LETTER CXVII.
To a Servant.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
WHEN I was at Mr. ——, I fear I did not ask you often enough what God had done for your soul. I write this to beg your pardon. Want of time was the cause. I believe Christ hath manifested himself to your soul. Shew it, I entreat you, by labouring to adorn his gospel in all things. A meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price. You are happy in a place. I hope you know and are thankful for it. Take heed that you serve with singleness of heart, as unto Christ. Go when you are bid to go, come when you are bid to come; when commanded to do this, do it with all your might. Bear with the perverseness of others. Remember how silent Mary was, when her sister Martha peevishly said, “Lord, carest thou not that my sister has left me to serve alone?” My unfeigned love attends all the Martha’s and Mary’s of your acquaintance. I pray they may in all things walk as women professing godliness. To hear of your progress in the gospel, would much please
Your Sincere friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXVIII.
To the Rev. Mr. ——.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Rev. and dear Sir,
THE many favours I have received at your hands, are still deeply impressed upon my heart; as I have often said, so I say again, I hope they will never be forgotten by me so long as I live. But, reverend Sir, I have observed some particulars in your principles and conduct, which I must confess have given me much concern, and of which, from love and gratitude, I think myself obliged to inform you. —— I believe, dear Sir, you have often been inwardly offended at me, because you suspected, I thought you to be no true christian. Your suspicions were not groundless. I cannot yet think, that a thorough work of conversion was ever wrought upon your soul. I fear you deny, that “Jesus Christ is truly and properly God.” I infer this, from your not reading the Nicene Creed, and your palliating that text I once urged to prove it. “I and my Father are one.” I doubt also, your owning “Original Sin.” This I gather from your wondering I should touch on such a point, when I preached my sermon on justification by Jesus Christ. Besides, the sad definition you once gave of religion in a letter to your brother ——; the stranger also which you seemed to be to the “devil’s temptations,” when I conversed with you; and your supposing, that conversion was to be wrought in the soul by moral persuasion; all these put together, dear Sir, convince me, that you were never yet truly and effectually born again of God. Besides, Reverend Sir, does your going weekly to a club, where the company play at cards, and sit up late at night, does this, dear Sir, agree with your holy vocation, either as a christian or a minister? Be not offended, Rev. Sir, at this plainness of speech. I have forborne a long while; love and gratitude would not suffer me to forbear any longer. I wish I had no occasion to write in this manner. I believe you so ingenuous as not to be angry with me. I pray God to quell all resentment in your heart, and send you his holy spirit to guide you into all truth. Your brother’s eyes are now in some measure opened: he is convinced of the perfect righteousness wrought out for him by Jesus Christ, and ere now I hope hath received faith to apply it to his heart. This is the doctrine of the church of England. Unless you hold this and other evangelical principles, how, dear Sir, is it consistent with sincerity to eat her bread? With humility, respect, and love, do I offer these things to your consideration—Be pleased to weigh them in a proper balance, and reflect from what principle they are wrote, and I am persuaded you will not be offended at, reverend and dear Sir,
♦Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
♦ ‘You’ replaced with ‘Your’
LETTER CXIX.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mr. S——,
I Love an Israelite indeed, I love a catholic spirit destitute of guile; you I am persuaded are thus minded. The Lord hath highly favoured you: he hath given you a meek and quiet spirit. My heart hath been knit to you, ever since God first brought us together. Oh pray, that what I admire in another, I may imitate myself, and have the graces of Jesus Christ stamped upon my heart. It fills me with confusion, whenever I consider how far I am from his likeness. Alas! What would become of me, was I to be saved by any thing within myself. Blessed be God, the Lord Jesus is my whole righteousness. By virtue of that I know I am justified, I believe I shall be sanctified, and am assured I shall be everlastingly redeemed: for God loved me with an everlasting love. Oh, dear Sir, the prospect of an hereafter fills my soul with comfort. Then shall I have enough of your company, and of the other children of God. The Lord give me patience to wait till my blessed change cometh. He often gives me such foretastes of the glory to be revealed in us, that I want to leap my seventy years. But in a degree, I may say with my blessed master, “I have a cup to drink of, and a baptism to be baptized with.” Dear Mr. S—— will see me humbled, I believe, as much as once exalted; I look for “Away with him, away with him,” every day. Then, I trust, I shall begin in earnest to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Even in such an hour, I believe dear Mr. S—— will dare own
His affectionate though most unworthy friend, brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXX.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Sir,
