Yours eternally in the blessed Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DCL.
To the Honourable —— R——, Esq.; of Bermuda.
London, July 12, 1748.
Honoured Sir,
GRATITUDE constrains me to embrace the first opportunity of informing you of our safe arrival at our wished-for port. We struck ground, I think, the 27th day after we set sail, and landed at Deal the 30th. We were chased the first afternoon, and prepared for going to prison twice or thrice. But our fears were groundless; there was a cessation of arms with France, though we knew it not, and some ships that we thought were pursuing us proved to be English men of war. We had plenty of provisions, and met with no storms or bad weather worth the speaking of. Other particulars, I suppose, Captain E——, who was very civil, will inform you. The evening after we landed at Deal, I was at Mr. D—— and E——’s, before I came to my own lodgings. They were very glad to hear from Bermudas. Since then, words cannot well express how joyful my friends were to see me once more in the land of the living. I find the news-papers had buried me ever since April last; but it seems I am not to die, but live: O that it may be to declare the works of the Lord! My obligations to do so, are much increased by the mercies conferred on me at Bermudas, and during my voyage. Surely the stones would cry out against me, did I not set forth the riches of redeeming love. Blessed be God, I have had several opportunities of doing so, since my arrival. Last Lord’s-day I believe we had a thousand communicants. In a few weeks, God willing, I purpose to see Scotland, and then shall do myself the pleasure of writing to, or waiting on your brother. In the mean time, I shall, as opportunity offers write to some more of my Bermudas friends, whom I desire never to forget at the throne of grace. You and yours, honoured Sir, will be pleased to accept my most cordial salutations. That you and your house may serve the Lord here, and live with him eternally in the kingdom of heaven hereafter, is the hearty prayer of, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant,
G. W.