LETTER DCCCXLVIII.
To Mr. B——.
Whitehaven, June 29, 1750.
My dear Mr. B——,
YESTERDAY, upon my arrival hither, I received your kind letter, and am now seated to send you an answer. May the Lord Jesus cause it to be answer of peace! You need make no apology for your openness and freedom; reserves to me are odious. I would willingly be a father, brother, and friend to all concerned with me; and consequently I would gladly bear a part with them in their sorrows and their joys. Your suspicions about Messrs. S——, G——, and N——, were groundless. The sole cause of your not hearing from me, was my not knowing where to direct to you. As I am utterly unconcerned in the discipline of Mr. W——’s societies, I can be no competent judge of their affairs. If you and the rest of the preachers were to meet together more frequently, and tell each other your grievances, opinions, &c. it might be of service. This may be done in a very friendly way, and thereby many uneasinesses might be prevented. After all, those that will live in peace must agree to disagree in many things with their fellow-labourers, and not let little things part or disunite them. I know not well, what my dear Mr. B—— means, about concealing the gospel privileges. There is no doubt but milk must be given to babes, and meat to strong men; but this all depends on the skilfulness of the preacher, and his being taught of God rightly to divide the word of truth. In general, gospel privileges may be spoken of to encourage awakened sinners and quicken saints. If by gospel privileges you mean love-feasts, bands, &c. these I think are only prudential means, and therefore no doubt prudence should be exercised in the use of them. I am of your opinion, that too much familiarity in these things is hurtful. But it is hard to keep a medium, where a multitude is concerned. As ill effects are discovered, they should be corrected and avoided. The question and answer you refer to, I do not like. I know nothing of Christ’s righteousness being imputed to all mankind. It is enough to say with the scriptures, “That it is imputed to all believers.” What does my dear Mr. B—— think of that assertion of the Apostle, “He made him sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God, in him.” And again, “Who of God is made to us, wisdom, righteousness, &c.” cum multis aliis, vide Romans, ivth and vith.—Is it not as express as can be, that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to believers? Consequently, it is sufficient for us, as preachers, to declare, “That all believers are actually delivered from the guilt of both actual and original sin, from the power of their corruptions here, and that at the hour of death they shall be delivered from the very in-being of sin, and be admitted to dwell with the glorious Jesus, and the spirits of just men made perfect, hereafter.” Another seven years experience, will teach some to handle the word of life in a better manner. Our business is to shew believers their compleatness in Christ, and to point them to Him for strength for every good word and work; and all to be done out of gratitude and love for what he hath done and suffered for them. But you know my sentiments; you have heard them all in my sermons. I have no reserves. What Mr. S—— says, I know not; I believe Christ’s redemption will be applied to all that shall believe. Who these are, we know not, and therefore we are to give a general offer and invitation; convinced of this, that every man’s damnation is of himself, and every man’s salvation all of God. You would do well to read more; but whether it would be best for you to pursue, or re-assume your old studies, unless you are determined to settle, I cannot tell. Reading a Latin author, a little every day, to be sure could do you no hurt. Terentius Christianus, Castalio’s Scripture Dialogues, and Selectæ Prælectiones Veteri Testamenti, would both delight and profit you. It has long since been my judgment, that it would be best for many of the present preachers to have a tutor, and retire for a while, and be content with preaching now and then, till they were a little more improved. Otherwise, I fear many who now make a temporary figure, for want of a proper foundation, will run themselves out of breath, will grow weary of the work, and leave it. May the Lord Jesus direct! This is the plan I purpose to pursue abroad. Whether God will be pleased to succeed it, I know not. All I can say is, that I am willing to lend an helping hand wherever I see the interest of Christ promoted. This is my motive, dear Sir, in answering your last. I hope it is satisfactory. If not, let me know. You may direct for me at Mr. T——’s, Edinburgh. I hope to be there next week. We have had good seasons since I parted from you. At Kendal a most promising door is opened. Follow me with your prayers.—Look up to Jesus, and let not little things disappoint and move you. If this be your foible, beware, and pray that Satan may not get an advantage over you. He will be always striving to vex and unhinge you. “The Lord reigneth.” Let this consideration support and comfort you, under the various changes you must necessarily meet with in the church. She is now militant, ere long she shall be triumphant. Till then, as the elect of God, let us put on bowels of compassion, meekness, long-suffering and humbleness of mind. But what am I doing? Adieu. The Lord be with you and yours, and give Mrs. B—— faith and courage in her approaching hour! All with me salute you. I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Mr. B——,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXLIX.
To Mr. T—— A——.