Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/384

 LETTER CCCXCXIX.

To Mr. Thomas N, at New-York.

London, Feb. 26, 1742.

My very dear Brother,

I Have herewith sent you a parcel. Be pleased to read the letters, and send them as directed. I received your kind letter, dated in December, and thank you for all kindnesses shewn to the poor orphans. The will richly reward you. Before yours came, the had given me an enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom to converse with all his dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk freely with the Messrs. W's, though we widely differ in a certain point. Most talk of a catholic spirit; but it is only till they have brought people into the pale of their own church. This is downright sectarianism, not catholicism. How can I act consistently, unless I receive and love all the children of, whom I esteem to be such, of whatever denomination they may be? Why should we dispute when there is no probability of convincing? I think this is not giving up the faith, but fulfilling our 's new command, "Love one another:" and our love is but feigned, unless it produces proper effects. I am persuaded, the more the love of is shed abroad in our hearts, the more all narrowness of spirit will subside and give way: besides, so far as we are narrow spirited, we are uneasy. Prejudices, jealousies, and suspicions make the soul miserable, so far as they are entertained. But enough of this: my dear brother N is of my mind. Only let me give you one caution: Take heed that your getting acquainted with any new set of Christians, does not lead you insensibly to despise others of your old acquaintance. Watch, and deal very tenderly with all; otherwise you will grow reserved and artful, and lose a simple, open, guileless, Israelitish spirit, before you are aware. There needs a close adherence to the motions of the Holy Spirit, and a constant watching over the corruptions of our own hearts, in order that we may walk before as very little children. O that I was a little child indeed! can make me one. My dear brother, I thank you for your kind invitation.