_To Mr. B――――s._
_The Downs, on board the Friendship, Captain Ball. September 19, 1769._
_My dear old Friend_,
THOUGH my hands and heart were too full, to come and give you personal thanks on shore, be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgments for your kind present, and yet kinder letter, now I am on board. I know your heart is formed for friendship, and therefore some kind of trials of the affectionate kind, must make such impressions, as persons of leaden souls and iron bodies, are utter strangers to. What a mercy, that we have a compassionate High-Priest to apply to, who is most sensibly touched with a feeling of our infirmities!
He knows what sore temptations mean, For he hath felt the same.
Courage therefore, my dear Sir, courage. Yet a little while, and he that cometh will come, and will not tarry. In the mean while, may both of us be enabled to sing,
O happy, happy rod, That brought us nearer to our GOD.
I write this out of the fulness of my heart. Old friendship more than revives. GOD bless you, and all your near and dear connections! Through infinite mercy, this leaves me comforted on every side. I want a thousand tongues to praise Him whose mercy endureth for ever, and in whom I am, my very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. &c. &c.