To Mr. ——.
York (New-England,) Oct. 30, 1744.
Dear Friend,
DON’T judge me for not writing more frequent. It was impracticable. I have been laid on a bed of sickness, and was, in the apprehension of myself and others, at the very mouth of the heavenly harbour; but as that more than once hath been the case, I am putting out to sea again. O who would but follow the Redeemer blindfold? No convoy like him who is the God of the sea and the God of the dry land. After eleven weeks passage he hath brought us hither, but through my impatience and imprudence I and my friends were like to suffer loss. A little smack coming up to us just as we were near port, and being told that she would be in several hours before the ship, I, with others in complaisance to me, though persuaded to the contrary, ventured in her. It soon grew dark, our pilots missed their inlet and we were tossed about all night. My pain was great, having had for some time a nervous cholic, and I was so hungry that I could have gnawed the very boards. The fishermen had nothing but a few potatoes, of which I partook most eagerly; but withal, thought my situation to be like the poor disciples, who were rowing and toiling all night, when the wind was contrary. About the fourth watch of the night, deliverance came; the men discovered the proper inlet; but what passed before our arrival is somewhat striking to me. One of my friends, on asking what news, was answered, that the New-England people were turned new lights; which with us you know is a term for heterodoxy; but however, added the man, not knowing that I was lying down at his elbow, they are all expecting one Mr. Whitefield; and my sister, and a great company of her stamp, were yesterday all praying for his safe arrival. This made me to take courage. I continued undiscovered; and in a few hours in answer I trust to new light prayers, we arrived safe at York, a few miles off Piscataway, the place to which we were bound.—But you must excuse enlarging; as I recover strength you shall hear again from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DLXI.
To Mr. ——.
York, Nov. 6, 1744.