LETTER MCCCXI.
To C—— H——y, Esq.
Boston, June 1, 1764.
Very dear Sir,
I HOPE this will find you safe returned from your summer tour, and laden with the fruit of God’s everlasting love. You see where this leaves me. Friends have even constrained me to stay here, for fear of running into the Summer’s heat. Hitherto I find the benefit of it. Whatever it is owing to, through mercy, I am much better in health, than I was this time twelvemonth, and can now preach thrice a week to very large auditories without hurt. Every day I hear of some brought under concern; and I trust, whenever I remove, a blessing will be left behind. This is all of grace. To the glorious giver, purchaser, and applier of it, be all the glory. All was well at Georgia in April, and I hope to be carried comfortably through the southern journey that lies before me.
Christ’s presence shall my pains beguile,
And make each wilderness to smile.
In about a fortnight, God willing, I purpose to set forward. It will be hard parting. But heaven will make amends for all. Blessed be God that matters go on so well at London. If I get more bodily strength, I shall think of another voyage with more comfort. But future things belong to Him, who orders all things for the best. I would trust him for the present day, and not be over solicitous for the morrow. Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief! Perhaps we may meet once more on this side eternity. They tell me, that the Summers in these northern parts have of late years been very cool. The event will shew. Let it suffice that eternal truth hath assured us, that as our day is so our strength shall be. I know I shall not want your prayers, or the prayers of your dear relatives. Most cordial respects and ten thousand thanks await them all; for indeed none are forgotten by, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
June 7.
Parting here hath been heart breaking: I cannot stand it. I must away for the southward. Mr. T—— C—— hath a packet that will be delivered by a friend. O for heaven! There all will be together with the Lord. Hallelujah!
LETTER MCCCXII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
New-York, June 25, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
HITHERTO the Lord hath helped me. The New-England winter campaign is over, and I am thus far on my way to Georgia. Mr. Smith, my faithful host, writes thus: “Your departure hence never before so deeply wounded us, and the most of this people; and they are injudicious enough to propose sending a book full of names to call you back. Your enemies are very few, and even they seem to be almost at peace with you. I inclose five prints, which shew what is said of you publicly; but as to private discourse, and secret intercessions, you will willingly and modestly remain ignorant of the one, and, I doubt not, feel sweetly the influences of the other.” I add, even so, Lord Jesus, Amen! To crown the expedition, after preaching at New-Haven college, the President came to me, as I was going off in the chaise, and informed me that the students were so deeply impressed by the sermon, that they were gone into the chapel, and earnestly entreated me to give them one more quarter of an hour’s exhortation. Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto thy free and unmerited grace be all the glory! At present my health is better than usual, and as yet I have felt no inconvenience from the summer’s heat. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I write this in great haste, but with greater love to you and yours, and to all. I beg leave to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXIII.
To Mr. W——.
New-York, August 8, 1764.
Dear Sir,
YOUR last, I find, left you soaring aloft. I fancy you like being a Hebrew of the Hebrews. This, I hope, will meet you sitting low at the feet of Jesus, and hearing his words. That is the safest place. He continues good to me, a worthless worm, during this summer season. I have preached twice lately in the fields, and we sat under the blessed Redeemer’s shadow with great delight. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord! In a short time I move southward. Perhaps in Spring I may embark for England. But future things belong to him who orders all things well. The New-Jerusalem is the place I have in view.
There sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is love and joy and peace.
Hearty love to your wife and all dear friends as they come in your way. God bless you all! In Him, who is all in all, I am, dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXIV.
To Mr. D——n, &c.
New-York, August 19, 1764.
