_To Mr. B――――._
_Lisbon Harbour, March 19, 1754._
_My dear Mr. B――――_,
HOW soon does the scene shift? At what a distance, in a few days, may
we be removed from each other! On the sixteenth instant, that GOD whom
I desire to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, brought me and my
orphan charge to this harbour. As yet I have not been on shore, but
expect to go to-morrow. At this distance, I see enough to bless the
LORD of all Lords for calling me out of darkness into his marvelous
light, and for redeeming me from this present evil world. O my dear
friend, to an eye fixed on the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, how
little, unspeakably little do all sublunary things appear. I hope this
will find my dear Mr. _B――――_ crying out from the bottom of his heart,
“indeed they are not worth a thought.” Well said, my dear Sir; let us
then be laudably ambitious, and get as rich as we can towards GOD; such
are durable riches. The bank of heaven is a sure bank. I have drawn
thousands of bills upon it, and never had one sent back protested.
GOD helping me, I purpose lodging my little earthly all there. I
hope my present poor but valuable cargo, will make some additions
to my heavenly inheritance. O free grace! That ever such an ill and
hell-deserving wretch as I am, should ever be called out to leave his
carnal and spiritual friends, for that friend of sinners the Lamb of
GOD! These partings are indeed trying to nature; but heaven, my dear
Sir, will make amends for all. There I hope to meet you and yours, whom
I love in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST; there you shall be amply rewarded
for all acts of kindness conferred either on me or mine. Increase my
obligations, by continuing to pray for us, and accept this as a small
tribute of thanks, and a testimony of love unfeigned, from, my dear
friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
_G. W._