LETTER CCCCLX.
To Mr. E——, in Philadelphia.
Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1742.
My very dear Brother E——,
SINCE I wrote last, your other kind letter, dated July 24, came to hand, by which I find matters at Philadelphia are much the same as when you wrote before. I pray God to give me wisdom, and a right understanding, to judge of those different jarring accounts that are sent me. As far as I am able to determine, I think some who have the truths of God on their side, defend themselves with too great a mixture of their own spirit, and by this means perhaps some persons may be prejudiced even against truth itself. This is one rock, I pray God, my dear brother, to keep your soul from splitting against. Again, I think the M——n Brethren shew a better and milder spirit in the general; but many of their principles deviate as far from the truths of Jesus Christ, as the east is from the west, or the north from the south. I wish you may not have gone a step too far. It was unjust for Mr. B——’s brother to be denied preaching in the new building. Shall I commend Mr. B—— for this? I commend him not. The brethren should have some other place to preach in, and not make that house a Babel. I cannot give up truth for them, or for any other under heaven. I find they are as weak and fallible as those whom they judge not to have drank so deeply of the spirit of Christ; and therefore, my dear man, though we love all, we must be upon our guard, and follow not man’s teaching, but the teaching of the Holy Ghost. Though principles are not to be rested in, yet it is a good thing to have a clear head as well as a clean heart. Some people make nothing of principles; but why are they so zealous in propagating their own? I think, my dear brother, I am a happy sinner, and have really entered into an abiding rest in God, through the Lord Jesus Christ; but yet the stirrings of corruption I expect in some degree or other, till I breathe my last. This I hope is all that dear Mr. T—— insists on. My dear brother, love the brotherhood, but do not give up the truths of God; and when you are brought off from idolizing one creature, take care you do not insensibly fall into idolizing another. Do not think that all things the most refined christian in the world does, is right; or that all principles are wrong, because some that hold them are too imbittered in their spirits. It is hard for good men, when the truths of God are opposed, to keep their temper, especially at the first attack. Nothing but the all-conquering blood of the dear Redeemer can destroy the wild-fire in the heart. You will see what I have wrote to the dear Trustees. I hope our loving Saviour will incline you to comply with my advice. I believe it is from him, and will much tend to the prosperity of Zion. That, I trust, we have all at heart. I pray God we may be enabled so to act, as to do nothing to obstruct it, but bear and forbear with one another in love, and give way in some things to promote the common good. You see, my dear man, how freely I write to you. It is out of the fulness of my heart. I hope you and I shall be happily surprized, in finding each other better than we expected. God forbid that we should live one hour without growing more like the blessed Lamb of God. I am too credibly informed, that some make it their business to prejudice my friends against me. Such wisdom cometh not from above. They are as the false apostles, of whom Saint Paul spoke, “They would exclude us, that you might affect them.” But glory be to free grace! I can repose myself in Jesus, and am happy in him. However I may be dealt with by man, blessed be his name, I am now happy in the midst of various trials, even beyond expression. I only add, through grace I have laid the foundation; let others beware how they build thereon. Adieu, my dear brother. I am, with cordial respects and affection,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCLXI.
To the Reverend Mr. E—— J——, in Wales.