The Lord Jesus fmiles upon us here. He can, and I trull tvil! preferve you from French, Spaniards, and every hurtful f^e„ This k my conilant prayer. LETTER 220 LETTERS. LETTER MCLXXXr/. To Mr. R—~-. Dear Sir, Lcndon^ Nov, 17, 1757. YOUR letter to Mr. D gave me great fatisfadion. The contents, no doubt, made angels to rejoice in hea- ven, and why not us embodied fpirits hereon earth. So many called out of one family, is a peculiar mercy. BlefTed are the eyes that fee the things which you fee, and the ears that hear the things you hear. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon you all ! Who knows but we may fee each other on this fide eternity ? I am wifhing every day for wings to fly to my dear America once more ; but at prefent the way feems to be hedged up. A frefh work is breaking out here, and the Redeemer feems to be manifefling his glory in many fouls. This, with what has been done on your fide the water, may give us fome hopes, that though the enemy may be permitted to break in like a flood, yet the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a ftandard againft him. The death of Governor B ■ and Prefident Burr^ are dark providences: but Jesus lives and reigns. I thank you and yours moft heartily for your kind invitation : God willing, I will accept it whenever I come over. Lord, haften the time, if it be thy bleflTed will ! Be pleafed to remember me in the kindeft manner to all enquiring friends. 1 entreat the continuance of your prayers in behalf o^i my dear Sir, Yours in our common Lord, G. W. LETTER MCLXXXV. To Mr. S . My dear Mr. S , London., Nov. I'j^ ^757- I Am a letter in your debt : I fliould be glad to anfwer your laft in pcrfon. The attra6tion towards j^me^'ica is ^s flrong as ever, but at prefent I am flationed here. The word runs and is glorified. I fear the deaths of the Governor and Prefident will hurt New-Jerfey college : but Jesus lives and reigns. When will my turn come to live and reign with him 2 ' for LETTERS. 221 for evermore ! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! If youns; P fliould be Tent from the Orphan-houfe to your collccre be pleafed to furnifti him with plain neceflaries. I am in- formed he is a promifmg youth. Lord, raife up EliJJja's in the room of afcended Elijah I The refidue of the Spirit is in his hands. The late effufion was preparatory to your prefent trials. God make us ready for all events. Excufe great hafte i I write in greater love, as being, my dear friend Yours moft affedionately in our glorious Head C. IK LETTER MCLXXXVI. To Mr. M . My very dear Str^ London, Nov. 26, 1757, IAm very glad you have been fo providentially detained at Thetfordy and that your bow abode in fuch full firength. I'he Lord help you to give a good farewel ftroke to-morrow! My poor feeble labours almoll brought me to the grave this laft week ; but preaching yefterday three times on account of the PruJJians late fuccefs, hath fomewhat recovered me. It was a high day; thouf^mds and thoufands attended. Where the carcafe is, there the eagles will gather together. The chapel is made a Bethel indeed. I am glad you are comino- to fee* Spiritual routs are blefled entertainments. I muft prepare for my throne. It is near five in the evening, and to-morrow I am to preach thrice. Mr. Jon faid he would write this poft. I was glad to hear by Mr. D , that the noble pair were growing. That you all may increafe with all the increafe of God, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours moft affcclionatcly in our glorious Head, LETTER ztz LETTERS. LETTER MCLXXXVII. To Airs. B . Dear Madam y London^ Dec. 14, 1757.! THE event only can prove, ivhethcr what I am goiiu> ta mention, is of God. Bleffed be his holy name, by new- year's day I hope we fhall be able to difcharge our chapel debts. Every day proves more and mor-e that it was built for the glory of Jesus Christ, and the welfare of many precious and immortal fouls. Bat my attendance on that, and the Tabernacle too, with a v^eak body, outward cares, and inward trials, have frequently brought me of late to the apprehenfions of being near my wifhed-for port ; but I am afraid I muft keep out at Tea fome time longer. However, I am broughr ^o the fliort ailov/ance of preaching but once a day, and thrice on a Sunday. O that this feeble carcafe could hold out more for God ! I want to begin to begin to do fomething for God, I fhall be glad if he is pleafed to bring our prefent dcfign to a j)rofperous ifTue. You mail know then, dear Madaai, that round the chapel there is a moft beau4:iful fpot of ground, and fome good folks have purpofed erecting alms-houfes on each fide, for fome godly widovv's. I have a plan i^or twelve. The whole expence v/ili ht four hundred pounds : we have got one hundred. The widows are to have half-a-crown a week.; The facrament money, which will more than do, is to be de- toted to this purpofe. Thus will many godly widows be pro- vided for, and a Handing monument left, that the Mcthodifls were not agaihft good works. I beg you'll mention this td good Lady C and Mrs. G ; for I would not have it public til! the funl is raifed, and we are fure of eireding the thing. If I did not know, dear Madam, your benevolent^ difinterefied heart, I (liouid not thus make free. Be pleafed to excufe, if you do nc^ approve the motion. I only mention it, becaufe 1 believe fuch a thing would much promote the glory of God, I leave this and all with him. I commit you and good Lady C to his protedion, and beg a continued temembrance in your prayers, in behalf of, dear Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. IK LETTER LETTERS. 223 LETTER MCLXXXVIII. To Do5i:r S . London J Dec. 15, 1 757. Reverend and 'very dear Sir, IF yet in this dying world, be pleafed to accept a kw grate- ful lines, from one who highly eftcems you for the fuke of our common Lord. Thoufands can witnefs how often I have prayed for you in public, and the grrat day w>*l difcover how earneftly your lingering cafe hath been mentioned in my poor addrelTes to our God in private. Surely, in a literal fenfe, reverend Sir, you are called to die daily. But I truft and believe, the more the outward man decayeth, you will be ftrengthened fo much the more in the inward man. He that hath loved you, will love you to the end ; he that hath ho- noured you to be fo ufcful to church and ftate, will rfct leave you in the latter ftages of your road. A radiant crown awaits you, God, the righteous judge, will give it you in that day. O gloria?n ! qiiantam C3^ qualem ! O that I could leap my feventy years. But I forget I am writing to a fick friend. Pardon me, dear Sir, it being only a pepper-corn of acknowledgment for all kind oiEces done in the behalf ofj reverend and very dear Sir, Your moft obliged, affedionate, fympathizing friend, and ready fervant in Jesus Christ, LET T E R MOLXXXIX. To Lady H- . Ever-ho?ioured Madam-i London , Dec. 15, 1757. IWifh your Ladyftiip joy of being for once fo lorg alone ^ and why ? becaufe I am perfuaded your Ladyfhip is never lefs alone, than at fuch feafons. Then the Father is in a par- ticular manner with his dear children ; and though they feemf in themfelves to be like pelicans in the wildernefs, yet he is near at hand to hear their cry, and to bottle up every tear : he that feeth in fecret, will ere long reward your Ladyfhip openly^ O how are your Ladyfliip's children indebted to you, for your more than maternal tendernefs ! V/hat a comfort is it, ever- honoured 224 LETTER S. honoured Madam, that Jesus Christ is to come, and to be our judge ! O that he would come quickly ! Why does he! delay ? I was near port, and am now put out to Tea again. O that it may be to pilot in fome more dear fouls ! The work feems but to be beginning. At Tottenham- Court the word runs and is glorified. By new-year's day I hope thei debt will be difcharged. Several have propofed building fome alms-houfes for godly widows, on each fide the chapel. I have a plan for twelve. The whole expence will be four hundred pounds : we have got a profpedt of two. I purpofe allowing each widow half-a-crown a week. T/ie facrament money will more than do. The ground is moft commodious, and near the high road. If effedled, I think it muft bring glory- to God, and be a (landing monument that we are not againft good works. I only mention it to your Ladylhip. May that God, whom I defire to ferve in the gofpel of his dear Son, direct and blefs us in this and every thing we undertake for his glory. But I fear I arn detaining your Ladyftiip too long. O that I could offer any thing adequate to your LadyQiip's repeated kindnefTes to fuch a wortblefs worm ! My poor prayers and unfeigned fympathy, is all the teftimony I can give of my being, ever-honoured Madam, Your moft dutiful, obliged, and very ready fervant in. our compaflionale High-prieft, G. m LETTER MCXC. To Lady G //-- -. Honoured Madam., London, Dec. 15, 1757. HAVING lately heard of yourLadyfliip's being returned to Bath^ I cannot help wifhing your Ladyfhip joy of Sir Charles's moft agreeable marriage. May your Ladyftiip's pre- fent joy be confummated, in feeing them and all your ho- nourable relations fitting down together at the marriage- feaft of the fupper of the Lamb. I have had frequent profpecls of this, fince I favv your Ladyfhip. Often do I groan in this earthly tabernacle. I long to be cloathed with my houfe from heaven. O that the great God may vouchfafe to im- prove me, till he is plealcd to call mc to my wifhed-for reft. Hitherto LETTERS. 225 Hitherto he owns my feeble labours. The work in London fcems to be but as it were beginning. We h've in troublcfome times ; I truft the ftreets of the fpiritual Jerufakm will be built in them. Happy they who liave fled to Jesus Christ for refuge: they have a peace that the world cannot give. O that the pleafufe-taking, trifling flatterer knew what it was ! He would no longer feci fuch an empty void, fuch a dread- ful chafm in the heart which nothing but the prefence of Gcd can fill. But I forget myfelf. I fhall tire your Ladyfnip 5 befides I muft drop a few lines to good Lady H n; flie is in the furnace. When fiie is tried, her God will brino- her ■forth like gold. But I muil: detain your Ladyfliip no lono^er than while I add my dutiful refpeds to your Ladyfliip's dauc^h- ters, and beg your Ladyfhip's acceptance of the fame from honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's mod dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G. JV. LETT E;^R. MCXCL To the Reverend Mt T . My very dear Friend., London^ Jan. 12, 175^. YOUR kind letter puzzles me. As the cafe is fo very pe-= culiar, I think you cannot be too particular in writino-- down what you have been an eye and ear witnefs to. I think that the calling fome minifters together for the ends propofcd, is the beft method that can be taken. Where two or three are gathered together, and are agreed touching the thing thev fhall afk, our Lor£> hath promifed it fliall be given to them, I fhall be glad to hear of their fuccefs. Ah, my dear man^ little do we think, when we flrfl: fet Out, vv'hat trials we fliaU meet v/ith ere we arrive at our journey's end. 1 fiiid more and more, that I am a mere novice in the divine life, and have fcarce begun to begin to learn my ABC in the fchool of Christ. But by the grace of God I am v.'hat I am. He hath helped out of fiX, and will alfo hefp out of feveii troubles. I find you have heard of the Irijh expedition. Lo.rd,= what am 1. that I fliould be counted worthy to fufFer {Ilame for thy great name's fake ! A more eiiedtual door than ever ftems Vol. III. * P to 25 226 L E T t £ R S. to be opening in this metropolis. A counfellor, lately or-* dained, turns out a Boanerges. Thoufands and thoufands flock to hear the everlafting gofpel. The new chapel, where I now write, turns out quite well. The Lord Jesus hath made it a gate of heaven to many fo-uls. This, with the fignal deliverances lately vouchfafed the proteftant arms, makes me hope that our extremity will yet be Gold's opportunity to help and deliver us. Let us wreftle in prayer for each other. O that the Lord may abundantly blefs both you and yours ! Accept cordial love from nie and mine, 'Wo. are neither of us likely to put into harbour yet. The voyage feems to me very long. But I find v/e are immortal till our work is done. That we all may at laft enter port with a full gale, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear friend, Yours moft afFedionately ih our compaiTionate High-prieft, LETTER MCXCIL To Mrs, S -. Dear Madam y London^ Jan, 17, 1758?. IWifh you joy of the happy breach made in, or rather happy addition made to your dear family. I thought I fnould never fee it in the fame circumffances any more. You may chearfully let Rebekah go. I truft fhe hath met with an Ifaac, May they love one another as Christ and the church ! The Lord now make you to laugh ! I hope your latter end will greatly increafe. 1 fend the furviving ones my moft cordral love ; and praying that you may have more and more comfort in every one of theriij I fubfcribe myfelf, dear Madam, YouiSj he. LETTER MCXCIIL ro Mr, K . My very deaf- Timothy ^ London i Jan. 1 7, 1758. YOU will deliver the enclofed. I am glad to write a few lines on fuch an occafion. God grant that the remain- ing dear fingle ones may ke as well difpofed of ! I blefs the Lord LETTERS. 827 Lord that you are enabled to preach at all. I often think of and iympathize with you. Lord, help me ! What an impa- tient creature (hould I be, was I to be vifited in that manner ! But we know who hath promiled, *' that as our day is, fo {hall our ftrength be." Mrs. Pearce is now out of the ftate of trial^ and I am to bury one of the fame name next Thurfday, Both, I believe, are gone to heaven. Lord Jesus, when will my t^rh come ? What can reconcile us to a longer flay on earthy but the profpeft of feeing his kingdom advanced ? It is very promifing at London. Mr. M n is a Boanerges. The chapel is made a Bethel. BlefTed be God, all is paid. I hope to be with yOu in the Spring. Adieu. The Lord blefs and cdmfort you ! My wife is poorly, but joins in hearty love to your whole felf, and all enquiring friends, with, my very dear inan. Yours, &c. G. TK LETTER MCXCIV; To M'lfs G , at Clifton. Dear Madam^ London^ Peh. 3, 17580 I Was gladj aftej fo long a filence, to receive a line from Clifton^ whei-e I find by report there is like to be a total revolution. Your two worthy friends I have neither {^tvi nor heard from; and good Lady H-^^—n I have not vifited, be- caufe I believe her Ladyfhip defired to be entirely private. I fuppofe fhe will now be foon in town. God comfort her under all her trials, and fan6tify new creature-partings and diiappointments to your further proficiency, dear Madam, in the divine life. There is a needs-be for all this. God help you to fing^ — — 0 happy rod^ ^hat brought me nearer to my God. I have been in hopes of being with him. B'Jt I canrwot gr, though at prefent reduced to the fhort allowance of preaching once a day, except thrice on a Sunday. At both ends of the town, the word runs and is glorified. The champions in t\\i church go' en like fons of thunder. I am to be at Clapham P 7. thi^ 228 LETTERS. this evening : Mr. //" — • — will gladly embrace the firfl oppor- tunity. May it be a Bethel ! Brijiol^ in all probability, will be my firft Spring excurfion. O that I may begin to begin to fpring for my God ! I beg, dear Madam, the continuance oiyour prayers, as being, dear Madam, Your moft obliged and ready fervant in our glorious High-prieft, LETTER MCXCV. To Mrs. B B , at Bath. Dear Madam^ London^ Feb, 3, 1758. I Cannot help acquainting you and your honoured fifter, and Mrs. G- , that the plan concerted fome time ag6 is likely to be put in execution. The trenches for the wall, I believe are begun, and by the firft of May^ the houfes are to be finifhed. If poiTible, I would furnifh them, that the poor might be fure of goods, as well as a houfe. All things are poUible with God. The thing hath fcarce as yet taken wind. Such fecret expeditions, I truft, God will favour. Both con- gregations and the divine influences increafe. By thought- fulnefs, frequent preaching, and a crazy tabernacle, my nightly refts are continually broken j but the joy of the Lord is my ftrength : and I hope ere long to be where I fliall keep awake for ever. I moft earned ly beg the continuance of your prayers, arid you may be aflurcd of being always remembered in the poor addrefles of, dear good Ladies, Your moft obliged and ready fervant for Christ's fake, G, IF. LETTER MCXCVL To the Reverend Mr. Samuel S , in Bath* Reverend and dear Sir^ London, Feb. 3, 1 758. YOUR kind letter drove me to my knees, and as I do not hear of your dear and honoured father's reJeafe, I fup- pofe he is yet detained a prifoner. I fliall make public and private mention of him, until I know he is gone beyond the reach of prayer, and entered upon his eternal work of praife, I pity LETTERS. 229 I pity the poor minifters, who will foreJy mifs him, but fhall rejoice in his entering into his Mafter's joy. Once more I lend the good old faint my mod cordial (iilutations and thanks unfeigned. At the great day, before men and angels, I fliall do it openly. Then likewife, my dear Sir, I hope to fee you and yours joining in one univerfal uninterrupted hallelujah, and carting your crowns before the throne of the glorious EtnmamicL In whofe great name, with mod: fincere condo- lence with Mrs. «S and all your afHi6ted family, I once more beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, reverend and dear Sir, Yours moil afFedionately in our common Lord, G\ IV, LETTER MCXCVIL To ProfeJJhr F . London^ March $, 1758. Jlloj? reverend and dear Sir, THOUGH I am almoft afhamed to put pen to paper, yet the kind mention (as I hear from good Mr. Z ) yeu have been pleafed to make from time to time of me, to- gether with the importunities of that venerable man of God, have at length prevailed upon me to trouble you with this letter, O that an infinitely condefcending Redeemer may excite you thereby, mod honoured Sir, to be inftant in prayer for one who is the chief of finners, and lefs than the lead of all faints. " Long, long before now did I think of entering into my wiOi'd-for reft. Times without number hath this tabernacle groaned ; but having obtained help from God, I yet continue, in my poor way, to preach to all that are willing to hear, the unfearchable riches of Jesus^Christ. Through grace the fields are as yet white, and as ready to harveft as ever. In the Summer I range, and with a table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my founding-board, I am enabled generally thrice ?L day, to call to many thoufands to come to Jesus that they may have life. In the Winter I am confined to this metro^ poiis ; but to my great mortification, through continual vo- miting, want of reft, and of appetite, I have been reduced for fome time to the fliort allowance of preaching only once a day, f^pept Smdays^ when I generally preach thrice. Thoufands P 3 attenti 230 LETTERS. attend every evening at both ends of the tow^n, and on Lord's-* days many, many go away for want of room. The divine prefence is apparently amongft us, and every week produces frefli inftances of the power of converting grace. Blefied be God, we meet v/ith no difturbances in town, and very feldom in the country : but lall year, while I was preaching in the fields in Ireland^ a popifli mob was fo incenfed at my preach- ing the LcRP cur Right eoufnefs^ and pra)»ing for our good old King, and the King of Pritjp.a^ that they furroundcd, ftoned, and almoft killed me. But we are immortal till our v/ork is done, and glad fiiould I have been to have died in fuch a caufe, Mr. W •;; hath focieties in Ireland and elfewhcre ; and though we differ a little in fome principles, yet bro- therly love continues. I generally, when itinerating, preach among his people, as freely as among thofe who are called our own. In London fcvera! new flaming preachers are co^c forth ; and in various parts of the kingdom we hear of divers others, who feem determined to know and preach no- thing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Thoufands and thoufands are now praying daily for fuccefs to t\\Q Prujfian and Hanoverian arms. Your fail:- days were kept here with great folemnity, and will be fo again, God willing, when I know the day. Our yojhua^s are in the field. Many a Mofes is gone up into the mount to pray. Nil defperandum Chrijlo duce^ au- fpke Cbri/iQ. The ark trembles, but underneath are the ever- lafling arms of an everlafting God. He that wrought fuch u'onders far the Pmffian monarch laft year, can repeat them this. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief! The didreffes of G^raw^w proteftants, we look u.pon as our own. We have alfo endeavoured to give thanks for the great mercy vouch - fafed your Orphan-houfe, and the proteftant caufe. LoRl> Jesus, repeat the occafions, for thin? infinite mercy's fake !• Pardon, pardon, moft worthy Sir, the length of this, and im- pute it to the encouragement given by the venerable Mr^ g.,. .. >..un.. tOj npoft honoured Sir, Your dutiful fon and fcrvant. LETTER LETTERS. 231 LETTER MCXCVIIL To Mr. K . London^ May 13, 1758. My very dear Mr. K ^, I Hope this will find you rejoicing in fuccefs given to dear Mr. J 's labours. If he is with you, be pleafed to defire him to prepare for coming to London immediately after Whitfuntide. He and dear Mr. D may be in town whilft I take my Welch and Weft-country range. I am unaccounta- bly detained here ; but I truft for good. The word feems to run and be glorified more and more. I am fomewhat fur- prifed that I hear nothing from Mr. P , or my dear Mr, 5 d : but all is well. My hearty love to him and all his dear relations. Can you fix no time for coming up ? I do not hear of the cyder being arrived. When fliall we be called to drink the new wine of the kingdom ? Lord, give me patience to wait! I am quite puzzled, Mr. P W-^ — , without fending me a line, is come to 'Briftol^ and propofes ftaying there fome time. The confequence of his coming, is divifion and uneafinefs already, I care not to go and fifh '\^ troubled waters : neither can I advife you fo to do : and yet I believe your going would be a very great bleffing. I expedt a line from Mr. D every hour, who, I fuppofc, is upon the road to London. If not fet out, defer it for a few days, and you ^all hear, Gop willing, more particularly from, my very dear fiian, in great hafte, but greater love, yours, &c. hz. iji our fympathlzing Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCXCIX. T:q Mr. . My very dear Siry Gloucejler^ May 22, 1758. I Hope you got to London in great fafety. Through divine goodnefs I arrived at Gloucejler on Saturday afterjnoon, and preached thrice and gave the holy facrament on Sunday. Thou- linds attended, and our LoRp gave us a blefled opening of the Summer campaign. I am now writing in the room where P 4 I was 232 LETTERS. I was born. BlefTed be God, I know there is a place where J was born again. That is my native city indeed. After finiihing this, I fliall iet out for Brijiol^ where I propofe Haying t)ver Sunday : then for JFales. My very dear Sir, add to my obligations, by following me with your prayers. This taber- liacle makes me to groan. The one-horfe chaife vv'ill not do for me. As it will not quarter I am fhaken to pieces. Driving likewife wearies me, and prevents my reading; and if the roa4 be badj my fervant-that rides the fore-horfe is dirtied exceed- ingly. I have therefore fent to Mr. S — — 's about the pofl- chaife, and dcfired him to beg the favour of you, my dear Sir, to look at it, and let me know your thoughts. This is giving frelh trouble : but you are my friend. May the friend of all richly reward you for all labours of love. He will, he will. — You fball have a hundred-fold in this life, and in the v/orld to come, life everlafting. Being about to fet off, I can only add my due and moft cordial refpe^ls to all your dear relations and enquiring friends, and to beg the continuance of all your prayers, in behalf of, my very dear Sir, Ycqrs moil ad-'edionately in our glo|-ious Head, G. W. L ^E T T E R MCC. To Mr. B . My dear Mr. B , Brijol., May 24, 1 758. DO not take my feeming long filence ill. Indeed it was unavoidable. Ever hnce the receipt of your kind letter, 1 have been fo exceedingly and yet I truft profitably bufied at London^ that till I left it laft week, I had not one moment to fpare. However, your affair was not quite neglc£ted. I com- municated it to the phyfician of the Foundling- Hojpital^ who is my conitant hearer, and he wrote me the enclofed letter, and fent me alfo the enclofed paper. I heartily wifh your defign may take efped: at Ed'mhurgb. Glad fhould I be to do any thing jn my power to promote it, but I have little expedlation of feeing Scotland this year. The E rig I ijh vjcxk is fo extenfive, and tlie blefied profpe6l of abundant fuccefs at London, hath kept me fo long there, that I fhall be much ilraitned in time; — but if friends pray, who knows what may be done. Lord Jesus, dire61: my goings in thy way ! On Sunday VJt opened |:he fummcr cam.paign in Gloucejlerjloire. YeHerday I came 5 hither. LETTERS. 2^3 hither. In both places the fields are white ready unto harveft. Fiefli labourers are raifed up in BedfordJJjire. A flamer (a learned clergyman) is broke forth, and almoft a whole parifh, (I think in Buckinghawjhih) is lately brought to enquire after Jesus. T know you will fay, may it fpread far and near! I jnuft conclude. Excufe my not writing to all my dear, never to be forgorten friends, and beg them to continue to prav for, dear Mr. B , Theirs and yours, &c. LETTER MCCI. ro Mr, R K «. Br'ijlol^ May 26, 1758. My very dear Mr, A'-— — -«, REPEATED ads of kindnefs and love, call for repeated acknowledgments. — Accept therefore hearty thanks for your laft Salt-Hill favour, and afTure yourfelf, that neither this nor any former labour of love, will be forgotten by Him, who takes notice of a cup of cold water given in the name of a dif- ciple. Through his divine goodnefs I got fafe into Gloucejler- Jhire^ where I opened the fummer campaign laft Sunday, Ever fmce Tuefday evening, I have been preaching here twice daily. Multitudes fly like doves to the windows. Abiding impreffions fecm to be made. — This is the Lord's doing : to Him be all the glory I On next Monday^ God willing, I fet out for Wales, I know you will follow me with your prayers. I am fure mine always attend you and yours: I love fuch old fteady friends. It is CnRisT-like, not to be given to change. — BlefTed J?e Qoo for an unchangeable Jesus ! To feel his power ^ to hear his voice ^ To iajle his love^ be all o^r choice ! I muft away to my throne. — Adieu ! The Lord be with ^'ou and yours ! My hearty love to Mr. J , and all who are fo ^ind as to enquire after, my very dear Mr. K », Yoursj &c. in our common Lord, G, ir. LETTER 254 LETTERS, LETTER MCCIL Bripi, May 28, 1758. My very dear Sir^ Nine in the morn'ng. I Am quite afliamed, that I {hould give yoAi To much trou^ ble : — but you are my friend indeed. May the never-fail- \{\(y friend of finners blefs and reward you a thoufand fold ! J have been juft no-w preaching the unfearchable riches of his grace, to a multitude of fouls, in a fine fquare. — Prefently, at eleven o'clock, the blefled tafk is to be repeated at Kingfwood^ and then once more in the evening here. Yefterday I went to Baih, But every thing wearies this {battered bark. To- morrow, God willing, I go for Wale-^, The chaife muft be my carriage. I would part with that, and my other, and then if I could have a good four wheel carriage for thirty or forty pounds, the expence would not be fo great. I would not lay out a fmgle farthing but for my blefied Mafter. Mr. 5 is an honeft friendly (bul. — I leave it entirely, my very dear Sir, to you and him. The Lord give you to ride daily on in the chariot of his love. I return cordial thanks to your mother and fifters for their concern for unworthy me. — Mrs. G and j5 long to fee them. I had a good feafon of chriftian con- verfation at Bathy and found Sir C H m really con- verted unto God. — I doubt not but dear Mr. D s will enjoy much of his blefi'ed prefence. — Be pleafed to prefent my hearty love to him, and aj), and accept the fame for yourfelf and family, from, my very dear Sir, Yours moft afreiiionately in oqr glorious Head, G. W. LETTER MCCIIL To Countefs D . IJonoured Madam, Br'i/lol, June 16, 175S, FOR this fortnight pad, I expeded never to have wrote to, or feeri your Ladyfhip, till I faw you fitting at Christ's right hand. Never was I broughL fo low as on my late Welch circuit. But as far as I can hear, it was one of the moft profperous I ever took. Twice every day, thouiands and thou- fands attended in various towns in South- fValeSy and on the A Sundays LETTERS. 233 Sundays the numbers were increjdiblc. Surely they fled like doves to the windows. Welcome, thrice welcome death in fuch a caufe ! Here, and m GlouceJ^erJhire^ like fcenes were opened. BlefTed expeditions thefe. I hope expeditions of an- other nature will not be the worfe for the prayers put up on fuch occafions. They muft and will enter the ears of the Lord of Sahaoth, Blefled be God, that Sir Charles is fo honeftly and openly embarked in Christ's caufe. My poor prayers are for him and his, night and day. I hope to fee good Lady G in my way to London. In the mean while, praying that your Ladyfliip may more and more be blcfTed in the latter flages of your road, and at laft be admitted with triumph into your Mailer's joy, is the earneft prayer of, ho- lioured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged fervant for Christ's fake, G. IV. LETTER iMCCIV. To Lady Fanny S- . Honoured Madam^ Brijiol^ June 16, 1758. I Shall not for a good while forget my Twickenham journey. It was a day much to be remembered by unworthy me. Lord, why am I thus highly favoured ? And yet (O unwea- ried goodnefs !) he continues to blefs me, vile as I am, more and more. O what delightful field gofpel-fcenes have been difplayed in Gloucejierjhire, Brijiol and IVales ! There I have been feebly labouring for above a fortnight. — Thoufands and thoufands attended twice every day in various places, and on Sundays the numbers were almoft incredible, A blefled influ- ence ran through the whole circuit, and fundry times, I hum- bly hoped my longing foul would have taken its wiflied-for flight J but I am preferved to return hither, as laft niglu, and perhaps next week fhali fee London, The Lord Jesus dire6l my goings in his ways! Your Ladyfhip will remember a poor worthlefs, but I truft willing pilgrim. You are called to enjoy your Bethel at home ; I meet with them abroad. The fame God is rich unto all that call on him faithfully. I hope your Ladyfhip hath f^en dear Mr. Jr— — grown in grace. It will be 236 LETTER S. be pleafant to fee Sir Charles and the Earl flriving who fnall go fafteft to heaven. Your Ladyfliip will fcorn to be outflript by any. The almighty God approves the ambition, and angels look down with pleafure to fee the event. Blefled be God, that is certain. All believers here do run, and all hereafter fhall obtain the prize. That your Ladyfliip may lay hold of it with exulting joy, is the earnell prayer of, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's moft dutiful, obliged, and ready fervant, for Christ's fake, G, m LETTER MCCV, To Captain H y. My very dear Sir, Bri/iol, June 16, 1758. THE fFe/cb roads have almofl: demolifned my open one^ horfe chaife, as well as me. But it is in Jesus's caufe. Grace ! grace ! I am almoft afhamed to think of your being put to fo much trouble, in procuring a clofe chaife for un- worthy me. I like the purchafe exceeding well, and fend a pepper-corn of acknowledgment for this and all other unmerit- ed favours. The God whom I defire to ferve in the gofpel of his dear Son, knows and will reward all. Though I thought I heard the found of my blefled Matter's chariot wheels ready to carry me to heaven, yet it fhould feem I am once more to fee you, and your dear relations, and my other chriftian friends on earth. Sometime next week I hope to be there. The leo-acy is wonderful; much better left for the poor than me, I can give it away with a good grace : at prefent I think the Orphan-houfe fliall have the whole ; it is much wanted there. See, my dear Sir, how the chriftian's bleffings muft be brought out of the fire. It is inconceivable what I have undergone within thefe three weeks. I never v/as To before. I truft fome laftino- bleffings have been left behind in IFales, Welcome fhocks, both of body and mind. In fuch a cafe it is worth dying for. Dear Mr. Z)— — hath felt them in London, as I have done in IVales.-^ AW for the Eled's fake. Welcome, thrice welcome the bitter fweets, which the all-wife and compal^onate Phyfician prefcribes ; but I am a flubborn patient. O what gripings of the old m,an are difcovered by fugh djfpenfations I I muft LETTERS. 237 I mud away to preach. I thank you heartily, dear Sir, for the continuance of your prayers, and with moft cordial refpeds to your dear and near relations, I beg leave to fubfcribe my- felf. Yours, &c. G, JV. LETTER MCCVI. To Lady H «. Ever-honoured Madanij Brtjlol^ J^^^ IJt I75^« THIS leaves me returned from Wales, It proved a moft delightful trying circuit. I fuppofe your Ladyfhip hath heard how low I have been in body, fcarce ever lower ; not able to fit up in company all the time, yet flrengthened to travel without bodily food, and to preach to thoufands every day. Never were the fields whiter, and more ready to harveft. The Lord Jesus feemed to ride in triumph through- the great congregation in Haverford-iveji. Perhaps the auditory con- fifted of near fifteen thoufand. Tears flowed like water from the ftony rock. The cup of God's people quite runs over. Many were fick of love. Welcome then bodily pain, and bodily ficknefs ! O for a hearfe to carry my weary carcafe to the wifhed-for grave ! " There the wicked ceafe from troubling, there the weary are at reft." But perhaps I muft fee London firft. With regret I turn my back on this blcffed itinerating weather, but Mr. Dav' — muft be releafed. O for fome difmterePied foul to help at the chapel during the fummer feafon ! Spiritual, divine ambition, whither art thou fled ! But I fee fuch honours are referved for few. I rejoice in the increafe of your Ladyfliip's fpiritual routs. I can guefs at the confolations fuch uncommon fcenes muft afrord to your Ladyftiip's new-born foul. No wonder you are diftrefTed from other quarters. Indeed, my moft noble and ever-honoured -patronefs, thus it muft be. Christ's witneffes muft be purged at home. Inward domeftic trials, fit for outward public work. Nature recoils, when conftrained to take the cup; and it may be from a near and dear relation's hand : but infinite Wifdom knows what is beft. O that I could be friore paffivc ! O that I could let the good and all-v^ife Phyfician chufe ray medicines, and 238 LETTERS. and the hands that fhall convey them to me! but I am a ftub* born reafoning creature, and thereby force almighty love fre^ quently to drench me. O, I am Tick! I am fick! fick in bodyj but infinitely more fo in my mind, — to fee what drofs yet re- mains in, and furrounds my foul. Blefled be God, there is one, vvho will fit as a refiner's fire, and purify the fons of Levi, 0 for an heart to bear its fcorchirig, foul purging heat! When 1 am tried, I fhall come forth as gold. I wnte this to your Ladyihip out of the burning bufh. Blefled place ! Christ is there ! ChRisT is there 1 To his never-failing mercy do I mofl: humbly commend your Ladyfhip, and with ten thoufand thoufand thanks for honouring fuch an unfruitful unworthy worm with your unmerited patronage, I beg leave to fub- fcribe myfelf, ever-honoured Madam, Y«ur Lady fhip's mofj dutiful, and ready fervant, for Christ's fake^ G. ir. LETTER MCCViL ToMr.S . My very dear Sir y Newcajile^ J^^fy 3U I75S» THUS far, a never-failing Redeemer hath brought on thfe moft worthlefs and Vv'eak pilgrim, that was ever employ- ed in publifliing his everlafling gofpel. All the lafl week was taken up in preaching at Evertan, Saint Neots^ Kayfo^ Bedford^ Oulney^ JVeJion^ U?iderwood, Ravsnjione and Northampton. Four clergymen lent me their churches, and three read prayers fcr me in one day. I preached alfo in Mr. Bu?iyarfs pulpit, and at Northampton 1 took the field. Good feafons at all the places. yi^ _g e^ vvho was lately awakened at Everton^ promifes 10 be a burning and fliining light. Yeflerday we had good times here, and to-morrow, God willing, I fhall fet off for Edinburgh. My bodily ftrength increafes but very little. Some- times 1 am almoft tempted to turn back, but through divine ltren<^th 1 hope to go forward, and fhall flrive, as much as in rae lies, to die in this glorious work. God will blefs you and yours, my very dear Sir, for flrengthening my feeble hands in it, fo often as you have done. JeslTs knows, and will re- ward all labours of love and works of faith. They are mojre precious thun rubies. God willing, you fhall hear from me. again, LETTERS. 239 again, when I fee how the Lord deals with me in Scotland. In the mean while, be pleafed to add to my obligations by the continuance of your prayers, and accepting of thanks unfeign- ed, and cordial love to your whole felf, and dear daughter, from, my very dear friend. Yours moft afFedionately in our glorious Head, G. IP\ LETTER MCCVIII. To the Reverend Mr. G . My very dear Friendy Edinburgh^ Aug, 10, I758f. I Thank you moft heartily for your kind letter of invitation to G . But alas! what fhall I fay? — I fear it cannot be complied with. For above thefe three months laft paft, I have been fo weak in my animal frame, that I can fcarcely drag the crazy load along. With great difficulty I came here, and if I (hould ftay to come weftward, it would make my journey to Lo7idon too far in the year, as I have many places to call upon in the way. BlefTed be God, the work profpers in London more than ever. I am ftrengtliened to preach here twice a day; but alas, I grow weaker and weaker in preaching, and in all I do for the ever-loving and altogether lovely Jesus. 1 fuppofe you have heard of the death of Mr. Jonathan Ed- wards.— Happy he ! — You will add to my obligations, by con- tinuing to pray, that the divine ftrength may be magnified in my weaknefs, and that I may fpeedily (if it be the divine will) be fent for to my wiftied-for heaven ! — Praying that we may have a happy meeting there, with ten thoufand thanks for all paft unmerited kindnefies, I fubfcribe myfclf, \^Yy dear friends. Yours, &c. in our common glorious Head, G. W. P. 5, My tender love awaits all enquiring friends. LETTER 24d LETTERS, LETTER MCCIX. To Mr, . My very dear Slr^ Edinburgh^ Jug. 15, 1758. NOT till laft Saturday, did your firft long wifhed-for letter come to hand. I wonder that / C did not dilpatch it immediately. As I knew not what its contents would be, I did not write to Siaffordftjire ; for I was and am deteriiv.ned to fix upon nothing without advifing with you. And indeed, I think the whole muft be put ofF till we can have a free conference. In the mean while, I fhall write to our youno- friend, and pray that the friend of ail would dire61: in this important affair. He will, he Will. It is not with Mr. 5 .as you imagine^ He is quite free. But more of this tvhen we meet. — When we meet ! ftrange words for a dying man ! — But it feems I am growing better. Within thefe four days I have felt a great alteration. — Perhaps it may continuCo God's will be done. Surely, never was there fo weak a crea- ture ever employed in fuch a work for God,— and yet people flock rather more than ever. Dodor IF and Mr. R often wifh you here. We have two lovely fcenes every day, I hope the Redeemer will come with dear Mr. £>- . I blefs him for returning you, my dear Sir, in fafety. My m oft cor- dial refpe6ls attend your dear relations, and beg the continu- ance of your prayers^ for, my very dear Sir, Yours, he. LETTER MCCX. To the Reverend Mr. T . My very dear Friend, Edinburgh , Aug. 17, I75^' T is a little hard, that we (l^ould be fo near, and ftot ha:^/e .^ a perfonat interview. But our Lord orders all things well, Mofi of my chriftian meetings muft be adjourned to heaven. Thither I have been in hopes of going for many weeks lail paft : but it will n'ot do. This preaching is a ftrange refto- rative. I wifti you -may take it every day. If things are not right at home, it is well if we can take or catch fire abroad. Would ftren^th permit, I could ttii you much good news frorti^ London* I LETTERS. 24, London. But time is (hort, and this my body weighs mc down. I haA^e thoughts of leaving Edinburgh on Turjday next^ in order to return to England. Friends cbje£t much againft it. May the friend of all, guide and influence. I find no di- minution in the auditories, and I truft good is done. To the giver of every good gift be all the glory ! I commend you and yours to his never-failing mercy, and beg the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my very dear friend. Yours moft afFe6lionate]y in our common Lord, LETTER MCCXI. ro Mr. s . My very dear Sir, Edinburgh, Aug. 19, 1758, I Came here a fortnight ago, very low indeed ; but by preaching about thirty times, blclTed be God, I am a good deal better. Multitudes, of all ranks, flock twice every day. A divine influence attends the word, and though fown in fo much weaknefs, I truft it will meet with a divine increafci On Tuefday next, I thought to have moved ; but as it is race week, and my health is improving, friends advife me to ftay, to ftir them up to run v/ith patience the race v^hich is fet be- fore us. O that my fluggifh foul may be quickened, and I may begin to prefs forwards, for the prize of my high calling! I doubt not but this will find my dear friend upon the wing for heaven. That you and yours may mount higher and higher like an eagle, till you fly into the bofom of a waiting God, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Your?, &c. in our glorious Head, LETTER MCCXII. To the Reverend Air. G ■• Edinburgh, Jug. 24, 175S. Reverend and very dear Sir, AFTE R long meditation dnd earneft prayer, I cannot come to any determination about my journey to Glafgow. For thefe four months laft paft, I have been brought fo exceeding hw in my body, that I was in hopes every fermon I preached Vol, IIL * Q, would 26 242 LETTERS. would waft me to my wifh'd-for home. Scotland^ I hoped, would finifli my warfare ; but it hath rather driven me back to Tea ao-ain. By force i have been detained here this race week ; but if I come to Glafgow, I fliall be detained in Scotland a fortnight longer, which will greatly hinder me in my Eng- lijh work. However, I will continue to look up; and by Sa- iurdafs poft my, dear Galm may expe(St a pofitive anfwer. Lord Jesus, dirccl my goings in thy way ! I am much oblioed to you and other dear Glafgoiu friendo for taking notice of luch a worthlefs creature. All I can fay is, that I am lefs than the ieaft of all, but for Christ's fake, reverend and very dear Sir, Theirs and yours mod aiFe£lionateIy in our glorious Head, G. JV. LETTER MCCXKL To the Reverend Mr, T . Aly very dear Friend^ Edinburgh^ Sept. 9, 1758. IT is flrange that you and I cannot be more together. I believe Satan doth not like it : ere long we {hall get out of his reach. In heaven we (liall enjoy our God and each others company for ever. O that 1 moved fader towards it ! Complain not. I am the drone, the dwarf, the all that is worthlefs and unworthy ; but Jesus' grace is free and infi- nite. He owned my feeble labours at Glafgow, Indeed we had good feafons : fome quite remarkable. I hear of another clergyman lately awakened in the north of England. Some- thing uncommon is upon the carpet. Lord, prepare us for ^whatever thou haft prepared for us. JVednsfday next is exe^ (ution-day ; I mean, I am to take my leave. I now bid you and yours farewel. GoD blefs you. Forget not to pray, my very dear friend, for. Ever yours, &c. G.W. LETTER LETTERS. 243 LETTER MCCXIV. To Mr, S . Jlfy very dear Friend^ Darlington^ Sept. 2r, 175S. SURELY It is an age fince I had the pleafure of writing to you laft. I was then appointed by Providence to ftay at Edinburgh the race week : fince then, I have been at Glafgow^ and returned to Edinburgh again. At both places my health grew better, and I was enabled to preach always twice, and fometimes thrice a day, to very large and affeded auditories. The partings from both places were very cutting. In heaven all this will be over. In my way to Newcajlle I preached twice ; and thrice in and about that place. Yefterday I hope fome gofpel {tz^ ftU on good ground at Durham and Bifioop- Aukland, I an. now in my way to Tarm^^ and hope to be next Lord's- day at Leeds, God only knows where will be my next remove : I fear not to glory. I am put out to fea again. If to take fome freOi prizes, I fhall rejoice. Lord, what am I I a worthlefs worm, the chief of fmners, and lefs than the leaft of ail faints. And yet what wonders is God doing day by day ! The fields are white ready unto harveft : nothing Is wanting but labourers. Lord Jesus, thruft more out for thine infinite mercy's fake 1 You have had vI61:orious fcenes at London, O that God's goodnefs may lead us to a national repentance ! Without this, I fear our rejoicing will only be like the crackling of a few thorns under a pot. However, God is a prayer- hearing God. Thoufands and tens cf thoufands, I truft, are befieg- ing the throne of grace. I am perfuaded you are alv/ays bufy this way. May you be a prince wiih God, and prevail more and more ! I hope this will find your whole felf, and only daughter, enjoying thriving fouls in healthy bodies. That you may increafe in every refpe6l with all the increafe of God, is the earnefl prayer of, my very dear Sir, under innumerable obligations, Yours, &c. in our glorious Emmanuel.^ G. IF. 0^2 LET. & 244 LETTERS. LETTER MCCXV. To Mr. S . Leeds ^ OSiober il, 1758. HOW is my very dear friend? I hope, profpering in foul and body. Though abfent from, I am often pre- fent with him. Ere iong we fiiall be for ever with the Lord. But preaching does not kill me, though tv/Ice and fometimes thrice a day, for above this foraiight paft. GoD hath been dif- playing blefTed feafons : thoufands and thoafands hJive attended in various parts. By next Lord's-day I am to be at Rotheram and Sheffield. Change of v/eather will alone drive me to Win- ter quarters. Lord, prepare me for Winter trials ! they are preparatives for an eternal Summer. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! We have had a moft forrowful parting this morning. I muft away. Love and gratitude would not fuf- fer me to take horfe without dropping another line. I fear I am troublefome, but you muft impute it to the love and re- gard due to you from, my very dear friend. Yours moft affe£lionately in our common Lo^d, G. IV. LETTER MCCXVL To the Reverend Mr, G . Rothcranty O^ober 15, 1758. Reverend and very dear Sir, SINCE my leaving Scotland, in various parts of the north of England, as at JImvick, Neivcajlle, Leeds, Sec. the ever- loving, altogether-lovely Jesus hath manifefted forth his glory. Thoufands and thoufands have flocked twice, and fometimes thrice a day to hear the word. Never did I fee the fields whiter, or more ripe for a fpiritual harveft. Praife the Lord, O our fouls ! If the weather continues fair, I hops to prolong my Summer's campaign. It fhock$ me to think of Winter quarters yet. Lord, help me ! How foon does the year roll round ! Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace ! I fuppofe by this time Mr. G is got home. Blefled be God for owning him. I cxpet^t to fee him in a few days. I Jt write LETTERS. 245 write this from the houfe of a once terrible perfecutor of her hufband, but now a Lydia» What a change doth grace make ! Ai) they were in debt at Leeds for their building, laft Lord's- day I colle6led for them near fifty pounds. Lord Jesus,, help me to know no party but thine ! This I am pcrfuaded is your catholic fpirit. O for an increafe of it among all de- nominations ! I could enlarge, but the people are waiting. I thank God I am not worfe in my health. Help me to cry Grace I grace ! I fuppofe Dr. JV hath fent you Mifs Prince*^ letter. You will remember me to dear Mrs. G and all friends. I fend repeated thanks for all favours, and earncftly entreat the continuance of their prayers in behalf of, reverend and very dear Sir, Theirs and yours, &c. in our glorious Head, G, IK LETTER MCCXVII, To Mr. . My very dear Sir^ London^ 051. 