_To Mrs. L――――._
_Philadelphia, August 26, 1746._
_Honoured Mother_,
WHETHER your affections are abated to me or not, (which one would imagine by your not writing in two years) yet duty, love, and gratitude oblige me to write to her, to whom, under GOD, I owe my being brought into the world. I am glad to find by a letter from Mr. _Syms_, dated last _March_, that you was well, at least I hoped so, because I heard nothing to the contrary. May the Father of mercies, and GOD of all consolation, grant that your latter end may greatly increase! Whether you ever see me or not any more, you need not be anxious concerning me.――That GOD whom I serve in the gospel of his dear Son, is exceeding good and gracious to me and mine. We have all things pertaining to life and godliness. Many offers are daily made me; but as yet the LORD JESUS keeps me from catching at the golden bait. Favour is given to me in the sight of the rich and great, and the door for my usefulness opens wider and wider. I love to range in the _American_ woods, and sometimes think I shall never return to _England_ any more. I was never better in health, take all together. My dear wife would send you a few lines, but she is weak by reason of a miscarriage about four days ago. I send you most dutiful respects for her, and praying the LORD of all Lords continually to lift up the light of his blessed countenance upon your dear soul, I subscribe myself, honoured mother,
Your most dutiful, though unworthy son, _G. W._