Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/185

 the guilt and power of our sins. He was truly , and therefore could satisfy; he was truly man, and therefore could obey and suffer in our stead. He was and man in one person, that and man might be happy together again. My dear brethren, (for so I must call you, though I never saw you) these are strange things. But if you are willing to learn, the holy spirit shall teach you. For by dying, and obeying 's law, hath bought for us the holy spirit, who shall change your corrupt natures, and fit you for happiness hereafter with the ever-blessed , if you do but believe in your hearts.—Thousands of white people only believe in their heads, and therefore are no more christians than those who never heard of at all. They call, "Lord, Lord," but they do not live as hath commanded. No, they curse and swear, they break the sabbath, they get drunk, they play, they whore, they commit adultery, and have taught many poor Indians to do these abominable things as well as themselves. Do not you therefore learn of them. For true christians are sober, chaste and holy. They will not get drunk, they will not play the whore, they will not cheat, lie, curse or swear; but they will bless and praise, keep the sabbath, and do all the good they can; for thus , their and master, lived when he was here on earth. I say, when he was here on earth; for after he died, he rose again, and went up into heaven from whence he came, and there he sits praying for all that shall believe on Him to the end of the world. For as the world had a beginning, so it also will have an end. And will come again in the clouds to judge all mankind; and then he that hath believed in , and hath shewn forth his faith by his works, shall be saved; and he that hath not believed in, shall be damned for ever, and be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone. But before he comes, he hath promised that the heathen shall be brought to believe on him, and therefore I write this letter to you. I would come myself, and preach the glad tidings of salvation among you, as the bearer of this could interpret for me; but my other business will not permit. I am a minister of the same, and once was as ignorant of Him comparatively as you may be. I once lived like other people;