_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._ _My dear Friend_,
BECAUSE I will not forget you, I begin to write before we get on shore. How is dear Mr. ――――’s heart? Has he yet recovered his first love? And is that prophecy, “This child is set for the falling and rising again of many in _Israel_,” as yet fulfilled in him. I cannot but think a good work was once wrought upon your soul. I cannot but think, GOD will yet fulfil his whole will in you. But let not my dear friend linger any longer. If there is mercy with GOD, let him be feared, not disobeyed. If he has promised to heal our backslidings, and love us freely, let his goodness lead us to repentance. Prosperity hath been a snare to you; every day I see the excellency of that part of _Agur_’s, prayer, “Give me not riches, lest I be full and deny thee, and say, who is the LORD.” And that petition in our liturgy, “In all time of our wealth, good LORD deliver us.” I always take particular notice of it. I believe you will not be at all richer this year, than you was the last.――For as riches increase, our wants increase with them.――I write not this to have you desert your station, but to excite a holy jealousy in your heart.――Oh, what would I give to see my dear friend, as formerly, “Fervent in spirit, serving the LORD.” If GOD sends me to _England_ again, I shall try my friends. However that be, I am persuaded, that suffering for righteousness sake, is the best, the greatest preferment in the church of CHRIST. But how does your little――I would not willingly say, your great idol. Pray accept a quarto bible for him. Oh, my friend, give him up to GOD, and do not provoke him, by over-fondness and too great indulgence, to take him from you. The little lambs on board improve bravely; they bear the voyage best of all. They are as lusty as eagles: GOD has dealt most gently with us. I hope I may say, the church in my house salute you and your wife.――I do not forget her; may she never rest till she comes into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD! It is a blessed thing, my dear friend, to be the LORD’s freeman. My heart is full; I repent I have not allowed more paper. My dear Sir, excuse and pray for
Your most affectionate, though unworthy friend,