_To Mr. I―――― B――――._
_On board the Savannah, April 10, 1740._
_My dear, dear Friend_,
I Remember your words that day I took my leave of you, with Dr. _John
S――――_, at _London_. I have not forgotten you, therefore do I now
write a line to my dear Mr. _B――――_. May the Holy Ghost come upon
him, and the power of the Highest overshadow him; and may our glorious
Redeemer never cease striving with him, till he hath a witness within
himself that he is a true child of GOD. Oh, when will you answer the
character of your name-sake and forefather _Isaac_! When, like him,
will my dear friend give himself up a whole burnt-offering unto the
LORD! May I hear that you have recovered your first love, and are, as
formerly, zealous of good works! I think I never yet really doubted
of your return. If prayers to GOD, if entreaties to him, can bring my
dear friend back, he shall not be led away captive by the world; he
shall, he shall be a Christian indeed. I long to see you, and till
then shall wrestle with strong cryings and many tears with my dear
LORD JESUS, in your behalf. I feel, I feel CHRIST’s love; I can no
more doubt of my interest in him, than I can of the shining of the sun
at noon day. He fills, he sweetens and gladdens my soul; he loves me
freely: he will bring me to behold his glory. I think I could now bid
to men and devils defiance. Who is he that condemneth? It is CHRIST
that justifies, who even now sitteth in heaven to make intercession
_for me_. You see, my dear friend, I am upon the mount. I know not how
to stop. It is true, I must come down; but it is only that I may go
up again, and take a view of the heavenly _Canaan_. I am now near
the port whither we are bound: yet a little while, and I shall be in
heaven; and shall I not meet my dear _I――――_ there? GOD forbid! No, no;
I cannot bear the thought of it. Away, my dear, dear brother, to JESUS
CHRIST. Lay hold on his everlasting righteousness: look, look unto
him by faith, and be saved. Call your dear wife to look also. Help,
oh help her in the great work of her salvation; and breed up your dear
child in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Adieu. My heart is
full. With sincerity I subscribe myself
Your’s most affectionately in our dearest, dearest LORD JESUS,
_G. W._