_To the Reverend Mr. P――――._
_New-Town, May 21, 1747._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
IT sometimes gives me concern that I cannot hear oftener from you, and
your dear son, whom I love so tenderly. But I suppose your hands are
full of work for the best of masters. I pray him daily, that you may
be crowned with much success. Though I have deserved a thousand and a
thousand times over to be cast off, yet such is the divine goodness,
that my labours in fresh places are made very acceptable daily. I have
now been upon the stretch, preaching constantly for almost three weeks.
I hope I can say with sincerity (O that I may say it with humility!)
that GOD hath been with me of a truth. My body is often extremely weak,
but the joy of the LORD is my strength, and by the help of my GOD I
intend going on till I drop, or this poor carcase can hold out no more.
These southern colonies lie in darkness, and yet, as far as I find,
are as willing to receive the gospel as others. If some books could be
purchased to dispose among poor people, much good might be done. Pray,
Sir, have you any Latin school-books to spare? I shall want some for
the Orphan-house. I hope to hear from you at _Philadelphia_, where I
expect to be in a week’s time. In the mean while, reverend Sir, I beg
you would make my most cordial and humble respects acceptable to all
your reverend brethren, that honoured me with their acquaintance, as
well as to your dear family and all other friends. I wish you and them
millions and millions of blessings, and intreat the continuance of
their and your prayers, for, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy younger brother, and
servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._