_To Captain B――――._
_Williamsburgh, (Virginia) Dec. 15, 1739._
HITHER GOD brought us last night; I trust the same gracious being,
by his good providence, has conducted you safe to _Philadelphia_.
I cannot say, I have met with so much as even an _almost christian_,
since I parted from you, till I came to _Colonel Whiting_’s――There,
GOD put in my way a planter, that is seeking to know the way of GOD
more perfectly――He is now with us, and I hope our conversation will
be blessed unto him. Oh dear _Mr. B――――_, strive, I beseech you by the
mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, strive to enter in at the strait gate.
GOD of late has loudly called you――Take heed that neither the lust of
the eye, the lust of the flesh, nor the pride of life prevail on you
to lie down in a carnal security again. I am confident you will be
most heartily despised, if you are a real christian; but dear _Mr.
B――――_’s resolution will be built on a better foundation, than to let
a little breath blow it down. In CHRIST is your strength; look up to
him day by day, and as your day is, so shall your strength be. I fear
and pray for you. GOD only knows, how often you have been upon my
heart. We have not failed interceding for you at the throne of grace.
I shall be much mistaken, if _Mr. B――――_ does not prove a christian
indeed. About _May_ I propose, GOD willing, to be with you again. Then
I shall rejoice to sit and hear you tell what GOD has done for your
soul――Be not afraid of conviction. Be not afraid of inward feelings.
Now pray to the LORD JESUS, to lay the ax of mortification to the root
of your heart. Make thorough work with it. Do not spare yourself in
the least.――Now is the accepted time, and that it may be the day of
salvation, is the earnest prayer of, dear _Mr. B――――_,
Your obliged affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._