_To the Rev. Mr. C――――, at Bath._
_On board the Mary and Ann, May 29, 1742._ _My very dear Friend and Brother_,
NOT want of love, but excess of business prevented my answering your kind letter dated _April 6th_. In _London_ I had scarce time to eat bread, or to take my natural rest. Our blessed Saviour, with his own right hand got himself the victory in many hearts, and brought mighty things to pass. I never saw the like before. I must renew my old request, “Help, my dear friend, help me to be thankful.” I am now going a second time to _Scotland_, and purpose, GOD willing, at the latter end of the year to embark for _America_. My soul is a thirst for the salvation of poor sinners. These words, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, &c.” have been particularly pressed upon my heart. O, dear Mr. _C――――_, if the LORD has accounted us worthy, putting us into the ministry, how careful should we be to make full proof thereof? GOD willing, when I come on shore I will begin in earnest. For alas! _hactenus nihil feci_.――Indeed I am ashamed of myself from the bottom of my heart. Was not my Master’s love like himself, _infinite_, I should have been cast off long before this time. But I find those whom he loves, he loves to the end. Mr. _W――――_, myself, and others, are instances of this. I hope our great Shepherd will now carry him in his arms, and not let him to stay again. I have wrote to Mr. _T――――_ from on board.――If you go to him, or labour elsewhere, that the blessed JESUS may be always with you, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. _C――――_,
Your most affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,