_To Miss R――――._
_On board the Mary and Ann, July 25, 1741._ _Dear Miss_,
A Few hours ago I came on board. To shew that you are in my mind, I employ some of my first leisure time in answering your letter. The condition you are in now, ought not to make you think that JESUS CHRIST has cast you off, and that it will be presumption in you to believe on him. The LORD is now shewing you, that you are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked, and such only are the persons that think they want his almighty aid. I fear you look too much into yourself, and from thence are discouraged. Whereas you should look directly to CHRIST, and come to him in all your blood. You will always fly from him, as long as you count him your enemy. But do not think so hardly of him; JESUS is the sinner’s friend. O how doth his bowels yearn towards you! Are you made willing to be made whole? CHRIST invites and commands you to come to him; venture then upon him. If you never have believed yet, it is time for you to believe _now_. “LORD, give me faith!” for faith is the free gift of GOD . What if your heart be hard, JESUS can soften it. What if you have yet no marks of your election? surely you dare not say, “You are not elected,” or that CHRIST hath not died for you, even for you. It is, indeed, a bad thing to have only notions in the head, and no solid experience in the heart. But it is a good thing to be convinced of this. Blessed be GOD, who hath given you to bewail it. Look upon this as a token for good.――Trust not to means; when they are taken from you, CHRIST can and will work without them. The LORD may bring you help in a way, and at a time you know not of. Your extremity shall be GOD’s opportunity. If the LORD vouchsafes to bless this letter in the least degree to your comfort, it will much rejoice the heart of, dear Miss,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,