To Thomas Roberts Date: LONDON, February 12, 1789. DEAR TOMMY, You send me good news indeed. I congratulate you upon your deliverance. See letter of Jan. 18, 1788, to him. It is not a little one. Only He that is almighty was able to burst those bonds in sunder. Many years ago I was in exactly the same case; and just then, when I came to these words in the Lesson for the day, 'Son of man, behold I take from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke,' See letter of Feb. 14, 1786. I was quite stunned, and could not just then read a word more. But afterwards I saw God was wiser than me. It seems to me that you drew the right conclusion from this remarkable providence. Surely God does now give you a loud call to devote yourself to God in a single life. I advise you to read with much prayer the Notes on I Corinthians 7th. And remember the wise direction of Kempis, Book I. chap. viii. 'Avoid all good women, and commend them to God.' I am, dear Tommy, Your affectionate brother.