CCCCLXXX. — To the Same.

Dear Joseph, London, December 26, 1780

You have great reason to be thankful to God; for he has dealt mercifully with you. And as long as you improve these outward blessings to the end for which they were given, so long they will be continued. But you have great need to be jealous over yourself, and to keep your heart with all diligence. You need all the power of God to preserve you from loving the creature more than the Creator.

Dr. Edwards is a dry, unpleasing writer: And probably his main design was, to justify God in damning all the Heathens as not having a spark of virtue among them. Peace be with you and yours!

I am

Yours affectionately.