Letter from Pliny Fisk to "Brethren", February 28, 1824

Beyrout Feb, 28. 1824

My dear brethren,

Mr. Abbott has kindly written a very strong letter to Damascus, & ^we^ were on the point of sending Mr. Lewis to back it up - Mr. L. offered of his own accord to go - But thanks to God even our Father for his great goodness to you - We rejoice in your deliverance; but we rejoice with trembling - During our whole life, I think, we must look for tumults & persecutions - May we be prepared for [??bond] and death! - In this country we have enemies before & behind. But with the sword of the spirit, let us cut our way on the right hand and on the left - the sword, which the King of Kings uses, has two edges; & all his soldiers are called, & chosen & faithful —

Enclosed are letters for you all. Those, that belong to me, I wish you to preserve - & I will do the same by Mr. King's — — Mrs. Bird will, I suppose, tell you all the news of little Willey's teeth, beauty, health, &c. - -

[illegible possibly wife's name in arabic] sends love to you all - she is now reading Miss Pearson's long letter to Mr. Lewis - Miss Pearson is unquestionably the best girl in the Mediteranean —

Brethren, pray for us, as we do for you — [illegible - possibly signature in arabic script]

Rev. Messrs Fisk, King, & Bird —

Feb. 28 Recd. Mar. 23

Rev. Messrs Fisk, King, & Bird, Jerusalem

W. G. Feb. 28, Bairout Jerus. March. 23. 1824

Wm. Goodel the writer signed his name only in Arabic.

Isaac Berdahan makes the note "W. G." and dates.