“From my last you would, perhaps, expect to hear from me before this; which might have been the case, but that I received information, when in London, that the fleet does not sail for India before January next. It is not likely, therefore, that I shall leave this place [Stoke] before that time; unless, indeed, Mr. D. should meet with a curate to supply my place. He is now in London; and, as my engagement with him ceases at Martinmas, should he meet with any person at liberty to enter on the curacy, I cannot expect, nor do I desire, to continue longer. He returns this week, when it will be determined. On my way from London, I stopped at Cambridge, and read prayers for Mr. Simeon on the Thursday evening. It was highly gratifying to see very many gownsmen attentive hearers of God’s word. One might compare it to so many messengers waiting for instructions, with which they were about to post off in all directions. The Lord increase their number, and long continue Mr. Simeon at Cambridge, an invaluable blessing to the church and nation!--I feel some degree of regret at leaving [this place]; and, especially on account of some who manifest an attachment to the cause [of God], whilst yet they are far from being what I could wish them. I experience something of what the Apostle expressed towards his people, when he declared he ‘travailed in birth of them till Christ were formed in them.’ O that the Lord would ‘cut short his work in righteousness,’ that I might leave them with a prospect of rendering an account of them with joy! I reflect with much dissatisfaction on my conduct whilst among them: so little of the example of Christ, so little of warmth in public, so little of zeal in private, so much ignorance, and inexperience in stating the truths of God, that I fear lest their blood should be required at my hands: almost involuntarily my soul cries out, ‘Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O Lord, and my mouth shall sing aloud of thy righteousness!’ O the horrid wickedness of soul-murder! How infinitely valuable must that blood be, that can wash out so foul a stain! O may I ever experience its healing and cleansing power; and may the consideration of the richness and the fulness of redeeming love animate me to greater exertions, and fill my mouth with more exalted praises! Lord Jesus, let thy power rest upon me, and thy strength be perfected in my weakness! Out of the mouth of a babe and suckling in Divine knowledge, ordain praise and glory to Thyself! Let my dear friend say, ‘Amen,’ to these unconnected petitions; whilst, through grace, my prayers shall continue to ascend, that every needful gift and grace may be bestowed upon you, that you may be enriched with all spiritual knowledge and