Ix South Carolina. 99 



Lis parishioners. He set sail February 2, 1738, ac- 

 companied by his servant, Joseph Husbands, and his 

 friend James Habersham, who, notwithstanding the 

 opposition of family and friends, determined to go 

 with the young evangelist to Georgia. When, after a 

 voyage of four months, they at length came to anchor 

 at Tybee, on Sunday, May 7, the young missionary 

 was unwilling to leave the vessel without preaching a 

 farewell sermon to the soldiers whom he had served 

 as chaplain. He chose for his text Psalm cvii. 30, 31: 

 "Then are they glad because they are quiet; so he 

 bringeth them into their desired haven. O that men 

 would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his 

 wonderful works to the children of men!" Standing 

 beneath the shade of the outspread sails of the Whit- 

 aker, the ardent preacher cried: 



God forbid that any of those should ever suffer the vengeance of 

 eternal fire amongst whom I have for these four months been preach- 

 ing the gospel of Christ; and yet, thus must it be if you do not im- 

 prove the divine mercies; and instead of your being my crown of 

 rejoicing in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, I must appear as a 

 swift witness against yon. But, brethren, I am persuaded better 

 things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though I thus 

 speak. Into God's hands I' commend your spirits. May he give 

 you new hearts, and enable you to put into practice what you have 

 heard from time to time to be your duty. Then God will so bless 

 you that you will " build cities to dwell in ; " then will you sow your 

 lands and plant vineyards which will "yield you fruits of increase." 

 Then your oxen shall be strong to labor, there shall be no leading 

 into captivity, and no complaining in your streets; then shall your 

 sons grow up as young plants, and your daughters be as the polished 

 corners of the temple ; then shall your garners be full and plenteous 

 with all manner of store, and your sheep bring forth thousands and 

 ten thousands in your streets. In short, then shall the Lord be your 

 God ; and as surely as he hath now brought us to this haven, so 

 surely, after we have passed through the storms and tempests of 

 'his trc iblesome world, will he bring us to the haven of eternal rest, 