2B, 1758. HOW narrowly did I efcape feeing you at Bath I I was coming from StaffordJJnre to Brifiol^ but the change of weather and ihortnefs of the days drove me up to my Winter quarters. I took leave of our young friends, who have been publicly on a fcaffold attending a preached gofpel. Lord Jesus, increafe fuch mighty v/onders ! My health is fome- what im.proved, but I find a very little thing foon impairs it. Lord, help me ! How very little can I do for thee 1 1 blufli even whilft I am writing. Q^dcken, O God, fhy tardy pace I We hope to fee you next week. I wifh Mrs. G— • — - and Mrs. B would come up this Winter. We have had fine gofpel feafons. Grace ! grace ! I could enlarge, but have fcarce got time to write thefe few ines. I think they are lines ©f love and gratitude much owing you by, my very dear Sir, Yours, 5cc. in our glorious Head, G. rp\ 0,3 X^^T^ 245 LETTERS, LETTER MCCXVIII. Dear Sir, London, Nov, 3, 1 758. THOUGH I hope to have the pleafure of feeing you next week, yet love and gratitude conftrain me to fend you an anfvver to your kind letter. Blefled be God, that you have fome fpiritual minifters and people to converfe with ! I hope that the waters will be bleiTed to the recovery of dear Mr. H 's health, and that out of his belly will be made to jfiow rivers of living waters for the refrefhment of many fouls. Dear Mr. C 's fiiarp afflidion I never heard of till lately : iharp indeed. God make it fweet to his foul 1 O thefe Jfaacs ! how hard to facrifxce ! He hath my unfeigned fym- pathy, and worthlefs prayers. Dear Mr. A ^'s filter hath met with fuch another trial : fhe is left with five children. As Mr. A hath been a fteady friend, and his brother-in- law was a fpiritual child, I have propofed putting the two eldeil: boys to boarding for one year. Twenty pound will do it. Ten guineas are already given. Perhaps Mrs. B or G — ^— may fpeak to you about it. I v/rite to each by this pod". Mr. A hath taken the children with him into Glouccjicrfnire, Your kind fiders remembered them. They and your mother were all here lafl night. I hope our Lord was with us too. That is all in all. This muil be my Win^ ter Bethel. Without retirement I cannot go on. Comforts come fweeteft from the fountain head. That you may be filled v/ith them, both here and hereafter, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours, 5cc, in our common Lord, G. TV. LETTER MCCXIX. j5i hdly communion. Some cups were made to run over. Ever fmce I have been enabled to preach twice, and fometlmes thrice a day. Never did I fee the Brijiol people more attentive or imprefled. My body feels the heat : but no matter. If fouls are benefited, all is well. Would to God 1 could beo-in to do fomerhing for Jesus ! You are employed one w^y, I another. Kre long we fnali fit down togeiher in the kingdom of our Father. Next Monday perhaps 1 may mov towards Gloucejler. I know vol* will follow me with your prayers. Mine always attend you and yours. li: is the only return that can be made for all your kindneffes conferred on, my very dear friend. Yours moft afFeitionately in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER MCCXXV. ro Mr, 5- . My very dear "Friend^ Edinburgh^ July 3, 1759, THERE hath been a long interval between my laft and this. My quick motions, and frequent preaching, have been the caufes. O what am I that I fhould be employed for Jesus ! In Gloucejierjhire the cup of many of his people ran over. In Yorkjhire I preached for a week twice a day. Great congregations 1 great power ! BlefTed be the name of the great God for ever and ever ! Here alfo people, high and low, rich and poor, flock as ufual, morning and evening. I am grov/ing fat ; but, as I take it to be a difeafe, I hope I {hall go home the fooner. Happy they who are fafe in harbour. A florm I fear is at hand. Jesus will be our hiding-place. He (hall preferve us in trouble : he (hall compafs us about with fongs of deliverance. That this may be the peculiar lot of you and yours, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours, &c. under manifold obligations, G. W. LETTEJl £52 LETTERS. LETTER MCCXXVI. To the Reverend Mr. G . Edinburgh^ July 7, 1 759. Reverend and very dear Sir, GOD willing, I purpofe to fee G ; but cannot as yet fix the day. I preach, and people flock as ufual ; but Scotland is not London. The Redeemer is doing wonders there. Every poft brings frefh good news. God's Spirit blows when and where it lifteth.' O for a gale before the ftorm ! I expe£l one is at hand. The refuge is as near» Jesus is our hiding-place. O for a hiding-place in heaven ! When will my turn come ? Some fay, not yet ; for (would you think it ?) I am growing fat : fo did Mr. Darracot a little before he died. O that my latter end may be like his ! You will not forget a worthlefs but willing pilgrim. Hearty love to all. Yours, &c. £cc. in the befl bonds, G, W. LETTER MCCXXVII. To the Reverend Mr. T -. My very dear Friend^ Edinburgh^ July 8, 1759. I Do now begin to defpair of feeing you, till we meet in that world, where fpiritual children and fpiritual fathers fhall join in praifmg Him who fitteth upon the throne for ever. O proclaram diem! Welcome ftorms which drive us nearer that bleffed port. Some here, I truft, are fteciir.g their courfe that way. Impreffions feem to be lafting on many. In the Wefl-, I think, I was rather more attended, and a greater power accompanied the word. Lord, what am I ? On Monday^ or Tuejdt^y at the fartheft, GcD willing, I move. Scotch importunities have prevailed on me to ftay till then. O for fome parting bleflings I An afcended Saviour can impart them. I have good news from the Orphan-houfe. All is well there. That grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied upon you and your^, is the earnell: prayer of, my very de^r friend, Yours moft affecliDnately in our common Lord, ^ G. W\ h:tte8. LETTERS. 253 LETTER MCCXXVIII. To the Reverend Mr. T . My very dear Friend y Edinburgh^ July 12, 1759* IT is well there is a heaven to make amends for all our dif- appointments here on earth. I long for a future ftate, where we fhall all fit down together, and converfe for ever without the leaft interruption. I know this will find you looking towards, and waiting for the coming of that day of God. It is a bleffed thing to be kept alive in a dead time. It is a dead time in Scotland indeed. Little or no ftirring among the dry bones. It is not fo in London^ and feveral other parts of England. L6rd Jesus, revive thy work in the midft of the years ! You will pray that the fatal languor may not take hold of my already too languid heart. I would fain be found of my Lord with my loins girded, and my lamp burning. A ftorm feems to be at hand. Jesus is our hiding- place. Bleji is faith that trufts his power ^ Blejl are faints that wait his hour : Hafle^ great Conqueror^ bring it near j Let the glorious clofe appear, O that fome may be awakened to prepare for that awfui hour ! On Monday., God willing, I go to blow the gofpsl trumpet at Glafgow* Lord, what am I, that I fhould be one of thy run-abouts ! If this be to be vile. Lord, make me more vile ! Adieu. Hearty love and moft cordial refpeds await your whole felf. Follow me with your prayers, and as the Lord Jesus enables, they fhall be returned by, my very dear friend. Yours mod afFedlionately in our common Lord, • LETTER 254 LETTERS. LETTER MCCXXIX. To Mrs. W . Dear Mrs. W , Glafgovj, July iS, 1759. MAKE no apology for writing your mind. I fee the difeafe, but know not how to come at a cure. La- bourers are wanting of the old Jt amp : but vines are very apt to degenerate. If I am not miftaken, we fhali be purged with a witnefs. God grant it may be that we may bring forth more fruit. I want the purgation moft of all. 1 dread a cor- pulent body. But it breaks in upon me like an armed man, 0 that my heart may not wax gcofs at the fame time ! I would fain not flag, but rather begin at leafl to begin in the latter ftao-es of my road. Congregations in Scotland are very large, 1 am glad to hear that the fliout of a king is among you. Pray remember me in the kindeft manner to all in conference, aiad to all that are fo kind as to enquire after, dear.Mrs^ w , Your fmcere friend and fervant in our common Lord, G. W. LETTER MCCXXX. To Mrs, C . Bear Mn. C , Nevjcajlle, Aug. 16, 1759. LONG before now I hope you have had the pleafure of feeing Beihefda^s debts all paid. Bethefda (now outward burdens are off) I truft will be more agreeable every day. do not want to change its prefent Governefs. This, I fear, would be the cafe, was Mr. P and his family to come* 1 fear you would then think yourfelf difcharged. Befides, he feems to want me to refign my truft entirely. This all here difluade me from, upon any terms, or to any perfon whatfo- cver. As you and Mr. D are fo faithful, if Mr. P will continue to fuperintend till I come, matters may continue as they are. O when fhall I receive my commiffion to go abroad. God only knows what awaits us at home. Jesus is our hiding-place. I am now in my return from Scotland, For thefe fix weeks laft paft, the word hath run and been glorified LETTERS. 255 glorified there. O, who is a God like unto our God, glorious in holinefs, fearful in praifes, continually doing v/onders ! he will be our God and guide unto death. That he may conti- nually fill you with his grace here, and grant you an exalted place, near his throne, in his kingdom hereafter, is the earneft prayer of, dear Mrs. C , Your moft afre^lionate, obliged friend, and ready fervant in our glorious Emmanuel^ G. IV. LETTER MCCXXXL My dear Mr, D , Newcaftle^ Aug. 16, 1759. IHope that foon after your writing in February laft, my November letters came to hand, and that Mr. P / hath been over with you, to difcharge all Beihcfda debts. Blcfled be God for caufing his work to profper in your hands. Pray be always as particular as you can about the children, and fet them upon writing often. Mr. Zubly's coming to Georgia pleafes me much. Pray let me have the whole account from laft audit. I am glad you have taken in three more orphans $ they will turn out great prizes in the laft day. Poor Mr, / ; / — Let him that ftandeth take heed left he fall. LoRl> Jesus, give us a right underftanding in all things ! He is an ever-loving and ever-lovely Jesus. His power hath been made known in Scotland for ihefe fix weeks laft paft. Some books will be fent from thence to the care of Mr. Hod/den. Tha box which I fent in Burkitt fome months ago, I hear was taken j — it had a gown in it, and feveral other things. " The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away : blefled be the name of the Lord !" We have a God that will fupply all our wants, according to the riches of his mercy in Christ Jesus. O to be faithful unto the death ! we fhall then receive a crown of life. That this may be your happy portion, is the earneft prayer of, my dear Mr. D , Yours moft affedionately in our common Lord, LETTER 25re received your ugreeable letters, dated in Augujl and September, Blefled be God that you are all io well. The bills fiaall be honoured. I have thoughts, that R 2 you 25o LETTERS. you and Mr. D will come together. For Christ's fake, do not think of moving from Bethefla. I am more than pleafed : I am delighted with your being there. The family will foon be fmall indeed. It is eafily increafed at any time. I hope that G and A IF will be put out. I am glad S -f behaved fo well. God's judgments are like the great deep. Father, thy will be done ! Mr. S -/"bears the news quite well. I expert to hear again from you every day. God blefs you all ! Ceafe not to pray for, dear Mrs. C , Your moft obliged afFe6tionate friend and fervant in our common Lord, G. W, LETTER MCCXXXVir. My very dear Sir y BrI/ioly July $y 1760. WITH this, I have fent an order to Mr. C , to receive of you three hundred pounds fterling, to pur- chafe bills of exchange from Mr. S r. One hundred Mr. S r is to remit to Mr. /' y. The other two hundred Mr. C — ■ — is to pay to Mr. Z w, in order to be remitted to Profeflbr F k. The remainder, I think befl to keep till I hear from the ProfelTor himfelf. The Lord pity ani comfort the poor fufFerers! What reafon have we to be thank- ful, who abound in peace and plenty! What is ftill more, the fields are white, ready unto a fpiritual harveft. When in the fields, ten thoufand, perhaps more, do aflemble here. When under cover, there are more than the tabernacle will well hold j at leaft in the evening. Every time the houfe is a Bethel^ a houfe of God, a gate of heaven. Grace ! grace ! 1 thought that my wife's illnefs would have haftened mc to London ; but as ihc is now recovering, I would fain proceed in my fummer's campaign. I am perfuaded I am the better for your prayers. Never were tFey more charitably beftowed. I am a worm, and no nia|i. O blefled Jesus, how good thou art ! With all thy other inercies, give, O give me an humble and a thankful lieart ! I couW enlarge, but have more letters to write. I hope my moft cordial refpe<5ls and thanks will find acceptance 7 witU LETTERS. 25i with dear Mrs. S and Mi fs, and I am fure you will accept the fame yourfelf, from, my very dear Sir, Yours &c. under manifold obligations, G. JK LETTER MCCXXXVIII, To Mrs. C . D^ar Mrs, C , Brijiol, July 8, 1760. I Hope this will find you reftored to more than former health and ufefulnefs, and quite determined to continue at Bcthef- da. It makes me uneafy, to think you have the leaft inclina- tion of returning, till you fee me on your fide the water. Jesus hath called and blefled you at Bcthefda. I would fain have you ftay and fee the fruits of your labour. You will fee what I wrote about / H . I muft leave all to you who arc upon the fpot, not doubting but the Lord Jesus will guide you by his allwife counfel; none teacheth like him. 1 have fympathized with you, in refped to your fears about the Indian war. Lord Jesus grant they may not be per- mitted to come near your peacef«l dwelling ! In heaven, all thefe alarms will be over. I long for thofe blefled manfions. But nothing kills me. My wife was lately juft got into har- bour, but is driven back again. Blelted be God, we are fure of getting in fafe at laft. Jesus is our pilot. To his almighty and never-failing protection do I mod humbly and heartily commit you, as being, for his great name'^s fake, with ten thoufand thanks for all your labours of love, dear Mrs. C , Your fincere afFeiSlionate friend, and ready fervant in our common Lord, G. IF. LETTER MCCXXXIX. To Mr. D . My dear Mr. D , Brt/iol, July 8, 1 760. I Owe you much love for your letter and accompts. May Bethefda's God blefs and reward you ! He doth, he will. 1 fuppofe you will fee what I have written to Mr. P / and Mr. S -i. How doth the Redeemer bring his cka toge- R 3 ther. 262 LETTERS. ther, even in this world ! What a glorious meeting will there be in the world to come ! Methinks I hear you fay, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.'* I add, Amen and amen! even fo come LoPvD Jesus ! The profpedl is promifmg. I am going in my old way, faving that I grow fatter and fatter every day. Lord, help me to work it down ! but it feems working will not do. I fpent all the laft winter in London^ and began my campaign in May^ in Gloucefterjloire. Laft month I was in Wales^ inviting fouls to come to Christ. Here I am labouring alfo. You will not fall to pray for me, I long to hear about the Indian war. They are fafe who are garrifoncd in God, even a God in Christ. Aflure your- felf, that neither you nor your dear orphan-charge are ever forgotten by, my dear Mr. D , Yours, &;c. in our common Lord, G. W. LETTER MCCXL. To Mr. D . My dear Iv'Ir. D , London^ Jug, 15, 1760. HOW do I long to hear of God's appearing for Georgia and Bethefda? I truft, the Indians have not, and will not be permitted to difturb a family planted by his own right hand, and for his own glory. But the divine judgments are a great deep. Lord, help us to adore, and cheerfully to fub- mit to thy holy will ! Some Betbejda letters, I truft, will foon put me out or fufpcnfe. I wrote to you by the convoy that took your new Governor, I hope he will behave friendly to the orphan-houfe. If we make the Lord Jesus our friend, all will be well. Many here are feeking his friendfhip. Satan is angry. I am now mimicked and burlefqued upon the public fbge. All hail fuch contempt! God forbid that I fliould glory, fave in the crofs of Jesus Christ. It is fweet ! it is fweet. What a mercy is it, that we have got an abiding in- heritance in the kingdom of heaven ! Of this Vv^e can never be robbed. Hallelujah! — Adieu. Hearty love to all. Ceafe not to pray for, and write to, dear Mr. D , Yours, &c, in our glorious High Frieft, G. W. L E T T E R letters; 26s LETTER MCCXLI. To Mrs. C . i)ear Mrs. C , London, Nov. 14, 1760. I Cannot find any of your relations, but what are willing you (hould remain in Georgia, and fettle there. What condition can be fo ufeful for you ? I have never varied in my opinion. The Lord Jesus diredi, blefs, and reward you! He will. The orphan fent by Captain Ball, I am perfuaded will be taken care of. He is fent by good Lady H n, and is to be treated as a common orphan. May the Father of the fatherlefs blefs him and all ! I was much pleafcd with the letters I received from the lambs of the flock. If pofTiblc, I fliall anfwer them. But at prefent am fo indifpofed with a cold, after my Torkjhire ramble of two months, that I can fcarce write this. BlefTed be God, for the profpcvfl of a fiate, wherein the inhabitants (hall no more fay, I am fick. I can now add no more, but that I am, dear Mrs. C , Your moft obliged friend, and ready fervant in our common Lord, G TV LETTER MCCXLU. To Mr.K . My dear Timothy, > I^ondon, Feb. 21, I'j^l, THE diftance that Plymouth lies from London, is one great caufe of my coming there fo feldom. What can I do, who have fo many calls, and fo few affiftants ? London muft be minded. For furely, there the word runs and is glorified more and more. I returned in poft-hafte, laft month, from Brijlol. Both in going and coming, dear Mr. H— — y and I were in great jeopardy. Once the machine fell over, and at another time we were obliged to leap out of the poft-chaife, though going very faft. BlefTed be God, we received little hurt. Good was to be done. On the faft-day, near fi?^ hundred pounds were colledted for the German and Bojlon fuf- ferers. Grace 1 grace 1 I wifh you had colleded at BriJhL When can you move ? pray let me know diredtly. I want my v/ife to ride as far as Plymouth, I<[othing but exercifc will R 4 tJQ 264. LETTERS. do with her. Remember us to your whole felf, and to all. This is the very firft moment that I could catch, to let you hear from, my dear man. Yours, Sic, in our glorious EmmanueL G. pr. I. E T T E R MCCXLIII. To Mrs, C . Dear Mrs. C ^. London^ Feb, 23, 1761. IT is almoft an age now, fince I heard from my dear family in the wildernefs. How came I not to have one line by Mr. Toung F Ere now I hope you have received my laft by Captain BalL When fhall I get leave to come over ? Per- haps my heart is too much fet upon it. Father, thy will be done! This is my comfort; the Redeemer's work is upon the advance. All oppofition is over-ruled for the furtherance of the gofpcl. A new inftrument is raifed up out of Cambridge univerfjty. He has been here preaching like an angel of the churches indeed. iVIy v/ife is poorly, but joins in fending hearty love. Al] your relations are well. Pray give my blefling to the children, and thank them all for their letters. I would have all the boys put out as foon as of age. The uork prof- pers here much. Hoping every day to receive a line, and fending you my moft hearty bleffing, thanks and love, I fub^- fcribe myfelf, dear Mrs. C , Your moft affecSlioriate obliged friend, and ready fervant in our glorious Emmavuel^ G. If\ LETTER MCCXLIV. To Mr, A s. London^ March 3, 1761. My very dear Mr, A- Y laft fhowed you that we are both of a mind. Let .VJ. ^!s have a little patience, and all will be well. As Mr. B e cannot come up diredly, I muft defer my Brijlol journey till after Ea/ier, The cold I catched there, I fhall not eafily get rid off. But what is, is bcft. Your letter to Mrs, J — ^s was delivered fafe. By JVUtJhire'^ waggon, I have LETTERS. uSs have fent a fet of Henry's Expofttioriy and Gark's Bible, Be pleafed to take them. You will frnd the enclofed. The Re- deemer continues to own and blefs us here. That he n[iay blefs and own you and yours evermore, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Timothy^ Yours, &c. &c. in our common Lord, LETTER MCCXLV. To the Reverend Mr, G . My dear Sir^ London, Marsh 14, 1761. I Hear that your little daughter is gone to heaven ; a fine flower foon cropped. I thought (he was too fine to con- tinue long in this bad foil. She is now tranfplanted to an in- finitely better. O that I may have patience to wait till my wifh'd-for change do come ! Every day almoft we hear of perfons dying in triumph. The awakening is rather greater than ever. Satan's artillery hath done but little execution. Thoughts are vain againjl the Lord, All fuhferves hisjlanding word; Wheels encircling wheels mujl run^ Each in courfe to bring it on. Hallelujah! I hope you profper at G . My kindeft refpe^s await all your dear reverend brethren that honour me with their coun- tenance, your whole ielf, and all who are fo kind as to enquire after, my dear Sir, Yours, &c. in our common Lord, G. JV. P, S, One Mr. Berridge, lately Moderator of Cambridge^ hath been preaching here with great flame. LETTER ^6$ LETTERS. LETTER MCCXLVI. To Mr. S S ^. Cannonbury-Houfe (near London)^ Jpril ii, 1761. Dear Sir^ BE pleafed to pay to Mr. Thomas Cox the fum of two hun- dred and fifty pounds, which, with one hundred and fifty paid to him before, and given (as this is to be) into the hands of the Reverend Mr. Tiingenhagen^ makes up the fum of four hundred pounds ; the whole of what is alTigned out of the late coUedion for the diftrefled German proteftants, by, dear Sir, Yours, &c. &c. LETTER MCCXLVII. Tq the Reverend Mr, T . Cannonhury-Houfe^ Jpril 2'^^ 1761. My very dear Friend^ ACCEPT a few lines of love unfeigned from a worthlefs worm, juft returning from the borders of an eternal world. O into what a world was I launching ! But the prayers of God*s people have brought me back. Lord Jesus, let it be for thy glory and the welfare of precious and im- mortal fouls ! Thou haft been digging and dunging round me. O that the barren fig-tree may at length begin to bring forth fome fruit ! O, my dear man, how ought minifters to work before the night of ficknefs and death comes, when no man can work ! Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace, ac- cording to the multitude of thy tender mercies ! You will rot ceafe to pray for me, who am indeed lefs than the leaft of all. Weaknefs forbids my enlarging. Hearty love to all who are fo kind as to enquire after an ill and hell-deferving, but redeemed creature. Not on'ly pray, but alfo give thanks to a never-failing Emmanuel^ who hath been eafe in pain, health \\\ ficknefs, life in death, to, my very dear friend. Yours, ^'^c. Uz, for his great name's fake, G. TV, LETTER LETTERS. 267 LETTER MCCXLVIII. To the Reverend Mr, G . Cannonhury-Hou/e, May 2, 1761. SURPRIZING, that any friends of Z/o« (hould be foli- citous for the welfare of fuch a worthlefs worm ! Indeed, my dear friend, the news you have heard was true. I have been at the very gates of what is commonly called death. They feemed opening to admit me, through the alone righte- oufnefs of the blefled Jesus, into everlafting life. But at pre- fent they are clofed again : for what end, an all-wife Redeemer can only tell. I have, fmce my illnefs, once ailifted a little at the Lord's- fupper, and once fpoke a little in publick. But, my locks are cut ; natural ftrength fails : Jesus can renew : Jesus can caufe to grow again. By his divine permiffion, I have thoughts of feeing Scotland. If I relapfe, that will be a defirable place to go to heaven from. I love, I love that' dear people. Ten thoufand thanks to you, and all my dear G^ — • friends. Be pleafed to add to my obligations, by continuing to pray for one, who, though lefs than the leaft of all, is in- deed, my very dear Sir, Theirs and yours, 5cc. in a never-failing Jesus, G. JF, LETTER MCCXLIX. ro Mr, S S . Plymouth, jfune 5, 1761. WILL not my very dear and valuable friend be glad to hear, that through divine mercy I am fomewhat im- proved in my health fmce my leaving London. At Brifiol I grew fenfibly better, but hurt myfelf by too long journies to Exeter and hither. However, blefled be God, I am nov/ re- covered from my fatigue, and hope bathing will brace mc up for my glorious Mafter's ufe again. Strange^ that a harp of thoufand Jlrings^ Should keep in tune fo lo?7g ! The few times I have been enabled to preach, an infinitely condefcending Redeemer hath vouchfafed to brea^ie upori the 5 word 26? LETTERS. word preached. Who knows but I may get my wings again ? Abba Father, aU things are pofHble with thee ! I know \Vho doth, and will pray for mc, even my very dear Mr. S , who hath already laid fuch great obligations on His mofl affetSlionate friend and very ready fervant in our glorious Em?nanuely G. TV. LETTER MCCL. To Mr, R—^ K n. My dear fleady Friend^ Brl/Iol, June li 1761. ACCEPT a few lines of love unfeigned, from one who loves both you and yours in the bowels of Jesus Christ. They leave me rather hurt by my late weftern journey. I ftrive to put out to fea as ufual, but my fhattered bark will not bear it. Lord Jesus, let thy will be done in me, by me, and upon me, for time and eternity ! If this air doth not agree with me, in a few days I think of returning to Riy old nurfes and old phyficians again. BlefTed be God for an intereft in an infinitely great, infinitely gracious, and fym- pathizing unchangeable phyfician ! I hope you and yours enjoy much of his heart-chearing confolations. Thefe have been my fupport in my younger days 5 thefe will be my cor- dials in the latter flages of the road. I hope Mr. and Mrs. y are quite well. Pray tell him not to be fo touchy to his old friends, efpecially when they are fick and juft returning from the grave : perhaps he may not be troubled with them Jong. God grant he may never feel the want of them ! Jesus lives when minifters die. My hearty love awaits you all, Ceafe not to pray for, my dear Mr. li w. Yours mof); afFc<5lionately In our comnion Lord, G. 1!\ LETTER LETTERS. t% LETTER MCCLI. Cannonhury-HQiife^ July II, 1761, A'ly dear Timothy^ JUST as I was going to write you a few lines to come hi- ther, Mr. Rowand's letter informed me that you was very ill. But I hope this will find you better. Lord je^vs^ pre- pare us for whatever thou haft prepared for us ! Commending you to his never-failing mercy, I fubfcribe myfelf. Ever yours, &c, in Jesus, July 16. BlefTed be God I am better ! BlelTed be God that you are io likewife ! Who knows what reft and time may produce ? O to be blanks in the hands of Jesus ! When ihail this once be ! What good news by fea and land ! Grace 1 grace ! Let me have another line, and ceafe not to pray for, my dear Timothy^ Yours, &c. G, Jl\ LETTER MCCLIL To Mr, K . My dear Feilow-priforjer, London, OSf. 13, 1761. I Hope an all-wife Redeemer is teaching us to be content to be buried ourfelves, and to bury our friends alive. This is a hard but important lelTon. Lord Jesus, make us great proficients in the fchool of thy crofs ! I have not preached a fmgle fermon for fome weeks, Laft Sunday I fpoke a little j but I feel its efFedls ever fince. Father, thy will be done J Blefled be his name for giving you a little reviving in your bondage. Perhaps that is all we are to expect on this fide eternity. But there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief ! Glory be to his great name, that fome good was done at Plymouth. The news drove me to my knees, and ftixred up an ambition to be employed again. I know you and Sarah will fay, Ameny and Amen / I hope your 270 LETTERS. your Jfaac will be fpared ; if not, AaronAWiQ^ may you hold your peace I I have met with changes. My two old fervants are married and gone. Mr. E hath preached for me fome time. As yet the congregations are kept up. Mr. ^— and M are very poorly. All are haftehing home apace. Accept hearty love to your whole {t\^y and all dear friends who are fo kind as to enquire after, my very dear Timothy^ Yours, &c. in our Jesus, G. W. LETTER MCCLIII. To Mr. D . H^y very dear Air, D , Leeds ^ 0£l. 24, 1761. WHAT fudden changes here ! O that my great change was come ! Happy Polhill : Bethefdas lofs is thy gain. " Be ye alfo ready," is the call of this awful providence* The Lord furnifh furvivors with double ftrength ! I thank you for the accounts. I fee you are running in arrears. Some way or other I truft they will be difcharged. But I would have the family reduced as low as can be. I think that the keeping of thofe who are grown up, hurts them and increafes my expencc. I have little comfort in many that I have ailifted. But our reward of grace is with the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! As you are moft converfant in figures^ you will be pleafed to continue in your ufual way ; and as you go on in harmony, I truft you will do quite well. A fea voyage feems more necefTary to me now than ever. I know now what nervous diforders are. Eleflcd be God that they were contracted in his fervice. I do not repent my embarking in Christ's caufe. He feeth all your difmterefted toil in that new world. " Well done, ye good and faithful fervants,''' {hall be the falutation given to you all. My hearty blefling and love to all. That great may be your happinefs on earth, and infinitely great your reward in heaven, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Mr. D , Yours, 2ic. 5cc. in our glorious Emmanuel, G, JV. LETTER LETTERS. 271 1. E T T E R MCCLIV. To Mrs. C . Dear Mrs. C , Leeds^ 051, 24, 1761. IAm ftill in this dying world, but frequently tempted to wifli the report of my death had been true, fmce my dif- order keeps m« from my old delightful work of preaching. But Jesus can teach us to exercife our paflive as well as a6live graces. Fain would I fay, *' Thy will be done ! " I am now riding for my health ; but I think a voyage would brace me up. I impute my prefent diforder, in a great meafure, to the want of my ufual fea voyages. Blefled be God, for fupport- Ing me fo well under the news of dear Mr. PolhiWs fudden tranflation. In that rcfpe6i., I rather envy than pity him ; to be carried to heaven in an inllant ; from a (hip's cabia into Abraham's bofom ; O what a blefling ! God fan£l:ify and make up the lofs ! But we fhall find few Polhills. Blefled be God, that I have faithful ones left behind. I repofe in you the utmoft confidence, and hope the Lord will give you dou- ble ftrength, and vouchfafe us all a fpeedy and happy meeting. I know who adds a hearty Amen. I wifh G r and A IV were put out. Keeping fuch great boys is expenfive, and there is nothing to be expe<5led by my coming over. I hope my nephew will take the boy that comes over -, if not, he mufl be received at Bethefda. Surely God will yet provide for that houfe of mercy. But I can at prefent bear very little of outward cares. Writing thefe few letters, I fear, will hurt me : but I could not help venturing. The Lord blefs and reward you, my dear Mrs. C , for all your labours of love ! 1 commend you and your dear charge to his never-failing mercy, and am, with ten thoufand thanks for all favours. Yours moll afFedlionately fc3yt Christ's fake, G. IV, LETTER t^z LETTERS. L E T .T E R MCCLV. ro Mr, R K //. My dearjleady Friendy NewcoJIky On, K)^ 1761. HITHERTO the Lord hath helped me. Sualy hi.: mercy endureth for ever. I bear riding fixty miles a day in a poft-chaife quite well. Bleficd be his name, friends both here and at Le^ds are prudent, and do not prefs me to preach much. But I hope I am travelling in order to preach. If net. Lord Jesus, help mc to drink the bitter cup of a con* tinued filence, with a holy refignation, believing that what is, is beft 1 Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief! Every where as I came along, my fpiritual children gladly received me. Almighty God, do thou provide for all ! J hope you go on well at London. It is the Jerufalemy the Gojhen. May minlflers and people fee their privileges, and work whilft it is day ! The night of ficknefs and death is coming, when no man can work. Be pleafed to remember mc to dear Mr. and Mrs. J , and all dear friends as they come m your way. To-morrow I may fet forwards towards Edinburgh. You and yours will follow me with your prayers, and be alTured of not being forgotten by, my very dear Mr. K w, Yours, &c. Uq. in our common Lord, G. JV. LETTER MCCLVL To the Reverend Mr. G . NewcaJIhy OSf. 29, 1 76 1. Reverend and very dear S/r, ^ THOUGH at a very unexpe(!led, and feemingly un^(^a-^ fcnable time, I am thus far travelled northwards. Hi- therto the Lord hath helped me to hold out. Fain would t reach Scotland, to fee feme of my dear friends before I die^ My fpirits, though in fome degree recruited, are yet low, aftd I am kept from my old delightful work. But all things arc poflible with Jesus Christ. He can either reftore, or ena- ble me to drink the bitter cup of continued filence. LoRI* Jesus, do thou help me to fay from my inmoft foul, " Father, not my will, but thine be done !" I defire to be more than remem- LETTERS. 27^ remembered to my dear G friends, and beg the conti- nuance of their prayers in behalf of, my very dear Sir, Theirs and yours, &c. kc. in our common Lord, G. IF. LETTER MCCLVII. To the Reverend Mr, G . Edinburgh, Nov. 9, 176 1. THOUGH I have been very ill fmce my coming to Edinburgh J yet I muft come juft to fee my dear friends at G . I cannot be there till Thurfday noon. Little, very little can be expelled from a dying man. But I can now hear a little for myfelf. I write this in the midii of company. All my dear friends will not fail to pray for, very- dear Sir, Yours and theirs, &c. in Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCCLVIIL To Mr, R K «. My dear old Friend , Leeds, Dec. I, 176?. IT Is near ten at night, and I am to fet off to-morrow in the Leeds ftage for London. Your letter I received this evening, and thank you for it moft heartily. Silence is en- joined me for a while by th^ Edinburgh phyficians. They h'f my cafe is then recoverable. The great phyfician vv^ill diredt. May he abundantly blefs you and yours, and dear T J- and his ? I fend you all mod hearty love, as beingp for Chr.ist'3 fake. Yours, 5cc. he, G, TV, LETTER MCCLIX, To Mr, K- . ' My dear Timothy ^ London, "Jan. 8, 1762^ I Thought my wife had written many letters to you beford this time, BlefTed be God, I am better. The Scotch journey did me fervice. I preached on new-year's day,, and Vol. IIL * S am 26 274 LETTERS. am to elo Co ag:iin, God willing, to-morrow. Who knows ? who knows ? — I may again fee Plymouth. Is there any thing too hard for the Lord ? When can you come up ? I had a violent fall upon my head from my horfe laft Thurfday^ but was neither furprized nor hurt. Help me to praife Him whofe mercy endureth for ever. Mr. B is here, and preaches with power. BleiTed be God that fome can fpeak, though I am laid afide. That your mouth may be opened, and body flrcngthened more and more, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Timoihy^ Ever yoursj &c. in Jesus, G. JV. LETTER MCCLX. To Mr. R K n, Bnjiol^ Jpril 17, 1762. WILL not my dear (leady friend be glad to hear that Erijiol air agrees with me, and that I have been en- abled to preach five times this laft week without being hurt ? Lord Jesus, make me truly and humbly thankful ! Was the door open for an American voyage, I verily believe it would be very ferviceable towards bracing up my relaxed tabernacle. But he who knovveth all things, knows what is beft. Fain would I fay, from whatever quarter trials come, *' Father, not my will, but thine be done !'* I fee more and more, that grace muft be tried. But this is our comfort, when we are tried, we fliall come forth like gold. In how many fires is that precious metal purified ? O for a heart to bs willing t@ be made willing to be nothing, yea lefs than nothing, that God, even a God in Christ, may be all in all ! You and yours will add to my obligations by praying for me. By this you fee that you are not forgotten. Shall I beg you to let the tabernacle fj i?nds know foon, that you received this ? Having had company 1 cannot write. Be pleafed to thank the honeft JVeich bilhop for his fubfcription. It was a great deal from fuch a dignitary. May the great Biftiop of fouls blefs and ftrengthen him in foul and body ever more. As I expe6l to hear trom my wife on Monday^ and as I have nothing particu- lar, I fhall defer writing again till Mofiday evening. In the mean LETTERS. 275 rrjean while, be (o kind as to give my hearty love and due refpedls to her and all, and accept the fame yourfelves from^ my vQiy dear friends, YourSj &c. Sec. in a never-failing Jesus, LETTER MCCLXI. To Mr. S S- . Afy very dear Friend, Brijiol, April 18, 1 762. IWas quite ferry that I could ttot take a parting dinner with you. Mr. Z n begged me to come juft at that time to converfe with me about the fufFering proteftants, and in the evening I read letters. BlefTcd be God, I was not the worfe for it. Since my coming here, my health hath improved. The laft week I was enabled to preach five times. This morning I have been adminiftering the ordinance ; and this evening I hope to be upon my throne again. Our Lord vouchfafes to fmile upon my feeble labours', and the people feem to feel a refrefhing from his divine prefence. Who knows but 1 may yet be reftored fo far as to found the gofpel trumpet for my God ? The quietnefs I enjoy here, with daily riding out, feems to be one very proper means. Be this as it will, I know ere long I fhall ferve our Lord without wearinefs. A few more blows from friends, and from foes, and the pitcher will be broken. Then the wicked one will ceafe from troubling, and the weary traveller arrive at his wi(h'd-for reft. God grant you and yours very large refrefh- ments in the way! Be pleafed to accept of this as a token that you are not forgotten by, my very dear friend, Yours, &c. under ten thoufand obligations, and in the beft bonds, G. IK LETTER MCCLXIL To Mr. D . My very dear Mr. D- , BriJIol, April ig^ 1 762. HOW have I been contriving to come over in one of the maft filips lately failed for New-England P But the hour is n^t yet come. Haften it, O glorious Emmanuel^ for S 2 thy 276 LETTERS. thy great name's fake ! Surely a Tea voyage would help to brace up this relaxed tabernacle. Blefled be God, I am now enabled to preach four or five times a week ; but it is with much weaknefs. I long to hear how it is with you in this Spairfi war. Mr. Robin fon I find was caft away, but hath efcaped with his life. Juft now I have feen a letter to Mrs. p e from Mr. H j, by which I find he is at Bethefda, and talks of returning to England, I hope the Spanijh war will prevent this laft motion, at leaft for fome time. My love to him and all. Perfevere in praying me over. I have juft now heard, that there is a packet for me at London from Georgia. How could you draw on me for fo large a fum as an hundred and forty-feven pounds ? Lord, help me ! Yef- terday at Kmgfwood I faw the fhip that is to bring this, ready to fail. I hope I am not too late ; and if any letters come from any of you by this poft (as I hear the Carolina fliips are arrived), God willing, they fhall be anfwered by, my very dear Mr. D j Yours, &c. in our common Lord, G. IK LETTER MCCLXIIL To Mrs. W . Dear Mrs. W , Brijiol^ May 4, 1 762. I Thank you heartily for your kind letter, and defire to blefs the Lord of all lords for the good news it contains. If the foot of pride doth not come againft thofe that fpeak for Jesus, all will be well. I fee it is always darkeft before break of day. O that we could always remember that blefled promife, " At evening-tide it fhall be light."^ The archers have of late (hot forely at me and grieved me. 'Joh'^ friends were his greateft trials, when God's hand preiTed his body fore. So it hath been with me. But if we are brought out when tried like gold, we (hall oely lofe our drofs. O that this may be my happy cafe ! Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief! BlefTcd be his name for a little revival in my bon- dage ! For tbefe three weeks pafl, I have been enabled to preach four or five times. Not once without a fpecial bkffing. Join with me in crying, Grace, grace ! But my bcdy ftill con- LETTERS. 277 continues weak. O blefled profpecE^ of its being glorified by and by ! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly ! Continue to pray Tor me. Remember me moft heartily to all, as being, dear Mrs. JV , Their and your moft ready fervant for Christ's fake, G.JV. LETTER MCCLXIV. To Mrs. C . Dear Mrs. C , Brijol, May 4., 1762, YOUR kind letter came to hand a few days ago. The convoy being driven back, gives me an opportunity of returning you hearty thanks. Mr. R 's draught will lie hard upon me j but I will endeavour to get it paid. I am glad A w and G r are put out. It would have faved me pounds to have had it done long ago. As it is war time, nobody can blame you for leflening the family to the utmoft. The intended change at Ephraia pleafeth me much. I fee if we will wait. Providence will open for us fome way or ano- ther. O that the door was open for my coming over ! Per- haps it may be ere the Summer is oyer. Grant it, O Gop, for Jesus Christ's fake ! I have fometimes the hopes of be- ing braced up again for a little future fervice. With fome difficulty I preach four or five times a week ; but you would fcarce know me, I am fo fwoln with wind, and fo corpulent. BlefTed be God for the profpe6l of a glorious refurredion ' For the prefent, adieu. I fe^r the fiiip will be gone. God blefs you all. Pray ^o you and Mr. D be particular in your accounts. Hearty love to Mrs. P /; God comfort her. You will (hew this to Mr. D . I muft add no more, but hearty love and ten thoufand thanks from, my dear friends, Yours, &c. &c, in pur glorious Head, G. IV. S3 LET. ^78 LETTERS. L E T T R E R MCCLXV. To Mr, 5—— 5—-. My. very dear Friend^ Rodbprough^ May 2i, 1762. THOUGH I hope to be in London on Tuejday or IVed- ?jejday ne:^t, yet I cannot come thither without troubling you with another line. BlefTed be Gop, it leaves me in better bodily health, than when I wrote laft. Through divine mercy, preaching four or five times a week did not hurt me j and twice or thrice I have been enabled 10 take the field : in my opinion, a greater honour than to be monarch of the univerfe. London cares, and London labours, I ej^pe(3:, will foon bring me low again. But as Meffrs. D — — and K are coming up, I hope foon to flip away and get ftrength, and then hunt for precious fouls again, flow gladly would I bid adieu to cieled houfes, and vaulted roofs ! Mounts are the bed pulpits, and the heavens the beft founding-boards. O for pouter equal to my will i I would fly from pole to pole, publifhing the ever- laiii^jo- {Tofpel of the Son of God. I know you would lend me the wings of prayer. Jesus in anfvver gjve the wings of faith and love, and we ihall then quickly foar to thy bpfom^ where Sin andjirtfe and forroiv ccciCe^ jind all is calm and joy and peace. I write this at a houfe built for dear Mr. A — —-J. From his window is a profpe61: perhaps of thirty miles. I have wifhed you here with your telefcope. But if the footflool is fo glo- rious, what mufl: the throne be? Come, Lord Jesus, comq quickly ! I am interrupted by company. Good night, my very dear friend, good night ! Mod cordial refpecSls await dear Mrs. 5—— and your daughter. Dear Mr. A — —s is weak like myfelf, but joins in fending due and hearty refpe^ls. We have had moft blcfled feafons. Grace ! grace ! In hea-» yea you will be rewarded for all favours conferred on yours, he, hQ, in the beft bonds, G, U\ I^ETTEI^ LETTERS. 279 LETTER MCCLXVI. ro Mrs. c . Dear Mrs. C . London^ May iS, 1762. I Am juft now come to town for a kw days, ienfibly better by my country excurfion. Once more I have had the honour of taking the £eld, and have now fome hopes of not being as yet quite throu'n afide as a broken veflll. Kelp me to praife Him, whofe mercy cndureth for ever. Why do you perfift in keeping poor Mr. D ii^ iufpenfe ? If not done before, I expert to marry you both immediately upon my arrival, but do not ftay for that. Your hint about Mr. S 's being inclined to the rniirdry, mademe fmile. Mr. R *s account fhall be paid as foon as poffible. But I beg no fuch thing may be done again. This is wrote in very great hafte, hearing that the (hip is gone. I wrote to all from BriJIoly very lately. This muft now do for all. God blefs and re- ward you. Amen and Amen ! I am, dear Mrs. C , Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCCLXVII. ro Mr, R K n. My 'uery dear Friend^ Norzuich, July 31, 1 762, THOUGH you never mentioned a word concerning the letter I fent you when at Brijioly yet this doth not dif- courage me from dropping you a few lines, now I am put into Norivich-Dock, in order to refit for another expedition. The Holland one laft month, was, I truft, profitable to myfelf and others; and if ever my ufefulnefs is to be continued at London^ I muft be prepared for it, by a longer itineration both by land and water. At prefent, bleflfed be God, I can preach once a day, and it woulddo your heart good to fee what an influence attends the word. All my old times are revived again. On next Monday., God willing, I fhall fet forwards to Lincoln/hirey Torkjhire., kc. You that are in cieled houfes, and under vaulted roofs (which I do not grudge you) will not forget a poor pil- grim, who defires no other pulpit but a mount, no other found- ing board l^ut the heavens. I hope dear Mr. J — — is recovered S 4, of 28p LETTERS. of his indifpofition, and that your wife and his, with yourfelf, are\increaring with all the increafe of God. My cordial re- fpe£ls and moft hearty love attend you, and all that are fo kind ag^o enquire after a worthlefs worm. As I fhall not write to- night, be pleafcd to inform my wife that you heard of my welfare, and in fo doing, you will add to the obligations al- ready laid upon, my very dear Mr. K w, Yours, &c. ia our Jesus, LETTER MCCLXVIIL To the Reverend Air, T . Edinburgh, Sept. 2, I'jSl. I Am juft this moment returned from Gia/gczv, where I have been enabled to preach every day, and twice at Cainbujlang, Auditories were large, and Jesus fmiled upon my feeble labours. God willing, I fhall leave this place on Wednejday next ; but I defpair of feeing you. I have heard nothing of J^Xr. M n and V n iince I left them at Leeds. What a rnercy, that we are fure of meeting in heaven ! Surely, you will not go before me thither. Muft it be always juniores priores? Adieu. Cordial refpeds await your v/hole felf. Lord Jesus be with your fpirits ! I fear the carrier will be gone. Accept thefe few rufty filings from, my very dear friend, Yours, &c. 5cc. ,&c. in our glorious Jesus, September g. Thus far I went on Friday ; but found that was the wrong 4ay to fend. Since then, I have been helped to preach every day. The Kirk hath been a Bethel. Grace! grace! On Monday^ God willing, I fliall fet off. Follow with your prayers. Yours, &c. &c. G. W. J. E T T E R LETTERS. 281 LETTER MCCLXIX. ro Mr, D . My dear Mr. D , Sunderland^ Sept. 19, 1762. ICan only fend you a few lines : but I hope they will be acceptable ones. Your laft packet came to my hands yef- terday. BlelTed be God that all is fo well ! You will be glad to hear, that I can preach once a day, and that I have now a profpe6l of embarking foon. We expert peace, and I hope the places in London will be provided for. Pray keep the family as fmall as you can. Sicknefs lowers my circumftances. But Jesus is all in all. I hope to fee dear Mr. S k's friends in a few days. I am glad he is at Ephraia. Tender love to him and his, to dear Mrs. C , Mrs. P /, and to ail. I can no more. I write this at a venture, to fend by way of Scotland^ where the Redeemer hath been owning my feeble labours. Grace ! grace ! When I come to London^ God willing, you fhall hear again from, my very dear friends. Yours, &c. 5cc. in our common Lord, LETTER MCCLXX. To Mr. R K n. Dear Sir., Leeds^ Sept. 25, 1 762. WHAT a pity that I cannot anfwer your kind letter, by telling you where to meet me ! but it is impracticable* I am juft now fetting forwards towards London^ but fear I can- not reach it before Sunday. My chaife wanted repairing here. 0 how good hath Jesus been to a worthlefs worm ! Once a day preaching, I can bear well ; more hurts me. What fhall 1 do v/ith the chapel and tabernacle ? Lord Jesus, be thou my guide and helper I He will ! he will. Send word to taber- pacle that you heard from me. We have had fweet feafons. Grace ! grace ! To his never-failing mercy do I commend your whole dear felf, and all that are fo kind as to enquire after, my very dear friend. Yours, he. in our Gcnrimon Lord, G.IF. LETTER 282 LETTERS. LETTER MCCLXXI. To Mrs. C . Pear Mrs. C , London^ Odl. 15^ 1762. IWifh to anfwer your laft in perfon. I hope the time ib now drawing near, I count the weeks, and days, and hours. Lord Jesus, direill give me a fafe, and, if agreeable to his wilL a fpeedy paflage. On the road we have been favoured with fome fweet feafons. I have preached at Everion^ Leeds, Kippax, Jberford, and this place. Next fabbath I hope to be at Edinburgh, On my way, I was en- abled to finifh a little thing in anfwer to the prefent Bifhop o^ GlouceJ^er, If my friends think proper to print it, you will find a parting tcftimony left behind me for the good old Puri- tans and free-grace DifTenters, whom he fadly maligns. Blefs it, glorious Emmanuel^ and it fhall be blefled ! Follow me, follow me, my very dear Sir, with your conftant prayers. Mine will afways be afcending for you and yours. Indeed I owe you much love ! You have often ftrengthened my hands irt the Lord. Fain would I fing, I>ORD, obediently I go^ Gladly leaving all below ; Only Thou my leader be^ ^ And J Jim will follow Thee, And now, my dear friend, farewell. Ere long we (hall meet in a better climate, where Pain and fin and for row ceafe<, And all is calm and joy a?iil peace. T^oft cordial refpefls await dear Mrs. S and your daugh-* ter, if con:mued in this dying world. Expe6^ to hear, from time to time, from, my very d»ar Sir, Yours, 6cc. &c. G. //; h E T » LETTERS. iorning, but I hope to fee him at New-York the beginning of the Vv'cek, and to write more, O that I may come with him ! Abba, Father^ L-^ E T T E R S. 301 Father, all things are pofiible with thee ! Adieu ! My dear friciid is going. Ceafe not to pray for, and write to. Yours, &c. he. In Jesus, G, IV. LETTER MCCXCVIIL JHy dear Sir^ New-York^ Dec. i, 1 763. HOW thankful fhould I be to the adorable Jesus, and to all that love me for his great name's fake, for the blelTed contents of your laft, dated September 10. Praife the Lord, O my foul, and all that is within me praife his holy name ! May this be only an earneft of good things to come, both in England and IVales, Ere now, I fuppofe dear Mr. Davis is crying Gcgunn'iani in London. We are elTaying to echo it back from America. Some very good impreflions have been made in Philadelphia^ and we had four fweet feafons at New^ yerfey college, and two at Elixabeth-Town., in my way hither. Some faid they refembled old times. My fpirits grow better. But thrice a week is as often as I can preach. To-day I begin here, and have thoughts of returning with Mr. H m to Georgia^ but am fearful of relapfmg by fuch a fatiguing paflage or journey. The Lord will direct. Mr. Cruttendcn is got above thefe infirmities ; God be praifed that he went ofF {o comfortably ! may our expiring hour be like his I Surprized am I indeed to find that you have a little one coming into this world which others are leaving. Lord Jesus, fpare root and branch, for thy own glory, and thy people's good ! Lord Jesus, convert us all more and more, and make us all like little children ! Tender, tender love to all that love hiiB in fincerity. I v/ould write to many more, but company, low ftate of health, and travelling, render more frequent writing impradlicable to, my dear fteady friend, Youxs, theirs, &:c. 5cc. in our Jesus, G. JV. New-York^ Dec. 4. CiNCE writing the above, blelTed be God, I have preach- ed, Perfons of all denominations fecm to be athir(}. Grace! grace! Defire dear Mr. H y to look into the oW- verfal Hijlory of Arts and Sciences.