I suppose, thou didest not expecte to have any more lettres from me till the returne of our shippes, but so is the good pleasure of God, that the windes should not serue yet to carrye vs hence, he will doe all thinges in his owne tyme and that shalbe for the best in the ende. we acknowledge it a great mercye to vs, that we went not out to sea on mundaye when the winde was faire for one daye, for we had been exposed euer since to sore tempestes and contrarye windes: I prayse God, we are all in good health, and want nothinge. for my selfe, I was neuer at more liberty of bodye and minde these many yeares, the Lord make me thankfull and wise to improue his blessinges for the furtherance of his owne worke: I desire to resigne my selfe wholly to his gratious disposinge, o, that I had an heart so to doe, and to trust perfectly in him, for his assistance in all our wayes: we finde him still goeinge alonge with vs, he hath brought in the heart of the master of our shippe3 to afforde vs all good respect, and to ioyne with vs in euerye good action: yesterday he caused his seamen to keepe a fast with vs, wherein the Lorde assisted vs and our minister very comfortably, and when 5: of the clocke came, I had respitt to remember thee, (it beinge frydaye) and to parlye with thee, and to meet thee in spiritt before the Lorde: after supper we discouered some notorious lewd persons of our owne company, who in tyme of our fast, had comitted thefte, and done other vilanies, for which we haue caused them to be seuerely punished.

I am vncertaine whither I shall haue opportunitye to sende these to thee, for if the winde turne we shall soone be gone. therefore I will not write much. I knowe, it wilbe sufficient for thy present comfort to heare of our wellfare: and this is the third lettre I haue written to thee, since I came to Hampton, in requitall of those 2: I receiued from thee, which I doe often read with much delight, apprehending so much loue and sweet Affection in them, as I am neuer satisfied with readinge, nor can reade them without teares, but whither they proceed from ioy, sorrowe or desire, or from that consent of Affection which I allwayes holde with thee, I cannot conceiue: 229Ah my deare heart, I euer helde thee in high esteeme, as thy loue and goodnesse hath well deserued, but (if it be possible) I shall yet price thy vertue at a greater rate, and longe more to enioye thy sweet society then euer before. I am sure thou art not shorte of me in this desire, let vs pray harde and pray in faith, and our God, in his good tyme will accomplish our desire. O, how loth am I to bidd thee Farewell, but since it must be, Farewell, my sweet loue, farewell: Farewell my deare children and familye, the Lord blesse you all, and grant me to see your faces once againe. come (my deare) take him and let him rest in thine armes, who will euer remaine Thy faithfull husband