Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/310

 LETTER CCCXXVII.

To John R, an Orphan, at the Orphan-house.

On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741.

Dear John, I Remember you once wanted to go away from Bethesda. Adore the free grace and mercy of that, who has kept you there. I trust, it will prove the saving of your precious and immortal soul. To see oneself lost and condemned by nature, is the first step to conversion. I hope before this time you have found yourself saved by grace: for "by grace alone you are to be saved, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of ." The hath indeed been knocking at the door of your heart. I trust, now he will break the door open, and give himself admission. Dear John, you may well wonder, that the hath not sent you to hell. I trust, that you feel you deserve it. O that may pluck you as a brand out of the burning. This was my only view in bringing you to Bethesda. This is the only desire of the dear friends who have the rule over you; they watch for your soul, &c. The devil (as you observe) watches to destroy it: and, therefore, my dear boy, away to. He can take away the heart of stone: he can give you an heart of flesh. All things are possible with Him. That may give you grace to take the kingdom of heaven with a holy violence, is the hearty prayer of, dear John,  Your sincere friend, G. W.     LETTER CCXXVIII. To James M, an Orphan.

On board the Mary and Ann, July 27, 1741.

Dear James,

I Am glad to hear by dear brother B's letters, that your soul has received comfort. I am comforted at the news. May increase it daily, 'till your joy be full. I must think loves you, and that he has begun a good work in your soul. I hope to find at my return that it is carried on, and that you have been pressing forward towards the mark for the prize of your high calling in your saviour.