_To all my dear Tottenham-Court Hearers, that love the
LORD JESUS CHRIST in Sincerity_.
_Virginia, September 1, 1763._
_Dearly Beloved in the LORD_,
THOUGH less than the least of all, and unworthy, utterly unworthy the
notice of any, yet I cannot help thinking, but for CHRIST’s sake you
will be glad to hear of the goodness of the LORD extended towards me
since my departure from _London_. Surely it was trying, to leave so
many at each end of the town, who, I hope, will be my joy and crown
of rejoicing in the great day. Indeed, after being taken ill of my
old disorder at _Edinburgh_, and remaining near six weeks silent in
_Scotland_, I thought of seeing you soon again: but having obtained
help, I embarked, for the eleventh time, in the ship _Fanny_; and
though we have had a long and trying, yet, blessed be GOD, it hath not
been an unprofitable voyage. Often, often have I thought of my dear
_London_ friends, when I guessed they were assembled together; and
as often prayed, when I knew they were retired to rest, that he that
keepeth _Israel_, and neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, would watch over
them, and make their very dreams devout. How I am to be disposed of
when on dry land, is best known to Him whose I am, and whom I desire to
serve in preaching the gospel of his dear Son. Had I strength equal to
my will, I could fly from pole to pole. Though wearied, and now almost
worn out, indeed and indeed I am not weary of my blessed Master’s
service. O love him, love him, for he is a good Master, and doth not
leave us when our strength faileth. Make him your portion, and he will
be your confidence for ever. According to my present views, if able to
do any thing for you, through his leave I hope to see you again next
year. In the mean while, as long as I have breath to draw, it shall
be my heart’s desire and prayer to GOD, that the labours of the dear
servants of JESUS, who are called to preach amongst you, may be so
blessed and owned from above, that I may not be missed a single moment.
May they, may you increase with all the increase, till you are all
filled with all the fulness of GOD. When near his throne, if there be
any consolation in CHRIST, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of
the Spirit, if any bowels of mercies, pray that the same blessing may
be conferred, my dear fellow-labourers, my dear _Tottenham-Court_
hearers, on
Your most affectionate friend, and ready
servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._