_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,