♦ ‘CCCXCXIX’ replaced with ‘CCCXCIX’
_To Mr. Thomas N――――, at New-York._
_London, Feb. 26, 1742._
_My very dear Brother_,
I Have herewith sent you a parcel. Be pleased to read the letters,
and send them as directed. I received your kind letter, dated in
_December_, and thank you for all kindnesses shewn to the poor orphans.
The LORD JESUS will richly reward you. Before yours came, the LORD had
given me an enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom to converse
with all his dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk freely
with the Messrs. _W――――_’s, though we widely differ in a certain
point. Most talk of a catholic spirit; but it is only till they have
brought people into the pale of their own church. This is downright
sectarianism, not catholicism. How can I act consistently, unless I
receive and love all the children of GOD, whom I esteem to be such, of
whatever denomination they may be? Why should we dispute when there is
no probability of convincing? I think this is not giving up the faith,
but fulfilling our LORD’s new command, “Love one another:” and our
love is but feigned, unless it produces proper effects. I am persuaded,
the more the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts, the more all
narrowness of spirit will subside and give way: besides, so far as
we are narrow spirited, we are uneasy. Prejudices, jealousies, and
suspicions make the soul miserable, so far as they are entertained.
But enough of this: my dear brother _N――――_ is of my mind. Only let me
give you one caution: Take heed that your getting acquainted with any
new set of Christians, does not lead you insensibly to despise others
of your old acquaintance. Watch, and deal very tenderly with all;
otherwise you will grow reserved and artful, and lose a simple, open,
guileless, _Israelitish_ spirit, before you are aware. There needs
a close adherence to the motions of the Holy Spirit, and a constant
watching over the corruptions of our own hearts, in order that we
may walk before GOD as very little children. O that I was a little
child indeed! JESUS can make me one. My dear brother, I thank you for
your kind invitation. GOD willing, I shall accept it, if ever I see
_New-York_. But I think Providence calls me once more to _Scotland_.
I have been lately plowing up some fallow ground, and now preach
twice every day. The LORD does indeed bless the word, and gives me to
rejoice in the felicity of his chosen. Be so kind now and then to drop
a line to my dear orphan-family. As opportunity offers, and the LORD
gives freedom, you shall hear from, dear brother _N――――_,
Yours most affectionately in JESUS CHRIST,
_G. W._