I Remember your words that day I took my leave of you, with Dr. John S——, at London. I have not forgotten you, therefore do I now write a line to my dear Mr. B——. May the Holy Ghost come upon him, and the power of the Highest overshadow him; and may our glorious Redeemer never cease striving with him, till he hath a witness within himself that he is a true child of God. Oh, when will you answer the character of your name-sake and forefather Isaac! When, like him, will my dear friend give himself up a whole burnt-offering unto the Lord! May I hear that you have recovered your first love, and are, as formerly, zealous of good works! I think I never yet really doubted of your return. If prayers to God, if entreaties to him, can bring my dear friend back, he shall not be led away captive by the world; he shall, he shall be a Christian indeed. I long to see you, and till then shall wrestle with strong cryings and many tears with my dear Lord Jesus, in your behalf. I feel, I feel Christ’s love; I can no more doubt of my interest in him, than I can of the shining of the sun at noon day. He fills, he sweetens and gladdens my soul; he loves me freely: he will bring me to behold his glory. I think I could now bid to men and devils defiance. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that justifies, who even now sitteth in heaven to make intercession for me. You see, my dear friend, I am upon the mount. I know not how to stop. It is true, I must come down; but it is only that I may go up again, and take a view of the heavenly Canaan. I am now near the port whither we are bound: yet a little while, and I shall be in heaven; and shall I not meet my dear I—— there? God forbid! No, no; I cannot bear the thought of it. Away, my dear, dear brother, to Jesus Christ. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness: look, look unto him by faith, and be saved. Call your dear wife to look also. Help, oh help her in the great work of her salvation; and breed up your dear child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Adieu. My heart is full. With sincerity I subscribe myself
Your’s most affectionately in our dearest, dearest Lord Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER CLXXVII.
To Mr. N——.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
My Dear Brother,
I Have been a few days returned from Charles-Town, where our dear Lord Jesus, I trust, has begun a glorious work. Many came to me under convictions, and were made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?” The people were exceeding desirous of my return amongst them. If I call there, as I come northward, it may prevent my being at New-York so soon as was proposed. The Lord direct my going in his way. A Fosterian Preacher lost ground there. I think you are not much to be blamed for going out of church; but perhaps it might be better, on another such occasion, to hear the whole discourse, and then go and converse with the preacher upon it; otherwise a man may say, you are angry, and could not judge, because you did not hear all. Praise is more dangerous than contempt: but when our Lord’s honour can be promoted by the display of our graces, we need not fear. His grace will be sufficient for us. I know not what person it is that you would not have me be so open to, unless it be Mr. ——. I had rather be too open than too reserved. Simplicity much becomes the Israel of God. A few days past, with full assurance of faith, I laid the first brick of our great house: Jeremiah bought land when the people were leading into captivity. My family daily increase, and, blessed be God, as yet I am kept from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of the Germans in America are holy souls, and deserve the character they bear. They keep up a close walk with God, and are remarkable for their sweetness and simplicity of behaviour. They talk little, and think much. Most of them, I believe, are Lutherans. But where there is the image of my dear Master, there are my affections drawn. This is the catholic spirit you breathe after: the Lord, I am persuaded, will give it to your soul. All that people do say of me, affects me but little; because I know worse of myself than they can say concerning me. My heart is desperately wicked. Was God to leave me, I should be a remarkable sinner. But redeeming love, I believe, will not let us go. Oh! dear Mr. N. pray, and give thanks for me. I daily taste that the Lord is gracious. All things go on well. My dear brethren salute you, as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant in Christ,