_To Mr. D――――._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Dear Sir_,
GRATITUDE and love call upon me to write a letter of acknowledgment
for favours received when lately at ――――. The LORD remember them at
that day! You have confessed his servants before men, he has promised
to confess such, before his angels in heaven. The principles which
I maintain, are purely scriptural, and every way agreeable to the
church of _England_ articles. What I have been chiefly concerned about
is, lest any should rest in the bare speculative knowledge, and not
experience the power of them in their own hearts.――What avails it,
Sir, if I am a patron for the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST in behalf
of another, if at the same time I am self-righteous myself? I am
thus jealous, I trust with a godly jealousy, because I see so many
self-deceivers among my acquaintance. There is one in particular (whom
I love, and for whom I most heartily pray) who approves of my doctrine,
and hath heard it preached many years past, but I could never hear him
tell of his experiences, or of what GOD has done for his soul. He hath
excellent good desires and intentions, but I think he wants something
more: LORD, for thy infinite mercy’s sake, grant he may know himself
even as he is known! I need not tell Mr. _D――――_, who this dear friend
is――you are intimately acquainted with him, you love him as you do
your own heart; you are never out of his company. Oh, dear Sir, be not
angry. Methinks I hear you, by this time, making an application, and
saying, “Then I am the man.” True, dear Sir, I confess you are. But
love, love for your better part, your soul, your precious soul, this
love constrains me to use this freedom. You are more noble than to
take it ill at my hands; I could not bear even to suspect that you
deceived yourself, dear Sir, and not tell you such a suspicion was in
my heart. That GOD may powerfully convince you of self-righteousness,
and cloath you with the righteousness of his dear Son; that he may
fill you with his grace, and thereby fit you for, and at last
translate you to, his glory, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir,
Your most obliged and affectionate friend and humble servant,
_G. W._