_To Mrs. H._
_At Sea, April 14, 1738._
_Dear Mrs. H._,
THOUGH through excess of business, and the shortness of the time,
that was allotted me, I wrote but a few lines to you from _Gibraltar_,
yet, what hinders, but that I may send you a longer letter now? It’s
true we are now near a thousand miles from _Georgia_; but as I shall
have an opportunity of sending immediately on our arrival, I chuse
to take time by the forelock, and embrace the first opportunity of
acknowledging my obligations to dear Mrs. _H._ and her husband; for
whom I pray without ceasing. Your past favours are seldom out of my
mind; I plead them daily before GOD in prayer, and hope, if it is ever
in my power, I shall imitate the example of pious _David_ in yesterday
evening’s first lesson, and requite my friends, particularly dear Mrs.
_H._ and her spouse, for the kindnesses they have shewn me. However,
supposing this should not happen, they will in no-wise lose their
reward. But I know you do not care I should dwell on this. You want
to be informed, how GOD has dealt with me since I left _Gibraltar_?
Exceeding graciously indeed. He has comforted me on every occasion,
most remarkably blessed my unworthy ministry on board the ship,
sent us most delightful weather, and made us to ride as it were on
the wings of the wind. We live in perfect love and harmony one with
another. I know but little difference between sea and land, and have
great reason to bless GOD for sending me abroad. A grievous sickness
has been sent amongst us, by which most of the ship have been
chastened and corrected but only two given over unto death; and GOD
hath been so good to me, that, except for a little time after we
sailed from _Gibraltar_, I have been in perfect health, and now GOD
satisfieth my mouth with good things, making me strong and lively as a
young eagle. I have nothing to disturb my joy in GOD, but the disorder
of my passions. Were these once brought into a proper subjection to
divine grace, O well would it be with me, and happy should I be. But
so long as I am angry for trifles, and throw myself into needless
disorders, so long must my heart be like the troubled sea, so long
consequently must I be unhappy. Pray therefore, dear Mrs. _H._ that
I may lay the ax of mortification to the root of my most darling
corruptions, and since I have but little, if any thing, to disturb me
without, O pray that I may meet with no disturbance from myself within.
The farther particulars of my voyage, you will see in my journal,
which I have sent to Mr. _Hutton_, and for the blessings contained
therein, I beseech you to return GOD most humble and hearty thanks.
About _Christmas_ next, GOD willing, I purpose to come to _England_
to take priests orders, and to return as soon as possible to _Georgia_.
In the mean while, dear Mrs. _H._ let us strive to enter in at the
strait gate, that we may be christians indeed, and know what it is
truly to be born again from above, and to be renewed by the spirit
in our minds. Remember me most affectionately to all friends. I am,
Your’s, &c.
_G. W._