TO think, that you should be engaged publickly to pray for me, hath often given me much satisfaction, and now excites me to send you this letter of thanks: help me still, help me, dear Sir, by your prayers. They will be a means of lifting up my hands when they hang down, and of strengthning my feeble knees. Though in all things we do not, yet in essentials we both think and speak the same things. I wish all names among the saints of God were swallowed up in that one of Christian.—I long for professors to leave off placing religion in saying “I am a Churchman,” “I am a Dissenter.” My language to such is, “Are you of Christ? If so, I love you with all my heart:” for this reason chiefly, dear Sir, my heart is drawn out towards you. On this account, though so long in Christ before me, I make bold to call you brother, and to wish you God speed: blessed be his name, you have little reason to cry out; “My leanness, my leanness.” Many gracious souls are among your flock, they love to be fed with the sincere milk of the word. I hope they will be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. I often think of them with pleasure; pray salute them most affectionately in my name, and exhort them to entreat the Lord that I may make full proof of my ministry. In about a twelvemonth, God willing, I intend returning to England; I wish it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of peace. I think you are happy in the acquaintance of Mr. B—— S——. I trust he will be as good as he is great, and after he is made perfect through manifold temptations and trials, sit down with you, and all the other spirits of just men made perfect, in heaven. This is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow labourer in our Lord’s vineyard,
G. W.
LETTER CXXI.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
My dear Brother,
YOU cannot conceive how often you have been upon my thoughts, since I saw you. Eternity itself I hope will not diminish, but more and more increase that love, which I bear you from my heart. Your stature reminds me of little Zaccheus: he that called him, I am persuaded hath called you: Have you not heard him say to your soul, “I am your salvation?” If so, fear not, thou art a son of David. Let worldly affairs be ever so bad, he that has given you his own dear Son, will make you more than conqueror in all things. Still dare to own our dear Lord before men. It is no scandal for a follower of Jesus Christ to be poor. Our Lord was poor before us—So that we are rich in faith and good works, it is not much ♦matter if we are not rich in this world’s goods. Having Christ, though we have nothing else, we possess all things. However, since godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come, I would advise you to plead the promises for temporal blessings. In the name of Jesus, many a sweet morsel and opportune supply, have I fetched in from God by this means. That is the way I live, and hope shall continue so to live till death is swallowed up in victory. Death—what a comfortable word is that for a believer! Christ hath taken the sting of it away; henceforward it is no longer a king of terrors, but a welcome messenger to conduct the saints to glory. My dear brother, let us comfort one another with these things. We are not to live here always; our inheritance is above. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. Why then should we value these light afflictions, which are but for a moment? No, let us patiently bear our cross, since we are so shortly to wear a crown. Oh the riches of free, distinguishing grace! Why were you and I taken into favor? “Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.” O! my friend, my brother, let us for ever extol free grace! However others exalt man and debase God, let us exalt God and debase man. Let Jesus Christ have all the glory: for he is the author, carrier on, and finisher of our faith. He hath begun it in time, he shall compleat it in eternity.—My brother, I have been so expanded whilst writing, that I must refer you to other friends, to know how graciously God hath dealt with
Your affectionate brother in Christ,
G. W.
♦ ‘mater’ replaced with ‘matter’
LETTER CXXII.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mr. W.,
I Long to be in heaven, chiefly to see God even as he is; next, that I may have my soul satisfied with the blissful communion of saints. There I hope to see you and your wife, and to shew how sincerely I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ. My heart has went along with my hand, when I used to stretch it out to you in the field. I only wanted more time to converse with you. Oh my dear brother, let us keep ourselves in the love of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and then, yet a little while we shall meet in glory. As faith is the beginning, so faith is the end of the christian course. Let us keep this grace in continual exercise, and we may bid death and hell defiance. Faith makes us more than conquerors over all; I speak thus to you, because I hope you and dear Mrs. —— have been in some measure made partakers of this free gift of God. I pray God to increase it more and more, till it be swallowed up in the fruition of our supreme good. Perhaps our faith may be put to the trial ere it be long; I expect nothing but sufferings. Oh pray that I may be faithful unto the end, and that a crown of life may be given to
Your affectionate brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXIII.
