_To the Rev. Mr. H._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Reverend and dearest Sir_,
IT often concerned me, when in _London_, that I could not enjoy more
of your company. Your conversation was always seasoned with grace, and
such as became the gospel of CHRIST. Your great kindness, in publicly
praying for me, can never be sufficiently acknowledged. The thought
almost makes me to weep for joy. Surely the LORD will not let me
miscarry, since he has stirred up the choicest of his servants to
intercede in my behalf. The searcher of all hearts alone knows, what
agonies my poor soul has undergone since my retirement from the world.
The remembrance of my past sins has overwhelmed my soul, and caused
tears to be my meat day and night. Indeed I have mourned as one
mourneth for a first born: But I looked to him whom I have pierced.
I was enabled to see the freeness and riches of his grace, the
infiniteness and eternity of his love, and my soul received comfort.
Oh the excellency of the doctrine of election, and of the saints final
perseverance, to those who are truly sealed by the spirit of promise!
I am persuaded, till a man comes to believe and feel these important
truths, he cannot come out of himself; but when convinced of these,
and assured of the application of them to his own heart, he then walks
by faith indeed, not in himself, but in the Son of GOD, who died and
gave himself for him. Love, not fear, constrains him to obedience. The
promises of GOD are all Yea and Amen to his soul. Supported by these
convictions, in about a twelvemonth, GOD willing, I intend returning
to _England_, and to begin my testimony afresh. I trust I shall not
be ashamed to declare the whole counsel of GOD. Satan, no doubt, and
his emissaries, will endeavour to block up my way; but the saints of
GOD are praying for me on earth, and the holy JESUS is interceding
in heaven. Why should I not go forth and offer his everlasting and
perfect righteousness to all that shall be brought to believe on him?
Satan suggests even whilst I am writing, “How canst thou speak, seeing
thou art such a sinner?” But therefore will I speak, because I can say,
by happy experience, that JESUS CHRIST will have mercy on the chief of
sinners; for among such you may truly rank
Your unworthy brother, and unprofitable fellow-labourer,
in our dear LORD’s vineyard,
_G. W._