George Whitefield, Providence, South Carolina, to Anne Dutton, Great Gransden, 29 October 1747.

Providence South-Carolina

October 29th 1747

My very dear Sister

         A few days agoe a neverfailing All-gracious & Unchangeable God brought me & mine from the North-ward to Charles-town, where I heard this piece of Ungrateful news, viz. that in all probability the Ship in which your dear Husband saild for England was found^e^red at Sea – If this has reached your ears no doubt it has affected your heart. I am sure it has mine, & made me almost wish for wings that I might fly & be instrumental under God of adminstering some comfort to you. But ere now I hope that God who never did can or will ^fail to^ comfort those who put their ^trust in Him^ has filled you with all peace of joy in believing, & convinced you that He will be better to you than seven husbands – This is indeed a heavy stroke; but Omnipotence can enable you to bear it – Now is the time to prove the strength of Jesus yours – You have long since been espoused to Him & He has promised never to leave or forsake you – He will plead your Widow Cause, & rather than you shall want will command the Ravens to feed you – It was a prophets widow that had her oyl encreased – Your husband was the Lord’s Servant – No doubt he is at rest. I heard Him pray a little before he embarked – Weep not for him too much, nor for yourself – Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord will provide – How your worldly circumstances are I know not. I can only say that if our Lord brings me to England next year, you shall be heartily welcome to live with me – My Dr Yokefellow joins most cordially in this invitation – I hope you will accept of it – I write this from my new plantation which, blessed be God, prospers – I have seen much of the Redeemer’s power & goodness at the North-ward & hope in a few days to see Bethesda. I have been brought to the very gates of death & was in great hopes of reaching my heavenly harbour, but I am putting out to Sea again – May Jesus’ will be done in by & upon me for time & eternity – Wishing you much of his precious presence, I subscribe myself

                             Yours &c [as usual]

                                                     GW

Mr Hudsons are well –

Address: Mrs Ann Dutton at | Great Gransden in | Huntington-shire

Postmark: illegible

Text: Huntingdonshire Archives, KAH/16/2/87/47.