Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/135

 puffed up with it, and therefore if any such thing was discernible in my conduct, oh pity me, and pray to the to heal my pride. All I can say is, that I desire to learn of to be meek and lowly in heart; but my corruptions are so strong, and my employ so dangerous, that sometimes I am afraid. But wherefore do I fear? He that hath given me himself, will he not freely give me all things? By his help then I am resolved to ask till I receive, to seek till I find, and to knock till I know myself. Blessed be, I have had a sweet retirement to search out my spirit and bewail the infirmities of my public ministrations. Alas! who can hope to be justified by his works? My preaching, praying, &c. are only splendida peccata. The blood of applied to my soul by a living faith, is the only thing that can render them acceptable. This is the doctrine which you, reverend Sir, have been enabled to preach, and for which no doubt you have suffered reproach: But you are now almost at your journey's end. Yet a little while, and you shall enter into your Master's joy. In the mean while the, I am persuaded, will keep you as the apple of his eye. He will not forsake you when you are grey-headed, and your strength faileth you. The moment you are ripe for our common Master, he shall translate you to glory; I præ, sequar. I am a child; I must be tutored and made meet by sufferings to be a partaker of the heavenly inheritance with the saints in light: But I am persuaded will for sake finally save, reverend Sir,

Your unworthy brother and servant in , G. W.

LETTER CXXXI.

Dear Brother J.     Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739.

INDEED I love you. Why? Because I hope you are an Israelite indeed; and one of those babes to whom it has been our 's good pleasure to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of. It is special; it is a distinguishing gift. Be humble, dear James, be humble. Talk little, and think much. A wise man will guide his words with discretion. Be zealous for your dear Master. Let a zeal for his honour even