_To the Rev. Mr. D――――, at Edinburgh._
_On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
IF I mistake not, Mr. _M._ informed me, that you was entered into the
ministry; I pray GOD to enable you to make full proof of it. O dear
Sir, how holy ought we to be, who are called to stand before the LORD.
――When I consider the greatness of the office and my own unworthiness,
I am sometimes quite abashed. This promise, “Lo I am with you always,”
is my daily support. Blessed be GOD, I find it fulfilled in my soul.
A great work is begun in _America_, at _Georgia_, _South-Carolina_,
_New-York_, _Philadelphia_, and _New-England_. GOD has confirmed the
word by spiritual miracles and signs. You will see what I have wrote
to dear Mr. _T――――_. Your assistance in respect to the Orphan-house
will be very acceptable. I am several hundreds of pounds in debt on
that account. The GOD whom I serve is able to discharge it. You have
heard of the liberality of the _New-England_ people; dear Mr. _D――――_
GOD’s goodness astonishes me. What! can I think any thing too much
to do, or to suffer for so dear a Master? I was lately bound over
at _Charles-Town_ in _South-Carolina_, for libelling the clergy. The
_libel_, falsely so called, I shall soon send you after my arrival.
Thus opposition is coming on gradually: pray that the LORD may cover
me with all his armour. I am a weak defenceless creature in myself;
JESUS alone is my strength and my Redeemer. I write this on board,
that you may know, you are not forgotten; no, tho’ I never saw you in
the flesh, you are much beloved by, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother and fellow-labourer
in our dear LORD’s vineyard,
_G. W._