Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/48

 to this divine exercise. I am ready enough to ask for mercies, but alas! how slow to return thanks! Indeed sometimes touches me from above, and my heart, hard as it is, is melted down and quite overcome with the sense of his free grace in towards me. But I want always to go on my way rejoicing; I want the heart of a seraphim;

I want to sing as loud as they, Who shine above in endless day.

I could almost say more than they, and why should I not return angelic thanks? But my heart is as yet unhumbled, I see not what I am, what I deserve, and therefore set not a due value on the divine mercies. Pray therefore, dear Mr. , that I may receive my sight, that my eyes may be opened, and that seeing what hath done for me, I may break out into songs of praise, and by such heart-transforming divine exercises be gradually trained up for eternal uninterrupted communion with that heavenly choir, who cease not chanting forth day and night hallelujahs to Him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb for ever. Dear Mr. , I can relate to you fresh matter for praise and thanksgiving; a divine fire seems to be kindling in Deal. I preached on Sunday, and this day. The inhabitants are quite affectionate, and so desirous to hear the word, at my private lodgings, as well as at public churches, that I am obliged to divide them into two companies. And, blessed be his free grace in , helps me through. I suppose my dear friend has heard how affairs go on shipboard. I need only add, that makes his power to be known among those that sail with me, and there are great hopes of the captain's conversion. O pray, that he may not be an almost, but an altogether christian. Dear Mr., farewell. It's late, and many other friends must have a line to-night. May reward you for all kindnesses, and keep you stedfast unto the end. Pray return my hearty thanks to all your Brethren; tell them I sincerely pray for their growth and perseverance in holiness, and am, dear Mr. ,

Your affectionate, tho' unworthy friend and servant in , G. W.