^ volume the fecond, page 4i<^ 302 LETTERS. 436, for an account of Methodifm, by a papift. God blefg you all. Amen and Anrien. I am juft how told that the {]iip is going. Several other opportunities of vvritino will foon offer, which, God willing) ftiall be embraced by, my dear fteady friend. Ever yours, &c. in Jesus. G. JV. LETTER MCCXCIX, To Mr. D n, ^e. My very dear Friendsy Neiv-York^ Dec. 7, 1 763. WHAT a mortification do you think it muft be to me^ to part thus from, and not to accompany my dear Mr. H m to Bethcfda? Thus it was near twenty years ago, and yet I came, though he left me fo ill at New-England, Aflure yourfelves, I fliall come as foon as polTible. In the mean while, I have defired Mr. H m to affifl: in fupervifing and fettling the accompts, and to give his advice in refpetSl to the houfe, plantation, he. he. 1 beg you will be fo good as to let me have an inventory of every individual thing, the names and number of the negroes, and what you think is ne- cefiary to be done every way. I would only obferve in general, that I would have the family leflened as much as may be, and all things contradled into as fmall a compafs as poiTible. And now once more adieu, though I truft but for a (hort feafon* My heart is too full to enlarge. I have not got the account of the children taken in llnce the tirft inflitution ; it is left I be- lieve in Netv-Er.gland. I purpofe going thither now from the. fouthward. But it wiU be better to go to heaven. Come,- Lord Jesus, come quickly! Dear Mr. H- — —m will inform you of all particulars concerning the gofpel miniftrations ofy jmy very dear friends. Yours, ever vours, &c. &c, in Christ, LETTER L E T T, E R S. 303 LETTER MCCC. ro Mr, H y. Dear Sir, Neiv-Tork, Dec, 8, 1 763. T) LESS ED be God, I am enabled to preach thrice a week. J3 But fuch a flocking of all ranks, 1 never before faw at New-Tor k. A great number have been to fee me, and feveral come to me in the evening, as it fliould feem, to hear fome- thing of the kingdom of God. My ftay here is undetermined. Perhaps it may be till Chrijlmas. Many thanks are due to my London friends, for their kind affiftance, from time to time, in carrying on outward matters, and particularly to thofe who were fo ready to aflift in compleating the tabernacle job in fuch an honourable way. All with you will continue to pray for me. I would write more,, but amidft fuch a throng of company and bodily weaknefs, it is indeed impradicable. I now repeatedly fend all my tender love; and ftiil praying that all may be filled with all the fulnefs of God, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf. Yours, &c. in Jesus, O. TV, LETTER MCCCr. To Mr, S S . Afy very dear Friend, New-Tor k, Dec. 16, 1 763. I See by what you have done lately for the tabernacle, that you do not forget abfent friends. I think you and yours are not forgotten by them., neither I believe are forgotten by the Friend of all. He remembers us, though he is advanced to fo great a kingdom ; reraembers us in our low eftate, and remembers that we are but duft. What a bleffing this to worthlefs, ill and hell-deferving me ! What a mercy, to meet with fuch a friend in the latter fl-ages of our road ! Surely he is altogether lovely. Having loved his own, he loves them to the end ; witnefs his yet continuing to own the feeble labours of an almoft worn out pilgrim. Every day the thirft for hear- ing the word increafes, and the better fort come home to hear more of it. I muft now go foon to New-E^igland. Cold weather and a warm heart fuit my tottering tabernacle beft. I The qo4 LETTERS. The (hip Is going. God blefs you and yours ! I hope tliat all related, and all who are near and dear to you, are aiive for God, — a God, — a God in Christ; in whofe great name^ I beg leave to fubfcribe my fell, my very dear frieiid. Yours, &c. Szc. G. FF. LETTER MCCCII. To the Reverend Mr. G . Neiu York, Dec. l8, 1763. Reverend and very dear Str^ BLESSED be God, I am better in health than when I wrote laft. Preaching thrice a week agrees pretty well with me this cold feafon of the year. I am apt to believe my diforder will be periodical. It was fo with Mr. Pofiwlck;^ who is now with God. Our turn muft come by and by. Who would have thought Mr. Robert Scot would have went off (6 icon ? Lord, what is man ? O to be always ready I O for thoufands to go forth to alarm a drowfy world ! New-Jerfe^ college is a bleiied nurfery ; one of the purcft perhaps in the univerfe. The worthy Prefident and three tutors, are all bent upon making the ftudents both faints and fcholars. 1 was lately therefor a week. The Redeemer vouchfafed to own the word preached. Some faid it was like old times. Preju- dices in this place have moft (Irangely fubfided. The better lore flock as eagerly as the common people, and are fond of coming for private gofpel converfation. This is all of grace, O for an humble and thankful heart ! Perhaps I may foon go to Bojlcn. 1 know you will pray that the glorious Emmanuel may accompany me in all my removes. That this may be the happy lot of your whole felf, and of all dear enquiring friends, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and very dear Sir, Yours, theirs, &c. kc. in Jesus, G. IV. P. S. I wrote to Mr. Nhen laft week. t fi T T E R LETTERS. 305 LETTER MCCCIII. Tq Mr. D w, ^c. My very dear Frie^ids, New -Tor ky Jan. 12, 1 7 64. CAPTAIN BoUtho is returned, and not one line from Be- thefda ! Surely you were not informed of his failing, or you expected to fee me with Mr. H m. That which lets will furely by and by be taken out of the way. Blefled be God, the cold braces me up a little. I am enabled to preach twice or thrice a week. Congregations continue very large, and I truft faving impreflions are made upon many. Some ftudents alfo in Philadelphia and New Jerfey colleges, I hear are much awakened. O for a blefled gale of divine influences when we meet at Bethefda ! From thence, or Charles-Town^ I purpofe to embark for England. But future things belong to Him, who (whatever may be our thoughts) always orders all things v/ell. To his never-failing guidance and moft tender mercy do I commit you all, as being, for his great name's fake, my very dear friends, Yours, &c. &c. G. m LETTER MCCCIV. To Mr, R K n. My very dear Friend^ Bojlon^ March 3, 1 764. AS I find by letters from my wife and Mr. T C , dated in O^oher and November^ and by another from Mr. D /, dated in December,^ that my friends had heard from me more than once, I was in hopes of receiving a few lines from you by the lalt New-York packet. But I fuppofe you thought I was gone to the fouthward. Providence fhut up my way : I believe for wife reafons. The mclofed will let you fee how matters went at New-York. Smce leaving that place, a Iweet influence hath attended tHe word at Eajl- hampton., Bridgehampton^ and South-hold upon Long-IJland., at Shelter- IjJand alfo, and at New- London^ Norwich,, and Provi- vidence on the main land. At Bojion 1 have been received with tne uiual warmth of afi^ection. Twice have we leen the P.edeemer'b ibtely fteps in the great congregation. But as Vol. III. *U tbqi 27 3o6 LETTERS, the fmall-pox is likely to take an univerfal fpread through the town, I purpofe making my country tour, and then return to Bojion in my way to the Ibuthward. Invitations come fo thick and faft from every quarter, that I know not what to do. I cannot boafl; of acquiring much additional bodily ftrength, any other wife than as the cool feafon of the year helps to keep me up. Tv/ice a week is as often as I can with comfort afcend my throne. The Redeemer vouchfafes to fpeak for himfelf there, and private converfation is greatly blefled. Thus the taper keeps burning a little longer : when extinguifhed on earth, it will be removed where it fhall burn with uninter- rupted ludre in the kingdom of heaven. Till I hear from you, and fee what is determined concerning Beihefcia^ I cannot think of undertaking a long voyage. Sometimes I fear my weaknefs will never allov/ me to go on fliip-board any more. But I will wait. I will endeavour to watch and pray, and doubt not but I fhall hear a voice behind me faying, " This is the xvay, walk thou in it." In the mean Vv^hile, I rejoice to End that dear Mr. Davis is come to his winter quarters, and do earneftly pray night and day, that he and all my dear fel- low-labourers and hearers may increafe with all the increafe of God. Perhaps they may pray me over once more. When- ever the way is clear, I am ready to fay, ** Lord Jesus, lo I come." Tender, mod: tender love awaits you all. I muft Dot enlarge^ left my afFe£iions fliould overpower this feeble frame. In heaven it will be otherwife. My very dear Sir, farewel. I muft away to preach at Charles-Town^ a neigh- bouring town to Bojion, Hoping ere long to join with you all in praifing God for evermore, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf. Yours, &c. he. in our glorious Head, LETTER MCCCV. ro Mr. 5 5" . Concord^ 20 vuUs from Bojion^ March lO, 1 7 64, My very dear Friend^ SINCE my laft I fupnofe you have heard one way or ano- ther of my being in this dying world, and in fome meafure improved for propagating the glorious gofpel. Kew York v/as Ihcuj- LETTERS. 307 New Tor k Indeed. We favv blefled days of the Son of Man there. Since that, in my way to rhefe parts, a divine influence attended the word preached in various places. And how' would you have been delighted to have feen Mr. TVhcelock^s Indians ? Such a promifing nurfery of future mifnonaries, I believe was never feen in NHv- England before : pray encou- rage it with all your might. I alfo wifli you could give fome ufeful puritanical books to Harvard-college library, lately burnt down. Few perhaps will give fuch; and yet a colle6lion of that kind is abfolutely neceflary for future ftudents and poor neigh- bouring minifters, to whom I find the books belonging to the library are freely lent out from time to time. You will not be angry with me for thefe hints. I know your ambitious greedy foul : you want to grow richer and richer towards God. O that there may be in me fuch a mind ! But my wings are clipped. I can only preach twice or thrice a week with comfort. And yet a wider door than ever is opened all along the continent, A beginning is made in Boflon, But as the fmall-pox is fpreading there, I purpofe preaching for a while in adjacent places. With what fuccefs, you may know hereafter. I fend you and yours thefe ^zv^ lines as a token of gratitude, refpecl, and love anfeigned ; but muft ftill beg you to add to my ob- ligations, by continuing to pray for, my very dear friends. Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head, LETTER MCCCVI. ro C H y, Efq-, Very dear Sir^ Fortfmouih^ March 23, 1764. HOW was my heart eafed by receiving yefterday your kind letter, dated O^ober 22d ? If you and dear Mr. K n will continue to manage when I am prefent, as v/eli as when I am abfent, it may give another turn to my mind. Who knows what a never-failing God may do in a few months ! At prefent, my way is clear to go on preaching till I can journey fouthward. The inclofed will inform you what hath been done by one fermon at Providence^ formerly a moft ungodly place, forty miles fouth of Bojlon. At Nevjhury^ which I left yefterday, is a ftir indeed. On Lord'::-diiy I fliall U 2 begin 3o8 L E T T E R S. begin here. O for daily frefti galea I That they rnjay every day more and more increafe with you and all your dear rela- tions, and all dear friends, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir, in great hafte, but greater love, Yours, &c. he. &c. in Jesus, G. ff'l ' LETTER MCCCVII. To Mrs. M h. Bear Mrs. M- /;,. Portf mouthy Alarch 30, 17640 I Have juft now heard of your lofs. Accept a few fympa- thising lines. I hope thofe that are dead, died in the Lord : if fo, we had need weep only for ourfelves and for children that are left behind. You are now more at liberty for the Redeemer's Vv'ork. I need wifh you no greater honour than that you may be a zuidow indeed. Though defolate, {he puts her truft in the Lord, and fhe continues in prayer night and day. This hath been your old employ. By and by you iliail have nothing to do but praife. 0 glorious feat / Our GoD our kingy Us thither bring., to kifs thy feet. I hope ere now, that many more in the neighbouring market have thus begun their heaven upon earth. I hear God ig with you at the chapel. Prajfe the Lord, O my foul ! You will know from others, what cheer the Redeemer gives us in America. Good cheer, Mrs. M- h^ good cheer. He rains dowi^ righteoufnefs ; he rains down bread from heaven on the congregations. This fupports (and at times overcpmes) my tottering tabernacle. Jn heaven we (hall have a glorious body. Hoping and believing that yourfelf and fifter, Mr. and Mrs, X, g^ and Mr. and Mrs. W- , with many others, will fpeedily meet there, I fubfcribe myfelf, dear Mrs. M hy Yours, theirs, 5cc. in our common Lord, I^ETTE^R L E T T fe R S. 309 LETTER MCCCVIII. To Mr, and Mrs. D n. My very dear Friends^ Bojlon^ April 20, 1764. IWifh you much joy. Grace, mercy, and peace be mul- tiplied upon you both ! It will, it will. Your rhatch was certainly made in heaven. How do I long to fee you ! I have been at my ne plus ultra northward, and am now more free and capable of fettling my affairs fouthward. When that is done, how chearfully, with a Christ in my heart in- itead of my arms, could I fing, " Lord, now letteft thou thy fervant depart in peace !'* I hope you are not offended at my giving a power of attorney to Mr. H m. The Redeemer knows it was not owing to a diftruft of any of you, but only in cafe of my deaths that he might teftify to the world the in- tegrity of your adtions, and the veracity of your accounts. I am perfuaded he will not defire to interfere, but a6t and con- fult jointly, as occafion offers; and you will go on in your old way. O that I was affured of your {lay at Bdhefda! Of this I am fatisfied, that you will not diftrefs me by leaving the place deftitute of proper help. And I affure you, if I thought we fhould have the leajl demurs I would not come at all. My tottering tabernacle will not bear grief, efpecially from thofe whom I fo dearly love, and who have ferved the inftitution fo faithfully and difrntereftedly for fo many years. Verily yoii fhall in no wife lofe your reward. What 1 have in my view for Bethefda^ may be better fpoke of when me meet, than by let- ter. Lord Jesus, haften the wifhed-for time ! At prefent, by my late excurfions I am brought low; but reft aad care may brace me up again for fome little further fervice for our glorious EmmanueL A moft bleffed influence hath attended the word in various places, and many have bet^n made to cry out, «' What {hall we do to be faved ?" O for fuch a cry at the fouthward ! Abba, Father, all things are poffible with thee ! To his tender and never-failing mercy do I commit you, as being, my very dear friends. Yours moft affe6lionately in the bleffed Jesus, G. JV. U 3 LET- 3IO LETTERS. LETTER MCecIX. ro Mr. R K n. Bojiotty Jpril 2S, 1764. Afy very dear Mr. K w, OU are a friend indeed. The Friend of finners, the Y King of faints, will blefs and reward you for all your works of faith and unfeigned labours of love. Nay, he will blefs both you and your children. God grant, that roots and branches may all increafe with all the increafe of God. I find I can do but little for him, and by a late return of my diforder, was in dang.er of doing lefs. But, blelTed be his name, I am recovered, and yefterday got upon my throne again. Words cannot well exprefs the eagernefs of the people to hear. I was meditating an efcape to the fouthward laft v/eck ; but Bojlon people fent a gofpel hue and cry after me, and really brought me back. Lord Jesus, let it be for thy glory, and thy peo- ple's good I Blefled be his name for giving you fo much pru- dence in the management of the Chapel and Tabernacle af- fairs, and for countenancing the minifterial labours at both e'lids of the town. The burning hup may lliil be our coat of arms. By a ihip that will foon be going for LondoTiy I purpofe to write to you and dear Mr. H y more particularly. I have very little time allowed to write this, left the vefTel fliould be gone. Adieu. Tender love to all. Ten thoufand thanks, and moft afFe^lionate love await all mentioned in your laft, and all who are (o kind as to enquire after, and pray for, dear Mr. K n. Theirs, yours, &c. in our glorious Emmanuel^ G. TV. LETTER MCCCX, To Mr, R K n. My very dear Friend^ Bojlon^ Alay i(^^ 1764. rOUR letter by the packet came fafe, but I fear you muft write again. There can be no coming to England nil I have fettled Georgia affairs. Thither I camiot go till the fall : a fojvv months vv^ill foon glide av/ay. Your Ifaac is well 4 off. LETTERS. 311 ofF. Of fuch is the kingdom of heaven. People here beg earneftJy for a fix o'clock morning le, all outward things are fettled on this fide the water. The auditing the accountr, and laying a foundation for a college, hath filenced enemies' and corrforted friends. The fmifhing this aftair confirhls my call to England at this time. But 1 have no manner of piofpe6t of being able to ferve the tabernacle and chapel. I cannot preach once now, without being quite exhauftcd. How then iliall 1 bear the cares of both thofe places ? But I muft beg you and dear Mr. H •;; to continue truftees when I am prefent, as well as in my ab* fence. I wifti that a fhip was ready now, perhaps I may yet fail from New York. 1 am praying night and day for di region; Thd word runs here, and is glo.ified. ' But the weather, for two days, hath been fo hot, that I could fcarce move. To- day it is much cooler. 1 dread the fhaking of the fliip. But if it ftiakes this tottering friime to piecer, it will be a trading voyage indeed. As Mr. B lake '\i not mentioned in your laft, A 1 }u>pc LETTERS. 327 I hope he is recovered. Death will do this for us all. BkfTed be God, for enabling young Mr. Beckmcm to face it {(y trium- phantly ! This muft be a great cordial to the affli£led parents. That they, your dear relations, and all my tried friends, may be comforted yet more and more, is the earneft prayer of, my very dear Sir, Yours, theirs, 5cc. &c. in Jesus, G,ML LETTER MCCCXXX. To Air. D n. My very dear Friends^ Nevj-York^ Jinie 6, 1765. ACCEPT a few loving parting lines. Next Sunday, God willing, we fail in the Earl of Halifax packet. No (liip offered at Philadelphia. I am aim oil too weary to write. Jesus made the wiidernefs to fmile ! Grace! grace! I have received letters from England^ dated Jpril 13, in anfwer to thofe fent from Georgia. All fay, you muft come, or Be- thefda afFairs cannot be finiilied. Expccl the firft intelligence after my arrival. In the mean while, ceafe not to remember us at the throne of that Jesus; in whofe great name. I defire to fubfciibe myfelf, very dear dear friends. Ever yours, ccc. &c. in Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCCCXXXI. To Mr. R K n, Plymouth^ July 12, 1 765. My dear dear Mr. K- «, PERHAPS I am arrived a little before the expected time. We have had but a twenty-eight days paffage. in the EJal- lifax packet, from New-York^ which got into Falmouth Jafl Monday. I left the veffel near the Lizard., and by the blunder of a drunken fellow, miffed the Polt on Monday evening. The tranfition hath been fo fudden, that I can fcarce believe that I am in England. I hope, ere long, to have a more fudden tranfition into a better country. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! I want a gown and caffock. Child., in Chancery-Lane., ufcd to make for me, and perhaps know^s my meafure. Ama7- X 4 irg? 328 LETTERS. ing, that I have not been meafured for a cofHn long ago! Lord Jesus, thy will be done ! I am very low in body, and as yet undetermined v\'hat to do. Perhaps, on the whole, it may be beft to come on leifurely, to fee if my fpirits can be a little recruited. You may write a fev/ lines at a venture to Bri/iol, dear Mr. H y fhail hear more particularly the next Poft, whatever rout T take. Had I bodily flrcngth, you would find me coming upon you unav^ares ; but that fails me much. I mufb have a little reft, or 1 (hall be able to do nothing at all. Let no one ftir to meet me, it being uncertain what rout I fhall take. The Lord Jesus be with all your fpirits ! Ten thou- fand thoufand thanks await you and your dear collegue, and all your dear friends, for all affiftance given to, my dear dear friends, Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus, LETTER MCCCXXXIL To Mr. R K 77. My very dear Friend^ BriJIoI, July i^, 1765. JUST now, with great joy, I received your welcome letter. I fear the poft will be gone, ere this can be put in. BlefTed be God, I am a little better. I have a fine commodious houfe, and am kept from much company. You will certainly know my rout. Indeed and indeed, I long to fee my dear Mr, K—^—tij and m.y dear Mr. H y. Stand, my friends, and infift upon my not being brought out into adion too foon. The poor old fhattered bark hath not been in dock one week, for a \or\z while. I fcarce know what I write. Tender love to all. Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus, LETTER MCCCXXXIIL To Mr, E :r. Dear Mr. E ^, London., Aug. 3, 1765. I Am very weak in body, but gratitude confirains me to fend you a few lines of love unfeigned, for your labours of love during my abfence abroad. I rejoice to hear they were blefled. Qar LETTERS. 329 Our friends tell me, that the found of your Matter's feet was certainly heard behind you. To Him, and Him alone, be all the glory ! Is not this encouragement, my dear brother, to go on, and to be inftant in fcafon and out of feafon ? If God will work, who fiiall hinder ? Give us ihyjlrength^ O God of power y T^hcn let winds blow and thunders roar : Thy faithful tvitnejfes voe^ll he ; ^Tis fix'd I we can do all through thee. Thanks be to God, we do not go a warfare on our own charges ; the Captain of our faivation v/ill conquer for and in us. Let us but acknowledge him in all our ways, and He hath given us his royal word, that " He will dired and profper all our paths." Fix on his ivork our Jiedfajl eye^ So Jhall our zvork be done, > Our enemies fhall be at peace with us, and the very ravens, birds of prey, (hall be obliged to come and feed us. O for an increafe of faith ! I hope you have refrefhing times from the prefence of the Lord, among your own flock. May grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied amongft you! If the common intereft of the Redeemer be promoted, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. My earneft prayer is, that you, and all that labour in ©ur Lord's vineyard, may more and more be taught to give every one their portion of meat in due feafon ; and may your rod bloflbm more and more I O to end life well. Methinks I have now but one more river to pafs over, fordan. And we know of one that can carry us over, without being ankle deep. How are Meflrs. G th^ A ge^ &c. &c. S k and his wife fend cordial falutations. I left them labouring on their Bethefda plan, till the intended college is eftablifhed. Yet a little while, and all true labourers fhall enter into the joy of their Lord. Amen ! Hcdlelujah ! Ceafe not to pray for, dear Mr. E s. Yours, &c. in the blefTed Jesus, G. IV, LETTER 330 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCXXXIV. To Mr, D «. My very dear Friends^ London^ Sept. 6, 1765. I Am forry that matters have been fo ordered, as to confine you fo long at Bethefda, But you have learned to believe, that the Redeemer orders all things well. Soon after my ar- rival, Lord D h was put at the head of the board of trade. This will foon bring Bethefda affairs to a fpeedy ifTue. You will then be releafed. But indeed and indeed, in my judgment you had beft keep where you are. You will foon repent coming ever, Mrs. R /, whofe hulband is lame, is utterly againft your coming. But you muft follow your own judgment. Though people flock more and more, and my health is better, yet I make no fecret of it, that my heart is abroad. Mrs. R / tells me ftrange things of B y^ and difagreeable things of P y» O my God 1 ihall I have no prize tickets amongft thofe I would willingly ferve ! Well, — the faithful jiurfe fhall be paid, whether the child lives or dies. You there- fore fhall verily have your reward. Exc«fe enlarging. Cap- tain Gunn goes to-day. Mr. TVr'ight fends cordial refpe£ts. My wife is gone for a little while into the country, God blefs you 1 God blefs you ! More opportunities of fending will foon offer to, my very dear friends, Ever yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head, G. IV. LETTER MCCCXXXV. To Mr. A K— — n. My dear Timothy^ London^ Sept. 20, 1765. PRAY when are we to have the honour of a vifit from you ? I believe more than three weeks are elapfed fince vou came to Brifiol. Mr. Adams is to be your collegue here. I purpofe for both of you to preach at the chapel, as well as at the tabernacle. Write an immediate anfwer, fixing your time of coming ; and you muft not think of returning foon. Mr. M'lddleton fends me word, that lie is bleffed at Plymouth, and cfpecially at dock, and that Kin^fbridge chriftians are lively. I hope it is fo at BriftoL BkfTcd be God, it is pretty much fo in LETTERS. 3JT )n London, Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace ! Through his never- failing mercy, I have been better in health for a week pad, than I have been for thefe four years. O for a thankful and an humble heart ! My wife alfo returned well, laft nicrht, from Bury, She indulges this morning, being weary. But I take it for granted, that you and I rife at five. Mr. Adams\ room will be large for you to breathe in. I ihall never breathe as I would, till I breathe in yonder heaven. There fin andjlrife and for row ceafe^ Jnd all is calm and joy and peace. Adieu. Cordial love awaits all where you are, all at tabernacle lioufe, a[nd all that are fo kind as to pray for, and enquire kfter, my very dear Timothy ^ Yours, Sec, Szc. in our gionous Emmanuel, G, W. LETTER MCCCXXXVI. My 'uery dear Timothy, London, Sept, 2^, '^7^i» THOSE that are Timothies indeed, fhall be honoured of Him, whom they defire to honour, with a difinterefted fplrit. I am glad you find old Jacob's prophecy to be fulfilling. ^' To Shiloh (hall the gathering of the people be." Nothing is wanting at Brijlol, London, and elfewhere, but labourers full of the firft old methodiftical fpirit. But where to get them is the queftion. Thofe that are thus minded, are almoft worn out. I would gladly fly to Briflol if I could ; but I fee that it is beft to be here for fome time. And indeed, things have always been at fuch a low ebb, when I have been at Brifinl, and matters carried on with fo little fpirit, that I have gene- rally come mourning away. If a few, fuch as Mr. C /, would exert themfelves fteadily, and perfeveringly, and proper preachers were fcnt, fomething might be done to purpofe. But as neither of thefe things is likely to happen, my expec- tations are not very much raifed. However, the refidue of the fpirit is in the Redeemer's hands. Our eyes wait upon Him. From Him, and Him alone, all kinds of falvation do come. Fain would I have you up at London for fome time, at this fe-afon. Mr. D r expeds to fee you in a clerical habit about Chriflmas, He afked me, if I would get him a fcarf.? I anfwered 332 LETTERS. anfweret], that you muft have one firft. You may guefs how he fmiled. However, I really intend you ihall preach in the chapel. I want you alfo to read the letters, and give me leave to comment upon them, as my breath will allow. You may return by way of Briftol^ or if ^arah is worfe, go from hence. I thank you heartily for making the colle6lions. Never was a caufc kept up at fuch a fmall expence ; " not by migh*, or by power, but by my fpirit, faith the Lord." This be our in- variable rule. God blefs and profper you more and more. If I have not tired you, I have almcft tired, my very dear Yours, 5:c. &:c. G. W. P. S, Since writing the above, I End providence calls me to Bath^ to open good Lady Huniingdcris chapel. God will- ing, I purpofe to fet out next Tuefday. You muft fet out for London the fame day; otherwife, it may be, Bri/iol people will not fee me. Adieu. Your preaching orders, as to time and place, you will receive at your arrival. That you may do Satan's kingdom much hurt, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear man, Ever yours, 5cc. in our common Lord, G. /r. LETTER MCCCXXXVIL ro Mr, R K n. My very dear Friendy Bath, 0<^. y, 1765. WHAT a providence (as matters have fallen out) thai your Bath journey was prevented ! Could you have come, and been prefent at the opening of the chapel, you would have been much pleafed. The chapel is extremely plain, and yet equally grand. A moft beautiful original ! All Vv^as conducted with great folemnity. Though a very wet day, the place was very full, and affuredly the great Shepherd and Bilbop of fouls confecrated and made it holy ground by his prefence. I preached in the morning, Mr. Town/end in the evening. Expe61: more particulars when we meet. My mov- ing depends on Mr. M «*s pun£luality. I am to preach to-morrow night, and have hopes of fetting off on IFednefdc^y mornjns:. LETTERS. 333 morning. God give us all grace to work whilft it is day ! The time of ficknefs and lownefs comes, when no man can work. Dear Mifs H y is happily fled from all. Happy, happy ftie. God comfort all furviving relatives. They, as well as you and yours, are never forgotten by, my very dear Sir, Yours, &c. &c. in Him who is all in all, LETTER MCCCXXXVIII. To Mr. D n. My very dear Friend y London^ 0£1. 26, 1765. ACCEPT a few hafty but loving lines. Your letters came fafe. I thank God for their contents. In return I can inform you, that Bethefda matters are likely to come to a fpeedy and happy ifllie. We talk of my coming over again. It is not impolTible, if my health admits. At prefent, bleffed be God, I am better than laft year. The word runs and h glorified in London, Bet D y muft not come here. You have not been fo explicit as was Mrs. R / about her. In- ftead of her, pray fend ever a barrel of rice or two, direded to Mr. T C ^, in JVincheJler-Jireet^ near Moorfidds, Pray inform Mr. H /w, that I hope to fend him fome pleafmg particulars by the next fhip. I have much to fay, but have fcarcely a moment left to fend you my hearty thanks and bleiJing, and fubfcribe myfelf, my very dear friend, Ever yours, &c. in the glorious Emmanuel^ G. IF, LETTER MCCCXXXIX. 'J'o , at Skeernefs, Dearly Beloved y London^ Jan. 18, 1 766. NOT want of love, but of leifure and health, hath occafioned you the trouble of writing a fecond letter. And now I am forry to acquaint you, that it is not in my power to comply with your requeft. For want of more af- fiftance, I am confined in town with the care of two impor- tant pods, when I am only fit to be put into fome garrifon among 534 LETTER S. among the invalids, to ftand by an old gun or two. How- ever, roy former ambition ftill remains, and through the help of your prayers, who knows but this feeble arm may yet be ftrengthened to annoy the enemy ? If others arc blefled to do any execution, God forbid that I fhould kinder, though in all things they follow not v/ith us. Let the Lord fend by whom he will fend. So that Christ is preached, and true evangelical holinefs promoted, I rejoice, yea and will rejoice. God keep us all from flagging in the latter ftages of our road t Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace ! How little, my Lord and my God, have I done for thee, who haft done and fuf-* fered fo much for ill and hell-deferving me ! Brethren, pray for us. Ere long we fliall meet Where Jtn andjlrife andforrotv ceafe^ And all h calm and joy and peace. He is faithful who hath promifcd, who alfo will do It. Amen! Hallelujah! To his never-failing mercy do I commend you^ as being, for his great name's fake, dearly beloved. Your afFedionate friend and willing fervant^ LETTER MCCCXL. To Mr, R . K -n. My dear Mr, K «, Brljiol^ March 17, 1 7 66. THE uncertainty of my motions hath made me flow iri writing, and a defire to be a while free from London cares, hath made me indifferent about frequent hearing from thence. In a day or two, I hope matters will be determined. If Mr. S- d comes, I have a mind to ftay a little longer y and if dear Mr. Howell D will continue to oiEciate, I have a mind to vifit JVales for him. Laft, Friday evening, and twice yefterday, I preached at Bathy to very thronged and bril- liant auditories. I r^m told it was a very high day. The glory of the Lord filled the houfe. To-morrow, God wil- ling, I return thither again. Mr. T~ d is too ill to officiate^ If any urgent bufmefs requires, be pleafcd to dire6l either to' this place or Bath, Pray {hew my wife this. I hope no news is good news. I truft that the holy Spirit is moving in Mr, 's family, both an the heads and the fervants of it. Many LETTERS. 32S Many do think old times arc coming round again. Pray tell Mr. IV r, that I think the letters he hath fent need not go to Scoiiand as yet. I fent a packet thither laft week. This I write in the midft of company. Lady H n is mounting on her high places. I wiftied my tvi^o fteady friajids at Bath yefterday. Mr. S / hath met with a great bleiling. Pray, pray for us. All fend due refpects. Tuefday or Wednefday next I hope to write again to my wife. Cordial refpedls and love attend her, youf whole felf, dear Mr. H -y and fifters, Mr. Howell D , and all that are fo kind to enquire after and pray for, my dear Sir, Theirs, yours, &c. 5:c. in our never-failing Jesus, G, m LETTER MCCCXLL To the Reverend Mr. G— — , London^ April 2^y 1766. Reverend and very dear Sir^ NO T want of love, but of leifure and better health, hath prevented your hearing from me more frequently. I find I cannot do as I have done. But, through infinite, free, and fovereign mercy, 1 am enabled to afeend my gofpel throne three or four times a week, and a glorious influence attends the word. People have indeed a hearing ear, but we want more preachers. I know the continual cry of your heart is, *' Lord, let thy kingdom come." The profpe£l: of a large and effectual door opening among the heathen, blefled be God, is very promifing. Mr. Occum^ the Indian preacher, is a fettled humble chriftian. The good and great, with a mul- titude of a lo^er degree, heard him preach laft week at Tot' tenham-Court chapel, and felt much of the power and prefence of our common Lord. Mr. R n hath preached, and colleded a hundred pounds, and I believe feven or eight hun- dred pounds more are fubfcribed. The truly noble Lord X) /; efpoufes the caufe moft heartily, and his Majefty is become a contributor. The King of kings and Lord of all lords will blefs them for it. O what an honour to be per- mitted to do or fuffer any thing for Jesus of Nazareth I In- deed ^^6 LETTERS. deed and indeed, I want to begin to begin : for hitherto, alas? I have done nothing. IVhene' er you fee a barren tree^ Then, O my friend, pray think of me. Lord Jesus, make me willing to be made willing that thou Ihouldft dig and dung around me, that I may at length bring forth fome fruit unto thee. However it may be with unpro- fitable, ill, and hell-deferving me, I truft your v/hole felf and all my other dear G friends are fo grown as to become tall cedars in the fpiritual Lebanon, I pray for, though I can- not write to them. Hearty, fpecial love attend my dear hoft, and his yoke-fellow. If poflible they fhall hear from me foon. I hope all is well at Cambuflang. Blefled be God, all will be well in heaven. Yet a little while and we (hall enter into perfe6l reft. He that cometh will come, and will not tarry. We foon Jhall hear th^ archangel's voice ; The trump of God fhall found , Rejoice! I will not interrupt you. You want to fay. Amen ! Hallelu- jahf I only add, when upon the mount, put in a word for an old friend, who retains his old name, the chief of fmners, lefs than the leaft of all faints, but for Jesus Christ's fake^, reverend and very dear Sir, Your willing fervsnt, G, TV, LETTER MCCCXLII. To W F- , Efqy Tottenham- Court, May 15, 1766. THOUGH at prefent in almoft a breathlefs ftate, by preaching for the beft of Mafters hft night, yet a weak worm hopes to be ftrengthcned to give the holy facrament at feven next ntinually to walk in him ! They will, they will. The meek, the humble, hungering and thirfty foul v/ill he guide in his ways. But what am I doing ? writing a parting letter .^ The Lord blefs you and keep you ; the Lord make his face to ri:iine upon you, and be gracious unto you ; the Lord lift up his countenance upoti you, and Vol. in, * Y give 338 LETTERS. give you peace. So wifhes, fo prays, dear honoured and h:ippy pair. Yours, kc, Sec. c^c. in an unchangeable Jesus, G, IF, LETTER MCCCXLIV. 7o Mr, H y, Baihy yune I2, 1766. LAST night we lay at tlie Devizes, This morning we breakfafted at Ehaiv-Houfi^ near Mclkjom^ with l\4r. C n. In my way hither, 1 called upon Mrs. is u. Her account of Mifs Wlnter\ deceafe, was by no means nn- pleafant. She v/as taken fuddenly, and thougti fpeechlefs, continued to frnile upon all in a very remarkable manner, till the laft gafp, which Was with much druggie. Mr. P i is left executor of the will. Being weary with riding, i think to ft-ay here till after Sunday morning's fcrmon, and then fnall iet off for Enjlol. The horfe turns cut exceeding well in every fefpecl. I hope you, my dear Sir, got fafe to Lonchn, That you and all your dear relations, and all dear friends In town, may, in the glorious Emmanuer% due time, arrive triumphant in heaven, earneftly prays, my very dear Sir, Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus, G, IV. LETTER MCCCXLV. ro Mr. K «. CQtiam^ near Bnftol^ June 19, 1766. My dear Frlendy ErERE I am, In a large vacant country houfe, where 1 Mrs. V/oliaJlm w^as laft Summer. She hath got the ilart of me ; but my turn muil: come by and by. As my fe- verilb heat continues, and the weather is too wet to travel, I have complied with the advice of friends, and have commenced an hot-well v/ater drinker twice a day. However, twice this week, at fix in the morning, I have been enabled to call thirily fouls to come and drink of the water of life freely. To-morrow evening, God willing, the call is to be repeated, and again oi\ Sunday* 1^^ that time, perhaps, the cloud may point LETTERS. sig pomt to fome particular corner. Dear Mr. H—y (hall know in due time. Good feafons at Bath. Good feafons here. Large auditories, Grace ! grace ! I hope that my wife, and yours, and all dear friends, are well. Cordial love awaits them and d-ar Mr. E s, and all who aie fo kind as to enquire after, and pray for, my dear friend. Yours, c*:c. in Jesus, G, rr, LETTER MCCCXLVL To IV F , FJr. London^ Nov. i, 1766, Happy Heirs of the Grace of Lif^ \Y your giving young Mr. R— H-. hints about a proper direction, I have ir.ferred, that a line, though from one who is lefs than the leaft of all, would not be alto-. <^ether unacceptable. I am fure my poor prayers are continu- ally afcending to the throne of grace in your behalf. I want to have you great, y?a very great in the kingdom of heaven. Have you not found, by your heart's being warmed with the converfation of gofpel miniiiers, that your heaven is begun on earth ? Dear Mr. F- -er is become a fcandalous Tottenham^ Court preacher. I trufl he will come down into your parts, bnptizcd with the Holy Ghoil as with iire. Dear Mr. R n hath been much owned in good Lady H ?2's chapel. Ill and hell-deferving I, am to go thither next week. Dear Mr; J\4.^.^ri is detained at Aldwinikle^ by his children having the fmall-pox in town. The fhout of a king is yet heard in the lAethodiJl camp. The glorious cry, " What fliall I do td be faved," is frequently founding in our ears. HaJ we more reproach, and were v/e more fcauGvuous, more good v/ould be done. Several pro-mife well. Sor.^.e h'j J]?ibbcleth wilh a good grace, and very proper accent ; others, as yet, can only fay fihholcth : but I have heard of one who can teach the tongue of the ftam.mercr to fpeak plain. Good Lady H n is an excellent fchool miftrefs in this way. The writer of the let- ter OH the other fide, fccms to be an apt fcholar. The perfort referred to, keeps houfe where dear Mr. 5 / conftantly expounds. He is in a confumption. What a mercy that fuch y 2; a €«a- 340 LETTERS. a confefTor (hould be fent to prifon ! I want all the followers of the Lamb in general, and a certain gofpel happy pair in particular, to grow higher and richer every day towards God. Time is fhort ; eternity is endlefsj the Judge and judgment are at the door. We foon jlmll hear th' archangeVs voice ; The trump of GoTf Jhall founds Rejoice ! Amen ! Hallelujah ! But I muft have done. A dear company of minifterial caft- outs are coming to breakfaft under my defpifed roof. It {links too much for worldlings. If you would be fo good as to let dear Mr. Hill fee the Oxonian letter, it may be of fer- vice. Next Tuefday^ GcD willing, I fliall read an account of his fervant's death. May the laft end of every chriftian mafter be like his ! But I cannot die : cold bathing, and cool weather, brace up my tottering tabernacle. I hope that both to whom I am writing, enjoy thriving fouls in healthy bodies. That they may increafe with all the increafe of God, earneftly prays, Their, &c. he. he. in a once crucified, but now exalted Jesus, G.IV. LETTER MCCCXLVII. To Mr. R K /;. My dear frleyid^ Bath, Nov. 12, 1 766. THROUGH mercy I flept at Mr. C 's, as propofed, but have been low ever fince my coming here. Bath air, I believe, will never agree with me long. However, if good is done, all will be v/cll. They tell me, \\\2i\. Sunday and laft night were feafons of power. Some we truft were made willing. I hope you enjoy much of God in town. Surely London is the Jerufa}e?n of England. Happy they who know the day of their vifitation ! Mr. JVhitaker writes me word, that he is to be at Exeter the i8th inftant : but I have ' no heart to draw with, or adt for him, till the truft is fettled in a proper manner. Befides, I fee no opening here : and Air. S- i writes me word, that the door is ihut at Oxford. As LETTERS. 341 As I am fo poorly, I queftion whether I fhall go to Bnjhl ^t all. God help us to look up, and look out, and our path will be made plain before us. Remember me to all at Taber- nacle, &c. ScC. I hope to write to Air.' F r to-morrow or next day, and alfo to Mr. // y. I am juft now obli^ged to go out, and have only time to entreat the continuance of your prayers in behalf of, my dear friend, Yours, he. in an unchangeable Jesus, G, W, LETTER MCCCXLVIII. To the Same, My dear Friendy Bath^ Nov. 20, 1766. ON Tuefday evening I preached at Brijid to a very croudcd auditory, though the weather was very foul. Lad night I adminiftcred the facrament there alfo. We ufed near eight bottles of wine. I truft fome tafted of the new wine of the kingdom. This morning, upon my arrival here, your kind letter gave me great comfort. I want juil one week more to fettle Brijlol affairs ; and have, therefore, written to dear Mr. y e to flay two or three weeks at London : Mr. D i, who they fay is expedcd here next week, may then officiate for that fpace of time at Baih^ and at Mr. y ^'s leaving London, may go up to town. Satan hath had leave to give Captain "J s a fine parting blow. Mr. C may be difmifTed immediately ; and I beg that Capt. y s would go through with the Tabernacle work, and flick to it with his whole heart. I hear nothing as yet of the Americans. Let- ters may be referved till my return. I hope at farthefl to be in London by next Tuefday fe'nnight, and to preach at Taber- nacle the following evening, I was afraid my wife would ^et cold by her late exeurfions, as at other times (he is fo con- fined. My hearty love awaits you all. Be pleafed to fliew her this. I am afraid that in my next to her, fhe will hear of the death of J S -. He is now ill of the prefent dan- gerous fever. O for a heart broken with a fenfe of fm ! Then fhall we look to Him whom we have pierced, and mourn. May this be our habitual frame ! God blefs you all. Ever yours, &c. in Jesus, G. JV. Y 3 LET T E R 342 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCXLIX. To the Zame, Dear Sir^ Brijol^ Nov, 23, 1766. SUCH a numerous brilliant afTembiy of the mighty and noble, I never fav/ attend before at Bath, Every thing is fo prorriifing, that I was conftrained to give notice of preach- ing next Sunday. I hcipe the Pvcdeerner will give us a blefied fa^bath. 1 tiuTr already the arm of the Lord hath been re- vealed. C ongrcgritions have been very large and very folemn. 0 what Bcthe/s harh Jesus given to us I We were filled as with new wvaq ! O that God woiild make my way into every town in England I Methmks I long to break up fredi ground, and to begin to begin to do fomething for Jesus. 1 am jufi: come here weary, but am going to fpeak a few words. This prevents my enlarging; but I could not refrain writiiig to one I fo clearly lovr, and to whom 1 am fo greatly obiigcG. GoTi blefs you ! God blefs you and yours ! Ac- cept mofl: unfei^^ned love and acknowledgments, and ftill add to my innumcinble obligaiions, by praying for, my very dear §ir. Yours, he. in our glorious Head, G, W. LETTER MCCCL. To JV P , Efq-, At my Tottenham- Court Bethel^ Six in the Aiorning^ Dec. 30, 1766. 3^ very dear Sir, /'"I "H ME CbiiJImas holid-.y fcafon hath pravented my fending X ^11 iiniiit'diate aniwcr to your lail: kind letter. The prdr-r therein givtn (hall be readily complied with, and the love thueiii exprri^d, returned, by praying for the writer's whole itiF, anfl il.e honouiable, chrUfian, and minifterial circle with wiiich they are a pr fcnt happiU' furrounded with, four Me- ih-dji pt^rjons. H'-nc^urable title! fo long as attended with the cr.iis. When fafmonable, (and bkfled be GoD there h )^Qt iTiuch danger of that) we will drop it. Four Meihod'tji parjons ! LETTERS. 343 par fens I enough (when Jesus fays, Loofc them aJid let them go) to (zt a whole kingdom on fire for God. I wifli them prorpenty in ihe niaiie of the Lord. I pre fequar etfi non t-.:Jjihui (zquis. Fy upon me, fy upon me, fifty- two years o!d lai'f Saturday ; and yet, O loving, ever-loving, altogther lovely Jesus, nov/ little, yea ho'.v very lit'de have I done and fuflcrcd for thee ! Indeed and indeed, my dear and honoured friends, 1 ani afhamed of myfelf : I blufli and am confounded. To- morrow, God willing, and T'hurfilay alfo, with many hundreds more, I intend to take the facrament upon it, that I will begin to begin to be a chrif' ian. Though I long to go to heaven to fee my glorious Maflcr, what a poor figure fliall I make among the faints, con.fefTor^:, ana martyrs, that furround his throne, without fome deeper fignatures of his divine imprefs, without more fears of chriftian honour. Our truly noble m.c- ther in Ijracl^ is come to Lcndjii full of them. Crcfc'it fuh pon~ dcre virtus. She is come out of her cell, with her face iliining again. Flappy they who have the honour of her acquaintance I High'y honoured are.thofe miniilers, who have the honour of preaching for and ferving her. Good and honell and dearly beloved Sir C x, and all your happy circle, miale and fe- male, i am perfuaded are of my mind. O this finole eye, this difrntereued fpirir, this fiecdcm from worldly hopes and worldly fears, this flaming zeal, this daring to be fmgularly good, this holy laudable ambition to lead the van ; O it is, what ? an heaven upon earth I O for a plerophory of faith I To be filled with the Holy Ghofc. This is the grand point. God be praifed that you have it in view 1 l\\\ ourlukewarm- nefs, all our timidity, all our backv/ardnefs to do good, to fpend and be fpent for God, is all cwing to our want of more of that faith, which is the inward, hearc-felr, felf-evident de- monilration of things not fecn. But whither am I going ? Pardon me, good Sir : I keep you from better company. Praying that ail (if you live to be hfty-two) may not be fuch dwarfs in the divine life as I am, I hallcn to fubfc'ibe myfclf, mod honoured friends, Yours, S:c. ^'c. ^c, in Jesus, y 4 LETTER 344 LETTERS, LETTER MCCCLL To Mr. a)id Mrs. D n. My very dear Friends^ Lovdon^ March 4, 1767. THANK God that you have been (o providentially de- tained on your fide the water. Indeed you would find it hard to live here. I would fain have you fee Bdhefda put on its college drefs. That hour, I humbly hope, is now not very far off. What if we (hould have one more interview here be- low ? Happy Mrs. S k^ that is fled to her manfions above. Blefied be God, that there are manfions prepared for us alfo| O glorious King^ "Us thither bring ^0 fee thy face» He will, he will, he will. He is faithful who hath promifed 5 h€ alfo will do it. May faiih and patience have their perfe6l work ! Adieu, for the prefent. My feeble hands are full of work. The fhout of the King of kings is yet amongft us, and hath been all the laf Winter. Grace I grace! To this almighty, never- failing grace, I moft humbly commit you ; and with repeated thanks for your fteady, difinterefted fervices, beg leave tp fubfcribe myielf, my very dear friends. Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus oi Nazareth, • • ■ • • G. IK LETTER MCCCLIL ' '■ Tg Mr, R^-^ K n. My dear Friend., Norwieh^ 4pril IJ, i'j6j. STILL I ferve a GoD whofe mercy endureth for ever. Mr, D n received us moft gladly. As fweet a gofpel excurfion as at any time. Tiie Cambridge interview, I truil, •vvas of God. 1 met, within three miles of Norwich, v/ith another clergyman of the ellabliniment, who promifes well. He hearid me laft night. It was a night of power : a large congregation. It will be too large, I fear, to morrow, though the place will hold fome thoufands. I expedl to preach twice in my way to lown, which I hope to reach by Thurfday evening. 4 Eiit LETTERS. 345 gut I fear my Spring and Summer inward fever is returning. If fo, my large intended plan of operations will be much con- traded. But future things belong to Ilim who orders all things well. Remernber me before his throne. Salute dear ^/Ir. H^ — y^ D i, and E -s (if come to town) and all enquiring friends, and accept the fame for your whole felf, from, my dear friend. Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious H^ad, G, jr. LETTER MCCCLIII. To the Same. My dear Friend^ _ Rodhorough^ May 13, 1767. MY new horfe failed the firft night ; but, through mercy, we got here yefterday about {zstvv in the even- ing. I was regaled with the company of fome fimple-hearted, iirft-rate old Methodifts, of near thirty years {landing. God willing, I am to preach to-morrow morning, and to have a general facrament on Friday evening. Perhaps I may move after Sunday towards Walei\ but mud be obliged, I fear, to take poft-horfes. I care not, fo that I can ride poft to heaven. Hearty love to all that are porting thither, hoping myfelf to ar- rive firft. This tabernacle often groans under the weight of my feeble labours. O when (hall I be uncloathed ! When, O my God, fiiall I be cloathed upon ! But I am a coward, an4 want to be houfed before the ftorm. It is nearer and nearer. Happy they who have fled to Christ for refuge ! I could enlarge, but have only time to fend you my moft unfeigned thanks and moft cordial love, as being, my very dear Sir, Yours, 5:c. in our glorious Head, G. IV. LETTER MCCCLU^ ToMrs.AI- h. Dear Mrs. M h^ Gloucpjler^ May 20, 1767 AND is the right hand at laft cut off? How long, how painful the operation I How auk ward, how uneafy to to be without it I But hufhj nature : it is the Lord's doing. His ^46 LETTERS. Kis own right arm Hiall bring falvation ; his prcfence {Iiall alleviate the pain. Perhaps the jofs of the hand, even of fuch a right hand, may, through the powerful influences of the blcfled Spirit, give fcrength to their feet, and quicken them in tlieir motion heavenward. The right hand of the Lord can, and I truft v.'ill bring this mighty thing to pafs. Only fay, '' Abba, Father, be it unto me even as thou wilt ;" the anfwcr will be, <' This is my will, even thy fanciiiication." But, Wheels encircling wheels mufl run^ Each in courje to bring it on. Want of time forbids enlarging. I hope your daugliter v/ill be nov/ a wife virgin indeed. We have had good feafons at Rodboroiigh. I have been out twice i^i the fields. Lady // 7i hath been v/onderfuliy dciighied. She and her comipany lay at Rodboroiigh houfe. Dear Mr. J- s is going to be married to a good chriilian nurfc. iHe is hckly in body, but healthy in foul. That you may enjoy ,a thriving f^ul in a healthy body, earneiLly prays, dear Mrs. M — /;, Your fympathizing friend and fervant for Christ's fake, G, IV. LETTER MCCCLV. To Air. and Mrs. S n. Afy very dear Friends y Gloucejler^ Alay 21, 1 767. SURELY your many favours demand a fjieedy return of thanks. They are all put down in his book, who is not fo unrighteous as to forget any work of faith, or labour that proc«.\edeth of love. This is the principle from which, I am perfuaded, you aiS'c : and a bleflld principle it h. It comes from above, and lea is to above. iHud I more of this, and bo- dily ftrength proportionable, how would I wing my way ! How would I preach for my God ! How v.'ould I ^t) ive to fin g as hud as they^ Who fijine above in brighter day / ElffTjd'be God, v^^e have reafon to praife him whofe mercy end urcih for ever. I have . preached tv^ice in the open air: thcufaads LETTERS. 347 tbo'ifands and thouTands attended. I am going to preach here tuii. moruuig in my native city. On Sunday I ho^e to take to Rodborough wood again. Good Lady H— n pic. were uui>utrfally delighted. They honoured dear Mr. ji j's houfe with their prefence. He is but poorly, and wanrs a nurfe. Perhaps before next Sunday he may be mar- ried to a liniple-hearted, plain, good creature, that hath waited upon him and the preachers near twenty years. She hath no fortune, but is one who, I think, v/ill take care of, and be obedient to him for Christ's fake. You may let Betty W—~ d fee the contents of this, upon condition that you v/ith her ^eafe not to pray for, my very dear friends. Yours, tec. he. he, in our common Lord, G. W, LETTER MCCCLVL To Mr, R A' n. My dear Friend, Glouccjer^ May 2^, 1 767. IAm juft fetting out in a pcfr-chaife i<^x Haver ford-weft i ai.d have, therefore, drawn upon you in favour of Mr. * -— , for twenty pounds. This is expenfive. But it is for ©ne, who ba:h promifed not to fend us a warfare on our own charges. We h^d a mcd blefied feafon yeftcrday. Thoufands and thoufands, I trufl, heard, fav/, and felt. Mr. Adams preached in the evening on, " The Lord is my portion, therefore will I trud in him." A good text for a new-married man. 1 have advifed him to preach next on thefe words, *' The Lop-d's portion is his people :" he is now here. I expected a line. Be plea fed to dire61: to Haver ford-weft. I befeech you follow me with your prayers. O that the Lord may be my flrength. O that he may quicken my tardy pace, and make me all alive for his glorious interefl I I could en- large, but muft away. My tender love awaits you and yours. The Lord Jesus blefs you, and fill you with all his fulnefs. f hus prays, my dear ilcady friend. Yours in our common Lord, G. IV, LETTER 348 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCLVIL ro Mr, R K n. Haverford-iveJ}^ May 31, 1767. My dear dear Friend^ YOUR fpiritual mind medley was very agreeable. I could wifh for a fecond dofe, but know not what diredion to give about fending it. My rout is not yet fixed. I am jufl come from my field throne. Thoufands and thoufands attended by eight in the morning. Life and light Teemed to fly all around. On Tuefday^ God vi^illing, I am to preach at Wood^ Jlock; on Friday^ at Pembroke-^ here again next Sunday by eight, and then for England. I wifh dear IVIr. H y prefent, to fee the people : — but, — and there are fo many other buis in the way, that I would not prefs him. Mr. D 5 is returned in (afety. I hope Mr. B- dge will not mifs of his expe6led preferment. JsaFs hand is in the G h fcheme. Rooms are not fo lofty or large, profpec^s not fo pleafant, bedfteads not fo eafy, in thefe parts, as in fomq places in or near Loridoriy but all good enough for young and old pilgrims that have got good breath. Tender love to all. Let all join in prayer for us, 1 have been pufhing on dear fick Mr. D— — j, to go out and preach fix miles of}'. He is gone finely mounted, and I am perfuaded will return in high fpirits. V/ho knows, who knows but preaching may be our grand catholicon again ? This is the good methodiftical, thirty year old medicine. That you may live to fee it revived, and tried a thoufand and a thoufand times over, is the hearty prayer of, my dear dear friend. Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. G. IV. LETTER MCCCLVIII, To Mr, and Adrs. D n. Haver f or d-wcfly June i, 1767. My very dear Friends^ YOU w civiliti ill be fo kmd as to fhew all manner of Bethefda es to the bearer, Mr. Edward E n. I trufl, he hath been truly moved by the Holy Ghoft, to enter into the miniury. With him I hoped to have fent the charter, or rather LETTERS. J49 rather brought it ; but the hour is not yet come. You will be glad to hear, that I have ftrength to preach in the fields. They are yet white ready unto harveft. Hoping to put forth the gofpcl fickle again in my beloved America^ and wifhing you all to increafe wirh all the increafe of God, with ten thoufand thanics for all your works of faith, and labours of unfeigned love, I haftcn to fubfcribe myfelf, my very dear friends. Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. in the beft bonds, LETTER MCCCLIX. To Mr. R K n. My very dear Friend^ Gloucefter^ June lo, 1 7 67. BLESSED be God, I am got on this fide the IFelJh mountains ! BlelTed be God, I have been on the other fide. What a fcene laft Sunday ! What a cry for more of the bread of life ! But I was quite worn down. Blefled be God, I am now better than could be expected. To-morrow even- ing, God willing, my wife fhall know what rout. I hope all are well. I expert dear Mr. H •;; is gone, therefore I do not write to him. How it fhall pleafe the Lord to deal with me in my next remove, you (hall hear. I count it my privilege to let you know all good news, becaufe I know it puts gladnefs into your heart. It is food, it is phyfic, it is every thing to a foul that lives near to Jesus. O when fhall I begin to live to Him, as I would ! I want to be a flame of fire. I know, my very dear Sir, you will pray for me. I can revsr forget you or yours. I am, my very dear friend, Yours moft affevSlionately in our glorious Jesus, G,ir. LETTER MCCCLX. My dear Sir, London, July 2 1, 1767. IPIppe, ere this comes to hand, you will have taken your fecond degree. A good degree indeed : to be a preacher, a young preacher, a mobbed, perhaps a ftoned preacher — O what an honour ! Plow many prayers will you get when I read your letter at Tabernacle; and the prayers of fo snany dear 350 LETTERS. dear children of God will do you no hurt, I afiure yoU^ When we are fighting with Amalek below, it is good to have a ycjima praying for us above. Jesus is our J-jhua, Jesus is our intercefibr ; he liveth, he ever livech to make interceiTion, efpecially for his young foldicrs. Yonder, yonder he fits : whilft praying he reaches out a crown : at tiiis diftance you may fee written in capital letter^, Fwcenti dabo. All a gift, a free gift, though purchafcd by his precious blood. TcU churchmen, tell meetingers, tcli the u'ounded, tell all of this : tell them when you are young ; you may not live to be old : tell them whilft you are an uncer graduate ; you may be dead, buried, glorified, before vou take a college degree : tell thofe who would have you fpare yourfelf, that time is iliort, that eternity is enditfs, that the Judge is before the door : but I can no more, — the thought overwhelms ; but with what ? with joy, joy unfpeakable and full of glory. Good night ! I long to hear particulars from ^ . >If you fend me word that young — • is there, I will anfwer his letter that hath lain by me fome time. My poor prayers av/ait you ail. God felefs you ! God blefs you ! Yours, &c. K^z, in Jesus, LETTER MCCCLXi. My dear Sir ^ London^ Aii^. 6^ I'j^j, IT is late j but I mud anfwer your requeft. The incloled made me pity, fmiie, and rejoice: fm>ile at the waiter's worn-out farcafms, pity his ignorance, and rejoice that yo'i are thus called to be a m^-rtyr, a living martyr for-our com- mon Lord. Fear not, only go forwards ; you know JesUS, and by preaching will know more. To him that hath fiiall be given. For this let men dcfpife your name^ Toull Jloim no crop^ you II fear no JJjame, All had reproach ! If you write with all deference^ let him know that JesUs hath revealed himleif not only to you by his word, but in you by his fpirit : that you look upon thofe whom he is pleafed to X terrxs LETTERS. 351 term dchcUd and fciiaticSi as the excellent ones upon the earth ; and that you choofe rather to 'ufTer reproach with them, than to enjoy all the pleafurcs of fcnfe, and all the preferments in the world. But why c-o I diciate? I truft you to the teach- ings of that Jesus who hath fald, *' It {hall be given you in that hour v/hat you Ihc^ll Hiy." Where doth this live? What is the lie mentloifis ? God grant it may be a nurfery for v/hat he calls fanatics fo long as one (tone is \th upon another. One letter more I imagine will rid you of further trouble from this quarter j expect then attacks from another : but look to Jf.sus ; he will make you more than conqueror. I thank thee, holy Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hafl: hid thefe things from the wife and oru« dent, and revealed them unto babes. Even fo, Father, for (o it feemeuh good in thy fight. Why me. Lord ? v*hy rne I A fenfe of this diflinguifning love will make you laugh at all that men or devils can fay of or do unto you. Good night. I muft away and pray for you. To-morrow Ivlr. , Sic, breakfali: with me. God blefs you ! Be of good courage ; give no way, no not for a moment. Ever yours, Uq. ^c. in an almighty Jesus, G. n\ LETTER MCCCLXn. To Mr, A s. My very dear Tommy ^ London^ Aug. 14, 1 767. I Am forry to hear you have been Tick. This hath been mv cafe. Bit/Ted be God, I am better. Who knows but I may be flrengthened to take a trip to Scotland, This itch afier itinerat.ir.g, I hope will never be cured till we come to heaven. Though laymen occupy both the pulpits, at Totienh am- Court chapel and tabernacle, congregations increafe. " Not by mio-ht or by power, but by my fpirit, faith the Lord." No weapon formed againfl Sion^ iliail or can profper. Our Thurfday morn- ing fix o'clock tabernacle ledure is crouded. I am looking for, and putting together old letters. Have you any dated January or February 1743? Could you fend to Mr. E- s of Ebty^ and enquire how Mrs. L e may be directed to? Her bufband had many letters from me. Hov/ are dear Mrs. R tSy and Mis. A ?v.^ I never forget them in the miiJH 352 L E t T E R ?. midft of all my loves. I hope you are furrounded with warrrt friends, a moft kind and affectionate nurfe, and what is all in all, an infinitely compaffionate never-failing Jesus. To his unchangeable love I moft earneftly commend your whole felf^ and all dear never to be forgotten friends. How is poor Mr. C- eF What an hofpital is the church 1 Blefied be God, there are no incurables in it hov/ever. Ere long, we ihall be where the inhabitants lliall no more fay, " I am fick." Hal- lelujah, I am^ my very dear Tommy y Yours, &c. &c» he, in Him. (?. W. LETTER MCCCLXni. My dear Sir, London, Jug. 26, 1 767. MR. hath juft now been with me, and fhewed me your letter, expelling alfo a fight of mine. But my letters are brought late, and to-morrow I go to preach at Lady F -y S /s. I therefore, though quite ill, muft fend you a few lines now. Go to Jesus; learn to pray of th-e threaten- ed apoftles, viz. " And now, Lord, behold their threatenings, &c. kc/' I am afraid they will only threaten. If an expulfion fliould be permitted, it will take place, I believe, only for a' little time, and foon be repented of. Thoufands of prayers were put up for you laft Alonday, at tabernacle letter-day. The verfes were thefe : Give him ihyjhengih, O GoD ofpow\^ Then let men rage and devils roar ; Thy faith fid wiinefs he fiall be ; 'Tis Jix'd, he can do all through Thee. Adieu.— Ever yours, &c. G. JP\ L E T T E R MCCCLXIV. Tg Mr.R K n. My very dear Friend, Leeds, Sept. 1 1, 1767. TH R O U G H the tender mercies of out God ^ we arrived here lafl night about fix o'clock. In the way, I was enabled to preach both at Northampton and Sheffield. Good fcafons ! LETTERS. ss^ feafons ! The Americans were gone the day before I arrived at the laft place; I miffed them by coming through Chejierfield inftead of Mansfield. All for the beft. God willing, I ftay here over Sunday ; perhaps longer. I have feen Mr. T ■ G ; he feems poorly. Happy they who work for Jesus while it is day ! The night of ficknefs cometh, when no man can work. Lord, help me to begin to begin ! I have {tzn but few yet, having defired that no company might come the laft night ; by that means I got a little reft, and have now time to write thefe few lines. O for heaven I Come Lord Jesus, come quickly! In my next you will know where to dire6l. In the mean while, be pleafed to remember me to all at tabernacle, and all enquiring friends, and accept of love unfeigned, from, my dear old fteady friend. Yours, &c. 5cc. in our Jesus, G.TK LETTER MCCCLXV. To Mr. R K «. Newcajiky Sept, 20, 1767. My dear very dear Friend^ PREACHING and travelling prevent writing. Through unmerited mercy, I am well. Upon the matureft deli- beration, after carneft prayer, and for feveral peculiar reafons, which you (hall know hereafter, I decline going to Scotland this fall. I have now a bleffed methodift field ftreet-preaching plan before me. This afternoon in the Cajlle- Garth, to-mor- row for Sunderland^ next day at Mr. R 's mother's door, then to Tarm, Sec. &c. You may venture to diredl for me at Mr. William Sheni's^ peruke-maker, at Leeds, though I hope to find a letter when I come there, and to hear all is well. But fend me no bad news, unlefs abfolutely neceflary. Let me enjoy myfelf in my delightful itineracy. It is good, both for my body and foul. I have been enabled to preach in the ftreet, at feveral places, and hope to go to Gefi/orcugh, IVhitbyj Scarborough^ Nezu Malton, York, Leeds, Liverpool, Chejler, Man- chejler, &c. &c. You fhall know particulars as we go on. Do not forget the fociety fermon. If it could be deferred till the beginning q^ November y I might preach. If not, drop it. Vol. III. * Z Tender 28 354 LETTERS. Tender love to all friends. Golden feafons, golden feafons ! Grace, grace ! I hope to write to the tabernacle next poft. Ccafc not to pray for, Ever yours, &c. &c. in Christ, G. W, LETTER MCCCLXVI. To Mr. R K n. My dear Friend, ^^^^rfi, Sept. 2^ y ^7^7* NEVER was I fo long a ftranger to Loiidan affairs before. But being detained here, by the perfuafion of friends, an exprefs is gone to fetch what letters may have been fent to Leeds, I want to know the determination about the fociety fermon, and what part of the paragraph is true, about the commitment of feveral perfons for a certain robbery. I hope that death will not be the confequence to any of the criminals. Father, convid and convert them, for thy infinite mercy's fake ! I fliould be glad to ramble till their trial was over. I truft there will be no neceffity of my appearing in perfon. To-mor- row, God willing, as he earneflly defires to fee me, I go to Do6lor C- 's. Where the next remove will be, 1 know not. Be pleafed to dire6l to Leeds. My body feels much fatigue in travelling ; comforts in the foul over-balance. Every ftage, more and more convinces me, that old methodifm is the thing. Hallelujah! Come Lord, come! Tender love to all. Is dear ^Ir, H y come out of Wales? An anfwer to this, and every queftion, is requefted by, my dear friend. Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel, G If. LETTER MCCCLXVIL To Mr. and Mrs. S ju My dear Friends, Leeds, Sept. 20, 1 767. GRACE, mercy and peace, be multiplied upon you and yours, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our Lord! Our God ! Glorious words^ glorious thought, glorious feel- ing, glorious experience! Enough to make us rejoice with joy uufpeakable ; even with a joy that is full of glory. letters; ^55 O glorioles King J Us thither bri7:gy To kjfs thy feet. D to be Inftrumental in bringing fome with us ! This excur° f«.on, I trail, will be over-ruled for that bleiled purpofe. t have been enabled to go forth into the highways and' hedges", into the lanes and ftreets, of the tov/ns and cities. Good old tvork, good old feafons ! Help, help to praife Him, whofe mercy endureth for ever ! Get honefl Betty JV d to joirl in putting up a word for her poor old mailer, but for Jesus Christ's fake, my dear friends. Yours, IkZ, kc. occ. G. IK LETTER MCCCLXVIII. n Mr, R — /: n. Aiy dear Frie?id^ Leeds ^ Ocf. i, 1767a YOUR letter to Mr. Shent reached me yeflerday at Thirjk^ and hailened me hither. That from A — — B- , I almoft impatiently wait for. BlelTed be God, that matters go on fo well in town. It is the fame to the Lord, to fave by few as by many. Not by might or by power, but by his fpirit, all things are to be brought about. By his divine permifiion, I purpofe preaching the fociety fermon. It niay be on the Wednejday or Thur^ay before the 3rfL of this month, I purpofe being in town the 22d or 23d. But why fhould not the fermon be preached at tabernacle ? Is not the feaft to be kept at that end of the town ? Are not the major part of the fociety diflenters ? Is there not to be a colle^lion I Excufe hafle; my tender love to all. You may yet dire£t to Leedso Captain Scot preaches this evening. Ceafe not to pray for one, who deth not deferve the rank of a common foldicr in Christ's army. His name is, **Lefs than the leafl: of Jtll," but Yoursj 5cc. c^c. G. m % % J> E T- 2s6 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCLXIX. To Mrs, H . My good Shunamite^ Leeds^ 061. 3, 1767. JUST as your letter came, I was taking pen in hand, to fend you a few lines. What a mercy, when good news comes from town and country ! And what news fo good, as that of the word of the Lord Jesus running and being glo- rified ? This hath been the cafe with the worthlefs, but will- ing pilgrim. Every where the found of his blefled Mafter's feet hath been heard behind him. Field and ftreet preaching hath rather bettered, than hurt his bodily health. But as the weather begins to break, he mud look towards winter quar- ters. This makes it impradlicable for him to go to M&dly* It is too far diftant. May Jesus fupport the fuffering martyr. He will, he will ! He knows what fore temptatiom mean. For He hath felt the fame, I know this will find you a living martyr ; a witnefs of the truths and life of Jesus; the only preparative for dying a martyr. .That whether you live, you may live unto the Lord, or whether you die, you may die unto the Lord, is the earneli prayer of, dear Mrs. H- ^, Yours, &:c. &c. in our common Lord, G. IV. LETTER MCCCLXX. To Mr. W y. My dear Mr. TV- -j, Huihersfield^ Oa. 6, 1767. HOW is death fcattering his arrows all around us ! even into our houfes. Perhaps, ere now, your dear yoke- fellow, as Vv^ell as dear Mr. Langworthy^ and Mr. TVright's mother, are laid in the filent grave. Surely, the call to us is loud, yea very loud. Its language is quite articulate. " Watch and pray, for ye know not at what day or hour the Son of man cometh." What is this world ? nothing, lefs than no- thing. What is the other world? An eternity 5 an eternity of endlefs mifery or endlefs blifs. Lord Jesus, quicken our, at LETTERS. 557 at leaft my tardy pace ! I fee more and more, that we have no time to trifle, to be light, foolifh, or worldly minded. A fever, a burning fever may come with a commilBon to burn up eur bodies. It fpares neither Duke nor Prince. Happy they, whom it finds burned up with the fever of divine love. That living and dying, this may be your happy lot and frame, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. JF y. Your real friend and fervant in the glorious Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCCCLXXL To Mr, A s. My very dear Tommy ^ London^ 061. 12, 1 767. GOOD-morrow. This comes to enquire how you and yours do? I am juft returned from my northern circuit. It hath been pleafant, and I truft profitable. Praife the Lord, 0 our fouls! Every where the fields have been white ready unto harveft. I am become a downright ftreet and field preach- er. I wifh the city, and v/ant of riding, may not hurt me. No neftling, no neftling on this fide Jordan, Heaven is the believer's only refting place. There we fliall not be difturbed. 1 do not know but Mr. Winter will get there foon. At pre- fent he is very ill. But he that bringeth down to the grave, can bring up again. You and I knov/ this by repeated expe- rience. But we {hall not always put out to fea again and aeain. Hallelujah, Come Lord, come ! How is Mr. C m ? Is he near the haven, or kept back by crofs winds ? Write me an anfwer to all the above interrogatories; efpecially to thofe concerning yourfelf. Tender love to all. Mr. V/r'ight joins in fending cordial refpedls. Mr. y % hath been much blefled here. That the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may blefs you and yours evermore, heartily prays, my very dear 'To?n77jyy Ever yours, 5cc. &c. in o«r glorious Emmanuel^ G. IF. LETTER |5S 11. E T T E R S. LETTER MCCCLXXII. My dear Sir ^ London^ 0^.23, 1767. BY yovir brother Peters letter, the hour of expuHion is noi yet come. Surely they will not he fo imprudent, or acl fo contrary to the laws of Englijh liberty. I long to know what ftatutes they fay you have broken, what concelHons have been tn^de. Your diocefan will make a ftridl: enquiry. I wifli you i:ould recoiled all circumftances j the rife and progrcfs of the ptefent conteft \ with all the various pleadings, threats, con- fsrcnces, pro and con. The ifllie of the trial you may leave to the Judge; he is always the injured prifonsrs friend. If con- fined to college, this will be a good exercife for you. You may lodc^e it in court, as a proof whether you underftand to write plain Englijh^ or found, practical, experimental divinity. This can do you no harm; it may do good. Do therefore fet about it. 1 know one who will readily revife and coiredt, if necef- fary. The Lord Je,sus be with your fpirits ! You fee howr I write, out of the fulnefs of my heart. Sick fufiering foldiers rnuH be attended. If eyer fo bufy, for the lake of the glorious Captain of our falvation, you (hall receive a line by way of anfwer froiUj my dear Sir^ Yours, he, kc. ^c. p. iS'. I fliall fend the original to your F'ldus Achates^ '\i\ ., but I (hall keep a copy. Who knows I Sauls may yet become Pauls. LETTER MCCCLXXIIL To Mr. A s. My very dear Tommy, London^ Ocf. %^, ^1^7- WAS not Mrs. J — — -s very near her time, and her hufband confequently thereby detained in town, ycu would herevvith receive a mandamus to conie up to court. The fy,{!i vacancy you may depend upon. In the mean whikj^ niay the country all round about ring of, *' Come to Jesus, ^ome t / Jesus." Worthy Sir Charles H- w hath received ^ car indeed. He {lept in Jesus about a fortnight ago, near the Spa, in Germany, Happy tranllation! We muft follow by and by. Some afcend. fome defcend the heayenly ladder. AU LETTERS. 359 will, ere long, fit down with Him, who ftands at the top to receive poor pilgrims. Hallelujah I Hofanna ! Good morn- ing to you and yours. Hearty love to all. I wifh I knew where Mrs. R s fojourns. I would fend her an invitation, or wait upon her in perfon. Wait, wait ; we fliall certainly fee the falvation of God. But Ifaacs muft be facrificed, before they can be received from the dead. Thus faith is tried. Thus the believer is prepared for a " now know I that thou lovefl me." Adieu ! I muft away. My very dear To?nmy^ Ever yours, &c. hz. in our Jesus, LETTER MCCCLXXIV. To Mr. C . Afy dear Sir^ London^ Ocf. 24, 1 767. SUPPOSING you made this addition to the motto of your coat of arms. Nemo me impune lacejfit? He that toucheth God's people, toucheth the apple of God's eye. That is a very tender part. I am glad your diocefan is ex- pected foon. I have no fufpicion of his beating a retreat. " To arms, to arms," muft be the watch word now. It was the conftancy of the three children, (the three heroes) that con- founded their enemies. The company of the Son of man is never fo fweet, as when he walks with us in the fiery furnace, never fo glorious, as when he is feen keeping his honeft Daniels company in a den of lions. You have therefore your anfwers ready, " We are not careful about this matter; we will not bow down to the golden image which Nebuchadnezzar hath fet up ; the God whom we ferve is able to deliver us." If you do not like thefe examples, take Peter and John, Sup- pofe dear -- — to be John^ and to be Peter. You know how the high-priefts addrefled them, you know their anfwer. By their anfwer, by their boldnefs, they took notice that they ha^ been with Jesus. Nothing, nothing can ftand before an honeft truly Ifraeliiijh heart. But this is enough for a fick-bed lecture, i would only add, that thofe who endeavour to en- tangle Christ's followers in their talk, will in the end be entangled themfelves. Good-morning to you all. Remember the watch word. Stand out your full time in guard-hours, Z 4 fend 360 LETTER S, fend word at about what diflance the enemy keeps, or how near he approaches, or v/hat further feint attacks he makes, and, God willing, you fhall hear again from. Yours, Sec. Sec. Sec. in our Lord, God almighty, G. fF. LETTER MCCCLXXV. To Mr. R K n. Tottenham-Courty Saturday Mornings O^f?. 31, 1767. My dear Friend^ IWifh fome one hour could be fixed for the triumvirate, to meet once a week. Some bufmefs might then be done for both ends of the town. Regular difpatch is beautiful. What your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might, &c. I would fettle every thing ; perhaps I may be called fuddenly, as well as . Tnmfporting thought! Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. I would refie6l upon Wednejday with humility and eratitude*". Lord, what am I? " Lefs than the leaft of all," muft be my motto fliil. I hope you have got the better of your pleafing fatigue. What an honour to do any thing for Jesus ! in Him, i am, my dear friend. Ever yours, &c. &c. LETTER MCCCLXXVL ro Mr. G J. My dear Sir, London, AW. 1 4, 1767, ALL know my mind. Go forward, I think is the royal word of command. We may then indeed have a red- fea to pafs through. But the threatening waves fhall become a wall on the right hand and on the left. I am afhamed to find fo many filenced by mere Bruta Fiilmina. But I have done. If you will be more particular about the uproar, or if at any time you have a mind to unburden your heart, and let me ♦Referring to the fermon he preached at the tabernacle, to the Society for promoting Religious Knowledge among the Poor, on Wednefdajt the aSih inftant; the colle6lion amounting to 105 I. jjs. his friend he was writing to being one of the Stewards, know LETTERS. 3^1 know how you go forward, as bqfinefs permits, you fhall hear from me. Nothing but want of time hath prevented my an- fwering you before. You will receive it in love, and be as ferviceable as you can to the bearer of this, who k a brother to the late feraphic H y, and comes to fettle his two fons, but is not fixed as to college or tutor. May they turn out two H- -^''s! May you be a burning and fhining light! No greater honour can be defired for you, by, my dear Sir, Yours, Sec. &c. in a never-failing Jesus, LETTER MCCCLXXVII. To Mr. R^ — ^ K n. My dear Friend., Tottenham-Court.^ Nov. 27, 1767. NONE but God knows what a concern lies upon me now, in refped to Bethefda. Friends can guefs, and 2, little fympathize, and I thank them for it; but the Friend of fmners alone can fhew what is to be done. At prefent, as to this particular, I walk in darknefs, and have no lio-ht. la other refpeds, bleffed be God, the light fliines as at noon-day, Grace, grace I As another voyage perhaps may be the ifTue and refult of all at laft, I would beg you and my dear Mr, H ;' to let me have my papers and letters, that I m.ay re- vlfe and difpofe of them in a proper manner. This can do no hurt, come life or come death, or whether I ftay at home or go abroad. Thanks be to God for a difmterefted fpirit. Though in helping others we fetter ourfelves, yet in the end all will be well. I wait for thy falvation O Lord ! In Him I ^m, my dear Sir, Yours, &c. ^c. &c. &c. G. IV. LETTER MCCCLXXVIII. Dear Sir., London., Dec. I, 1767. (QUANTUM mutatus ab lllo ! As you now do not fuffer ^''S^ outwardly, I expe6l to hear that you fufFer inwardly. Nothing elfe can preferve you this winter feafon, or prepare you for another fpring. A fpring, I truft, you will yet have. Then ihall poor Samf>fons locks grow again, and he be re- venged 5^2 LETTERS. venged of the Philijlines for the lofs of his eyes. Surely yon have been wrong advifed. Exltus a5ia prohat. If you chufe to have our correfpondence continued, vi^rite your whole heart; it may help to unlo.id it. I fhall not upbraid ; though I do not expe£l letters now will fmell of the divine fire as formerly. Well, if they fmell of the prifon of humiliation, by and by they may regain their ufual and more folid permanent fervor. 'E\it', frcllis defccnftis Avernu-^Yoyi meet like apoftles now; but when they met between the time of their Lord's death and re- furreclion, what trouble did they endure, for fear of the Jeius? But be not difcouraged. Continue inflant in prayer. A rifen, an afcended Jesus will yet appear in the midft of you, (though the doors of your hearts may be now fliut) renew your commif- fion, endue you with power from on high ; and then, woe be to the Jeivijh fanhedrim. O think of this, ye little college of caft- outs ! Do not deny him in any wife. You fee I write to you out of the fulnefs of my heart. The Lord blefs you and keep you; the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and be gracious unto you ; the Lord caufe his face to fhine upon you, and then, but not till then, will you have peace. Yours, &;c. &c. G. JV. I>. S. Dear Mr. muft hear from me next. GoQ bring all your fouls out of prifon. Amen and amen. LETTER MCCCLXXIX. To the Hon, and Rev. Mr. S y. Reverend and very dear Siry Bath^ Dec. t^ ^1^1' HOW glad was I to hear by the London Shunaynite^ that you and your Lady were well; that God had given you a fon ; that you reflecled on your preaching at Toiienkam- Court chapel with pleafure ; that you had gotten a curate ; andj to compleat all, that you intended to vifit England next fpring. This news rejoiced me before I left town, and was moft grateful to our good Lady H «, whom I have the honour of waiting upon at this time in Bath. She hath been fick, nigh unto death, but through mercy is now fomewhat recovered, though as yet ynable to write much. This her I L^dyfhip LETTERS, ^6^ Ladyfliip much regrets on your account ; and therefore en- joins me to inform your whole fclf, that your letter did not reach her hands till many v/eeks after the proper time ; that ever fmce (he hath been vifitcd with lingering ficknefs, but begs you will not linger in coming over to our Alacedoma to help us. The thought of it feems to refrefh her heaven-bora foul. BlefTed be God, her Ladyfhip ftill takes the lead. She is now doing honour to the remains of the Earl of B ;;, vvho fweetly flept in Jesus laft week. His corpfe lies depo- fited in her Ladyfhip's chapel, and is not to be removed till next Friday morning. There have been public prayers and preaching twice every day. The noble relatives conftantly attend, and ali is more than folemn. Great numbers of all ranks croud to fee anxl hearj I trufl many will alfo feel. The dcccafed Earl died like the patriarch Jacob-, he laid his hands on, and blefled his children, affured them of his perfonal in- "terert in Jesus, called moft glorioufly on the Holy Ghoflj cried, Happy ! hanpy ! as long as he could fpeak, and then You know what followed. I know how you and yours will improve this imperfc6l account, and therefore haflen to fub- fcribe myfelf, dear and honoured friends. Yours, &c. kz. .he'. G. JF. LETTER MCCCLXXX, To Lady S S , Honoured Aladam, Bath, Dec. o, 1767. ALL hath been awful, and more than awful. On Saturday evening, before the corpfe was taken from B n-Hoiiic, a word of exhortation was given, and a hymn fung in the room where the corpfe lay. The young Earl flood with his hands on the head of the cof^n, the Countefs Dowager on his right hand. Lady Ami and Lady Ifahella on his left, and their bro- ther T7;<7;;;^'5 next to their mother, with Mifs O /7,'Mifs Wh r, Mifs G e\ on one fide all domeftics, with a few friends on the other. The word of exhortation was re- ceived with great folemnity, and mcft wept under the parting prayer. At ten the corpfe was removed to good Lady 7/ «'s chapcis v/here it was depofited within a place railed in for that purpofe. 364 LETTERS. purpofe, covered with black bays, and the ufual funeral con- comitants, except efcutcheons. On Sunday morning, all at- tended in mourning at early facrament. They were feated by themfelves, at the feet of the corpfe, and with their Lead fer- vants, received firft, and a particular addrefs was made to them. Immediately after receiving, thefe verfes were fung for them : Our lives, our blood, we here prefent^ If for thy truths they may be fpent: Fulfil thy f over el gn counsel. Lord ; Thy will be done, thy name adored. Give them thy frength, O God of power ^ Then let men rave or devils roar ; Thy faithful witnejjes thefll be\ 'Tisfix'dy they can do all through Thee, Then they received this bleffing, " The Lord blefs you and keep you, the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, the Lord caufe his face to fhine upon you, and give you peace," and fo returned to their places. Sacrament ended (and a blefTed facrament it was) the Noble Mourners returned to crood Lady H 72's houfe, which was lent them for the day. At eleven, public fervice begun. The bereaved relations fat in order within, and the domeftics around the outfide of the rail. The chapel was more than crouded. Near three hundred tickets figned by the prefent Eail, were given out to the nobility and gentry, to be admitted. All was hulh'd and folcmn. Proper hymns were fung, and I preached on thefe words, ^' I heard a voice from heaven, faying unto me, write, bleficd are the dead that die in the Lord." Attention fat on every face, and deep and almoft univerfal impreffions were made. The like fcene, and if poffible more folemn, was ex- hibited in the evening, and I was enabled to preach a fecond time, and a like power attended the word as in the morning. Ever fince, there hath been public fervice and preaching twice a day. This is to be continued till Friday morning, then all is to be removed to Bri/loly in order to be Ihipped off for Scot- land, The infcription on the coffin runs thus i <« His LETTERS. ^6s *« His life was honourable, — his death blefled, — he fought <« earneftly peace with God, — he found it with unfpeakable "joy alone in the merits of Christ Jesus, witnefTed by " the holy Spirit to his foul, — he yet fpeaketh. — Go thou *' and do likewife." I have oftened wifhed for your Ladyfhip here. Congregations are very large, attentive, and deeply imprclTed. Surely the death of this noble Earl, thus improved, will prove the life of many. He had great foretaftes of heaven, cried, " Come Holy Ghoftj" became, and filled him with joy unfpeakable. Happy, happy, were his lafl dying words. All furviving relatives (lill feel the influence. They fit round the corpfe attended by their domeftJcs and fupporters twice a day. Good Lady S x gets frefh fpirits. She loves your Ladyfhip dearly. I am called to attend, and therefore muil haden to acknowledge innume- rable obligations, and to fubfcribe myfelf, honoured Madam, Your Ladyfhip's, &c. &c. &c. (?. IK LETTER MCCCLXXXL My dear Captain^ Brifiol^ Dec. 12, 1767. Iriope this will find you rejoicing with trembling, on ac- count of an additional careful comfort. Thus it muft be in this mixed ftate of things. Yet a little while, and our joy will be permanent, uninterrupted, and without alloy. For five days together we have been attending at the houfe of mourn- ing. Many, I truf^, were obliged to fay, «« How dreadful is this place." Such a like fcene, I never expect to fee opened again on this fide eternity. All is quiet, I truft, with you. But if diamond hath been cutting diamond, it will only be fuitable to a church militant here on earth. BlefTed be God for an almighty Jesws ! who can by thefe mutual cuttings prepare the jewels for their refpective places in the intended crown. Ere long he will count them up. Not one fhall be wanting. Cordial love to all. I purpofe being in town Tuef- day fe'nnight in the evening. Brethren, pray for us. I fhall make all eafy at ZlngfwQod before I leave BriJloL That you ma^y 3^6 LETTERS. may Hilne with diilinguiibcd luftre above, earneftly prays, xnf dear Captain, Yours, he. kc, in our Emmanuel, G. W. LETTER MCCCLXXXlt. ro Mr. R K n. My dear Friend^ Brifiol, Dec, 1 6, 1767. WE have been favoured with golden fcafcns here. 1 have been enabled to preach thrice, and to admini- Her the holy facrament. Thoufands went away on Sunday^ becaufe they could not come in. The word hath been at- tended with great power. Grace ! grace ! What a pity that we cannot flay a week or two longer ! But I muft away to Bath to preach to-morrow, and the next Lord's-day. Shall write^ God willing, to Mr. 5 — — -j by Saturday's poft, to tell Rofe where to meet me with^the chaife. We come in tiie two days poft-coach. Mr. A s is come hither to fee me. I thought to have brought him up with me, but the coach was full. Is it true, that Mr. J—fs hath two careful comforts at once ? I wilh him much joy. Pray tell my wife, that I in- tend doino- myfelf the pkafure of dining at Tabernacle-hdufe next TVednejday. Ere long we fliall fit down and eat bread in the kino-dom of heaven. Hallelujah! hallelujah! Come, Lord, come. Hearty love to ail. Continue to pray for, my dear friend. Yours and dear Mr. H -/s, &c. &c. LETTER MCCCLXXXIII. To the Reverend Mr. G— — . Reverend and dear Sir, London, Dec. 28, 1767; WHY do you and I exchange letters fo feldom ? Per- haps it would be better to correfpond more frequently. This brings you the good news of the triumphant death of the late Earl of B — -— «. He behaved like the patriarch Jacohy when by faith leaning upon his ftafF, he blefied his children. The Earl added, " Yea, and they fiiall be blefTed." " I^ad I flrengtli LETTERS. 367 ftrength of body, (cried the Earl) I would not be afliamed before men and angels to tell what the Lord Jesus hath done for my foul. Come, holy Ghofl:, come, holy GhoH:; happy, happy, happy !" and then fweetly flept in Jesus. The prefent noble Karl, I believe, hath got the bleiTing indeed, and feems, upon the beft evidence, to determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. He hath behaved in the moft delicate manner to the Countefs, and other noble fur- vivors. He ftands here in town, againft all oppofition, like an impregnable rock ; and 1 humbly hope will prove the Daniel of the age. He muft be, nay he hath been already thrown into a den of lions ; but he hath one with him, that flops the lions mouths. You will encourage all God's people to pray for him. What if you wrote him a line ? I am fure it will be taken kindly ; for I know he honours and loves you much. You will communicate this to dear Mr. M-^ ch^ who, I fuppofe, like me, is groaning, being burdened. I am now fifty-three years old. Did you ever hear of fuch a iifty- three years old barren fig-tree ? So much digging, fo much dunging, and yet fo little fruit. God be merciful to me a fmner ! A finner — a finner — a finner. He is merciful ; he is gracious : his mercy endureth for ever. He yet vouchfafes to blefs my feeble Labours. You would have been delighted to have feen the awful fcene exhibited at Bath, whilft the late noble Earl lay in flate. Two fermcns every day ; life and power attended the word ; and I verily believe many dead fouls were made to hear the voice of the Son of God. Since that we have been favoured with comfortable feafons in town. I hope you are blcfTed in Glafgozv. Who knows but we mav have one more interview in Spring ? Whether we meet next on earth or in heaven, you will find that with great fincerity I fubfcribe myfelf, reverend and very dear Sir, Yours, See. ^c. he. in our glorious Jesus, G. /r. LETTER S6S LETTERS. LETTER MCCCLXXXiV. To Mr. JV b. My dear Sir^ Londoji^ Feb. 4, 1768* WHO would but converfe when together, like perfons that may never meet again till launched into an end- lefs eternity. I hope this was in fome meafure our cafe, when we dined lately at Mr. H i's. One of the company, I find, is gone, and I truft to eat bread in the kingdom of heaven. She is happy nnv, and we Soon her happlnejs Jhalljee, In the midfl of all your forrow for the lofs of fo near and dear a relation, methinks fuch a confideration may make you cry out. Hallelujah! Amen! Come^ Lord Jesus, co?ne quickly, Bleffed be God, our turn will come by and by. Be ye alfo ready, is the loud call of the prefent afHidtive providence. That it may be duly heard, and practically applied, is the hearty prayer of Your fympathizing friend, and fervant in our common Lord, G. jr. LETTER MCCCLXXXV. To Mr, D n. My very dear Friends^ London, Aprils, 176B. IF you choofe it, you may now be releafcd ; but the afpe£t of afFairs at home, is by no means promifmg. Many, many think of going abroad. However, you will be fo kind as to fee the bearers of this fettled before you remove. Mr. C ne, a worthy difnitercfted creature, is to be fteward of the houfe : he is a particular heart-friend of Mr. TV fs. Mr. TV- /'s fifter is an approved houR'keeper, and the little female orphans are to be committed to her care. Mr. L y hath had an univerfity education, is a good writer and ac- comptant, hath been with me fome time, and is to be a fchool- mafter. I long to know how poor Petsr and Ephraim go on, 7 and LETTERS. 359 and Jikewife his fiPccr at Savannah. I and Mr. TF 1 hope to follow foon. But future things belong to Him who orders all things Vvell. I believe ; Lord, help my unbelief. His work profpers. That is all in all. Be pleafed to have all ac- coimts fettled and audited, and take what you pleafe for vour pafCige, if determined to return. But — but — God keep you, through too fond affection, from taking a falfe ftep ! My heart is full. If you come away, and Mr. S i alfo goes away, I would have a letter of attorney given to Mr. C ne. But it would be well if 1 could hear from you firft. God dired and blefs you all. I can only commend you to God and the word of his grace, and with ten thoufand thanks for all your labours of love, fubfcribe myfelf, very dear friends. Your?, he. i-zc. Sic. in our glorious Jesus, LETTER MCCCLXXXVI. To Mr. J—fs, My dear Man, • Londoriy May 17, 176S. GO forward, go forward, is the watch-word of the prefent day. Never mind the envious cry of elder brethren; Had they been barkened to, the prodigal muft never have come home, nor Go!iah\ head have been cut off. All temple builders, efpecially when called out to v/oik in the field, mi-'d endure not only the contradictions of fmners, but the con trad i<5tioa of faints alfo. Happy are they who are fo deeplv entra^^ed in biiildino;, as not to have time to hearken to either. I lone- 10, come and lend an helping, though feeble hand. But IP^elch hoi fes move flowly. If the JVelch apoftle comes, I jvjrpofe, irt the IVhitfun week, to make a fhort excurfion into SnJJex and Kenti and then for BriJkL BlelTed be God, the fhout of a king is heard in our camps 1 All your family is well. All will be more than well, when we come to our houfe in heaven. Let us march forward with palms of vidory in our hands, crying, " Hallelujah! the Lord God omnipotent reigneth 1" Tender love X.6 all. I hope to anfwer Mrs. i?— s in perfon. The Lord Jesus be with your fpirits ! Ceafe not to pray for, my dear man, Lefs flian the kail: of all, Vol. IIL * A a ' G. IF, 28 tETTiiR 370 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCLXXXVII. To Mr. R K n. Edinburgh, June 15, 1768, My dear Mr. K ;?, I Hope this will nnd you and ycurs fafe returned to London, I am glad to hear by dear Mr. H , that you left your daughter better : may fhe be fpared, not in judgment, but in mercy ! Then all will be well : nay, at all events, you may be aijured all fiiall work for good, becauTe you love God, Glorious afTurance this I Thanks be to God for this un- fpeakable gift. Thanks be to his great name, for ordering my fteps this way. You v;ould be delighted to fee our Or- phan-houfe park alTemblies ; as large, attentive, and aftec- tionaie as ever. Twenty-feven year old friends and fpiritual chiiciren, remember the days of old ; they are feeking after their firft love, and there feems to be a fiirring among the dry ^ bones. I cannot yet tell when I (hall move. Probably withia this fortnight. I muft away to my thione. Love to all at Tabernacle, and to all that are fo kind as to enquire after, Lefs than the leafc of all, LETTER MCCCLXXXVIIL To Mr, A K n. My dear Timothy .^ Edinburgh, July 2, 1 768. I Am much obliged to you for fiaying at London, till I return from Scotland, My journey hither was certainly of God. Could I preach ten times a day, thoufands and thoufands would attend. I have been confined for a few days, but on Monday or Tuefday next hope to mount my throne again. O to die there ! Too great, too great an honour to be expeded. My wife will fee my letter to Mr. ^-— — ks, I thank her for her kind letter juil: received. Pray tell Mr. K -n that no Indian money will be remitted to the London truft from hence. The intereft of what is colledled, which is near two thoufand poundsj is to be ient^ as occafion requires, to Mr. WheeUck »nd LETTERS. 