New-York! Pray let your mourning be turned into praise, and give thanks to the Lord of all lords in behalf of your unworthy friend. You are my old friend. I have loved thee, and do love thee with a peculiar love. May the Lord increase thee more and more, even thee and thy children! I send you and yours most cordial salutations. We set out, God willing, to-morrow on our southern journey. I have good news from the Orphan-house, and my new Plantation. Some negroes are brought under conviction. Mr. B was well the latter end of July. I shall take care of his father's letter. My dear yoke-fellow intends writing to you soon. In the mean while accept hearty love from, yours as usual,
G. W.
LETTER DCXV. To Mrs. S, at New-York.
Philadelphia, Sept. 6, 1747.
SHALL I promise and not perform? God forbid. I must then drop a line to my afflicted friend. How is your little one? Is it yet languishing? Is it quite emaciated and panting for breath? Or is it gone into the world of spirits? Whatever be your answer, I am ready to reply, Remember your father Abraham; how chearfully did he offer up his dear Isaac, his son, whom he loved? How kindly did the Lord take it at his hands? Go thou and do likewise. If Jesus hath restored it to you, nurse it for him; pray to him continually for grace, to order it aright, and learn how soon God may imbitter the dearest comforts to us. Happy, happy they, who can lean on and trust in Jesus, whilst they are going through this howling wilderness, this world of woe. I trust you are one of these happy ones. O free grace! Sovereign, electing, distinguishing love! You will join with me in saying, "Why me, Lord, why me?" I could enlarge. Whilst I am writing, the fire kindles; but my Master's business calls me away. He is with me here. Remember the Pilgrims. My dear yoke-fellow is gone forward; perhaps I may follow this week. I desire to be remembered in the kindest manner to dear Mr. S P, wife, and all friends. I thank them and you a thousand times for all favours, and am, dear Mrs. S,
Your affectionate and willing servant for Christ's sake,
G. W.
