“What obligations am I under to you for the part you have taken, in leading my feet into the ways of peace! But, what infinitely greater obligations do I owe to the Friend of Sinners! That name, the ‘Friend of Sinners,’ endears the adorable Saviour to my soul; and gladly would I leave all things here below to see Him as he is, and love Him as I ought. But His time is best: and it is infinite condescension that He grants us here some visits of His love, and gives us to taste a blessedness begun. When I read your letter, I was almost ready to envy you the pleasure you must have enjoyed during your stay in London; but a little reflection reconciled me to my confined situation. Though you were feasted with spiritual dainties, yet unless your spiritual appetite was good you would pine in the midst of plenty; and, blessed be His name, where He creates an appetite, He will surely satisfy it, were it in a desert. ‘If Elijah wants food, ravens shall feed him.’... I have in general enjoyed much comfort in private, but my public duties have not brought me so much consolation. So much of self mixes with all I do, that it mars my peace; and, I fear, hinders the success of my labours; though it seems the highest presumption to limit the Almighty, or to suppose that a ‘potsherd of the earth’ should obstruct His designs. The Sunday preceding the Fast-day, I endeavoured to prepare the minds of the people for that occasion; and was happy to find that it was not without effect. The three churches were crowded. I took my text from Psalm lix. 1, 2. I have read lately two of the Homilies, ‘the Homily on the Misery of Man,’ and ‘the Homily on Salvation.’ By the advice of my father, I reserve the others for the festivals for which they are appointed. I hope this may have the effect of removing prejudice--the Lord grant it may! I can appeal to Him that my desires are to be useful in His vineyard. May that sovereign grace be magnified which has inspired the desire! Yesterday my father administered the Sacrament for me at Buckminster; the number of communicants was unusually large, though it is a time of the year in which the people do not usually attend in numbers. I hope this is a token for good, and an encouragement to persevere and wait the Lord’s time.... “My dear friend, forget me not at the throne of grace: thither I always bear you in my mind, and I have much need of your prayers, that I may have utterance given me to declare the mysteries of the Gospel. This is all that is worth living for, to make known the riches of Divine grace, and to be instrumental in winning souls to Christ. Yet, O what coldness and backwardness I feel even in this delightful service!...