Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/401

 lately heard concerning you was false; for I had heard, that the bishop seeing your zeal, and finding his opposition had inflamed, at last had ordered the clergy to open the church doors for you, and that now you had done with appearing openly in the defence of the glorious Gospel. Blessed be this is not true! Though I find, both you and your people have been greatly discouraged. I see no way of extricating yourself, but by acting up to the dictates of your own conscience, and leaving the consequences to the great head and king of the church. You find, dear Sir, a sensible withdrawing of the spirit ever since you gave way. It would not have been so, had you obeyed rather than man. Up then, and be doing, and the will be yet with you. If you cannot preach freely in the Isle of Man, go whithersoever the shall be pleased to lead you. Our commission is very extensive: "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." We want labourers much in England. If our ascended Saviour hath given you popular gifts, and freedom and authority in speaking without notes, you need not fear. He will assist you from time to time, and make you a blessing to many souls. Your being a minister of the established church, will be an advantage, and your age also will give you yet more authority; but an unction from the Holy One of Israel is the best qualification; I would therefore, dear Sir (if such a one as I, am capable of advising) by all means persuade you to humble yourself before the great bishop of your soul, and ask him again and again what he would have you to do? I am apt to think, he will not restore to you the comforts of the Holy Ghost, or stablish you with his free spirit, 'till you give up yourself simply to follow the dictates of his providence and spirit. Then let men or devils say or do their worst. How can we know 's power unless we try it? Not that I would have you, dear friend, do any thing rashly. No, "he that believeth doth not make haste." Wait upon the, and he will certainly shew you what he would have you to do. I wonder not that your brother's love is grown cold. It is hard for one in his station, unless he be thoroughly inured to contempt, and will give leave to act in his own way, to withstand a whole body of lukewarm, prejudiced, envious, malignant clergy. These, have always been the greatest opposers of true