_Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739._
_Dear Mr. G._,
INDEED I love you, though it was so long before I came to see you.
Want of time, not of respect, was the cause. GOD is my judge how
earnestly I long after your salvation, and how willingly I would spend
and be spent in order to promote it. Oh how closely does true faith
in JESUS CHRIST our head, knit all his members in love to one another;
what a divine harmony and attraction is there between them, when they
have drank into and been made partakers of one and the same spirit?
How does the love of GOD dilate and enlarge their hearts! How do all
little distinctions about externals fall away, and every other name
is swallowed up in the name of JESUS CHRIST? This, my dear brother, is
that catholic spirit, which will cement all denominations of sincere
professors together. This is the spirit of which free distinguishing
grace has made you a partaker, and which I pray GOD we both may
partake of every day more and more. He is faithful who has promised,
who also will do it. I find it is not in vain that we have believed
in JESUS. He is GOD, and his work is perfect; his love is like himself
unchangeable; his gifts and callings are without repentance, and
therefore, though I am but a babe in CHRIST, yet I am persuaded I
shall see you crowned with glory. Then, my dear brother, we shall
have time enough together. Then, there will be no parting, no fear of
falling; but we shall drink eternally of those pleasures which flow
from GOD’s right hand for evermore. Supported with this hope, what
hinders but I may come once again, when the LORD permits, and offer
CHRIST’s everlasting righteousness to poor perishing sinners. The
devil and his servants will rage horribly, and perhaps cast me into
prison, nay, put me to death: But if you will come and visit me, by
the help of my GOD, I will preach to you even there; for I am not
ashamed of the gospel of CHRIST. I have felt it to be the power of
GOD unto my salvation. Oh, my brother, the fire kindles whilst I am
writing; but I must have done. Pray salute those dear souls that I
spoke to at your house, and all other friends. Entreat them to pray
and give thanks for me; and assure them they are not forgotten by
Ever yours in CHRIST,
_G. W._