_To Mr. T―――― A――――._
_Wilmington, Cape-Fear, Oct. 18, 1747._
_My very dear brother A――――_,
I Have lately written to you and many other dear _English_ friends.
I am now in my way to _Georgia_, and hope to see my native country
some time next year. My sphere of action still increases, and though I
hoped this last Summer to have taken my flight to the blessed JESUS,
yet it seems I am to live longer. O that it may be for the Redeemer’s
glory, and the good of many precious and immortal souls! I know you
will say _Amen_! I could write much, but am fatigued, having preached
several times, and rode on horse-back through the woods an hundred
and sixty miles. JESUS makes the barren wilderness to smile. I want
to know how affairs go on among you. I expect letters from some of
you at _Charles-Town_, and I hope to see you, I repeat it again, some
time next year. But future things belong to GOD. My schemes are so
frequently disconcerted, that I would willingly put a blank into his
hands, to be filled up just as he pleases. But this stubborn will
would fain avoid swallowing some wholesome bitter-sweets, which the
all-gracious physician reaches out unto me. Nevertheless, through
grace, the prevailing language of my heart is, “Not my will, but
thine be done.” The being so long absent from my friends, sometimes
a little affects me; but I have been used to so many partings, and
heart-breakings from various quarters, that I wonder any thing affects,
so as to surprize me. But the mystery of the cross is unsearchable.
We shall never fully learn it till we die. We must be beginners in
this school every day, hour, and moment. But where am I going? I write
as though I was conversing with you. Perhaps such a time may come. In
heaven I am sure such a time will have existence. The language of my
heart is, LORD JESUS, let thy kingdom come! You will remember me to all.
I must now say no more. Whilst I am writing, affection works and almost
makes me to say, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly
away, and see my _English_ and _Scotch_ friends! I salute all most
heartily, as does my dear fellow pilgrim.――That grace, mercy and peace
may be multiplied upon all your dear souls, is the hearty prayer of, my
dear Man,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._