Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/174

 crucified. Does he not, my dear brother, often manifest himself sweetly to your panting soul? Does he not often teach you the hidden things of the kingdom of ? Does, he not tell you that he loves you, and will suffer nothing to pluck you out of his almighty hand? Thus often is he pleased to manifest himself to me: and who then dares despair? No; I can assure the worst, the chief of sinners, that came to save them. My dear brother, here are glad tidings of great joy! The fire kindles whilst I am musing. Oh let us call all to come and see Him, who has forgiven us all the sins that ever we committed. Is not this the ? Adieu. My hearty and dearest love to all. Fail not writing to

Your affectionate friend and servant,

G. W.    LETTER CLXXV. To Mr. C.

My dear Brother,     On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.

YOU, as well as your dear associates, are much upon my heart. I long to hear that you are advanced in grace, and grown in the knowledge of your . I say your Lord; for I hope, ere now, you can appropriate to yourself, and, without the least diffidence or doubt, cry out assuredly, "My and my ." When the soul says this, then, but not till then, is it truly married to the dear ; then are we true children of the bridegroom, and are real partakers of the supper of the Lamb. This, this is faith: this is believing; not with the head; not in notion only; but with the heart, indeed and in truth. The soul now puts its amen, and sets the seal to 's everlasting promises; it now soars upwards towards heavenly things, and feels continually the invisible realities of another world. Though sometimes overshadowed by a cloud, yet still it knows that its Redeemer liveth, and justifieth the ungodly. It cannot doubt of his favour, though sometimes he is pleased to withdraw his sensible presence. The root of the matter is twisted round every faculty of the soul, which daily is supported with this assurance, that can no more forsake the soul he loves, than he can forsake himself. Oh my dear bro