_To Mr. P――――._
_New-York, July 28, 1754._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
ONCE more, the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS hath brought me hither,
and last night gave me an opportunity of recommending his dying love.
When I ascended the pulpit, and found your place empty, I was somewhat
affected; but I have met with so many changes in the church as well
as the world, that it is time for me to begin to learn to be surprized
at nothing. Some time next month, I hope to come as far as _Boston_.
I know, my dear Sir, that you will pray, it may be in the fulness of
the blessing of the gospel of CHRIST. What is to befall me I know not;
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit! Fain would I be as clay in
thy hands. LORD JESUS, when shall it once be? But I am a stubborn, ill
and hell-deserving creature. Less than the least of all, shall be my
motto still. Amazing,――that the Redeemer should suffer such a wretch to
speak or travel for him. Surely his name and nature is Love. O that I
could but begin to begin to love him! My obligations increase daily. In
_England_ the word of the LORD runs and is glorified indeed. _Georgia_
and _Bethesda_ I left in growing circumstances. The orphan-family now
consists of one hundred and six, black and white. A young man that hath
been a student there, succeeds Mr. _S――――_ of _Charles-Town_. O that
the Redeemer may provide for the dear _New-York_ people! The residue
of the spirit is in his hands. LORD JESUS, make their extremity thy
opportunity to help and relieve them! But I shall weary you, and detain
you too long from more important work. May the great head of divine
influence bless you and yours, and all your present flock! Some of them
I know. If you should see dear Mr. _P――――_ or _F――――_, be so good as to
remember me to them, in the most respectful manner.――I intreat their
prayers for a poor but willing pilgrim, and am, reverend and very dear
Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy
brother and servant in our common LORD,
_G. W._