_To Mrs. L――――._
_Philadelphia, August 26, 1746._
_Honoured Mother_,
WHETHER your affections are abated to me or not, (which one would
imagine by your not writing in two years) yet duty, love, and gratitude
oblige me to write to her, to whom, under GOD, I owe my being brought
into the world. I am glad to find by a letter from Mr. _Syms_, dated
last _March_, that you was well, at least I hoped so, because I heard
nothing to the contrary. May the Father of mercies, and GOD of all
consolation, grant that your latter end may greatly increase! Whether
you ever see me or not any more, you need not be anxious concerning
me.――That GOD whom I serve in the gospel of his dear Son, is exceeding
good and gracious to me and mine. We have all things pertaining to life
and godliness. Many offers are daily made me; but as yet the LORD JESUS
keeps me from catching at the golden bait. Favour is given to me in
the sight of the rich and great, and the door for my usefulness opens
wider and wider. I love to range in the _American_ woods, and sometimes
think I shall never return to _England_ any more. I was never better
in health, take all together. My dear wife would send you a few lines,
but she is weak by reason of a miscarriage about four days ago. I send
you most dutiful respects for her, and praying the LORD of all Lords
continually to lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon your
dear soul, I subscribe myself, honoured mother,
Your most dutiful, though unworthy son,
_G. W._