G. W.
LETTER MCXCVII.
To Professor F——.
London, March 5, 1758.
Most reverend and dear Sir,
THOUGH I am almost ashamed to put pen to paper, yet the kind mention (as I hear from good Mr. Z——) you have been pleased to make from time to time of me, together with the importunities of that venerable man of God, have at length prevailed upon me to trouble you with this letter. O that an infinitely condescending Redeemer may excite you thereby, most honoured Sir, to be instant in prayer for one who is the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints. Long, long before now did I think of entering into my wish’d-for rest. Times without number hath this tabernacle groaned; but having obtained help from God, I yet continue, in my poor way, to preach to all that are willing to hear, the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. Through grace the fields are as yet white, and as ready to harvest as ever. In the Summer I range, and with a table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my sounding-board, I am enabled generally thrice a day, to call to many thousands to come to Jesus that they may have life. In the Winter I am confined to this metropolis; but to my great mortification, through continual vomiting, want of rest, and of appetite, I have been reduced for some time to the short allowance of preaching only once a day, except Sundays, when I generally preach thrice. Thousands attend every evening at both ends of the town, and on Lord’s-days many, many go away for want of room. The divine presence is apparently amongst us, and every week produces fresh instances of the power of converting grace. Blessed be God, we meet with no disturbances in town, and very seldom in the country: but last year, while I was preaching in the fields in Ireland, a popish mob was so incensed at my preaching the Lord our Righteousness, and praying for our good old King, and the King of Prussia, that they surrounded, stoned, and almost killed me. But we are immortal till our work is done, and glad should I have been to have died in such a cause. Mr. W——y hath societies in Ireland and elsewhere; and though we differ a little in some principles, yet brotherly love continues. I generally, when itinerating, preach among his people, as freely as among those who are called our own. In London several new flaming preachers are come forth; and in various parts of the kingdom we hear of divers others, who seem determined to know and preach nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Thousands and thousands are now praying daily for success to the Prussian and Hanoverian arms. Your fast-days were kept here with great solemnity, and will be so again, God willing, when I know the day. Our Joshua’s are in the field. Many a Moses is gone up into the mount to pray. Nil desperandum Christo duce, auspice Christo. The ark trembles, but underneath are the everlasting arms of an everlasting God. He that wrought such wonders for the Prussian monarch last year, can repeat them this. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief! The distresses of German protestants, we look upon as our own. We have also endeavoured to give thanks for the great mercy vouchsafed your Orphan-house, and the protestant cause. Lord Jesus, repeat the occasions, for thine infinite mercy’s sake! Pardon, pardon, most worthy Sir, the length of this, and impute it to the encouragement given by the venerable Mr. Z—— to, most honoured Sir,
Your dutiful son and servant,
G. W.