LETTER MCCXC.
To all my dear Tabernacle Hearers, that love the Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity.
Virginia, September 1, 1763.
Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
THOUGH absent in body, the Searcher of hearts knows that I have been present with you in spirit ever since I left London. Glad, very glad was I to hear from time to time whilst ashore, that the shout of a king was among you; and it was my continual prayer whilst at sea, that the glory of the Lord may so fill the Tabernacle, that all who come to hear the word, may be constrained to say, “Surely God is in this place.” I doubt not of your wrestling in my behalf. Certainly it must be in answer to your cryings unto the Lord, that I have been dealt with so bountifully. For some weeks I was enabled to preach once a day when in Scotland, and I trust not without some divine efficacy. But my late disorder kept me silent for some weeks afterwards, and put me upon thinking sometimes, that my intended voyage would be retarded, at least for one year longer. Having obtained a little more bodily strength, I ventured upon the mighty waters, and thanks, eternal thanks to a never-failing Redeemer, I have not been laid by an hour through sickness since I came on board. Every thing hath been providentially ordered, suitable to my low estate. A large and commodious cabbin, a kind Captain, and a most orderly and quiet ship’s company, who gladly attended when I had breath to preach. Scarce an oath have I heard upon deck, during a twelve weeks voyage; and such a stillness through the whole ship, both on week days and the Lord’s-day, as hath from time to time surprized me. Some concern hath appeared, but of what kind or duration the event alone can discover. The spiritual bread hath been cast on the waters: who knows but it may be found after many days. How it shall please my all-bountiful Master to dispose of me when I get on shore, you shall know hereafter. All that I can say is, (if I know any thing of my unspeakably deceitful, and desperately wicked heart) Lord Jesus,
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient to thy call;
A heart, that no desire can move,
But still t’adore, resign, and love,
Give me, my Lord, my life, my all!