William Ward, Nottingham, to a Mr. Showell, Deritend, Birmingham, 1 May 1799.

My dear Brother,

         I take the opportunity of dropping you a line from hence before I leave England, lest I should not be able to do it in London, where I expect to be this day week. Thank God, my spirits are still much higher than “much rain.” I have scarce any fears except lest we should not get safe to Mudnabatty with our Printing Press, which I suppose God has given to the church <–> in lieu of the power of working miracles. O pray for us in this behalf, that nothing may tear our printing-press from us, except a blessed cargo of Missionaries, viz.

                     Grant, his wife & 2 children.

                     Brunsden & his wife.

                     Miss Tidd.   

                     Ward & (possibly) his wife.

                     Marshman & his family.

Marshman wishes to go, but his case is not, that I know of, decided upon.

         Oh! for a propitious gale of prayer, to waft us into the bosom of our beloved brother Carey! I fancy I see your hands (a vestry full) lift up in prayer for us, while I am saying Amen to every petition – to every petition for the recovery of Brother Pearce – for the prosperity of your society – & for the whole church of God. O my brother, a thousand smiles from Jesus’ face tell us – praying-breath was never spent in vain. Your late prosperity as a church, no doubt, was in answer to the prayers of the founders of Cannon Street in its infant state – and whether your prayers bring Bro. Pearce well from Plymouth or not, yet it shall be said when you are dead, “our fathers prayed for us, and now the manna descends into our camp – & the little one becomes a thousand.”

         O live near to God, as in the bosom of a beloved friend – tread in his footsteps, for there is safety – keep open your ears to his whispers – for they are peace: but the confines of the world, & the savage din of controversalists – will drown the still small voice. Never be content for a single day without a clear evidence of all being well for eternity – without the smile of your heavenly Father in the sweetness of the promise. The religion of Jesus, remember, was given to comfort the humble, – tender-conscienced Xn. Antinomianism was invented to hush the upbraidings of conscience of lawless-noisy, & careless professors; & this is the reason why so many run after it. The Antinomian God is Moloch, & his followers, by gazing upon him, are transformed into his image.

         And now, my dear Brother, I commend you to our Saviour – “his heart is made of tenderness – his bowels melt with love.” This letter is addressed, with the warmest affection of the writer, to Mrs S. as well as to yourself.

         If you favour me with a line, direct to Mr Stennett, china man, Paternoster Row, London.

                                             W. Ward

Birmingham ^Nottingham^ May 1, 1799.

Address: Mr Showell | Grocer, Deritend | Birmingham

Postmark: none

Text: William Ward Letters, RG no. 1373, American Baptist Historical Society Archives, Atlanta.