"Epworth,
"We both complain of not having often heard from each other. What foundation there is for com- plaints on your side I know not ; but I am apt to suspect you have written more letters to me than I have received, for you lately sent one that never came to my hands, though I was advertised of some part of the contents of it, as of you having received the Sacrament, at which I was greatly pleased, and that you desire some directions how to resist temptations, and some particular advice how to prepare for the reception of the blessed Communion. ***** "Of temperance in recreation I shall say little. I do not know what time is assigned you for it, and I think your health and studies require that you should take a pretty deal of exercise. You know whether your heart be too much set upon it. If it be, I will tell you what rule I observed in the same case when I was young and too much addicted to childish diversions, which was this : never to spend more time in any matter of recreation in one day than I spent in private religious duties. I leave it to your consideration whether this is practicable by you or not. I think it is.
"I am so ill, and have with so much pain written this long letter, that I gladly hasten to a conclusion, and shall leave your request about the Sacrament unanswered till I hear from you; and then, if I am in a condition to write, I will gladly assist you as well as I can. May God, in His infinite mercy, direct you in all things.
