_Philadelphia, Nov. 28, 1739._ _Dear Mrs. H._,
RACHEL brings me glad tidings: She tells me the LORD hath touched your heart by the power of his word, and that your relations have threatened to cast you out for our LORD’s sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. If you endure to the end, and naked follow a naked CHRIST, great shall be your reward in heaven. There is no being a christian without enduring contempt; no being happy hereafter, without suffering reproach here. The world can only love its own. As they hate GOD, so they must hate those that are desirous to be like him: But be not dismayed; CHRIST’s strength shall be magnified in your weakness: A living faith will support you under all. When your father and mother forsake you, the LORD will take you up. The greatest foes you will find to be those of your own heart. Subdue these, and outward crosses will affect you but little. To conquer yourself will be a laborious task; but if you believe, JESUS CHRIST shall even do this for you. Get out of yourself, rely wholly on, and be a co-worker with him, and he shall be to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. _Rachel_ greatly wishes this, but not more sincerely than
Your friend and servant in CHRIST,