_To Mr. J―――― H――――, at Bethesda._
_London, Nov. 12, 1742._ _My dearest Friend and Brother in a crucified JESUS_,
HOW do I long to come over to see you, and the rest of my dear family? How do I long to hear how it is with your dear souls, and that you are returned to _Bethesda_ in safety! The cloud seems now to be moving toward _America_. I trust I shall be with you in a few months. Wonderful great things did the LORD perform for me and his people in _Scotland_. The concern expressed at my departure, was really unspeakable. O my dear, my very dear brother, the love of GOD to such an unworthy wretch quite amazes me. I rode post, and came here in rather less than five days from _Edinburgh_ on _Saturday_ last, and here seems to be a new awakening. We have been obliged to enlarge the tabernacle. The LORD’s glory does indeed appear in it. Dear brother _H――――_ has been sent with a sweet searching commission. Brother _C――――_ is much blest in _Wiltshire_. The word runs and is glorified in _Wales_, and GOD is raising some fresh witnesses of the power of his dear Son’s blood in _Gloucestershire_. Blessed are the eyes that see the things that we see. GOD doth greatly countenance us indeed. O free grace! O electing love! The collections in _Scotland_ were large. At _Edinburgh_, I collected 128 _l._ at one time, and 44 _l._ at another; at _Glasgow_ about 128 _l._ with private donations. I think we got about 300 _l._ in all. Blessed be GOD, I owe nothing now in _England_ on the Orphan-house account; what is due is abroad. I think since I have been in _England_, we have got near 1500 _l._ The LORD will raise up what we want further; glory be to his name. He keeps my faith from failing, and upholds me with his right hand, and makes me happier in himself every day. My wife lies now very weak. She was tossed for ten days in her voyage from _Scotland_: The ship was in imminent danger, but the LORD gave her much of his presence, and I trust she will be ready shortly for another voyage. She heartily and most lovingly greets you all, as does in haste,
Ever, ever yours, &c.