Blackfriars, December 27, 1770

My dear Friend: — Having an opportunity of sending a line in Mr, B ’s trunk,

which I had out of Mr, Whitefield’s study, I could not help wishing you a happy new year. Happy in Jesus; happy in growing intimacy with him. I have enjoyed a little of it, and it is, indeed, heaven upon earth.

O for more of it at K in seventy-one

than ever before!

Acquaint dear Mr, I m, that at last,

with great difficulty, I have settled this affair. Christmas is a casting-up time with booksellers. The whole of what I have paid is only a small sum.

Expect peace only a little while. You see, lest you should be lifted up above measure, thorns grow with roses. One, two, three trials, come along with the good news

of success about K. It is not your rest.

Thank God, it is not. You are not at home.

Get ready to go when your Father calls you.

Somebody must follow Miss B. Who

can tell, but God, whether it is you or some of her sisters? O be prepared! The door is open, step into the ark; there death cannot hurt or frighten. St. Dunstan calls! farewell. Blessings on you and yours. Thank Mr. M for all his kind expressions. I give them their value. Pray for yourSj in Jesus, W. R.