_To Mr. R―――― K――――n._
_Boston, March 3, 1764._
_My very dear Friend_,
AS I find by letters from my wife and Mr. _T―――― C――――_, dated in
_October_ and _November_, and by another from Mr. _D――――t_, dated in
_December_, that my friends had heard from me more than once, I was in
hopes of receiving a few lines from you by the last _New-York_ packet.
But I suppose you thought I was gone to the southward. Providence
shut up my way: I believe for wise reasons. The inclosed will let you
see how matters went at _New-York_. Since leaving that place, a sweet
influence hath attended the word at _Easthampton_, _Bridgehampton_,
and _South-hold_ upon _Long-Island_, at _Shelter-Island_ also, and
at _New-London_, _Norwich_, and ♦_Providence_ on the main land. At
_Boston_ I have been received with the usual warmth of affection. Twice
have we seen the Redeemer’s stately steps in the great congregation.
But as the small-pox is likely to take an universal spread through the
town, I purpose making my country tour, and then return to _Boston_ in
my way to the southward. Invitations come so thick and fast from every
quarter, that I know not what to do. I cannot boast of acquiring much
additional bodily strength, any otherwise than as the cool season of
the year helps to keep me up. Twice a week is as often as I can with
comfort ascend my throne. The Redeemer vouchsafes to speak for himself
there, and private conversation is greatly blessed. Thus the taper
keeps burning a little longer: when extinguished on earth, it will be
removed where it shall burn with uninterrupted lustre in the kingdom
of heaven. Till I hear from you, and see what is determined concerning
_Bethesda_, I cannot think of undertaking a long voyage. Sometimes I
fear my weakness will never allow me to go on ship-board any more. But
I will wait. I will endeavour to watch and pray, and doubt not but I
shall hear a voice behind me saying, “This is the way, walk thou in
it.” In the mean while, I rejoice to find that dear Mr. _Davis_ is come
to his winter quarters, and do earnestly pray night and day, that he
and all my dear fellow-labourers and hearers may increase with all the
increase of GOD. Perhaps they may pray me over once more. Whenever the
way is clear, I am ready to say, “LORD JESUS, lo I come.” Tender, most
tender love awaits you all. I must not enlarge, lest my affections
should overpower this feeble frame. In heaven it will be otherwise.
My very dear Sir, farewel. I must away to preach at _Charles-Town_, a
neighbouring town to _Boston_. Hoping ere long to join with you all in
praising GOD for evermore, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Yours, &c. &c. in our glorious Head,
_G. W._
♦ “Provividence” replaced with “Providence”