_On board the Elizabeth going to the Downs, August 16, 1739._ _Dear Mr. ――――_,
I Thank GOD for his goodness to brother _Howell Harris_. I thank you for informing me of it. The storm is diverted for a while, but I expect it to break upon my head one time or another. GOD has, for a while, prepared me a place of refuge in the ship, from whence I write this. Oh beseech him, that I may improve the retirement by searching out my spirit. I have almost forgot, that I was in the world. My family on board is quite settled, and we live and love like christians. GOD only knows where you and I shall meet again; whether in time or eternity. However, this we know, that both must be tried to the uttermost. Inward and outward afflictions await us, and all the children of GOD. I am now reading the book of martyrs. They make me blush to think how little I suffer for CHRIST’s sake. They warm my heart, and make me think the time long till I am called to resist even unto blood: But I fear the treachery of this heart of mine. Dear Mr. ――――, to your past, add one more favour, “pray that I may be found faithful.” I trust I shall have a sweet remembrance of you and my other dear friends, when I go in and out before the LORD. Salute them most affectionately. Exhort them, oh exhort them to continue in the grace of GOD; and forget not to write to, dear Mr. ――――,
Yours most affectionately in our dear LORD JESUS,