_To all my dear Tabernacle Hearers, that love
the LORD JESUS CHRIST in Sincerity_.
_Virginia, September 1, 1763._
_Dearly Beloved in the_ LORD,
THOUGH absent in body, the Searcher of hearts knows that I have been
present with you in spirit ever since I left _London_. Glad, very glad
was I to hear from time to time whilst ashore, that the shout of a king
was among you; and it was my continual prayer whilst at sea, that the
glory of the LORD may so fill the Tabernacle, that all who come to hear
the word, may be constrained to say, “Surely GOD is in this place.”
I doubt not of your wrestling in my behalf. Certainly it must be in
answer to your cryings unto the LORD, that I have been dealt with so
bountifully. For some weeks I was enabled to preach once a day when
in _Scotland_, and I trust not without some divine efficacy. But my
late disorder kept me silent for some weeks afterwards, and put me upon
thinking sometimes, that my intended voyage would be retarded, at least
for one year longer. Having obtained a little more bodily strength,
I ventured upon the mighty waters, and thanks, eternal thanks to
a never-failing Redeemer, I have not been laid by an hour through
sickness since I came on board. Every thing hath been providentially
ordered, suitable to my low estate. A large and commodious cabbin, a
kind Captain, and a most orderly and quiet ship’s company, who gladly
attended when I had breath to preach. Scarce an oath have I heard upon
deck, during a twelve weeks voyage; and such a stillness through the
whole ship, both on week days and the Lord’s-day, as hath from time
to time surprized me. Some concern hath appeared, but of what kind or
duration the event alone can discover. The spiritual bread hath been
cast on the waters: who knows but it may be found after many days. How
it shall please my all-bountiful Master to dispose of me when I get on
shore, you shall know hereafter. All that I can say is, (if I know any
thing of my unspeakably deceitful, and desperately wicked heart) LORD
JESUS,
A life that all things casts behind,
Springs forth obedient to thy call;
A heart, that no desire can move,
But still t’adore, resign, and love,
Give me, my LORD, my life, my all!
You will not forget to persevere in praying for a poor, worthless,
but willing pilgrim, who dearly loves you, and daily rejoices in the
pleasing reflection, that he shall ere long meet you in a better world,
where the inhabitants shall no more say, “I am sick.” Blessed prospect!
Surely on the very mentioning it, you will break forth in singing,
_Rejoice, the LORD is king, &c._
I will not interrupt you. Adieu. The LORD JESUS be with your spirits.
Only when you have done singing, my dear fellow-labourers, my dear
Tabernacle-hearers, forget not to subjoin at least one petition, that
whether absent or present, JESUS may be more and more precious to,
Your affectionate friend, and willing servant,
for his great name’s sake,
_G. W._