I WAS this morning (though unseen by you) present at your sermon on the _public_ worship of God, and sat impatiently, expecting and longing to hear that name mentioned, by which alone cometh salvation. Surely, thought I, when all his heathen and moral motives are done, I shall at last hear him urge that _best_ and _most_ prevailing motive to our joining together in the praise of God, the exceeding riches of his mercy to us in Jesus Christ. But alas! How were my expectations frustrated? And how did my heart sink when the sermon was ended!――If there is any faith to be given, either to the words or behaviour of man, you are a _Christian_. But what did you say _here_, more than _Socrates_ might have said? You will pardon my boldness; God knows the sincerity of my heart, when I protest, that it is only from a motive of love to your soul, and the souls of those which hear you, that I write with such freedom. Give me leave then to ask, Have you, for your own soul in particular, found redemption through the blood of Christ? I have all the reason imaginable, from your sweet conversation, to believe that you have. But how is it then that you could preach _one_ such sermon as this? Oh search well into your own heart. Is there not some root of bitterness remaining, some evil shame, which renders you thus inconsistent? Had I not heard you myself, I could not have thought it possible, for you to have preached in this manner, after the glorious things you have said to me. You have called me friend. Take this letter as the highest proof of friendship I could possibly give you. Is it not so, for your sake to run the hazard of being thought _bold_ and _assuming_? If you are offended, tell me so _plainly_, but at the same time _freely_ forgive me; and believe me, with the sincerest wishes for your present usefulness and everlasting happiness, _Your ever obliged and affectionate Friend_, **** * * * * * To the Rev. Mr. W****. _December 25, 1754._ _Dear Sir_,