_To Doctor S――――._
_Ashby, May 11, 1750._
_My Dear Doctor_,
HOW do you? I have thought of, and prayed for you much, since we
parted from _Northampton_. Now I believe is the time in which the ax is
to be laid at the very root of the tree. How wonderfully doth the LORD
JESUS watch over you? How sweetly does he lead you out of temptation!
O follow his leadings, my dear friend, and let every, even the most
beloved _Isaac_, be immediately sacrificed for GOD. Kindness is cruelty
here. Had _Abraham_ consulted either _Sarah_ or his affections, he
never would have taken the knife to slay his son. GOD’s law is our
rule, and GOD will have all the heart or none. _Agags_ will plead, but
they must be hewn in pieces. May the LORD strengthen, stablish, and
settle you! Good Lady _H――――n_ was much rejoiced to hear that you had
been without the camp. May you quit yourself like a man, and in every
respect behave like a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST! Her ladyship is
very weak, but I hope will yet be spared to do much good on earth. O
the happiness of giving up all for CHRIST, who hath given himself for
us. The LORD be with you!
I am yours to command,
_G. W._