_To Mr. C――――._
_London, June 7, 1755._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
JUST now I was informed that the bag is to be taken away this afternoon; hurried therefore as I am, you must have a few lines.――And why? Because I love and honour you for JESUS CHRIST’s sake. Will it not rejoice you to hear that his glorious gospel gets ground apace. Several of the clergy, both in town and country, have been lately stirred up to preach CHRIST crucified, in the demonstration of the spirit and with power. This excites the enmity of the old serpent, which discovers itself in various shapes. The greatest venom is spit out against Mr. _R――――n_, who having been reputed a great scholar, is now looked upon and treated as a great fool; because made wise himself, and earnestly desirous that others also should be made wise to eternal salvation. Methinks I hear you say, O happy folly! May this blessed leaven diffuse and spread itself through the whole nation! The prospect is promising. Many students at _Oxford_ are earnestly learning CHRIST. Dear Mr. _H――――y_ hath learnt and preached him some years; his loving and truly catholic heart chearfully complied with the motion about your future correspondence. As for myself, I can only say “that less than the least of all,” must be my motto still. I labour but feebly, and yet, O amazing condescension! JESUS owns and succeeds such feeble labours. People still continue to flock to the gospel, like doves to the windows. Next week I begin to take my country range. Be so good, my dear Sir, to add to my obligations, by continuing to remember a poor but willing pilgrim, and to salute all my dear friends as they come in your way. I hope, Mr. _A――――_ (to whom I send cordial respects) goes hand in hand with you, striving together for the faith and the practice of the gospel.――Glorious strife this! I do not forget the books I promised to look out for.――I have spoken to Mr. _H――――_, but he says they are very difficult to be procured. I would write to the Chief Justice, but suppose he is at the northward. Will you be pleased to accept of my _Lisbon_ letters, to be disposed of as you think proper? My little communion-book is not yet come out. GOD be praised, that there is a time coming when we shall need books and ordinances no more, but shall be admitted into an uninterrupted communion and fellowship with the blessed Trinity for evermore. The LORD ripen us for that blissful state! I must bid you farewel. Be pleased to excuse the length of this, as being occasioned by the love unfeigned which is due to you from, reverend and dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,