_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Dear Mr. ――――_,
WAS not my heart with your heart, when we rode by the way and talked
to each other concerning the Scriptures? I thought our souls tallied
together, and that we had both drank of the same spirit. I have often,
since that time, admired the grace of GOD in you, and even now feel
my soul, whilst I am writing, intimately united with yours. What is
all this, but the effect and fruit of GOD’s everlasting love through
CHRIST our LORD? What is it, but an instance of the sovereign will and
good pleasure of GOD, who will have mercy on whom he will have mercy?
Oh how doth the free, the distinguishing grace of GOD excite the love
of those, who are made partakers of it! What was there in you and in
me, dear _Mr. O――――_, that should move GOD to chuse us before others?
Was there any fitness foreseen in us, except a fitness for damnation?
I believe not. No, GOD chose us from eternity, he called us in time,
and I am persuaded will keep us from falling finally, till time
shall be no more. Consider the Gospel in this view, and it appears a
consistent scheme, though directly contrary to the natural man; and
nothing convinces me more of the truth of these doctrines, than the
enmity that is in the heart of carnal minds against them. However,
the power of GOD is able to pull down every thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Henceforward I hope
I shall speak boldly and plainly as I ought to speak, and not fail to
declare the whole counsel of GOD. I pray daily, that I may know his
will more perfectly, not only that I may do it myself, but that I may
teach it to others. If I die for it, I cannot but speak the things
which I know. Oh my dear friends, lift up your hands for me in the
sanctuary. The prayers of the faithful, GOD will hear. Entreat the
same favour of your brother. I love you both in the bowels of JESUS
CHRIST, and remember you often when I go in and out before the LORD:
He has been with us in the ship. His rod has corrected, his staff has
comforted us; both his rod and staff have edified and strengthened
our souls. In a year’s time I hope to see _England_. My love to all
friends, and beseech them to pray that I may be prepared for whatever
awaits
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._