_To Mr. L――――._
_Portsmouth, June 19, 1752._
_Dear Sir_,
YOUR kind letter I received immediately after my last return to
_Scotland_, but I was so exceedingly busied in preparing for my
voyage to _America_, that I had not time to answer it. Being once more
unexpectedly brought back to my native country, I send my sincere,
though late acknowledgments, and hope this will find you and yours,
fighting the good fight of Faith, and resolved never to desist, till
you have laid hold on eternal life. Let not what has happened, draw off
your mind from the Captain of your salvation. He is altogether lovely,
and worthy of your highest regard. But alas! All his servants, even
the best of them, are but weak fallible men at the best. Happy they,
who by seeing the imperfections of the creature, are led to adhere
more closely to the all-sufficient and most adorable Creator. If you
and yours are taught this lesson by past occurrences, you will have no
reason to complain, but on the contrary will be excited to praise him,
who causes, that out of the eater there shall come forth meat, and out
of the strong shall come forth sweetness. Be pleased to accept this in
love. I send my most cordial respects to your whole self and family,
and beg their and your prayers in behalf of, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant,
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._