_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.
_G. W._