AS we are now at our first baiting-place, and I have been thinking of and praying for my tried, steady, uniform friends, no wonder that you two came strongly upon my mind. Accept cordial thanks for all favours, and add to my manifold obligations by praising Him, whose mercy endureth for ever. He deals bountifully with us on board, and gives us a prospect of being comfortable with all about us. You are called to stay by, but blessed be God you are called to live above the stuff. A pilgrim life is my lot. I am more than content with it. I shall have time enough to rest in heaven. This heaven is begun on earth. You know it, you know it. Ere long the budding flower will be full blown. Afflictions, temptations, ordinances, providences, will all concur to bring it to maturity. When this is done, death shall transplant it to a better soil where it shall never fade, but increase in fragrance and beauty through the endless ages of eternity. But I must not detain you. This is your busy day. You have been gathering manna. A little hath fallen round our floating camp. I know you wish us a trading voyage. That you may sail into harbour with a very full and choice cargo of heavenly wares, with your top-gallant sails flying, and shouting from every quarter, Grace! grace! earnestly prays, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
G. W.
P. S. Tell Mr. K——n I was in hopes of one line by Saturday’s post. We had a violent gale yesterday. One ship we hear is gone. Blessed be God we are all well.
LETTER MCCCCXXX.
To Mr. R—— K——n.
Deal, September 14, 1769.
My very dear Friend,
IT hath really given me some concern, that notwithstanding I have written so many letters, not a single friend hath wrote at a venture, though if we had been sailed, the letter might have been returned. The Captain hath been answered; Winter hath been answered. But—all is well. For wise reasons we are detained in the Downs. Who knows but it may be to awaken some souls at Deal? A peculiar providence brought me here. Warm-hearted Dr. G——ns came on board to pay me a visit, was sick, lay in my state room, and learnt more experimentally to pray for those who occupy their business in the great waters. Mr. B——y of Ramsgate, and young Mr. G——ner, who was ordained here yesterday, followed after. At their request I came ashore yesterday morning. The ordination was very solemn, and I have not been more affected under any public ministrations a great while. At the request of many, I preached in the evening to a crouded auditory, and spent the remainder of the night in godly conversation. Dr. G——ns will acquaint you with some pleasing particulars. If the wind continues contrary, perhaps I may make an elopement to Margate. I wish I could see my sermon that is printed. You may at a proper season, in a proper way, hint as from yourself to ——, that I have often thought he would do for Bethesda academy. If I die, let not the hymn book be cashiered. I am glad to hear of the Amens at Tottenham-Court. I doubt not but it is the same at [♦]Tabernacle. I design to write to both, and to the conference, &c. But I cannot enlarge now. The young sailors begin to be more handy, and are attentive to oblige. This is the thirteenth time of my crossing the Atlantic Ocean. God bless you all! If further detained, you will hear again from, my very dear friend,