To Mr. H.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
My dear Brother,
THE christian love I bear to both your sister and you, excites me to send you a line. Providence prevented your sailing with us; but as we have drank into the same spirit, I hope brotherly love will continue and increase between us, to all eternity. I have often wrestled in prayer for you since we have been on board. Your sister has watered those prayers with her tears, and I trust the Lord was entreated of us. Our voyage has been highly profitable to our souls. I can never be thankful enough for this sweet retreat. My dear brother, how do you find your heart? Mine is like Ezekiel’s temple, the farther I search into it, the greater abominations I discover; but there is a fountain opened for sin and all uncleanness. There, my dear brother, we may both wash and be made clean. The Lord hath already vouchsafed us some assurances of his love. Oh let us continually keep faith in exercise, till it be entirely swallowed up in the boundless ocean of the beatific vision. That God may daily renew you by his spirit, and more and more fit you for the happiness which awaits you above, is the hearty prayer of
Your affectionate though weak brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXIV.
To Mrs. ——.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
My Dear Friend,
SHALL I have any leisure time and not write you a line of thanks for your works of faith and labours of love? God forbid. I know not your name, but I neither forget your house, nor favours. The Lord reward you a thousand fold! I only fear that you have my person too much in admiration. If you look to the instrument less, and to God more, it will be better. By the grace of God alone, I am what I am. If any good hath been done to you or others, it was not I, but the grace of God that was in me. Oh, not unto me, not unto me, but unto God’s name be all the glory. I pray God to make you partaker of the same grace; for I would not have you an hearer only, I would have you a doer also. Surely you are more noble and wise, than to deceive your own soul. And yet it is but too notorious, that numbers rest in the outward form, and are strangers to the inward power of godliness in their hearts. Do not you so learn Christ. Beg of God that you may feel his spirit working mightily in your soul, and witnessing with your spirit that you are a child of God. I could go on, but other letters must be wrote—Pray tender my love to all that dined with me at your house; exhort them to keep close by faith to Christ, and to pray to and give him thanks in my behalf; for he hath dealt most graciously with
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXV.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mrs. ——,
STILL I must repeat my former request. Be not angry because I did not visit you oftener. I love, I honour you the more for being of low degree. You are thereby rendered more conformable to our dear and common Lord. His business alone prevented my seeing you so often as I would. However, though absent, I rejoice that our Saviour has dealt so lovingly with you. As afflictions have abounded, consolations have much more abounded. I am persuaded, you can affirm that God is the father of all mercies, and the God of all comforts. Has he not comforted you my dear sister in all your tribulation? He that hath, and does, will still deliver you. Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Shortly I suppose the earthly house of this your tabernacle will be dissolved: fear not, you shall then be cloathed upon with your house which is from heaven. Oh pray that such honour may be also conferred on
Your unworthy brother in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXVI.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mr. C——,
I Cannot forget your frequent attendance on my ministry when last at London. I am pressed in spirit to write you a line, to exhort you to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. You have learned the truth as it is in Jesus. You have been taught it of God. Electing love hath snatched you as a brand out of the fire, and you have followed our Lord without the camp, bearing his reproach. The Lord’s tabernacle has lately been pitched in the fields. Ere long it may be driven into the wilderness. I hope you will follow it even there. The divine presence, I am persuaded, will accompany it. Hath not your heart often burnt within you when the Scriptures have been opening to you, though not under a church roof? God is not confined to places. Wherever his people are, he will find and visit them. Our Lord (oh stupendous love!) has been pleased to sail with us. I have tasted both of his rod and staff; each has given me unspeakable comfort. My dear brother, help me to praise him. Who so great, so good a God, as our God? In about a twelve-month I hope to see you again. Oh pray for me, my dear brother, that I may meanwhile be let further into the mysteries of godliness, “God manifest in the flesh.” As yet, I find I am but a child, and a meer novice. But this is my comfort, “The Lord who has begun will carry on the good work,” till I am grown a strong man in Christ Jesus. I long to know more of his love, I hunger and thirst after the teachings of his blessed spirit. You, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded. Still press on and faint not. Yet a little while and you shall enter into perfect joy with
Your affectionate brother in our dear Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CXXVII.