My very dear Friends,
I HAVE waited with eagerness for another letter. I want a particular account of the necessaries you stand in need of. They might be procured with advantage here or at Philadelphia. I hope you have received the things. Something more will be sent by Schemerron to the care of Mr. H——m. I hear another vessel is expected from Georgia soon. Surely I shall have a line then. I fear it will be the middle of October before I can leave Philadelphia; but, God willing, you shall hear more particularly soon. A never-failing Jesus continues to smile upon my feeble labours, and hath hitherto carried me comfortably through the summer’s heat. Help, O help me to praise him. Pray for us. Tender love to all. Hoping to join with you quickly on earth, and in full assurance of joining with you eternally in heaven, in very great haste, but greater love, I subscribe myself, my very dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
New-York, August 25, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
STILL am I kept as it were a prisoner in these parts, by the heat of the weather. All dissuade me from proceeding southward till the latter end of September. My late excursions upon Long-Island, I trust have been blessed. It would surprize you to see above a hundred carriages at every sermon in this new world. I am, through infinite mercy, still kept up. Dear Mr. H——y’s packet is not yet come to hand. I wrote to him and my dear wife very lately by a friend in the packet, and I have sent many letters for a letter-day to the care of Mr. E——s in Bristol. I thank dear Mr. L——d for his last by the packet. I wrote to him just before his came to hand. Tender, tender love to your whole self and to all.
Ever theirs, ever yours, &c. &c. in our Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXVI.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Philadelphia, September 21, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
YESTERDAY I had the pleasure of yours by the New-York packet, and can only in return send my repeated thanks for so many repeated favours. After a most solemn and heart-breaking parting at New-York, I am come thus far in my way to Georgia. There I hope to be about Christmas; and in Spring, God willing, to embark for England. Hitherto the Lord hath helped. However, let what will become of the substance, in the mean while I send you my shadow. The painter, who gave it me, having now the ague and fever, and living a hundred miles off, I must get you to have the drapery finished, and then, if judged proper, let it be put up in the Tabernacle parlour. One Captain B—— brings it in the Philadelphia packet, and would most gladly have brought the original over. If you see him, take a little notice of him. I have only preached twice here, but the influence was deep indeed. Grace! grace! Before my further removal hence, I hope for an opportunity of writing to dear Mr. H——y. Two such friends surely could not be picked out, for the London affairs. Tender, most tender love awaits him and all of you. God bless you! God bless you! I am really better in health than I have been these three years. Excuse my not writing to other dear friends; the ship is going, my hands full of business, and I have little more time allowed me than to return you ten thousand thanks, and subscribe myself,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
September 23.
Within a few days, but not before, I received the hymn books, and hope to write to other friends in a few days by way of Londonderry. This day has been a good day indeed. Grace! grace!
LETTER MCCCXVII.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Nassau-Hall, September 25, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
AT length I am broke loose from my summer’s retreat, and have preached twice at Philadelphia. Many could say, “This was no other than the house of God, the gate of heaven.” Yesterday I came here, to preach at the commencement to-morrow. Surely it is one of the best regulated institutions in the world. But most importunate calls come from every quarter. So large is the range, that although I have been a twelvemonth in America, I have scarce begun to begin. At present I can only go strait forward, and preach in my way to Georgia. There I hope to be about Christmas. God knows how I am to be disposed of afterwards: whether to England, or to take another tour on the continent, is best known to Him who orders all things well.
To feel his power, to hear his voice,
To taste his love, be all my choice.
Through infinite mercy my bodily health is somewhat improved. Perhaps a few more months itinerating might improve it more. Father, thy will be done! You and yours, I trust, prosper both in soul and body. Tender love and hearty thanks await you, and all enquiring friends. If the person in Mr. D——t’s compting-house, would go over to New-York, he might get a very handsome maintenance in teaching young gentlemen and ladies to read well. O what new scenes open in this new world. In every place the word hath run and been glorified. I could enlarge, but am interrupted. You and yours will continue to pray for me. I retain my old name. I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for Christ’s sake, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
G. W.
October 3.
Since writing the above I have received your kind letter. Blessed be God that you and yours are so well in the best sense. The books may be committed to the care of Mr. Mauduit, agent for New-England. That will give you least trouble. It is a good charity. Lord Jesus, accept and bless it. Amen, and Amen!
LETTER MCCCXVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Philadelphia, October 19, 1764.
