_To Mr. B――――, Senior._
_Dover, May 8, 1747._
_Very dear Mr. B――――_,
I Think it is high time for me to send you a line of thanks, for the
favours you have been pleased to shew me, while others were loading
me with scorn and contempt. A weak body and continued employ in the
service of the best of Masters, occasion my not writing so frequently
to my dear friends, as love and gratitude would prompt me to do. You
will accept this unfeigned apology, and still increase the obligations
you have laid upon me, by continuing to remember me before the LORD.
I have need, great need of the united prayers of my christian friends.
――For JESUS hath of late so remarkably appeared for me, that I ought
to lay myself out more and more in going about endeavouring to do
good to precious and immortal souls. At present this is my settled
resolution. The Redeemer seems to approve of it; for the fields in the
Southern parts are white ready unto harvest, and many seem to have the
hearing ear. All next _October_, GOD willing, I have devoted to poor
_North-Carolina_. It is pleasant hunting in the woods after the lost
sheep for whom the Redeemer hath shed his precious blood. May the LORD
of the harvest spirit up more to go forth in his strength, to compel
poor sinners to come in! I hope that you and my other _Boston_ friends
do go in and out, and find good pasture. I hear it is a Winter time
with many. May GOD keep the fatal languor from extending to the circle
of my intimate friends! For alas, what is a christian without a holy
warmth? Will you remember me to all that you know, in the most tender
manner? I beseech them by the mercies of GOD, to live _near_ to JESU’s
cross, and whatever others may do, let them and theirs serve the LORD
CHRIST. You will remember me in particular to Mr. _F――――_, and his
family, Mr. _V――――_ and wife, your dear son, and your whole houshold,
as being, dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend and brother in CHRIST,
_G. W._