_To Mr. H―――― H――――._
_Bristol, April 28, 1741._
_My dear Brother_,
BLESSED be GOD for knitting us together in love. May it continue, and
increase till consummated in eternity! The LORD JESUS direct you. It
is now a trying time with the church. Our LORD is now chiefly wounded
in the house of his friends. The LORD keep us both from a party
spirit on one hand, and from too much rashness and positiveness on the
other. I speak thus, because you seem offended that some affirm, “That
there is no such thing as dominion over indwelling sin, nor rest from
working for life wholly.” Now this is certainly true in one sense. We
shall never have such a dominion over indwelling sin, as entirely to
be delivered from the stirring of it; and the greatest saint cannot be
assured, but some time or other for his humiliation, or punishment for
unfaithfulness, GOD may permit it to break out into some actual breach
of his law, and in a gross way too. Let us not be high-minded, but
fear. It is equally true, that we shall not rest wholly from working
for life. For whilst there is any part of us unregenerate, that
part will be always leading us to the old covenant. _Luther_ often
complained of the propensity of his heart this way. If we know
ourselves, we shall find it to be so with us; but I suppose you have
been tinctured with the doctrine of _sinless perfection_. No wonder
therefore you write thus. May GOD give you a right judgment in all
things, and enable you rightly to divide the word of truth! As for
_assurance_, I cannot but think, all who are truly converted must
know that there was a time in which they closed with CHRIST: But then,
as so many have died only with an humble hope, and have been even
under doubts and fears, though they could not but be looked upon
as christians; I am less positive than once I was, lest haply I
should condemn some of GOD’s dear children. The farther we go in the
spiritual life, the more cool and rational shall we be, and yet more
truly zealous. I speak this by experience. Dear brother _H――――_ will
not be angry with me. I hope, and believe, you pray for me. The LORD
JESUS carries me on. Many have been convinced at _London_. I preach
here twice daily, to large congregations, with great power. The LORD,
I believe, will yet bring mighty things to pass. I am, dear _H――――_,
Your most affectionate brother in our dear LORD JESUS,
_G. W._