Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/133

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

are more moderate with respect to sinless perfection. Time and experience I believe will convince you, that attaining such a state in this life, is not a doctrine of the everlasting gospel. As for universal redemption, if we omit on each side the talking for or against reprobation, which we may do fairly, and agree as we already do in giving an universal offer to all poor sinners that will come and taste of the water of life, I think we may manage very well. But it is difficult to determine such matters at a distance. Some time next year, (if the Redeemer spares my life) I hope to see you face to face. In the mean while, the language of my heart is,

O let us find the ancient way,
  Our wond'ring foes to move;
And force the heathen world to say,
  See how these brethren love.

I rejoice to find that the rebellion has been over-ruled for the awakening of many souls. Our Lord generally builds his temple in troublesome times. I cannot, upon the maturest deliberation, charge myself with a design to flatter in my sermon on that occasion. You know my attachment to the present establishment. Out of the fulness of my heart my pen wrote. But it may be I know not myself. Lord, keep me from trimming! At present, my heart seems as free for Jesus as ever. I have been once more in New-England. My entrance was as at the first, about seven years ago. Perhaps I may embark from thence for my native country. Our Lord will direct. I am now going to Georgia to winter. At New-York and here, Jesus has enlarged my heart, and opened my mouth to shew forth his praise. I have news of the awakening of several negroes at my new plantation, lately purchased at South-Carolina. I hope ere long to be delivered from my outward embarrassments. I long to owe no man any thing but love. This is a debt, Reverend Sir, I shall never be able to discharge to you, or your brother. Jesus will pay you all. For his sake, I love and honour you very much, and rejoice as much, in your success as in my own. I cannot agree with you in some principles, but that need not hinder love; since I trust we hold the foundation, even "Jesus, the same yesterday, to-*day and for ever." Will you salute, in the kindest manner,