_To Mr. J―――― C――――._
_New-York, July 5, 1747._
_My dear John_,
THOUGH I am quite sick and weak in body, yet the love I owe thee for
JESU’s sake, constrains me to answer your last kind letter, dated
_♦February_ 5th. The other mentioned therein, never came to hand. I am
sorry to hear there are yet disputings amongst us about brick-walls.
I was in hopes, after our contests of that kind about seven years ago,
such a scene would never appear again; but I find fresh offences must
come, to search out and discover to us fresh corruptions, to try our
faith, teach us to cease from man, and to lean more upon him, who by
his infinite wisdom and power will cause, “that out of the eater shall
come forth meat, and from the strong sweetness.” I am glad you find
yourself happy in the holy JESUS. I wish thee an increase of such
dear-bought happiness every day, and pray that thy mouth may not be
stopped, as others have been before thee, from publishing the glad
tidings of salvation, by a crucified Redeemer. It has been thy meat
and drink to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS
CHRIST. May’st thou continue and abide in this plan, and whether I see
thee or not, whether thou dost ever think of, or write to me any more,
I wish thee much success, and shall always pray that the work of the
LORD may prosper in thy hands. Whether you have changed your principles
with your situation, I know not. I would only caution thee against
taking any thing for _gospel_ upon the mere authority of man. Go where
thou wilt, though thou shouldest be in the purest society under heaven,
thou wilt find that the best of men are but men at the best, and will
meet with stumbling blocks enough, to teach thee the necessity of a
continual dependence on the LORD JESUS, who alone is infallible, and
who will not give that glory to another. Blessed be his Name, for the
trials I have met with from the friends of _Zion_. At present, I can
rejoice in being deserted by one, and used unkind by another, who at
the great day must own me to be their spiritual father. Such trials are
very salutary.――They lead me to the Cross, and I trust in the end will
conform me to him, who in his bitterest agony had no one to watch with
him, no not for one hour. My dear man, you will excuse me, as my heart
at present is affected with the thoughts of the divisions that subsist
between the servants and churches of JESUS CHRIST. May JESUS heal them,
and hasten that blessed time, when we shall all see eye to eye, and
there shall be no disputings about houses, doctrine, or discipline in
all GOD’s holy mountain! GOD willing, I purpose seeing _England_ next
year, and shall be glad to converse with thee once more, about the
things which belong to our Saviour’s kingdom.――If my present sickness
ends in death, we shall converse in a better world, and without the
least discord and contention. Remember me to _Brampton_, and to all. I
thank them for not forgetting the chief of sinners. Tell them JESUS is
yet with me, and causes my rod to bud and blossom. The bush burns, but
is not consumed. Adieu.
Thine in the glorious _Emmanuel_,
_G. W._
♦ “Febuary” replaced with “February”