Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mr. ——,
YOU cannot well conceive how constantly you have been upon my heart, since I saw you. I think there has been a sympathy between your heart and mine. I have often pitied my dying friend, and as often prayed, that he may leave a word for God. I say, prayed, for God alone can remove the load.—I know too well what such temptations are, to think they may be overcome by our own strength. But, my dear Friend, you and I, weak as we are, can do all things through Christ strengthening us.—Do you believe on the Son of God? All things are possible to him that believeth. If the devil therefore continues his assaults, resist him, stedfast in the faith. Resist him, my dear Friend, and he will flee from you; rather suffer any thing, than be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. If you cannot overcome where you are, absence, perhaps, may cure you. Methinks, I would do and suffer any thing, rather than dear Mr. —— should be led away.—My companions in travel have an equal respect for you. We have often joined in prayer for you, when eating your cake. May God reward you for that, and all your other kind respects and favours conferred on, dear Mr. ——,
Your’s most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER LXXIV.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Madam,
I Should think myself highly ungrateful, did I not take all opportunities of acknowledging the many kindnesses I have received at your hands. Your last presents have been exceeding serviceable on board the ship, and every time we have tasted your bounty, I have endeavoured to dart up a short ejaculation for our kind benefactress. You cannot conceive, dear Madam, how loving the Lord has dealt with us; he has given us all things richly to enjoy, and comforted us on every side. Indeed sometimes he has been pleased to withdraw from me, and to permit satan to send me a thorn in the flesh.—But that was only to shew me my vileness, and to prepare me for further manifestations of his goodness to my soul. Our voyage though long has not been tedious or burdensome. My soul wants retirement.—I dread coming out into the world again. I am confident, dear Madam, that you will pray for me, that I may be kept unspotted from it. Oh what a blessed Master do we serve! His rod as well as staff comforts the soul. His corrections are all loving, and are only intended to make us truly great. Though you seemed to doubt, yet I hope to see you once more before you go hence. I cannot say I expect liberty long, if I speak boldly the truth as I ought to speak.—Indeed there is no being a true christian, and yet holding with the world, so much as some may imagine. Jesus Christ calls us to simplicity. I have often thought, dear Madam, that you did not see through the world enough. Numbers are accounted christians, who have only a name to live. I pray God to open all our eyes, that we may see every thing clearly. A time of persecution will show who are Israelites indeed, and who outside professors.—I hope, Madam, that, when tried, you will come forth as gold purified seven times in the fire. I only fear for, and suspect myself.—The Lord my righteousness will uphold me. Dear Madam, God only knows with what gratitude I desire to subscribe myself