_To Mr. M――――, an Indian Trader._
_Reedy Island, May 19, 1740._
_Dear Mr. M――――_,
I Received your letter, and have been reading part of your journal.
I think it your bounden duty to go amongst the _Indians_ again, not
as a _minister_, but as a private christian, whose duty it is, when
converted himself, to strengthen his brethren. An effectual door, I
would hope, is opening amongst some of the heathen. I remember, when
it was first impressed upon me, that I should go to _Georgia_, this
promise came with such power as never will be forgotten, and that too,
long before I had any outward call――“I have made thee the head of the
heathen.”――I speak this for your encouragement, but desire you would
not mention it to others. Who knows but that time may be now near at
hand?――However that be, it is plain GOD calls you, and I wish you good
success in the name of the LORD. Be sure you keep a close walk with
GOD.――Be much in prayer, and prepare for the greatest hardships. Your
greatest perils will be amongst your own countrymen. The heathens will
be stirred up by them, as the Gentiles were by the Jews; but the LORD
JESUS will make you more than conqueror over all. The word of the LORD
will make its own way. Beg of GOD to give you true notions of our free
justification by faith in JESUS CHRIST. Bring your _Indian_ hearers
to believe, before you talk of baptism, or the supper of the LORD.
Otherwise they will catch at a shadow, and neglect the substance.
Improve the leisure you now enjoy, and see that you feel the truths
you speak. Feed on this promise, “It shall be given you in that hour
what you shall say.” Your circumstances call for a fulfilling of
it――Tell them what GOD has been doing here, and how happy JESUS CHRIST
will make them. Be sure tell them, tell them, that true faith is not
merely in the head, but in the heart, and that it will certainly be
productive of good works. Frequently meditate on GOD’s free love to
yourself, and that will best qualify you to speak of it affectionately
to others. I could say more, but time will not permit. Pray for me.
All with me salute you. My poor petitions you may depend on, as the
LORD shall enable me. My love to all, and believe me to be
Your affectionate friend, brother, and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._