_To Mr. P――――._
_Bath-Town, Oct. 11, 1747._
_Very dear Mr. P――――_,
I Am ashamed to think that your short though exceeding sweet and kind
letter, lies as yet unanswered. Want of health and of time, (assure
yourself) not want of love, has been the cause of it. The searcher
of hearts alone knows, what a cordial reverential respect I bear your
honoured father and mother, yourself, and dear sister. I must not write
much on this head, lest my eyes should gush out with water. Sorry am
I, very sorry, dear Sir, that the church is not to have the benefit of
your labours. But what shall we say? GOD is a sovereign GOD. He must
do what he will with his own. This comforts me, that I trust you have
learned to be in the world, and yet not of it. Well then, since it
must be so, go, dear Sir, and trade for GOD. Let merchants see by your
example, that JESUS CHRIST can make many saints in a store. O may you
daily taste, and feel the efficacy of his all-atoning, heart-cleansing,
world-conquering, precious blood! I trust this is dearer and weightier
to me than ever. I am now proclaiming it in these uncultivated
ungospelized desarts. People hear with great attention, and I trust ere
long news will be heard in heaven, that some _North-Carolina_ sinners
are born of GOD. I stayed but a small time in _Virginia_ and _Maryland_,
that I might give this province the more time. I hope to be in
_Charles-Town_ in about a month, and soon after my arrival, expect
to determine what course to take in the spring. Several ways present
themselves. May JESUS direct me which to take! Weak as I am, I am
willing to spend and be spent for that ever-lovely, ever-loving JESUS,
who has done so much for, and borne so long with me. I am afraid some
of you have prayed me back into the world again. Well, it cannot be
long ere I get my dismission. O for a triumphant exit. LORD JESUS keep
me from going off like a snuff! But it is time to bid you good night.
I have been on a forty mile excursion, and this tabernacle of mine is
weak. You will remember me to all your dear family, and all friends.
I will name none, that if possible I may offend none. However, this I
must say, _New-England_ friends are dearer to me than ever, and glad
shall I be, if another sight of them before I die, be permitted to,
very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._