_To Mr. B. and his wife at Bethesda._
_On board the Minerva, Feb. 17, 1741._ _Dear brother B――――_,
WHEN I left _Charles-Town_, the LORD seemed to give me a full assurance, that we should have a speedy passage.――We have hitherto had scarce any contrary winds, and are now very near the Western Islands. We had one storm the first week, but almost ever since have been favoured with weather as well as wind. O that you would call the family together, and praise the LORD for the mercies conferred on us the unworthiest of the sons of men! I do not know that I have failed praying for you one day, since I have been out. I long to hear what the LORD hath done for your souls. What say you? Do you live in love? Do you strive together with me in your prayers? Are any of the Orphan Lambs bleating after their great Shepherd? Is your mouth opened? Is your heart enlarged? Is your soul swallowed up in GOD? Does _Bethesda_ answer its name? Is it, indeed, an house of mercy? These questions, I hope to have answer’d in the affirmative. If you ask, how it is with my soul? Blessed be GOD, I can reply, “Very well.” The LORD gives me a feeling possession of himself. I have been enabled to compose _nine discourses_ for the press. GOD willing, you shall hear from me often. I write this, that I may be ready, if I should hear of any ship coming your way immediately upon my arrival; receive it as a token of my love, which GOD knows is unfeigned, from
Your affectionate brother and servant in CHRIST,