_To the Rev. Mr. J. W――――._
_Philadelphia, Sept. 11, 1747._
_Dear and Rev. Sir_,
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._