FL14374890

[MS 83]

At Sea 14/1 18

My Affectionate Parents will doubtless be some
what surprised at the date & turnover of this letter. Yet
I feell asured their souls will acquiesce in the will
of the Almighty and their united prayers (with those
of our dear friends scattered through the earth) will
ascended to the Father of Mercy to Bless his cause &
people scattered throughout the earth - The Voyage
hath been long & tedious & though I trust I have not
altogether been an idlere on board, I have not been
able to do any thing that would prepare me for
the great work before me - The languages are a thing
I cannot bring my mind to settle too and with
the Revd Boys of St Helena I must confess that at my
age and in my circumstances they appear of little
use. Let not my friends suppose I despise them no
I cannot but bless God that may be attained and
would most heartily recommend all my younger friends
to gain them if possible - I shall have been nearly
(if not more) than a 12 mo from my friends ere I can
begin the requisite studies & to complete myself