My very dear Friend,
ACCEPT a few more lines before I set off for my southern tour. My last, in which was a letter for my wife, left New-York last Sunday. The enclosed will inform you a little of my late motions. Pray tell dear Mr. H——y that Dr. S——, the Provost of the Philadelphia college, read prayers for me, and attended me backwards and forwards. Both the present and late Governor, with the head gentlemen of the city, were present, and cordial thanks were sent to me from all the Trustees, for speaking for the children, and countenancing the institution. This is all of God. To me nothing belongs but shame and confusion of face. O for a truly guileless and Israelitish heart! It will be found to be the best policy at the great day. More good news await you in a packet of letters directed to you, and committed to the care of Captain Sparks, of the Elizabeth and Mary. I believe he will deliver them himself; if not, you may send for them. On the reading, I am apt to believe you will think it is almost sinful not to take another tour. Lord Jesus, do thou direct my goings in thy way! He will, he will. But what is become of T—— C——? Mr. R—— my worthy host wrote to him many months ago, about being admitted a member of the society for distributing books among the poor. Not a word of answer yet. Many more want to be members. In a day or two, God willing, I set off for my beloved Bethesda. O what blessings have we received in this place. You will join in crying, Hallelujah, the Lord reigneth, and blessed be the God of our salvation! To his never-failing mercy do I commend you, as being, my very dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXIX.
To C—— H——y, Esq.
New-Brunswick, North-Carolina, November 22, 1764.
My very dear Sir,
THROUGH the tender mercy of a never-failing Redeemer, I am thus far advanced from Philadelphia through Virginia, in my way southward. At Newburn last Sunday, good impressions were made. Several gentlemen after sermon escorted me out of town. From that place to this, I have met with what they call New-lights almost every stage. At Lockwood’s-Folly (an unlikely place as Rome itself) there is to be a general rendezvous of them. This is grace indeed. I am to call to-morrow on a wealthy planter that seems to lead the van. There I shall enquire more particulars. I have the names of six or eight of their preachers. This, with every other place, being open and exceedingly desirous to hear the gospel, makes me almost determine to come back early in the spring. Surely the Londoners, who are fed to the full, will not envy the poor souls in these parts, who scarce know the right hand from the left. As to spiritual things, a few gospel crumbs in journeying, upon the whole, agrees with me. In less than a week I hope to reach Charles-Town; from thence I purpose to write again. Tender love to Mr. and Mrs. B——, and to your whole connections, and all dear dear friends who pray for, and enquire after, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXX.
To Mr. J——.
Charles-Town, December 2, 1764.
My dear Mr. J——,
THOUGH I have not had a line from you, since I wrote to you from on board ship, yet I do not forget our old friendship, and therefore was glad to hear by my wife’s letter, that you kept your place in the despised tabernacle, where you and yours have so often met with God. Ere long we shall meet in an upper world,
Where sin and strife and sorrow cease,
And all is calm and joy and peace.
I hope you both enjoy large anticipations of this approaching, uninterrupted, everlasting bliss. Ill and hell-deserving as I am, a never-failing Emmanuel continues kind to me,
His presence doth my pains beguile,
And makes the wilderness to smile.
In a little above a month we came by land from Philadelphia. This morning I am to preach, and to-morrow, God willing, shall set forwards for Georgia. Fain would I be a pilgrim to my last gasp. Continue to pray for me, and remember me most kindly to all friends, as they come in your way, and assure yourselves, my dear Mr. and Mrs. J——, that neither of you are forgotten by,
Yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXI.
To C—— H——y, Esq.
Savannah, December 19, 1764.
