LETTER CI.
To the Rev. Mr. K.
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
Dear Brother K.,
I Long to hear how it is with you, and the church in your house. I verily believe, though it is but a little flock, yet it will be our heavenly Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. How happy is it, when all are of one mind in a house; all agreed to entertain and love the Lord Jesus. Their heaven is begun on earth. I pray God to continue this blessing, and cause you daily to build up each other in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is a gracious Master. Oh that I knew and loved him more! for he is altogether lovely. Has he yet revealed himself in dear Mr. K.’s heart? Is he assured that his beloved is his? Is he brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God? Is his mind free from scruples? Is he active? Is he punctual? Is he strong in the Lord and in the power of his might? Is the meekness of the lamb and the boldness of the lion blended in his soul? Do his parishioners fear, yet love him? Is he a Boanerges, and yet a Barnabas in the church of God? Does he thunder against obstinate sinners, and by displaying the riches of the promises, comfort and build up the saints? Does he preach as the spirit gives him utterance? Can he rely on the promise, “Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world?”
Forgive this freedom, my dear brother. Love makes me thus impertinent. I want to see you perfect, entire, lacking nothing. May God from day to day supply what is still deficient in you and in me, till we come to the fulness of the measure of the stature of Christ. He is faithful that has promised. God has been gracious to me his servant. In about a twelvemonth, I hope you will again see and rejoice with
Your affectionate brother in Christ,
G. W.