Whitefield embarked at Charleston on the 16th of January, 1741, and landed at Falmouth on March 11. His time on board was principally occupied in composing sermons, and in writing letters, chiefly to the friends whom he had left behind him. A few extracts will be useful.
To the Rev. Mr. Cooper, at Boston, he wrote:—
"Last Saturday" (January 10) "I was taken up, for being concerned in correcting the enclosed printed letter, written by Mr. Hugh Bryan.[415] I am bound over to appear next sessions, as well as Mr. Bryan: he, I believe, for libelling the king, and I for libelling the clergy, in saying they break the canons daily. These are earnests of what I must expect to meet in my native country; but our Lord will be our refuge in every storm. I expect my family will be like the burning bush. I find, I am in debt for them upwards of £600; but the Lord will provide. I wish to sink exceeding low, and cry out, 'Grace! grace! O the love of God! the sovereignty of Christ! the unchangeable loving-kindness of our heavenly Father!' Excuse me, dear Mr. Cooper; my heart is full. I want all men to love the Lord Jesus. It greatly rejoices me, to hear so many are coming to Him. I cannot but think that He will let His Word run, and be abundantly glorified in America. Boston people are much upon my heart. The memory of their forefathers is precious to me. May you live to see the spirit of scriptural Puritanism universally prevail! I hope you will write every opportunity. If I am in prison, to hear that Boston people are alive to Christ will make me arise at midnight to sing praises to God."
To another friend, he wrote as follows:—
"February 8, 1741.
"I expect to suffer great things. The Lord, however, is able to deliver me out of all. I have just now had His Divine assistance in composing a sermon. This is the sixth which I have finished since I have been on board. O my dear brother, love a precious Christ, and shew it by adorning His gospel in all things. He has highly favoured you. If you and I think anything too much to be done for Him, we are of all men the most ungrateful. O the love of Christ! I feel it—I feel it. Write to me. If in prison, my friends will bring the letter to me there. God will hear me for you, even in a dungeon."
To a minister at Charleston, he wrote:—
"February 17, 1741.
"I have been enabled to prepare nine discourses for the press. My body waxes stronger; and, last night, the great God, in a glorious manner, filled and overshadowed my soul. I am panting for the complete holiness of Jesus my Lord. At the receipt of this, turn your prayers into praises, and then turn your praises into prayers, in behalf of your affectionate brother,
"George Whitefield."
The following was addressed to Mr. Jonathan Barber, whom he had left at Bethesda, to officiate as a sort of chaplain, during his absence:—
"February 17, 1741.
"We have hitherto had scarce any contrary winds, and are now near the Western Isles. We had one storm the first week, but almost ever since have been favoured with weather, as well as wind. O that you would call the family together, and praise the Lord for the mercies conferred on us, the unworthiest of the sons of men! I long to hear what the Lord has done for your souls. Do you live in love? Do you strive together with me in your prayers? Does Bethesda answer its name? Is it, indeed, a house of mercy? I hope to have these questions answered in the affirmative."
Strangely enough, though Whitefield was in debt, and was constantly speaking as though he was about to be sent to prison, he was, at the same time, contemplating marriage. Hence the following to a friend at Charleston:—