_To Mr. J―――― S――――._
_Philadelphia, June 4, 1747._
_Very dear Sir_,
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to
it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my
dear _New-England_ friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time
in _July_. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.――I
have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a
continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one
night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they
may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the
pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to
me: for the LORD, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice
exceedingly. Letters from _England_ refreshed me; all of them call me
home loudly. May JESUS direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the
LORD I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak
pull me down; but the LORD can and will raise and keep me up.――I preach
here with great acceptance. Congregations are as large as ever. Next
_Monday_ sevennight I purpose, GOD willing, to set out for _New-York_.
I wrote lately from _New-Town_, to Messrs. _Prince_, _W――――_, _R――――_,
&c. but am apt to believe the packet has miscarried. I think to come by
way of _Long-Island_, and to return by _Connecticut_. You will not be
slack in getting all to pray for me, who am, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._