_To Mr. R――――._
_Virginia, January 17, 1755._
I AM just now on the borders of _North-Carolina_, and after preaching
to-morrow in a neighbouring church, I purpose to take my leave of
_Virginia_. Had I not been detained so long at the northward, what
a wide and effectual door might have been opened.――Here, as well
as elsewhere, rich and poor flock to hear the everlasting gospel.
Many have come forty or fifty miles, and a spirit of conviction and
consolation seemed to go through all the assemblies. One Colonel
_R――――_, a person of distinction, opened one church for me, invited me
to his house, and introduced me himself to the reading desk. As I was
riding in his chariot, he informed me of his intention to see _Boston_
next Summer. If my friends would be so good as to mention my name, and
shew him some respect when he comes amongst you, it would add to my
obligations. Blessed be GOD, I see a vast alteration for the better.
O for more time, and if possible for more souls and bodies! LORD JESUS,
twenty times ten thousand are too few for thee, and yet (O amazing love)
thou art willing to accept of only two mites! These, I trust, you, my
very dear Sir, have put into his sacred treasury. O that the trifling
thing called _honour_, may never, so much as for a single moment, draw
you from your GOD! I hope Colonel _P――――_ stands to his colours. Then
I live, if my dear friends stand fast in the LORD. My most cordial
respects and tender love await them all. I doubt not of your improving
Mrs. _L――――_’s sudden dissolution; another call to be always ready.
That this may be the happy lot of you and yours, is and shall be the
earnest prayer of, very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
_G. W._