_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._ _My dear Brethren, and worthy fellow-labourers in CHRIST_,
THOUGH I know none of you in person, yet, from the time I heard of your faith and love towards our dear LORD JESUS, I have been acquainted with you in spirit, and have constantly mentioned you in my poor prayers. The good pleasure of the LORD, I find, prospers in your hands; and I pray GOD increase you more and more, both you and your children. _Scotland_, like _England_, hath been so much settled upon it’s lees for some time, that I fear our late days may properly be called the midnight of the church. Blessed be GOD, the Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who hath sent forth many of his servants with this cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh.” Thousands obey the call, and are trimming their spiritual lamps, in order to go forth to meet him. I cannot but think a winnowing time will come after this in-gathering of souls. O that we may suffer only as christians, and then the spirit of CHRIST and of glory will rest upon us. In patience possess your souls, and I will leave my cause to GOD. You, my reverend Brethren, I am persuaded, are no otherwise minded; may we go on then in the power, and under the guidance of the LORD of HOSTS. The eternal GOD will be your perpetual refuge. He that employs, will protect; as your day is, so shall your strength be. Let not our dear LORD’s lambs perish for lack of knowledge. “Give ye, give ye them to eat,” methinks, is the endearing, constraining command of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. And O that a due obedience may be paid to it by me, your unworthy brother. But I blush almost, when I stile myself your brother; for I am a child, and all of you are fathers. Oh, strive together with me in your prayers, that the divine strength may be still magnified in my weakness. You will intreat the LORD to bless the orphan-house. I have reason to think, GOD will bring great good out of it. Oh that I may be prepared for future favours! Oh that pride and self-love may thoroughly be subdued! Brethren, I beseech you by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, to pray for me, whilst winds and storms are blowing over me. You are not forgotten by him, who, though the most unworthy of his LORD’s servants, desires to subscribe himself,
Your affectionate brother, and fellow-pilgrim and labourer in CHRIST JESUS,