Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/104

 *quity that lay in my heart undiscovered, has been opened to my view, since my retirement in the ship. May he enlighten me more and more, to know and feel the mystery of his electing, soul-transforming love. Nothing like that, to support us under present, and all the various future trials which await us. But the has apprehended us, and will not let us go. Men and devils may do their worst; our will suffer nothing to pluck us out of his Almighty hands; for he has loved us with an everlasting love, and therefore his right-hand shall uphold us. By his assistance, we shall hold out to the end. By his grace, I, you, and all his chosen ones shall finally be saved. Then, my dear sister, shall we converse, not with ink and paper, but face to face. Then, but not till then, shall we fully know what a legion of devils hath cast out of our souls, and how, after all our strivings against, and quenching many of the motions of his spirit, he at last brought us to glory. Cease not to pray for

Your unworthy brother in , G. W.    LETTER XCVII. To the Rev. Mr. R.

My dear Brother R.      Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

BEFORE I left England, I heard of your progress in Leicestershire and Nottingham. I then rejoiced, yea, and I do now rejoice that hath sent you forth into his vineyard. I wish you all imaginable success with my whole heart. The next news I hear from England, I suppose, will inform me of your suffering, as well as preaching for. But I am persuaded a prospect of suffering does not damp, but excite the zeal of my dear fellow-labourer. He lives in a place where honest John Bunyan was a prisoner of the for twelve years. And oh, what sweet communion did he enjoy in Bedford gaol! I really believe a minister will learn more by one month's confinement, than by a year's study. Press on then, my dear Brother, press on and faint not; speak till you can speak no more. Wait upon the, and you shall renew your strength. Though sometimes faint, yet still pursue. Up and be doing, and the be with you. See how the fields