Chapter I: AM much obliged to you for your letter to me; and if it will increase

your joy to know that I love my Saviour more than _health_, or _light_, or _life_, be assured that I do; and that I should think myself the most ungrateful and vile of all creatures if I did not. It is my constant and earnest desire every day, nay every hour, to increase in the knowledge and love of God, and to be saved not only from the guilt, but also from the power of sin. I know that the grace of God through Christ is sufficient for me; I know that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin; and I know (blessed be God for giving me that knowledge) that I _have_ redemption through his blood, even the _forgiveness_ of my sins. Think now, what a wretch I should be, if I did not love this Redeemer, and if I did not wish above all things to be conformed to his image?――And in consequence of my thus loving God because he first loved me, I love every creature which God has made, and every soul of man, without any regard had to sects, names, or parties. The _Moravian_ church, though I am certain at this time it is over-run with _dreadful errors_, I love, pity, and pray for. Oh may the God of love and unbounded mercy, convince and restore it!――I thank you for the glorious advice you give me, of “living very near the cross:” _there_ is life indeed! Life freely given, to every soul that seeks it. And that you and I may ever partake of this life, is the hearty wish of, your

****

* * * * *

To the Rev. Mr. ****.

_November 30, 1755._

_Dear Sir_,