_To Mr. P――――._
_New-York, July 28, 1754._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
ONCE more, the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS hath brought me hither, and last night gave me an opportunity of recommending his dying love. When I ascended the pulpit, and found your place empty, I was somewhat affected; but I have met with so many changes in the church as well as the world, that it is time for me to begin to learn to be surprized at nothing. Some time next month, I hope to come as far as _Boston_. I know, my dear Sir, that you will pray, it may be in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of CHRIST. What is to befall me I know not; Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit! Fain would I be as clay in thy hands. LORD JESUS, when shall it once be? But I am a stubborn, ill and hell-deserving creature. Less than the least of all, shall be my motto still. Amazing,――that the Redeemer should suffer such a wretch to speak or travel for him. Surely his name and nature is Love. O that I could but begin to begin to love him! My obligations increase daily. In _England_ the word of the LORD runs and is glorified indeed. _Georgia_ and _Bethesda_ I left in growing circumstances. The orphan-family now consists of one hundred and six, black and white. A young man that hath been a student there, succeeds Mr. _S――――_ of _Charles-Town_. O that the Redeemer may provide for the dear _New-York_ people! The residue of the spirit is in his hands. LORD JESUS, make their extremity thy opportunity to help and relieve them! But I shall weary you, and detain you too long from more important work. May the great head of divine influence bless you and yours, and all your present flock! Some of them I know. If you should see dear Mr. _P――――_ or _F――――_, be so good as to remember me to them, in the most respectful manner.――I intreat their prayers for a poor but willing pilgrim, and am, reverend and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy brother and servant in our common LORD,