_To Mr. O――――._
_Bohemia, December 27, 1754._
_Very dear Sir_,
HOW condescending is true Friendship! And how does love, founded upon
the love of GOD, like its blessed Author, delight to stoop to its
beloved object! Your kind letter, which I received last week from
worthy Governor _B――――_, is a proof of this. An affection, a reciprocal
affection something like your own, would have constrained me to answer
it sooner, but travelling and preaching (my old excuse) have prevented
me. At length I am got into _Maryland_, and into a family, out of which,
I trust, five have been born of GOD. Gladly would I spend this whole
day in deep humiliation and prayer: for I am now forty years of age. Fy
upon me, fy upon me. Alas! how little have I done for JESUS! O that my
head was water! O that my eyes were fountains of tears! What mercies,
what infinite mercies have I received! What poor returns have I made!
Behold, I am vile! Am not I treating you like a friend, even like a
_Boston_ friend, my dear Sir? Yes, I am; and since you commanded me,
I will. Your letter bespeaks you to be worthy of that sacred name, and
to be acquainted with that which few, very few know any thing about; I
mean the delicacies of true disinterested friendship. This is a secret
that none but beloved disciples are let into. May you always remain
in the number of these, and when you are leaning on that bosom, where
all that is lovely centers, may you have a heart to remember one who
is called to travel, whilst you are acting in another sphere for GOD!
Blessed be his name, heaven is at the end of the journey. Happy Mrs.
_L――――_! she hath had a speedy translation. May my latter end be like
hers! How ought such events to teach us to converse when together, that
if we should be called before the next intended meeting, we might have
no trifling conversation to reflect upon. To-morrow, GOD willing, I
move again. Ere long my last remove will come; a remove into endless
bliss, where with you and all the redeemed of the LORD, I trust you
will see, very dear Sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate friend,
and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._