Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/197

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the children, both boys and girls, cried bitterly, and most of the congregation were drowned in tears, and mourned as a woman mourneth for her first-born. Expence of spirits made my body weak, but my soul still wrestled earnestly with God. When I came home, I lay upon my bed; but seeing the children and people come home crying, I went to prayer again, and a greater power than ever still attended it. O how was my soul carried out, and how did the Holy Ghost fill the room! At last I thought proper to dismiss them; but it would have charmed your heart to hear the little ones in different parts of the house praying, and begging of Jesus to take full possession of their hearts. The same power continues to-day: For near two hours, four or five of the girls have been before the Lord weeping most bitterly, and under such agonies, as gives me hope our Lord will soon send them deliverance. I have not yet talked with the boys, who also have been under great concern, and one especially in great agonies. I believe two or three will be truly gracious. I have brought with me a Latin master, and on Monday laid a foundation in the name of our dear Jesus for an university in Georgia. God blesses me (O free and sovereign grace) in every thing I undertake. Our Orphan-house comes under better regulations every day, and I am persuaded, in the end, will produce some true followers of Jesus Christ. I am now looking for fresh attacks from the enemy, after such inroads. He has been busy since my departure, but the Lord hath vouchsafed to rebuke and disappoint him. My dear brother, may the Lord be with you! For Christ's sake desire dear Brother W—— to avoid disputing with me. I think I had rather die, than to see a division between us; and yet, how can we walk together, if we oppose each other? Adieu. Dear James, with much tenderness I subscribe myself

Ever yours,

G. W.