_To Mr. F――――, in Pensylvania._
_Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1742._
_My dear Brother F――――_,
I Received your two kind letters, dated _June_ the 1st and 6th, and
can only say, CHRIST is king in _Zion_, and orders all things well.
I think you cannot have a scene of greater confusion among you, than
there has been in _England_. But blessed be GOD, matters are brought
to a better issue, and though we cannot agree in principles, yet we
agree in love, Tho’, as you know, I am clear in the truths of the
gospel, yet I find that principles of themselves, without the spirit
of GOD, will not unite any set of men whatever; and where the spirit
of GOD is in any great degree, there will be union of heart, though
there may be difference in sentiments. This I have learnt, my dear
brother, by happy experience, and find great freedom and peace in my
soul thereby. This makes me to love many, though I cannot agree with
them in some of their principles. I dare not look upon them as wilful
deceivers, but as persons who hazard their lives for the sake of the
gospel.――Mr. _W――――_ I think is wrong in somethings, and Mr. _L――――_
wrong also; yet I believe that both Mr. _L――――_ and Mr. _W――――_, and
others, with whom we do not agree in all things, will shine bright
in glory. It is best therefore for a gospel-minister, simply and
powerfully to preach those truths he has been taught of GOD, and
to meddle as little as possible with those who are children of GOD,
though they should differ in many things. This would keep the heart
sweet, and at the same time not betray the truths of JESUS. I have
tried both the disputing, and the quiet way, and find the latter
far preferable to the former. I have not given way to the _Moravian_
Brethren, or Mr. _W――y_, or to any, whom I thought in an error, no
not for an hour. But I think it best not to dispute, when there is
no probability of convincing. I pray you, for CHRIST’s sake, to take
heed lest your spirit should be imbittered, when you are speaking or
writing for GOD. This will give your adversaries advantage over you,
and make people think your passion is the effect of your principles.
Since I have been in _England_ this time, _Calvin_’s example has been
very much pressed upon me. You know how _Luther_ abused him. As we
are of _Calvinistical_ principles, I trust we shall in this respect
imitate _Calvin_’s practice, and shew all meekness to those who may
oppose. My dear brother, you will not be offended at my using this
freedom. I am a poor creature, unworthy to advise you; but I simply
tell you a little of my own experience. May the LORD give you, and all
that stand up for the doctrines of the gospel, a right judgment in all
things! For JESUS CHRIST’s sake, as much as in you lies, put a stop
to disputing. It imbitters the spirit, ruffles the soul, and hinders
it from hearing the small still voice of the Holy Ghost. May you be
filled with all joy and peace in believing! GOD has been very gracious
to me here. Wonderful things have been done in _Scotland_. When I
shall come to you, I cannot as yet determine. I hope to embark in a
few months. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me to all that
love the glorious _Emmanuel_, and accept this in tenderest love from,
my very dear brother,
Your most affectionate though most unworthy brother and servant
in the kingdom and patience of JESUS,
_G. W._