_To Mr. S――――._
_Rhode-Island, November 22, 1754._
_My very dear Friend_,
YESTERDAY as I was riding along, I felt a love for you, which only
friends experience, and was determined to write to you immediately. In
the evening my faithful _Gaius_ Mr. _S――――_ brought your kind letter,
which I now take the first opportunity of answering. But what shall
I say? What you have heard is more than true. A more effectual door I
never saw opened, than lately at _Boston_, and indeed in every place
where I have been in _New-England_; not a hundredth part can well
be told you. With great difficulty I am got to this place, where
people, as I am informed, are athirst to hear the word of GOD. I shall
therefore stay, GOD willing, till _Monday_, and then set forward to
_Connecticut_ in my way to _New-York_, which I hope to reach in about
a fortnight. O that you may see me grown in grace, and humbled under
a sense of those amazing mercies which I have received during this
expedition! It seems to me to be the most important one I was ever
employed in. Much, yea very much have I to tell you when we meet. I
wish for the season, and entreat you in the mean while not to forget
me at his throne, who alone can uphold me with his right hand. O what
a friend is JESUS! A friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is
indeed the pilgrim’s stay and staff; few choose to try him in such a
station. This be my happy lot! I write this at Mr. _C――――_’s who hath
lately buried his wife. What a changing world! Thanks be to GOD for an
unchangeable CHRIST! To his most tender and never-failing mercy, do I
most earnestly commend both you and yours, and hoping ere long to see
you, and rejoice together in our common Lord, I subscribe myself, very
dear Mr. _S――――_,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._