Undated — Bruce’s Note to Mrs. Dickins

FINCASTLE, VA.

Sept. 12, 1801

[SNETHEN’S NOTE TO MRS. DICKINS]

My dear Sister:¹

I have the happiness of being able to pursue my favorite subject, the gospel of Christ with some degree of satisfaction, so much has my health improved since last June. The greatest inconvenience I have experienced from traveling is a small degree of sickness in the stomach at times, a complaint perhaps constitutional.

The new approach of the season of my affliction naturally excites my recollection of it and I trust I never recollect it without some grateful acknowledgments to the great preserver of life for so gracious a deliverance. Wonderful and adorable provider! How ought my soul to exult and rejoice in the God of my life.

I have been kindly disposed of since I parted with you. My appointment in Alexandria and Winchester² seems to have been the best I can conceive of, in the latter place especially it pleased God to give me favour in the sight of the whole town and I trust I endeavoured to use for their good to edification.

Please to receive my most grateful acknowledgments for your goodness and tender my lasting affection and respect to my most assiduous and kind friends who were my chief comforters, whose names you know. Grace and peace,

NICHOLAS SNETHEN³

[BRUCE’S NOTE TO MRS. DICKINS]

Esteemed Sister and Friend:

In company with Brother Asbury and Snethen, take the opportunity of adding a line or two to their Epistle—have not and hope never shall forget the many kindnesses that I have experienced while at your house. I hope the Lord still is your comfort and salvation. The distressing times⁴ which the Society have experienced since I left your City has often pained my mind. I yet hope and pray that our gracious Saviour will overrule for his glory and his faithful peoples good. I expect you have had and still have your trials, but cast your care on the Lord. He still careth for you. You have my best wishes for present and future happiness.

My love to Asbury, John and your amiable daughter, also to all my very dear Brethren. Yours in love,

PHILIP BRUCE

Property of Dr. Essel P. Thomas, Claymont, Delaware