_To Mr. ――――._
_On board the Whitaker, May 6, 1738._
_My dear Friend_,
HOW goes time? I can scarce tell; for I have been some time past,
as one would think, launching into eternity. GOD has been pleased
graciously to visit me with a violent fever, which he notwithstanding
so sweetened by divine consolations, that I was enabled to rejoice
and sing in the midst of it. Indeed, I had many violent conflicts with
the powers of darkness, who did all they could to disturb and distract
me; but JESUS CHRIST prayed for me: And though I was once reduced
to the last extremity, and all supernatural assistance seemed to be
suspended for a while, and satan as it were had dominion over me, yet
GOD suffered not my faith to fail; but came in at length to my aid,
rebuked the tempter, and from that moment I grew better. Surely GOD is
preparing me for something extraordinary: For he has now sent me such
extraordinary conflicts and comforts as I never before experienced. I
was as I thought on the brink of eternity. I had heaven within me; I
thought of nothing in this world; I earnestly desired to be dissolved
and go to CHRIST; but GOD was pleased to order it otherwise, and I am
resigned, though I can scarce be reconciled to come back again into
this vale of misery. I had the heavenly _Canaan_ in full view, and
hoped I was going to take possession of it; but GOD saw I was not yet
ripe for glory, and therefore in mercy spared me, that I may recover
my spiritual strength before I go hence and am no more seen. Oh pray,
my dear friend, that I may not grow lukewarm, or slothful, but arise
from my late bed of sickness, and administer with ten times more
alacrity to my blessed Master, than ever I did before. I would write
more, but my strength faileth me. We hope to be at _Savannah_ on
_Monday_.
Your’s,
_G. W._