London, October 21, 1799

MY DEAR FRIEND,

TIME was, when you received frequent and long letters from me; but times are altering. I shall always love you, but my letters will probably decrease in number and in size; for I grow old: but yours to me will, I hope, be frequent

and full. So far I wrote a fortnight ago, and

have not had leisure to proceed till this 31st Oc= tober.

»1

Yours of the 27’th July found us at Southampton. It brought the good news of j our safe return home. I was thankful for the courage and prudence the Lord gave you on ship-board: they are both christian graces, when connected; but if separated, courage degenerates into rashness, and prudence into cowardice.

I must and do rejoice in the success of respectable itinerants in places sadly destitute of the gospel. I expect there will be some mixture of human infirmity in the best designs of the best men; and satan will be busy when he feels his kingdom shaken. But the Lord will accept the intentions of his faithful servants, and overrule all things eventually for good. He will plead their cause, and put their enemies to shame and to silence, if they can but simply and patiently commit it to him: but if they take it too much into their own hands, they usually make bad worse. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. We should disclaim, not only fire and sword, but angry disputation and invective; for these likewise are carnal weapons. The apostle says, Bcbig defamed we entreat.

Through mercy there is some stir among the soldiers with us likewise, and among the seamen in the navy. May the Lord confirm them, and increase their numbers!

Now for yours of the 28th September. I am glad to hear you have so much to prodace of

Colonel Blackader. May you live to see it in print, whether I do or not. You are not in your 75th year.

The news from Orkney and Shetland is pleasant indeed. I pray the Lord to bless the labourers more and more. I pray the Lord to warm your heart, and to guide your pen, while you are writing to the young people.

Last week I was at Clapham, and saw the twenty African blackbirds.* The girls were at Battersea, out of my reach. When I went into the school, I said Lemmi, which is, being interpreted, How do you do? Two or three answered Bah, that is, I thank you. By which I knew that they had some knowledge of the language of Sherbro the scene of my bondage. I am told the boys come forward apace, behave well, and seem very happy; and especially when they see Mr. M**y.

Continue to write long letters and often. I love to hear from you, and will thank you when I can. Pray for us. May the Lord grant that you may always answer the description of the tree mentioned in Jer. xvii. T, 8.

I am

Your very affectionate,
22d October. J. ]V.

* Twenty African boys, and four girls, who were brought over to this country for instruction, aHd after remaining about five years, were all sent back to the coast of Guinea-, except three or four who died while in England,