He only can be saved. The world, the flesh and the devil are three such potent enemies, that we must strive, we must persevere, if we will gain a conquest. Strive then; let us, my dear friend, strive as persons striving for eternity. Let us abstain from all appearance of evil, and avoid all company, that doth not directly tend to the promoting our spiritual welfare. Whether one of the societies you frequent, my dear friend, has a tendency that way, I leave you to judge. I think I have heard you say, it keeps you from family and secret prayer. If that is not a sufficient reason for absenting from it, I'll say no more. I believe you to be sincere, and therefore, if you consult God by prayer and reading his word, your way will be made clear before you. I only add, that I could wish, instead of frequenting that, you would set up another society of a quite contrary nature on the same night of the week. I know Mr. had some such design on foot, and desired me to mention it. I wish you good success in this and every pious undertaking in the name of the Lord. May God reward you for all your kindnesses, and make you to abound in every good word and work! may you walk by faith and not by sight; and tho' you are in the world, may you not be of it! I preach here, God willing, to-morrow; there's likely to be a great congregation. O pray, that they may not be sent away empty, but converted by, dear Mr. ,
Your affectionate friend,
G. W.
LETTER XXXIII.
Dear Sir, Deal, Jan. 25, 1738.
I Am ashamed of my ingratitude in not writing to you before; but you'll not wonder I am ungrateful to my friends, when I tell you I am ungrateful to my God. However, as I always remark'd you for your charity, I know you will imitate Him you so resemble, and upon my promise of amendment for the future, will pardon what is past. Oh dear Sir, how shall I express my gratitude to dear ? But above all, what return shall I make to my ever-blessed Redeemer for all the favours he hath bestowed upon me? Help, I entreat you, help me to be thankful, and as you abound in prayer, abound in praises. I find my heart too backward
