_To Mr. S――――._
_Rhode-Island, November 22, 1754._
_My very dear Friend_,
YESTERDAY as I was riding along, I felt a love for you, which only friends experience, and was determined to write to you immediately. In the evening my faithful _Gaius_ Mr. _S――――_ brought your kind letter, which I now take the first opportunity of answering. But what shall I say? What you have heard is more than true. A more effectual door I never saw opened, than lately at _Boston_, and indeed in every place where I have been in _New-England_; not a hundredth part can well be told you. With great difficulty I am got to this place, where people, as I am informed, are athirst to hear the word of GOD. I shall therefore stay, GOD willing, till _Monday_, and then set forward to _Connecticut_ in my way to _New-York_, which I hope to reach in about a fortnight. O that you may see me grown in grace, and humbled under a sense of those amazing mercies which I have received during this expedition! It seems to me to be the most important one I was ever employed in. Much, yea very much have I to tell you when we meet. I wish for the season, and entreat you in the mean while not to forget me at his throne, who alone can uphold me with his right hand. O what a friend is JESUS! A friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is indeed the pilgrim’s stay and staff; few choose to try him in such a station. This be my happy lot! I write this at Mr. _C――――_’s who hath lately buried his wife. What a changing world! Thanks be to GOD for an unchangeable CHRIST! To his most tender and never-failing mercy, do I most earnestly commend both you and yours, and hoping ere long to see you, and rejoice together in our common Lord, I subscribe myself, very dear Mr. _S――――_,
Yours, &c.