Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/17

 Perfection for me against my coming into the country, if printed in a small edition. I am, with due respects to self, spouse, and all other friends, Your's sincerely, G. W.     LETTER IV. To the Same.

Dear Sir,     Oxon, Dec. 4, 1734.  I Am heartily glad to hear that the country parson has had so good an effect upon you, and that you are resolved to set in earnest, about working out your salvation: Be sure quench not these first motions; but go on vigorously and manfully, without the least regard to what the world may say; if you can once break with that, you are safe. The prayers, I hope to send you next week. Only let me give you this caution, not to depend on any advice or book, that is given you; but solely on the grace of attending it. The book which I have sent to my brother, and would recommend to you and all my Gloucester friends, will soon convince you how dangerous it is to be a lukewarm christian, and that there is nothing to be done without breaking from the world, denying ourselves daily, taking up our cross, and following. These things may seem a little terrible at first, but believe me, they are nothing but suggestions of our enemy to deter us from setting out; and if you can credit me, mortification itself, when once practised, is the greatest pleasure in the world. But hold, I shall transgress the time prescribed me, therefore give me only leave to add my hearty prayer for your successful progress in religion, and to subscribe myself in great haste, Dear Sir, Your sincere friend and humble servant, G. W.     LETTER V.  To the Same.

Dear Sir,     Oxon, Feb. 20, 1735.

I Believe you think me a strange sort of a person, for not being so good as my word in coming down this winter;