SINCE my last I suppose you have heard one way or another of my being in this dying world, and in some measure improved for propagating the glorious gospel. New York was New-York indeed. We saw blessed days of the Son of Man there. Since that, in my way to these parts, a divine influence attended the word preached in various places. And how would you have been delighted to have seen Mr. Wheelock’s Indians? Such a promising nursery of future missionaries, I believe was never seen in New-England before: pray encourage it with all your might. I also wish you could give some useful puritanical books to Harvard-college library, lately burnt down. Few perhaps will give such; and yet a collection of that kind is absolutely necessary for future students and poor neighbouring ministers, to whom I find the books belonging to the library are freely lent out from time to time. You will not be angry with me for these hints. I know your ambitious greedy soul: you want to grow richer and richer towards God. O that there may be in me such a mind! But my wings are clipped. I can only preach twice or thrice a week with comfort. And yet a wider door than ever is opened all along the continent. A beginning is made in Boston. But as the small-pox is spreading there, I purpose preaching for a while in adjacent places. With what success, you may know hereafter. I send you and yours these few lines as a token of gratitude, respect, and love unfeigned; but must still beg you to add to my obligations, by continuing to pray for, my very dear friends,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCCCVI.
To C—— H——y, Esq.
Portsmouth, March 23, 1764.
Very dear Sir,
HOW was my heart eased by receiving yesterday your kind letter, dated October 22d? If you and dear Mr. K——n will continue to manage when I am present, as well as when I am absent, it may give another turn to my mind. Who knows what a never-failing God may do in a few months! At present, my way is clear to go on preaching till I can journey southward. The inclosed will inform you what hath been done by one sermon at Providence, formerly a most ungodly place, forty miles south of Boston. At Newbury, which I left yesterday, is a stir indeed. On Lord’s-day I shall begin here. O for daily fresh gales! That they may every day more and more increase with you and all your dear relations, and all dear friends, is the hearty prayer of, very dear Sir, in great haste, but greater love,
Yours, &c. &c. &c. in Jesus,