_To the Hon. J. W._
_Savannah, March 10, 1740._ _Honoured Sir_,
YESTERDAY, after public worship, I received with pleasure your kind letter, and was immediately ready to cry out, Why do so many of my LORD’s servants take notice of such a dead dog as I am. Surely sovereign, rich, and free grace was never exalted more than in the mercy shewn to me, who am in truth the unworthiest of the sons of men.――_Honoured Sir_, it rejoices me to hear that there are so many at _New England_, who love the LORD JESUS in sincerity, and dare to shine as lights in the world amongst a crooked and perverse generation.――I wish they may be all _Aquila_’s and _Priscilla_’s to me, and teach me the way of GOD more perfectly; for I long to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of my LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Oh he is a sweet master; even here do I feel his blessed influences, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.――He is often with us in the midst of his sanctuary, and much succeeds the Orphan-house.――I have digged low, and intend to build it high, because I have a great GOD to pay the charges. I have about thirty-six children which I maintain and cloath, and have upwards of forty persons more who are employed in the work. The plantation is in great forwardness.――Many families are kept here by my employing them, and I hope to see many a youth bred up for GOD; for I design to breed up for the ministry, all that at any time I shall perceive to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and endued with suitable natural abilities. The work, I am persuaded, is of GOD, and I know he will raise up instruments to support it. Let him chuse whom seemeth him good.――In about three months, GOD willing, I hope to be near, or at _New England_. I thank you from my soul, honoured Sir, for your kind invitation; but, I believe, am pre-engaged to one Mr. _S――――d_. The LORD reward both him, and all others who receive me in his name! I have not yet received the books, which you was pleased to send me, because they are sent to the southward, but I expect them daily, and doubt not of their being profitable. I know not how to express my gratitude for your great condescension in writing to me, but that I may always behave so as not to be ashamed of subscribing myself
Your obliged humble servant,