_To Mr. J―――― S――――._
_Philadelphia, June 4, 1747._
_Very dear Sir_,
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my dear _New-England_ friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time in _July_. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.――I have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me: for the LORD, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice exceedingly. Letters from _England_ refreshed me; all of them call me home loudly. May JESUS direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the LORD I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak pull me down; but the LORD can and will raise and keep me up.――I preach here with great acceptance. Congregations are as large as ever. Next _Monday_ sevennight I purpose, GOD willing, to set out for _New-York_. I wrote lately from _New-Town_, to Messrs. _Prince_, _W――――_, _R――――_, &c. but am apt to believe the packet has miscarried. I think to come by way of _Long-Island_, and to return by _Connecticut_. You will not be slack in getting all to pray for me, who am, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. _G. W._