_To Doctor S――――._
_Ashby, May 11, 1750._
_My Dear Doctor_,
HOW do you? I have thought of, and prayed for you much, since we parted from _Northampton_. Now I believe is the time in which the ax is to be laid at the very root of the tree. How wonderfully doth the LORD JESUS watch over you? How sweetly does he lead you out of temptation! O follow his leadings, my dear friend, and let every, even the most beloved _Isaac_, be immediately sacrificed for GOD. Kindness is cruelty here. Had _Abraham_ consulted either _Sarah_ or his affections, he never would have taken the knife to slay his son. GOD’s law is our rule, and GOD will have all the heart or none. _Agags_ will plead, but they must be hewn in pieces. May the LORD strengthen, stablish, and settle you! Good Lady _H――――n_ was much rejoiced to hear that you had been without the camp. May you quit yourself like a man, and in every respect behave like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST! Her ladyship is very weak, but I hope will yet be spared to do much good on earth. O the happiness of giving up all for CHRIST, who hath given himself for us. The LORD be with you!
I am yours to command, _G. W._