Your affectionate friend, brother and willing servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DXCVII.
To Mr. J—— S——.
Philadelphia, June 4, 1747.
Very dear Sir,
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my dear New-England friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time in July. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.—I have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me: for the Lord, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice exceedingly. Letters from England refreshed me; all of them call me home loudly. May Jesus direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the Lord I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak pull me down; but the Lord can and will raise and keep me up.—I preach here with great acceptance. Congregations are as large as ever. Next Monday sevennight I purpose, God willing, to set out for New-York. I wrote lately from New-Town, to Messrs. Prince, W——, R——, &c. but am apt to believe the packet has miscarried. I think to come by way of Long-Island, and to return by Connecticut. You will not be slack in getting all to pray for me, who am, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
G. W.