_To Mr. R――――._
_Oulney, Sept. 4, 1748._
_Very dear Sir_,
THOUGH I am on my journey to _Scotland_, yet I must stop a little by the way to answer your kind letter dated in _July_ last. It brought strange things to my ears, and it made me smile. You know, dear Sir, what has often passed between you and me, upon that point, loving honour. Some persons being forced as it were to accept of government places, are like other persons saying _nolo episcopare_, when, it may be, they have been making interest for a bishoprick many years. You know how to make the application. However, GOD may over-rule this for good, and if you could get the government of ―――― (though in asking for it, you know not what you ask) it might be of service to _New-England_ many ways. But, dear Sir, what can I do in it? I have no interest at court, and supposing I had, you have directed me to no means, neither hath any person been with me concerning it. Be pleased therefore to inform me of particulars. Let Mr. _S――――_ instruct me what steps are to be taken, and if I can be of any service, you may command me. I thank you, dear Sir, for your kind invitation, and if you are to be exalted, I pray the LORD of all Lords to fit and qualify you for, and support you under it. You will not forget to give my most cordial salutations to all my dear _New-England_ friends. I pray for them, you, and yours, and am, very dear Sir, with repeated thanks for all favours,
Yours most affectionately in CHRIST JESUS, _G. W._