HOW soon does the scene shift? At what a distance, in a few days, may we be removed from each other! On the sixteenth instant, that God whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, brought me and my orphan charge to this harbour. As yet I have not been on shore, but expect to go to-morrow. At this distance, I see enough to bless the Lord of all Lords for calling me out of darkness into his marvelous light, and for redeeming me from this present evil world. O my dear friend, to an eye fixed on the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, how little, unspeakably little do all sublunary things appear. I hope this will find my dear Mr. B—— crying out from the bottom of his heart, “indeed they are not worth a thought.” Well said, my dear Sir; let us then be laudably ambitious, and get as rich as we can towards God; such are durable riches. The bank of heaven is a sure bank. I have drawn thousands of bills upon it, and never had one sent back protested. God helping me, I purpose lodging my little earthly all there. I hope my present poor but valuable cargo, will make some additions to my heavenly inheritance. O free grace! That ever such an ill and hell-deserving wretch as I am, should ever be called out to leave his carnal and spiritual friends, for that friend of sinners the Lamb of God! These partings are indeed trying to nature; but heaven, my dear Sir, will make amends for all. There I hope to meet you and yours, whom I love in the bowels of Jesus Christ; there you shall be amply rewarded for all acts of kindness conferred either on me or mine. Increase my obligations, by continuing to pray for us, and accept this as a small tribute of thanks, and a testimony of love unfeigned, from, my dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MXXIX.
To Mr. R. K——n.
Lisbon, March 21, 1754.
My dear Mr. K——n,
I DO not forget my promise, either in respect to writing or praying.—Though at this distance, I am still present in spirit with you and yours, and with my other dear London friends; and I live in the expectation of seeing them all grown in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.—This leaves me an old inhabitant of Lisbon.—We have now been here almost a week, and I suppose shall stay a fortnight longer.—A very reputable merchant hath received me into his house, and every day shews me the ecclesiastical curiosities of the country.—O my dear friend, bless the Lord of all Lords for causing your lot to be cast into such a fair ground as England, and giving you such a goodly heritage.—It is impossible to be sufficiently thankful for civil and religious liberty, for simplicity of worship, and powerful preaching of the word of God.—O for simplicity of manners, and a correspondent behaviour! “What shall I render unto the Lord for these amazing mercies,” ought surely to be the language of our hearts.—O that I was thankful! O that I was humble! My obligations to be so increase daily.—Every where does the Lord of all Lords command somebody or another to receive me.—All is well on board, and Lisbon air agrees with my poor constitution extremely.—Through divine assistance, I hope what I see will also much improve my better part, and help to qualify me better for preaching the everlasting gospel.—Amazing, that such an honour should be conferred on such an ill and hell-deserving worm! O pray for me, my dear friends, and add to my obligations by frequently visiting my poor wife.—Kindnesses shewn to her in my absence, will be double kindnesses.—You must remember me to dear Mr. C——n, to your relations, and all enquiring friends.—Adieu! The Lord Jesus be with your spirits. I am, my dear Mr. and Mrs. K——n,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,