Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/489

 LETTER CCCCXCV.

To Mr I.

London, Dec. 21, 1742.

My very dear Brother,

WHEN your letters come, I find great freedom to send immediate answers. A proof this, I trust, that our Saviour intends our brotherly love not only to continue, but increase. This day I dined with old Mr. F, and was kindly entertained by him and his wife. I then remembered what sweet counsel we had there taken together, and rejoiced in the happy prospect of our being ere long for ever together with our blessed and glorious. My brother, what has our Saviour done for us since that time? What is he doing for us now? what did he do ere time began? what will he do when time shall be no more? O how sweet is it to be melted down with a sense of redeeming love! It is this must strike the rock, and break the bars of unbelief asunder. O! to be kept always low at the feet of ! It is right, my brother, always to insist on poverty of spirit, and emptying the creature of self. I heartily join with you in your petition for yourself and unworthy me. I know what a dreadful thing it is, to carry much sail without proper ballast, and to rejoice in a false liberty. Joy floating upon the surface of an unmortified heart, is but of short continuance. It puffs up, but doth not edify. I thank our Saviour that he is shewing us here more of our hearts, and more of his love. I doubt not but he deals so with you. I heartily greet your dear houshold, and your societies, and return my love to Mr. S. I have heard him mentioned by lady F G. If our Saviour gives me leave, I would gladly come to Yorkshire. But I think the cloud points strongly towards Georgia. He hath taken wonderful care of the sheep left in yonder wilderness, and interposed mightily in their behalf. I know you will thank him for it. I have had a loving conference with dear Mr. B, and have received a sweet gospel-letter from dear Mr. H. With this I send to him, you, and yours, and all the brethren, most hearty love, and am, my very dear brother,

Ever yours in , G. W.