Yours, &c.
G. W.
P. S. I cannot help adding, that several little boys and girls who were fond of sitting round me on the pulpit, while I preached, and handing to me peoples notes, though they were often pelted with eggs, dirt, &c. thrown at me, never once gave way: but on the contrary, every time I was struck, turned up their little weeping eyes, and seemed to wish they could receive the blows for me. God make them in their growing years great and living martyrs for him, who out of the mouth of babes and sucklings perfects praise!
LETTER CCCCXIII.
To the Rev. Mr. M——, in the Isle of Man.
On board the Mary and Ann, bound to Scotland, May 26, 1742.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I Received your letter on Saturday last, and felt great concern on my soul, while perusing it. One thing especially pleased me; I found by the contents, that a report I had lately heard concerning you was false; for I had heard, that the bishop seeing your zeal, and finding his opposition had inflamed, at last had ordered the clergy to open the church doors for you, and that now you had done with appearing openly in the defence of the glorious Gospel. Blessed be God this is not true! Though I find, both you and your people have been greatly discouraged. I see no way of extricating yourself, but by acting up to the dictates of your own conscience, and leaving the consequences to the great head and king of the church. You find, dear Sir, a sensible withdrawing of the spirit ever since you gave way. It would not have been so, had you obeyed God rather than man. Up then, and be doing, and the Lord will be yet with you. If you cannot preach freely in the Isle of Man, go whithersoever the Lord shall be pleased to lead you. Our commission is very extensive: “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” We want labourers much in England. If our ascended Saviour hath given you popular gifts, and freedom and authority in speaking without notes, you need not fear. He will assist you from time to time, and make you a blessing to many souls. Your being a minister of the established church, will be an advantage, and your age also will give you yet more authority; but an unction from the Holy One of Israel is the best qualification; I would therefore, dear Sir (if such a one as I, am capable of advising) by all means persuade you to humble yourself before the great bishop of your soul, and ask him again and again what he would have you to do? I am apt to think, he will not restore to you the comforts of the Holy Ghost, or stablish you with his free spirit, ’till you give up yourself simply to follow the dictates of his providence and spirit. Then let men or devils say or do their worst. How can we know God’s power unless we try it? Not that I would have you, dear friend, do any thing rashly. No, “he that believeth doth not make haste.” Wait upon the Lord, and he will certainly shew you what he would have you to do. I wonder not that your brother’s love is grown cold. It is hard for one in his station, unless he be thoroughly inured to contempt, and will give God leave to act in his own way, to withstand a whole body of lukewarm, prejudiced, envious, malignant clergy. These, have always been the greatest opposers of true vital religion. These, were our Saviour’s most bitter enemies. These, will be ours also, if we come forth in his spirit, and preach by his power. But blessed be God, I can say by happy experience, our glorious Emmanuel will make us more than conquerors over them all. He hath continually fought my battles for me, and I am persuaded will do so to the end. Of late, I have seen more of his power and goodness than ever, and I trust we shall yet see greater things than these. I am now once more going to Scotland, and purpose (God willing) the latter end of the year to embark for America. Pray let me hear from you, and if possible let me have a personal interview. I hope this will reach you. In the next, be pleased to tell me how to direct, for I have forgotten. The Lord be with you. I wish you abundant prosperity in the name of the exalted Redeemer, and am
Your affectionate brother and servant, &c.