Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/123

 LETTER CXVI.

To Mr. D.

Dear Sir,      Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

GRATITUDE and love call upon me to write a letter of acknowledgment for favours received when lately at. The remember them at that day! You have confessed his servants before men, he has promised to confess such, before his angels in heaven. The principles which I maintain, are purely scriptural, and every way agreeable to the church of England articles. What I have been chiefly concerned about is, lest any should rest in the bare speculative knowledge, and not experience the power of them in their own hearts.—What avails it, Sir, if I am a patron for the righteousness of in behalf of another, if at the same time I am self-righteous myself? I am thus jealous, I trust with a godly jealousy, because I see so many self-deceivers among my acquaintance. There is one in particular (whom I love, and for whom I most heartily pray) who approves of my doctrine, and hath heard it preached many years past, but I could never hear him tell of his experiences, or of what has done for his soul. He hath excellent good desires and intentions, but I think he wants something more: , for thy infinite mercy's sake, grant he may know himself even as he is known! I need not tell Mr. D, who this dear friend is—you are intimately acquainted with him, you love him as you do your own heart; you are never out of his company. Oh, dear Sir, be not angry. Methinks I hear you, by this time, making an application, and saying, "Then I am the man." True, dear Sir, I confess you are. But love, love for your better part, your soul, your precious soul, this love constrains me to use this freedom. You are more noble than to take it ill at my hands; I could not bear even to suspect that you deceived yourself, dear Sir, and not tell you such a suspicion was in my heart. That may powerfully convince you of self-righteousness, and cloath you with the righteousness of his dear Son; that he may fill you