_To Mr. R―――― K――――n._
_Newcastle, 30 miles from Philadelphia, May 4, 1765._
_My dear Mr. K――――n_,
I AM just come here, in my way to embark from _Philadelphia_. But how shall I do it? Every where the door opens wider and wider. All along, from _Charles-Town_ to this place, the cry is, “for CHRIST’s sake stay and preach to us.” O for a thousand lives to spend for JESUS! He is good, he is good! His mercy endureth for ever. Help, help, my dear _English_ friends, to bless and praise Him. The letters by Captain _Ball_, I hear are sent from _Charles-Town_, in my trunk, to _Philadelphia_. I expect to receive them this evening. Thanks be to GOD, all outward things are settled on this side the water. The auditing the accounts, and laying a foundation for a college, hath silenced enemies and comforted friends. The finishing this affair confirms my call to _England_ at this time. But I have no manner of prospect of being able to serve the tabernacle and chapel. I cannot preach once now, without being quite exhausted. How then shall I bear the cares of both those places? But I must beg you and dear Mr. _H――――y_ to continue trustees when I am present, as well as in my absence. I wish that a ship was ready now, perhaps I may yet sail from _New-York_. I am praying night and day for direction. The word runs here, and is glorified. But the weather, for two days, hath been so hot, that I could scarce move. To-day it is much cooler. I dread the shaking of the ship. But if it shakes this tottering frame to pieces, it will be a trading voyage indeed. As Mr. _Blake_ is not mentioned in your last, I hope he is recovered. Death will do this for us all. Blessed be GOD, for enabling young Mr. _Beckman_ to face it so triumphantly! This must be a great cordial to the afflicted parents. That they, your dear relations, and all my tried friends, may be comforted yet more and more, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear Sir,
Yours, theirs, &c. &c. in JESUS,