371 and the ConnePAcut truft. Be pleafed to fend to Mr. Dllly^ and defire him to forward by the iirfl {hip, fifty of my letters to the Archbilhop, direded to Mr. Herdie at the cuftom-houfe Leiih, I am here only in danger of being hugged to death. Friends of all ranks fecm heartier and more friendly than ever. All is of grace. Grace ! grace ! I thought to write you a long letter : but company forbids. I go on in my old way, without turning to the right hand or to the left. Pro- vidence fays every day, " This is the way, walk in it." Ten- der love to all, particularly to my dear wife. Next poft (he may exped to hear from, Lefs than the leafl of*all, G, W. LETTER MCCCLXXXIX, To the Reverend Mr. T . My dear Frlendy Edinburgh^ July 4, 1769. WHAT various interruptions do we meet Vi^ith in this lower world I Sicknefs, preaching, and company^ have prevented my anfwering your kind letter more fpeedily. I ftrive to ftir and fly as formerly ; but the earthly houfe of this tabernacle pulls me down. Strange^ that a harp of thoufandjlrlngs^ Should keep in tune fo long ! However, this is my comfort, the Redeemer ftlll vouchfafes to fmile upon my feeble efforts. In ]L,ondon the word tuns and is glorified, and in Edinburgh^ I trufl, the profpeft is promifmg. The fields are white ready unto harvcfl. Who knows but fome wheat may be gathered into the heavenly garner ? Mair/ of my old friends are fafely houfed. They are happy now^ and zve Soon their happinefs Jhall fee* Halhlajah ! Perhaps we may have one interview. I have thoughts of go- ing to AI -. A week cr a fortnight, at moft, is the longefi time I can flay h?re, I defire to mcve, till I can move no A a ?, more ^l^ LETTERS. more. C to die in the field ! I pray God to fend Mrs. T a fafe delivery. My wife is as well as can be expeded. Both defcending in order, to afcend Where fin and pain and firrow ceafe^ And all is calm and joy and peace, I add one more hallelujah ; and mud haften to fubfcrlbe myfelf, my dear friend, Lefs than the leaft of all, G, TV, LETTER MCCCXC. To Mr. R-^— K n. My very dear Friend^ Edinburgh^ July 9, 1768. GOD be praifed that all is fo well at London. Every thing goes on better and better here. But I am fo worn dov/n by preaching abroad, and by talking at home almoft all the day long, that I have determined, God willing, to fet off for London next Tuefday noon. I fnall mind all you fay. You have aded quite right. As you do not mention my wife, I fuppofe (he is out of town. God prepare you and yours for whatever he hath prepared for you, and fupport you under your prefent and impending trial. Company prevents my en- larging. Thus it is continually. Grace ! grace 1 Hoping to fee you foon, with tender love to all, I beg leave to fub- fcrlbe myfelf, my dear friend. Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. G. TV. ^ LETTER MCGCXCL To Mr. J--fs. Dear Mr. J—fs, London, Jug. 16, 1768. BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath fo mercifully preferved you in your go- ing out and coming in, and caufed 3/ou to triumph in every place ! You may continue your gofpei range, till Mr.^- ds leaves London j then we muft think of Winter quarters. Let us I work LETTERS. 373 v/ork whilft it is day. The late very unexpc(5lccl breach, is a fre{h proof that the night foon cometh when no man can work *. Pray where may I find that grand promife made to Abraham after Sarah's death ? May it be fulfilled in you, whilft your Sarah is yet alive I Sweet bereavements, when God himfelf fills up the chafm ! Through mercy I find ic fo. Adieu. Tender love to all. Brethren, pray for us. I fuppofe I muft dire6l to brother Ada?7is at Rodborough. He expeds you there. That you may be owned in every place more and more, heartily prays, my dear man. Yours, &c. 5:c. in our Jesus, G, TV, LETTER MCCCXCir. To Mr. R K 72. My dear Friend^ Trevekka^ Jug. 26, 176^. IHave had the return of my old diforder ; but bleficd be God, I am ftrengthened to preach the unfearchable riches of Jesus Christ. We reached Gloucejier on Monday^ and came hither on TVedneJday afternoon. All we have met with exceeds defcription. Early next Monday I purpofe to fet olF for Briftol^ and foon after fhall return to London, Brethren, pray for us. I believe you do^ for God is with us of a. truth. I hope you and yours are fupported. The Redeemer is a prefent help in every time of need. Cordial refpedls await all that love him in fincerity, Mr. L d and a Londonner left us to-day. I hope Mr. P d and B s make all pofiible difpatch. God fend dear Mr. H y a good pafTage and fafe feturn! Amen! Amen! Lord, quicken my tardy pace f Ever yours, &c, in Jesus, G. JV., * Mr. Wlntejield\ wife dieJ Augujl 9th, Aa 3 LETTER ^;4 LETTER S. LETTER MCCCXCIII. To the Same. My very ^ear Friend^ Brijiol^ Augiijl 30, 1768. WHAT we have feen and felt at the college is unfpeak- able. Through mercy laft night we came hither. My diforder has returned. This may haften me up: or ra- ther haften me to heaven, I hope your daughter will have it revealed in her before fhe goes hence. That is all in all. Is there any thing too hard for the Lord ? Surely^ 0 GoD, thy grace h free ^ For^ 0 my God, it found out me ! In a day's time my rout m?.y be determined. P ^^, &c, muft make hafte. Captain J—fs comes up at the appointed time. Hearty love awaits dear Mr. £— — — f, &c. &c. &c, Ceafe not to pray for, my very dear friend, Yours, &c. &c. in Jjsus, G. W. P. S. Since writing the above I received yours. I find the threatctncd blow is given. I hope both are enabled to fay, ^' The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away : and blefied be the name of the Lord." Be plcafed to fend what letters you have for me, and accept thefe few lines of condolance from, my dear Sir, Yours, kc. kc, in an ^ll-compaflionfite Jesus, G. JK LETT E R MCCCXCIV. To Mr, D- — -n, J^ondon^ Sept, i, 1768- 7i/Iy very dear Mr. t> ;;, I Was exceeding glad to find, by your lad kind favour, that you and Mrs. D n thought of deferring your embark- ation for England till the Spring. You wili then fe^ the new- 7 ^orner| LETTERS. o^'^s comers quite fettled, and I v^ifli I could add, fee alfo yaur reafons for leaving Bcthefcia but of little weight. I know your mind. Would to God your dear yoke-fellow was like-minded. She will certainly be fo very foon after her arrival in her na- tive country : but I would not grieve her. God blefs you both ! BroivnbiiFs fituation 1 much approve of. Poor Pester often engages my thoughts. It pleafes me to find that he goes on w^ell ; but I want to have him fettled. If not likely to make a fcholar, or be in fome good (tation in the houfe, I wifh he was put out to fome proper bufincfs. Not one prize as yet among all the young relations I have endeavoured to provide for. Father, not my but thy fovereign will be done ! I wifh you could enquire what is become of , fent over with Mr. JVooldridge^ Provoft-Marfhall at Augujllne. You may guefs that I long to fee the accompts. I doubt not of their being quite compleat. Could you not fend me a du- plicate before your intended embarkation, it would be very acceptable for many reafons. All your dear relations on this fide the water are well. My neareft relation hath been quite well above a month. Mr. JVLiddletcn hath foon followed after. His wife died a few weeks before him. They are happy now^ and we Soon their happinefs Jhall fee . Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Come, Lord, come ! Praying ftill that, if it be the divine will, you may be conftrained to abide at Bethefday I fubfcribc myfelf, dear and faithful friends, Yours, ^cc. &c. c^c. G. JK LETTER MGCCXCV. To Mr, S S-. . Jlly very dear Frund^ London, Sept. 6, 1768. WHY fhould not one Invalid write to another ? What if we {hould meet in our way to heaven unembodied, and confequently freed from every thing that at prefent weighs down our precious and immortal fouls ? But perhaps we are yet to fojourn a little longer on earth. For thefe two days paft, I have been unable almoft to write. To-day I am what they A a 4. call 37^ LETTER S. Cali better, and muft improve my firft ftrengeh in fending ^ few lines to him whom I dearly love in the bowels of Jesus Christ. • May they find you and your dear partner leaning on his boibm, who alone is able to bring out of every wilder- pefs. Neither are forgotten before his throne. Though ab- fent in body, I am prefent in fpirit. Accept of love and fym- pathy unfeigned. I am perfuaded you are not unmindful of, very dear friend^ Lefs than the leail of all, G. W, LETTER MCCCXCVI. To Mr. R- K- n. My dear Slr^ London^ Sept. 19, 1 768. I Approve very much of Mr. Brookjha-nk's motion, efpecially as dear Mr. Middkton is gone. His burying is fixed for Ji'ednejday evening. Would you choofe (with fome other friends to whom I fhall write) to condcfcend to be a pall- bearer. The conference to fellow the children as mourners. The children to be fent for in my carriage, and fit with the pall- bearers in my parlour. All to be invited that have a mind to follow in mourning. The corpfe to be brought privately to Tabernacle on Tuefday night. I mufl: away, for fear of the evening air. I fhould be glad to fee you at Tcttenham-Ccurt to-morrow afternoon. By that time, I fnall know Dr C—— r*'s anfwer to Mr. Middlcicn^s daughter's letter. By which we fliall judge the better how to acl, in regard to opening the intended ■fpbfcription for the benefit of his fatherlefs children. Blefled be God, I am better, but am ordered to decline preaching, God's will be done ! Pray let Mrs. K ri make {ytQ at Tabernacle-houfe as ufual. God blefs you both ! God give me patience to wait till my change comes! I am, my dear friend, Yours moil afFcif^ionately in cur glorious Emvianuel, G. IF, L £ T^ LETTERS. 377 LETTER MCCCXCVII. To Mr. S S . My very dear Friend^ London, Sept. 26, 176^. BLESSED be God for the art of writing/ ! blefTed be God for feill to read and underfland what is written ! Thus we undcrftand each other, though at a thoufand miles diftance ; thus I underftand, and by underflanding learn to fympathize with my dear fcllovz-fufferer Mr. S . This is my comfort, that underneath him arc the almighty Redeemer's everlafting arms. Therefore, being the beloved of the Lord, he muft dwell in fafety. Though prevented by the weather from uGng or drinking the Ranijgate waters, nothing can pre- vent his uling or drinking the waters of life freely. No, no : ill every true believer's heart the Holy Ghcft is a v/ell of v/atcr fpringing up to life eternal. Hence it is, that though he killeth, he maketh alive ; though he wounds, yet he heals. 7'hefc words I was enabled to feel and enlarge upon yePcerday morn- ing from my Tottenham-Court throne. For fome days the fiux of blood hath flopped entirely. Praife the Lgr»d, O my foul! Lord Jesus, if it be thy blefTed vi'ill, let me hear of the reco- very of my dear friend I MoFc cordial refpedts attend dear \\[xs. S . God blefs, fupport, and comfort her under her prefent circumftances. Mr. Middkton is now made perfe6lly whole- He was buried from the Tabernacle lafi: IVednejday evening, and a fubfcription is opened for his four orphans. In the midft of his torturing pains, being afked by his daughter ho';v he was, he anfwered, '-'• A heaven upon earth." Soon after- wards he fell afleep in Jesus. Li Kim I am, my very dear dear Sir, Yours, yours, Scc. Sec. in our never-failing Jesus, LETTER MCCCXCVHL To Mr. R K- n. My dear Mr. K ;?, BrifioJ^ Nov. J2, 1768. THROUGH infinite mercy we arrived here in due fea- fon. Lad night 1 hope the Redeemer manifcfled forth his glory. God willing, I flay till next Thurjday or Friday 378 LETTERS. mornin^. Friday evening, and the following SunJay^ I (hall preach at Bath, In three weeks expe6l to reach London^ ex- cept called before that period to rcfide at the New-Jernfakm, The pleafing profpec^ lies day and night open before me. On Mo7iday^ 1 fuppofe, dear Mr. H y fets out for Bath, All proper enquiry hath been made about his houfe. Particulars he will be acquainted with on his arrival. Pray for me. Be- ihefda lies upon my heart night and day. Something muft be determined fpeedily. As I truft my eye is Tingle, God will ailuredly direfl my goings in his way. Hitherto he hath helped : he will do fo to the end. Hallelujah} Hallelujah! God blefs you and yours ! Wonted cordial chriftian faluta- tions to all, who are fo kind as to be concerned for, and en- Quire after, my dear fteady friend, Lcfs than the leaft of all, G. JV. LETTER MCCCXCIX. To Mr, J—s. Ji^y very dear Tommy^ London^ Nov. 30, 1768. TEN thoufand thanks for your kind fympathy. Many thought i fhould not hold out from Bath to London, But I cannot as yet go to him whom, I truft, my foul loveth. Laft Sunday I creeped up to my gofpel throne : this evening the fame honour is to be conferred upon me. Why me, Lord? why me ? The prayers of God's people detain me here : for what end, the event only can difcover. To be tried, we may be allured. Mr. IV / is going with his brothers to Georgia^ in order to finifh the wings of the intended college, and repair the prefent buildings. I fuppofe they will fail in about a fartni<^ht. You will pray that Abrahams God may be my God and my guide unto death. He will, he will. 1 would beUrJe thy promife, LoRD 5 .Lord, kelp my unbelief. Cordial, m(A cordial refpe^s await your whole felf, and all vi^-K) a^e fo ki.3d as to enquire after, my very dear Tommy^ Lsis than the leaft of all, G. IF, L F, T.. LETTERS. 37? LETTER MCCCG. To W P , Ef^', London^ Dec, 14, 1768, HOW unexpe£ted a letter ! what a kind prefent ! Both came fafe to hand ; both call for moil: grateful acknow- ledgments. My poor prayers (hall follow them : may they enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth ! They will, they will. He is a God hearing prayer. You and yours know it ; otherwife how would you have been tranflated from darknefs to light I Marvellous, foul-transforming light I This, I trufl you prove by daily experience, palling from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord. Hence you increafe in boldnefs ; hence your readinefs to follow the Lamb whitherfoever he goeth, though it fhould be without the camp. Blefled be his name, for this honour conferred upon ill and hell-deferving me. This may make dear Mr. S / eafy, fhould I ever be called to ShrGpfoire, I love the open bracing air. Preaching within doors is apt to make us nervous, efpecially to crouded auditories. Thefe, I hope, he is blefied with. God make him a fuccefsful lifher of men ! I hope he and his are enabled to walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blamelefs. Blefled faving fruits of a living faith ! blefTed proofs of having our paft fins forgiven ! As for thofe to come, I dare not to mention their being forgiven, till committed. Moderate Cahi72ifm I take to be a medium between two ex- tremes. I fhould not choofe to ufe exprelTions that need an apology. This feems to be a blemifh in Dr. Caifp^ and other fupralapfarian writers. A word to the wife is enough. You will excufe this freedom, becaufe it proceeds from love un- feigned in, dear friend, Lefs than the Jeafl of all, G. IF; LETTER 280 LETTER Y BETTER MCCCCI. My dear Friend, London, Dec. 15, 1768. OU will fee the contents of my letter to Dr. E I have confidered the afFair of the pi6lure. Vv^hat think you ? A limner who lately drew me, and hung the picture up in the exhibition, aiks forty guineas for a copy. I fliall not mind him, but fend a buft taken feveral years ago. It Ihall be paid for here, and prefented as a token of my hearty, hearty love to the Orphan-houfe at Edinlurgh, and its never-to-be- forgotten friends. Nothing- but my diforder of body, God willing, fhall prevent my engagement in the plains of Philippi : But, I fear, that will be an obftrucSiion to fo long a journey. You cannot tell how low my late excurfion only to Brijiol 2nd Bath brought me. But I ferve a God who killeth and maketh alive. I v/ould leave future events to Him, and like you merchants improve the prefent Now : time is fliort ; eternity is endlefs. The Judge hath fent this awful meiTage, *' Behold, I come quickly." That we all may be ready to go forth to meet him, earneflly prays, my dear friend, Lefs than the lead of all, G. TV. LETTER MCCCCII. To Mr, T A ms. My very dear Tommy ^ London, Dec. 29, 1768. MANY thanks for your kind fympathctic congratulatory letter. Mr. Wright is gone, or rather lies yet in the Downs. He is gone to build for Him,' who fhed his precious heart's-blood for ill and hell-deferving me. Whether the un- worthy Founder lives or dies, Bethejda affair, I trufr, will now be compleatcd. Strange, that I am now living ! Fifty-four years old laft Tuefday, Gop be merciful to me a finner ! a flnnpr ! a fmner ! Lefs than the leaft of all, muft be my motto ftill. As fuch, continue to pray for me. That you and yours, and all the ele61: people of God around you, may in- creafe with all the increafe of God, continually prays, my very dear Tommys Ever yoursj ^x. 6cc. in our Jesus, G, JK L E T T E P>. LETTERS. 381 LETTER MCCCCIII. My dear Sir^ London, Jan. 13, 1769. WITH regret I fend the inclofed ; but alas ! they were borrowed. May the prayers put up for the writers, enter into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. They will, they will. And what then ? What then ? V/hy, they will turn out good foldiers of Jesus Christ. That this may be their happy lot, earneftiy prays, Lefs than the leaft of all, LETTER MCCCCIV. To Mr, C H y. My dear Sir^ London , Feb. 4, 1 769. I Hope this will find you fafe arrived at Bath, in your way to London. I thank God that matters have turned out no worfe at Ply?nouth. I fee more and more every day, that things and perfons are only what an all-wife, almighty Jesus is pleafed to make them. Happy, happy they that have their all in Him, who is indeed our All in All ! This, I believe, is your happy lot. Grace ! grace ! This may teach us to look to Jesus in all our concerns and motions. What his will may be concerning my voyage to Georgia, I know not. Ac prefent the cloud doth not move that way. But you may be aflured, it never entered my heart to think of embarking with- out fettling the minuteft matter to mutual fatisfadtion. But more of this when we meet. Lord, haflen our glorious meet^ ing in the kingdom of heaven. There fin andjlrife and for row ceafe^ And all is calm and joy and peace* I hope all is well in Green-Jlreet. Hearty love to all. All here fend greeting. A good time at Mercer s chapel. Grace ! grace ! I know you will join in faying Amen, with, my dear Sir, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. W. LETTER 3?2 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCCV. To Mr. S e. My dear Mr. 5 e^ London.^ Feb. 27, 1769. NOT want of love, but of leifure, hath prevented my making proper acknowledgments for your kind letter, and late publication. I think it is well written ; and I earneftly pray, that it may be blefled to many. One pafTage Teems ex- ceptionable, where you fay, " That all believers were origi- nally endowed with the extraoidinary gifts of the Holy Ghoft." The inftances urged to prove it, feem quite deficient. This is not written to find fault, but to prevent fault finding. That you may be much owned in every thing you undertake, and, with all the Chriftian Sheerncfs brethren, increafe with all the increafe of God, is the hearty prayer of, Lefs than the lead of all, G. IK ' P. S. BiefTed be God, the (bout of the King of kings is yet to be heard amongfl us. Grace I grace 1 LETTER MCCCCVL To Mr. A — -s. My very dear Tommy ^ London^ Alarch 11, 1769. YOUR confcioufnefs of my fettled friendfnip, will not permit you to interpret my filence to a want of love. How great that is, and on what a folid bafis it is founded, the great day will difcover. Through infinite mercy, 1 am en- abled to preach thrice a week, befides other occafional exer- cifes ; and indeed (O amazing condefcenfion !) the (bout of the iCing of kings is amongft us. After Eajler., I hope to make an elopement to Glouccjhrjhire., and fbme weftern parts. Could you, upon the receipt of this, go to BriJJoI ? Mr. B i muft come immediately to London. I feci the lofs of my rioht hand daily ; but right hands and right eyes muft be parted with for Him, who ordereth all things well. / WGuld believe thy provilf^. LoRD } 0 help my unbelief! Leaving LETTERS. 3Sj Leaving you to add a heart-felt Amsn^ I am, my very dear Tommyy Lefs than the leaft of all, C. IP". LETTER MCCCCVII. To Mr. and Mrs, D . My dear Fr lends ^ London y March ij, 1j6q. I Hope this will find you not only at, but fixed at Bethefda* Your brother James yederday told me, " He thought it beft." It is not a time to think of leaving a happy wildernefs now. There's more noife in great cities. I am every day, every hour, almoft every moment, thinking of and preparing for America, A pilgrim life to me is the fweetefl on this fide eternity. I am daily expecting Bethefda accompts. I am daily waiting for the kingdom of God. God blefs my poor ne- groes. I am always, my dear friends, YourSj &c. &c. in the Friend of all, G, W. LETTER MCCCCVIII. To Mr, A s. My very dear Tcmmy^ London^ March 31, I769» YOU will be glad to hear, that frequent preaching hath prevented writing. Through infinite mercy I have been enabled to preach four days fuccefTively, And indeed we have been favoured with a blefiTed pafibver fea- fon. All to make us fhout louder and louder, Grace f grace 1 I have fome thoughts of making Gkucejierfmre my firft excurfion : but at prefent the cloud abides over London. Lord Jesus, dire6l my goings in thy way ! The bocks will be fent. Mr. S e hath done as defired : I believe he o-oes to Bath next week. B -'s coming was, I think, of God. She feems happy in her prefent fituation. In heaven we fnall be perfectly (o. Till then, fome right hand or eye muft be cutting ofi^, and plucking out, and we fhall feel the fmart ani want of both. But all is well, becaufe all will end v.-ell. Halhkijah I HaJUhujah / Come, Lord, come ! I can now 11^ 3S4 LETTERS. no more. Adieu. God blefs you all ! Ceafe not to pray^ my very dear Tomtny^ for Lefs than the leafl of all, G. IK LETTER MCCCCIX. To the Reverend Air, S y. Reverend and very dear Sir, London, April r, 1769. HOW much am I obliged to you, for your two kind letters, and more efpecially for the repeated offers of your minifterial alTiftance. They will be moft gratefully ac- cepted, and I humbiy hope remarkably fucceeded, by Hini who hath promifed to be with us always even to the end of the world. Bleffed be his name, we have been favoured with delightful paflbver fealls. The diout of the King of kings is fl:i]l heard in the midft of our MethodiiT: camps ; and the mout of Grace, grace ! refounds from many quarters. Our al- iTiighty Jesus knows how to build his temple in troublous times. His work profpers in the hands of the ele£l Countefs, who is now gone to Bath, much recovered from her late in- difpofition. Worthy Lady F y propofes foon to follow^, in order to fcfide there. Some more coronets, I hear, are likely to be laid at the Redeemer's feet. They glitter gloriouily when fet in, and furrounded with a crown of thorns. SuhjeSis of the Lord, be bold; Jesus will his kingdom hold : JVheeh encircling wheels miifl run^ Each in courfe to bring it on. I know who joins in crying. Hallelujah I Even a Waller, a Harriot, both heirs of the grace of life. That the Spirit of Christ and of glory may abide and reft upon them here, and that they may (bine with difiinguifhed luflre in his heavenly kingi^om hereafter, mod earneftly prays, Lefs ih-an the leaft of all, J.ETTER LETTERS. sfej LETTER MCCCCX. To Mr, R K-^—n. My dear Friend, Bath, Jpri/ iS, 1 769. HITHERTO God hath helpeJ us. A good opening at Chippenham. A precious feafon here on Sunday morn- ing. This evening T am to preach again. To-morrow, GoD willing, 1 fhall fet out for Brijiol, and return hither on Satw^ day morning. I hope to write to Mr. tV r, by to-morrow's or Thurfday's poft. I thank him for his pun6lual fending the papers. 1 find by them, who is dead, and by this time buried in Saint S ns chapel. The qucilion iSj whether there will be a refurredion, or what will be the confequence? Whatever it be, this is our confolation, " the Lord reigneth. Blefled be the God of our falvation I" I hope this will find dear Mr, E s proclaiming it with abundant fuccefs, Tender love td him and to all. Surely they will not ceafe to pray for, Lefs than the leaft of allj G, n^. Letter mccccxi. ro Mr. W hy. My dear Mr. W hy^ Brijlol, Jpril 2S, 176^. ISuppofe you have heard, that all arrived fafe at Georgia^ February 26. The very moment they caft anchor, fifteen tniles from Savannah^ an opportunity offered to fend a few lineSo This is the reafon no other letters are yet come. More may be expected daily; Be fo good as to fend a line of information to Ej/ex. I believe an opportunity will foon prefent, to write by the (hip bound for Savannah. My packet is to come up early next week. We finifh at Baih next Sunday. About a week more I flay in Brijioly or thereabouts. Good feafons every where. What a mercy, that v/hile the potfherds of the earth aire dafhing each other in pieces, the great Head of the church is building up his fpiritual Jemfalem ! That you and your^ Inay be daily built up in the mod holy faith, earneflly prays, Lefs than the leafl of all, G. W. VdL. III. ^Bb LET^ 29 386 LETTER S; -^ ^ LETTER MCCCCXII. To Mr. R A' w, My dear old Friend^ Brijlol^ May i^^ I'jGq. THIS evening we are to have a love feaft; yefterday had a good field preaching at King/wood. The night before I preRched here. God willing, to-morrow here again. Sunday rrforning at Bradford. Monday at Frame. Then Cbippenhamy and other parts of Gloucejlerflnre. I defigncd to go to Plymouth^ but I have fuch a cold, and the weather begins to be fo warm, that I know not how the iflue will be. Hitherto, blefled be God, we have had golden feafons. A letter may be fent by Saturday's poft, to Mr. B j, at Fro?ne. I hope all conti- nues to go on well. Brethren, pray for us ! I fent fome letters for Georgia^ to the care of Mr. TF hy^ but have heard no- thing from him. I wifh you would write one line to my humble friend, and tell him he is enquired after every where, and all are glad to hear of his fafe arrival. Grace! grace! That all may profper both in foul and body, earneftly prays, my dear old friend, Lefs than the leaft of all, G.W. LETTER MCCCCXIII. To the Same, My dear Friend^ Frome^ May 8, 1769. MANY thanks for your kind letter. A blefied day yef- terday in Bradford church. A blefled day here in the fields ; thoufands attended, all more than folemn. Mrs. M re I hope was touched at Beiih laft Tuefday fevennight. Glorious profpe£l in thefe parts. Grace ! grace ! I am now going to Chippenham., Cajilecomb^ DurJIey^ Rodborough^ Painf wick, Glouceji'er, Chentlenam, in my way to London. The weft circuit muft be deferred, on account of the opening the chapel at Tunbridge. I am eafy about London, being {o well fupplied. God blefs you all ! All fend cordial refpecSls. TV- j's inad- vertencies grieve me. You will be punctual, I hope to anfwer Captain J s in a pofc or two. Love and thanks to Mr. L fe T t E R S. ^S; £'-y— X. Lord profper the gofpel plough ! Adieu, I muft away. Ceafe not to pray for, my dear Sir, Yours, &c. in Jesus, G. m LETTER MCCCCXIV. To Mr, J s, Rodborough^ May ii, 1769. ip BENEZER, Ebenezer! Through infinite mercy, Ijufi now arrived here. Blefled feafons at Chippenham^ Cajlle- €omh and Durjley^ in our way from Frome. Have been enabled to preach five times this week. It is good to go into the higl^- ways and hedges. Field-preaching, field- preaching for ever! Cannot yet determine what courfe to fteer next. At prefent a very heavy cold lies upon me. Jesus's warm love more than makes amends for all. God fill all your dear fouls v/ith it ! I am eafy, as you go on well in London, God blefs you all. By Saturday's poft you may know further concerning, my dear Captain, Lefs than the leaft of all, LETTER MCCCCXV. To Mr. T A—'-ms. My very dear old Friend^ London^ May 18, 1 7 69. ON Monday evening we reached Letchlade^ on Tuefdaj Maidenhead^ on TVednefday about noon, through infinite mercy, we got fafe to town. Eher.ezer^ Ebenezer! My cold is about the fame as when we parted. But who knows what the Father of mercies may do for lefs than the leaft of all his children, by next Lord's-day morning ? Perhaps we may be: favoured with another Rodborough pentecoft. Never was that place fo endeared to me, as at this laft vifit. Old friends, old gofpel wine^ and the great Governor ordering to fill to the brim ! 0 to grace what mighty debtors ! he. &c. I fuppofe you will fing that hymn foon ; and if we fiiould die in finging it ^ What then ? Why then, welcome, welcome B b 2 eternity 1 388 LETTERS. eternity ! God blefs yoa all ! Yefterday I favv your fifler y s comforted under her trial. I fee, v/hether married or fingle, thorns in the ilefh we muft have. But Chrtst's grace will be fufncient for us. Hallelujah/ Hallelujah/ Bretbr-.in, pray for us. Cordial rcfpeds to Mrs. J j; 1 think her name is Phcbe. I hope to fend a few lines to Mrs. R. s and Mrs. H r very foon ; in the mean while entreat them, and all like-minded, to accept mod grateful acknowledgments, and mod cordial refpecis, and be affured of being always remem- bered in the poor prayers of, my very dear To?nm)\ Lefs than the leaft of all, G,IV, LETTER MCCCCXVI. To Mr. S S My very dear Friend^ Lcndon^ May 26, 1 7 69. HOW did I fend all over Bath^ to enquire for you and yours ! How have I fmce prayed, that your prefent ufe of the baths may be blelTed to the recovery of your valuable health, and your foul fweetly refrefhed with drinking the waters of life freely! Both thefe things, I hope you do and will experience fully. However it may be on earth, glory, glory be to free grace ! we are aflured that we fhall have a perfe(St confummation of blifs, both in body and foul, in heaven. Jesus, thou fon oi David/ Jesus, thou Son of God ! Jesus, thou God over all, God blefled for evermore ! give us patience to wait till this wiflied-for time fhall come ! I fuppofe you have heard of my hoarfcnefs, gotten, through mercy, in the highways and hedges. A delightful fpring cam- paign. Many, I truft, were compelled to come in. Such news will gladden you, becaufe it gladdens the angels which are in heaven. With regret I muft fhorten this. I fhall fend to know how you both do. God only knows, how you are beloved and remembered by, my very dear friends. Yours, &c. in Jesus. LETTER LETTERS. 389 LETTER MCCCCXVII. To the Same. My very dear old Friend, London^ June 10, 1769. HOW (:hd was 1 to find, that you could write fo long a letter I Who knows but the v/ithered hand may be yet ftretched out? "Abba, Father!" all things are poflible with thee! Grant it, if it be thy blefled will, for Jesus Christ's fake ! This leaves me a little recovering from my late indifpo- fition, confequently it leaves me finging, " He will not always be chiding, neither will he keep his anger for ever." How truly, how incomparably great, will thefe loving corre6lions make us in a future fcate ? Then (hall we fmg without for- rowing, O happy ^ happy rod. That brought us hither to cur God ! In patience, therefore, may we pofiefs our fouls I Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. God be praifed, that your dear nurfe and yoke-fellow holds out fo well. Mr. M- s tells me fhe is brave. Mr. D n dines with me, at his houfe, on Friday, both will then be remem- bered. The covenant of grace was made from eternity. Hal- lelujah, Hallelujah! Come Lord, come! Ever yours, 6cc. &c. in our Jesus, G. IV. LETTER MCCCCXVni. To Mr. R K n. My very dear Friend, London, July 29, 1769. I Thank you for your intended benefaction. Our Lord will write himfelf your debtor for it. His intereft is pretty good, '* a hundred fold.'* A hundred fold ! what can the moft avari- cious trader defire more ? It comes very opportunely -, for in looking over my Georgia letters this morning, I find Mr. Dixon defires me to purchafe negro cloth, and ofnabrigs for the ne- groes, in London -, it will be a great faving, and render double fervice to my dear orphan family. In about a month or five weeks I hope to fet fail. I long for your return, wifh you B b 3 could 390 LETTERS. could fhorten your Scarborough expedition. I want to confult you in many things; and in particular, to have proper writings drawn up, empowering you, as my attorney, to a6i: in all things as if I was prefent. O that you mgy have the prefence of our great Advocate, to guide, guard, and protect you in journey- ing ! May he be a wall of fire round about you, and be your wifdom, righteoufnefs, fandlification, and all in all ! My hearty love to Mr. E- ds, Mr. G //;, Mr. A ge^ kc. &c. That the Lord may richly reward you for all your difmterefled labours of love, and blefs you and yours in time and eternity, is the conftant prayer of, my dear dear friend. Yours moft afFedionately in an unchangeable Jesus, G. W' J. E T T E R MCCCCXIX. To Mr, B -J. M^ dear Sir, London, July 30, 1769. OLD friendfhip and love embolden rne to fend thefe few lines. BlefTed be God! the orphan-houfe affairs go ori well, and a lafting ample foundation is now laid, for the future fupport and education of both rich and poor. Perhaps provi- dence may call me to Georgia this fall. Could you prefent the infant inftitution with a book or two of maps, or copies, or copper- plates, as you fhall judge moft proper? Sheet map^ will not do in that hot climate. I (hould alfo be glad of fome inaps, {hewing the dilFerent coaftings, &c. for my own amufe- ment when on board. Glory be to God, all fublunary coaft- ings will foon be over. Yet a little while, and we fhall get into an eternal harbour. Jesus is the way, Jesus is our pilot. To his almighty never-failing guidance and grace, I moft ear- peftly commit you, and all your near and dear connedions^ as being, my dear old friend, Yours, &c. &c. &c. ^c. in our common fvORo, G. IV. P. S. If the motion is not approved of, filence ftiall ferve fpr ^n anfweFc , LETTER letters: 391 LETTER MCCCCXX. To Mr, J s. My dear Crtptahi, Tottenham-Court^ Jug. 9, 1769, MY laft to , will make you guefs that my hands and heart are full. Laft night I went on board the Friend- fiip ; the Captain is to dine with me to-morrow. I expe£l to fail the firft week in Septhnber at furtheft. You muft be theri in town. Mr. Brookjhants (if Mr. K n does not come) will fupply your place. I hope all things will be fettled on a right plan. You may be aflured of my having, under God, the greateft confidence in you. I only wifti fome means may be found out to fave the late great expence of coach hire. It hath mounted very high. But more of this when we meet. BleiTed be God for fmiling on your labours. This is the way ; you need not be exhorted to continue to walk in it. God blefs you 1 God blefs you \ Mr. K n is expelled from his Torkjhlre tour on Saturday. All is well at home. Cordial love to all. Brethren, pray for us. With regret I am obliged to haften to fubfcribe myfelf, my dear man, Y'ours, yours, &c. &c. &c. in our never-failing Jesus, G, IK LETTER MCCCCXXI. To Mr. T A ms. My very dear Tommy London^ Aug. 19, 1769. TALK not of taking a perfonal leave. You know my make. Faul could ftand a whipping, but not a weeping farewel. My heart and hands are full. What a letter-night laft Thurfday evening! a night much to be remembered. Many- thanks for your intended prefent. In ten days I expecSl: to fail,^ God blefs you and yours ! God blefs all our never to be for- gotten Gloucejterjhire friends I I can no more. Adieu. Ceafe not to pray for, my very dear fteady old friend, Lefs than the leaft of all. B b 4 LET- 39^ LETTERS. LETTER MCCCCXXU. To Mr. J—fs, My very dear Man^ London^ Aug. 19, 1769. BLESSED, for ever blefled be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for caufing his word fo to run, and fa to be glorified in your hands. No wonder that yoi4 meet with a thorn in the flefh. ■ But we know who hath ifaid, " My grace is fufficient for thee." I have no objedion againft your circuit weilward. I believe it will be a blefifing to many fouls. In a few days I expect to hear that either Mr, D cy or S ;; will be in town. If fo, you may proceed ; if not, I muft beg you to be here at the time of my departure. Ten days, and then. What then ? You may guefs. GoDt blefs you and yours. God blefs all dear, chriftian, never-to- be-forgotten Brijiol friends. Lad Thurfday evening was a parting letter-night indeed. A night miich to be remembered, Vour flamitig letter was read. That Gop may make you flame more and more, till you are called to be a naming feraph In yonder heaven, earneflly prays, my very dear man, Lefs than the lead of all, G. W. LETTER MCCCCXXIIL To Mr, T A ms. On baafd the Friendjhip, Capt. Ball^ Sept. 5, i ^69. Six in the Morning, My very dear Tommy ^ ALTHOUGH I could not write to you whilil afhore, yet I muft drop you a few lines now I am come aboard, JuH: now we have taken up the anchor: and I trufl my anchor is cair within the veil, where the ground will never give way, ptherwiie, how fhould I have flood the fliock of parting, and put to fea at this time, or rather at thjs decline of life ? But our God can., and our God does renew both bodily and fpi- rittial ifrength. I have not been in better fpirits for fome years ; and I am perfuaded this voyage will be for the Re- deemer's glory, and the welfare of precious and immortal foi|ls. I arji ^(Tured \ fare tlie better for the prayers of my dear very LETTERS. 293 very dear Gkuceferjhtre friends. Our parting folemnlties have been exceedingly awful ; and I thank God for giving me the honour of taking my leave on Siir.day afternoon at Gravcfend market-place. O for this rambling u^ay of preaching till I die! If Mrs. // ker gets into harbour before me, fhe will be well off. Cordial refpe6ls await her, your wife, Mrs. R iSy and all the friends of Zjon. O England ! England! God preferve thee from and divert every threatening ftorm ! Follow, follow with your prayers, and afiure yourfelves of not being forgotten by, my very dear friends, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. IV. LETTER MCCCCXXIV, To Mrs. H ge. On hoard the Friendjhip^ Sept. 6, 1769. Dear Mrs. H ge^ REPEATED labours of love demand repeated acknow- ledgments. God blefs and reward you and your daughter ! I hope you both returned home laden with the grapes of the New-Jerufakm. Grave/end Bethels^ I truft, will not eafily be forgotten. I am fure you do not forget to pray for a very worthlefs v/orm : a worm, and no man ! And yet (Q amazing love !) Jesus, a never-failing, ever-loving, alto- gether-lovely Jesus, careth for and comforts him on every fide. Hitherto it feems like my firfl: voyage. Grace! grace! What hath God u-rcught ? With all thy mercies, glorious Emmanuel., deny not the mercy of a thankful heart ! Had I more humility, I fhculd be more thankful to God and man. But I once more bid you and yours farewel. Salute all dear friends as they come in your way, and tell them their pravers are apd will be hea|-d in behalf of, my dear Pv/Trs. // e^ Lefs than the leaft of all, G. IV. LlJTTEg -94 LETTERS, LETTER MCCCCXXVc To Mr. and Mrs. S n. On board the Friendjlnp^ Sept. 7, 1769. Dear Friends^ ^ /% CCEPT a line of grateful acknowledgment for all fa- ^x\. vours. I know it will find you bufy : and bufy, I be- lieve, for the Redeemer's glory. You, therefore, fhall and will profper. This comforts me in my prcfent gofpel enterprize. I am perfuaded it is of, from, and for Him who loved me, and cave himfelf for me, even ill and hell-deferving me. Glory be to his great name, I am comforted on every fide. Fine accom- modations. A civil Captain and paffengers. All willing to attend on divine worfhip, and to hear of religious things. Fraife the Lord, O my foul ! Faithful mother ff^ — ^, and all at Tabernacle, will be glad to hear of this. Pray defire iier to remember me in the kindeft manner to Mr* P //, Mr. and Mrs. T- r, Mr. and Mrs. B j, &c. &c. I remember parting tears. Jesus hath bottled them up. Bre- thren, pray and give thanks to Him, whofe mercy endureth for ever. I am brave as to my bodily health. Grace ! grace I God blefs you and yours, and all who are fo kind as to be concerned for, and enquire after, my dear old friends, Lefs than the leaft of all, G, W. LETTER MCCCCXXVI. To Mr. W hy. On hoard the Friend/hip^ Sept. 8, 1 769, Dear Mr. W——hy^ OThefe partings I Without a divine fupport they would be intolerable. But with that, we can even do this and every thing befides, which we are called to do or fufFer. You will be glad to hear that every thing turns out beyond expec- tation, as to bodily health, fliip accommodation, civility ©f paflengers, &c. I only want fomebody that hath a little more brains about me : but we muft have our huts in this try- ing- imperfciSt ftate. Say what we will, without thefe things ^e could ngt have our graces kept in ej^ercife. God preferve * 2, ■ , ' you I. E T T E R S. 395 you and all my religious friends, amidft the exercifes that I fear await them. Nothing lefs than an almighty power can preferve and keep them in a proper temper. Land-ftorms arc often moft dangerous. Tell all as they come in your way, that their prayers are heard. I ferve a God whofe mercy en- dureth for ever. Particular refpeds to Mr. H s^ Mr, B «j Mr. S J, Mr. fV e^ and all that accounted ic their privilege to afliil an unworthy worm : not forgetting poor mother E s. You would all be pleafed to fee how well I am. Grace I grace ! O the privilege and honour of leaving a lit- tle All, for a great unfailing All the ever-blefled God ! May you be kept unfpotted, that are called to abide by the fluff". You are furprizingly improved as to politenefs of behaviour: may the inward man be more than equally improved, and in- creafe with all the increafe of God day by day ! You will not fail to pray, that this may be alfo the happy cafe of, my dear ]VIr. IV— -y, Lefs than the leaft of all, LETTER MCCCCXXVII. To Mrs, M-. . On board the Friendjhlp^ Sept. 8, 1 769, THOUGH on the mighty waters, I muft not forget faithful friends that I have left behind. You, I am perfuaded, are one of thefe. I have tried you many years. God blefs you and yours I God guide and keep you in your new undertaking ! You are launching into a wide fea. May Jesus be your pilot ! He will, he will. He is the widow's hufband, and will therefore plead the widow's caufe. He is good to us on board. Praife Him, praife Him Vv'hofe mercy endureth for ever. Ceafe not to pray for, dear Mrs. M— — , Lefs than the leaft of all, G.W. LETTER 596 LETTERS. LETTER MCCCCXXVIII. To Mr. R K n. On hoard the FricndfDip^ Sept. 8. 1 769. My dear Jleady Fr'iendy T^BENEZER! Ebemzer I Hitherto the Lord helps. "^ All things are very commodious on board, and hitherto I am comforted on every fide. The Captain and palTengers are civil, willing to oblige, and ready to attend on divine u^orftiip. We have had contrary winds in our way to the Downs, but not violent. The young foldiers not yet Tick, though the (hip hath forne motion. 1 fcem to be now, as I was thirty years ago. Grace ! grace ! PraiTe the Lord, O my i.-ul ! The prayers of the dear Lcndoners are and will be heard. May the mercies bellowed upon us in anl\ver to their piaye , redound to thy glory, O my God ! The care of ir.y annual penuo..ers, with all money matters, I muil beg you to take wholly into your hands. O how little can I do for Him, who hath done and fufFertd fo much for me ! God b^ m-crciml to m.e a fm- Rcr ! Tender love to all. Ceafe not, ceafe not to pray for- wards, and to pray back again, my very dear Sir, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. IV. LETTER MCCCCXXIX. To Mr, and Mrs. F it. The Downs y en beard the Friendfiipy Sept. lo, 1769. My very dear Friends ^ AS we are now at our f.rft baiting-place, and I have been thinking of and praying for my tried, (leady, uniform friends, no wonder that you two came ibongly upon my mind. Accept cordial thanks for all favours, and add to my manifold obligations by praiftng Him, u'hofe mercy endureth for ever. He deals bountifully with us on board, and gives us a profpe£l of beirg comfortable with all about us. You are called to flay by, but blefied be GoD you are called to live above the fluff. A pilgrim life ]S my lot. I am more than content with it. I fhall have time enough to reft in heaven. This heaven is LETTERS. ' 397 is begun on earth. You know it, you knew it. Ere long the budding flower will be full blov;n. Aillidions, tempta- tions, ordinances, providences, will all concur to bring it to maturity. When this is done, death fhall tranfplant it to a better foil where it (hall never fade, but incrcafe in fragrance and beauty through the endlefs ages of eternity. But I muft not detain you. This is your bufy day. You have been ga* thering manna. A litile hath fallen round our floating camp. I know you wifli us a trading voyage. That you may fail into harbour with a very full and choice cargo of heavenly wares, with your top-gallant fails flying, and (houting from every quarter, Grace ! grace ! earneftly prays, my very dear friends, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. IF. P. S. Tell Mr. K — — n I was in hopes of one line by Sa- turday's pofl. We had a violent gale yefterday. One ihip we hear is gone. BleflTed be God we are all well. LETTER MCCCCXXX. To Mr, R K n. My very dear Friend, Deal^ Sept. 14, 1769- IT hath really given me fome concern, that notwithftand- ing I have v;ritten fo many letters, not a fmgle friend hath wrote at a venture, though if we had been failed, the letter might have been returned. The Captain hath been anfwered ; Winter hath been anfwered. But— all is well. For wife rea- fons we are detained in the Downs, Who knows but it may be to awaken fome fouls 2XDeal? A peculiar providence brought me here. Warm-hearted Dr. G m came on board to pay me a vifit, was Tick, lay in my (late room, and learnt more experimentally to pray for thofe who occupy their bufi- nefs in the great waters. Mr. B y of Ramfgate, and youn^ith this, be pleafed to communicate to all my real friends. You have certainly determined quite right in a late afFair. Every thing concurs to fhew me, that Bethefda affairs muft go on as yet in their old channel. A itw months may open ftrange fcenes. O for a fpirit of love and moderation on all fides, and on both fides the water ! I wifh fome books might be procured for our infant library. But more of this in my next. Letters may now be lent by way of Bojhn^ New- Yorky and Philadelphia. I fhould be glad to hear often, if it be but a line. In all probability I fiiall not return hither till November* Was ever any man bleft with fuch a fctt of fkil- ful, peaceful, laborious helpers ! O Bethefda^ my Bethel, my Peniel! My happinefs is inconceivable. A few hlindreds, befides what is already devoted, would finifh all, I do not in the kaft doubt. I have had nine or ten prizes lately. You know what I mean. Nine or ten orphans have been lately taken in. Hallelujah I hallelujah! Let Chapelj Tabernacle^ heaven, and earth, rebound with Hallelujah I I can no more. My heart is too big to fpeak or add more, than my old namej Lefs thao the leaft of all. D d 2 LET- 420 L E T T E R S, LETTER MCCCCLV. To Mr. and Mrs. S n. My ih-ar Friends y Betbrfda, April y^i^ 1770. LONG before now, I hope you have found, that I have not forgotten you or yo'-ir labours of love. This comes to inform you, that the Father of mercies huth not forgotten to be gracious to the chief of finners, and lefs than the lead of all faints. On the contrary, he daily loads us with his bene- fits. Bethcfda is a place, that the Lord doth and willblefs. Dear Mr. D — n and his wife, will inform you of particulars. Among other things, they will tell you of our new chapel. I have fent for fun.dries for its ufe and completion. O help me to praife Him, whofe loving kindnefs is better than life ! I hope your daughter grows in grace, and will become like unto one of the polifhed corners of the temple. That root and branch may increafe with all the increafe of God, mod ear- neftly prays, my very dear friends, Lefs than the leaf! of all, G. IV, LETTER MCCCCLVL To Mrs. H e. Dear ' Airs. H — — £>, Bethcjday April 21^ ^11^- NO fuch good news yet. Lefs than the Icaft of all,, is not drowned to this very day. Perhaps he may live to fee his London friends in England^ or at Bethefda. How would many rejoice to be in fuch a peaceful, commodious, and com- fortable habitation ! I cannot tell you half. BleiTed be God, I was never better, at this feafon of the year, in bodily health ; never more comfortable In my {c>u\. Grace I grace ! HalU- lujah! Praife the Lord! Mr. D — ^?, a faithful di fin terefted' friend, will acquaint you with particulars. He hath often heard me fpeak of Mrs. H — —e and her daughter Phebe. Stil! em- ployed in the old way. I am glad Mr. D- cy is under your roof. Put it all down to the old account. God blefs you all \ I am fure you pray for me at London. All join in fending cordial LETTERS. 421 coTclial refpe^ls. Happy Bethefda I Help, help in praifina; Him, whole mercy lupcrabounGeth to, dear Mrs. H e^ Leis than the leaft of all, G, n\ LETTER MCCCCLVII. To Mr, S S . D^^r Sir, Bcthefda, Jpril 2\, 1770* ALTHOUGH I have fcarce time to turn round, being juft (citing ofF for Phitaddphia, yet I mull drop a few lines to my old invariable fiiend. As I hear nothing to the contrarv, I iuppofe Jic is yet in this dyiiig world. Well ! fo that we die daily to ourfclves and the world, all is well, and fnall end well. This I am perfuaded is your happy cafe. In fome degree, I truft, it is mine. Would you think it? My bodily ftrcngth fecms to be renewed, and every thing at Bethtfda is in a moO: promifing way. Dear Mr. D — w, the hearer of this, mufi: be referred to for particulars. Never did I f'.end fuch a comfortable domeftic winter, as the laft. Never was a man blcfTed u^ith a better fct of fkilful, peaceful, laborious helpers. All is of grace, with which, that you, your dear yoke-fellow, and other connections, may be filled brimful, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear Sir, Lefs than the lead of all, G. JV. LETTER MCCCCLVII L To Mr. K n. Savannah , v^rzY 24, 177c, Five in the morning. My very dear Mr. K -n, I Am juft going into the boat, in order to embark for Phi- ladelphia. I hope the good wine was kept to the laft, on Sunday. Mr. D — n and his wife are to fail in about a fort- night. He is an honeft creature, and an excellent accomptant. I have written ftrongly in his behalf. He will bring a large packet, and is to have pounds of you, which I have given him as a prefent. I have alfo drawn on you for £. ; perhaps faall draw no more for fome time. This will prove a blcfk^d year for me at the day o^ judgment. Halle- Dd 3 lujah! 