_To Mr. T―――― S――――, in London._
_On board the Minerva, Feb. 20, 1741._
_My dear Brother_,
I Have kept your letter by me till now, that I might answer it on my
voyage. It speaks the language of a perplexed heart, and plainly shews
me, that satan loves to keep us in bondage. My dear Brother, I think
you have done wrong in holding your peace. I am sure you once felt
that freedom of soul, which you are a stranger to now. The way of duty
is the way of safety. Whatever you may say to the contrary, unless you
will give the lie to your own experiences, you must confess, that you
have indeed tasted of the good word of life. You should, therefore,
have went forwards, and not have turned back again, and thereby
plunged yourself into darkness; darkness that may be felt. Alas, you
have too eagerly embraced principles (I fear) contrary to the gospel
of CHRIST. You are aiming at a false voluntary humility, and are
returning back to the flesh pots of _Egypt_. I know my words will
have but little force with some, but I must deliver my soul. GOD was
once pleased to work upon you by my ministry, and therefore I am more
solicitous for your welfare. I know the advice you would give me is,
“_be still_.” I hope I am, so far as really to know the LORD; but yet
_I will strive_, yet will I walk in all the ordinances of GOD, and go
on from strength to strength till I come to appear before him in his
heavenly Zion. I write this, out of the fulness of my heart. Indeed I
love you, and the brethren; I am willing to be the servant of you all.
I am less than the least. However, I dare not embrace tenets that are
not agreeable to the form of sound words. Let me see you as soon as
may be after my arrival, and in the mean while accept of hearty love,
from
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._