MY soul is now in an heavenly frame, swallowed up in God, and melted down by the love of my dear Lord Jesus. It is almost too big to speak. I will give it vent by writing to you. Our master hath been exceeding gracious, and has shewn me several tokens for good, which I desired of him in secret prayer. Last night, I think I received as full satisfaction as I could desire, in respect to my marriage. I believe what I have done, is of God; tho’ I know not when my heart was more disengaged from earthly thoughts than now. I only desire, that the dear Jesus may be glorified in me, whether it be by life or by death. I depend on your sending me a particular account of affairs at Charles-Town. I have wrote to many; you will hear how my letters are received. I shall be glad to hear how it is with your own soul. I beseech you to live near to Christ, and to keep up a holy walk with God. Be inward with God in your duties. Trust and hang on God, even when he hides himself from you. He will be your guide unto death. Hunger and thirst daily after the righteousness of Christ. Be content with no degree of sanctification. Be always crying out, “Lord, let me know more of myself and of thee; O let me receive grace for grace of thy dear Son.” This, at present, is the full desire of my soul. I am persuaded the Lord will satisfy it. God is love; we cannot think too highly of him; we cannot expect too great things to be done by him. His right hand, I believe, will bring mighty things to pass. I am now entering on a scene of trials. The Lord hath sent me on the seas to prepare me for them. Not that I depend on any stock of grace already received, I would look to Christ continually. But whither am I running? I forget myself. I almost fancy, I am talking with you. I have only room to acquaint you, that dear J—— S—— sits by me, and cordially salutes you, with
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCLXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. S——, Charles-Town.
On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.
Rev. and dear Sir,
YOU have been very kind to me in many respects; but I have been ungrateful to you, and infinitely more so to my gracious God. I have not failed frequently to bemoan my unworthiness. Since I have been on board, the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping, and now fills my soul with all peace and joy in believing. I have been much assisted in composing sermons for the press. At present my soul is closely adverting to God, who, I believe, will bring me safe to glory. My bodily strength is much renewed. In short, I am comforted on every side. Dear Sir, praise the Lord in my behalf. O let us magnify his name together. I hope you feel what it is to have fellowship with the Father and the Son, and experience the influences of the Holy Ghost, in delivering your blessed master’s message. I salute Mr. P—— and your whole church. My request is, “Brethren, pray and give thanks for us.”—When you write to New-England, pray remember me to all friends in the kindest manner. That country, and the people, lie very near my heart. I hope to be favoured with a line from you ere I return from England. Great perils there await me; but Jesus Christ will send his angel, and roll away every stone of difficulty. In his strength alone is my trust, and for his sake and in his name, I subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer in the Lord,