_To Mr. R―――― K――――n._
_Portsmouth, New Hampshire, September 23, 1770._
_My very dear Friend_,
YOUR letters, of _May 2_ and _22_, came to hand. _New-York_ packet is always the surest and most centrical medium of conveyance. Before I left _Boston_, on _Friday_ afternoon, I left a large packet in the hands of a young man, who promised to deliver it to you safely. You and Mr. _H――――y_ may peruse all, and communicate what you think proper. By this time I thought to be moving southward. But never was greater importunity used to detain me longer in these northern parts. Poor _New-England_ is much to be pitied; _Boston_ people most of all. How falsely misrepresented! What a mercy, that our _christian charter_ cannot be dissolved! Blessed be GOD for an unchangeable JESUS! You will see, by the many invitations, what a door is opened for preaching his everlasting gospel. I was so ill on _Friday_, that I could not preach, though thousands were waiting to hear. Well, the day of release will shortly come,¹ but it does not seem yet; for, by riding sixty miles, I am better, and hope to preach here to-morrow. I trust, my blessed Master will accept of these poor efforts to serve him. O for a warm heart; O to stand fast in the faith, to quit ourselves like men, and be strong! May this be the happy experience of you and yours! I suppose letters are gone for me, in _Anderson_, to _Georgia_. If spared so long, I expect to see it about _Christmas_. Still pray and praise. I am so poorly, and so engaged when able to preach, that this must apologize for not writing to more friends. It is quite impracticable. Hoping to see all dear friends about the time proposed, and earnestly desiring a continued interest in all your prayers, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear, very dear Sir,
Less than the least of all,