Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Rev. and Dear Sir,
SINCE I saw you last, you cannot well tell with what pleasure I have reflected on the uncommon power that frequently attended the word at Bexley. It was to me a sign of God’s good will, both to ministers and people. The former I was convinced of, before I left England. The last sermon I heard you preach, gave me much satisfaction. I hope ere now you are convinced of the latter also, and have seen some good effects amongst your parishioners. However, this I am assured of, we shall all in due time reap the fruit of our labours, if we faint not. Let me therefore exhort you, by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, to continue unwearied in well doing. You have seen the afflictions of God’s spiritual Israel. “Do and live,” is most they hear. But what is this, but requiring them to make bricks without straw? Arise, arise, then, my dear Mr. ——; proclaim the Lord to be their righteousness. The everlasting I AM now sends you forth: say not they will disbelieve my report, for God seems to have given his people the hearing ear and obedient heart. Fear not the face of man, for the Lord, if you go out in his strength, shall be with you, whithersoever you go. I hope my dear and honoured friend ere now hath prevented my exhortations. Methinks I see him, with all boldness declaring the whole counsel of God, and the attentive people receiving joyfully the gracious words, which proceed out of his mouth. Go on, my dear brother, go on; may the Lord bless you more and more, daily adding to the number of your spiritual children. —— I thank you, from my soul, for all favours conferred on me, and I pray you may always confess our Lord and his disciples before men. My most sincere respects attend your help-mate and true yoke-fellow. You are constantly upon my heart. My next journal will acquaint you how lovingly God hath dealt with
Your most unworthy friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER LXXIX.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
AND how does my dear Mr. H——s? Is he yet commenced a field preacher? I am persuaded my dear friend is under the guidance of God’s spirit, and therefore am convinced he will be directed for the best. He desires to do his Lord’s will, and shall he not know it? Undoubtedly he shall. Nay, ere now I trust God has pointed out his way, and he has been upon many a mount stretching out his hands, and inviting all that are weary and heavy laden to come to Jesus Christ. Oh my dear brother, though you come after me, yet I pray God, you may always be preferred before me. I trust I shall not envy, but rejoice in my brother’s success. At present, I find I love him in the bowels of Jesus Christ; I am frequently with you in spirit, and shall wait with impatience till I hear of my dear brother’s progress in the Lord. Alas! I fear I do not improve my retirement as I ought. God has graciously pleased to conduct me in mercy. The tempter has been busy with me, and I never before was more deeply wounded for sin. Christ’s love will let nothing pluck us out of his hands. However, let us constantly watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. In about a twelvemonth, God willing, I think of returning to England. I should rejoice, if you would come and supply my place at Savannah. If not, I must resign the parsonage, and take upon me only the care of the orphans. I intend bringing up two or three, that are with me, for the ministry: more, no doubt, will shortly be added to their number. If you could come and teach them the languages, for an hour or two in the day; we could serve both the orphan-house and parsonage together. Great things I trust will come out of Georgia. The Lord Jesus direct your spirit, and if it be his will, send you as a help to, dear Sir,
Your’s most affectionately in Christ Jesus,