July 22, 1766

My very dear Friend: — I am wishing for your prosperity in body and soul, but above all that your soul may prosper: and it is in the most thriving state when you are lowest and vilest in your own eyes, and Jesus alone is eyed and esteemed. This is growth. As self is kept down, so is Jesus exalted. Oh, what views have I of this manner of growing in grace! Let me talk to you freely of it at our next meeting, as I have learned it not from books, but from God’s Word, and God’s teaching.

I am learning, though dull, how to eye him in all things: as it is my privilege, so I find it my happiness; but, alas! alas! I am a miserable learner. However, I set out afresh, and resolve not to give over aiming at my lesson. Do ever so well, I would do better, for I see in him worlds of beauty and glory, which will take up a long eternity to study, and, what is best of all, to enoy. To my dear, dearest Jesus, I commend you and all yours. I am, very sincerely, yours in the common Lord, W. R.