Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/63

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

signs? He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And as for our Lord's coming at this time to reign upon the earth, I answer, it is not for us to know the times and seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.—That a great work is begun is evident, that it will be carried on I doubt not; but how it will end, I know not, neither do I desire to know. It is sufficient for me to do the work of the day in its day, and to rest satisfied in this, that all will end in God's glory. Lately, brother —— told me he was shortly, he believed, to be called to some public work.—I pray God he may not run before he is called. To teach, I know, is a pleasing thing; but to begin to teach too soon or without a commission, will be destruction to ourselves, and of ill consequence to others. Uzzah might mean well, when he touched the ark, but his good intention did not preserve him from the just judgments of God. Be not many masters, says the apostle. Oh that that verse was deeply engraven on the tables of our hearts! My dear brethren, be not offended at this plainness of speech. I would all the Lord's servants were prophets, but then I would not have people think themselves prophets of the Lord, when they are only enthusiasts—If Mr. —— is acted by a good spirit, why is he not patient of reproof? Why does he fly in a passion, when contradicted? Why does he pretend to be infallible, and that God always speaks in him? May God give us all a right judgment in all things. Pure unfeigned love causes me to use this freedom. Many of you God has worked upon by my ministry, and therefore I would not have you ignorant of Satan's devices. O beware of him at this time. Do not conceive prejudices against each other. Do not dispute, but love; purge out the old leaven from amongst you. Have no fellowship with any that converse with Mr. —— If they have a mind to depart from you, let them depart. Do you build up each other in your most holy faith. My dear brethren,

I am your common servant in our dear Lord Jesus,

G. W.