_To the Rev. Mr. C――――, in Boston._
_On board the Minerva, Feb. 26, 1741._ _Reverend and dear Sir_,
ACCEPT a few lines from one, who desires feelingly to stile himself, less than the least of all. I hope you received my packet from _Charles-Town_: What happened to me there, was only an earnest of future trials. GOD hath blessed the reading of the prophecy of the prophet _Jeremiah_ to my soul; as also the history of _Joseph_, and hath let me see more into the covenant of redemption between the Father and the Son: I am more and more in love with the _good old Puritans_; I am pleased at the thoughts of sitting down hereafter with the venerable _Cotton_, _Norton_, _Elliot_, and that great cloud of witnesses, which first crossed the Western ocean for the sake of the gospel, and faith once delivered to the saints. At present, my soul is so filled, that I can scarce proceed. Dear Sir, GOD is with me of a truth; he now gives me a feeling possession of himself: I bless his holy name for sending me to sea; it is profitable both for soul and body. I find the Psalmist’s words to be true, “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him.” O that I may walk humbly with my GOD! The language of my soul is this:
_Correct me when I go astray, And lead me in thy perfect way._
And now, dear Mr. _C――――_, I have in some measure unbosomed my heart. What shall I say more? Pray for me both in public and private; give thanks, as well as pray, especially for the mercies of this voyage. Dear Sir, adieu till I come on shore, which I hope will be very speedily, being now in soundings; then you shall hear again, GOD willing, from
Your truly affectionate friend, brother, and servant,