_To Mr. J―――― B――――._
_On board the Minerva, Feb. 16, 1741._ _Dear Mr. B――――_,
YOUR name, _Jonathan_, puts me in mind of a good old testament worthy. Follow him in his faith, and dare to scale the wall of the _Philistines_. Be not afraid, though already bound over as a _libeller_; shortly you shall shine in the kingdom of your Father; I say, your Father; for GOD is your GOD, and will be your guide and guard unto death. Does not this astonish you? Do not you feel your heart melt? Are you not ready to cry out, “Why me, LORD?” The oftener you repeat such language the better. I love to see a soul lie in the dust under a sense of electing love; you and yours have been highly favoured. May GOD give you all grace to walk worthy of the holy vocation wherewith you are called. I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Though not present, yet I fain would converse with you. O that I may see you grown in grace! Remember me to your wife. The LORD be with you both: He hath been, he is now with me. You are often upon my heart. GOD reward you for your kindness to the Orphans. Do not slack your hands towards them. Our bountiful master will richly reward you. Go on steadily in the use of, but do not trust in ordinances. You know what I mean. Be steady and bold, yet meek and catholic in your conversation and practice; and if GOD hath influenced you by my ministry, give him the glory, and for CHRIST’s sake pray for
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,