peace. They own free justification, and yet seem to think, that their continuance in a justified state depends on their doings, and their wills.—This, I think, is establishing a righteousness of our own. My dear brother, if we search the scriptures, we shall find that the word justified implies not only pardon of sin, but also all its consequences.—"Thus (says Saint Paul) those whom he justified, them he also glorified;" so that if a man was once justified, he remains so to all eternity.—Here lies the anchor of all my hopes.—Our Lord having once loved me, he will love me to the end.—This fills me with joy unspeakable and full of glory.—I now walk by faith.—I work not to keep myself in a justified state, (for men or devils can never pluck me out of Christ's hands,) but to express my love and gratitude for what Jesus hath done for my soul. This, I think, is what the apostle calls "faith working by love." My dear brother, my heart's desire and prayer to God is, that we may all think and speak the same things.—For, if we are divided among ourselves, what an advantage will satan get over us? Let us love one another, excite all to come to Christ without exception, and our Lord will shew us, who are his. The work of God goes on exceedingly in America. The Lord is pleased to manifest himself unto my soul more and more. I am a naughty, stubborn child; but my dear Lord will have mercy because he will have mercy. It is owing to his distinguishing love that I am not hardened. Here is, and I believe will be a great quickning in these parts.—The cloud seems to be moving. Perhaps in the Spring we may meet face to face. With difficulty I get time to write this, but I must answer dear Brother I's letter.—May the Lord Jesus be continually with your spirit, and make your soul brimful of peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. I love you in the bowels of the crucified Lamb. May he unite us more and more intimately to his dear self, and to one another. Salute all that love him in sincerity.—Brethren, pray for us.—That you may be kept by God's power to eternal salvation, is the prayer of
Your most affectionate, though unworthy brother and
poor weak servant in Christ,
G. W.
