all friends. Perhaps I may see you yet before I die. God is delivering me out of my embarrassments by degrees. With
the collection made at Charles-Town, I have purchased a plantation and some slaves, which I intend to devote to the use of Bethesda. When a sufficient fund for the future support of that house is raised, so that it may not lie as a dead weight upon me when absent, I shall think my call clearer to England. At present I have full work here; the congregations yesterday were exceeding large, and for this month past I have been preaching to thousands in different places. I am sick and well, as I used to be in England; but the Redeemer fills me with comfort, and gives me to rejoice in his salvation day by day. I am determined in his strength to die fighting, and to go on till I drop. He is a Jesus worth dying for. Once more, remember us to all. We remember you, and am, as much as as ever, dear Mr. H ,
Your affectionate friend, brother and willing servant in Christ, G. W.
LETTER DXCVII. To Mr. J
S .
Very dear Sir, Philadelphia, June 4, 1747.
YESTERDAY I received your very kind and judicious letter. In answer to it, must inform you, that in all probability I shall once more see my dear New-England friends this summer. I suppose it will be some time in July. At present my whole frame of nature seems to be shocked.—I have had several returns of my convulsions, and have almost always a continual burning fever. With great regret I have omitted preaching one night (to oblige my friends,) and purpose to do so once more, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me: for the Lord, though my body is so weak, causes my soul to rejoice exceedingly. Letters from England refreshed me; all of them call me home loudly. May Jesus direct my steps! I am poor and needy, but the Lord I am persuaded will be my helper. Outward affairs when I am weak pull me down; but the Lord can and will raise and keep me up.—I preach here