_To the Rev. Mr. B._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
YOU have been too kind, and I have been too ungrateful. Business would
not permit me to have so much private conversation with you as I ought.
Success I fear elated my mind. I did not behave towards you, and other
ministers of CHRIST, with that humility which became me. I freely
confess my fault; I own myself to be but a novice. Your charity, dear
Sir, will excite you to pray that I may not through pride fall into
the condemnation of the devil. Dear Sir, shall I come out into the
world again or not? Must I venture myself once more among fire-brands,
arrows, and death? Methinks I hear you reply, “Yes, if you come forth
in the strength of the LORD GOD, and make mention of his righteousness
only.” It is my desire so to do. I would have JESUS all in all. Like
a pure chrystal, I would transmit all the light he poureth upon me.
Oh pray, dear Sir, that I may be thus minded, and then, GOD willing,
in about a twelvemonth, I intend visiting the _Bristol_ brethren once
again. In the mean while, I hope the LORD will purge me, that I may
bring forth more fruit, and work upon me mightily in the inner-man,
for otherwise his blessings will prove curses to me. He has been
pleased to dig and dung round me, during my retirement; he has shewn
me something of the treachery of my own heart, and more and more
convinced me that I am the chief of sinners. Oh that my heart may
shew forth the eternity and sovereignty of his love! for never surely
was there a greater instance of it than myself. Happy are those that
are brought to an experimental knowledge of these mysteries of the
kingdom of GOD. Many of your charge have been, I believe; I pray GOD
to increase the number of your spiritual children more and more, and
to add daily to the church such as shall be saved. My cordial respects
attend your fellow-labourers, and all who are so kind as to ask for me;
as fast as opportunity permits, they may expect to hear from, reverend
Sir,
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer,
_G. W._