422 LETTERS. lujah! Come Lord, come! Mr. Robert W-^ — t hath here* with fent you a power of attorney, begging you would fettle his affairs in EJfex. He is worthy, for whom you fhould do this. A quiet, ingenious, good creature, and his wife an ex- cellent millrefs of the family. Such a fet of helpers I never met with. They will go on with the buildings, while I take my gofpel range to the northward. It is for thee, O Jesus, even for thee, thou never-failing Bethe/das GoD ! But I caa jno more at prefent, Hoping to write again foon from Phila" 4elphia^ and praying that all may increafe with all the increafe of God, I mufl haften to fubfcribe myfelf, my dear, dear Sir, Lefs th^n the leaft of all, LETTER MCCCCLIX. To Mr. R K—^n, My very dear Friend^ Philadelphia^ May Q, 1 7 70. THIS leaves me a two days inhabitant of Philadelphia^ I embarked at Savannah^ in the Georgia packet, on the 24th ult. and arrived here the 6th inftant. The evening fol- lowing, I was enabled to preach to a large auditory, and am to repeat the delightful tafic this evening. Pulpits, hearts, and ^ffedions, feem to be as open and enlarged tov^^ards me, as ever. Praife the Lord, O our fouls ! Whilft I am writing, perhaps Mr, D — ;z and his wife are ready to fail from Savan^ noh. By them you will receive a large packet concerning Be- ihefda. All is well, blefied be Gop, all is more than well there. As yet I have my old plan in view, to travel in thefe northern p^rts all fummer, and return late in the fall to (jeorgia. All the letters and packets came fafe. I believe you had befl: write by the Neiu-Tork packet. But letters diredcd either to New-York^ Bofton^ or this place, will reach qr be fent to me. Through infinite mercy, I ftill continue in good health, and more and more in love every day with a pilgrim life. God blefs you, and all my dc^r friends and hearers in the great metropolis. I know they pray for me. They are never forgotten day or night. That all may increafe witla all the increafe of Gqd, is the continual cry of, my very deaf fie^dy friend, JL-ef? than the leaft of all, G. W. i:, E T T E II LETTERS. 423 LETTER MCCCCLX. To the Same. My very dear Friend^ Philadelphia^ May 24, 1 770. I wrote to you by the laft New-York packet, as well as by Mr. D — «, who was to fail from Savannah the loth inftant. I have now been here near three weeks, and in about a week Hiore I purpofe to fet off for New-York in my way to Boflon. A wide and effedlual door, I truft, hath been opened in this city. People of all ranks flock as much as ever. Impreflions are made on many, and I truft they will abide. To all the epifcopal churches, as well as moft of the other places of wor- (hip, I have free accefs. My bodily health is preferved, and iiotwithflanding I preach tvv^ice on the Lord's-day, and three or four times a week befides, yet I am ratlicr better than I have been for many years. This is the Lord's doing. To this long-fuffering, never-failing Lord, be all the glory! Be pleafed to excufe my enlarging. Whilft I am itinerating, little Jeifure will be allowed for writing. The Nnv- York packet will be the beft opportunity for you. The particulars herein men- tioned, be fo good as to (end by the firft opportunity. I can no more at this time. Gqd willing, you will foon have an- other line from, my very dear fteady friend, Lefs than the Icaft of all, G. PV. LETTER MCCCCLXI. To the Same, Philadelphia^ June 1 4, 1 7 70. My very dear Jteady Friend^ THIS leaves me juft returned from a hundred and ^h^ miles circuit, in which, blefTed be God ! I have been enabled to preach every day. So many new as well as old doors are open, and fo many invitations fent from various quarters, that I knov/ not which way to turn myfelf. How- ever, at prefent I am bound to New-York^ and fo on further northward. Help me to praife Him whofe mercy endureih for ever. As yet I am enabled to ride and travel chearfully ; the heat not greater than yours in England. Expert to hear D d 4 further,^ 424 L E T T E R S. further^ as we go along. The fhip I find is going. Tender love to all. Ceafe not to ftir up all to perfevere in praying for, my very dear friend, Lefs than the leaft of all, G.W. LETTER MCCCCLXII. To the Same. My very dear Friend^ New-Tork^ June 30, 1 7 70. I Have been here juft a week. Have been enabled to preach four times, and am to repeat the delightful tafk this even- ing. Congregations are rather larger than ever. You will fee by the inclofed packet, what numerous invitations from every quarter I am daily receiving. Blefled be God, I have been ftrengthened to itinerate and preach daily for fome time. Next week I purpofe to go to Albany, From thence, perhaps, to the Onoida Indians. There is to be a very large Indian con- grefs; Mr. Kirkland accompanies me. He is a truly chriftian minifter, and miflionary. Every thing poiTible fhould be done to ftrengthen his hands and his heart. I fhall write, God willing, at my return. The letters dated February 22, with the packet of papers, I have received here from Charles-Town, The New-York packet is the fureft conveyance. Perhaps I may not fee Georgia till Chrijlnias. As yet, I keep to my in- tended plan, in refpe6t to my returning. Lord Jesus, dire6i iny goings in thy way ! The heat begins now to be a little intenfe j but through mercy I am enabled to be^ir up bravely. What a God do we {zw^ ! By this time I hope Mr. D — n and his wife are arrived. Hearty love to them, and to all who hnd it in their hearts to pray for, and enquire after, my mzx^ dear Sir, Lefs than the lead of all, G, FA LETTER MCCCCLXKL ro Mr. R— K n. My very dear Friend, Neiv-Tork^ y^b ^9' ^77^' SINCE my laft, and during this month, 1 have been above a five hundred nules circuit, and have been enabled to preach and travel through the heat every day. The congre- ^ gations LET 'T E R S. 425 gations have been very large, attentive, and affl-^^ed, particu- larly at Albany^ Schenccdadyy Great Barrington^ Norfolk^ Salis- bury^ Sharon^ Smithfield, Powkeepfy^ Fijhkill^ New Rumhurt^ Nezv Windfor^ 2.^^ Peckfliill. Laft night I returned hith?r, and hope to fet out for Bojion in two or three days. O what a new fcene of ufefulnefs is opening in various parts of this new world ! AH frefti work, where I have been. The divine influence hath been as at the firft. Invitations croud upon me both from minifters and people, from many, many quarters. A very peculiar providence led me lately to a place, where a horfe-flealer was executed. Thoufands attended. The poor criminal had fent me feveral letters, hearing I was in the country. The Sheriff allowed him to come and hear a fcrmon under an adjacent tree. Solemn, folemn! After being by him- ielf about an hour, I walked half a mile with him to the gallows. His heart had been foftened before my firft vifit. He jeemed full of folid divine confolations. An inftruftive walk. I Vv'ent up with him into the cart. He gave a fhort exhorta- tion. I then ftood upon the coffin, added, I truft, a word in feafon, prayed, gave the blefTmg, and took my leave. Effec- tual good, I hope, was done to the hearers and fpe6tators. Grace ! grace ! But I muft not enlarge. The Ship is going, and I keep at home to write this. O that you had only dropped a line by the Nezu-York packet ! That is convenient for all parts of the continent. My next may be from BoJlon. Pray excufe me to all; for travelling and preaching enti.rely prevent my writing as I v/ould. All are continually remem- bered by, my very dear friend, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. IF, LETTER MCCCCLXIV. To Mr, W 1. Dear Mr. TV /, Bofton^ Sept. IJ, 1770. I Am afraid, as Mr. E n mentioned your writing, that your letter hath mifcarried. But, blelTed be God! I find all was well ; only I want to know what things are wanted, that I might order them from Philadelphia, by Captain Souder, Fain would I contrive to come by him, but people are fo importunate for my ftay in thefe parts^ that I fear it will be impra(5ticable. 426 L E T ':r E R S, impracticable. Lord Jesus, dire«£l my goings in thy way ! He will, he will ! My God will fupply all my wants, ac- cording to the riches of his grace in Christ Jesus. By a letter, received laft nigiit from Mr. W y^ of July 5, I find that Mr. D n v/as arrived, Anderfon failed, and that all orders would be immediately complied with. Two or three evenings ago, I was taken in the night with a violent lax, attended with reaching and fhivering, fo that I was obliged to return from Newbury^ Szc, Sec. ; but, through in- finite mercy, I am reflored, and to-morrow morning hope to be^in to begin again. Never was the word received with greater eagernefs than now. All oppofition feems as it were for a while to ceafe. I find God's time is the beft. The feafon is critical as to outward circumftances. But when forts are given up, the Lord Jesus can appoint falvation for walls and for bulwarks ; he hath promifed to be a wall of fire round about his people. This comforts me concerning Bethefda^ though we fcould have a Spanijh war. You will be pleafed to bear I never was carried through the fummer's heat fo well ; I hope it hath been fo with you, and all my family. Hoping, ere long, to fee you, 1 mud: haften to fubfcribe my- felf, my dear Mr. W — -/, Yours, &c. &c. &c. G. m LETTER MCCCCLXV. To Mr. R K n. Port/mouthy New Hampjhire^ Sept. 2^, T-'J']^, My very dear Friend^ YOUR letters, o^ May 2 and 22, came to hand. New- York packet is always the furcft and mofl centrical me- dium of conveyance. Before I left Bofioji., on Friday after- noon, I left a large packet in the hands of a young man, who promifed to deliver it to you fafely. You and Mr. H y may perufe all, and comniunicate what you think proper. By this time I thought to be moving fouthward. But never was greater importunity ufed to detain me longer in thefe northern parts. Poor K'W-Eyigbnd is much to be pitied; BoJ}on people moft of all. How falfcly mifreprefented! What ^ mercy, thiit our chrlflian charier cannot be diiiblved ! Bleded 7 " ^c LETTERS. 427 fee God for an unchangeable Jesus ! You will fje, by the many invitations, what a door is opened for preaching his ^verlafting gofpel. I was fo ill on Friday^ that I could not preach, though thoufands were waiting to hear. Well, the day of releafe will fhortly come,* but it does not feem yet; for, by riding fixty miles, I am better, and hope to preach here to-morrow. I truft, my blefTed Mafter will accept of thefe poor efforts to ferve him. O for a warm heart ; O to ftand faft in the faith, to quit ourfelves like men, and be ftrong ! May this be the happy experience of you and yours ! I fup- pofe letters ar^ gone for me, in Anderfon^ to Georgia. If fpared fo long, I expert to fee it about Chrijlmas, Still pray and praife. I am fo pporly, and fo engaged when able to preach, that this muft apologize for not writing to more friends. It is quite impra6licable. Hoping to fee all dear friends about the time propofed, and earneftly defiring a continued intereft in all your prayers, I muft haften to fubfcribe myfelf, my dear, very dear Sir, Lefs than the leaft of all, G. W » Mr, WbiUj\eld^\^ the 30th, pNp of the Letters Th? [ 428 ] The following T.ettcrs, addrslTed by Mr. WhitcfieU to the in- habitants of Savannah^ as they difplay his afFfdlions to the people, among whom he went to miniffer, fo will be no unfuitable intrcdudtion to the Account of the Orphan-houfc. It may not be improper to obferve, that Mr. IlKh'itcfield's lirft arrival at Savannah^ was May 7, 17385 he laboured affiduoufly in that place,* and the neighbouring fettlements, till Auguji 28 following, and then went to South CaroUnay and embarked on board the Mary^ Captain Cae^ for England^ that he might receive priell's orders, for his further fervice to that people, and raife contributions for eredting an Orphan- houfe in the new colony at Georgia, which he f^iw was greatly wanted. To the Inhabitants of Savannah. Fy 07/1 en board the Mary ^ GoJ. 2, '73^' My good Friends, AS God has been pleafed to place you more efpecially under my care; fo whether abfent or prefent, I think it my duty to contribute my utmoft endeavours towards pro- moting the falvation of your precious and immortal fouls. For this end, and this only, God is my judge, came I amongft you ; for this end am I now parted from you for a feafon ; and for this end do I fend you this general epiftle. I love, I pray for, therefore do I write to you all without exception. But what fnall I write to you about? Why, of our common falvation, of that one thing needful, of that new birth in Christ Jesus, that inefiable change which muft pafs upon our hearts, before w'c can fee God, and of which you have heard me difcourfe fo often. Let this, this, my dear friends, be the end of all your actions. Have this continually in view, and you will never do amifs. The author of this blelTed change, is the Holy Gholl-. the third perfon in the eyer-blefled Trinity. The Father made, the Son redeemed, and the Holy Spirit is to fanclify, and (o apply Christ's redemption to our * See hi? letter from Sa^^annahi dated Jiuje \q, 1738. Vo\. I. p. 44' hearts. [ 429 ] hearts. The means to attain this Holy Spirit, you know, and the way you know; Sclf-demal, and the way cf the Crofs. "• IF any man will come after me (fays Jesus Christ) let him deny himfclf, and take up his crofs daily, and follow me." And, 1 cannot but think it a particular blciling, which you enjoy above others; becaufe you are in anew colony, where daily erodes muft neceflarily tall in your way. O then, I befeech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, make a virtue of nccclHty, and take up your daily croffes with refignation and thanklgiving. Another means to attain the Holy Spirit, is public vjorjhip : for Christ has promifed, " where two or three are gathered together in his name, there will he, by his Spirit, be in the midll of them." For your zeal in this particular, I have often blefTod God within my- felf, and made mention of It to others. O continue like- minded, and as in my prefencc, fo in my abfence, do not for- fake the aflembling yourfelves together in the houfe of God ; for there ycu will have the fcriptures read, though not ex- pounded ; and the Holy Spirit, if you apply to him, will open your underfiandings, and guide you into all truth. Many other means there are of attaining the Holy Ghoft, fuch as, reading the fcriptures^ — -jeer et prayer^ — jelf -examination^ and re~ cei'ving the hlefjed Sacrament \ — all which I would infifl: on, could they be comprifed in a letter. But this muft be deferred till I fee you in perfon, and am qualified to adminifter unto you the facred fymbols oi Christ's blelTed body and blood. In the mean while, think not that I (hall forget you in my prayers ; no, I /emember my promife, and whilft the winds and ftorms are blowing over me, I make fup- plication to God in your btlialf. Though abfent in bodr, I am prefent in fpirit, and joy in hopes of hearing of your zeal for the Lord. Remember, my dear friends, that for the fpace of near four months, I ceafed not, day and night, warning every one of you to repent and turn to God, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Repent you therefore, and walk in all things as becomcth the gofpel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and then, and then only, fhall your fins be blotted out. Finally, my brethren, be all of one mind. Let there be no divifions among you; for a kingdom divided againft itfclf carJnot ftar.d. Be over careful for nothing, but in C 430 ] in every thing, with fupplications and thankfgiving make your wants known unto God. Speak not evil one of another, brethren, but live at peace among yourfelves ; and the God ef peace {hall in all things direcSl and rule your hearts. Brethren, pray for us, that God would profper the works of his hands upon me, and reftore me to you as foon as poffible. In about eight months, God willing, I hope to fee you 3 ill the mean while, you fhall not be forgotten by Your afFeclionate, though unworthy minifter in Christ Jesus, To the Inhabitants of Savannah, My dear Friends y London^ y^w. 19, 1 739. THOUGH a woman may as foon forget her fucking child, yet, I fear, you have before this time thought, that I have forgotten you. But God forbid ! As I have told you often, (o I tell you again ; You are upon my heart, fd that I am ready to live and die with you ; and, God willing, as foo4i as my affairs are finifhed in England^ I fhall return to you ao-ain. The Tru flees have now appointed me minifler of .S^- vannah, and granted all I defired of them, fo that 1 have nO'* thing to do, but to watch over your fouls, that I may prefent you blamelefs at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be lledfaft therefore, my brethren, be unmoveable. Carefully at- tend to the words fpoken by your prefent Paftor, and ftrive to enter in at the fl:rait gate. Let love be without diffimulation. Let not flander fo much as be named amongft you, as be- cometh faints. Be not flothful in bufinefs; yet take heed that you are fervent in fpirit, ferving the Lord. Pray without ceafing. In everything give thanks j and alTure yourfelves, you are continually remembered by Your moil afFedlionate Paftor^ G. ^. P. S, My bufinefs in England detaining me longer than I expected, I have therefore written this to affure you, that I will return as foon as poffible.* * Mr. V/hiteJidd embarked for Avurkdt the .i—— oi Augufi following. AN [ 43' 3 A N ACCOUNT of the Orphan-House in Georgia. PREFACE. BEING now about to embark for Georgia^ I am will in*, before I go, to give the world a (hort account of the Orphan-Houfe eretSled there. I have, therefore, in the fol- lowing fliects, reprinted a continuation of an account publiflicd when I was laft at Edinburgh ; to which I have fubjoined fomt letters received fmce j and alfo an account of money received and difburfed fince the publication of that account : and in order to give the reader a view of this defign from its beginning, I have affixed my preface to the account I firft publifhed about two years ago. I commend it to God, May he give it hi^ bleffing I G. IK London^ Jan, 14, 1743. Bethejda^ Dec. 23, 1741. THE following {heets, to the beft of my knowledge, con- tain a faithful account of what money I have received, as alfo how I have difburfed it, for the ufe of the Orphan- Houfe in Georgia; I think, with a full alTurance of faith I may affirm, the Lord put it into my heart to build that houfe. It has prof- pered beyond expedation. It has already, and I hope will more and more anfwer its name, Bethefda, and be a Houfe of Mercy to the fouls and bodies of many people, both old and young. When [ 43^^ 3 ^ When 1 left England^ I propofed to take In only twenty children ; but when I arrived at Georgia^ I found fo many objedis of charity, befides the orphans, among poor people's children, that I refolved in this, as well as in all other refpec^s, to imitate Profeflbr Fraucky and make a provifion for their mainctnance alio. Two of the orphan boys were put out apprentices juft before I laft left Savannah', one to a bricklayer, the other was bound to a carpenter; a third is to be bound to the furgeon belong- ing to the Orphan-Houfe ; one weaves in a loom at home ; tv>70 I have put to a taylor I brought over, and the reft are now fitting thcmfelvts to be ufeful to the commonwealth. Whoever among them appear to be fan£lified, and have a good natural capacity, thefe, under God, I intend for the miniftry. None of the girls are put out as yet, but are taught fuch things as may make them ferviceable whenever they go abroad. Two or three of them fpin very well. Some of them knit, wafh, clean the houfc, get up the linen, and are taught houfe- wifery. All that are capable, are taught to few. And the little girls, as well as the boys, are employed in picking cot- ton. I think I have no lefs than three hundred and eighty- tv^o yards of cloth already in the houfe, and as much yarn fpun as will make near the fame quantity : a thing not known before in Georgia* I have now forty-nine children under my care, twenty-three Encrli/h^ ten Scots, four Dutch, five French, feven Americans* Twenty- two of thefe are fatherlefs and motherlefs, fixteen of them boys, and fix girls. The others are fome fatherlefs, and fome without mothers ; all objecls of charity except three, whofe friends recompenfe the Orphan-Houfe for their main- tenance. One of the orplians is an infant; I pay four fliil- lings p^r week for nurfing it. 'b'luce. December \z^, we have had above eighteen more children that have been maintained occafionally, to aflifi: their parents, but were difmifiTcd when they were wanted at home. I'he account which I find Mr. Seivard has given of our teconomy, has in a great meafure prevented my doing it as I intended. Let it fufHce to inform our benefaiiors, that though the children are taught to labour for the meat which perifheth, yet they are continually reminded to feek firji the kingdom of God I 433 li Gob and his righteoufnefs, and then to depend upon Gob'S bleffing on their honeft endeavours, for having food and rai- ment added unto them. This precept of our Lord, I intcndj when the houfe is finifticd, to have written over againft the entrance in at the great door. As my dcfign in founding the Orphan-Houfe was to build up fouls for God, I endeavour to preach chiefly to the chil- dren's hearts. But that they may be able to give a reafon of the hope that is in them, I conftantly inftru6t them by the Church of England's Articles, which I turn into catechetical queftions. I am often pleafed to hear how judicioufly fome will anfwer the queflions put to them. The power of God has been frequently vifible among the children. Many of the girls feem to be tender-hearted ; feveral of the boys have beeil under ftrong conviclions. And though it fometimes feems buried, yet I cannot but think the feed of grace is fown iii fome of their hearts. We are now all removed to Beihcfda. We live in the out-^ houfes at prefent^ but in lefs than two months, the great houf^ will be finifhed fo as to receive the whole family. It is now weather-boarded and fhingled, and a piazza of ten feet wide built all around it : which will be wonderfully- convenient in the heat of fummer. One part of the hou'e would have been entirely finifhed, had not the Spaniards lately- taken from us a fchooner loaded with ten thoufands bricks^ and a great deal of provifion, with one of our family. And therefore, I could not till very lately procure another boat to fetch brick from Charles-Town, • Notwithftanding this, and many other hindrances, the work has been carried on with great fuccefs and fpeed. There are no lefs than four framed houfes, a large ftable and cart- houfe, befide the great houfe. In that there will be fixteen commodious rooms, befides a large cellar of fixty feet long and forty wide. Near twenty acres of land are cleaired round about it, and a large road is made from Savannah to the Orphan- houfe, twelve miles in length : a thing, ever fince the province has been fettled, without a precedent. None but thofe upon the fpot can tell the ex pence, a3 well as inconvenience that attends building in Georgia. Moft of the bricks already ufed, cod 405. fterling/'^r thoufand, v/hen Vol. III. * E e lan^^<^'^ [ 434 ] landed at the plantation. Common labourers, befides their provifions, have 25J. fterling a month. And, after all, the the produce of the land cultivated by white fervants, will fcarcely furnifh them with ordinary food and raiment, exclu- five of the expences of ficknefs and wages. I cannot fee how it is pofTible for the Colony to fubfift on its prefent footing. And in a late memorial given in to the Honourable Truftees, unknown to me, the people have declared, that if it were not fcr the money that has been expended on account of the Or- phan-houfe, the poor inhabitants of the northern parts of the colony muft have been obliged to move to fome other place. Never did a country fland more in need of a charity-fchool. We have often been in fome difficulties, but the Lord as often hath relieved us out of them. When the fchooner was loft, a perfon lately converted, fent us eleven barrels of rice, and five barrels of beef. And in my abfence, when my fa- mily had little or no provifions, the Indians brought in plenty of deer, till they were fupplied with food fome other way. The contributions in Charles -Toivn^ Neiv- England ^ 'New-Tork^ and Penfuvaniay I think have been extraordinary. The infirmary, which has likewife been fupported by this inftitution, has been of great fervice. The furgeon informs me, that if every one had been forced to pay for their nurfing * and medicines, it would have coft them two hundred pounds, flerling. I have now three or four fick : I keep a woman to attend them conftantly. God has much blefled our family with health. Only two have died out of fo large a nun»ber, fince my arrival ; and thefe were two that came with me from England : a taylor, and one of the women : I believe they are now with God. I have left behind me, as my afiiftants, (who have no other gratuity than food and raiment) tv/o fchool-mafiers and theif wives who are fchool-miftrefiTes. One young man, who is alfo married to a young maiden, lately brought home to God, I have left at the Orphan-houfe, as fuperintendent, and chief manager of the outward things. There are aifo the furgeon and his wife, a fhoemaker and fpinftrefs ; befides labourers and monthly hired fervants : I think, in all, I have upwards of eighty. The Lord^ I am perfuaded^'is able and willing to provide for them, 1 think [ 435 ] I think we have near two hundred hogs, and one hundred head of cattle. I give a man forty pounds fterling, per annurriy to take x:are of them ; he providing himfelf vi^ith provifion, horfes, and a fervant. As yet we have had no advantage from our ftockj it being a very dry feafon lad fummer ; fo that our cattle of all kinds have fcarcely food to eat. But in a year or two, we hope, by the divine bleiTing, to have a confiderable quantity of frefti provifions for our family. As for manuring more land than the hired fervants and great boys can manage, it is impradicable wiihout a ^cvf ne- groes. It will in no wife anfwer the expence. I am now upwards of eight hundred pounds in debt, on the Orphan-houfe account. Some particular friends have been pleafed to affift me. I doubt not but our Lord will en- able me to pay them, and alfo raife up frclh fupplies for the maintenance of my large family. I much rejoice in the inftitution : it has been very beneficial, rot only to the bodies, but alio to the fouls ofrthe labourers. One woman received Christ very lately at Bethefda : and I have great reafon to believe, that three or four Grangers, who came to fee us, have been effe£tually broiight home to God. Great calumnies have been fpread abroad concerning our management of the children : people (hoot out their bitter arrows in America^ as well as in England. One poor man was filled with fuch refentment, at the reports he had heard of Dur cruelty to the children, that he came on purpofe froni South-Carolina^ to take away his two boys, whom out of com- paflion, I had taken into the Orphan-Houfe : but, when he came and faw the manner in which they were educated, he •was fo far from taking his children away, that he defired to tome and live at the Orphan-houfe himfelf. I fpeak not this by way of boafting, or to wipe nff reproach ; for I know, let me do what I will, I fliall never pleafe fome inen. I thought proper to give this fhort account, for the fa» tisfadion of thofe who have already contributed, and of others who may be fl:irred up by our good God, to contribute here- after towards carrying on this good defign. That the children may learn to be grateful, they frequently fing the following hymn for their benefadlo#s : E e 2 Father [ 43^ 1 I. Fcdher of Mercies, hear our prayers^ For thofe thai do us good ; Whofe love for us a place prepares^ And gives the orphans food, II. Tlnir miHs^ in hleffmgs on their heads ^ A thoufand fold rejlore ; O feed their fouls with living hread^ And let their cup run o'er, III. 7% bounty. Lord, in Christ built up^ Let them for ever prove : Stedfaji in faith, joyful thro' hope. And rooted deep in love, IV. For thofe, who kindly this fuppori^ A better houfe prepare : And when removd to thy blefs'd courts^ O let us meet them there. That they may always look to the rock from whence they are hewn, they fmg daily this hymn. I. Come let us join our GoTt to hlefs^ And praife him evermore ; nat Father of the fatherlefs^ That helper of the poor. II. Our dying parents us forfahy His mercy takes us up. Kindly vouchfafes his own to make^ And he becomes our hope. III. For us. He, in the wilderncfs, A table has prepared ; Us, whom his love delights to blefs, His providence to guards Known [ 437 ] IV. Known unto him ore all our wants^ And when ive feek his face ^ His open hand our bodies feeds ^ He feeds our fouls luith grace, V. Then let us in his fervice fpend. What we from Him receive ; And hack to Him zvhat he Jhall lend. In thanks and pmifes give. That they may learn to labour truly to get their own liv- ing, they fing as follows, before they go to work, I. Let us go forth ^ 'tis God'; command y Let us make hajle aivay. Offer /5 Christ our hearts and hands y IVe work for Christ to-day. II. When he vouchfafes our hands to ufe^ It makes our labour fweet. If any notv to work refufe^ Let not that fluggard eat. III. Who would mt do what God ordains^ And promifes to hlefs ? Who would not fcape the toils and pains Offinful idlenefs ? IV. In vain f^ Christ the fothful pray 5 We have not learn d him fo, ]Slo : for he calls himfelf the way^ And work'd himfelf below. V. Then let us in his footjleps tread ^ And gladly a£i our part \ On earth employ our hands and head. But fix on heaven our heart. E e 3 The [ 438 J The following hymn was compofed to be fung at the ad-^ miilion of a new child or children. I. jyelcome, dear hrethrenj whom we love ^ Bethefda this we call, A houfe of mercy may it prove To you ^ to us J to all! 11. What tho* our parents dear are dead^ Yet our great GoD provides. Qur bodies here are cloth' d and fed % Our fouls have chrijlian guides, ill. The heavenly manna^ day by day^ They freely do i?npart ; Let us not trifle time away f But lay it in our heart. IV. O let the love (?/ Christ conjirain ! Why fljould we need a rod ? Few e'er fuch bleffed means obtain Of leading them to GoD. Befides thefe hymns, they generally fing a grace before and after meat, and are taught fo to vary their exercifes, that they may not be cloyed by a too frequent repetition of the fame things on the one hand, and yet are kept in fuch a general method, that they may not learn to be defultory and fickle on the other. God only knows the concern that lies upon me on account of this family, not only in refpecSl to their bodily, but their fpiritual provifion. And therefore I hope all that wi(h well to %ion^ will help me with prayers, as well as their alms, that it may grow up a holy temple to the Lord, and be bleiTed ; that it may rightly be ftiled Pietas Georgienfis^ and like the Pieta^ Hallenfis., or Profeflbr Franck\ Orphan-Houfe at Glaucha^ near Hall^ become the joy of the whole earth. Even (o^ LoRO Jesus, Amcn^ and Amen, 9* ff' C 439 ] A Continuation of the Account of the Orphan-House in Georgia. Edinhurghy Sept. 14, 1 742. EVER fince the Lord has been pleafed to put me into the miniftry, it has been my conftant prayer to God, that I m\ghx. provide things honeft in the fight of all men. Not one part of my outward condudi, as 1 know of, hath pafled unobferved and uncenfured by fome wicked unreafonable men : but what feems to have given the greateft offence, and caufed the loudeft outcry, has been my making public colledions for an Orphan- Houfe in Georgia, Some indeed afHrm that there is no fuch thing. But how it could enter into the heart of any to fay fo, I ihould not have conceived, unlefs the fcripture had faid, the heart of man is dejperately ivicked. Somewhat more than a twelve- month ago, I printed an ac- count of the fituation and oeconom.y of the Orphan-Houfe, and what I was in arrears when I left Georgia^ January 1741. My chief defign now, is, to give a fhort account of the progrefs of the work fince, both as to our temporal and fpiritual con- cerns, fo far as lies in my power. The falvation of fouls is the chief thing I had in view, when God put it into my heart to build this houfe. I would then begin with that firfl. And here I would paufe a while, and acknowledge that \ am much indebted to the divine goodnefs, for what he has already done for many fouls, fmce its firft inftitution. I muft confefs, to the glory of God, it has far exceeded my expecta- tions. During the time I was among them, before ray going to, and after my return from, Philadelphia^ Bojion^ Sec, there were feveral remarkable awakenings amongft the children, and others, belonging to the houfe, much refembling the blefled awakening now at Camhujlang^ and other places in thefe king- £ 4 «lon^£ I [ 440 ] doms ; as will appear from confulting Tome of my latcft Jour^ nuls. Juft before I came laft away, the Lord was much amongft us ; at which time, a ycwng man, about twenty-one years of age, was converted, who fmce has been made a blefled inflrument of converting many poor negroes in South- Carolina, Several others zMo^ that came to pay us a vifit at the Orphan- Houfe, were really brought home to God, and now bring forth the fruits of the fpirit in their lives and converfations* How it has been with my family fince my departure, will befl appear by pubiifhing fome extracts frorn the letters which*have been fent me from time to time, fmce my departure. Mr. HaherJJoa?ny fuperintendent of the outward afralrs in the Orphan-Houfe, and who, I am perfuaded, loves the Lord Jesus in fmcerity, writes me thus : Bcihefda^ March 24, 1741. My dearejl Friend and Brother^ fTTMiE fpirit of the Lord feems to be moving upon A the faces of many fouls here j mofl:, if not all the boys, feem to be under fome concern ; little as well as great boys, cry mightily to Jesus the fon oi David^ to have mercy upon them. About fourteen days ago, at brother Barbtr% requeft, I fpoke to the children at evening prayer. My foul at that time was bowed down with a fenfe of my own, and efpe- cially of your poor lambs deadnefs to God; but our gracious Redeemer, who is always ready to help in time of need, was plea fed to give me power to fpealc to their confciences. I think I could and did juflly appeal to their hearts, that they wanted neither bodily or fpiritual food: I told them, that they, as well as myfclf, could not be infenfible what little care was taken of them before they came to us, and confequently how ungrate- ful they were not to improve fuch rneans as they now enjoyed: I befeeched them, by the mercies of God, that they would improve this their day of falvation, that we and our benefac- tors might rejoice , we in the work of our hands, they in the fruit of their bounty. An impreffion was made on fome; I pbferyed them the next day retire into the woods, to fing and pray together. Two nights afterwards, I fpoke to theni again, and as I promifed, fo I returned them my public th2,nks for thcii" [ 441 ] tiieir little amendment, with tears of love ant^ joy : I felt the Lord powerfully on my own foul, and it feemed to reach the children, and put them under a vifible concern. Ever fince, brother Barber has put the great boys into two companies, and they conflantly meet together every day to fmg and pray. Saturday^ the 2111 inftant, the prefence of the Lord came down among the children, little and great, as they were talk- ing among themfelves about eternity ; and they cried fo much to Jesus of Nazareth, to have mercy upon them, that the family foon heard them. We all went, faw, and wept over about twenty-five or thirty dear lambs, upon their knees be- fore God, fome pleading the promifes, and others callino- on Jesus. O how did my hard heart rejoice ! BlefTed be God, many of them feem to retain their convidions, and all are ferious. Does not your foul leap for joy, and fay, Blefs the Lord, O my friends, and let us magnify his name together \ Indeed, my dear brother, all the glory is due to him. Whilft I am writing, I blufh, that I fhould mention any thing about what I was only in a little meafure an inftrumcnt. Methinks I could wifti to difappear, that the creature might be abafed, and God be all in all. I have great hopes that God will bring fome efFe6lually to himfelf. The work feems to be more folld among them, and more the efFed of confideratlon, than that of laft fummer. I rejoice much, that the Lord fent brother Barber among us; for I have neither leifure nor ability to fpeak much to the children, and he feems to delight to watch over their fouls: I truft the Lord will make him a bleffing to us all; I think it will be our own fault if he is not. One or tv^o of the labourers, I hope, have clofed with Jesus for falvation j and one or two more are in a fair way to do fo. Mr. HaberJJmm^ in another Letter, writes thus from Charles-Town. A June II, 1741. . O ATAN rages furioufly againfl our Orphan-Houfe in KJ this province: fuch lies and calumnies are raifed againft us, that our few dear friends think it neceflary for me to reprefent the prefent ftate of the houfe. I have fmce been much in prayer, and believe God will dire6l me how to a6t. Some here, fmce you went away, have gone great lengths in aflerting [ 44^ ] averting calumnies, even (o as to ofFer to take oaths for the truth of them. Since I came, I went to them, to enquire what foundation they had for fuch reports ; and it would fur- prife you to fee their behaviour : they are aftiamed to lift up their faces. Thus fhall the wicked ftand dumb at the bar of God. I think I can fay, to the glory of God, that our family never was in a better condition. The children, the ejpnce of cur conjiitutlon^ are well taken care of, and watched over. We all live in love. God has been vifibly among us, efpecially with the children. Bcthefday as to its outward circumftances, is fo much for the better, that you would be furprifed to fee it. God enables us to keep up much order. He likewife (bleffed be his name) has given us the appearance of a plentiful crop. The garden and plantation now afford us many comfortable things, and in great plenty. Our ftores are yet well flocked with flour and beef, &c. Mr. JV behaves with great integrity, and is faithful in his work. The houfe would be foon finifhed, if we could get bricks. J. S, is ready to do all our bricklayers work gratis. Brother W is a great blelTmg to the family. If you come by way of Philadelphia, pray bring fome hemp and coarfe flax. He has weavcd and fpun a great deal for us. All the boys now lye in the great houfe. They have alfo coats, and lye in fheets of their own making : by this means they are kept fweet and clean. We have a fine growing flock of cattle; and if God fhould fo order it, that we fhould have a plantation in Carolina^ as I believe he will brinc»- to pafs, we fhall need but little, if any, afTiflance from abroad. If our building were now done, our expences would be but trifling to what they have been. Mr. Barber writes me thus. My dearly beloved Brother^ Bc\hefda, Sept, 4, 1741. NOT knowing but our Lord may have bufmefs for you at the northwarcf, and fend you thither before you returu to us ; I have fent you a few lines, to acquaint you with the prefent flate of your family. Many of us have been fick ; but, blefled be God, our ficknefs has not been unto death. O that it may be for the glory of God's name ! All of us are in good health at prefent, except James M /:?, who was taken with the flux a fevv' days ago, and B, HaverJ}?am^ who is much troi|blcd t 443 ] troubled with the worms. I wifh I could fay otir fouls were in as good health as our bodies are; but you may give thanks to the Lord, that he has made your houfe a houl'e of mercy indeed to fome. A few weeks ago, the Lord was pleafed eiFecStually to call Thomas TV- — h ; his converfion was very clear, and much to the fatisfadion of fome, efpecialiy to his good old father. Mr. K y^ our taylor, and his wife, have been wrought upon, I hope favingly, fmce they have been here : I am not without hope that fome of the children are likewife, and that the Lord in due time will convert more of them. I hope he is now fhewing us that the work is wholly of him ; that when, the day of his power, the time, the appointed time of his love is come, -we may be better pre- pared to give all the glory thereof to him. As to my felf, I muft confefs that I am a poor worthlefs inftrument, to be em- ployed in the work of the Lord ; but what (hall we fay, if the Lord is pleafed to make ufe of the foolifh to confound the wife ? I have, blefTed be God, had a little freedom given me lately to fpeak to your family ; but I want to have my heart more and more enlarged towards them, and to fpeak to them more and more in the demonftration of the Spirit, and with power. Who knows ? perhaps God defigns you fliould have the honour and happinefs of being the fpiritual father of many more in your family. May the Lord's will be done! I have alfo fome letters of a later date, which give an ac- count of the continuance of the Lord's prefence amongft them. As for the temporal affairs, blefTed be God, confidering the great difficulties we have laboured under, they alfo have fucceeded far beyond expe(Slation. Mr. Haherjlmm^ in a Letter dated March 24, 1741, writes thus ; AS we have got fo much land cleared, I intend to try to plant it : accordingly I have four or five hands, which, with our ov/n houftiold, will be fufficient to plant twenty acres or upwards with potatoes and rice for fodder next win- ter, having greatly fuftercd this, for want of it 3 likewife 7 corn [ 444 ] corn anu peafe, and other neceiTaries. Our garden Is in great forwardnefs : we are like to have a crop of Englijh peafe, God vifibly bleiTes us, fo that people are amazed. In a Letter, dated September i, 1741, he writes thus to a Gen- tleman in Neiv- England : of which Letter 1 had a copy. O ^UR affairs, blefied be God, have profpered far be- yond our expectation. We have feen, and do daily fee, much of God's fatherly care, in providing for and protecting us ; and though we have no v'lfible fund^ yet we doubt not, but he that has begun, will carry on and perfe£l his work againfl every oppofition. We have been plentifully fupplied all the fummer, while many about us lacked. Our building and neceflary conveniences, are now compleated. Our family now confifts of eighty-four perfons, men, women, and children, and nineteen more are employed about us, and five in the Infirmary : the latter have a docSlor and nurfe, and all other neceiTaries found them at the Orphan-houfe expence. We have fifty-eight children : thirty-two of them belong to the colony \ fix to Purijhurgh^ who are, I think, as great obr jecls of charity as any in Georgia ; and the reft belong to the neighbouring provinces, v;ho are orphans and objeds of cha- rity, except a few who are maintained at their friends and parents charge. We have a taylor and fhoemaker : likewife two weavers > each of them have got a loom, but we can em- ploy but one, fpinning here being extravagantly dear ; though we hope in a fhort time to fpin as much within ourfeives, as will greatly affift in cloathing the family. God bleffes our cattle ; we have upwards of an hundred head, fmall and great, and (hall be able in a year or two to kill a great quantity. Negroes not being allowed, and labour among us fo expenfive^ we can make but little improvement in farming. This year we have planted upwards of twenty acres, and have cleared twenty acres more for to enjoy the conveniency of the air ; and, blefied be God, though we have had a very dry feafon, yet we cannot complain, like many others, of a bad crop. Honoured Sir, you may now judge whether our defign be drawing near a period. What I have written is a plain im- partial narrative of our affairs, which our bitterefl enemies 2 wiU [ 445 ] will not pretend to gainfay. If any doubt it, I anfwer, as Philip did to Nathaniel, Come and fee. In a Letter, dated O^ober 2, 1741, he writes thus : — "|\ yfR* fVardrop and I have fettled, his contract being JLVX finifhed : he is about fome necefTary jobs now, and will leave us in a few days. Meflrs. Trip, Jnderfin, &c, are already gone : I owe them and Mr. Wardrop about feventy or eighty pounds. We are very quiet, and live at an eafy expence. We have had no fupplies fince you left us, of flefh or bread kind from abroad, except fome pork from Mr. 5 . No NeW'Tork veffels have come to this province of late. IVe live entirely within ourfehes, except a few neceffaries which we cannot do without, that we are obliged to purchafe elfewhere. Twice a day we eat hominy * of our own raifing, and at pre- fent without molafTes. For dinner, we eat beef of our own ftock, and peafe for bread, of all which we have plenty, and fhall have for three months to come. Our garden is very fruitful of greens, turneps, &c. and we expert a gooi crop of potatoes. In fhort, we have a fufEciency of wholefome food. Glory be to God, we daily fee our heavenly Father*s hand fupplying us in this wildernefs-land. O that we were more thankful ! I muft have calh, not only to pay debts, but alfo to buy clothing and many other neceflaries ; and I believe our God will give it to me. He is our fhepherd, therefore fhall wc lack nothing. I truft he has enabled us to pray in faith, no- thing doubting but he will fupply our every want. All here at prefent enjoy pretty good health. How thankful ought we to be ! The Lord feems to be fending his judgments abroad upon the earth. In Carolina and Savannah a murrain is among the cattle, which takes ofF great numbers : ours as yet have efcaped. Thanks be to God ! Indeed we are obliged to kill fome of them for immediate fupply. But what are all outward calamities, where God is ? * Indian corn boiled up thick \v\\\\ water..