London, Jan. 9, 1753.
My dear Mr. S——,
I Received your kind letter yesterday, and suppose, ere this can reach you, my last will be come to hand. What say you? If I should be detained in England this year, are you willing to put your life in the Redeemer’s hands and go immediately? A ship is bound for Savannah about ten miles from the Orphan-house, the beginning of next month. Methinks I hear you say to the glorious Emmanuel,
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient at thy call.
Such a spirit is fit for Bethesda; such a spirit becomes one who desires to be a teacher of youth, and a faithful minister of the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus. Let me know your mind. If you come immediately, may the Lord come and go with you! That is company enough.—But there are others going in the same ship. The Lord direct and bless you! He will vouchsafe to countenance my feeble labours. I have yet more good news from the North. Last night was an awful night, we carried three saints together to the grave; thousands attended, and both within and without doors, the word I trust came with power. O that the dead may be made to hear the voice of the Son of God, and to come forth! I rejoice if any of his dear people have been quickened at Glasgow. Perhaps next Summer, I may see them in my way to, or return from Ireland. The Lord help all to pray for me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be still my motto. To me nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. I must away. The Lord direct and bless you. I commend you to his never-failing mercy, and am
Your assured friend for Christ’s sake,
G. W.