_To Mr. S――――_
_Lisbon Harbour, March 17, 1754._
_My very dear Sir_,
SURELY our GOD is a prayer-hearing, promise-keeping GOD. He delights to disappoint our fears, and even exceeds our hopes. On the seventh instant we left _Gravesend_; on the eighth we passed through the downs, and yesterday we anchored in this port. Through the channel we met not with the least obstruction, neither had we the least contrary wind all the way. _Cape Finisterre_, the _Burlings_, and the rock of _Lisbon_, (high-lands we desired to make) we came directly upon, and though the wind was very high, yet being for us, it was not so troublesome, but (like sanctified afflictions to the christian) drove us nearer to our desired haven. We are now lying before a large place, where we see hundreds going to worship in their way. We have just been at ours, and I trust I have felt something of that rest, which remains, even on this side eternity, for the people of GOD. You and yours are not forgotten by me at his throne. No, I remember you night and day, and am longing for that happy time, when we shall part no more. Though sent without a friend to return with me, yet I am not left alone. I thank the LORD of all Lords, for honouring me so far as to employ me on such expeditions as these. O my GOD, what am I, that I should be called to leave my native country, and to sacrifice not only my carnal but spiritual affections for thee! Thy presence on earth, thy presence in heaven, will make amends for all. Well! Blessed be GOD, this heaven is at hand. Yet a little while, and he that cometh, will come, and will not tarry. O that he may find us busy for him! I am persuaded this will be your case. Add, my dear Sir, to my manifold obligations, by praying that it may be mine also.――Fain would I be kept from flagging in the latter stages of my road; fain would I return to my native country (if I am to return) grown in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Indeed he is a good master. He hath given me the affections of all on board, and as kind a Captain as we could desire. What I meet with when on shore, you may know hereafter. I grudge your paying postage for my poor scribble, and yet I know not well how to prevent it. Be pleased to put it down to the amount of our common LORD, and if you have any leisure from working for the poor, and trading for him, let me have a line. I recommend you and them to the Redeemer’s never-failing mercy, and am, I trust with some degree of gratitude, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.