Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
[♦] “Dunnington” replaced with “Donnington”
LETTER MXCIII.
To Doctor R——.
London, August 20, 1755.
Honoured and very dear Sir,
AS long as God is pleased to hold my soul in life, and I hear that you also are in the land of the living, I shall always think it my bounden duty to thank, and pray for you. Surely you have been to me, honoured Sir, a father and a friend. Be pleased to accept repeated acknowledgments for all favours conferred on me at college, and the great care you took to prepare me for the ministry of the church. Alas! I am ashamed of my unfruitfulness, and wonder that the blessed Redeemer continues to improve me at all. But his name and nature is Love. He hath once more brought me safe over the mighty waters, and hath vouchsafed to own my poor feeble labours in yonder new world. The Orphan-house, blessed be his name, is on a good footing, and I trust will prove a nursery for church and state, when my head is laid in the silent grave. I am waiting daily for my discharge, and long to be at home. Be pleased to add to my innumerable obligations, by continuing to pray for me. I retain my old name, being the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints, but, honoured and very dear Sir,
Your most obliged, dutiful son and servant,