G. W.
LETTER LXV.
On board the Elizabeth, August 14, 1739.
My dear Mr. ——,
AT length we are embarked; our ship is now going to the Downs.—Yet a little while, and, God willing, I shall see you once more in the flesh. My family consists of more than twelve, besides two children; I hope all are desirous to know Christ. God strengthens me mightily in the inner man. The sermon I have sent you is one of my extempore sermons.—The journal will acquaint you with particulars.—My brother, the captain, hath been with me this last week.—If he leaves off disputing, and will come to Christ as a poor lost sinner, he will do well.—The bishop of London has lately wrote against me; I trust God hath assisted me in writing an answer.—It is now in the press.—All the self-righteous are up in arms.—My Master makes me more than a conqueror through his love. Mr. —— has about forty societies in Yorkshire. Both the Mr. Wesley’s go on well.—Go where you will, religion (either for or against it) is the talk.—Probably a suffering time will come. You will not be ashamed of me, though I should be a prisoner. Perhaps you will be put to the trial: But how does my dear friend’s heart? Have you found Christ? Does he live in you, so as to be the alpha and omega, the beginning and end of all your actions? Are you enlightened to see the exceeding great riches and fulness of his grace? Oh how will it rejoice my soul to see you a proficient in the school of Christ? How will it delight me to see your little flock pressing towards the mark.—Soon after this reaches Georgia, I hope to see you.—My stay will be as short as possible at Philadelphia. I must not delay coming to my dear, though poor charge.—I expect to find Savannah almost desolate; but our extremity is God’s opportunity. I believe it will lift up its drooping head.—For the present, my dear friend, farewell.
Your’s most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.