To the brethren in
Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739.
TWICE did I purpose to come and see you at , but was prevented by that all-wise providence, which ordereth all things for the best: however, though absent, I am not unmindful of you. As a testimony thereof I send you this. And oh that you may be filled with an holy fire, and such an ardent zeal for God as even to eat you up! Look round, look round, my brethren, and in imitation of your common Lord, weep over the desolations of the university wherein you live. Alas! how is that once faithful city become an harlot! Have pity upon her, ye that are friends, and whatever treatment you may meet with from an ungrateful world, endeavour at least to rescue some of her sons out of that blindness, ignorance, bigotry and formality, into which she is unhappily fallen. Arise, ye sons of the prophets; shine forth, ye who are appointed to be the lights of the world. The rulers of this world will endeavour to put you under bushels; but if your light is of God's kindling, all the devils in hell shall not be able to extinguish it. Be not therefore, my brethren, weary of well doing. Have you true faith? keep it not to yourselves; be willing, as occasion offers, freely to communicate it to others. How will you be apt to teach hereafter, unless you begin to teach now? None but those, who are of a different spirit from that meek man Moses, will be offended at you. All God's people will wish you God speed. I am sure I do with all my heart. And I pray God to sanctify your whole spirits, souls and bodies, and make you vessels meet for our common Master's use! for none but those who have felt the spirit themselves, can freely or feelingly speak of him to others. My dear brethren, forget not to pray for,
Your affectionate, though weak brother
and servant in Christ,
G. W.
