Your obliged brother and servant,
G. W.
[♦] insert omitted word ‘to’
LETTER XCV.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Mr. ——,
WAS not my heart with your heart, when we rode by the way and talked to each other concerning the Scriptures? I thought our souls tallied together, and that we had both drank of the same spirit. I have often, since that time, admired the grace of God in you, and even now feel my soul, whilst I am writing, intimately united with yours. What is all this, but the effect and fruit of God’s everlasting love through Christ our Lord? What is it, but an instance of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, who will have mercy on whom he will have mercy? Oh how doth the free, the distinguishing grace of God excite the love of those, who are made partakers of it! What was there in you and in me, dear Mr. O——, that should move God to chuse us before others? Was there any fitness foreseen in us, except a fitness for damnation? I believe not. No, God chose us from eternity, he called us in time, and I am persuaded will keep us from falling finally, till time shall be no more. Consider the Gospel in this view, and it appears a consistent scheme, though directly contrary to the natural man; and nothing convinces me more of the truth of these doctrines, than the enmity that is in the heart of carnal minds against them. However, the power of God is able to pull down every thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Henceforward I hope I shall speak boldly and plainly as I ought to speak, and not fail to declare the whole counsel of God. I pray daily, that I may know his will more perfectly, not only that I may do it myself, but that I may teach it to others. If I die for it, I cannot but speak the things which I know. Oh my dear friends, lift up your hands for me in the sanctuary. The prayers of the faithful, God will hear. Entreat the same favour of your brother. I love you both in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and remember you often when I go in and out before the Lord: He has been with us in the ship. His rod has corrected, his staff has comforted us; both his rod and staff have edified and strengthened our souls. In a year’s time I hope to see England. My love to all friends, and beseech them to pray that I may be prepared for whatever awaits
Your affectionate brother and servant in Christ Jesus,
G. W.