- A youn< [ 446 ] A young Gentleman of Bofton^ having made a vifit to the Or- phan-Houfe, fent the following account of it to his fatlier, which many have defired may be printed, for the fatisfadion of thofc who have already contributed to its fupport. Honoured Sir ^ Beihefda^ Jan. i, 1742. BEING fenfible of the many and falfe accounts induftrioufiy fpread abroad concerning this houfe in many places, ef- peciaily in New-England^ by thofe who are enemies to it3 Founder, and the caufe he is engaged in, which has certainly been a great hindrance to this worthy undertaking, as it has created even in its friends fome prejudices, which has hindered their contributing with that pleafure and freedom they other- wife would have done ; and as I am now upon the fpot, I think a few moments will not be ill fpent, in giving you a particular account of its prefent fituation, Vv'hich I fhall en- deavour to do in the moft juft and impartial manner, that you may have an opportunity of ferving the intereft in which your heart is fo much engaged. The Orphan-Houfe is pleafantly fituated, and, with the buildings belonging to it, prefents a much handfomer profpe£l than is given by the draught annexed to the public accounts. The rreat houfe is now almoft quite finilhed, and nothing has- hindered but the want of glafs, which they daily expe61: from Brijlol^ and fome bricks that are already at Stnvannah^ and are to carry up another ftack of chimnies, which would have been done before, if a vefTel that was bringing briek and other flores, had not been taken by the Spaniards, which was a great lofs. It is furprizing to fee in what forwardnefs things- are, confidering what hindrances they have had, and the fear- city of labourers in this province. They have cut a fine road to Savannah of twelve miles length, through t thicket of woods ; and, that it might be paflable, were obliged to make ten bridges and crofs-ways j which was done at no little charge. They have alfo cleared forty acres of land, twenty of which were planted the laft year, and brought them a to- lerable crop : the other twenty was for the benefit of the air. They have alfo a large garden ai the front of the houfe, brought into pretty good order. The [ 447 ] The Family now confifts of eighty perfons befides labourer?, who all contradi£l the wicked and falfe accounts of their be- ing ftarved and cruelly treated, by the lively and hearty coun- tenances they fhew. I have feldom feen fuch a goodly num- ber of youths together. Twenty-three of them are orphans ; others, that have loft one of their parents j one was born in the houfe ; and the reft are fit objects for chriftian charity. There are in all thirty-nine boys, and fifteeen girls. The number was larger fomt time paft : but feveral of the boys, that were well inftruiled, have been put to fuch trades as they inclined to ; and others, who were put here for their learning, are returned to their parents, who have handfomely paid the Houfe for their education. The care of this fociety at prefent is in the hands of a young gentleman from London^ who manages the fecular affairs thereof; and one from New-England^ who has the care of fouls as his particular charge. There are two fchool-mafters, who inftru6t the boys in reading and writing : and thofe that appear ferious, and of good capacities, are taught Latin, with a defign of fitting them for the miniftry, if they incline to it. Two fchool-miftrefTes, that teach the girls ; a furgeon and nurfe to attend the infirmary, in which many fick perfons, from divers parts, have been received, and always been cured gratis. Here are alfo feveral tradefmen ; a taylor, a joiner, a weaver, and a ftioemaker. The taylor has three boys to in^ ftru(Sl in his bufinefs. It is expeded that Mr. JVhitefield will increafe the number of craftfmen, when he returns from Envm gland. The ceconomy obferved here is as follows : The bell rings in the morning at fun-rife, to wake the family. When the children arife, they fing a fhort hymn, and pray by them- felves : then they go down and wafh; and by the time they have done that, the bell calls to public worftiip, when a portion of fcripture is read and expounded, a pfalm fung, and the exer- cife begun and ended with prayer. Then they breakfaft, and afterwards go fome to their trades, and the reft to their prayers and fchools. At noon, they all dine in the fame room, and have comfortable and wholefome diet provided. A hymn is fung before and after dinner : then, in about half an hour, to fchool again ; and between whiles find time enough for recre- ation. A little after fun-fet the bell calls to public duty again, which [ 448 ] which is performed in the fame manner as In the morning. After that they fup, and are attended to bed by one of their matters, who then pray with them, as they often do privately. On the fabbath-day they all dine on cold meat provided the day before, that none may be kept from public wprftiip, which is attended four times a day in fummer, and three in the winter. The children are kept to reading between whiles* Many have reported, that the place is very unhealthy : which I believe is quite otherwife, confidering it is a new fettlement : a remarkable proof of which is, that not one have died out of the family, (into which many fick and almoft ftarved chil- dren have been received, who have in a fiiort time recovered) and but three or four out of the hofpital, where many mifer* able objedls have been taken in. I believe many, who now think the creeling an Orphan-houfe in that colony a mad fcheme, would alter their fentiments were they here. Innu- merable difficulties have certainly been overcome ; but their affairs now look with a pleafant afpedt. If the colony is al^ lowed negroes, as it is thought it muft and will be, they canj with about twenty negroes to manure the plantation, which contains five hundred acres of land, raife much more provifion than a larger family than this can expend, having already a line live ftock, which is daily increafing ; fo that in a few years, it is to be hoped, they will be able to fupport themfelves. As to the (late of religion here, particularly among the chil- dren, the power of God has, at times, been vifible among them ; and many of them have been brought under convidion^ which feems lading in feme of the boys, and feveral of the girls : but moft of the grown folks appear to be truly con- verted 5 and many, who have come as vifitors, have been met with by the fovereign grace of God, and not fent empty away : may God grant I may make one of that number f Upon the whole, I think the inftitution to be of God : there- fore it doth and will profper. Since this came to my hand, I have received more letters from Georgia, dated in May and June laft, which alfo give me an account of the continuation of God's goodnefs to my dear family, Th«- C 449 ] The Reverend Dr. Cohnan^ in a letter he fent to a m'inifter near Glafgow^ part of which I find printed in a pamphlet en- tituled. The State of Religion in New-England^ writes thus : " Mr. Whitcficld vifited us in the right time, and found " large contributions here : I doubt not but he will faithfully *' apply what he collected for his Orphan-houfe : but I have *' faid to him, It will appear to me a greater wonder, if his *' faith is anfwered in that foundation, than that of Monfieur *' Franck\^ at Hall^ in PruJJia, was : the one being in the *' midft of Europe, the other on the confines of America. ""But " the order and piety of the houfe is admirable, and fo the *' progrefs of the fettlement, alone as it is in the world, by *' the report of all that have vifited it : but how it can fubfift '' and flourifh, and anfwer the Founder's end, is the enquiry *' here, and will be a marvel in the pruvidcnee of God, if « it do fo." The Reader may fee^by this, the Do(S^or's opinion of the Or- phan-houfe, and the teilimony given concerning it by perfons who have vifited it, and who therefore cannot be unacquainted with its fituation. They profefs, " The order of the houfe is admirable, and fo the progrefs of the fettlement, alone as it is in the world." How it can fubfift and flourifh for the fu- ture, I am not folicitous about : God can help us in Georgiay as well as he helped ProfeHbr Franck in Germany^ The earth is the Lord'j, and the fuhejs thereof, I acknowledge him to be the founder of that houfe : he put it into my heart to build it: it has in a great meafure already anfwered the end of its infti- tution^ and I am perfuaded will do fo more and more. The greateft outward difficulties, I humbly hopej are now fur- mounted. The workm.en are all difcharged, having fulfilled their contradl, and carried on the work fo far as to make every part of the houfe habitable. Our ftock of cattle is pretty confiderable, and appear to be in a flourifhing condition* And, when once I am clear from all arrears^ the Orphan- houfe will be fupported at a very eafy expence. The laft par- liament refolved to fupport the colony of Georgia : they have altered the conftitution in two material points ; they have al- lowed the importation of rum, and free titles to the lands. And if they fliould fee good hereafter to grant a limited ufe of negroes, it muH certainly, in all outward appearar.ce, be as Vol. III. * F f flourifbing 30 [ 450 ] flourifliing a colony rs South-Carolina, Not that we are with- out hopes, ns Mr. Huberjijam wishes me word in his laft letter, of making a tolerable iliift with white fervants : the &altz- burpiwrs do io already. There is a frefli body of them lately gone over, and fome frefli troops to guard the frontiers of the colony. Not that 1 put any confidence in man, knowing that the racfi is not to the. fwift^ nor the battle to the jlrong^ but Pro- vidence ruleth all things : but, at the fame time, I would acl with the greateft caution and circumfpecSllon, and not tempt God by prefuming on him without a caufe. His having helped me and mine To often, encourages me to truft him acY-ain. He has put it into the hearts of fome dear friends to o-ive Mr. Haberjham credit for ca(h during my abfence j and his Excellency General Oglethorpe has been very friendly, hav- jno- lent Mr. Haberjham fifty pounds, and given the orphans nine barrels of fljur : the Lord return him^ and their other be- nefa^ors, ten thoujand fold into their bofom ! But all tb.is while, fome will fay, you give us no account of your coUecStions in Scotland and eliewhere for near this year and an half. I will now do that to the beft of my pov/er, and likewife add an account of my difburfements ; I fay, my dif- biirfements : for, having had no particular account of what Mr. HaberJJmm has expended and borrowed fince I have been from Georgia^ I cannot poffibly give an exa6t account of the whole; but I fliali do it, God willing, immediately after my arrival at the Orphan-houfe, beginning where the former ac- count left off. From that it appears, I was then upwards of ei^-^ht hundred pounds upon arrears. Since that I hiive been ab- fent near two years : and confidering a family of eighty per- fons, or upwards, have been maintained, an infirmary kept up, the exptnce of further work done to the houfe, &c. it will not appeaj* unreafonable that I fhould be ftill upwards of fix hundred pounds on arrears; a? I judge I am, from Mr. Ha- berfnanis general intimations of cafh he had borrowed in Ji/ie- rica, and what I have ftill to pay in England. But this will appear cltar in the next account. In the mean while, the following accounts, 1 believe, will be fatisfying to all the contributors * : as for others, I do not think myfelf obliged * The accounts of particular receipts and difbiuTements are omitted, by reafon of thtir vaft length ; and likewife, as the public have already examined ihem, and received full fatisIfK^ion, to t 45i ] fo give them any account at all, any further than that I zni commanded to provide things boui-Ji in the fight of all men. Nei- ther do I believe, that this, or any account 1 can give, will fatisfy captious men that are refolved to find fault : our Saviour liimfelf could not pleafe fuch. And if even good men caa be fo far prejudiced as to fay, " The late glorious work at Cambiifiang^ is all delufion, and a work of the devil," I do not wonder if fome of his profefTed children fpeak all mai^ner of evil of this undertaking : neither fliould 1 wonder after this, if they fhould affirm there v/as no fuch thing as an Orphan- houfe in being, though it was built but a few miks off them. As for the afperfions that have been cafl upon me, as though I colle6ied money to enrich myfelf, it gives me little or no concern ; the apoftle Faul was branded as one that made a gain of people ; but God knows the heart : at the day of judgment I will prove thofe perfons liars. Profeffor Franck met with unfpeakably more conterp.pt and calumny, whilft he was building the Orphan-houfe in Germany : he began very low, and left behind him an Orphan-houfe which contains now, if I miiiiake not, two or three thoufand ftudents^ not- v^ithftanding the erefting it, was attended with as many im- probabilities as this in Georgia : he has been dead about fourte.'sn or fixteen years. His fon now fuccceds him in the care of the Orphan-houfe : I have had the pleafure of cor- refponding with him. An account of this Orphan-houfe was printed in his life-time, and it has been very flrcngthening- and beneficial to my foul. If any, by reading this, fliall be inclined to contribute znf thing, either in money or goods, I truft God will give me grace to apply it faithfully. I am not afhamed to beg for God on this occafion j be- caufe my going to Georgia, and ere6fing the Orphan-houfe^- was one great means in his hand, of bringing me out to preach the everlafting gofpel in fo many places, and to many thou- fands of poor pcri(l;iing fouls, who I doubt not (be it fpoken with all humility) will evidence my commiiTion theretOj by- being my joy and crown of rejoicing in the lafl day, BlefFed be his holy name, he has not left himfelf, nor me his fervant, without witnefles of this fort in Scot/and/ Many, I truft^ fince this time tvi'elvemonth, have been made to tajfe that the F f 2 LOR^ [ 452 ] Lord is gracious, and have in an t?flx£lual manner felt tTje powers of the IV orld to come: Tuch in particular, I truft, will lift up holy hands in prayer for me, and for the profperity of the Orphan-houfe, that the enemies of our holy religion may never hr>.ve ciiuie to triumph over its ruins, laying, There, there, fo would zve have it. I look upon the Orphan-houfe as a o-reat part of my charge ; a family given me by God, to be fupported and taken care of, for himfelf. Its very beginnings are not fmall ; its latter end, I believe, will greatly increafe. He that believeth, fliould not make hafte to contemn the un- dertaking, or my conduct in carrying it on, feeing it has al- ready evidently appeared to be of God, by the countenance and fuccefs he has given to both. And fince the Lord, by his providence, has connedled the care of this family with my preaching the gofpel, by making it a means of firft bringing me out, and ever fmce has been pleafed to continue the care of it upon me ; I think myfelf bound in duty, to recommend it in the flrongeft manner to all people amongft whom I am called to preach the kingdom of God. Neither do I think myfelf juftly blameable for running fo much u\ arrears on its account, fmce the Lord, in all places where he has been pleafed to fend me, has inclined the hearts of people to be ready to diftribute, and willing; to corrimunicate on this occa- fion : and, I doubt not, will yet difpofe the hearts of his peo- ple here and elfewhere, to be my farther affiilants by their charitable contributions, feeing I am fo neceflarily engaged in the afFair. He that g'lveth to ihefc poor orphans, lendeth to the Lord ; and look, IVhatfocver he layeth out, it Jlmll he repaid him again, Thofe who, notwithftanding what has been faid, ftill con- tinue in fufpenfe, I would entreat them at Icafl: to pray for me, that in this, and all my undertakings for the church of Christ, I may go on with an even, humble, refigned, chear- ful mind, and llngle eye to God's glory; and then, I doubt rot but they will fee a happy iflue of this work, and future ages have reafon to blefs God, for ever putting it rnta my heart to build an Orphan-houfe in Georgia, Since [ 453 3 Sc'pt. 22, 1742. Since the writing of this, I have heard oF the Spaniards making a defcent upon d^orgia. I cannot fay the news of it damped me at all ; becaufe, I humbly hope, the Lord will not give that colo/iy over as a prey into the enemy's hatid. The place where they landed, is about one hundred miles to the fouthward of the Orphan-houfe : and, fuppofing it Oiould be taken, 1 do not repent the erefting it, becaufe the advan- vantages that have flowed already from it, as appears from my accounts, have abundantly anfwered the pains and expencc it has coft. What is due upon arrears, as it has been already laid out, and is a debt contracted for God, I doubt not but he will incline the hearts of his fervants to help me by their contributions to difcharge it. At the fame time, I am not without expedfations, that this very attack of the Spaniards will be over-ruled kw the good of the Orphan-houfe, and be made a means of freeing the colony from their future infuks : for as Georgia is a frontier colony, and flands as a barrier to all the other Engli/Jj provinces, it is reafonable to believe, they will all unite in its defence and prote6Hon. But my truft is in the Lord ; and, through the mercies of the Moft High, I humbly hope this undertaking will not fink, but become more and more beneficial to Georgia and the neighbouring provinces day by day. Let all that love the Lord ]es\js fay. Amen ! Sept. 27, 1742. Since the foregoing papers have been in the prefs, I have received a letter from Mr. Haherjham, fuperintendant of the Orphan-houfe affairs, in which he writes as follows : Savannah, July 14, 1742. My dearejl Brother and Friend, ABOUT four days ago I wrote you very fully in relation to our prefent flate and circumflances, from Mr. John Bryan s. 1 hope our dear fam.ily are well there. When my laft comes to hand, you will find we removed there for fear of the Spaniards, who came in upon Georgia like a flood. I hope the General will yet fland his ground, though the enemy is fo numerous. I hear he deflroyed and took one hundred and teventy of the enemy laft Thurfday. Q^b only knows what F f 3 he [ 454 ] he is about to do with us. Brother Grant and I are here, ^o take care of our houfe and goods. 1 hope God will direct us in our dii-trcis. Surely you will now, if pofiible, come over. 1 believe the bearer is gone ; I muft have done. Fare- wel, Farewel. Brother Grant gives his love. I mult con- clude by broken lines. YourSj y.H. P. S. Abfolute hurry and neceffity obliges me to write thus. This letter cave me much comfort, as It brought me the welcome news that my dear family Vv^as fafe. This Mr. Bryai% was converted at the Orphan-houfe, and is a wealthy planter in South-Carol'ma. I admire the providence of God, in rai- fmg him up to take care of the little lambs in this time of their dilhcfs. I hope ere now they are returned to their Be- ihefda in peace. BlefTed be GoD I have not been difappointed of my hope. For fince rny return to London^ I have received the following letters, which give a more particular account both of their tryai and deliverance, and for which I defire to praife our great and gracious God. From Mr, HaherJJ^am^ at Mr. Jonathan Bryan s Plantation in South-Carolina^ July^ ii^ 1742. I'/Ty de.arefl Fritiid and Br other ^ (">< OD's ways are in the deep; the Lord only knows 3' what ho is about to do with your dear family. Here at Mr. Buirs and at Mr. Hugh Bryan's they fojourn at prefent, and all, bleiTed be our gracious Jesus, in pretty good bodily health. Diftrefs from the hands of the Spaniards (under God) feems to be coming upon poor Georgia, and perhaps upon this colony alfo. Our afflidions havjs been heavy : the Lor»d only enabled us to bear up under them ; but I really believe we have tafted but the firft fruits of our trials. Was it not for a perfuafjon that God can, yea, v/ill help us, we mud fink under a profpecSl of impending difficulties. About the 25th of jaft month feveral SpaniJI) galleys came into Cumberland (ound, a little to the South of St. Simon s, where the General's forces are r 455 1 are ericamped. The General himfeif in a deal cutter, accom- panied v^ith two boats, was attacked by them, and had a very wonderful efcape. The gallies went off as though they would go to A ugnji in e ', but a day or two after returned, attended with feveral fchooners, floops, and fhips of force to St. Si- mon's. Several days they lay within fight of the General's camp. When we heard this, we kept a day of faRing, prayer, and humiliation, to Ziik dire6tion of our great Hiepherd what we fhould do. As the Spanift) fleet had then m.ade no inroad upon the General, we concluded toJlandjiillTind^ wait upon God. The 5th inftant the Spanijh fleet run into St. .Si- ?nonh Sounds up the river that leads to Frederica. The fleer, I hear, confiiled of thirty-five or thirty-feven vetTcls ; and not- withftanding the General fired upon them from his battery, and two privateers, and other veflels did the fan^e, they pafled witho:it Teeming to regard them, and landed a great number of people at Cafcoign's Bluff on St. Si'mon's, The General feeing himfeif encompafied about with enemies, ordered feve- ral floops, New-Tor kers^ laden with provifion to be funk ; his privateer floep was burnt, and Capt. Thojnjon and the fcooner made the bed: of their way to the North. The General is now furrounded by the Spaniards upon an ifland, without ha- ving one veflel of any bignefs to carry him and his army oIt. He retreated from St. Siinons (burnt all the hutts, houfes, t5c. there) to Frederica, and gave leave for the v/omcn and children, and I think all except his fighting people, to make their efcape. The 17th inftant feveral boats full of people pafl^ed by our houfe, and informed us of the above, and that it was thought the General's army would be entirely cut off, unlefs great affidance was immediately fent them, which it is likely could not be done foon enough. We all met together, and prayed to our dear Father, and afterward defired every one to fpeak their mind freely, what was neceflary to be done in this emer- gency. We confidered it would be impoflible to move fo maiiy children, weak women, and babes in their arms away upon a fudden approach of the enemy ; that we v»'crc fo locked in, that v^e could not get through the Narroivs with our boats but four hours in twenty-four, and unanimoufly agreed to ms)ve them away directly. But we had one great objedion F <" 4 ' to. [45^] to get over, the glory of God ; we thought the providence of God plainly pointed out our removal ; and if the Spaniards fhould be permitted to take and burn all before them, we fliould be acceflary to the death of eighty-five poor creatures, and likewife bring a reproach upon religion, through our dif- regard of ufing means for our prefervation. Our fritnds thought things might not be fo bad as reported, and concluded to ftay that evening at the Orphan-houfe, while I fhould go to Sava?mah to afk the advice of friends, and likewife be better informed about it. Accordingly I wait about nine that even- ing, and returned at three in the morning. The news I had confirmed from the perfons v*'ho had fled from Frederica\ and our friends at Sava?inah advifcd us to move. Mr. Jones offered to lend me any afTiflance to do it. The next morning, as de- lays might be dangerous, we took as many goods out of the houfe as the boats would conveniently carry v.'ith the people. We had none about us but Mr. K 's and G 's family, and two fick men in the infirmary, and in all made about eighty-five or eighty-fix perfons. Then we had another diffi- culty to grapple with : wc knew not where to go. If we went to Ebene'zer^ we had no opportunity of providing fo large a body of people v.'ith provifions, and might be in as much danger there as at Bethefda. If we went to Car o Una ^ we con- ildcred that it was there, in all probability, the enemy wanted to be, and were deftroying Georgia in order to get there with the more fafcty. But believing we fnould be better able to pake our retreat to the Northward from Carolina^ if neceffity fhould oblige us, and alfo fliould be better able to fupply the family with vicluals, we came here lafl: night about twelve o'clock, and were received kindly by our dear friends, who think we have done right in moving. Mr. Barber who fuperintends the fpiritual aflJ'airs of the fa- rnily,in a letter dated near the fame time writes, — *' Thatasthey were on their pailiige, they heard guns firing all round them, which occafioned them to think they were in the midfl: of their enemies.— This brought them into ftraits, not knowing which Vvay to take to avoid falling into their hands.— But the Lord giving them toftrengthcn themfelves in him, they ventured on, and got fafe to the (bore ; where they were informed, that the guns they had heaidj where in Carolina^ firing to alarm the provinctj [ 457 ] province of the clanger they apprehended they were in from the Spaniards. What thofe guns Vv'ere that they heard firino- from other quarters they did not knov/ ; moft probably their enemies, whom the Lord direiSled them to fliun by taking the way they did." Mr. Haber/ham^ again fays, — How it is with Georgia^ I have not heard thefe three days ; but as we left a great quantity of goods at the Orphan-houfe, and fearin,''; that it might be plun- dered, brother Grant and i, with four hands, are in a few mi- nutes to go there. I think, as we have nicveu away the hel^- lefs people, if the enemy (hould come, we can the better make our efcape. O my brother, I hope you will noi blame us. —A fenfe of fo many fouls being liable to be deftroyed, was very burdenfome, and called for fpeedy adling. I know not whether I fhall be ever able to write to you again. Perhaps fome friends that I leave behind me here may, and then they will tell you of all our diinculties. It is hard to leave my dear friends and children, my wife and little babe; but duty obliges me to go ; I have no time to fay any more ; what I have written has been in great hurry. Pray pardon my abruptnefs. If T never fee you, or write more, let me alTure you of my love. I hope 1 need not now ufe any arguments to perfuade you to come over. Farewel, farewel, farewel. Yours, for ever, 'Tis pad one in the morning. James HaherJJoam, From Mr. Haherjljam., at Mr. BuU\ plantation in South- Carolina^ July 27, 1742. My dear Friend and Brother^ 1 Wrote you the 4th, nth, and 14th inftant. Doubtlefs the contents of my letters will give you fome concern, and will be a means of haftcning you over to us. I hope you will find us at our defircd habitation. Hitherto the Lord feems to be on our fide, and fights our battles. News is lately come from the General, that the Spamar.-'s have moved off in great confufion ; but it is not fuificiently confirmed ; when it is, we purpofe moving to Bethcfda, In mine of the nth in- {lant, I informed you, according to my knowledge of the ilate of your family, and the colony till that time. I told [ 45S 1 voii brother Grnnt and (tH were jufl returning to Georgia, We foon got there, and found our goods and houfe iafe, John Gokkvire^ I, and a boy, ftaid at Bcthejda while brother Grant went to Carolina^ and returned with two boats. In the mean time we heard the General had engaged twice with a party of the Spaniards^ and killed and taken one hundred and fifty of them, and that the enemy was fo intimidated, and the General's army fo encouraged, that there was great expecta- tions that the Spaniards would foon be drove off the ifland. God was pleafed at this time to bring me very low by bodily illnefs, fo that I v^-as almoft incapable of making any efcape, }f the enemy had been fuffered to come upon us, having a hundred miles to ride through bad fwamps, to my friends in Garolhia, Likewife there was no one there, nor at Savannah^ to give me any relief. The 20th inCtant, having left three people at Bcthejda, and our family wanting neceiTaries at Cardinal brother Grant and I returned with molt of cur goods. When we now left Bethcfda, VJt were not very apprehenfive of any danger of ftaying our- felves, or leaving the goods there; but as I was obliged to feek for fome afliilance, and our dear people wanted things we had there, we thought it was but a very little more trouble to load the boats. I have many times intended to write to you fmce I came here, but was not able conveniently till to day, but I blefs God I feel myfelf much better in health. As far as I can learn, the General has behaved himfelf exceeding well, and the Lord has wonderfully ordered things for him, contrary, I believe, to his own and others expectations. His clemency to the Spam/h prifoners, his confidence, prudence, and cou- rage throughout the whole aiBiir is fo confpicuous, that his jrreateft enemies cannot impeach his condu£l. I don't as yet hear, that he has loft (except by accident) above three or four men. Indeed the hand of God has been evidently againft the boafting enemy. Some fay near fifty velTels fet out at firft to invade us, but in their pafTage, which is ufualiy run in a xveek or ten days, they were fifty days, and by fome means fifteen of them were feparated from the reft, and did not come up to them at St. Simons, They firft propofed to land in Ca^ rolina, and caufc an infurredion among the negroes ; to that end they brought a number of negiocs, to head and peifuade our [ 459 ] our negroes (I fuppoGi) to revolt. But being fo long on their pafliige, they wanted water, and were obliged to put in at St. Simons. In their council of war there, they laid they would foon cut off the General and his few men, and did not doubt but to fetile and regain King Philip's dominions, yea, even as far as the Capes of Virginia. I fliould have wifhed you had been prefent when we confulted about fleeing for our lives ; it would have been great fatisfa(5lion to us all ; but I am of opi- nion, you would not have ftaid with the great troop of little ones, under the apprehenfion of fo much danger. I have met with none but what have approved of what we did. Every one, I believe, are v/illing to contract expences. — I hope, nay I am allured, that all things ftiall work together for good ; and I am of opinion, we (hall all have reafon to blefs God for every, yea, efpecially for his late awful difpenfation. —The deliverances we have had are many and wonderful, and he that has done much can do more. In regard to the Spaniards^ tbey came like a flood, but the Lord can fave by few as well as by many. From Mr. HaberJ})am. Bcthefday Auguji^ 19, I742» My dearefl Friend and Brother^ Hope ere this reaches you, you have received mine of the 4th, nth, I4th5 and 27th of Jw/y lafl-, and that you fee your way clear to come to us. Blefled be God we have rea- son to conclude the Spaniards have entirely left the colony, and we are now very comfortably fettled again. The deliver- ance the Lord has wrought for us by the General, I think is the moft remarkable I ever heard or read of, except fome in- ilances recorded in the Old Teftament. It is fo manifeft, that " Surely God has fought our battles," is in the mouth of every one, whatever may be in their hearts. I cannot now niention particulars, being much ftreightened for time ; at Savannah the poor people are aimoft all lick ; four have been cut off. At Frederica likewife, and at Mr. Bryan s^ and other neighbours, they are in the fame condition. We have al- fo many down. God has been cbaG:iring us v/ith whips, but jiow feenas to be fcourging us with fcorpions. O that the Z goodnefs C 460 ] goodnefs and patience of God may lead us to repentance ! We have a good crop on the ground, and have none to ga- ther it in but the few boys. Brother Hunter has his hands full, and is chiefly at Savamtah. It is but little we buy abroad. — We hunt and kill our own ftock, and have potatoes and corn enough of our own. I am but poorly, as is dear bro- ther Barber^ who is fingularly ufeful at this trying time. — What fhould I have done v/ithout him ? I have much to fay to you. Indeed I hope you are now in your pafTage to us. We cannot but expert you. B. Grant hurries me to con- clude. Pleafe to give my tender love to your wife, and all with you, and believe me to be Your afieclionate fervant in our Lord, y, HaberJI)am» I. Hgw are thy fervanis hiefs'dy 0 LoRD ! How Jure is their defence ! Eternal vjijdom is their guardy Their help Omnipotence, II. In oil their various griefs, 0 Lord ! Thy mercy fets them free ^ JVhile in the confidence of prayer Their fouls lay hold on thee, III. In midjl of dangers^ fears and deaths Thy goodnefs we'll adore. And praife thee for thy mercies p^Jly And humbly hope for more. s 'January, 14, 174.3. INCE the foregoing papers were fent to the prefs, I have received letters from Mr. B r and Mr. H 7/7, the perfons who fuperintend the fpiritual and temporal affairs of the Orphan-houfe, dated in October laft ; by which 1 am informed that all wafc well, and that th^ family was mercifully fupplied with things convenient for them. I don't hear that any of the family have been taken off by the late ficknefs ; but am informed of the deaih of one Mrs. Budding, (a perfon convcrttd at the Orphan-houfc fome time ago) : ihe went with th,c H 461 ] the family Into diroUna^ where {he ftaid after they returned, and there died triumphantly. ^ Mr. Bolzius, one of the Saltzhurghers miniflers*, writes to me thus^. ^ ^ ■ / Ebenezer in Georo'ia, Sepi,„2l^ 1742. Rrjercnd mid dear Sir, i^A^ IT was with great fatisfa£lioH that I received the favour of your letter, dated M the 5th of October h{{, in which you acquainted me with the joyful news, that the Lord has been pleafed to blcfs your kind endeavours of colIe£^ing twenty pounds for our poor people, on which our mill, and efpeclally our Orphan-houfe had its fliare according to your intention and order. This great bleiling is delivered into my hand by Mr. H w, our dear friend and favourer, and is laid out in fuch a manner, that I hope, to have obtained the end, at which you aim in all your adions, and in this a6t of love too viz. to promote the great giver's, our heavenly father's glory and our people's welfare. May it pleafe an almighty and mer- ciful God to rev/ard you and all our benefaclors many-fold for this and many more tcftimonies of your atid their real fa- vours, and let defcend upon your worthy perfon and holy mi- niftry as many blcffings to your fpirltual and temporal welfare as prayers and hearty wifhes do afcend to the throne of grace from our hearts and lips in publick and private. God has been pleafed to vifit me and my fellow-labourer with dangerous ficknefs, but has gracioufly reftored our health for our better being prepared to the heavenly and blefled re- gions, and for being in fome meafure, by the operation of the Holy Ghoft, ufeful to fhew our hearers the way through Christ to the Father, and their eternal happinefs. ' Many in our congregation have been dangeroully fick, and fome died in peace ; the reft begin to recover by degrees. Good * Dr. Hunter has been mighty ufeful and affiilive to the in- habitants of Savannah in their long and dangerous ficknefles • and God has blefled his cures with very good efFedts ; and I am in hopes fome people there will begin to be fenfible of the many bleffings that flow from Bethefda upon them, anJ praife with us the Lord for his great kindncfs and mercy in having- laifed this houfe of mercy to mai-.y grown people's and chii- * The Surgeon belonging to the Orphan- houfe. dren's [ 4^2 ] dren's fpirltual and temporal welfare. If God fliould give me the pleafure of feeing you here again, and being edify 'd by your converfation, I would humbly thank him for it; but if he is pleafed to carry either of us from this to a better world, then we vAW fee not only one another happily, but our glo- rious Redeemer alfo face to face for ever, to his infinite praife and our eternal happinefs, at which my brother Gronau, myfelf, our families, and feveral of our congregation aim by all means and ftrength, which God gives us from the merits of his beloved fon, our dear Saviour. To his infinite mercy and gracious condu£l I commit you, and me with our people, Orphan-houfe, my fellow-labourer Mr. Gronau^ and our fa- milies, who ail falute you very heartily, to the continuance of your favour and kind remembrance before God and men, remaining fincerely. Reverend and dear Sir, your unworthy brother, and humble fcrvant in Christ, John Martin Bclziss. Continuation [ 4^3 ] Continuation of the Account and Progress, &c. of the Orphan- House. Sir, Beihrjda^ March 2r, 1746, O ME months have I been here, and now think it hio-h time, according to my promife, to fend you as explicit an account, as I well can, of the />r(7^r(?/}, and prcfeni fttuatton of the Orphan-houie. Some have thought, that the ereding fuch a building was only the produce of my own brain ; but they are much miftaken. It was fiiil propofed to me by my dear friend the reverend Mr. Charles Wcflcy^ who, with his excellency General Oglethorpe had concerted a fcheme for car- rying on fuch a defign, before I had any thoughts of goin^ abroad myfelf. It was natural to think, that as the govern- ment intended this province for the refuge and fupport of many of our poor countrymen, that numbers of fuch adven- turers muft neceffarily be taken ofF, by being cxpofed to the hardfbips which unavoidably attend a new fettlement. I thought it therefore a noble defign in general, to ere£l a houfe for fatherlefs children. And believing f«ch a provifion for orphans would be fome inducement with uiany to come over, I fell in with the defign, when mentioned to me by my friend, and was refolved, in the ftrength of God, to profecute it wi:h all my miight. This was mentioned to the honourable the truftees. They took it kindly at my hands ; and as I then began to be pretty popular at Erijlol^ and elfewhere, they wrote to the Bi/lwp of Bath and JVellsj for leave for me to preach a charity-fermon on this occafion in the abbey-church. This was granted, and I accordingly began immediately to compofe a fuitable difcourfe : but knowing my firft ftay at Georgia would be but ftiort, on account of my returning again to take priefts orders, I thought it moft pru-dent, iirft to go and fee for myfelf, and defer profecuting the fcheme till I came home : becaufe I could then be better able to judge, whether the fcheme was practicable, and confequently could be [ 4^4 ] be able to recommend it wiih the greater earneflnefs. When 1 came to Georgia^ I found many poor orphans, who though taken notice of by the honourable truftecs, yet through the nec^le£t of perfons that aded under them, were in miferable circumftances. For want of a houfe to breed them up in, the poor little ones were tabled out here and there, and befides the hurt they received by bad examples, forgot at home what they learnt at fchool. Others were at hard fer- vices, and likely to have no education at all. Upon feeing this, and finding that his majefty and parliament had the in- tereft of this colony much at heart, I thought I could not better fliew my regard to God and my country, than by get- ting a houfe and land for thefe children, vi^here they might learn to labour, read, and v^^rite, and at the fame time be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ac- cordingly, at my return to England in the year 1738, to take prieft orders, I applied to the honourable fociety for a grant of five-hundred acres of land, and laid myfelf under an obli- gation to build a houfe upon it, and to receive from time to time, as many orphans as the land and ilock would maintain. As I had always adled like a clergyman of the church of Eng- land^ having preached in many of the London churches, and as I had but a few months before collecled near a thoufand pounds Sterlings for the children belonging to the charity- {chooh m London ?in6 WeftminJJer ', it was natural to think, that I mit^ht now have the ufe at leaft of fome of thefe churches to preach in, for the orphans hereafter more immediately to be committed to my care. But by the time I had taken priefts or- ders, the fpirit of the clergy began to be much imbittered. Churches were gradually denied to me. And 1 muft let this good defign drop, and thoufands (I might add ten thoufands) go without hearing the word of God, or preach in the fields. Indeed two churches, one in London (Spittk-finlds) and one in Brifiol [^t., Philip's and Jacob) were lent me upon this occafi- on ; but thofe were all. However, God kept me from being difcouraged. I colledled for the Orphan-houfe in A4oorfie/dsy two and fifty pounds one fi\bbath-day morning ; twenty-two pounds of which v.as in copper. It would have rejoiced your heart to fee the people give -, they off^^red willingly, and took more pains to come through the crowd and put their contri-* y feution I 465 ] butlons Into my hat, than fome would to have gotten ttiem. Thoufands of prayers were put up with the alms that were given, and I truft both went up as a memorial before God. ^,In the afternoon I collected again at Kenningtcn-Conwicny and continued to do fo at moft of the places where I preached. Befides this, two or three of the Bifiops^ and feveral perfons ' of diftindion contributed ; till at length, having about a thou- fand and ten pounds, I gave over colleding, and went with what I had to Georgia. At that time multitudes offered to accompany me ; but I chofe to take over only a furgeon, and a few more of both fexes, that I thought would be ufeful in carrying on my defjgn. Thefe chearfully embark- ed with me, defiring nothing for their pains, but food and raiment. My dear- fellow-traveller, Williu/n Scwavd^ Efq; alfo joined with them, and was partioiilarly ufeful to me on this occafion. Our firft voynge was to Philadelphia^ where J was willing to go for the fake of laying in provifion. Having a Captain of a Ihip with me, who had been my fpirltual child, by his advice, I laid out in London a good pare of the thoufand pounds for goods y and by his care and that of my other fel- low-travellers, without any trouble to myfelf, got as much by them at Philadelphia as nearly defrayed the family^s expence of coming over. Here God bleflcd my miniilry daily, and begun that work in Philadelphia^ which, I am perfuadcd, will be remembered throush the acres of eternity. 'Jamtar^ follow- ing, 1739, I met my family at Georgia^ and being unwilling to lofe any time, I hired a large houfe, and took in all the Orphans I could find in the colony. A great many alfo of thr town's children came to fchool grntis^ and many poor people who could not maintain their children, upon application, hali leave given them to fend their little ones for a month or two, or more, as they could fpare them, till at length my family confifted of between fixty and feventy. Mod of the orphans were in poor cafe; and three or four almod eaten up with lice. I iikewife creeled an Infirmary., in which many fick peo- ple were cured and taken care o^ gratis. I have now by me a lift of upwards of a hundred and thirty patients, Vv'ho were under the Surgeon's hands, exclufive of my ov/n private family. This Surgeon I furniflicd v^ith all proper drugs and utenfils, which put me to no fmall expence; and this was dill increafed ^ OL. ill. * G g by 70 [ 466 1 by clearing land, buying flock, and building a large dwelling* houfe, fixty-fcet by forty, and out-houfes, commodious for a large family to live in. Sometimes (labourers and all) I have had a hundred and twenty to provide for daily. My friends, as well as myfelf, feemed to have particular courage and faith given us for the feafon ; and we went on chearfuUy, believing that He for whofe fake we began, would enable us to finifli this G;ood work. About Adarcb I began the great houfc, hav- ing only about one hundred and fifty pounds in cafh. I called it Bethejda, becaufe I hoped it would be a houfe of mercy to many fouls. BlefTed be God, we have not been difappointed of our hope ; it has proved a houfe of mercy indeed to many. Several of our labourers, as well as vifitors, have (in a judg- ment of charity) been born of God here, and given evident proofs of it, by bringing forth the fruits of the fpirit. Many boys have been put out to trades, and many girls put out to fervice. I had the pleafure the other day, of feeing three boys work at the houfe in which they were bred, one of them out of his time, a journeyman, and the others ferving under their mafters. One that I brought from New-England is handfomely fettled in Carolina', and another from Philadelphia is married, and lives very comfortably at Savannah. How fo large a family has been fupported in fuch a colony, without any vifible fund, is wonderful! I am furprized v-/hen I look back, and fee, how for thefe fix years laft paft, God has fprcad a table in the wildernefs for fo many perfons. Were all the particular pro- vidences that have attended this work recorded, perhaps they ' would be found not inferior to thofe mentioned by ProfefTor Franck^ in his P'letas Halknfts^ whofe memory is very precious to me, and whofe example has a thoufand times been bkfTed to flrengthen and encourage me in the carrying on this enter- prize. My being detained fo long in England^ has been a little detrimental to m^e, my friends not knowing fo well how to acSl:, becaufe tlicy expelled to fee me daily. And I cannot yet fay that I have furmounted the firft year's expence, which in- deed was very great, and greater no doubt than it would be now, after my friends have had fo many }ears experience in the colony. However, I doubt not, but by the biefTiUg of God, in a fhort time to pav nfF my arrears, and then the family will be maintained at a \\tvA\ eX|)encc. I'A"^ [landing annua} [ 4^7 ] afiniial charges arc now but trifling to what they have been ; and my friends have raifed an annual fubfcription fufRcicnt for difcharging it, till the family may be able to provide for itfelf. This, CjOD willing, I liope will be, in a good meafure, fpeedi- ]y effected. We have lately begun to ufe the plow ; and next year i hope to have many acres of good oats and barley. We have near twenty fbeep and lambs, fifty head of cattle, and feven horfes. We hope to kill a thoufand weight of pork ihis feafon. Our garden, which is very beautiful, furniflies us with all forts of greens, ^c. We have plenty of milk, eggs, poultry, and make a good deal of butter weekly. A gre^|^' quantity of wool and cotton has been given me, and we hooe to have fufficient fpun and wove for the next v^inter's cloath- ing. If the vines hit, we may expedt tv/o or three hogfiieads of wine out of the vineyard. Hie family now con nils of tv^enty-lix perfons. Two of the orphan boys are blind, one is little better than an idiot. But notwithilandino-, they are ufefui in the family, one in the field, and the other in the kitchen. I have two women to take. care of the houflicld work, and three men and two boys employed about the plan- tation and cattle. A fett o'i Dutch iervants has been lately fent over: the magilf rates were pleafed to give me two; and I took in a poor old widow, aged near feventy, whom no bodv elfe cared to have. A valuable young man from New- England is my fchool-mailcr, and in my abicnce performs dury \i\ the family. Sabbath-davs the grown people attend public wor/hip at Savminah^ or at Ifhite-blvff'^ a village near Bethefda^ w^here a Dutch miniiler officiates. My dear friends who have hitherto' been my afliibnts, being married and having three or four children, thought it beft, as iPiOfl fuitable to the inf^Jtution, to remove; God has mercifully provided for them, and they are comfortably fettled ?x Savannah and elfevvhere: we frequently \vriLe to and hear from one another. I need not trouble you with the order of our family. It is pretty near the fame as uinal, and I do not think to make any material alteration for ibnie time. ]Many have applied to me to idVc in their children :v^ boarders, and ereft a public fchool : but I have not yet de- termined. It is certain fuch a fchool vv'ould be exceedinsriy ufefui in this part of the world, if there ffiould be a peace, iiot only fur ihefe northern parts of the colon v^ but alfo for G g 2 the [ 468 ] the more fouthern parts of Carolina^ Puri/burgh, and Prederhay where are many fine youths. I have been prevailed on to take one from Frederka^ and another from PuriJJmrgh^ and it may t>e fliall admit more. For the prefent, conlidering the fitua- tion of affairs, 1 think it molt prudent to go on making what improvements I can on the plantation, and {hall bring a tutor with me from the northward in the fall, to teach a few youths the lano-uagcs, and enlarge the family, when affairs are more fettled. The houfe is a noble cornmodious building, and every thing well adapted for bringing up youth. Here is land la ^mploy them in exercifrng their bodies, and to keep theni frorti idlenefs out of fchocl hours. Here are none of the temptations to debauch their tender minds, which are common to more populous countries, or in places where children muft necefTa- rily be brought up with negroes. What God intends to dq with the colony is not for me to enquire : fecret things belong to him. It has hitherto been wonderfully preferved, and the Orphan- houfe, like the burning bufh, has flourifhed uncon- fumed. In fine, the government has, no doubt, its welfare much at heart : and, God willing, I intend to carry on my dcfip-n till i Ice the colony fink or fwim. The money that has been expended on the Orphan- houie, and Orphan-houfe family, has been of vail fcrvice to this northern part of the colony. And though it has been greatly detrimental to my own private intereft, yet 1 do not repent of the undertaking. No, 1 rejoice in it daily, and hope yet to fee many more fouls, born unto God here. I have had a very com lor table winter. The people of Savannah^ having no minifter till lately, gladly accepted my labours ; and at Freder'uai the gentlemen and foldiers of General Oglethcrp's regiment, as v;ell as the inha- bitants of that town, received me very gladly. Major Horton ieems to behave very well ; he has a very fine growing plan- tation. I i'aw barley in the ear the firil of March. Georgia is very healthy. Not above one, and that a little child, has died out of our family, fince it removed to Bcthejda. I think the colony (were the inhabitants fufHciently numerous) is ca- pable of as good improvement as any on the continent. For the fatisfadlion of my friends, and filencing, if pofUble, my enemies, I have had my accounts from the very beginning to January laft, publick'y audited and examined, debtor and creditor. [ 4% i creditor, article by article; and an oaiJi for confirmation, be- iiig an end of all ftrife, I have fvvorn to them. If it skives you or others any (iitisfa6lion, I fhall be glad. I have no more to add, but to beg a continued interelr in your prayers, and fubfcribe myfelf, very dear Sir, Your moil afic^ionate friend, and fervant, To his Excellency James Wright, Efq-, Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majefly's province of Georgia^ and to the members of his Majefty's council in the faid province. The Memorial ^/George Whitefield, Clcrk^ S H E W £ T Hj THAT about twenty-five years ago, your rhemorlalif?