Chapter I: AM much obliged to you for your apostolical letter, and for the truly

christian joy you express for my baby’s happiness. That I have felt all that the greatest sensibility of temper is capable of feeling on such an occasion, is certain: but here has been my great comfort, that, in every thing which concerned the child, I have had neither will nor wish of my own. He was peculiarly dedicated to God, even before he was born: and _since_, he has been daily, nay almost hourly offered up; and that not in word only, but in truth: and as it has pleased God to accept him as a sacrifice, rather than as a servant, I have nothing to say, but “thy will be done!” If I could have seen you, or any of my Christian friends at this time, when all the finest springs of human nature were on the rack, it would have been a great satisfaction; but it pleased God to with-hold all creature comfort from me; and though his own arm sustained me, it was in a manner not sensibly perceived by my soul: *so that I had the great blessing of bearing something of the _cross_. And this I look upon to be a particular blessing to me, because I have been so wholly led by love, that before this, I knew but very little of what it was to _suffer_ the will of God. In short, every dispensation of my heavenly Father towards me, is nothing but mercy and unbounded goodness. I _see_ and I _adore_.――The Lord Jesus bless and preserve you in body, soul, and spirit. Fail not to pray for,

_Your obliged and affectionate_,

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_Monday, December 22, 1755._

_Dear Sir_,