_To the Rev. Mr. P――――._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Reverend Sir_,
YOU may justly censure me as unkind for not answering your kind letter.
I can only plead by way of excuse an hurry of business, and my sudden
departure from _England_. At my return, GOD willing, I purpose to
see _Newbury_, and there to preach the Gospel of the Prince of Peace.
Perhaps my enemies may have so much power given them from above, as
to confine my body: but if I am bound, the word of the LORD will not
be bound. GOD will speak, and great shall be the company of preachers.
It often rejoices me to think what a prospect we have once again of
hearing the truth preached as it is in JESUS. I hope we shall catch
fire from each other, and that there will be an holy emulation amongst
us, who shall most debase man and exalt the LORD JESUS. Nothing
but the doctrines of the Reformation can do this. All others leave
freewill in man, and make him, in part at least, a Saviour to himself.
My soul come not near the secret of those who teach such things, mine
honour be not thou united to them. I know CHRIST is all in all. Man is
nothing: he hath a free will to go to hell, but none to go ♦to heaven,
till GOD worketh in him to will and to do after his good pleasure.
It is GOD must prevent, GOD must accompany, GOD must follow with his
grace, or JESUS CHRIST will bleed in vain. That GOD may continue his
blessing to us both, is the hearty prayer of, reverend and dear Sir,
Your obliged brother and servant,
_G. W._
♦ insert omitted word ‘to’