Transcribed by the webmeister from the original handwritten manuscript at Spruance Library, Bucks County Historical Society.
This Document is on The Quaker Writings Home Page.
Beloved Friend
Samuel Hart
Since I heard of the proceedings of Buckingham M.M. my mind has been sliped into tender
Emphathi with thee having most coridally united with thy views touching a case before that
meting and I rejoice that thou hast manifested such virtue and unflinching intagrity in having a
faithfull testimony to the Truth don't be discouraged dear brother now thou art caled upon to
suffer for the Truth but keep thy eye single to the precepts and example of thy blessed Saviour
who when he had bornn a faithful testeemony to the Truth he was willing to suffer for it even the
ignomious death of the cross saing greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life
for his friend "ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. My dear Samuel I want thee
to be a friend indeed not mearly the name but in the everlasting substance. Therefore as a brother
I would tenderly advise thee to continue to attend Buckingham M.M. I have no objections to thy
requesting to be releast from serving the meeting as clerk but I want thee to stand firm as a pillor
in the Lords house that will go no more out I am no stranger to the exercize thro which thee art
now passing for I have been in the street called strate and at one time was so offended at the
inconsistant conduct of some of my fellow members that was high in profession but low in
practice that I was almost ready to do as some weak disciples done formerly go back and walk no
more with him but was admonished by the wise saying of Peter "Lord to whom shall we go thou
hast the word of everlasting life" Dear Samuel Hart I want to se thee & thy interesting famely & if
it was not that I had been so long out of my shop I would have been glad to have had thee with
me in a late visit to Westbury & some meeting in Jersey. Apprehending that thou art no better
pleased with long lifeless sermons I shall conclude in much love to thee thy dear wife and children
farewell
Edw. Hicks
P.S. Healing love in my heart particularly to that dear daughter that was indisposed the last time I was at thy house I wish my dearest christian love to be given to her