Dear Friends, with my love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom you have life and salvation, and rest and peace with God; and the Lord God Almighty with his eternal arm and power uphold and preserve you in Christ, in whom you have rest and peace, though in the world troubles; and though you be in captivity, form your wives and children, and relations and friends, yet the Lord is present with you by his sprit of grace, light, and truth. And so feel him at all times, and stand in his will; do not murmur nor complain, but stand still in the faith and power of God, that you may see your salvation. for by faith the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt by his power; and by faith Enoch and Noah were preserved, and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and by faith the prophets were delivered out of many perils; and Daniel out of the Lion's mouth. And you see how the righteous were delivered by faith. Heb. xi.
And it would be very well, if you that be captives and Friends, could have meetings as they had at Algiers, to the comforting and refreshing one another. And you may speak to your patrons of your meeting togather ti worship God that created heaven and earth, and made all mankind, and gives you breath, life, and spirit, to serve and worship him.
And my desires are to the Lord, that you in his truth and power may answer the truth in all, both king, and prince, and Turks, and Moors, that you may be a good savour among them, and in them all; manifesting that your are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world: and a city set on hill, that cannot be hid: so that they may see, your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.
And what do you know, but the Lord hath set you there to preach in life, and word, and good conversation? Therefore, while you are there, mind your service for God, who hath all tings in his hand, and a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his providence. And Christ is the mountain that filleth the whole earth; and so your will feel him there.
And therefore keep in the word of power, and in the word of patience, and the word of wisdom, that will give your dominion over all. Amen.
G.F.
London, the 25th of the 8th month, 1690
Postscript
You may petition the emperor, or king, and your patrons, whose captives you are, that you may have one day in the week to meet together to worship and serve the great God (that made you) in spirit and truth. For you worship no representation, image, or likeness, neither in heaven nor in the earth, but the great God, who is Lord over all, both in heaven and in earth, and is manifest by his spirit in his people. [And you may state in your petition, that it is] from you, poor captives, who desire their good here, and their eternal happiness hereafter.
And you may draw up a paper to this effect, and get it translated into their language, and send it to the emperor and his council, and your patrons: and set your hands to it with all speed, after the receipt of this.
