_To Mrs. Elizabeth D――――._
_Savannah, Feb. 1, 1740._
_My dear Sister in CHRIST_,
I Generally observe that whom the LORD loves, for the most part he
keeps from preferment.――Your grandmother cannot do any more than
she is permitted. It is GOD’s free grace alone, that has made the
difference between us and others. Oh that we were duly sensible of
electing love! Indeed it must necessarily constrain us to obedience. I
am glad you like _Boehm_. His works are truly evangelical, and afford
sweet nourishment to the new-born soul. The nearer we come to GOD,
the better we shall relish searching books. It is an evident sign of
a false heart, when it is unwilling to be probed. Blessed be GOD, you
are not thus minded. I trust the LORD JESUS has apprehended you, and
will henceforward never let you go. O that I may hear of your growth
in grace, and of your zeal for the LORD OF HOSTS.――You do well to go
about doing good; your Master did so before you. Dare, _dear Miss_, to
follow his good example, and never fear the revilings of men. Set your
face as a flint against all the adversaries of our LORD; for shortly
you shall tread all your enemies under feet. I beseech you by the
mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS our Saviour, to keep up a close walk
and communion with GOD. Nothing else can preserve you from idols;
and you know when once the soul is off its watch, the devil makes sad
ravages in it. There is nothing I dread more than having my heart
drawn away by earthly objects.――When that time comes, it will be over
with me indeed; I must then bid adieu to zeal and fervency of spirit,
and in effect, bid the LORD JESUS to depart from me. For alas, what
room can there be for GOD, when a rival hath taken possession of the
heart? Oh my dear Sister, pray that no such evil may befal me. My
blood runs cold at the very thought thereof. I cannot, indeed; I
cannot away with it. In a multiplicity of business, have I wrote you
these lines. I thank you for your kind letter, and hope I shall always
retain a grateful sense of the many favours I have received from your
dear family. My kindest respects attend your sister; I long to hear
of her being brought into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD.
How does your father? Oh that he may have a well-grounded interest
in CHRIST! How does my dear brother _Charles_? I pray GOD to fill him
with all joy and peace in believing. And how does your little sister?
Dearest Redeemer, keep her unspotted from the world! My heart is now
full. Writing quickens me. I could almost drop a tear, and wish myself,
for a moment or two, in _England_. But hush, nature: GOD here pours
down his blessings on
Your sincere friend and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._