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/408

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hath loved and given himself for us. That you may experience all the unsearchable riches of his superabundant grace, is the earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,

Your affectionate friend, and very obliged
and ready servant for Christ's sake,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCLXXXV. To Mr. ——.


Dear Sir, London, March 1, 1751.

YOUR acknowledgment for my poor present, is more than it deserved. If it is made of use to your precious soul, I have my desired end. My heart's desire and prayer to God is, that his goodness may lead you to a thorough repentance, and that you may have no rest, till you truly believe on Jesus Christ. Reformation is not renovation: and unless the heart be totally and thoroughly changed, when the fear of hell and other outward restraints are gone, good impressions will gradually wear off, and the seeming convert return again to folly. The love of Christ therefore constrains me, dear Sir, to exhort you to make thorough work of it, and to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Now indeed is the accepted time! Surely you may say, "Am I not a brand plucked out of the burning?" Satan will not care that you should leave him without some attacks. When you are abroad, old habits, and old corruptions will strive to renew their ancient acquaintance with you: merry company will endeavour to redebauch you, and your grand adversary the devil will labour to render all the amazing mercies you have received, fruitless and abortive.—Be upon your guard. Distrust yourself. Be instant in prayer. Look continually to Jesus, and then as your day is, so shall your strength be. Be pleased to accept this in love. If I may judge of your aspect and letter, you will. Glad shall I be to find you a new creature in Georgia. My prayers shall follow you, and I hope ere long we shall meet with our brother and all the redeemed of the Lord in paradise. Be pleased to remember me to Mr. R——; and if you would mind me, as the chief