_To Mr. M――――._
_New Brunswick, April 28, 1740._
BLESSED be GOD, I can send you glad tidings of great joy. Our LORD
JESUS is getting himself the victory in these parts. The Orphan-house
affairs go forward beyond expectation. I have upwards of _forty
children_ in my house at _Savannah_, near _seventy persons_ in family,
and upwards of an _hundred people_ to provide for every day. As yet we
want for nothing. The great housholder of mankind gives us all things
richly to enjoy, and, I am persuaded, will provide for us whilst we
trust in him. I had rather live by faith, and depend on GOD for the
support of my great, and yet increasing family, than to have the
largest visible fund in the universe. About five weeks ago the LORD
stirred up the _Charles-Town_ people to contribute upwards of seventy
pounds sterling towards the support of my little ones. A glorious work
was also begun in the hearts of the inhabitants; and many were brought
to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” A fortnight ago, after a
short passage of ten days, I landed in _Pensylvania_, and have had the
pleasure of seeing and hearing, that my poor endeavours for promoting
CHRIST’s kingdom, when there last, were not altogether vain in the
LORD. I cannot well tell you how many have come unto me, labouring
under the deepest convictions, and seemingly desirous of finding
rest in JESUS CHRIST. Several have, I humbly hope, actually received
him into their hearts by faith, and have not only righteousness and
peace, but also joy in the Holy Ghost. In short, the word hath run
and been much glorified; and many _Negroes_ also are in a fair way of
being brought home to GOD. I daily receive fresh and most importunate
invitations to preach in all the adjacent countries. GOD is pleased
togive a great blessing to my printed Sermons: they are now in the
hands of thousands in these parts, and are a means, under GOD, of
enlightening and building up many in their most holy faith. Since such
an effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, you
will not be surprized if I acquaint you there are many adversaries.
The _Clergy_, I find, are greatly offended at me. The commissary of
_Philadelphia_, having got a little stronger party than when I was
there last, has thrown off the mask, denied me the pulpit, and last
_Sunday_ preached up an _historical faith_, and _justification by
works_. But people only flock the more to me. The power of GOD is
more visible than ever in our assemblies; and more than ever before
are convinced that I preach the doctrine of JESUS CHRIST. Some few
bigotted self-righteous _Quakers_ also, now begin to spit out a little
of the serpent: they cannot bear the doctrine of _original sin_, or of
_imputed righteousness_ as the cause of our acceptance with GOD. One
calls original sin “original nonsense;” and several have been to me,
under the apprehension of being thrust out, for owning and confessing
what I take to be the truth as it is in JESUS. GOD has now brought me
to _New Brunswick_, where I am blessed with the conversation of Mr.
_G―――― T――――_. Indeed he is a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, and GOD
is pleased in a wonderful manner to own both him and his brethren.
The congregations where they have preached have been surprizingly
convicted and melted down. They are unwearied in doing good, and
go out into the highways and hedges to compel poor sinners to come
in. Yesterday also I heard of two ministers in _Long Island_, near
_New-York_, who had large communications from GOD, and have been
instrumental in bringing many souls to CHRIST. I could add more; but
I must away: the people are waiting for a spiritual meal. They fly
to the doctrine as doves to the windows, and I trust the LORD is now
reviving his work in the midst of the years. With great difficulty
I have redeemed time to send you these few lines. I hope you and the
rest of my dear friends continue to pray for me: for I believe never
was so weak a wretch sent on such an important errand. But when I am
weak, then am I strong. My bodily strength, by frequent journeying
and continued speaking, sometimes fails me; but the LORD quickens
and strengthens me by his mighty power. The more I am opposed, the
more joy I feel; and the first fruits of GOD’s spirit, which he hath
imparted to my soul, are so sweet, that I almost with impatience wait
till I reap a full harvest in the fruition of my GOD. Continue, I
beseech you, to intercede for me; and rest satisfied that both you and
my other _English_ friends are always remembered by
Yours,
_G. W._