_To Mr. B――――s._
_The Downs, on board the Friendship, Captain Ball.
September 19, 1769._
_My dear old Friend_,
THOUGH my hands and heart were too full, to come and give you personal
thanks on shore, be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgments
for your kind present, and yet kinder letter, now I am on board. I know
your heart is formed for friendship, and therefore some kind of trials
of the affectionate kind, must make such impressions, as persons of
leaden souls and iron bodies, are utter strangers to. What a mercy,
that we have a compassionate High-Priest to apply to, who is most
sensibly touched with a feeling of our infirmities!
He knows what sore temptations mean,
For he hath felt the same.
Courage therefore, my dear Sir, courage. Yet a little while, and he
that cometh will come, and will not tarry. In the mean while, may both
of us be enabled to sing,
O happy, happy rod,
That brought us nearer to our GOD.
I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Old friendship more
than revives. GOD bless you, and all your near and dear connections!
Through infinite mercy, this leaves me comforted on every side. I want
a thousand tongues to praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever, and in
whom I am, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.
_G. W._
_P. S._ I should be glad if you would be pleased to send the _Atlas_
to Mr. _K――――n_, woollen-draper, in the _Minories_. A ship goes soon to
_Georgia_.