_Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739._
_Dear Mr. H._,
IF I remember, you used to express a great value for my person and
doctrine, otherwise why should you desire a line from such a wretch
as I am? When I look into myself, and consider how poor and miserable,
and blind and naked my soul is, I wonder that any one should pay me
the least regard. But what shall we say? GOD will have mercy upon
whom he will have mercy. I am entirely indebted to free grace for all
I have, am, or shall be. You also, I trust, dear Sir, are ready to
subscribe to this; for what have we but what we have received? What
should we have been had GOD left us to ourselves? Oh let a sense of
this free, distinguishing love constrain us to obedience: A christian
needs no other motive. That is a true gospel-faith which works by love.
I often think it almost presumption to think of rewards in a future
state; my Master amply rewards me in this: But present mercies are
only earnests of future favours. Be not therefore, dear Sir, weary of
well-doing, for in due time we shall reap, if we faint not. The LORD
hath multiplied his favours towards me since I saw you last. We have
had a long but pleasant and profitable voyage. Oh sing praises unto
our GOD in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and servant,
_G. W._