_To Doctor R――――._
_London, August 20, 1755._
_Honoured and very dear Sir_,
AS long as GOD is pleased to hold my soul in life, and I hear that
you also are in the land of the living, I shall always think it my
bounden duty to thank, and pray for you. Surely you have been to me,
honoured Sir, a father and a friend. Be pleased to accept repeated
acknowledgments for all favours conferred on me at college, and the
great care you took to prepare me for the ministry of the church.
Alas! I am ashamed of my unfruitfulness, and wonder that the blessed
Redeemer continues to improve me at all. But his name and nature is
Love. He hath once more brought me safe over the mighty waters, and
hath vouchsafed to own my poor feeble labours in yonder new world. The
Orphan-house, blessed be his name, is on a good footing, and I trust
will prove a nursery for church and state, when my head is laid in the
silent grave. I am waiting daily for my discharge, and long to be at
home. Be pleased to add to my innumerable obligations, by continuing to
pray for me. I retain my old name, being the chief of sinners, and less
than the least of all saints, but, honoured and very dear Sir,
Your most obliged, dutiful son and servant,
_G. W._