_To Mr. and Mrs. F――――tt._
_The Downs, on board the Friendship,
September 10, 1769._
_My very dear Friends_,
AS we are now at our first baiting-place, and I have been thinking of
and praying for my tried, steady, uniform friends, no wonder that you
two came strongly upon my mind. Accept cordial thanks for all favours,
and add to my manifold obligations by praising Him, whose mercy
endureth for ever. He deals bountifully with us on board, and gives us
a prospect of being comfortable with all about us. You are called to
stay by, but blessed be GOD you are called to live above the stuff. A
pilgrim life is my lot. I am more than content with it. I shall have
time enough to rest in heaven. This heaven is begun on earth. You
know it, you know it. Ere long the budding flower will be full blown.
Afflictions, temptations, ordinances, providences, will all concur to
bring it to maturity. When this is done, death shall transplant it to
a better soil where it shall never fade, but increase in fragrance and
beauty through the endless ages of eternity. But I must not detain you.
This is your busy day. You have been gathering manna. A little hath
fallen round our floating camp. I know you wish us a trading voyage.
That you may sail into harbour with a very full and choice cargo of
heavenly wares, with your top-gallant sails flying, and shouting from
every quarter, Grace! grace! earnestly prays, my very dear friends,
Less than the least of all,
_G. W._
_P. S._ Tell Mr. _K――――n_ I was in hopes of one line by _Saturday_’s
post. We had a violent gale yesterday. One ship we hear is gone.
Blessed be GOD we are all well.