_Stroude, November 27, 1753._
_Dear Mrs. C――――_,
YOUR letter came to my hands at _Wrexham_, but being upon the road I could not answer it. What said GOD to _Abraham_, “Fear not; I will be thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.” Now is your time to approve yourself his daughter.――My heart’s desire and prayer to the LORD of all Lords is, that you may be strong in faith, and thereby give glory to GOD.――I am much obliged to those who dissuade you from going.――I find most love to be friends till they begin to have their _Isaacs_ demanded.――Let them have but a little patience: perhaps I may embark myself.――If they do not think it a privilege to go for CHRIST over the waters, I do.――This, even this is the language of my heart,
LORD, obediently I’ll go, Gladly leaving all below; Only Thou my leader be, And I still will follow Thee.
O for a pilgrim heart! This I believe GOD hath given you, and I do not fear repenting the confidence I have reposed in you.――That the LORD may make you a mother in _Israel_, and bless you in taking care of his dear lambs, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mrs. _C――――_,
Your most assured friend and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,