_To Mr. R―――― H――――n._
_In the Downs, on board the Friendship, September 17, 1769._
_My dear old Friend_,
I SYMPATHIZE with you from my inmost soul. What prickles have our sweetest roses! How does GOD’s promise seemingly cross hands with his providence! We would fain direct him: but his answer is, “I know it, my son, I know it:” and hereafter we shall know it too. That _hereafter_ will soon come. It is coming every moment. Yet a little while, and we shall see
All our sorrows left below, And earth exchang’d for heav’n.
I have no doubt, but this will be the happy lot of your dear yoke-fellow. At present she walks in darkness, and sees no light. But GOD will lighten her darkness, and the days of her mourning shall be ended. Beg her to accept my most sincere and sympathetic salutations; and assure yourselves, that neither of you are forgotten in the poor prayers of, my dear friends,
Less than the least all,