To the Inhabitants of Savannah.
From on board the Mary, October 2, 1738.
My good Friends,
AS God has been pleased to place you more especially under my care; so whether absent or present, I think it my duty to contribute my utmost endeavours towards promoting the salvation of your precious and immortal souls. For this end, and this only, God is my judge, came I amongst you; for this end am I now parted from you for a season; and for this end do I send you this general epistle. I love, I pray for, therefore do I write to you all without exception. But what shall I write to you about? Why, of our common salvation, of that one thing needful, of that new birth in Christ Jesus, that ineffable change which must pass upon our hearts, before we can see God, and of which you have heard me discourse so often. Let this, this, my dear friends, be the end of all your actions. Have this continually in view, and you will never do amiss. The author of this blessed change, is the Holy Ghost, the third person in the ever-blessed Trinity. The Father made, the Son redeemed, and the Holy Spirit is to sanctify, and so apply Christ’s redemption to our hearts. The means to attain this Holy Spirit, you know, and the way you know; Self-denial, and the way of the Cross. “If any man will come after me (says Jesus Christ) let him deny himself, and, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” And, I cannot but think it a particular blessing, which you enjoy above others; because you are in a new colony, where daily crosses must necessarily fall in your way. O then, I beseech you by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus, make a virtue of necessity, and take up your daily crosses with resignation and thanksgiving. Another means to attain the Holy Spirit, is public worship: for Christ has promised, “where two or three are gathered together in his name, there will he, by his Spirit, be in the midst of them.” For your zeal in this particular, I have often blessed God within myself, and made mention of it to others. O continue like-minded, and as in my presence, so in my absence, do not forsake the assembling yourselves together in the house of God; for there you will have the scriptures read, though not expounded; and the Holy Spirit, if you apply to him, will open your understandings, and guide you into all truth. Many other means there are of attaining the Holy Ghost, such as, reading the scriptures,—secret prayer,—self-examination, and receiving the blessed Sacrament;—all which I would insist on, could they be comprised in a letter. But this must be deferred till I see you in person, and am qualified to administer unto you the sacred symbols of Christ’s blessed body and blood. In the mean while, think not that I shall forget you in my prayers; no, I remember my promise, and whilst the winds and storms are blowing over me, I make supplication to God in your behalf. Though absent in body, I am present in spirit, and joy in hopes of hearing of your zeal for the Lord. Remember, my dear friends, that for the space of near four months, I ceased not, day and night, warning every one of you to repent and turn to God, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Repent you therefore, and walk in all things as becometh the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and then, and then only, shall your sins be blotted out. Finally, my brethren, be all of one mind. Let there be no divisions among you; for a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Be over careful for nothing, but in every thing, with supplications and thanksgiving make your wants known unto God. Speak not evil one of another, brethren, but live at peace among yourselves; and the God of peace shall in all things direct and rule your hearts. Brethren, pray for us, that God would prosper the works of his hands upon me, and restore me to you as soon as possible. In about eight months, God willing, I hope to see you; in the mean while, you shall not be forgotten by
Your affectionate, though unworthy minister in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
To the Inhabitants of Savannah.
London, January 19, 1739.