My Lord, I now wonder no longer at the choice of Moses. Well might he count the reproach of Christ of more value than all the riches of Egypt. God forbid, therefore, that you or I should henceforth glory, save in the cross of Christ. It will be more honour to be a suffering servant of Christ, than to be the king's commissioner. Your Lordship will pardon this freedom. Methinks I hear you say, "There is no comparison." Indeed there is none. I would not change my post for ten thousand kingdoms. Blessed be God, that has given you a distant view of the emptiness of all things here below, and the insufficiency of every thing to make us happy besides God. May these things be realized, and stamped upon your Lordship's heart! Then what a happy creature will your Lordship be? How will it rejoice me to see your Lordship next Spring. I know not but my friends prayers may draw me there, about that time. In the mean while, I pray God from time to time to grant you a growth of grace, that you may know what it is to abide in God, and have a constant indwelling of the Holy Ghost. I rejoice to hear that lady Ann seems to look heavenward. May Jesus make her a wise virgin! For her encouragement, I have sent an extract of a letter lately sent to me by a friend in London; and that your Lordship may know how it is with me, I have sent a copy of a letter I wrote to that friend a day or two ago. Last night I came hither, and preached this afternoon. I purpose shortly to go to Gloucester, Bristol, Wiltshire, and so to London. The church there as well as elsewhere flourishes. The time for favouring Zion, I believe, is indeed come. You see, my Lord, how long my letters are, when I have freedom and leisure. I have thought several times to write to your Lordship, but was restrained till I received your Lordship's letter this morning. Be pleased to direct your next to be left with Mr. P— S, Leadenhall-street, London. My prayers shall follow this. O may Jesus breath upon it, and then it must be blessed to your soul! I heartily and humbly salute the elect lady your wife.—May you both be filled with all the fulness of God! My dear wife and Mr. S join heartily with me. We all plead at the throne of grace in your behalf, and God alone
