_To the Rev. Mr. D. W._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
I Love you, though I have been so ungrateful as not to write to you.
I love you in the bowels of our common Master whose name we bear, and
in whose glorious service we are both employed. Oh, dear Sir, what are
we that we should be so highly favoured! Why are we honoured? Why are
we called to the ministry, and others that are effectually called by
grace, yet advanced no higher than private christians? I can only cry
out, Oh the depth of GOD’s sovereign, electing, unmerited love. Even
so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight! Surely, dear Sir, the
love of CHRIST must constrain us to spend and be spent for the good of
souls. Never was the harvest greater; never were the labourers fewer.
If we do not now lift up our voices like trumpets, the very stones
would cry out against us. I could almost say, “the glory is departed
from _Israel_; the ark of the LORD is fallen into enemies hands.”
Oh let us endeavour, dear Sir, let us endeavour to bring it back, by
preaching and living the truth as it is in JESUS. The light that has
been given us, is not to be put under a bushel, but on a candlestick.
Satan, indeed, by blasts of persecution, will do all he can to put it
out. If our light be the light of CHRIST, those blasts will only cause
it to shine the brighter. You have happily, dear Sir, experienced this.
You, I believe, was both in CHRIST and in the ministry before me. I
præ, sequar, etsi non passibus equis. The devil and all his hosts will
set their battle in array against us. My LORD has given me a sling
and a stone; stripling as I am, I will go forth then in his strength,
make mention of his righteousness only, and by that lay prostrate the
strong _Goliahs_. By your prayers I trust to be sent to _Wales_ once
more. The simplicity of that people much delights me. What shall, what
can I do for them? My prayers they have, and whatever GOD shall enable
me to do, they may demand a share from, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
_G. W._