_To Mr. N――――._
_On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740._
_My Dear Brother_,
I Have been a few days returned from _Charles-Town_, where our dear
LORD JESUS, I trust, has begun a glorious work. Many came to me under
convictions, and were made to cry out, “What shall we do to be saved?”
The people were exceeding desirous of my return amongst them. If I
call there, as I come northward, it may prevent my being at _New-York_
so soon as was proposed. The LORD direct my going in his way. A
_Fosterian Preacher_ lost ground there. I think you are not much to
be blamed for going out of church; but perhaps it might be better,
on another such occasion, to hear the whole discourse, and then go
and converse with the preacher upon it; otherwise a man may say, you
are angry, and could not judge, because you did not hear all. Praise
is more dangerous than contempt: but when our LORD’s honour can be
promoted by the display of our graces, we need not fear. His grace
will be sufficient for us. I know not what person it is that you would
not have me be so open to, unless it be Mr. ――――. I had rather be too
open than too reserved. Simplicity much becomes the _Israel_ of GOD. A
few days past, with full assurance of faith, I laid the first brick of
our great house: _Jeremiah_ bought land when the people were leading
into captivity. My family daily increase, and, blessed be GOD, as yet
I am kept from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of
the _Germans_ in _America_ are holy souls, and deserve the character
they bear. They keep up a close walk with GOD, and are remarkable for
their sweetness and simplicity of behaviour. They talk little, and
think much. Most of them, I believe, are _Lutherans_. But where there
is the image of my dear Master, there are my affections drawn. This is
the catholic spirit you breathe after: the LORD, I am persuaded, will
give it to your soul. All that people do say of me, affects me but
little; because I know worse of myself than they can say concerning
me. My heart is desperately wicked. Was GOD to leave me, I should be a
remarkable sinner. But redeeming love, I believe, will not let us go.
Oh! dear Mr. _N._ pray, and give thanks for me. I daily taste that the
LORD is gracious. All things go on well. My dear brethren salute you,
as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._