_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_Dear Madam_,
I Should think myself highly ungrateful, did I not take all
opportunities of acknowledging the many kindnesses I have received
at your hands. Your last presents have been exceeding serviceable
on board the ship, and every time we have tasted your bounty, I have
endeavoured to dart up a short ejaculation for our kind benefactress.
You cannot conceive, _dear Madam_, how loving the LORD has dealt
with us; he has given us all things richly to enjoy, and comforted
us on every side. Indeed sometimes he has been pleased to withdraw
from me, and to permit satan to send me a thorn in the flesh.――But
that was only to shew me my vileness, and to prepare me for further
manifestations of his goodness to my soul. Our voyage though long has
not been tedious or burdensome. My soul wants retirement.――I dread
coming out into the world again. I am confident, dear Madam, that
you will pray for me, that I may be kept unspotted from it. Oh what a
blessed Master do we serve! His rod as well as staff comforts the soul.
His corrections are all loving, and are only intended to make us truly
great. Though you seemed to doubt, yet I hope to see you once more
before you go hence. I cannot say I expect liberty long, if I speak
boldly the truth as I ought to speak.――Indeed there is no being a true
christian, and yet holding with the world, so much as some may imagine.
JESUS CHRIST calls us to simplicity. I have often thought, dear Madam,
that you did not see through the world enough. Numbers are accounted
christians, who have only a name to live. I pray GOD to open all our
eyes, that we may see every thing clearly. A time of persecution will
show who are _Israelites_ indeed, and who outside professors.――I hope,
Madam, that, when tried, you will come forth as gold purified seven
times in the fire. I only fear for, and suspect myself.――The LORD my
righteousness will uphold me. Dear Madam, GOD only knows with what
gratitude I desire to subscribe myself
Your most obliged friend and servant,
_G. W._