_To Mr. E――――, in Philadelphia._
_Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1742._
_My very dear Brother E――――_,
SINCE I wrote last, your other kind letter, dated _July 24_, came
to hand, by which I find matters at _Philadelphia_ are much the same
as when you wrote before. I pray GOD to give me wisdom, and a right
understanding, to judge of those different jarring accounts that
are sent me. As far as I am able to determine, I think some who have
the truths of GOD on their side, defend themselves with too great a
mixture of their own spirit, and by this means perhaps some persons
may be prejudiced even against truth itself. This is one rock, I pray
GOD, my dear brother, to keep your soul from splitting against. Again,
I think the _M――――n_ Brethren shew a better and milder spirit in the
general; but many of their principles deviate as far from the truths
of JESUS CHRIST, as the east is from the west, or the north from the
south. I wish you may not have gone a step too far. It was unjust
for Mr. _B――――_’s brother to be denied preaching in the new building.
Shall I commend Mr. _B――――_ for this? I commend him not. The brethren
should have some other place to preach in, and not make that house a
Babel. I cannot give up truth for them, or for any other under heaven.
I find they are as weak and fallible as those whom they judge not to
have drank so deeply of the spirit of CHRIST; and therefore, my dear
man, though we love all, we must be upon our guard, and follow not
man’s teaching, but the teaching of the Holy Ghost. Though principles
are not to be rested in, yet it is a good thing to have a clear head
as well as a clean heart. Some people make nothing of principles; but
why are they so zealous in propagating their own? I think, my dear
brother, I am a happy sinner, and have really entered into an abiding
rest in GOD, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST; but yet the stirrings of
corruption I expect in some degree or other, till I breathe my last.
This I hope is all that dear Mr. _T――――_ insists on. My dear brother,
love the brotherhood, but do not give up the truths of GOD; and when
you are brought off from idolizing one creature, take care you do not
insensibly fall into idolizing another. Do not think that all things
the most refined christian in the world does, is right; or that all
principles are wrong, because some that hold them are too imbittered
in their spirits. It is hard for good men, when the truths of GOD are
opposed, to keep their temper, especially at the first attack. Nothing
but the all-conquering blood of the dear Redeemer can destroy the
wild-fire in the heart. You will see what I have wrote to the dear
Trustees. I hope our loving Saviour will incline you to comply with my
advice. I believe it is from him, and will much tend to the prosperity
of Zion. That, I trust, we have all at heart. I pray GOD we may be
enabled so to act, as to do nothing to obstruct it, but bear and
forbear with one another in love, and give way in some things to
promote the common good. You see, my dear man, how freely I write
to you. It is out of the fulness of my heart. I hope you and I shall
be happily surprized, in finding each other better than we expected.
GOD forbid that we should live one hour without growing more like the
blessed Lamb of GOD. I am too credibly informed, that some make it
their business to prejudice my friends against me. Such wisdom cometh
not from above. They are as the false apostles, of whom Saint _Paul_
spoke, “They would exclude us, that you might affect them.” But glory
be to free grace! I can repose myself in JESUS, and am happy in him.
However I may be dealt with by man, blessed be his name, I am now
happy in the midst of various trials, even beyond expression. I only
add, through grace I have laid the foundation; let others beware how
they build thereon. Adieu, my dear brother. I am, with cordial
respects and affection,
Ever, ever yours,
_G. W._