-^ affifted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and Well difpofed perfons, at a very great expence, and under many difadvantages, did ered a commodious houfe, with neceflary out-buildings, fuitable for the deception of orphans, and other poor and deferted children ; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchafe of negroes, and fupporting a large orphan family for fo many years, he hath expended upwards of tvv-elve thoufand pounds fterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magiftrates of Savamiah. That your memorialift, fince the commencement of this inftitution, hath had the fatisfa£^ion of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were afTifted, and thereby kept from leaving the colbnv in its in- fant ftate, but alfo that a confiderable number of poor help- lefs children have been trained up; who have been, and now are ufeful fettlers in this and the other neighbourijig pro- vinces. That in order to render the inftitution aforefaid more ex- tenfively ufeful, your memorialift, as he perceived the colony gradually increafing, hath for fome years paft defigned w'ithin. G g 3 hJ.mfelfj [ 47© ] h-imfelf, to iinprovc the original plan, by making farther pro^ vifion for the education of perlons of fuperlor rank; who thereby might be qualihcd to kvvc their king, their country, ^nd their God, cither in church or flate. That he doth with inexprefTible pleafure, fee the prefent very flour ifhing flare of the province; but with concern perceives that feveral gentle- men have been obliged to fend their fons to the northern pro- vinces; vi^ho would much rather have had them educated nearer home, and thereby prevent their affe6{!ons being alien- ated from their native country, and alfo keep conficlerabJe ferns of money from being carried out of this into other pro- vinces. Your memorialifl further obferves, that tljere is no fcminary for academical fludies as yet founded, fouthward of Virginia', and confequently if a college could be efrabliflied here (efpe- cially as the late addition of the two Floriclas renders Georgia more centrical for the fouthern diftrict) it would not only be hio-hly ferviceable to the rifing generation of ihis colony, but would probably occafion many youths to be fcnt from the Britijh Wejl India iflands and other parts. Tne many advan- tages accruing thereby to this province, mull be very eonfi- derable. From thefe confiderations, your memorialiil is induced to believe, that the tim.e is now approaching, when his l©ng pro- jected defign for further ferving this his beloved colony, (hall be carried into execution. That a confiderable fum of money is intended fpeedily to be laid out in purchafing a large number of negroes, for the further cultivation of the prefent Orphan-houfe, and other additional lands, and for the future fupport of a worthy able prefident, profeflbrs, and tutors, and other good purpofes in- tended. Your memorialifl: therefore prays your Excellency and Ho- nours to grant to him in truff, for the purpofes aforefaid, two thoufand acres of land, on the north fork of Turtle River^ called the Lejjer Swamps if vacant, or where lands may be found vacant, fcuth of the river Altamaha, G.jr. Savannah in Geoigia^ Dec, 185 1764. The [ 47' ] The Address of both Houfes of Airembl)" in Georgia. To his E^ccellency James Wright, Efq; Captairt General and Governor in Chief of his Majefty's province of Georgia, May it pleafe your Excelkncvy WE his Majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubje^ls, the council and commons houfe of aftcmbly of Georgia^ in general afiembly met, beg leave to acquaint your Excel- lency, that with the higheft fatisfadlion we learn, that the Eiev. Mr. George Wmtefield has applied for lands, in order to the endowment of a College in this province. The many and fingular obligations Georgia has continually laid under to that reverend gentleman, from its very infant ftate, would in gra- titude induce us, by every means in our power, to promote any meafure he might recommend; but in the prefent inftance, where the interejR: of the province, the advancement of religion j and the pleafing profpecl of obtaining proper education for our youth, fo clearly coincide with his views, we cannot in juftice but requefl: your Excellency to ufe your utmoft endeavours tci promote fo defirable an event, and to tranfmit home our fm- cere and very fervent wifhes, for the accomplifhment of fo ufeful, fo beneficent, and fo laudable an undertaking* By order of the upper Houfe. James Habersham, Piefident, December 20, 1764. By order of the Commons Houfe, Ale^. Wylly, Speaker* Gg4 t« [ 4?2 3 To which his Excellency was pkafed to return the following Anfwer. Gentleme7iy IAm fo perfe£lly fenfible of the very great advantage which W\\\ refult to the province in general, from the eftablifh- ment of a feminary for learning here, that it gives me the greateft pleafure to find fo laudable an undertaking propofed by the Rev. Mr* Whitefield. The friendly and zealous difpofi- tion of that gentleman, to promote the profpcrity of this pro- vince, has been often experienced ; and you may reft aiTured, that I fhall tranfmit your addrefs home, with my beft endea- vours for the fuccefs of the great point in view. James Wright^ December 20, 1764. A Letter to his Excellency Governor Wright,^ giving an account of the Heps taken, relative to the converting the Georgia Orphan- House into a College : Together with the literary correfpondence that palTed upon that fubjed:, between his Grace the Arch- bifliop of Canterbury and the Reverend Mr, Whitefield. Honoured Sir,, AS your Excellency, together with the members of his Majefty's honourable council, and houfe of reprefenta- lives, were pleafed at my late vifit to the Orphan-houfe, not only highly to approve of, but alfo deeply to intereft your- felves in the defign of converting the prefent Georgia Orphan- houfe into a college ; fo 1 am perfuaded, you make no doubt, but that ever fmce my arrival in Englandy July 1765, I have exerted my utmoft efforts in endeavouring to bring this im- portant t 473 ] portant afFair to a defirable iflue. To mention all the various circumftances which have occurred during that interval, to impede and retard its more fpeedy profecution, would be tedi- ous and unnecefTary ; I would therefore only inform your Ex- cellency, that about fifteen months ago, a memorial was deli- vered into the hands of the late clerk of his Majefty's moft honourable privy council. That this memorial was by him tranfmitted to the Lord Prefident, and by his Lordlhip refer- red to the confideration of his Grace the Arahbiftiop of Canter^ bury ; that by his Grace's permiflion a literary correfpondence enfued ; but as that correfpondence, and wMth that, the nego- ciation itfelf feems at an end, I think it my duty, not only to lay an account of the whole before your Excellency in parti- cular; but, through your Excellency's hands, before his Ma- jefty's council and houfe of reprefentatives of the colony of Georgia^ together with all the other American colonifts, and the public in general, on both fides the v/ater, who have fo liberally contributed to the promoting this defign. To the King's moil Excellent Majesty. The Memorial (t/" George Whitefield, Clerky Sheweth, THAT about twenty-fix years ago, your memorialift, affifted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and well difpofed perfons, at a very great expence, and under many difadvantages, did eredl a very commodious houfe, with necef- fary out-buildings, fui table for the reception of orphans and other poor and deferted children ; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchafe of negroes, and fupporting a large orphan family fo many years, he hath expended upwards of twelve thoufand pounds fterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magiftrates of Savannah^ and which are humbly prefented with this me- morial. That your memorialifl, fince the commencement of this inftltution, hath had the fatisfa£tion of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were aflided C 474 ] aiTifted and thereby kept from leaving the colony in Its infsnf- ftate; but alfo that a coniiderable number of poor helplefs children have been trained up, who have been, and are nov^ ufeful fettlers in this and the other neighbouring provinces ; that in order to render the inltitution aforefaid more extenfively lifeful, your memorialift, as he perceived the colony gradually rifing, hath for fome years paft dcfigned, within himfelf, to improve the original plan, by making further provifion for the education of perfons of fuperior rank, who thereby may be qualified to ferve their king, their country, and their God, either in ■: lurch or ftate. That in his late vifit to Georgia^ he did with inexpreflible pleafure fee the province in a very Hourifhing ftate; but with concern perceived that feveral gentlemen had been obliged to fend their fons to the northern provinces, who would much rather have had them educated nearer home; and thereby pre- vent their affeclions being alienated from their native country, and alfo confiderable fums of money from being carried out of Georgia into other provinces. Your memorialiil begs leave further to obferve, that there is no feminary for academical ftudies as yet founded fouthward Q^ Virgmia'y and confequentlynf a college could be eftablifhed (efpecially as the addition of the two Floridas renders Georgia more centrical for the fouthern diftridl) it would not only be highly ferviceable to the rifing generation of the colony of Georgia^ but would probably occai.on many youths to be fent from the neighbouring fouthern provinces for education. The many advantages accruing to Georgia thereby, muft neceffarily be very confiderable. That in confideration of the foregoing premifes, your me- morialifl-, in December 1764, prefented a memorial to his Ex- cellency the Governor, and the honourable the council of the proviilce of Georgia^ praying that two thoufand acres of land might be granted in truft, towards carrying on the defirable end of founding a College; which motion was not only im- mediately complied with, but the general afiembly being then fitting, an addrefs, acopy of which is herewith alfo fent, was prefented from them ro hi.s Excellency, expreffing their una- nimous and higheic approbation, with a defire that his Excel- lency would ufe his endeavours to have this affair forwarded at I 475 3 at home with all polliblc expedition. That upon the arrival of your Memorialift, he was informed that this addrefs was remitted to, and laid before the Lords GommiiTioners for trade and plantations ; and having received repeated advices, that numbers both in Georgia and South-Carolina are waiting with impatience to have their fons initiated in academical exercifes; your Memorialiil therefore prays, that a charter upon the plan of New-Jerfey College may be granted ; upon which your Pvle- morialift is ready to give up his prefent truft, and make a free gift of all lands, negroes, goods, and chattels, which he now ftands polTeired of in the province of Georgia^ for the prefent founding, and towards the future fupport of a College, to be called by the name of Bdhefda College in the province of Georgia. Mr, Whitefleld to the Archhijhop, May it pic afe your Grace^ "June 17, 1767, I Think myfelf highly honoured in the L P t's re- ferring a late memorial to your Grace's confideration ; and as highly obliged to your Grace, for the deep attention your Grace hath given to the copy of an intended charter prefented to your Grace by the E of D h, T\iz inclofed will fhew, what an almoft implicit regard hath been paid to your Grace's wife remarks, and judicious corrections, I wifh it could have been altogether implicit; but circum- ftances are fuch, (as hath been hinted to your Grace by L D h) that I cannot, in honour and confciencc, oblige the mafter of the Georgia College to be a member or minifler of the church of England. Such an obligation, I am perfuaded, hath greatly retarded the progrefs of the Col- lege of A^^zi;-2"^r>^; as on the contrary, the letter figncd by your Grace, Proprietor Pen^ and the late Dr. Chandler \ en- gaging, that inftitution fhall be continued on a broad bot- tom, hath as much promoted the growth of the College of Philadelphia. The truftees of that feminary (as your Grace is pleafed to obferve) have agreed, " That their Provoft fhall always be a minifter of the eftabliflied church." But then I would beg leave to reply, that they are not thereto enjoined by their charter. That is entirely filent concerning this matter : I their C 476 ] their agteement is purely voluntary. The wardens of the College of Georgia will not be prohibited by charter, froni following the example of the truftecs of the College of Phila- delphia, It is more than probable they will never need it. The firft Mailer will affuredly be a clergyman of the church of England. By far the majority of the intended wardens, are, and always will be members of that communion ; and confequently the choice of a Mafter will always continue to run in that channel. My heart's defire is, that fome worthy duly qualified minifter of the church of England may be al- ways and readily found for that grand purpofe. But left this fliould not alv^ays be the cafe, I dare not, as perfons of all denominations have been contributors, confine or fetter the future eledors. The monies gained by the New-York lotteries, for the creeling a college in Neiv-Toik^ were thrown in by perfons of all religious perfuafions, in confidence, that the Colleo;e would hereafter be founded on an enlarged bafis. And therefore, very great numbers, may it pleafe your Grace, think, and for ever will think themfelves injured, by its being confined within its prefent contracted boundary. Hence it is^ that many fine promifing youths are almoft daily fent from the college in their native city, to that of Ntiu-Jerfcy. I dread giving the fame occafion of refcntment and offence: and therefore am determined to avoid it in tiie wording of the Georgia College charter. For the fame rcafons, I dare not enjoin the daily ufe of our church liturgy. I love to \\{ii it| 1 have fallen a martyr, in refpe6t to bodily health, to the fre- quent reading it in Tcttenha?n-Court chapel ; and it has been conftantly read twice every Simday in the Orphan-houfe, from its firft inftitution to this very day. The Wardens, when the power is devolved on them, may determine this point as tlicy pleafe j but I cannot enjoin it by charter: and have therefore^ in this prefent draught, not only omitted the paragraph con- cerning public prayer, but alfo that concerning do6irinal ar- ticles. Perhaps your Grace may judge, that, all things con- fidered, faying nothing about either, may be a proper me- dium. Your Grace further wifely obfcrves, " That his Majefty fhould be very well advifed, whom he names for the firft Mafter.'* I truft he will. I believe the Right Honour- able the Earl o{ D — — h will vouchfafe to intercft himfelf 6 in C 477 ] jn the choice, and llkewife be (o good as to prefent the firft Mafter to your Grace's approbation. The terms of the the charter being not as yet fettled, the choice of a Mafter cannot as yet be fixed upon. \V hen the former are afcer- tained, the latter may more eafily be applied for. In the mean while your Grace may be aflured, that the lot will not fall upon me. Alas ! my fhoulders are too weak for the fup- port of fuch an academical burden : my capacity, may it pleafe your Grace, is by no means extenfive enough for fuch a fcholaftic truft. To be a prefbyter at large, is the ftation, which I think divine Providence hath called me to, for near thefe thirty years paft. During that fpace, I truft my eye hath been in fome degree lingle, and my views difmterefted ; and my higheft, my only ambition, during the feeble remains of my future pilgrimage, I truft, will be this. That the laft glimmerings of an expiring taper may be blefled, and owned by the great Shepherd and Bifhop of fouls, to guide fome wan- jdering linners to the practical knowledge of himfelf. I defire to blefs his name, that I have been fpared long enough to fee the colony of the once defpifed Georgia, and the yet more de- fpifed Orphan-houfe, advanced to fuch a promiiing height. My honoured friend and father, good Biftiop Benfon^ from his dying bed, fent me a benefa£lion for it of ten guineas, and poured forth his moii: fervent dying breathings for its fu- ture profperity. That your Grace may yet live many years, to be happily inftrumcntal in promoting its welfare, both fpi- ritual and temporal, when turned into a college, is the earneft prayer of, may it pleafe your Grace, Your Grace's molt dutiful, obliged fon and fervant, G, W. ^otienha7n-Court Rcad^ June 17, 1767. The ArchhiJJoop to Adr. V/hitefield. To the Reverend Mr, WhitcfiAd, THE Archbifhop of Canterbury hath put Mr. Wh'itefieWs draught of a charter for a Collrge in Geoygia^ into the hands of the Lord Prefident ; who hath promiied to coiiuder it : but defires to know from Mr. IVkitefieldy wr.at ptclcnt endowment, and to what value, he p/opofco for his College. Mr. [ 47^ J Mr. Whiteneld io the Archhifmp. May it pleafe your Grace^ London^ July 6^^ 1 767. MY obligations are much increafed by your Grace's put- ting the laft draught of the Georgia College To fpeedily into the hands of the Lord Prefidcnt. As by this, (I prefume) it hath been honoured by your Grace's, fo I make no manner of doubt, but it w^ill alfo rheet with his Lordfhip's approbation. In obedience to your Grace's defire, I herewith fend your Grace an account of " what prcfent endowment, and to what value, I propofe for the intended College." Upon a moderate computation, may it pleafe your Grace, I believe its prefent annual income, is between four and five hundred pounds flerlinp-. The houfe is furrounded with eighteen hundred acres of land ; a plan of which, and likewife of the houfe it- felf, I herein inclofe, and humbly prefent for your Grace's in- ipedion. The number of negroes young and old, em.ployed on various parrs of thefe lands, in fawing timber, raifmg rice for exportation, and corn v/ith all other kinds of provifion for the family, is about thirty. Befidcs thefe, the College will be immediately poffelled of two thoufand acres of land near Jltamaha^ which were granted me by the Governor and Council, when I was laft t^i G eorg'ia -^ and a thoufand acres more, left, as 1 am informed, by the late reverend and worthy Mr. Zubberbiiler. So that, by laying out only a thoufand pounds in purchafing an additional number of negroes, and allowing another thoufand for repairing the houfe, and building the two intended wings, the prefent annual income may very eafily and fpeedily be augmented to a thoufand pounds />^r annum. Out of this {landing fund, may be paid the falaries of the Maftcr, profeffors, tutors, &cc. and alfo fmali exhibitions be allowed for fome orphan or other poor ftudents, who may have their tutorage and room-rent gratis, and a£l as fervitors to thofc who enter commoners. What thefe falaries and exhibitions ought to be, may at a proper feafon be fubmitted to your Grace's future confideration. At prefent, I would only further propofe, that the negroe children belonging to the College, fliall be inftru£ted, in their inicrvals of labour, by one of the poorer fludents, as is done iiow [ 479 ] now by one of the fcholars in the prcfent Orphan houfe. And 1 do not fee why an additional provifion may not likewife be made for educating and maintaining a number of Indian children, which, I imagine, may eafily be procured from the Creeks^ Cho£iaws^ Cherokces^ and the other neighbouring na- tions. Hence the whole will be a free-gift to the colony of Georgia^ a complex extenfive charity will be eftablifhcd; and at the fame time, not a fmgle perfon obliged, by any public act of afTembly, to pay an involuntary forced tax towards the fup- port of a feminary, from which many of the more diftant and poorer Colon ift's children cannot poflibly receive any imme- diate advantage ; and yet the whole Colony, by the chriftiaii and liberal education of a great number of its individuals, be univerfally benented. Thus have I moft readily, and I hum- bly hope, gratefully complied with your Grace's defire, which to mc is as a command. I am confl-rained to trefpafs on your Grace's patience, whilft I congratulate your Grace on the goodnefs of God, who, amongft many other fignal marks of his peculiar providence, hath honoured your Grace, in mak- ing you an happy inflrument of eftablifliing two Norihern- Ame- rican Colleges ; the one at New-York^ and the other at Phila- delphia : and if (as I pray may be the cafe) your Grace fliould yet be made further inftrumental in eilablilhing a third Col- lege in the yet more fouthcrn, but now fIourifl;iing colony of Georgia^ I truft it v/ill be an additional gem in the crown, which I earneftly pray that God, the righteous judge, may give your Grace in that day. In his great name, I beg leave to fubfcribe myfelf, may it pleafe your Grace, Your Grace's mofl: dutiful, obliged fon and fervant, G. IK Mr, Whitefitld to the Archhijhop. TottCnLa?n'C:uytj Sept, i, 1767^ ^ May it pleafe your Grace ^ AS I am going out of town for a few weeks, I beg leave humbly to enquire, whether my L P 1 hath confidered the draught of the charter fent him by your Grace fome weeks ago. The Governor, Council, Aflembly, and ptber inhfibitants of Giorgia^ wait wiih impatience to have this C 480 ] this affair brought to a defired iflue ; and therefore I humbly hope your Grace will excufe the freedom of the requeft now made by, may it pleafe your Grace, Your Grace's moft dutiful, obliged fon and fcrvant, G.W. The Archhljhop to Mr. Whitcfield. Lamheth, Sept, 18, 1767* To the Reverend Mr. Whitefield. THE Archbifnop of Canterbury fends Mr. Whitejield the enclofed letter from the Lord Prefident,^ which he re- ceived this day, and which he defires may be returned to him, Mr. Whitefield to the Archhijhop, Tottenham-Court y 051. 13, 1767. May it pleafe your Grace^ BY a feries of unaccountable Incidents and miflakes, your Grace's letter, v/ith that of the L P 1, did not reach me till this afternoon. I have made bold to copy the letter ; and in obedience to your Grace's command, herewith return the original. Its contents fhall be immediately and duly confidered, and an anfwer very fpeedily remitted to your Grace. In the mean time, with moft humble thanks for the zeal and punduality fhewn by your grace in the profecution of this important affair, and earneftly begging an intereft in your Grace's prayers, that I may be kept from erring on the right hand, or the left, in this final difcharge of my public truft, I beg leave to fubfcribc myfelf, may it pieafe your Grace, Your Grace's moft obedient and dutiful fon and fervant, G.IV. Mr. Whitefield to the Archhijloop, Tottenham-Court^ 0^. 16, 1767. May it pleafe your Grace ^ AFTER earneft application to the Father of mercies for direction, I have endeavoured as in his prefence, duly to confider and weigh the contents of the L P t's let- ter, which your Grace was fo condefcending as to tranfmit for [ aSi ] for rtiy perufal. His L p therein, is plcafecl to inform your Grace, " That he obfervcs, that the fecond draught of " Mr. Whlieficld\ charter, differs from that of New-York ; *' in not requiring the head of the College to be a member of *' the church of England^ which his LordHiip thinks fo ma- *' terial a qualification, that for one, he fliould not be for *' difpenfing with it. And his L p is alfo of opir.ion, *' that the public prayers fliould not be extempore ones, but " the liturgy of the church, or fome part thereof, or fome *' other fettled and eftablifhed form." Thus far his L p. And, as 1 profefs myfelf to be a prefbyter of the fame com- munion with his L p, I cannot but applaud his L p*s zeal for, and watchfulnefs over, the honour of the efbbliQied church. But if his L -p would bs fo good as to take a particular view of the point of light in which I ftand, I can- not help flattering myfelf, but that his L p will be fo far from thinking, that being a member of the church of England js a qualification not to be difpenfed with in the head of the intended College; that on the contrary, it ought not {o much as to be mentioned, or infifted upon in the charter at ail. For not to trouble your Grace with a repetition of the reafons urged againft fuch a reftraining claufe, in my letter of 'Ju-ne 17 ; 1 would beg leave further to obferve to your Grace, that by far the greateft part of the Orphan-houfe collections and contri- butions came from DifTenters, not only in New-E-ngland^ New- Tork^ Penfyhania^ South-Carolina^ and Scotkmd, but in all proba- bility here in England alfo. Mod of thefe places I have vifif. d fmce the feveral audits of the Orphan-houfe accompts, and ac- quainted with the defign of turning it into a College ; and like- wife the addrefs of the Council and Affembly of the province of Georgia, with his Excellency Governor JVrigkt's anfvver, highly approving and recommending the defign, have been publifhed. Being frequently afked, '•• Upon what bottom the " intended College was to be founded ;" I not only moft readily and repeatedly anfwered, *' Undoubtedly upon a broad bottom ;" but likewife, in moft of the above-mentioned places, have folcmnly declared from the pulpit, that it fhould be upon a broad botto?n, and no other. This, I judged, I v/as fufficicntly warfSnted to do, from the known, long eftabliflied, mild, and uncoercive genius of the EngUflj government 3 alfo from your Vol. III. * H h Giaca's 31 [ 482 ] Grace's moderation towards proteftant Difienters ; from the unconquerable attachment of the /Americans to toleration prin- ciples, as well as from the avowed habitual feelings and fenti- ments of my own heart. This being the cafe, may it pleafe your Grace, I would humbly appeal to his L p, whether I can anfwer it to my God, my confcience, my kinj^, my country, my conftituents, and Orphan- houfe benefactors and contributors, both at home and abroad, to betray my truft, forfeit my word, ad contrary to my own convictions, and greatly retard and prejudice the growth and progrefs of the in- tended inftitution, by narrowing its foundation, and thereby letting it fall upon fuch a bottom, as I am perfuaded will give a general difguft, and moft juftly open the mouths of perfons of all denominations againft me. This, as I acquainted your Grace, in the fame letter referred to above, is what I dare not do. And therefore, as your Grace by your filence feems to be like-minded with the L d P 1 ; and as your Grace's and his L p's influence v^^ill undoubtedly extend Itfelf to cihers of his Majcfty's moft Honourable Privy-Council, I would beg leave, after returning all due acknowledgments, to inform your Gracs, that I intend troubling your Grace and his Lordfhip no more about this fo long depending concern. As it hath pleafed the great Head of the church in fome degree to renew my bodily fcrength, I purpofe now to renew my feeble efforts, and turn the charity into a more generous, and con- fequcntly into a more extenfu/ely ufeful channel. If 1 know any thing of my own heart, I have no ambition to be looked upon at prefent, or remembered for the future, as a founder of a college ; but I would fain, may it pleafe your Grace, a(5t the part of an honeft man, a difmterefted minifter of Jesus Christ, and a truly catholic, moderate prefbyter of the church Q^ England. In this way, and in this only, can I hope for a continued heart-felt enjoyment of that peace of God, which pafieth all underftanding, whilft here on earth, and be thereby prepared to ftand \v\i\\ humble boldnefs before the awful, impartial tribunal of the great Shepherd and Bifiiop of fouls at the great day. That your Grace may (hine as a ftar of the firft magnitude in that day, is the fincere prayer of, may- it pleafe your Grace, ■ Your Grace's moft dutiful obliged fon and fervant, G. W. Mr. C 483 ] Mr, Whitefield to the Jrchb':JJ)op. Tottenham-Courty Nov. li, I7&7> May it pleafe your Gracc^ THE bearer is my humble friend ; one who hath bsen with me Teveral years, and been my companion in tra- vel through the continent of America. If your Grace would be fo good as to fend by him the plans and papers relating to the Orphan-houfe, it would much oblige, may it pleafe your Grace, Your Grace's mofl: dutiful humble fervant, G. TV, T, S. I know not whether your Grace or the Lord Prefi- dent hath the copy of the Neiv-Jerfey College charter. I gave it to Mr. Secretary Sharpy in order that your Grace and his Lordfliip might fee it. Mr. Sharp being dead, obliges me to trouble your Grace with this particular : I (hould not other- wife have taken the freedom. Mr, Whitefield to the Archhijhop, Tottenham-Court^ Feb. 12, 1768. May it pleafe your Grace y AS not only the Governor, Council and AfTembly of Georgia^ have been for a long feafon, and are now wait- ing for an account of what hath been done in refpe£l to the aiFair of the intended Bethefda college, I find myfelf under a necelfity of giving them and the contributors, on this, as well as the other fide of the water, a plain narration of the fteps I have been taking ; and at the fame time I intend to lay before the public a draught of the future plan, which, God willing, I am now'determine-d to profecute. And as the letters which I have had the honour of writing to your Grace, contain moft of what I have to fay on this fubje£l, I fuppofe your Grace can have no objection againft my publifliing thofe let- ters, together with the anfwers returned, and the ifiiie of the correfpondencc. To prevent your Grace's having further H z trouble. [ 4S4 ] trouble, as I hear your Grace is at prefent much indifpofed, I fliall look upon filence as an approbation, at lead as a tacit allowance of what is dcfigned by, may it pleafe your Grace, Your Grace's moft dutiful fon and fervant, in the King of kings and Lord of lords, G. IK Thus, may it pleafe your excellency, concluded my corre- fpondence with his Grace, and I humbly hope, the province of Georgia, in the end, will be no lofer by this negociation. For, God willing, I now purpofe te add a public academy, to the Orphan-houfe, as the college * of Philadelphia was con- ftituted a public academy, as well as charitable fchool, for fome tim.e before its prefent college charter was granted by the honourable proprietors of Penfylvania in the year 1755. In purfuing a like plan, the prefent Georgia Orphan-houfe eftate, which for near thefe three years hath been in a flateoffuf- penfe, may be vigoroufly and properly improved, and thereby an ample and lading provifion made for the future maintenance and education of many poor, indigent, and orphan, as well as more opulent iludents. Proper maflers likewife may now be fent over to infl:ru6i:, and prepare for academical honours the many youths, who are at this time both in Georgia and the adjacent provinces, waiting for admiffion. In the mean time, a proper truft may be formed to acSl after my dcceafe, or even t'-fore, with this provifo, that no opportunity fhal) be omitted of making frefli application for a college charter, upon a broad bottom, whenever thofe in power (hall think it for the glory of God, and the intereft of their king and country to grant the fame. And thus, may it pleafe your Excellency, jmy beloved Bethejda will not only be continued as a houfe of * This college was originally built, above twenty-eight years ago, for a charity fchool and preaching place for me, and minifters of various de- nominations, on the bottom of the doftrinal articles of tha church of England. The truftees, as a public and ftanding acknowledgment of this, have inferted a claufe in their Grant, for leave for a part of the building ftill to be allowed for that purpofe. Accordingly I preached a fermon in it, for the benefit of their charity children, when I was lait at Philadelphia, before a very large auditory, ancl Dr. Srnitk, the prefent F-rovoft, read prayers, mercy r 485 ] mercy for poor orphans, but be confirmed as a feat and nur- fery of found learning, and religious education, I trull, to the lateft poflerity. That this may be the happy cafe, as I am perfuaded is the defire of your Excellency, his Majefty's Ho- nourable Council, and houfeof reprefentatives, in the province o( Georgia, fo it fhall ftill be, to my lateft breath, as it hath been for many years, the earneft endeavour and inccfunt prayer of, May it pleafe your Excellency, Your Excellency's, he. G, IV. Commons Houfe of Jffe?nhly, Monday, Jan. 29, 1 770. MR. Speaker reported, that he with the houfe having waited on the Reverend Mr. IVhitefield, in confequence of his invitation, at the Orphan houfe academy, heard him preach a very fuitable and pious fermon on the occafion j and with great pleafure obferved the promifing appearance of im- provement towards the good purpofes intended, and the decency and propriety of behaviour of the feveral rehdents there ; and were fenfibly affedled, when they faw the happy fuccefs which has attended Mr. WhitefieW^ indefatigable zeal for promoting the welfare of the province in general, and the Orphan-houfe in particular. Ordered, That this report be printed In the Gazette. 'John Simpfon^ Clerk. Extract from the Georgia Gazette. Savannah^ Jan. 31, 1770. LAST Sunday his Excellency the Governor, Council and AlTembly, having been invited by the Reverend Mr. George Whitefield, attended at divine fervice in the chapel of the Orphan-houfe academy, where prayers were read by the reverend Mr. Ellington, and a very fuitable fermon was preached by the reverend Mr. Whiiefeld from Zechariah ivth chap. 9th. and part of the loth verfes ; " The hands of Zeruhbabel have laid the foundation of this houfe, his hands Jhall alfo fnijh it; and ihmjhalt know^ that the Lord of hojls hath feni me unto you ; II 3 for C 4S6 ] for. who hath defpifed the day cf fmall things f ' to the general fatisfadion of the auditory; in which he took occafion to mention the many difcouragements he met with, well known to many there, in carrying on this inftitution for upwards of thirty years paft, and the prefent promifing profpe£t of its fu- ture and more extenfive ufefulnefs. After divine fervice, the com.pany were very politely entertained with a handfome and plentiful dinner ; and were greatly pleafed to fee the ufeful Improvements made in the houfe, the two additional wings for ijpartments for ftudents, one-hundred and fifty feet each in length, and other lefler buildings, in fo much forwardnefs, and the whole executed with tafte and in a mafterly manner ; and being fenfible of the truly generous and difintereflewbene- factions derivied to the province through his means, they ex- prcffed their gratitude in the moft refpe^lful terms. Orphan- [ 4S7 ] Orphan-Houfe, In Georgia^ D'. Sterling, To cafh received 1 from the 1 5 th December^ 1/3 8, to the ift Jan. 1745-6, by pub- lic Colleflions, | private Bcnefac- I tions, and annu- | al fubfcriptions, | per accompt, - J To ballance fupcr- expended, Ji 1, 1745-6. d. 4982 12 8 3cr-) -9 C5 L' 55^1 17 9i /. Oiphan-Houfe, in Georgia, C' Sterling. By cafh paid fun-") dries by particu- lar accompts ex- amined, from the 15 th December y 1738, to the ifl Jfl;/. 1745-6, for buildings, culti- vation of lands, ' infiriPiary, pro- ) vifions, wearing j apparel, and o- \ therincidcntex- | pences — — J >55ii 17 9l S. L. SAVANNAH in GEORGIA. THIS day perfonally appeared before us Henry Parker and William Spencer^ bailifts of Savan- mh aforefaid, the Reverend Mr. George li'hitefield^ and 'James Haberfiam^ Merchant o^ Savannah aforefaid, who, beino- duly fvvorn, fay, That the accompts relating to the Orphan-houfe, wo^N exhibited before us, of which the above is an abftia6l, amounting on the debit fide (namely, for colledlions and fub- fcriptions received) to the fum of four thoufand nine hundred eighty-tv/o pounds twelve {hillings and eight pence, fterling, and on the credit fide, (namely, for difburfements paid) to the fum of five thoufand five hundred eleven pounds feventeen (liillings and ninepence farthing, fterling, do, to the bcft of their knowledge, contain a jull and true account of all the monies colleded by, or given to them, or any other, for the ufe and benefit of the faid houfe ; and that the difburfements, amounting to the fum aforefaid, have been faithfully applied to and for the ufe of the fame. And the Reverend Mr. Ifhite- field further declareth, that he hath not converted or applied any part thereof to his own private ufe and property, neither hath charged the faid houfe with any of his travelling, or any other private expences whatfoever. George White field, James Habersham. H h 4 S A ^ [ 488 ] SAVANNAH in GEORGIA. THIS day perfonally appeared before us, Henry Parker^ and William Spencer^ bailiffs of Savannah aforefaid, William Woodrooffe^ William EvJen^ and William Rujfel of Sa^ 'vannah aforefaid, who being duly fworn fay. That they have carefully and ftriclly examined all and fingular the accompts relating to the Orphan-houfe in Georgia^ contained in forty-p one pages, in a book entitled, Receipts and dijhurfe?nents for the Orphan-houfe in Georgia, with the original bills, receipts, and other vouchers, from the fifteenth day of December^ in the year of our LoPvD one thoufand feven hundred and thirty eight, to the firfl day of January^ m the year of our Lord one thoufand feven hundred and forty-five; and that the monies received on account of the faid Orphan-houfe, amounted to the fum of four thoufand nine hundred eighty-two pounds twelve (liillings and eight-pence, fterling, as above ; and that it doth not appear, that the Ke\'erend Mr. Whitefield hath converted any part thereof to his ov/n private ufe and property, or charged the faid houfe with any of his travelling, or other private expences ; but, on the contrary, hath contributed to the faid houfe many valuable benefactions ; and that the mo- nies diiburfed on account of the faid houfe, amounted to the fum of five thoufand five hundred eleven pounds feventeen {hillings and ninepence farthing, fterling, as above, which we, in jufiice to t*ie Reverend Mr. Whitefieldy and the managers pf the faid houfe, do hereby declare, appear to us to be faith- fully and juftly applied to and for the ufe and benefit of the faid houfe only. William Woodrooffe, William Ewen, William Russel. 5 worn this i6th day of Jpril^ 1746,' before us, bailiffs of Sa- vannah; in j unification whereof we have hereunto fixed ouJT handsj and the common feal. Henry Parker, William Spencer, General [ 4^9 1 :3 o I c ^ ON .> a; U CO C r3 ^ o a. o o a ■^ 00 c< oo d o oo CO cc ro O CO cs ►-« no G. • n3 c .3 OOP -^3 -O "^ 5^ >^ >, >> ^.» V^ -Si . C-^ t-^ l-^ VO cS t-< CO a « I •T3 C .3 O O O • :i :i t3 t3 'T3 O O O O \C> .^ lO C> O^ ^ — - .4;^ o o o s -^ »-• 00 in r>. o o o CO 1 1 1 1 J? . I ^ 'i *^ «>^ KA.-^ rt cs -^ J= ^ cs in VO O to mo r-* r-^ r~^ 1^ t^-. Q CqQQQQQ Q ^ 2 O Q* u^ O O o c^ CO -^3 *-» O X CO •» o ct ^ ^ s M 5.5 > >- ^ ^ o ^ 'z: 10 [ 493 ] RGIA "D^FORE the Honourable Nohk Jonesy Efq; * JD fenior alliftant Juftice for the province afore- faid, perfonally appeared, the Rev. Mr. George IVhiufield and Thomas Dixon, of the province aforefaid, who being duly fworn, declare that the accompts relating to the Orphan-houfe, from folio lOi to folio 109 in this book, amounting, on the debit fide, to two thoufand five hundred forty-eight pounds feventeen (hillings and one half>penny, fterling, and on the credit fide, to ©ne thoufand three hundred thirteen pounds nineteen (hillings and fixpence three farthings, fterling, con- tain, to the beft of their knowledge, a juft and true account of all the monies collected by, or given to them, or any others, for the ufe or benefit of the faid houfe ; and that the difburfe- ments, amounting to the fum aforefaid, have been faithfully applied to and for the ufe of the fame. George Whitefield, Thomas Dixon* February 2, 177O. Sworn this 2d day of February, 1 770, before me ; in juftification whereof I have caufed the feal of the general court to be affixed. N. Jones. SeaU 5th and laft audit, 1770. Georgia. 13^^^^^ the Honourable Noble Jones, Efq; * JD fenior affiftant Juftice, &:c. perfonally ap- peared, James Edward Powell and Grey Ellict, Efquires, mem- bers of his Majefty's council for the province aforefaid, who being duly fworn, declare that they have carefully infpedted and examined the accompts, containing the receipts and dif- burfements, for the ufe of the Orphan-houfe in the faid pro- vince. And find the fums expended for the ufe of the fame, from the 9th Feb. 1765, to this day, amount to two thoufand five hundred forty-eight pounds feventeen (liillings and one half-penny, fterling ; and the fums received, to one thoufand three hundred thirteen pounds nineteen (liillings and fixpence three farthings, fteiling ; and that the whole of the fums ex- pended on account of the inftitution, amount to fifteen thou- 7 fand [ 494 ] fand four hundred and four pounds two fhilllngs and five-pence farthing, fterling, and the whole receipts, to the fuin of twelve thoufand one hundred four pounds nineteen {lilllings and one penny half-penny, fterling; and the benefadions of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield thereunto, have, at different times, amounted to the fum of three thoufand two hundred ninety-nine pounds three fhillings and three-pence three far- things, fterling, as clearly appears by a general account thereof ftated by us. And that in this our laft, as well as each preceding audit, no charge whatever has been made by the Rev. Mr, Whitefield^ either for travelling charges or otherwife, nor any other charge for the falary of any perfon whatever, employed or concerned in the management of the faid Orphan-houfe ; and that clear and diftin£l vouchers for the whole amount of the fums expended, have been laid before us, except for four articles, amounting together to forty pounds one Chilling and one penny, being monies expended and paid by the faid Mr. Whitefield on feveral occafions, the particulars of whi-ch were laid before us, but no receipt had been by him taken for the fame. James Edward Powell^ Grey Elliot. February 2, 1770. Sworn this 2d day oi February^ "^110^ before me; in juftification whereof, I have caufed the feal of the general court to be affixed. N. Jones. Seal. Schedule [ 495 3 Schedule of all the Lands poflefled by, and be- longing to the late Reverend George Whitejieldy in Georgia, Lands granted by his Majefly to the late Reverend George IVh'itcjleul^ in truft for the Orphan-houfe, or for the en- dowment of a College in Georgia, A Traclof500 acres, called Bethefda^ on which the Or- •^ phan-houfe and additional buildings are erefted. Another of 419 acres, called Nazareth, Another of 400 acres, called Ephrata, on which are the principal planting improvements. 1319 acres. Thefe lands are granted in truft to the deceafed, for the ufe of the Orphan-houfe, and adjoin each other : the grants are dated 13th o'l Aprils 176 1. Another of 500 acres, called HuniingdoHy and adjoins on — — one corner to Ephrata. — This grant is dated 131I1 oi Aprli^ 1761. -^ Tiiefe 3 trads, amounting to 20CO acres Another of 1000 / are contiguous, and are granted to the Another of 500 > deceafed in truft for the endowment of a :ollege. The duguj]^ 1765. Another of 500 I college. The grants are dated 6th of J A 2000 Another of 1000 acres, left by the Reverend Bartholomew Xouherbuhler^ deceafed, late minifi:er of Savannah, by Will, for the endowment of a college, but conditionally. The habendum of the three grants, amounting to 1319 acres of land, for the ule of the Orphan-houfe, run in the fgllovving words : " To have and to hold the faid tia6t of " four [ 496 ] *< four hundred acres of land, and all and fingular other the *' premifes hereby granted, with the appurtenances, unto the «' faid George Whiiefield^ his heirs and afligns for ever, in free *' and common foccage : — In truji neverthelefs for the ufe and *' benefit of the Orphan- Houfe^ — he the faid George Whiiefield^ *' his heirs or affigns, yielding and paying, &c." And the three grants, together amounting to 2000 acres of land, for the endowment of a college, are thus exprefTed : *' To have and to hold the faid' tra(St of one thoufand acres «' of land, and all and fmgular other the premifes hereby grant- *' ed, with the appurtenances, unto the faid George Whitefield, *' his heirs and alligns for ever, in free and common foccage : *' In tr lift for the endowment of a college in our faid province^ — «' he the faid George Whltefield^ his heirs and affigns, yielding «« and paying, &c." So that it plainly appears, thefe lands cannot be aliened or appropriated to any other ufe, than the purpofes for which they were granted, Extradl from an account of the (late of the family at the Orphan-houfe in Jpril 1770. Whites. Managers and carpenters 9 * Boys - - - 15 Girl . - - I Negroes, Men Women Children 24 II #- Of which 16 are young, and fit \ for any labor j 7 are old, but I capable of fome fervice, and I. 1 io old as to be ufelefs. 'A 75 Lr 8'of thefe are capable of the ufual j labor, 2 are old and ainft in the bufniefs of the houfe, and i al- molt incapable of any fervice. Of whom, thofe that are capable are employed about fomething ufeful, as far as their itiength and abilities will permit. By i 497 1 By an authentic account of the (late of tlie family at the Orphan-houfe, from the year 1739 to 1770, 140 Boys 9 have been clothes', educated, maintained and fuit- 43 Girls 3 ably provided fur. 183 Total. N. B. The Spanifi v/ar : the flufluating ftate of the co- lony for years ; the long fufpenfe in which Mr. IVbltefield was kept by government at home, as to his intended p':in of im- provement at the Orpban-houfe ; and other particulars which are noticed, and may be oblervcd in his letters, prevented the accellion of a greater number of orphans ; but to the honour and ufefulnefo of the inftitution, it ought to be remarked, that many poor children, bcfides what are numbered in this lift, were occafionally received, educated, and maintained ac the Orphan- ho ufe. Copy of a paper, endorfed College Rules, taken from the original in Mr. Whitefield\ hand- writing, 1770. MORNING prayer to begin conflantly, every day in the year, at half after five. The firft bell to ring exadllv at 5 o'clock. The form as follows : A pfalm or hymn ; the general con feffion, introduced with " Let us pray." If any fcholar of the houfe, or any other perfon not in pricft's orders, doth officiate, then that collc<^, " O God, whofe nature and property, &c." or that out of the commination-oince, *' O Lord, we befeech thee mercifully hear our prayers, hz'' Then muft follow the Lord's prayer, Gloria Patri^ " O come let us fmg unto the Lord, &c." or the Te Dcum^ or Song of the Three Children, or Benedi^us ; then the fccond lefTon for the day, with a few fliort pra61:ical remarks ; then a fuitable prayer, with fmging a fhort doxology ; and thus to conclude, " The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and fellowfhip of the Koly Ghoft be with UF, the Founder of this inftittition, the IVIalter, Warden^, and all its benefactors, and all mankind, now, henceforth, and Vol. in. * I i for 3^ [ 49^ 3 for evermore.*' If no one is capable of ufing free prayer, then^fhall follow the apoftles creed, the colleft for the week, the third collect: for grace ; the three prayers for the king, royal family, 2nd clergy, turned into one j " O God, the creator ;" the general thankfgiving, the prayer of St. Chryfojiom^ and *' Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," as before. The fame order In the evening, only to repeat the MagnU Jicai^ kc, before the reading of the fecond lefTon. On JFednefday and Friday morning, the hymn, the litany, the general thankfgiving, prayer of St. Chryfojlom^ and con- cluding prayer. On Sunday morning, a fhort prayer with a pfalm or hymn early in the morning. Full prayers and fermon at ten : the fame at three in the afternoon. A fhort prayer, and a hymn, at half after fix in the evening. The firit leflbn to be read at dinner ; the fame at fupper : a fiiort hymn at each meal. One of the orphans to read and give out the hymn, or any other fubfti tilted by the mafter 3 and alfo to read the fecond leflbn in chapel. Great care to be taken, that all read, write, fpeak, and behave properly. All the ftatutes to be in Englljh^ and read to every fcholar or fludent at admillion, and thrice a year, at Eajhr^ JVhitjun^ tide, and Chr'ifJjuas^ publicly. No cards, dice, or gaming of any kind to be allowed, on pain of expuifion, or difmiffion, by maflers, tutors, profeflbrs, ftudents or any officer or member of the college whatfoever. No mufic but divine pfalmody ; fuch as Buifs Harmonia Jacra^ Knibys and Madans collection of tunes. All are to be taught Bland's Manual Exercife^ by fome de- puted officer, but not bound to attend on mufters or other ex« ercifes, unlefs on account of an alarm. Nobody (liall be fufl'ered to run in arrears above half a year : fome caution money to be paid down. All ftudents to furnlfh their own rooms, but to He on mat- trefles, and the fuccefTors to pay thirds. No one fuffered to go to town without exprefs leave from the rpafter, or perfons deputed by him, 6 Breakfafl C 499 ] Breakfafi: at feven o'clock, dinner at twelve, fupper at fix, through all the year ; the utmoft neatnefs to be obferved and maintained in every room. All orphans and ftudents (hall be obliged to learn and re- peat, and, if capable, to tranflate into Latin all the thirty-nine articles, or thofe fpecified in the acl of toleration. The homi- lies to be read publicly, diftin6lly, frequently and carefully, every year, by the ftudents, deputed in rotation. All to be iirft thoroughly inftrudled in the hiftory of Georgia^ and con- flitution of England, before they are taught the hiftory of Greece and Rome, Kimher's hiftory of England is a good one for beginners, then may follow Rapijt's. The young negro boys to be baptized and taught to read. The young negro girls to be taught to work with the needle. The following divinity books to be read, Henry's Comment^ — Doddridge and Guife^ — Burkit^ — Clark\ Bible, — Wiljon\ Dictionary, — Profef- for Franck*s ManuduSiio, efpecially the preface de hnpedimen- tis Studii Theologici, — Doddridge's Rife and Progrefs, — BoJlon\ fourfold State, — ditto, on the Covenant, — Jenks, on the righ^ teoufnefs of Chrljl, and his Meditations, — Herveys Meditations, and Theron and Afpafio, — Bifhop Hall's Contemplations, and other works, — Edwards's Preacher, — Trapp on the old and new Tejlament, — Poole's Annotations, — Warner's TraSis, — Bifliop Leighioris Comment on St, Peter's ifi Epijlle, — Biftiop Pearfon on the Creed^ — Edwards's Veritas rediix, — Owen and Bimyan's works. I i 2 ^opy C 500 ] Copy of a paper, intitled, " Subjefls for Annual Prizes at the Orphan-houfe, Bethefda College," in the hand-writing of Mr. Whitefield^ inclofed with and referred to in his Will *. Subje61s for Annual Prizes at the Orphan-houfe, Bethefda College. ON every 27th of Decemher^ the Founder's birth-day, — an Oration on the Mercy of God, in preparing Habitati- ons and Places of Education for poor Orphans, '' In thee the fatherlefs find mercy," by an Orphan. Another on our Lord's Nativity, — by an Orphan. On the Anniverfary, March 25, — Orations on the benefit of erecting, founding, and contributing towards Seminaries of found Learning, and religious Education. — On the Benefit of an Union between Great Britain and her Colonics, — The Rife and Piogrefs of the Colony of Georgia. — The F.ife and Progrefs of Commerce and Religion in the other American Colonies, — by Orphans or Students. On the 5th of November^ — an Oration on the glorious Re- volution, and the infinite Mercy of God, in delivering Great Britain from Popifh I'yranny and arbitrary Power, by Orphan or Student. On Eajhr Monday., — an Oration on the Refurreclion,— by Orphan or Student, On TVhiifunday^ — an Oration on the Defcent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apoftles, — by Orphan or Student. Ail the Exercifes to be clofed with an Application, Ex- hortation, and Prayer, by the Mafter of the College. * " Whatever profits tnay arlfe from the fale of my books, or any ma- nufcripts, that I may leave behind, 1 give and bequeath ■■ ■■■ to- wards paying off my arrears that may be due on the account of the Orphan-houfe academy, or for Annual Prizes y as a reward for the beft three Orations that fhall be piade in Englijb, on the fubje6ls mentioned in a paper annexed to this Will/' The C 501 ] The following Speech was alfo found in Mr. V/HiTrriELD's own Writin;r> delivered by an Orphan after Mr. White- Field's Sermon preached before the Governor, S