_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,
_G. W._