_To Mr. G. H._
_Oxon, July 18, 1734._ _Dear Sir_,
HAVING heard the melancholy news of your brother’s death, I could not help sending you a line, to let you know how much I am concerned. Indeed, I cannot say, I am so much grieved on his account, as for that sorrow, which the loss of so valuable a youth must necessarily occasion to all his relations. No! I rather envy him his blessed condition. He, unquestionably is divinely blessed, whilst we are still left behind to wrestle with unruly passions, and by a continued looking unto JESUS and running in our christian race, to press forward to that high prize, of which he, _dear Youth_, is now in full fruition. These are my true sentiments about his death; I leave you to judge then, whether I had need be concerned on his account; and surely was it to be put to your choice, whether so religious a young man should live or die, no one could be so cruel, as to wish to detain him from his wished-for glory. Be not then too much concerned at his death, but let us rather learn that important lesson, which his whole life taught us: “That there is nothing comparable to an early piety.” I thought to have spent many agreeable hours with him in christian and edifying conversation, when I came to _Gloucester_; but he is gone to more agreeable company, and long before now has joined the heavenly choir.
I shall only add, that as your brother imitated our blessed SAVIOUR in his life, so I pray GOD, he may resemble him in his death, and be a means, like his beloved Redeemer, of reconciling all former animosities, which is the hearty wish of, dear Sir,
Your sincere friend and humble servant,