Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/128

 *vation?" If so, fear not, thou art a son of David. Let worldly affairs be ever so bad, he that has given you his own dear Son, will make you more than conqueror in all things. Still dare to own our dear before men. It is no scandal for a follower of  to be poor. Our was poor before us—So that we are rich in faith and good works, it is not much mater if we are not rich in this world's goods. Having, though we have nothing else, we possess all things. However, since godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, as well as that which is to come, I would advise you to plead the promises for temporal blessings. In the name of , many a sweet morsel and opportune supply, have I fetched in from  by this means. That is the way I live, and hope shall continue so to live till death is swallowed up in victory. Death—what a comfortable word is that for a believer! hath taken the sting of it away; henceforward it is no longer a king of terrors, but a welcome messenger to conduct the saints to glory. My dear brother, let us comfort one another with these things. We are not to live here always; our inheritance is above. When who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory. Why then should we value these light afflictions, which are but for a moment? No, let us patiently bear our cross, since we are so shortly to wear a crown. Oh the riches of free, distinguishing grace! Why were you and I taken into favor? "Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight." O! my friend, my brother, let us for ever extol free grace! However others exalt man and debase, let us exalt and debase man. Let have all the glory: for he is the author, carrier on, and finisher of our faith. He hath begun it in time, he shall compleat it in eternity.—My brother, I have been so expanded whilst writing, that I must refer you to other friends, to know how graciously hath dealt with

Your affectionate brother in , G. W.