March 4, 1809 — to Mrs. John Brightwell

The Brightwells of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, had befriended and nursed Asbury in his illness the year before. He had received a letter from Mrs. Brightwell, and this is the answer.

ROCKINGHAM, VIRGINIA¹

March 4, 1809

[TO MRS. JOHN BRIGHTWELL]

My very dear Sister:

Since I wrote my former letters, yours came to hand. Many a time I have thought of and prayed for you. It gave me uncommon satisfaction to receive a letter. For although I have been a child of pain and affliction from my birth to the 64th year, my affliction at your house² excelled, and I was afraid that I might have spoken or done something that might have grieved your mind, as you had to run to my help all hours of day and night, and in cases the most delicate even to lift me off the stools.

But oh my sister, what kind returns? You do not want for this world. It must be your soul, you will never know heaven upon earth till you gain sanctifying grace. Seek Seek it! Seek it now, in every means by faith, and in bearing every cross! And doing every duty, be fervent in family and private prayer. Let your religion be God, let him be your home, your all! I thank you sister for all your kindness. Next summer³ I hope, and if I do not see you then I hope to meet you in glory. If we meet on earth let it be full of God, if in heaven full of glory. My love to Brother Bright-well and all friends.

F. ASBURY

P.S. A little token—only year pin. Books are an encumbrance or I would send one.⁴

The Historical Society of the Pittsburgh Conference.

Transcribed with notes by W.G. Smeltzer