_To Mr. D――――._
_Northampton, October 7, 1753._
WHAT! have the birds of prey been pursuing, pecking at, and wounding one of CHRIST’s doves? Come, my dear man, play the man, be strong in the grace which is in CHRIST JESUS, and be not like a silly dove that hath no heart. Look to him, and you shall be saved;
He will give strength, he will give power, He will in time set free.
These enemies which so perplex us, ere long, blessed be GOD, we shall see no more. _Pharaoh_ and his host shall be drowned in the sea.
Through CHRIST we shall Break through them all, And sing the song of Moses.
Courage then, my dear Mr. _D――――_; CHRIST’s blood shall yet purge out all remaining gall. Alas! alas! how little do we know of our hearts? What feathers are we, when tossed in the wind of temptations? What greater and greater abominations shall we find, when the spirit leads us more and more into the chambers of imagery that are within us! We shall find, that, comparatively speaking, we know nothing as we ought to know. O my ignorance! my ignorance! My leanness, my leanness! Pray for me, dear Mr. _D――――_, and salute all dear friends in my name. I will write as soon as I can. My stay in _London_ was but short, yet I trust profitable and sweet to many. The new tabernacle was filled with GOD’s glory under the word preached, on the letter day, and at sacrament. I am now bound for _Staffordshire_; follow me with your prayers, and believe me to be
Your affectionate sympathizing friend, in our dear LORD,