NOT long ago I received your kind letter, dated in February last. Your others I believe came to hand, and I hope ere now you have received my answer. My heart is really for an outward, as well as an inward union. Nothing shall be wanting on my part to bring it about; but I cannot see how it can possibly be effected, ’till we all think and speak the same things. I rejoice to hear, that you and your brother are more moderate with respect to sinless perfection. Time and experience I believe will convince you, that attaining such a state in this life, is not a doctrine of the everlasting gospel. As for universal redemption, if we omit on each side the talking for or against reprobation, which we may do fairly, and agree as we already do in giving an universal offer to all poor sinners that will come and taste of the water of life, I think we may manage very well. But it is difficult to determine such matters at a distance. Some time next year, (if the Redeemer spares my life) I hope to see you face to face. In the mean while, the language of my heart is,
O let us find the ancient way,
Our wond’ring foes to move;
And force the heathen world to say,
See how these brethren love.
I rejoice to find that the rebellion has been over-ruled for the awakening of many souls. Our Lord generally builds his temple in troublesome times. I cannot, upon the maturest deliberation, charge myself with a design to flatter in my sermon on that occasion. You know my attachment to the present establishment. Out of the fulness of my heart my pen wrote. But it may be I know not myself. Lord, keep me from trimming! At present, my heart seems as free for Jesus as ever. I have been once more in New-England. My entrance was as at the first, about seven years ago. Perhaps I may embark from thence for my native country. Our Lord will direct. I am now going to Georgia to winter. At New-York and here, Jesus has enlarged my heart, and opened my mouth to shew forth his praise. I have news of the awakening of several negroes at my new plantation, lately purchased at South-Carolina. I hope ere long to be delivered from my outward embarrassments. I long to owe no man any thing but love. This is a debt, Reverend Sir, I shall never be able to discharge to you, or your brother. Jesus will pay you all. For his sake, I love and honour you very much, and rejoice as much, in your success as in my own. I cannot agree with you in some principles, but that need not hinder love; since I trust we hold the foundation, even “Jesus, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever.” Will you salute, in the kindest manner, all the followers of the Lamb within your sphere of action? Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon all their dear souls! I thank them for remembering a poor pilgrim, who though faint is still pursuing, and determined, in the strength of Jesus, to spend and be spent more and more for the good of poor sinners. Perhaps before I see you, I may visit Bermudas and Cape-Breton. You will pray that the Lord may order my steps aright. What have you done with the Moravian Brethren? their affairs are in confusion here. I think their foundation is too narrow for their superstructure. I believe in their plan there are many plants that our heavenly Father hath not planted. The Lord bless what is right, and rectify what is wrong in them, in us, and in all. Even so, Lord Jesus, Amen!—O for heaven! where we shall mistake, judge, and grieve one another no more. Lately I thought myself sailing several times into the blessed harbour; but it seems I must put out to sea again. My Redeemer’s will be done! Forgive, Reverend Sir, the prolixity of this. Love indites. I salute you for my dear fellow pilgrim; who is gone forwards.—Continue to pray for us, and assure yourself, that you are always remembered by, Reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother and willing servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.