4.3.2011 GEORGE WHITEFIELD'S LETTERS - SUBMITTING MY WILL TO GOD

3.6.1735...'you seem desirous of hearing no more of so seemingly ungrateful a subject, as submitting our wills to the will of God; which, indeed, is all that is implied in that phrase (which our enemy would represent as so formidable to us) of renouncing ourselves. alas, sir! what is there that appears so monstrously terrible in a doctrine that is, (or at least ought to be) the constant subject of our prayers, whenever we put up that petition of our Lord's: 'Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven'. the import of which seems to be this.

1. that we do everything that /God wills and nothing but what He willeth.
2. that we do every thing he wills, only in the manner He willeth.
3. that we do those things He willeth, only because he willeth.

this is all, sir, i have been endeavoring to inculcate in my late letters; and through it seems as clear as the light, upon an impartial and considerate view, yet, our grand impostor (whose very corruption is having a will distinct from, and therefore contrary to God's) would fain set it out in the most hideous colours, as though we were 'setters forth of strange doctrines'; or proposing some higher degrees of perfection, than every ordinary christian is obliged to aspire after; whereas, in truth, it is nothing but the simple and evident language of the gospel.

it must be confessed, that through the corruption of our depraved nature, and that power, which self will has, since the Fall, usurped in the soul, we must necessarily break through a great many obstacles. but, dear sir, be not dismayed, THE DIFFICULTY LIES ONLY IN OUR FIRST SETTING OUT. BE BUT VIGOROUS AT THE FIRST ONSET AND NEVER FEAR A CONQUEST.

the renewal of our natures is a work of great importance. it is not to be done in a day. we have not only a new house to build up, but an old one to pull down. but then, methinks, this would be an odd way of reasoning, 'BECAUSE A THING REQUIRES SOME PAINS, I THEREFORE WILL NEVER SET ABOUT IT'. NO SIR, RATHER UP AND BE DOING. EXERT YOUR UTMOST EFFORTS AT YOUR FIRST SETTING OUT, and take my word, YOUR STRENGTH AS WELL AS RESOLUTION WILL INCREASE DAILY.

the means also which are necessary to be used in order to attain this end, our cursed adversary the devil would represent to us in the most hideous forms imaginable. but believe me, sir, the difficulty here too, only lies in our first BREAKING FROM OURSELVES, and that there is really more pleasure in these formidable duties of self denial and mortification, than in the highest indulgences of the greatest epicure upon earth. give me leave, dear sir, only to remind you of one particular, which, if duly observed, will vastly facilitate your future endeavours. LET THE SCRIPTURES, NOT THE WORLD, BE YOUR RULE OF ACTION. BY THOSE YOUR ARE TO FORM YOUR PRACTICE HERE AND TO BE JUDGED HEREAFTER.