_To Mrs. L――――._
_Deal, July 5, 1748._
_Very dear and Honoured Mother_,
ARE you yet in the land of the living, or rather among the dead? shall I have the pleasure of receiving one more letter from you, and asking your blessing once more? Next post, I hope that the two former of these will be answered in the affirmative, and in a week or two I trust GOD will grant me the last. About a month ago I left the island of _Bermudas_, where my poor labours have been greatly blessed, and your unworthy son has been honoured with many honours. I am now come once more to see my friends in my native country, and settle some affairs, and then return to _America_ again. My dear yoke-fellow I have left behind, to take care of two families. I have been several times just upon the brink of eternity since I saw you, but am now a little recruited. O that my health and strength may be wholly employed for that JESUS who has done such great things for me! His blood and cross, my ever honoured mother, I trust are exceeding precious to your soul. O that I may see you laden with holiness, and bringing forth much fruit in your old age! I could say more, but have several other letters to write. As I know not how your outward affairs are situated, or where you live for a certainty, I can only send cordial and general salutations to all friends and relations. I hope you will be pleased to let me know whether you stand in need of any thing, and not cease to pray for, honoured mother,
Your ever dutiful though unworthy son, _G. W._