A-3-1
Newport yr 27th of yr 11th Mo 1776
Dear Friend
it gave me much concern to hear of poor Mollys illness and the more so on account of Sammys absence from home being sensible his company and assistance was much wanted at the time, the cup of affliction is I believe often fill'd to thee but I hope thou will not be discouraged thereby but recieve it as
the correction of a tender father, For whome the Lord loveth, he correcteth, even as a father the son in whome he delighteth, it is in this light I look upon my own affliction and believe it is in mercy intended for my ferther refining and fiting for a State of Perfect
holiness peace and Rest, this will doubtless be the happy experience of bouth thou and me if it brings us to a full Dedication of heart wherein perfect resignation is attained too, this is I believe what we much desire at times. it will give thee pleasure to know that Sammys
the journey may company and conduct has been acceptable and helpful, and hope^
prove no disservice to him on any account. I truly wish his preservation in courage of Vertue and Prosperity in the everblessed truth.
I refer thee to my kind companion for particulars of our Jouney which has had some good effect on my health, but that tho' a great favour is not the
only one, for with the utmost reverence and thankfulness have to acknowledge to the faithfulness and mercy of the great and good Shepard who, notwithstanding our unworthyness is pleas'd to reward with a degree of peace those who indeavour to answer his requirings tho in ever so small a matter, I think I may say without bosting that I have inde
company and conduct has been acceptable and helpful, and hope^
