THOUGH less than the least of all, and unworthy, utterly unworthy the notice of any, yet I cannot help thinking, but for Christ’s sake you will be glad to hear of the goodness of the Lord extended towards me since my departure from London. Surely it was trying, to leave so many at each end of the town, who, I hope, will be my joy and crown of rejoicing in the great day. Indeed, after being taken ill of my old disorder at Edinburgh, and remaining near six weeks silent in Scotland, I thought of seeing you soon again: but having obtained help, I embarked, for the eleventh time, in the ship Fanny; and though we have had a long and trying, yet, blessed be God, it hath not been an unprofitable voyage. Often, often have I thought of my dear London friends, when I guessed they were assembled together; and as often prayed, when I knew they were retired to rest, that he that keepeth Israel, and neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, would watch over them, and make their very dreams devout. How I am to be disposed of when on dry land, is best known to Him whose I am, and whom I desire to serve in preaching the gospel of his dear Son. Had I strength equal to my will, I could fly from pole to pole. Though wearied, and now almost worn out, indeed and indeed I am not weary of my blessed Master’s service. O love him, love him, for he is a good Master, and doth not leave us when our strength faileth. Make him your portion, and he will be your confidence for ever. According to my present views, if able to do any thing for you, through his leave I hope to see you again next year. In the mean while, as long as I have breath to draw, it shall be my heart’s desire and prayer to God, that the labours of the dear servants of Jesus, who are called to preach amongst you, may be so blessed and owned from above, that I may not be missed a single moment. May they, may you increase with all the increase, till you are all filled with all the fulness of God. When near his throne, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, pray that the same blessing may be conferred, my dear fellow-labourers, my dear Tottenham-Court hearers, on
Your most affectionate friend, and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCCXCII.
To Mr. A——.
Virginia, September 7, 1763.
My very dear Mr. A——,
MANY more letters did I intend to write to you and other dear friends, had I not been prevented by storms, &c. for some weeks before our arrival. If enabled, I shall take care to pay them as I move from place to place. We are now on dry land. Christian friends, whom I never before heard of, were prepared to receive me: and I have preached four times. This leaves me in my way to Philadelphia, still visited with my old disorder, which I now never expect to drop, till I drop for good and all this body of clay, this body of sin and death. I suppose you are in like circumstances, as well as thousands besides, who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. Well: He that cometh will come, and will not tarry. Blessed are all they that wait for him. I hope you are favoured with precious gales of divine influence. Tender love to all our dear fellow-labourers, and to all our dear hearers of every denomination, in every place. You will not forget a poor pilgrim, who, though absent in body is present in spirit. Hoping to write in a few days to dear Mr. Middleton, &c. and wishing you and yours all that a blessed never-failing God can give you in time and eternity, I subscribe myself, my very dear old friend,
Ever yours, &c. in our precious Emmanuel,