_To the Reverend Mr. L――――._
_Bath-Town, North-Carolina, Oct. 11, 1747._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
IT has given me much concern, that I could not comply with your kind invitation to _Plymouth_, but providence plainly pointed my course another way. GOD only knows what a cross it was to me, to leave dear _New-England_ so soon. I hope death will not be so bitter to me, as was parting from my friends. Glad shall I be to be prayed thither again, before I see my native land. But future things belong to GOD. I would be just where he would have me, though it be in the uttermost parts of the earth. At present I am hunting after poor lost sinners in these ungospelized wilds. People are willing to hear, and blessed be the LORD of all lords, I am willing to preach. My body is yet weak. A little riding fatigues me; but he that has been, is, and I trust will be my strength, my support, and my guide even unto death. Dear Sir, continue to pray for me. I wish you much of the divine presence, and hope the LORD will yet make you a spiritual father to thousands. Be pleased to remember me in the kindest manner to dear Mr. _F――――_, and the whole circle of those reverend brethren, who dare confess CHRIST’s work, and CHRIST’s truths. I salute your whole large fire side, and am, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours, &c. _G. W._