_To the Rev. Mr. Z――――._
_Lisbon, March 29, 1754._
_My dear and honoured Sir_,
THROUGH the goodness of a gracious and never-failing GOD, we have been
at this place near a fortnight. Our voyage was but about nine days
long, and the same GOD who took care of us on the great deep, hath also
provided for me on shore. A merchant of great credit hath received me
into his house, and every day I have seen or heard something, that hath
had a native tendency to make me thankful for the glorious reformation.
O that our people were equally reformed in their lives, as they are
in their doctrines and manner of worship! But alas! alas!――O for
another _Luther_, O for that wished-for season, when every thing
that is antichristian shall be totally destroyed by the breath of
the Redeemer’s mouth, and brightness of his appearing! Then should I,
even ill and hell-deserving I, be entirely conformed to the copy of
my great Exemplar, and nor be such a dwarf as I am in the divine life.
As my present situation leads me to be all eye and ear, I endeavour
to look more into my heart. But the more I see it, the more I admire
the freeness and richness of that grace, that hath called me out of
darkness into GOD’s marvelous light, and made me a minister of the
everlasting gospel. May this voyage be over-ruled for my improvement
in that delightful employ! Hitherto, I think it hath done me good. The
country agrees with my bodily health; and, through grace, I trust what
I have seen and heard hath benefited my soul. My fatherless charge are
all well, and I hope in a few days we shall set sail for _Georgia_.
From thence, GOD willing, honoured Sir, you shall hear from me again.
In the meanwhile, I recommend myself to the continuance of your daily
intercession, as being, very dear and honoured Sir,
Your most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy son
and servant in our glorious Head,
_G. W._