_To Mr. S――――._
_New-York, July 27, 1754._
_My very dear and steady Friend_,
HERE will I set up my _Ebenezer_――for hitherto the LORD hath helped me.
Through his divine goodness, I left _Georgia_ and _Bethesda_ in growing
circumstances, and am come once more to pay a short visit to the
northward. O that the Redeemer may make it a sweet one! Some time
next month, perhaps I may have the pleasure of seeing you and yours,
and my other dear _Boston_ friends. As I am entirely unprovided with
travelling furniture, I have thoughts of coming as far as _Rhode-island_
by water. GOD willing, you shall have timely notice, or it may be, I
may come upon you unawares. Strange! that I should be in this dying
world till now. What changes have I seen! What changes must I expect to
see before my final departure, if the Redeemer is pleased to lengthen
out this span of life. Welcome, welcome, my LORD and my GOD, whatever
cup thou shalt see meet to put into my hands! Only sweeten it with thy
love, and then, though bitter in itself, it cannot but be salutary.
Alas! how little do we know of ourselves, till we are tried, and how
hard doth the old man die! Well! blessed be GOD, die he shall. JESUS
hath given him his deadly blow, and at the best he only lives a dying
life. Thanks be to GOD for such a Saviour! O for a thousand tongues to
shew forth his praise! LORD JESUS, cloath me with humility, that I may
every day know more and more the honour conferred upon me in being made
a poor pilgrim for thee! Keep me travelling, keep me working, or at
least beginning to begin to work for thee till I die! But whither am
I going? Excuse me, my dear Sir.――I am writing to a beloved _Gaius_.
GOD bless you and yours.――My most cordial respects await all enquiring
friends.――Methinks they are dearer than ever to, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our glorious Head,
_G. W._