Letter to George Dillwyn, 1780-04

              Dear George, Thy last with Everard's Books I received & think well of thy proposal with respect to binding them. Thy letter tho short occasioned me much thought- particularly this morning as I lay in bed, indeed, indeed, thou are not forgotten by us, would to God I was worthy (which I fear I am not) by any breathing of concern of mine to afford at this thine humble diffident frame of mind, more especially considering the concern I was formerly under on thy account when something like a rising above the fears & concern of weighty Brethren, seem to prevail, perhaps owing as well to a too much looking at what we esteem their frailties, forgetting that they as well we hold this treaure in earthen vessels, as an over activity. Here self with its dire attendants was rising. I saw the danger & trembled & have to thank our benign Father who has preserved I trust to his praise. Don't think I mean to reproach or grieve, no, by no means, but rejoice deeply, rejoice with thee; as the poor traveller when escaped from a dangerous tempest, meditaties with solemn, but comfortable dread, upon the dangerous scenes he has passed thro'. May we bless the great & good preserver & pray incessantly pray to be preserved, every way, particularly in meekness & humility; for the salvation of such he has promised to arise; to guide & teach; but it is in vain to expect a growth & establishment in this greatest of blessings, except ye world is renounced; the want of such a prospect & of such a desire is fuel to many wrong passions. If any man love the world, the love of the Father cannot be in him. What have Pilgrims & Strangers when travelling thro' an enemys country to desire more than a frugal support in it. The comfortable necessaries of life we shall sufficiently enjoy, if industry & the reason of things is kept to; but probably with persecutions. Here I believe it is the Almighty, in his love, intends to bring honest Quakers to. It is a departure from this simple use of the World that has