Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/256

 LETTER CCLX.

To Mr. B. and his wife at Bethesda.

Dear brother B,     On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.  WHEN I left Charles-Town, the  seemed to give me a full assurance, that we should have a speedy passage.We have hitherto had scarce any contrary winds, and are now very near the Western Islands. We had one storm the first week, but almost ever since have been favoured with weather as well as wind. O that you would call the family together, and praise the for the mercies conferred on us the unworthiest of the sons of men! I do not know that I have failed praying for you one day, since I have been out. I long to hear what the hath done for your souls. What say you? Do you live in love? Do you strive together with me in your prayers? Are any of the Orphan Lambs bleating after their great Shepherd? Is your mouth opened? Is your heart enlarged? Is your soul swallowed up in ? Does Bethesda answer its name? Is it, indeed, an house of mercy? These questions, I hope to have answer'd in the affirmative. If you ask, how it is with my soul? Blessed be, I can reply, "Very well." The gives me a feeling possession of himself. I have been enabled to compose nine discourses for the press. willing, you shall hear from me often. I write this, that I may be ready, if I should hear of any ship coming your way immediately upon my arrival; receive it as a token of my love, which knows is unfeigned, from  Your affectionate brother and servant in,  G. W.     LETTER CCLXI. To Mr. J. B, Charles-Town.

Dear Mr. B,     On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741.

I Think I owe you a letter; I believe you love me in the bowels of. I hope our love is reciprocal. How can it be otherwise with those, who have drank of the same spirit? I long for that happy time, when we shall be swallowed up in the vision and full fruition of the glorious