Charles-Town, Aug. 25, 1740.
Dear and Honoured Sir,
LAST night I had the pleasure of receiving an extract of your journal.—This morning I took a walk and read it. I pray God to give it his blessing. Many things I trust will prove beneficial, especially the account of yourself. Only, give me leave with all humility to exhort you not to be strenuous in opposing the doctrines of election and final perseverance, when, by your own confession, “you have not the witness of the spirit within yourself,” and consequently are not a proper judge. I remember dear brother E—— told me one day, that “he was convinced of the perseverance of the saints.” I told him, you was not. He replied, but he will be convinced when he hath got the spirit himself. I am assured, God has now for some years given me this living witness in my soul. I cannot say, I have since indulged any doubts (at least for no considerable time) about the forgiveness of my sins; nay, I can scarce say, that I ever doubted at all. When I have been nearest death, my evidences have been the clearest. I can say, I have been on the borders of Canaan, and do every day, nay, almost every moment, long for the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; not to evade sufferings, but with a single desire to see his blessed face. I feel his blessed spirit daily filling my soul and body, as plain as I feel the air which I breathe, or the food I eat.—Perhaps the doctrines of election and of final perseverance hath been abused, (and what doctrine has not,) but notwithstanding, it is children’s bread, and ought not in my opinion to be with-held from them, supposing it is always mentioned with proper cautions against the abuse. Dear and Honoured Sir, I write not this to enter into disputation. I hope, at this time, I feel something of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. I cannot bear the thoughts of opposing you: but how can I avoid it, if you go about (as your brother C—— once said) to drive John Calvin out of Bristol. Alas, I never read any thing that Calvin wrote; my doctrines I had from Christ and his apostles; I was taught them of God; and as God was pleased to send me out first, and to enlighten me first, so I think he still continues to do it. My business seems to be chiefly in planting; if God send you to water, I praise his name.—I wish you a thousand-fold increase. I find, by young W——’s letter, there is disputing among you about election, and perfection.—I pray God to put a stop to it, for what good end will it answer?—I wish I knew your principles fully; did you write oftner, and more frankly, it might have a better effect than silence and reserve. I have lately had many domestic trials, and that about points of doctrine, not by myself, but from others in my absence. I daily wait upon God, depending on his promise, that all things, even this, shall work together for my good. Many in Charles-Town, I believe, are called of God. You may now find a christian, without searching the town as with a candle. Mr. G—— is less furious, at least in public. He hath expended all his strength, and finds he cannot prevail. Adieu, Honoured Sir, Adieu! My health is better, since I last left Charles Town, and am now freed from domestic cares. With almost tears of love to you, and the brethren, do I subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCXV.
To Mrs. J—— L——, in Bristol.
Charles-Town, Aug. 26, 1740.
Dear J——,