tender thread of life be cut, our state will be unalterably and for
ever fixed; either to live with God, with angels, and glorified saints,
in heaven; or to dwell with devils, in the darkness and torments of
hell.

On these accounts your souls are, as I have already observed, very
precious, not only in the sight of God, but also to me. My brethren,
God is my record, how greatly I long after you all, in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.[Phil. i. 8.] Next to the salvation of own foul, nothing in
this world lies so near my heart, as the conversion and salvation of my
fellow creatures; and especially of you, over whom I am appointed more
immediately to watch, as one who must give an account [Heb. xiii. 17.].

And oh, my friends, if this affectionate, though plain address, should
answer my ardent wishes and prayers, if it should prove the happy
means of converting even one soul to God, I should indeed rejoice, as
one that findeth great spoil [Ps. cxix. 162.]. For once, at least,
endeavour to lift up your hearts with me in prayer to Almighty God, the
bountiful giver of all grace. He only can make this or any other means
effectual; and should it please Him of his abounding mercy to make a
saving impression upon your hearts, you will reap the happy fruits of it
in life, at death, and to eternity. Oh that the gracious spirit of the
Lord may open the eyes and the ears of all who may read or hear what I am
writing. May they who are asleep, awake! May they who are spiritually
dead, be made alive!

May backsliders from God be reclaimed! May every one be stirred
up to consider, What will become of him in another world! For who
amongst us can dwell with everlasting burnings? [Isa. xxxiii. 14.] Yet
such MUST be our lot, unless we repent. May the Lord God give, to each of