New-York, Nov. 16, 1739.
Reverend Sir,
SEEING a passage in your letter to Mr. P—— concerning me, I find my heart immediately set to send you a line. I love to be acquainted with the true and old servants of Jesus Christ, because I delight to sit at their feet and receive instruction from them. You said right, reverend Sir, when you said “I was but a young divine.” Indeed I am a novice in the things of God. I can only say, that I desire to know the whole will of God, that I may communicate it to others. Christ is so good a master, that I would have all men drawn after him. He is pleased to let me experience daily teachings of his blessed spirit, and to show me the riches, freeness, and eternal duration of his love.—But as yet I only see men as trees walking. Oh pray, reverend Sir, that the Lord would again touch me, and enable me to see all things clearly. I desire it only for the good of his church. Reverend Sir, into what a lethargy is the christian world fallen! Foolish and wise virgins are all slumbering and sleeping. It is high time for all that love the Lord Jesus to lift up their voices like trumpets, and to give warning of the bridegroom’s coming; many I hope are already alarmed.—Philadelphia people receive the gospel gladly. Here, indeed, has been some little opposition, and therefore I hope success will be given to the word, and what has been done in England, the journal sent with this will inform you. Oh reverend Sir, I beseech you give thanks for me with your whole heart. Entreat the Lord that I may be kept humble and dependent upon our dear Lord Jesus. God willing, in about seven months I hope to see New England in my return to Europe. An effectual door is there opened, and no wonder that there are many adversaries. Shortly I expect to suffer for my dear master. May I not deny him in that hour! If you would please to favour me with a line, I should be glad to continue this correspondence, and acquaint you from time to time how the work of God goes on. Mr. N—— will convey any thing you shall send. May the Lord richly reward both him and you, for your love to
The most unprofitable of all his servants,
G. W.
LETTER CXXVIII.
New York, Nov. 16, 1739.
Rev. Sir,
MR. N——, and the report of your sincere love for our dear Lord Jesus, embolden me to write this. I rejoice for the great things God has done for many souls in Northampton. I hope, God willing, to come and see them in a few months. The journal sent with this, will shew you what the Lord is about to do in Europe. Now is the gathering time. A winnowing time will shortly succeed. Persecution and the power of religion will always keep pace. Our Lord’s word begins to be glorified in America. Many hearts gladly receive it. Oh Rev. Sir, it grieves me to see people, every where ready to perish for lack of knowledge. I care not what I suffer, so that some may be brought home to Christ. I am but a stripling, but the Lord chooses the weak things of this world to confound the strong. I should rejoice to be instructed by you. Mr. N—— will convey a letter to me—May the God of all grace give you all peace and joy in believing! May he increase you more and more, both you and your children! May you every day be feasted, and built up with fresh anointings of his blessed spirit! And by your fervent prayers, may you be enabled to hold up the hands of, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother, fellow labourer and servant in our dear Lord,
G. W.
LETTER CXXIX.
New York, Nov. 16, 1739.
Hon. Mother,
LAST night God brought me hither in health and safety. I must not omit informing you of it. Here is likely to be some opposition, and consequently a likelihood that some good will be done. New friends are raised up every day whithersoever we go; the people of Philadelphia have used me most courteously, and many I believe have been pricked to the heart. God willing, I leave this place next Monday, and in about a fortnight think to set out for Virginia by land. In about a twelvemonth, I propose returning to England; expect then to have the happiness of seeing me suffer for my master’s sake. Oh that God may enable you to rejoice in it! If you have the spirit of Christ you will rejoice, if not, you will be sorrowful. Oh my honoured mother, my soul is in distress for you: Flee, flee I beseech you to Jesus Christ by faith. Lay hold on Him, and do not let Him go. God hath given you convictions. Arise, arise, and never rest till they end in a sound conversion. Dare to deny yourself. My honoured mother, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, dare to take up your cross and follow Christ.
