FL14425283

I hope I need not suggest arguments of comfort
to you who know what it is to enjoy the pre
sence of God on earth, & is therefore prepared
to enjoy the presence of christ in heaven.
Doubtless the Lord is our father; though our
earthly parents be ignorant of us. I commend you
to him through christ; Let us hope in the Lord
who is Almighty and most merciful. The Lord
abound in his mercy to you. May he be a sun
to direct you, a shield to protect you, a por
tion to sustain you & a God to save you. O that we
may hear the rod which saith sin no more;
yet an interest in christ; prepare to meet your
God; that we may inwardly hear the voice of the
rod, while we outwardly feel the smart of it;
I beseech his most merciful majesty to send his
word & heal you / that we may not have sorrow
upon sorrow/ O if it were his will to restore you
for his glory & the good of many! - And who can
tell but by this affliction he is fitting you for
future service and that the prayers of your
many affectionate faithful friends may be a
mean [s] of your comfort which I hope you ?
to praise & glory of God.

But I believe, it is not a recovery you whish for,
any further than it would be a manifestation of God's
pleasure & an opportunity of serving him; it is
not that you so much desire as to depart & to be with
christ which is indeed far better. It hath pleased God
to take away some of your nearest friends in this
country; & he hath been digging about you; pray now
that you may be fruitful. Now fly from the wrath to
come & law hold on eternal life. Now let the business
of your soul be the business of your life; Though
providence hath seperated us, yet it refresheth ?
to ? upon you, & that I am interested in your
prayers as you are in mine morning and evening's
well, if we are met in christ, we shall meet upon the
bench in the great dao of assize, & before a throne
of glory in our father's kingdom. I beseech the Lord
to prosper you every way, to watch over you
& to rejoice over you, to do you good, to sweeten
your life with his love & to fit you for his whole
pleasure & preserve you all my dear friends to
his holy & everlasting kingdom through Jesus Christ
our LOrd. I shall trouble yo let me know by
the bearer how you & Mr Marsden are at present - &
how you have been since I saw you. PLease to give
my high respect to Mr Marsden, Mr Williams, & Mr Hones
as well as with it yourself
from your affectionate
friend in christ Evan Evansvale