LETTER DCCCLXXXIX.
To Mr. M.
Dear Sir, Plymouth, March 30, 1751.
YOUR letter came safe to hand in due season, but I have been straitened how to answer it. I would write as I preach; I mean I would speak the truth as it is in Jesus, without endeavouring to blacken any denomination whatsoever. I think Gamaliel's advice is good at all times and in all ages, and our Lord's promise will be fulfilled, "That every plant that our heavenly Father hath not planted, shall he rooted up." This makes me to bear and forbear with many who widely differ from me both in principles and practice. This, as you observe, dear Sir, you may know by my poor discourses, and I find as yet no reason to alter my sentiments. I doubt not but there are many holy souls among the Ms; but their not preaching the law, either as a Schoolmaster to shew us the need of Christ, or as a rule of life after we have closed with him, is what I can in no wise concur with. These seem to be two grand mistakes, and which with their various unscriptural expressions in their hymns, and several superstitious fopperies lately intruded among them, make me to think, they are sadly departed from the simplicity of the gospel. But to their own master they stand or fall. Exitus acta probat. My prayer for myself and all God's children is, "Lord Jesus, rectify all that is wrong, and bless and prosper all that is right!" I bless God, dear Sir, that you are appearing valiant for the truth. You will find more and more by happy experience, that to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Christ never sends a person on a warfare at his own charges. Do not despair of Mr. G. As the love of God comes in, the fear of man goes out. By and by I trust he will set his face on a flint. It is high time for some to appear for Jesus. What pain did he endure? What shame did he suffer for us? Strange! that we should be so unwilling to go without the camp, to share with Him in his sacred reproach. Alas, what cowards are we! Dear Sir, let us pray for each other, that we may be strong in the grace which is in the Christ Jesus, and never fear what men and devils can say, or do unto us.