I am, honoured mother, your ever dutiful though unworthy son,
G. W.
LETTER CXXX.
To the Rev. Mr. P——.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Rev. and dear Sir,
I HAVE been much concerned since I saw you, lest I behaved not with that humility toward you, which is due from a babe to a father in Christ: but you know, reverend Sir, how difficult it is to meet with success, and not be puffed up with it, and therefore if any such thing was discernible in my conduct, oh pity me, and pray to the Lord to heal my pride. All I can say is, that I desire to learn of Jesus Christ to be meek and lowly in heart; but my corruptions are so strong, and my employ so dangerous, that sometimes I am afraid. But wherefore do I fear? He that hath given me himself, will he not freely give me all things? By his help then I am resolved to ask till I receive, to seek till I find, and to knock till I know myself. Blessed be God, I have had a sweet retirement to search out my spirit and bewail the infirmities of my public ministrations. Alas! who can hope to be justified by his works? My preaching, praying, &c. are only splendida peccata. The blood of Christ applied to my soul by a living faith, is the only thing that can render them acceptable. This is the doctrine which you, reverend Sir, have been enabled to preach, and for which no doubt you have suffered reproach: But you are now almost at your journey’s end. Yet a little while, and you shall enter into your Master’s joy. In the mean while the Lord, I am persuaded, will keep you as the apple of his eye. He will not forsake you when you are grey-headed, and your strength faileth you. The moment you are ripe for our common Master, he shall translate you to glory; I præ, sequar. I am a child; I must be tutored and made meet by sufferings to be a partaker of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light: But I am persuaded God will for Christ’s sake finally save, reverend Sir,
Your unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXI.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Brother J.,
INDEED I love you. Why? Because I hope you are an Israelite indeed; and one of those babes to whom it has been our Lord’s good pleasure to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God. It is special; it is a distinguishing gift. Be humble, dear James, be humble. Talk little, and think much. A wise man will guide his words with discretion. Be zealous for your dear Master. Let a zeal for his honour even eat you up; but then beg of God that it may be according to knowledge. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not again entangled with a yoke of bondage. Join not one of your works with your faith, in order to justify you before God: And if God gives you a spirit of prayer and supplication, fear not to pray as the spirit gives you utterance. Man may deride, but Christ will approve and accept you. Dear James, you see I do not forget you. I hope your little society increases, and that the Lord will always be adding to it such as shall be saved. Salute them all most kindly in my name. Exhort them to continue in the grace of God, and to pray for, dear James,
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXII.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Mrs. S.,
HAS the Lord yet heard your prayer? Often have I heard you say, “Oh! that I had received the faith!” As often, to the best of my knowledge, have I said, “Amen.” Ere now, I hope our common Master has fulfilled all your petitions, and given you your heart’s desire. If not, what hinders? Our Lord doth not want power, for he is Almighty; he does not want a will, for he invites you to come unto him. Search your heart, and see what is the reason the King of glory does not enter in. Is it too full of the world? Renounce it. Do you not ask often enough? Resolve to ask oftener. Do you look too much to some who say they have received faith, but do not bring forth good fruit? Henceforward look only to God and your own soul. Or do you not know the reason? Ask our Lord to shew you, and indeed he will; for he hath promised to fulfil the desires of them that fear him. Your Cousin can assure you of this. Oh follow him, as he does Christ, and you will be as happy as your heart can wish. Dear Mrs. S——, I am, with all possible thanks for past favours,
Your obliged friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXIII.
