BLESSED be God, I can send you glad tidings of great joy. Our Lord Jesus is getting himself the victory in these parts. The Orphan-house affairs go forward beyond expectation. I have upwards of forty children in my house at Savannah, near seventy persons in family, and upwards of an hundred people to provide for every day. As yet we want for nothing. The great housholder of mankind gives us all things richly to enjoy, and, I am persuaded, will provide for us whilst we trust in him. I had rather live by faith, and depend on God for the support of my great, and yet increasing family, than to have the largest visible fund in the universe. About five weeks ago the Lord stirred up the Charles-Town people to contribute upwards of seventy pounds sterling towards the support of my little ones. A glorious work was also begun in the hearts of the inhabitants; and many were brought to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” A fortnight ago, after a short passage of ten days, I landed in Pensylvania, and have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing, that my poor endeavours for promoting Christ’s kingdom, when there last, were not altogether vain in the Lord. I cannot well tell you how many have come unto me, labouring under the deepest convictions, and seemingly desirous of finding rest in Jesus Christ. Several have, I humbly hope, actually received him into their hearts by faith, and have not only righteousness and peace, but also joy in the Holy Ghost. In short, the word hath run and been much glorified; and many Negroes also are in a fair way of being brought home to God. I daily receive fresh and most importunate invitations to preach in all the adjacent countries. God is pleased to give a great blessing to my printed Sermons: they are now in the hands of thousands in these parts, and are a means, under God, of enlightening and building up many in their most holy faith. Since such an effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, you will not be surprized if I acquaint you there are many adversaries. The Clergy, I find, are greatly offended at me. The commissary of Philadelphia, having got a little stronger party than when I was there last, has thrown off the mask, denied me the pulpit, and last Sunday preached up an historical faith, and justification by works. But people only flock the more to me. The power of God is more visible than ever in our assemblies; and more than ever before are convinced that I preach the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Some few bigotted self-righteous Quakers also, now begin to spit out a little of the serpent: they cannot bear the doctrine of original sin, or of imputed righteousness as the cause of our acceptance with God. One calls original sin “original nonsense;” and several have been to me, under the apprehension of being thrust out, for owning and confessing what I take to be the truth as it is in Jesus. God has now brought me to New Brunswick, where I am blessed with the conversation of Mr. G—— T——. Indeed he is a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and God is pleased in a wonderful manner to own both him and his brethren. The congregations where they have preached have been surprizingly convicted and melted down. They are unwearied in doing good, and go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor sinners to come in. Yesterday also I heard of two ministers in Long Island, near New-York, who had large communications from God, and have been instrumental in bringing many souls to Christ. I could add more; but I must away: the people are waiting for a spiritual meal. They fly to the doctrine as doves to the windows, and I trust the Lord is now reviving his work in the midst of the years. With great difficulty I have redeemed time to send you these few lines. I hope you and the rest of my dear friends continue to pray for me: for I believe never was so weak a wretch sent on such an important errand. But when I am weak, then am I strong. My bodily strength, by frequent journeying and continued speaking, sometimes fails me; but the Lord quickens and strengthens me by his mighty power. The more I am opposed, the more joy I feel; and the first fruits of God’s spirit, which he hath imparted to my soul, are so sweet, that I almost with impatience wait till I reap a full harvest in the fruition of my God. Continue, I beseech you, to intercede for me; and rest satisfied that both you and my other English friends are always remembered by
Yours,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXXI.
To W. S. Esq.
Reedy Island, May 19, 1740.
My dear Brother,
I Know very well what it is to part from a friend which is as one’s own soul; and therefore could in some measure sympathize with you in what you felt when parting from me. The good Lord sanctify my friendship to you, and grant we may go hand in hand to heaven. One of the inclosed papers will shew you the event of what you inserted (unknown to me) in the News. However, be not disheartened; God shall make even this to work together for your good. The war between Michael and the dragon has much increased. Mr. C—— has preached most of his people away from him. He lashed me most bravely the Sunday before I came away. Mr. A—— also preaches against me. Mr. C—— did not come to take his leave of me; and Mr. J—— is very inveterate. Now I believe our Lord’s kingdom will come with power. At New-York the word ran. Twice or thrice our Lord appeared for us in a most glorious manner. Mr. T—— and his brethren glow with divine warmth; and I have conversed with one of the ministers of Long Island, whom God has lately sent forth: he is a sweet zealous soul. Last week, at Nottingham and Mr. B——’s, how did God manifest his glory! We had about twelve thousand hearers; and such a melting, such a crying, (they say) was scarcely ever seen. Blessed be God, the devil’s children begin to throw off the mask. I want to draw the lingering battle on. At Philadelphia affairs go on better and better; only Satan now begins to throw many into fits. I have generally preached twice and rode near thirty miles a-day since you left me. The Lord hath been my support, and has often so melted me with a sense of his free, sovereign, and everlasting love, that some thought I was giving up the ghost. Oh never let go your sense of God’s sovereign, everlasting love! It is food to my poor soul. Was it not for that, surely I must sink under the prospect of the labours and sufferings that are before me. My dear brother, What is the Lord doing in these parts? I believe the work will go on better here than in England. We are more united in our principles, and do not print one against another. Pray observe the hint given to Captain G——, and let the Lord order for me as it shall seem good in his sight. We are now at Reedy Island waiting for a wind. I heard of a ship going to Dublin, and could not lose the opportunity of writing to my dear brother S——. I need not remind you to hasten over as fast as possible—Our Lord has taught you not to stay by the way—I have rebuked Mr. C—— sharply, and I trust have gotten some gracious souls on board—The Lord is with me; I am somewhat better as to bodily health, but I live chiefly on inward supplies from above. My master never fails me. Oh exhort all to fall in love with Jesus, and to pray for,
Ever yours in the best bonds,