To the Reverend Mr. J—— R——.
Wicoacommoca, May 16, 1747.
CAN souls united in Jesus’s love ever forget one another? It is difficult, though I believe possible, and in dull seasons I fear too common. However, blessed be the Redeemer, I have not yet forgotten my dear Mr. R——. As a proof it, I send you these few lines by Captain Adams. You see whence they are dated. Methinks I see you rejoice, and ready to say, “And have the Marylanders also received the grace of God?” I trust some have indeed received his grace in sincerity. The harvest is promising.—The heat tries my wasting tabernacle, but, through Christ strengthening me, I intend persisting till I drop. Since I saw you, the glorious Emmanuel has multiplied my obligations to spend and be spent in his service a thousand-fold. The language of my heart at present is,
A willing and a chearful mind,
That life and all things cast behind,
Springs forth obedient to thy call;
A heart that no desire can move,
But still to adore, believe and love,
Give me, my Christ, my God, my all.
O dear Sir, continue to pray for me, that I may not flag in the latter stages of my road. I was in hopes of seeing you this Summer, but am afraid my engagements to preach in North-Carolina next October will prevent me. However, you and the other dear neighbouring ministers are always upon my heart. I pity them in their present distressing circumstances, and pray that they and you may have grace given to endure hardness like good soldiers of Jesus Christ. Your dear father I hear is discharged from all campaigns.—Ere long, the captain of our salvation will command us home also. The Lord grant that we may die like soldiers, fighting against the devil, the world, and the flesh. How are your dear brothers and son? Pray give my hearty love to them, and to your dear wife, and whole houshold. I salute you all from my dear fellow pilgrim now at Philadelphia; and praying that you may have thousands to be your joy and crown of rejoicing in the great day, I subscribe myself, reverend and very dear Sir,