My very dear Sir,
THIS leaves me sitting, where I would be glad dear Mr. H——y, K——n, B——n, &c. were for some moments. They would say, never was a place more commodiously situated for a college. The enclosed will shew you what providential steps have been taken towards it. All done without the least hesitation. The colony is rising very fast, nothing but plenty at Bethesda, and all arrears, I trust, will be paid off before I leave it; so that in a short time I hope to be free from these outward incumbrances. Lord Jesus, shew me whether I must go directly to England, or make another northern excursion. I wish, if I do come over, that Mr. D——n was engaged to stay always in town. Mr. D——s seems to come, only because I am not in London. My spirits will not bear the usual care. I hope your dear relations are better than when you wrote last. Most cordial respects await them, and all dear, very dear friends. I am obliged to Mr. L——d for his favour dated September 24. It came to hand yesterday. I wish the voyage may produce a volume of sermons; but I cannot write when I will. Lord Jesus, do thou rule both heart and hand! Great favour is here given me, in the sight of all. This is the Lord’s doing. In my next you may expect many more particulars. Mr. D——n hath chartered a ship, and sent orders for my having a passage gratis. Thus the great God continues his unmerited goodness to, my very dear Sir,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXII.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Bethesda, January 14, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
THROUGH tender mercy, I have been in this province above five weeks. All things, in respect to Bethesda, went on successfully. God hath given me great favour in the sight of the governor, council, and assembly. A memorial was presented for an additional grant of lands, consisting of two thousand acres. It was immediately complied with. Both houses addressed the Governor in behalf of the intended college. As warm an answer was given; and I am now putting all in repair, and getting every thing ready for that purpose. Every heart seems to leap for joy, at the prospect of its future utility to this and the neighbouring colonies. The only question now is, whether I should embark directly for England, or take one tour more to the northward? He that holdeth the stars in his right hand, will direct in due time. I am here in delightful winter quarters. Peace and plenty reign at Bethesda. His Excellency dined with me yesterday, and expressed his satisfaction in the warmest terms. Who knows how many youths may be raised up for the service of the ever-loving and altogether lovely Jesus? Thus far however we may set up our Ebenezer. Hitherto the bush hath been burning, but not consumed.
Blest is faith that waits God’s hour,
Blest are saints that trust his power.
Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief! You and yours will continue to pray for me. Be pleased to accept this as a small token of acknowledgment for all favours conferred upon, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXIII.
To Mr. P——e.
Bethesda, February 3, 1765.
My dear Mr. P——e,
YOUR kind letter lies by me. Love unfeigned constrains me to answer it. We have just been wishing that some of our London friends were here. We have love feasts every day. Nothing but peace and plenty reign in Bethesda, this house of mercy. God be praised, for making the chapel such a Bethel. I believe it will yet be a gate of heaven to many souls. Whether we live or die, we shall see greater things. Remember, my dear friend, to ask something worthy of a God to give. Be content with nothing short of himself. His presence alone, can fill and satisfy the renewed soul. Trials only empty the heart, and thereby make way for further communications from above. Seed time and harvest, summer and winter, will always succeed each other here. Do you not find it so, dear Mr. and Mrs. A——r, as well as your friend Mr. P——e? Though you do not write, I will venture to answer for you—Yes.—Well, then let us go on, till we enter into our eternal summer, our uninterrupted harvest. Haste we, haste we; the Lord is at hand! Pray that my tardy pace may be quickened; get all enquiring friends to join with you; and believe me to be, my dear Mr. P——e,
Yours, &c. in our sympathizing Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXIV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Bethesda, February 13, 1765.
My very dear Sir,
A FEW days more, and then farewel Bethesda, perhaps for ever. Affairs, as to me, I trust are now brought near a close. The within audit I sent to the G——r. Next day came Lord J. A. G——n, to pay his Excellency a visit. Yesterday morning, they with several other gentlemen favoured me with their company to breakfast. But how was my Lord surprized and delighted! After expressing himself in the strongest terms, he took me aside, and informed me, “that the G——r had shewn him the accompts, by which he found what a great benefactor I had been: that the intended college would be of the utmost utility to this and the neighbouring provinces; that the plan was beautiful, rational, and practicable; and that he was persuaded his M——y would highly approve of, and also favour it, with some peculiar marks of his royal bounty.” At their desire I went to town, and dined with him and the G——r at Savannah. On Tuesday next, God willing, I move towards Charles-Town, leaving all arrears paid off, and some cash in hand, besides the last year’s whole crop of rice, some lumber, the house repaired, painted, furnished with plenty of cloathing, and provision till next crop comes in, and perhaps some for sale. Messrs. D——n, S——k, and their wives, stay till my successors come to supply their places. Only a few boys will be left, and two of them are intended for the foundation. So that this year they will be getting rather than expending. Near ten, boys and girls, have been put out, and the small-pox hath gone through the house, with the loss of about six negroes and four orphans. Before which, I think not above four children have been taken off these twenty-four years. As an acknowledgment of Mr. and Mrs. D——n’s faithfulness and care, I have made them a present of a bill of exchange drawn upon you. It is for Jesus, who shed his dear and precious blood for ill and hell-deserving me. And now it may be, I may see England this summer. But still I cry, who shall roll away the stone? Jesus will do it for me. And now farewel, my beloved Bethesda; surely the most delightfully situated place in all the southern parts of America. I do not forget your dear relations. What a blessed winter have I had! Peace, and love, and harmony, and plenty, reign here. Mr. W——t hath done much in a little time. All are surprized at it. But he hath worked night and day, and not stirred a mile for many weeks. Help, help, my dear English friends, to pray me over, as being, for Christ’s sake, my very dear Sir,
Ever yours, theirs, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXV.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Savannah, February 18, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
YESTERDAY we had a most cutting parting at Bethesda; but blessed be God, for giving me to part from it in such comfortable circumstances! All arrears are paid off, cash, stock, and plenty of all kinds of provision before-hand, and under God, no danger, at least for this year, of going back; so that one great load is taken off. What shall I render unto the Lord of all Lords for this and all other his mercies?
