_To Mr. ――――._
_York, Nov. 6, 1744._
_Dear Sir_,
HOW thankful ought I to be to him, whose mercy endureth for ever! GOD
has commanded a physician (once a notorious deist, but through grace
converted at my last visit in _New-England_) to receive me here. Worthy
Colonel _P――――_, who lives at the very mouth of the harbour, on seeing
our ship, went with some other friends in his own boat to invite and
conduct me to his princely habitation. But GOD appointed otherwise. In
about half an hour after my arrival, I was put to bed, racked with a
nervous cholic, and convulsed from the waste down to my toes. A total
convulsion was immediately apprehended.
_My wife and friends stood weeping by,_
_In tears resolv’d to see me die._
Filled with divine consolation, I begged them not to be shocked. My
Saviour whispered that all was well, and therefore I desired them not
to be surprized if I should be totally convulsed, or be suffered in a
delirium to speak things that were wrong. Many, many of GOD’s dearest
children, through the infirmities which crazy constitutions more
especially are liable to, have been called to drink such a bitter cup
before me. But an all-compassionate Redeemer disappointed our fears,
and exceeded our strongest expectations. Apprehended convulsions were
kept off; and though I was so weak as not to be able to bear the sound
of a tread of the foot, or the voice of friends who came to see and
pray with me, yet my heart was kept in perfect peace. After undergoing,
for about four days, fomentations and exercises of different kinds,
by having my feet put into warm water, &c. nature was relieved, and
what I had taken four days before came away hardly discoloured. After
this, whilst carried about by my tender nurse and a servant, still
racked with pain, and like an helpless child, I could only say, “Look
and learn what a poor creature I am.” The scene affects me yet. May
it never be forgotten! I must retire, and leave enlarging to another
opportunity. In the mean while, assure yourself of my being, though
less than the least of all,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._