_Upper Marlborough, Dec. 8, 1739._
_Dear Sir_,
I Cannot defer writing to dear Mr. _N――――_ any longer.――This afternoon
GOD brought us hither. Some are solicitous for my staying here
to-morrow. As it seems to be a call from providence, I have complied
with their request. Oh that I may be enabled to lift up my voice like
a trumpet, and to speak with the demonstration of the spirit and with
power. These parts are in a dead sleep. At _Anapolis_, I preached
twice, and spoke home to some ladies concerning the vanity of their
false politeness. But alas, they are wedded to their _Quadrille_ and
_Ombre_. The minister of the place was under convictions――He wept
twice, and earnestly begged my prayers. He will not frighten people I
believe with harsh doctrine,――he loves to prophesy smooth things.――GOD
blessed the word wonderfully at _Philadelphia_. I have great reason
to think many are brought home to GOD. When I return, it will then be
seen, who has received the word into an honest and good heart. By the
divine assistance, I propose revisiting _Philadelphia_, _New York_,
and to go as far as _Boston_, and so return to _Georgia_, before I
take shipping again for _England_――The LORD direct my going in his
way! About _May_ you may expect to see me. My dear friend, pray
that I may so improve the time of my absence, that at my return my
progress may be made known to all men. It shames me to see what little
proficiency I have made in the school of CHRIST. If I do not begin
to press forwards, how shall I appear before my blessed LORD? I feel
myself to be the chief of sinners; surely never was a greater instance
of redeeming distinguishing love. GOD forbid that I should glory in
any thing but free grace: had not GOD plucked me as a brand out of the
fire, I had now either been given over to a reprobate mind, or cast
into a place of torment. Oh help me, help me, _dearest Mr. N――――_,
help me to be thankful, and accept my thanks, though late, for all
favours received when at _New York_. Indeed I love you in the bowels
of our dear LORD JESUS. Salute your dear wife my kind hostess: exhort
her to be severely kind to her little boy.――My most cordial respects
attend all who ask after me. Entreat them to continue their prayers,
dearest Mr. _N――――_, for
Your weak, but affectionate friend, brother
and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._