_New-York, September 2, 1754._
_My dear Doctor_,
MAY this find you rejoicing in the holy comforts of that infinitely
great and gracious physician, to whose all-powerful blood and
righteousness, you and I are so much beholden! Surely he hath been
loving unto us. O that we may recover our first love, and return and do
our first work! JESUS is able and willing to do this for us. The return
of backsliders, and forgiving those who cannot forgive themselves, is
his heart’s delight. He spares when we deserve punishment, and in his
wrath thinketh upon mercy. Fly then, my dear friend, to his loving arms
and heart; he waits to be gracious. Let us wait on him in the way of
duty, and we shall find that his arm is not shortened, but that he is
still able and willing to save to the uttermost all that come to the
Father through him. LORD JESUS, who can tell how far _thy uttermost_
extendeth! None but thy own eternal Self: surely it must extend
to the vilest of sinners, or it never could have reached ill and
hell-deserving me! Help me, my dear Sir, to cry Grace! grace! We had
pleasant seasons in our way hither, and here people attend gladly. Some
time this week I expect to sail for _Rhode-Island_. Remember a poor but
willing pilgrim, and accept this as a token, that neither you nor yours
are forgotten by, my dear friend,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._