_To Mr. B――――._
_Bristol, May 21, 1756._
_My dear Mr. B――――_,
THE first part of your letter made me smile: for what? Because I was glad to find you had such an enlarged heart, and at the same time imagined, that I could build two houses at a time. If the top-stone of one is brought forth, I shall think we have reason to shout unto it, Grace! grace! This I hope will be the happy lot of you and your young fellow-soldiers, in respect to your spiritual building. Remember, war is proclaimed; the sword is unsheathed; the devil, the world, and the flesh will dispute every inch of ground, and you must fight or die. Angels stand by to see the combat, and JESUS stands ready to make you more than conquerors through his love. Provoke then one another, but let it be to love and to good works. Take heed of a trifling spirit when together. It will hurt you, and by degrees rob you of true and holy joy. I thank you for remembering unworthy me. I am called to travel, you to trade for JESUS. Last week, I trust, was a good week. The Lord of the harvest is pleased to smile upon us here. I hope to be in town at the appointed time. I hope that dear Mr. _J――――_ prospers every day. Pray remember me to him, and your single circle, in the most tender manner, and believe me to be, my dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,