My very dear Friend,
AS I find by letters from my wife and Mr. T—— C——, dated in October and November, and by another from Mr. D——t, dated in December, that my friends had heard from me more than once, I was in hopes of receiving a few lines from you by the last New-York packet. But I suppose you thought I was gone to the southward. Providence shut up my way: I believe for wise reasons. The inclosed will let you see how matters went at New-York. Since leaving that place, a sweet influence hath attended the word at Easthampton, Bridgehampton, and South-hold upon Long-Island, at Shelter-Island also, and at New-London, Norwich, and [♦]Providence on the main land. At Boston I have been received with the usual warmth of affection. Twice have we seen the Redeemer’s stately steps in the great congregation. But as the small-pox is likely to take an universal spread through the town, I purpose making my country tour, and then return to Boston in my way to the southward. Invitations come so thick and fast from every quarter, that I know not what to do. I cannot boast of acquiring much additional bodily strength, any otherwise than as the cool season of the year helps to keep me up. Twice a week is as often as I can with comfort ascend my throne. The Redeemer vouchsafes to speak for himself there, and private conversation is greatly blessed. Thus the taper keeps burning a little longer: when extinguished on earth, it will be removed where it shall burn with uninterrupted lustre in the kingdom of heaven. Till I hear from you, and see what is determined concerning Bethesda, I cannot think of undertaking a long voyage. Sometimes I fear my weakness will never allow me to go on ship-board any more. But I will wait. I will endeavour to watch and pray, and doubt not but I shall hear a voice behind me saying, “This is the way, walk thou in it.” In the mean while, I rejoice to find that dear Mr. Davis is come to his winter quarters, and do earnestly pray night and day, that he and all my dear fellow-labourers and hearers may increase with all the increase of God. Perhaps they may pray me over once more. Whenever the way is clear, I am ready to say, “Lord Jesus, lo I come.” Tender, most tender love awaits you all. I must not enlarge, lest my affections should overpower this feeble frame. In heaven it will be otherwise. My very dear Sir, farewel. I must away to preach at Charles-Town, a neighbouring town to Boston. Hoping ere long to join with you all in praising God for evermore, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
[♦] “Provividence” replaced with “Providence”
LETTER MCCCV.
To Mr. S—— S——.
Concord, 20 miles from Boston,
March 10, 1764.
My very dear Friend,