London, July 5, 1798

MY DEAR SIR,

IT seems I wrote the 2d April, yet it does not seem so long to me. Mr. Grimshaw is no hindrance. I have not touched him for more than a twelvemonth past. I hope to take him with me to Southampton, (if the Lord permits ine to go thither as I propose in about a fortnight,) and, if possible, to finish Mr. Grimshaw while I am there. The truth is, business and years increase together. I have more to do than formerly, and cannot do so much. But I need not apologize to you, because whoever falls short, you are served. I have no correspondent to whom I write so many and such long letters as to yourself.

I have so many good friends call upon me from Scotland, that the idea of Mr. Miller is lost in the groupe. I remember his name but no 12 more. I trust we shall know each other better when we meet again.

I find Lady L*** is gone home: but your dependence, for support to your plans, was upon the Lord, not upon a lady. I trust he will find ways and means to enable you to go on. Whoever dies Jesus lives. Remember Professor Frank, and what he did without any fund; he lived by faith from day to day, from hand to mouth. He trusted in the Lord, and was not ashamed.

I call the latter part of your letter a gospel newspaper, and it really contains much good news. A fig for names and forms, if the truth is preached, and sinners are converted.

Yesterday brought me an acceptable letter from Captain H***. As it is the first, I wish to answer it speedily, and having a little time at command,” I must, as they say, rob Peter to pay Paul, and break off from you abruptly, to attend upon him. I shall be glad if you can find your way to London, provided you do not come till towards the middle of September, if I go to Southampton.

Wherever you are, I hope, pray, and believe the Lord will be with you, and I humbly trust he will likewise mercifully be with,

Yours affectionately,

J. N.