_To Mr. J―――― C――――._
_New-York, July 5, 1747._
_My dear John_,
THOUGH I am quite sick and weak in body, yet the love I owe thee for JESU’s sake, constrains me to answer your last kind letter, dated _♦February_ 5th. The other mentioned therein, never came to hand. I am sorry to hear there are yet disputings amongst us about brick-walls. I was in hopes, after our contests of that kind about seven years ago, such a scene would never appear again; but I find fresh offences must come, to search out and discover to us fresh corruptions, to try our faith, teach us to cease from man, and to lean more upon him, who by his infinite wisdom and power will cause, “that out of the eater shall come forth meat, and from the strong sweetness.” I am glad you find yourself happy in the holy JESUS. I wish thee an increase of such dear-bought happiness every day, and pray that thy mouth may not be stopped, as others have been before thee, from publishing the glad tidings of salvation, by a crucified Redeemer. It has been thy meat and drink to preach among poor sinners the unsearchable riches of JESUS CHRIST. May’st thou continue and abide in this plan, and whether I see thee or not, whether thou dost ever think of, or write to me any more, I wish thee much success, and shall always pray that the work of the LORD may prosper in thy hands. Whether you have changed your principles with your situation, I know not. I would only caution thee against taking any thing for _gospel_ upon the mere authority of man. Go where thou wilt, though thou shouldest be in the purest society under heaven, thou wilt find that the best of men are but men at the best, and will meet with stumbling blocks enough, to teach thee the necessity of a continual dependence on the LORD JESUS, who alone is infallible, and who will not give that glory to another. Blessed be his Name, for the trials I have met with from the friends of _Zion_. At present, I can rejoice in being deserted by one, and used unkind by another, who at the great day must own me to be their spiritual father. Such trials are very salutary.――They lead me to the Cross, and I trust in the end will conform me to him, who in his bitterest agony had no one to watch with him, no not for one hour. My dear man, you will excuse me, as my heart at present is affected with the thoughts of the divisions that subsist between the servants and churches of JESUS CHRIST. May JESUS heal them, and hasten that blessed time, when we shall all see eye to eye, and there shall be no disputings about houses, doctrine, or discipline in all GOD’s holy mountain! GOD willing, I purpose seeing _England_ next year, and shall be glad to converse with thee once more, about the things which belong to our Saviour’s kingdom.――If my present sickness ends in death, we shall converse in a better world, and without the least discord and contention. Remember me to _Brampton_, and to all. I thank them for not forgetting the chief of sinners. Tell them JESUS is yet with me, and causes my rod to bud and blossom. The bush burns, but is not consumed. Adieu.
Thine in the glorious _Emmanuel_, _G. W._
♦ “Febuary” replaced with “February”