Your weak, but affectionate friend, brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CXLVI.
To Mr. B——.
Upper Marlborough, Dec. 8, 1739.
Dear Sir,
GRATITUDE obliges me to send you a letter of thanks for your last kind present, and all other favours; but the love of our Lord Jesus Christ constrains me to write to you, exhorting you earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. I humbly hope the Lord has been pleased to bless my coming in these parts to many, and amongst them to you also. It rejoiced me to find dear Mr. B—— was convinced that I preached the truth as it is in Jesus. It pleased me exceedingly, to find how his eyes were opened to see the direct contrariety there is, between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of the world. What has my dear friend now to do, but to prosecute these convictions, and never rest till they end in a sound conversion. God has given you richly all things to enjoy. Be persuaded henceforward not to be so cumbered about the many trifles of this life, as to neglect the one thing needful, Dare, Sir, to be singularly good, Oh dare to let your light shine before men—Be not ashamed of Christ and his gospel. Come out from your carnal acquaintance, and live as becomes a true follower of our Lord Jesus. Dear Mr. B——, I hope will join with you. God’s spirit has been and is now striving with his heart. I pray God to make this the accepted time, and cause it to be the day of his salvation. How will it fill me with joy at my return to Philadelphia, to see dear Mr. B—— and some other excellent well-meaning people, whom I love, become despised followers of the Lamb of God. If my prayers may be any ways assisting, as God shall enable me you may depend on them—Our dear friend B—— can inform you what God has done for us, since we saw you. One favour more I beg of you; give thanks as well as pray for
Your most obliged friend and servant,
G. W.