Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/46

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LETTER XXXI.

To Mrs. H.


Dear Mrs. H. Deal, Jan. 11, 1738.

HITHER has God safely brought us. Pray give thanks on my behalf. We have had two little storms, the one we escaped by being at Margate, the other we were enabled to bear manfully, and to pray for you and yours on open deck in the midst of it. All the officers are exceeding civil. The captain gives me the free use of his cabin, and some impression is made on the soldiers. I read prayers and preach twice every day, and, would you think it, the very soldiers stand out to say their catechism. Oh that they may be soldiers of Jesus Christ. God gives me great joy, and excites me to adore him more and more, when I behold his wonders in the deep. I am but a fresh-water sailor; but God's strength will be magnified in my weakness, and I verily believe we shall arrive at the haven, where we wou'd be. Oh that we may all so pass thro' the waves of this troublesome world, that at last we may arrive at the port of everlasting rest! Expect to hear from me at Gibraltar, and assure yourself your favours shall never be forgotten by

 Your sincere friend, G. W.

LETTER XXXII. To Mr. ——.


Deal, Jan. 21, 1738.

SUPPOSE I answer dear Mr. —— before I reach Georgia, Will he be angry? I fancy not. I had a mind to write to you again, before I received yours. For as you have been so liberal in your presents, it would be unpardonable in me, was I niggardly in my letters. No, my dear friend, I hope I never shall cease praying for you and yours, so long as I live. Hitherto I have not. I was praying for you just as I received yours: I am glad to hear you prayed before you wrote to me. Surely God will bless such a correspondence. O my friend, let us still wrestle with God, that we may be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. For it is perseverance crowns our labours. He, and