_To Mr. M――――._
_London, March 10, 1753._
_My dear Mr. M――――_,
I AM glad you have had such good times. I was grieved that Mr. _E――――_ was taken from _London_, because Mr. _M――――_ was taken ill, and a carnal preacher put up in his room. But GOD’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. Let this consideration reconcile you to my not preaching at Mr. _B――――_’s. I went as far as Mrs. _S――――_’s, but so many things occurred, that I went no further. You may hear more when we meet again. I have preached at _Spitalfields_ chapel twice. Both the Mr. _W――――_s are agreed, as the younger brother writes me word, in answer to my letter. Let brotherly love continue! I do not like writing against any body, but I think, that wisdom which dwells with prudence, should direct you not to fill Mr. _W――――s_ people (who expect you will serve them) with needless jealousies. He that believeth doth not make haste.――I therefore wait, being assured of this, that every plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted out. I hope to see the time, when you will talk less of persons and things, and more of Him, who is the common head of his whole mystical body. This, and this alone can make and keep you steady in yourself, and extensively useful to others. I am glad you know when persons are justified. It is a lesson I have not yet learnt. There are so many stony-ground hearers that receive the word with joy, that I have determined to suspend my judgment, till I know the tree by its fruits. You will excuse this freedom. I love you with a disinterested love, I only wish you may be happy in JESUS. This will make you see things with new eyes, and give you such a freedom of heart as is unspeakable, and full of glory. For the present I must bid you adieu. That the LORD of all Lords may confirm, strengthen, stablish, and settle you in his love, is the earnest prayer of, my dear Mr. _M――――_,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,