_To Mr. C――――._
_London, Jan. 15, 1753._
_My dear Mr. C――――_,
I Owe you a letter and much love. The one I will now pay you, the other
debt our ♦common LORD must discharge. I despair of doing it, because I
run upon fresh arrears to him and his dear people every day and every
hour. I willingly therefore own myself a debtor to high and low, rich
and poor, to all, of all denominations whatsoever.――What have we to
do with a party or sectarian zeal? Why should not our heaven begin on
earth?
_All that we know they do above,_
_Is, that they sing, and that they love._
O for some fresh anointings of the blessed spirit! Then will the scales
fall more and more from our eyes, and the veil of ignorance be taken
more and more from our hearts. Then shall we be more and more content
to think, and let think, and be studious to be of one heart, where we
cannot be of one judgment or mind. The sweetness of such a spirit, is
unspeakable; it brings with it its own reward; it frees the soul from
a thousand needless jealousies, and selfish passions, and enables it to
put the reins of government into his hands, who alone orders all things
well. LORD, increase in us this spirit, and give us more and more to
love all that bear thy image, though they may not in all things agree
with us!
_O may we find the ancient way,_
_Our wond’ring foes to move;_
_And force the heathen world to say,_
_See how these christians love!_
My dear brother, your kind letter constrains me to write thus.――Blessed
be GOD for what has been done at any time, by any instrument, at
_Newcastle_. I still pray that the town may be full of new creatures.
In _London_ we have reason to rejoice. Yesterday was a great day of
the Son of man; both at the sacrament, and under the word preached,
our LORD gave us to drink of the wine of the kingdom. On _Monday_ last
we followed three believers to the grave, and triumphed over death on
his own ground. O what a CHRIST have we! GOD help us to love him more,
and serve him better! I salute all most heartily with whom you are in
fellowship.――Grace, mercy and peace be multiplied upon you. I beg a
continued interest in all your prayers, and subscribe myself, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, and ready servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._
♦ duplicate word “common” removed