478. Letter Mccccxli.
LETTER MCCCCXLI.
T o Mr. R―― K――n.
On board the Friendship, Captain Ball, in Five-fathom Hole, about ten miles from Charles-Town, South-Carolina. November 30, 1769.
My dear Friend, WE have had a long, and in several respects a trying passage. Particulars expect by the packet, which the pilot says will sail in two or three days.
This day week we first saw land; came over the bar the 28th instant, and should have been at Charles-Town that evening, but our ship was too light to obey the helm. We had the mortification of seeing ten sailing in before us, and we ever since left in jeopardy. Surely Satan foresees some signal good attending this voyage. In the midst of all, blessed be God, we have had plenty of outward things; and I am in better health than at the end of any voyage I have made for some years. Mr. Smith hath really behaved well, and been very handy and attentive. The same may be said of Mr. Winter. We have been like the three children in the fiery furnace. But the Son of God hath been, and is (O amazing grace!) still with us. Please to remember us to
all concerned. Hoping soon to write from on shore, and most earnestly praying, that grace, mercy and peace, may be multiplied upon you all, I must hasten to subscribe my old but true name, "The chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints," but Your affectionate, obliged friend, and willing servant to all,
G. W.
Charles-Town, December 1.
BLESSED be God, a pilot-boat came yesterday along-side, and brought us hither in safety to our unspeakable comfort in the evening. Our reception as hearty or heartier than ever. Grace! grace! The ship is not yet come up.
Blessed be God, I am brave and well, and am to preach this afternoon.
Praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever! We have been delivered out of great jeopardy. You will say so, when you receive further particulars from, my dear friend, Less than the least of all, G. W.