Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/55

 LETTER XXXIX.

To Mr. .

My dear Friend,     On board the Whitaker, May 6, 1738.

HOW goes time? I can scarce tell; for I have been some time past, as one would think, launching into eternity. has been pleased graciously to visit me with a violent fever, which he notwithstanding so sweetened by divine consolations, that I was enabled to rejoice and sing in the midst of it. Indeed, I had many violent conflicts with the powers of darkness, who did all they could to disturb and distract me; but prayed for me: And though I was once reduced to the last extremity, and all supernatural assistance seemed to be suspended for a while, and satan as it were had dominion over me, yet suffered not my faith to fail; but came in at length to my aid, rebuked the tempter, and from that moment I grew better. Surely is preparing me for something extraordinary: For he has now sent me such extraordinary conflicts and comforts as I never before experienced. I was as I thought on the brink of eternity. I had heaven within me; I thought of nothing in this world; I earnestly desired to be dissolved and go to ; but was pleased to order it otherwise, and I am resigned, though I can scarce be reconciled to come back again into this vale of misery. I had the heavenly Canaan in full view, and hoped I was going to take possession of it; but saw I was not yet ripe for glory, and therefore in mercy spared me, that I may recover my spiritual strength before I go hence and am no more seen. Oh pray, my dear friend, that I may not grow lukewarm, or slothful, but arise from my late bed of sickness, and administer with ten times more alacrity to my blessed Master, than ever [ I did before. I would write more, but my strength faileth me. We hope to be at Savannah on Monday.

Your's, G. W.