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I did not turn and attack the enemy till I could flee no longer from him and then I was
compelled to vindicate my cause by an appeal unto Caesar: and I was saved out of the
mouth of the Lion. How long the warfare will continue I know not, or when a change
will come. I view God governing the world; he puts down some and raises up another
according to His sovereign will. I esteem the excellent ones of the earth and wish
to be esteemed by them, as I hope to live with them ere long where the wicked cease from
troubling: but I value little the friendship of those who are enemies to the cross of Christ
I have had my share of their hatred, and yet I have no reason to believe that it
has been in their power to do me any real injury. I did intend, when I sat down,
to write half as much, but I feel as if I was in Gutter lane [indecipherable] and in the eye
of the mind I see you, your daughter, your sons and [indecipherable]. Is that
little red-faced girl with her ruddy cheeks grown any? I dare say I would not know her.
I must drop my pen. We regret to hear Mr. Johnson is so poorly. I purpose to write
to him by Charles. give my most affectionate regards to Mr. [indecipherable] and Miss
Dearle: Rev. and Mrs. Wilkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes and all your family whom
I shall ever esteem, and accept the same from

Dear Madam
Your very much obliged
and affectionate friend
(signed) Samuel Marsden

Mrs. Stokes
Received November 4. 1819.