Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/355



No wonder, when we come to be thus minded, if carnal ministers, and carnal professors of all kinds, cry out against us. Nay, even some who have tasted that the is gracious, having slumbered and slept, and mixed too much with the world, even such frequently fight against their privileges, and rest in an infant state of piety. But, I believe, the will rouse them, and let the world know, what the blood of can and will do. Blessed be his name, we have a growing church at Bristol. Yesterday, and several other times, the hath filled many as with new wine. Sometimes I scarce have known whether I have been in or out of the body; but, I find, the more I receive of grace, the more I desire to lie as a poor, very poor sinner at the feet of the wounded Lamb. Several have just now been with me, who have this last week, especially yesterday, drank deep of divine love. They are now full of the comforts of the Holy Ghost. I pray that they may walk humbly with their ; for it is a good thing to know how to manage a manifestation aright: nature so frequently and artfully blends with grace, that, for want of a close watch and tender walk, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Hence arise deadness and darkness in the soul. Unbelief creeps in, the chariot wheels of divine love are taken off, and the soul drives heavily. Let us, therefore, my dear brother, live a life of great nearness to ; and labour day by day to perfect holiness in the fear of. There is a glorious rest to be entered into even here. May the make us partakers of it! But why should I in the least doubt it?

Thou wilt give strength, thou wilt give power, thou wilt in time set free: This, great Deliverer, let me hope; this, not for self, but Thee.

For the present, adieu!

Yours most affectionately in , G. W.