_To the Members of a Society at Philadelphia._
_Reedy Island, May 22, 1740._
_My dear Friends_,
AS the LORD, for wise reasons, detains me here, I cannot but send
you a line as a token of my unfeigned concern for the welfare of your
better part. I must confess, that the account many of you gave of your
experiences, was not so satisfactory as I could wish; but I hope you
will none of you rest in good desires, or think you are christians,
because you have followed after me. I thank you, GOD knows my heart,
I thank you for all expressions of your love: But I beseech you to
remember, that the kingdom of GOD does not consist in _word_, but
in _power_. Keeping company with GOD’s people, does not give you a
title to the privileges of GOD’s children. It may increase, but not
extenuate your condemnation, if you are not sound in heart, and truly
converted to our dear LORD JESUS CHRIST. I am persuaded you will not
be offended at this plain dealing. GOD has been pleased to work upon
you by my unworthy ministry. I would therefore watch over you for good,
and warn you against those snares which await all the true followers
of the Lamb of GOD. At my next return, I hope I shall see you are
that inwardly, which you would be esteemed outwardly. The searcher of
hearts knows I long for your salvation. My dear friends, adieu. Pray
for me. Be humble, be strong in the LORD and in the power of his might.
A fiery trial awaits you. There is no being a christian without giving
up all for CHRIST. We must all have the spirit of martyrdom, though we
may not all die martyrs.――That the LORD may keep you by his power unto
salvation, and make you more than conquerors through his love, is the
hearty prayer of
Your affectionate friend and servant,
_G. W._