_TO Mr. V――――._
_Weston-Favell, August 30, 1755._
_My dear Friend_,
I WROTE you a letter just before I left _Charles-Town_, which I find
you have not received. The things sent proved bad, but I have a GOD
to go to, who can and will supply all my wants according to the riches
of his grace in CHRIST JESUS. I am sorry that your people continue
yet as sheep having no shepherd. What I said about Mr. _B――――_, was by
commission from himself, I wish Mr. _D――――_ may see his way clear. But
who will come to be torn in pieces by two contending parties?
Giver of concord, prince of peace,
Meek lamb-like Son of GOD,
Bid these unchristian jarrings cease,
O quench them with thy blood!
Amidst all this, what a mercy is it, my dear friend, that JESUS shews
you more of your heart. O thank him a thousand and a thousand times,
for pointing out to you the sin that doth most easily beset you. Surely
it is a too great love of money. Of this your friends every where take
notice; and this, in many cases, makes you act an unfriendly part.
If GOD should suffer our enemies to prevail, you will wish you had
laid up more treasure in heaven. Blessed be GOD, mine is out of the
reach of men or devils. Strange! that five per cent. from man, should
be preferred to a hundred-fold from CHRIST! A word to the wise is
sufficient. I should not have said this, lest there should be the
appearance of self-interest, had you not given me the hint. But I hope
you know, (however, I am sure that GOD knows) that I want to deny,
not enrich myself. But enough of this. I am now looking out for more
news from dear _America_. May the late defeat be sanctified; and then
I doubt not but we shall be more than conquerors through the love of
CHRIST. I often wish myself abroad; but assuredly Providence called
me home.――My poor feeble labours are still blessed both in town and
country, and many dear ministers of JESUS are coming out. It would
delight you to be at Tabernacle. We are often in the suburbs of heaven.
I write this from dear Mr. _H――――y_’s, in my way to _Yorkshire_,
and perhaps _Ireland_, I told him what you wrote about _Theron_ and
_Aspasio_, and he begs your prayers. O _America_, how near dost thou
lie upon my heart! GOD preserve it from popish tyranny and arbitrary
power! I can write no more. Adieu, my dear Mr. _V――――_. Continue to
write to me, and live and give for JESUS, who hath given you this
world, and that which is to come. Was you here, methinks we should
weep together. O redeeming love! How can we think of it, and at the
same time not be ambitious of opportunities to spend and be spent for
JESUS. _Non magna loquimur, non magna scribimus, sed vivimus_, is the
christian’s motto. Mr. _D――――_ can _English_ it. I send to him, and
all enquiring friends, my cordial respects. I saw his daughter well
at _Braintree_ a little while ago. There, as well as elsewhere, we had
blessed seasons. I know you will join in crying Grace! grace! with, my
dear _Gaius_,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._