London, Jan. 27, 1750.
Very dear Sir,
I Received your kind letter, and am glad to find the storm is a little abated at Cork. I always thought it was too hot to hold long. I see by Mr. H—— that suffering grace is always given for suffering times. If they have honoured him so far as to give him some lashes, for preaching the everlasting gospel, I shall rejoice. Such an instance of persecution, I am persuaded will stir up the resentment of persons in power on this side the water. I beg for the dear people’s sake, you would continue your accounts. They direct me in my prayers, and excite also the prayers of others. On Monday, God willing, your letter shall be read, and in the strength of Jesus Christ, we will besiege the throne of grace once more, in our dear brethrens behalf. Surely we shall prevail. Neither will I stop, but use all endeavours to extricate our friends out of their troubles. Inclosed you have a letter to the Judge. You may send or deliver it as you think proper. I hope you will wait on Lord H——, and let me hear what he says. The Duke was spoke to, and last post I wrote to Lady H—— for the memorial, which if sent, shall be put into the hands of some that are very near his Majesty. Some honourable women are much your friends; Jesus makes them so, and when his people are distressed, if needful, a thousand Esthers shall be raised up. What are all these mountains in the sight of our great Zerubabel? Let him but speak the word, and they shall become a plain. I am glad my dear Mr. L——’s hopes begin to brighten. O for faith to look through every cloud! Ere long the sun of righteousness will shine upon us, and not one cloud be seen to intercept his blessed rays. I trust I can say, that we have lately felt many of his benign influences warming our souls, and the prospect of future usefulness increases daily. O for humility! O for gratitude and love! I have now preached three times in Mr. W——’s chapel, and each time the Lord was with us of a truth. Next week I leave town for about five weeks, but if you write, your letters will be sent to me. In the spring, I am apt to believe the cloud will move towards Ireland; but future things belong to him, before whom things past, present, and to come, are one eternal Now. Mr. C—— is much obliged to you for your kindness to his friend. He writes word, that you are a father to him. The Lord will reward you for all your works of faith, and labours which proceed from love. Perhaps it may do no harm, to let some know that application has been made, and is making to several in power here, and that they all express great resentment at the Cork proceedings. I find their afflictions are my own, and I pray God when they have gotten rest, they may not grow lukewarm, but like the churches of old, walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost and be edified. O for that rest which remains for the people of God! It is just at hand. We have a blessed foretaste of it here: We shall have a full fruition in the Redeemer’s kingdom hereafter. I wait for thy salvation, O Lord! I can now only add my most cordial salutations, and beg the continuance of your prayers for, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our blessed I AM,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXIV.
To Mr. T——.
Gloucester, Feb. 6. 1750.
Dear Tommy,