To Mrs. Martha B.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
My dear Sister,
I Call you not Martha, but Mary, for I hope you have chosen the better part, which shall not be taken from you: And yet not so properly may you be said to chuse, as the Lord to have chosen you; for we love God, because he first loved us. I can trace my conversion through its several steps, but cannot find one step I first took towards God. I have been a backslider from my very infancy. Had not God called after me, and by his spirit said unto me, as unto Adam, “Where art thou? Into what a dreadful condition hast thou plunged thyself?” I should have fled from him (if possible) for ever. I am persuaded you, my dear Sister, can readily say the same; for otherwise how can we truly value our Lord’s redeeming blood? How can we relish the doctrine of God’s free grace, and our being freely justified by faith which is in Christ Jesus? Oh let us beg of God to teach us these divine truths more and more, (for he alone can teach them) and let us lay out ourselves to teach them to others. You are happy in being in fellowship with some, who I hope will be ready, if need be, to seal these truths with their blood. Be humble, my dear Sister, be humble; and cease not to pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXIV.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Mrs. H.,
RACHEL brings me glad tidings: She tells me the Lord hath touched your heart by the power of his word, and that your relations have threatened to cast you out for our Lord’s sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. If you endure to the end, and naked follow a naked Christ, great shall be your reward in heaven. There is no being a christian without enduring contempt; no being happy hereafter, without suffering reproach here. The world can only love its own. As they hate God, so they must hate those that are desirous to be like him: But be not dismayed; Christ’s strength shall be magnified in your weakness: A living faith will support you under all. When your father and mother forsake you, the Lord will take you up. The greatest foes you will find to be those of your own heart. Subdue these, and outward crosses will affect you but little. To conquer yourself will be a laborious task; but if you believe, Jesus Christ shall even do this for you. Get out of yourself, rely wholly on, and be a co-worker with him, and he shall be to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Rachel greatly wishes this, but not more sincerely than
Your friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXV.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Mr. P.,
WHAT a divine sympathy and attraction is there between all those who by one spirit are made members of that mystical body, whereof Jesus Christ is the head! I loved your departed wife, now with God. I love your daughter, and the church in your house, in the bowels of Jesus Christ. Blessed be God that his love is so far shed abroad in our hearts, as to cause us to love one another, though we a little differ as to externals: For my part, I hate to mention them. My one sole question is, Are you a christian? Are you sealed by Christ’s spirit to the day of redemption? Are you hungering and thirsting after the perfect, everlasting righteousness of Jesus Christ? If so, you are my brother, my sister, and mother. I desire to love you as myself. This is my temper; I am persuaded it is your’s. Why otherwise did you so gladly receive me into your house? The Lord reward you and the rest of your christian brethren. Indeed I am present with you in spirit, and wish you good luck in the name of the Lord. O be not slack to praise him in my behalf; for I have experienced some rich anointings of his holy spirit, and have been made to see more into the wonders of redeeming love. Did I know more of your names, I would write to more. This is my comfort, I trust our names are written in the book of life. Yet a little while, and we shall sit down together in the kingdom of our Father. A place, though on a lower form, is, I humbly hope, prepared for
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXVI.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Mr. H.,
IF I remember, you used to express a great value for my person and doctrine, otherwise why should you desire a line from such a wretch as I am? When I look into myself, and consider how poor and miserable, and blind and naked my soul is, I wonder that any one should pay me the least regard. But what shall we say? God will have mercy upon whom he will have mercy. I am entirely indebted to free grace for all I have, am, or shall be. You also, I trust, dear Sir, are ready to subscribe to this; for what have we but what we have received? What should we have been had God left us to ourselves? Oh let a sense of this free, distinguishing love constrain us to obedience: A christian needs no other motive. That is a true gospel-faith which works by love. I often think it almost presumption to think of rewards in a future state; my Master amply rewards me in this: But present mercies are only earnests of future favours. Be not therefore, dear Sir, weary of well-doing, for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not. The Lord hath multiplied his favours towards me since I saw you last. We have had a long but pleasant and profitable voyage. Oh sing praises unto our God in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
G. W.
LETTER CXXXVII.
Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.
Dear Mrs. A.,
THESE words of the psalmist, “Let us rejoice in the strength of our salvation,” often come with great power and comfort upon my soul. You and I need take much notice of them: For otherwise how often should we have fallen away from God since our first looking Zion-wards? But the Lord as he loves us freely, so he will heal our backslidings. He neither will let us fall into sin or error, so as finally to destroy our souls. God forbid this should encourage us in sin. It is only intended to support us in danger, and to strengthen us under temptations. Since there is such infinite mercy with God, it is a cogent reason why he should be loved and feared; but not why he should be disobeyed: And since God has lately led you out of delusion, be more watchful over yourself, my dear Sister, to follow those who truly shew you the way of salvation.—To hear of your standing stedfast in the Lord, will highly delight
Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ,
G. W.