_To the Reverend Mr. J―――― W――――._
_Charles-Town, Aug. 25, 1740._
_Dear and Honoured Sir_,
LAST night I had the pleasure of receiving an extract of your
journal.――This morning I took a walk and read it. I pray GOD to give
it his blessing. Many things I trust will prove beneficial, especially
the account of yourself. Only, give me leave with all humility to
exhort you not to be strenuous in opposing the doctrines of _election_
and _final perseverance_, when, by your own confession, “you have not
the witness of the spirit within yourself,” and consequently are not a
proper judge. I remember dear brother _E――――_ told me one day, that
“he was convinced of the perseverance of the saints.” I told him, you
was not. He replied, but he will be convinced when he hath got the
spirit himself. I am assured, GOD has now for some years given me this
living witness in my soul. I cannot say, I have since indulged any
doubts (at least for no considerable time) about the forgiveness of my
sins; nay, I can scarce say, that I ever doubted at all. When I have
been nearest death, my evidences have been the clearest. I can say, I
have been on the borders of _Canaan_, and do every day, nay, almost
every moment, long for the appearing of our LORD JESUS CHRIST; not to
evade sufferings, but with a single desire to see his blessed face.
I feel his blessed spirit daily filling my soul and body, as plain
as I feel the air which I breathe, or the food I eat.――Perhaps the
doctrines of election and of final perseverance hath been abused, (and
what doctrine has not,) but notwithstanding, it is children’s bread,
and ought not in my opinion to be with-held from them, supposing it
is always mentioned with proper cautions against the abuse. _Dear_ and
_Honoured Sir_, I write not this to enter into disputation. I hope, at
this time, I feel something of the meekness and gentleness of CHRIST.
I cannot bear the thoughts of opposing you: but how can I avoid it,
if you go about (as your brother _C――――_ once said) to drive _John
Calvin_ out of _Bristol_. Alas, I never read any thing that _Calvin_
wrote; my doctrines I had from CHRIST and his apostles; I was taught
them of GOD; and as GOD was pleased to send me out first, and to
enlighten me first, so I think he still continues to do it. My
business seems to be chiefly in planting; if GOD send you to water, I
praise his name.――I wish you a thousand-fold increase. I find, by young
_W――――_’s letter, there is disputing among you about _election_, and
_perfection_.――I pray GOD to put a stop to it, for what good end will
it answer?――I wish I knew your principles fully; did you write oftner,
and more frankly, it might have a better effect than silence and
reserve. I have lately had many domestic trials, and that about points
of doctrine, not by myself, but from others in my absence. I daily
wait upon GOD, depending on his promise, that all things, even this,
shall work together for my good. Many in _Charles-Town_, I believe,
are called of GOD. You may now find a christian, without searching the
town as with a candle. Mr. _G――――_ is less furious, at least in public.
He hath expended all his strength, and finds he cannot prevail. Adieu,
_Honoured Sir_, Adieu! My health is better, since I last left _Charles
Town_, and am now freed from domestic cares. With almost tears of love
to you, and the brethren, do I subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._