Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/89

 some heinous sin, and thereby give his adversaries reason to rejoice. A public life is attended with innumerable snares; and a sense of my unworthiness and unfitness so weighs me down, that I have often thought it would be best for me to retire. But I know these are all suggestions of the enemy. Why should I distrust omnipotence? Having had a legion of devils cast out of my heart by the power of, why should I not tell what he hath done for my soul, for the encouragement of others. By the help of, I will speak; and the more satan bids me to hold my peace, the more earnestly will I proclaim to believing saints, that the son of David will have mercy on them; nay, I do not despair of publishing these glad tidings even at Wethersfield. In a little above a twelvemonth, willing, I intend returning. But ere that time comes, I trust my dear will purge me, that I may bring forth more fruit.—Satan has not been wanting to sift me as wheat; but my friend, the friend of all, even, has prayed for me, and as yet my faith hath not failed. Oh had I a thousand lives, my dear should have them all! For he is worthy, he hath plucked me as a brand out of the burning, and is continually comforting me on every side—Read, read, dear Sir, the account I have sent over to be published of what hath done for me in the days of my youth, and it will afford more thanksgiving and praise.—Pray in the behalf of, Sir,

Your most affectionate friend, brother, and servant, G. W.

LETTER LXXXI.

My dear Friend and Brother,      Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.

I Love you in the bowels of, as a proof of it, I send this. I heartily wish I could correspond with you oftener. Your advice would always be seasonable to me; because you have been a long time in the school of. I am but just now entering the list, and frequently tremble at the consideration of what I am to do and suffer.But when I consider it is for, who has called me by his free grace into his marvellous light, and has promised to be with us always, even unto the end of the world, a di