_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._