_To Mr. James R――――, in Philadelphia._
_Gloucester, Feb. 2, 1742._ _Dear Mr. R――――_,
I Was glad to hear (though by another hand) of your safe arrival. May your soul prosper, being rooted and grounded in love, and built upon the rock of ages, the dear LORD JESUS. Blessed be GOD, the church is in much greater peace than when you left _England_. There hath been a very great awakening in several places. GOD hath brought order out of confusion; and (as he always will) hath caused even our divisions, though no thanks to us, to work for good. I hear you have had a sifting time at _Philadelphia_. I never yet heard of a work of GOD, but some such thing happened. This is my comfort, the government of the church is upon the Redeemer’s shoulders; and therefore the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against it. I hope ere now CHRIST has revealed himself in your heart, and given you the witness of the Spirit. For he that believeth, hath the witness in himself. I suppose you will be glad to hear, that the LORD hath, in a good degree, delivered me from the embarrassments with which I was environed when you embarked. GOD was then preparing me for further mercies. We must be humbled before we are exalted. I suppose you have heard of my marriage. The LORD hath given me a daughter of _Abraham_; she joins in sending love to you and all, with, dear Mr. _R――――_,
Your affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,