_To Dear A――――._
_Birmingham, October 13, 1753._
“HAVING loved his own, he loved them unto the end,” says the beloved disciple, concerning JESUS CHRIST. I would copy after this great exemplar, and have my love like his, steady and disinterested. Thus you have found, and I trust always will find my love to you. Works speak better than words. I am reposing the utmost confidence in you and yours. You are going to assist in a house, built in answer to millions of prayers, and which I doubt not, will prove a blessing to many that are now unborn. Look upon it in this light; think of the honour GOD is conferring upon you; then you will launch into the deep with a holy confidence, and when arrived at your wished for port, will behave with humility, disinterestedness, integrity and diligence. You need not ask any prayers, they will follow after you, though you should even fly upon the wings of the wind. I have pawned my word for your good behaviour in every respect, and hope to have my most sanguine expectations answered. Get but humility, and all will be well. I am satisfied about your passage and your room. You will remember, that GOD is about your bed, as well as your other paths, and take care to behave accordingly. To be a christian husband is no small matter. How much fresh grace is now necessary for your new state of life! Your sufficiency lives only in CHRIST. To his never-failing mercy do I commend you, and, for his great name’s sake, subscribe myself, dear _A――――_,
Your affectionate and ready friend,