Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/226

 peace. They own free justification, and yet seem to think, that their continuance in a justified state depends on their doings, and their wills.—This, I think, is establishing a righteousness of our own. My dear brother, if we search the scriptures, we shall find that the word justified implies not only pardon of sin, but also all its consequences.—"Thus (says Saint Paul) those whom he justified, them he also glorified;" so that if a man was once justified, he remains so to all eternity.—Here lies the anchor of all my hopes.—Our having once loved me, he will love me to the end.—This fills me with joy unspeakable and full of glory.—I now walk by faith.—I work not to keep myself in a justified state, (for men or devils can never pluck me out of 's hands,) but to express my love and gratitude for what hath done for my soul. This, I think, is what the apostle calls "faith working by love." My dear brother, my heart's desire and prayer to is, that we may all think and speak the same things.—For, if we are divided among ourselves, what an advantage will satan get over us? Let us love one another, excite all to come to without exception, and our  will shew us, who are his. The work of goes on exceedingly in America. The is pleased to manifest himself unto my soul more and more. I am a naughty, stubborn child; but my dear will have mercy because he will have mercy. It is owing to his distinguishing love that I am not hardened. Here is, and I believe will be a great quickning in these parts.—The cloud seems to be moving. Perhaps in the Spring we may meet face to face. With difficulty I get time to write this, but I must answer dear Brother I's letter.—May the be continually with your spirit, and make your soul brimful of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. I love you in the bowels of the crucified Lamb. May he unite us more and more intimately to his dear self, and to one another. Salute all that love him in sincerity.—Brethren, pray for us.—That you may be kept by 's power to eternal salvation, is the prayer of

Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and poor weak servant in ,

G. W.