Reverend and very dear Sir,
ONCE more, the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus hath brought me hither, and last night gave me an opportunity of recommending his dying love. When I ascended the pulpit, and found your place empty, I was somewhat affected; but I have met with so many changes in the church as well as the world, that it is time for me to begin to learn to be surprized at nothing. Some time next month, I hope to come as far as Boston. I know, my dear Sir, that you will pray, it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. What is to befall me I know not; Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit! Fain would I be as clay in thy hands. Lord Jesus, when shall it once be? But I am a stubborn, ill and hell-deserving creature. Less than the least of all, shall be my motto still. Amazing,—that the Redeemer should suffer such a wretch to speak or travel for him. Surely his name and nature is Love. O that I could but begin to begin to love him! My obligations increase daily. In England the word of the Lord runs and is glorified indeed. Georgia and Bethesda I left in growing circumstances. The orphan-family now consists of one hundred and six, black and white. A young man that hath been a student there, succeeds Mr. S—— of Charles-Town. O that the Redeemer may provide for the dear New-York people! The residue of the spirit is in his hands. Lord Jesus, make their extremity thy opportunity to help and relieve them! But I shall weary you, and detain you too long from more important work. May the great head of divine influence bless you and yours, and all your present flock! Some of them I know. If you should see dear Mr. P—— or F——, be so good as to remember me to them, in the most respectful manner.—I intreat their prayers for a poor but willing pilgrim, and am, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy brother and servant in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MLII.
To Mr. S.——.
New-York, July 28, 1754.
My very dear Sir,
HERE our Lord brought me two days ago, and last night I had an opportunity of preaching on his dying, living, ascending, and interceding love, to a large and attentive auditory. Next week I purpose going to Philadelphia, and then shall come back again here in my way to Boston. Whether I shall then return to Bethesda, or embark for England, is uncertain.—I fear matters will not be settled at the orphan-house, unless I go once more; I have put some upon their trial, and shall want to see how they behave. During my passage from Charles-Town, I left a few lines for you; I thought to have written an account of Bethesda for the press, but could by no means get freedom. God’s time is the best. I owe for three of the negroes who were lately bought, but hope to be enabled to pay for them at my return from the northward. My God can, and will supply all my wants, according to his riches in Jesus. Glory be to his great name, he hath now taught me a little to be alone. His presence keeps me company, and I find it sweet to run about for him. I find the door all along the continent is as open as ever, and the way seems clearing up for the neighbouring islands. What a pity is it, that we can only be at one place at once, for the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus. Had I a good private hand, I could send you the account of my family, &c. but perhaps I may deliver it to you myself. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! I owe you much, yea very much love; but a pepper-corn of acknowledgment, and my poor prayers, is all the payment that I fear will be made by, my very dear Sir,