178. Letter Clxxvii.
LETTER CLXXVII.
T o Mr. N――.
On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740.
My Dear Brother, I Have been a few days returned from Charles-Town, where our dear Lord
Jesus, I trust, has begun a glorious work. Many came to me under convictions, and were made to cry out, "What shall we do to be saved?"
The people were exceeding desirous of my return amongst them. If I call there, as I come northward, it may prevent my being at New-York so soon as was proposed. The Lord direct my going in his way. A Fosterian Preacher lost ground there. I think you are not much to be blamed for going out of church; but perhaps it might be better, on another such occasion, to hear the whole discourse, and then go and converse with the preacher upon it; otherwise a man may say, you are angry, and could not judge, because you did not hear all. Praise is more dangerous than contempt: but when our
Lord's honour can be promoted by the display of our graces, we need not fear. His grace will be sufficient for us. I know not what person it is that you
would not have me be so open to, unless it be Mr. ――. I had rather be too open than too reserved. Simplicity much becomes the Israel of God. A few days past, with full assurance of faith, I laid the first brick of our great house: Jeremiah bought land when the people were leading into captivity.
My family daily increase, and, blessed be God, as yet I am kept from doubting. Pray that my faith may never fail. Some of the Germans in America are holy souls, and deserve the character they bear. They keep up a close walk with God, and are remarkable for their sweetness and simplicity of behaviour. They talk little, and think much. Most of them, I believe, are
Lutherans. But where there is the image of my dear Master, there are my affections drawn. This is the catholic spirit you breathe after: the Lord, I am persuaded, will give it to your soul. All that people do say of me, affects me but little; because I know worse of myself than they can say concerning me.
My heart is desperately wicked. Was God to leave me, I should be a remarkable sinner. But redeeming love, I believe, will not let us go. Oh! dear Mr. N. pray, and give thanks for me. I daily taste that the Lord is gracious. All things go on well. My dear brethren salute you, as does
Your affectionate, unworthy brother and servant in Christ, G. W.