Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/224

 *gular, and what is that but sin) when he spoke to the High Priest, and called him whited wall? Besides, dear Sir, what a fond conceit is it to cry up perfection, and yet cry down the doctrine of final perseverance? But this, and many other absurdities you will run into, because you will not own Election: And you will not own Election, because you cannot own it without believing the doctrine of Reprobation. What then is there in reprobation so horrid? I see no blasphemy in holding that doctrine, if rightly explained. If might have passed by all, he may pass by some. Judge whether it is not a greater blasphemy to say, " died for souls now in hell." Surely, dear Sir, you do not believe there will be a general gaol delivery of damned souls hereafter. O that you would study the covenant of grace! O that you were truly convinced of sin, and brought to the foot of sovereign grace! Elisha Cole on 's sovereignty, and Veritas Redux, written by Doctor Edwards, are well worth your reading. But I have done; if you think so meanly of Bunyan, and the Puritan writers, I do not wonder that you think me wrong. I find your sermon has had its expected success; it hath set the nation a disputing; you will have enough to do now to answer pamphlets; two I have already seen. O that you would be more cautious in casting lots! O that you would not be too rash and precipitant! If you go on thus, honoured Sir, how can I concur with you? It is impossible; I must speak what I know.—Thus I write out of the fulness of my heart: I feel myself to be a vile sinner.—I look to ; I mourn because I have pierced him. Honoured Sir, pray for me. The be with your dear soul. About Spring you may expect to see, Ever, ever yours in,  G. W.     LETTER CCXXII. To Mr. G L.

My dear Friend and Brother,     Boston, Sept. 26, 1740.

I Wrote to you about a month ago from Charles-Town.—Since I came here I have received two letters from you. May the great of heaven and earth bless your dear soul for thus assisting his poor unworthy servant: A sense of my