_To Mr. I―――― R――――, at Philadelphia._
_Bristol, May 23, 1741._ _Dear I――――_,
I Rejoice to find, that you see, feel, and bewail, the plague of your heart. May the LORD shew it you more and more! It will excite your love to the dear LORD JESUS more fervently.――I return my love to your sister. I thought ere now she had been with JESUS. I believe, she has the grace of GOD in truth, and therefore our LORD will make her conqueror over all. I am glad to hear of the success of the gospel in _Boston_. It is a gathering time there, but a winnowing time with us here. All is ordered for the good of the church, by CHRIST JESUS: Let us, my dear brother, keep close to him in this and every trying time. We shall find but few, very few, true followers of the Lamb of GOD. May you and I be in the happy number! GOD is pleased to give success to the word preached. Though I am opposed much, JESUS is my strength. The LORD will enable me to fight his battles. My love to _Peggy_, and all that love JESUS. Forget not to pray for
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,