_To Mr. F――――, in Pensylvania._
_Edinburgh, Sept. 22, 1742._ _My dear Brother F――――_,
I Received your two kind letters, dated _June_ the 1st and 6th, and can only say, CHRIST is king in _Zion_, and orders all things well. I think you cannot have a scene of greater confusion among you, than there has been in _England_. But blessed be GOD, matters are brought to a better issue, and though we cannot agree in principles, yet we agree in love, Tho’, as you know, I am clear in the truths of the gospel, yet I find that principles of themselves, without the spirit of GOD, will not unite any set of men whatever; and where the spirit of GOD is in any great degree, there will be union of heart, though there may be difference in sentiments. This I have learnt, my dear brother, by happy experience, and find great freedom and peace in my soul thereby. This makes me to love many, though I cannot agree with them in some of their principles. I dare not look upon them as wilful deceivers, but as persons who hazard their lives for the sake of the gospel.――Mr. _W――――_ I think is wrong in somethings, and Mr. _L――――_ wrong also; yet I believe that both Mr. _L――――_ and Mr. _W――――_, and others, with whom we do not agree in all things, will shine bright in glory. It is best therefore for a gospel-minister, simply and powerfully to preach those truths he has been taught of GOD, and to meddle as little as possible with those who are children of GOD, though they should differ in many things. This would keep the heart sweet, and at the same time not betray the truths of JESUS. I have tried both the disputing, and the quiet way, and find the latter far preferable to the former. I have not given way to the _Moravian_ Brethren, or Mr. _W――y_, or to any, whom I thought in an error, no not for an hour. But I think it best not to dispute, when there is no probability of convincing. I pray you, for CHRIST’s sake, to take heed lest your spirit should be imbittered, when you are speaking or writing for GOD. This will give your adversaries advantage over you, and make people think your passion is the effect of your principles. Since I have been in _England_ this time, _Calvin_’s example has been very much pressed upon me. You know how _Luther_ abused him. As we are of _Calvinistical_ principles, I trust we shall in this respect imitate _Calvin_’s practice, and shew all meekness to those who may oppose. My dear brother, you will not be offended at my using this freedom. I am a poor creature, unworthy to advise you; but I simply tell you a little of my own experience. May the LORD give you, and all that stand up for the doctrines of the gospel, a right judgment in all things! For JESUS CHRIST’s sake, as much as in you lies, put a stop to disputing. It imbitters the spirit, ruffles the soul, and hinders it from hearing the small still voice of the Holy Ghost. May you be filled with all joy and peace in believing! GOD has been very gracious to me here. Wonderful things have been done in _Scotland_. When I shall come to you, I cannot as yet determine. I hope to embark in a few months. In the mean time, be pleased to remember me to all that love the glorious _Emmanuel_, and accept this in tenderest love from, my very dear brother,
Your most affectionate though most unworthy brother and servant in the kingdom and patience of JESUS,