Praise God, my soul, even unto death,
And raise a song with every breath.
And now my thoughts turn toward England. As a proof of it, I have sent a box in the Friendship, Captain Ball, directed to you. The things in the box, for the most part, do belong to Mr. W——t, and all of them, if I die in my way to England. That will be a blessed voyage indeed! Brethren, pray for us, pray for us; and assure yourselves of being never forgotten by, my dear old friend,
Yours, theirs, &c. in everlasting bonds,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXVI.
To Mr. and Mrs. D——n.
Charles-Town, March 5, 1765.
My very dear dear Friends,
OFTEN have we thought, and talked of, and if it was lawful, wished ourselves at Bethesda again. No place like that for peace, and plenty of every kind. May this find you all enjoying God, and each others company, in a manner the world knows not of! It leaves me in my poor way, aiming to do a little for Him, who hath done and suffered so much for ill and hell-deserving me. People of all ranks fly to the gospel like doves to the windows. The word begins to fall with great weight, and all are importunate for my longer stay. But next week I expect to move. Captain M——r, though waited for near two months, is not yet arrived; Mr. S——n’s Lady comes with him, when you may expect a more particular letter. He sets off for Georgia immediately upon his Lady’s arrival. The negroes shirts, &c. are in hand. O that those Ethiopians may be made to stretch out their hearts unto God! I feel a great compassion for them. Letters from the northward, give sweet accounts of the spreading of the work of God; but I must not enlarge. So many various calls surround me, that I have scarce leisure to dispatch my private business. God bless you! God bless you all in soul and body, in time and eternity! The parting here hath been most affecting and awful. Several presume to prophesy, that I shall certainly and speedily see South Carolina, and my beloved, dearly beloved Bethesda again. I say heartily, Amen! What say you? I shall not wait for an answer. If the Lord Jesus say amen too, it will do. And now for the present, adieu. God bless you, and fill you all with all his fulness! Pray hard for us; pray, if possible, that the glorious Emmanuel would give me to see these parts once more. A blessed work, I trust, is begun. Grace, grace! Perhaps this is not a parting letter. You may hear from me more minutely by the Chief Justice; but who knows what a day may bring forth! A—— H——’s wife died suddenly, a few days before my return hither. Others taken, and I still left. Lord Jesus, quicken my tardy pace! On Friday next, God willing, I shall read prayers and preach in Ashby-Ferry church. Mr. Z——y hath preached well here. Dear, very dear friends, continue to pray for me. Indeed I pray for you night and day; and, God willing, this shall be the constant employ of, my very dear, very dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXVII.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Charles-Town, March 15, 1765.
