_To Mr. M――――._
_Plymouth, March 30, 1751._
_Dear Sir_,
YOUR letter came safe to hand in due season, but I have been straitened
how to answer it. I would write as I preach; I mean I would speak
the truth as it is in JESUS, without endeavouring to blacken any
denomination whatsoever. I think _Gamaliel_’s advice is good at all
times, and in all ages, and our LORD’s promise will be fulfilled, “That
every plant that our heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted
up.” This makes me to bear and forbear with many who widely differ from
me both in principles and practice. This, as you observe, dear Sir, you
may know by my poor discourses, and I find as yet no reason to alter
my sentiments. I doubt not but there are many holy souls among the
_M――――s_; but their not preaching the law, either as a _Schoolmaster_
to shew us the need of CHRIST, or as a _rule of life_ after we have
closed with him, is what I can in no wise concur with. These seem
to be two grand mistakes, and which with their various unscriptural
expressions in their hymns, and several superstitious fopperies lately
intruded among them, make me to think, they are sadly departed from the
simplicity of the gospel. But to their own master they stand or fall.
_Exitus acta probat._ My prayer for myself and all GOD’s children is,
“LORD JESUS, rectify all that is wrong, and bless and prosper all that
is right!” I bless GOD, dear Sir, that you are appearing valiant for
the truth. You will find more and more by happy experience, that to
him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. CHRIST never
sends a person on a warfare at his own charges. Do not despair of Mr.
_G――――_. As the love of GOD comes in, the fear of man goes out. By and
by I trust he will set his face on a flint. It is high time for some to
appear for JESUS. What pain did he endure? What shame did he suffer for
us? Strange! that we should be so unwilling to go without the camp, to
share with Him in his sacred reproach. Alas, what cowards are we! Dear
Sir, let us pray for each other, that we may be strong in the grace
which is in the CHRIST JESUS, and never fear what men and devils can
say, or do unto us. CHRIST is worth all, or he is worth nothing. I
thank you for your invitation in his great name. If providence should
bring me into the North, I hope to wait upon you. At present, I am
bound for _Wales_. I have good news from abroad, and I believe the work
is upon the advance at home. That you may be abundantly blessed, is the
earnest prayer of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate though unworthy brother in CHRIST,
_G. W._