Upper Marlborough (Mary Land) Dec. 8, 1739.
Rev. and dear Sir,
TILL now, I have neither had leisure nor freedom to answer your kind letter. Blessed be God, who has opened the hearts of some of his people at New York to receive the word. May he enable you to water what his own right hand hath planted, and grant to your labours a divine increase! Indeed I wish you good luck in the name of the Lord. I wish all his servants were prophets. Oh that he would be pleased to send forth experimental labourers into his harvest:—for I fear amongst you, as well as in other places, there are many who are well versed in the doctrines of grace, having learned them at the university, but notwithstanding are heart-hypocrites, and enemies to the power of godliness.—Dear Sir, I use this freedom, because I love simplicity. I confess I am but a child in grace, as well as years. Pardon this freedom, for out of the fulness and sincerity of my heart my pen writeth.—I thank your son and dear Mr. S—— for what they did on my account. Alas, I fear they think too highly of me. Oh dear Sir, entreat the God of all grace to give me humility, so shall success not prove my ruin. My most cordial respects and hearty thanks attend dear Mrs. P——, I pray God in all things to make her a help meet for you—As fast as I can snatch a few moments from public business, more New York friends may expect to hear from me—A sense of their favours is still upon my heart—I would willingly remember them, whenever I go in and out before the Lord. Mr. N——’s letter, and my next journal, will acquaint you, how the Lord Jesus has been getting himself the victory, since I left New York—There has been such little opposition, that I have been tempted almost to cry out, “Satan, why sleepest thou?” But God pities my weakness. Oh, dear Sir, thank him in my behalf, for indeed he deals most lovingly with, Rev. Sir,
Your most unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
G. W.
LETTER CXLV.
Upper Marlborough, Dec. 8, 1739.
Dear Sir,
I Cannot defer writing to dear Mr. N—— any longer.—This afternoon God brought us hither. Some are solicitous for my staying here to-morrow. As it seems to be a call from providence, I have complied with their request. Oh that I may be enabled to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and to speak with the demonstration of the spirit and with power. These parts are in a dead sleep. At Anapolis, I preached twice, and spoke home to some ladies concerning the vanity of their false politeness. But alas, they are wedded to their Quadrille and Ombre. The minister of the place was under convictions—He wept twice, and earnestly begged my prayers. He will not frighten people I believe with harsh doctrine,—he loves to prophesy smooth things.—God blessed the word wonderfully at Philadelphia. I have great reason to think many are brought home to God. When I return, it will then be seen, who has received the word into an honest and good heart. By the divine assistance, I propose revisiting Philadelphia, New York, and to go as far as Boston, and so return to Georgia, before I take shipping again for England—The Lord direct my going in his way! About May you may expect to see me. My dear friend, pray that I may so improve the time of my absence, that at my return my progress may be made known to all men. It shames me to see what little proficiency I have made in the school of Christ. If I do not begin to press forwards, how shall I appear before my blessed Lord? I feel myself to be the chief of sinners; surely never was a greater instance of redeeming distinguishing love. God forbid that I should glory in any thing but free grace: had not God plucked me as a brand out of the fire, I had now either been given over to a reprobate mind, or cast into a place of torment. Oh help me, help me, dearest Mr. N——, help me to be thankful, and accept my thanks, though late, for all favours received when at New York. Indeed I love you in the bowels of our dear Lord Jesus. Salute your dear wife my kind hostess: exhort her to be severely kind to her little boy.—My most cordial respects attend all who ask after me. Entreat them to continue their prayers, dearest Mr. N——, for