_Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739._
_Dear Brother J._,
INDEED I love you. Why? Because I hope you are an _Israelite_ indeed;
and one of those babes to whom it has been our LORD’s good pleasure
to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD. It is special; it is a
distinguishing gift. Be humble, dear _James_, be humble. Talk little,
and think much. A wise man will guide his words with discretion. Be
zealous for your dear Master. Let a zeal for his honour even eat you
up; but then beg of GOD that it may be according to knowledge. Stand
fast in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made you free, and be not
again entangled with a yoke of bondage. Join not one of your works
with your faith, in order to justify you before GOD: And if GOD gives
you a spirit of prayer and supplication, fear not to pray as the
spirit gives you utterance. Man may deride, but CHRIST will approve
and accept you. Dear _James_, you see I do not forget you. I hope your
little society increases, and that the LORD will always be adding to
it such as shall be saved. Salute them all most kindly in my name.
Exhort them to continue in the grace of GOD, and to pray for, dear
_James_,
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant,
_G. W._