My very dear Friend,
HITHERTO the Lord hath helped: I have had a most pleasant winter. The inclosed will shew you in what a situation I left Bethesda. To put the finishing stroke to that affair, I fear I must embark for England. Well may I say I fear; for indeed words cannot well express what a scene of action I leave behind. Alas! my American work seems as yet scarce begun. My health is better, and every day the word of God runs and is glorified more and more. In two days, my wilderness range commences afresh. In about six weeks I hope to see Philadelphia. From thence, they say, I am to set sail for my native country. But heaven! a blessed, long wished-for heaven, is my home. Surely, death will say by and by, “Come up hither.” This, I trust, will find you and yours mounting aloft. God bless you, and all your connections! Indeed and indeed I owe you much, very much love. As a pepper-corn of acknowledgment, be pleased to accept these few loving lines from, my very dear friend,
Ever yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXVIII.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Wilmington, Cape-Fear, March 29, 1765.
My very dear Mr. K——,
THUS far the Lord hath brought me in my way to Philadelphia, from whence, according to the present scheme, I purpose to embark for England. But I sometimes doubt, whether it is right or not. However, this is my comfort, that I serve a master who will not suffer the blind, that desire to know and do his will, to go out of their way. Hitherto he hath made the wilderness to smile! We had a most cutting parting from Charles-Town. I preached thrice in my way to this place. At the desire of the Mayor and other gentlemen, I shall stay till next Sunday, and then purpose, God willing, to go on my way. Indeed and indeed, this pilgrimage kind of life, is the very joy of my heart. Cieled houses and crouded tables I leave to others. A morsel of bread, and a little bit of cold meat, in a wood, is a most luxurious repast. Jesus’s presence is all in all, whether in the city or the wilderness. I hope that you and my other dear metropolitan friends, in the midst of all your noise, are always hearing that small still voice that whispers, “Love.” I think much of the late trial of my never to be forgotten friends at Cannonbury-house. Remember, according to promise, you will be kind enough to act as trustee, and all things are to continue just as they are, if it should please God to bring me to London. Now I am free, God keep me so for Christ’s sake. Tender love to all. I send them most cordial salutations, and intreat the continuance of their and your prayers, in behalf of, my very dear Mr. K——,
Theirs and yours most affectionately in our never-failing Emmanuel,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXIX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Newcastle, 30 miles from Philadelphia, May 4, 1765.
My dear Mr. K——n,
I AM just come here, in my way to embark from Philadelphia. But how shall I do it? Every where the door opens wider and wider. All along, from Charles-Town to this place, the cry is, “for Christ’s sake stay and preach to us.” O for a thousand lives to spend for Jesus! He is good, he is good! His mercy endureth for ever. Help, help, my dear English friends, to bless and praise Him. The letters by Captain Ball, I hear are sent from Charles-Town, in my trunk, to Philadelphia. I expect to receive them this evening. Thanks be to God, all outward things are settled on this side the water. The auditing the accounts, and laying a foundation for a college, hath silenced enemies and comforted friends. The finishing this affair confirms my call to England at this time. But I have no manner of prospect of being able to serve the tabernacle and chapel. I cannot preach once now, without being quite exhausted. How then shall I bear the cares of both those places? But I must beg you and dear Mr. H——y to continue trustees when I am present, as well as in my absence. I wish that a ship was ready now, perhaps I may yet sail from New-York. I am praying night and day for direction. The word runs here, and is glorified. But the weather, for two days, hath been so hot, that I could scarce move. To-day it is much cooler. I dread the shaking of the ship. But if it shakes this tottering frame to pieces, it will be a trading voyage indeed. As Mr. Blake is not mentioned in your last, I hope he is recovered. Death will do this for us all. Blessed be God, for enabling young Mr. Beckman to face it so triumphantly! This must be a great cordial to the afflicted parents. That they, your dear relations, and all my tried friends, may be comforted yet more and more, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours, theirs, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCXXX.
To Mr. D——n.
New-York, June 6, 1765.
My very dear Friends,
ACCEPT a few loving parting lines. Next Sunday, God willing, we sail in the Earl of Halifax packet. No ship offered at Philadelphia. I am almost too weary to write. Jesus made the wilderness to smile! Grace! grace! I have received letters from England, dated April 13, in answer to those sent from Georgia. All say, you must come, or Bethesda affairs cannot be finished. Expect the first intelligence after my arrival. In the mean while, cease not to remember us at the throne of that Jesus; in whose great name, I desire to subscribe myself, very dear dear friends,
Ever yours, &c. &c. in Jesus,
G. W.