London, November 23, 1796

DEAR SIR,

HAVING a long letter ready to send to Mr. B*** when yours of the 14th arrived, I delayed it till I could find time to put a short one under the same cover for you, to thank you for it. I believe it must be shortish at present.

Mr. H***’s design is a noble one; may the Lord prosper it! I do not think that a. useless life 2d. home, is a necessary or proper qualification for serving a missionary abroad: but there are extremes on both sides: and I should be sorry if all who love the Lord, and whom he has placed in a line of service here, should think it their duty to leave their posts, and turn missionaries. Es-» pecially I hope that you will not take such a thought into your own head, as some of your friends have entertained in theirs for you. If it should enter your pericranium, I hope you will have many friends to give you lectures upon moderation, prudence, &c. and that the Lord will give you the hearing ear, and make you content and willing to stay at home. I have no doubt but Satan would be glad to see you shipped off to India, or any where, so he might get rid of you, for you stand in his way where you are.

I thank you beforehand for the Anniversaries, No. 2. I believe I shall write no more. No. 5 speaks of the wound as healed; why then should I open it again; I thank the Lord it is healed, so far as concerns the peace of my mind. I am quite satisfied. But my recollection of circumstances is nearly as fresh as in the first month. Still she is seldom out of my waking thoughts; but this does not give me uneasiness. But you are a bachelor.

Let us continue to exchange mutual prayers. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. We shall not always live this dying life. We hope ‘to see him as he is. When all will be well for ever! I hope my next to Edinburgh will be to Mr. Black. I thank him for sending Mr. B*** to me. He is a good remittance. I cannot make payments in this way, equal to what I receive. The Lord be with you, and with

Your affectionate friend,
J. N.