_To the Students, &c. under convictions at the colleges
of Cambridge and New-haven,――in New-England and Connecticut._
_Dear Gentlemen_,
WITH unspeakable pleasure have I heard, that there seems to be a
general concern among you about the things of GOD. It was no small
grief to me, that I was obliged to say of your college, that “your
light was become darkness;” yet are ye now become light in the LORD.
I heartily thank GOD, even the Father of our glorious Redeemer, for
sending dear Mr. _T――――_ among you. What great things may we not
now expect to see in _New-England_, since it has pleased GOD to work
so remarkably among the sons of the prophets? Now we may expect a
reformation indeed, since it is beginning at the house of GOD. A
dead ministry will always make a dead people. Whereas, if ministers
are warmed with the love of GOD themselves, they cannot but be
instruments of diffusing that love among others. This, this is the
best preparation for the work whereunto you are to be called. Learning
without piety, will only make you more capable of promoting the
kingdom of satan. Henceforward, therefore, I hope you will enter into
your studies not to get a parish, nor to be polite preachers, but to
be great saints. This, indeed, is the most compendious way to true
learning: for an understanding enlightened by the spirit of GOD, is
more susceptible of divine truths, and I am certain will prove most
useful to mankind. The more holy you are, the more will GOD delight
to honour you. He loves to make use of instruments, which are like
himself. I hope the _good old divinity_ will now be precious to your
souls, and you will think it an honour to tread in the steps of your
pious forefathers. They were acquainted with their own hearts.――They
knew what it was to be tempted themselves, and therefore from their
own experience knew how to succour others. O may you follow them,
as they followed CHRIST. Then great, very great will be your reward
in heaven. I am sure you can never serve a better Master than JESUS
CHRIST, or be engaged in a higher employ than in calling home souls
to him. I trust, dear gentlemen, you will not be offended at me for
sending you these few lines. I write out of the fulness of my heart.
I make mention of you always in my prayers. Forget me not in yours. I
am a poor weak worm. I am the chief of sinners, and yet, O stupendous
love! the LORD’s work still prospers in my unworthy hands.――Fail not
to give thanks, as well as to pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant, in our common LORD,
_G. W._