Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/79

 for me. It is necessary that such offences should come; otherwise, how can I know that I am, what I desire to be, dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend and true brother in , G. W.    LETTER LXX. Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

My dear Brethren, and worthy fellow-labourers in ,

THOUGH I know none of you in person, yet, from the time I heard of your faith and love towards our dear , I have been acquainted with you in spirit, and have constantly mentioned you in my poor prayers. The good pleasure of the, I find, prospers in your hands; and I pray increase you more and more, both you and your children. Scotland, like England, hath been so much settled upon it's lees for some time, that I fear our late days may properly be called the midnight of the church. Blessed be , the Father of our, who hath sent forth many of his servants with this cry, "Behold the bridegroom cometh." Thousands obey the call, and are trimming their spiritual lamps, in order to go forth to meet him. I cannot but think a winnowing time will come after this in-gathering of souls. O that we may suffer only as christians, and then the Spirit of and of glory will rest upon us. In patience possess your souls, and I will leave my cause to. You, my reverend Brethren, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded; may we go on then in the power, and under the guidance of the of. The eternal will be your perpetual refuge. He that employs, will protect; as your day is, so shall your strength be. Let not our dear 's lambs perish for lack of knowledge. "Give ye, give ye them to eat," methinks, is the endearing, constraining command of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. And O that a due obedience may be paid to it by me, your unworthy brother. But I blush almost, when I stile myself your brother; for I am a child, and all of you are fathers. Oh, strive together with me in your prayers, that the divine strength may be still magnified in my weakness. You will intreat the to