_To Mr. and Mrs. D――――._
_Philadelphia, Nov. 10, 1739._ _My dear Friends_,
WHEN I consider how constantly you attended my ministry, how gladly you received me into your house, and how affectionately you took your last farewell; methinks gratitude obliges me to send you a line. It hath often given me pleasure to see in what harmony you seem to live, and how you walked to hear the word of GOD as friends. Surely, thought I, these are a happy pair. These I trust are help-meets for each other. Oh that you may go on and prosper, and be plentifully rewarded for the favours shewn to me, the most unprofitable of our LORD’s servants: he will not forget your works of faith and labours of love. Whenever you attend his word preached, I hope he will send you replenished away. Oh that all knew what it is to believe in JESUS! How soon would they renounce the world, take up their cross and follow him! LORD evermore give us all this faith, even a faith working by love; a faith that will enable us to overcome the world, and cause us to shake off all fear of man. Pray give my due respects to your friend and his wife, who used to dine with us. I pray GOD sanctify you all in spirit, soul and body, and cause you to sit down on his right hand with
Your affectionate, though most unworthy, Friend and servant in CHRIST,