_To Mr. Wm. D――――._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._
_My Dear Brother_,
YOUR last brought glad tidings. I endeavour to give thanks for you
with my whole heart. I trust GOD has enabled you to take the advice
you gave me, and that you have been kept from idolatry. Oh my dear
brother, let us watch and pray, that we may not be led into temptation.
The spirit is willing in both; but the flesh, mine in particular, is
exceeding weak. Blessed be GOD for sending me on ship-board. He has
given me to see something of that mystery of iniquity, which was in
my heart. I have loathed and abhorred my own self. Tears have been my
meat day and night; but glory be to GOD, who has lately assured me of
a victory through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. At present my heart is quite
free. You will see what I have written to those of your household.
I pray the LORD to send you and many more such labourers into his
harvest. I intend resigning the parsonage of _Savannah_. ♦The _Orphan
House_ I can take care of, supposing I should be kept at a distance;
besides, when I have resigned the parish, I shall be more at liberty
to take a tour round _America_, if GOD should ever call me to such a
work. However, I determine nothing, I wait on the LORD. I am persuaded
he will shew what is his will: though my heart is as yet perverse, in
time I hope to drink deeper into his spirit. How earnestly do I desire
to be dissolved, that I may be with CHRIST! Sometimes my weak body
gives me hopes, that I shall not be long in the flesh; but then, the
strength that is communicated to me, and the consideration, that I
have but just begun my testimony, fills me with fears, lest I should
live to be greyheaded. But I endeavour to resign myself wholly to GOD.
I desire his will may be done in me, by me, and upon me. If the LORD
preserves me from falling into sin, and dishonouring his holy name,
let him do what seemeth him good with
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS,
_G. W._
♦ ‘Th’ replaced with ‘The’