I lately saw the commn between thee & John Adams (as in the News paper) with som satisfaction, having often had som, in comparing Notes with particularly one cotemporary, Respecting the progressive decay of this body & its Mind, curiously different in degree, yet going on toward dissolution, but how is it with us, with respect to an increasing degree of a divine intimacy, or communion; I am often made thoughtful on this Account, sencible that as from a Child I had som belief in divine direction, or Inspiration, held forth for perfecting those who obey’d its call or injunction, by its Rising above, & Ruling over. & subjecting the more Natural Spirit, in the time of its dominion; (making it clear that the information of the more Natural spirit is about the things of time, in which its a mark of good, to act well—however I am often sencible, I have not com up to the mark) & as to the outward, weaknes of Mind it is perhaps som excuse, but as to defect as to inward direction, I must look to that divine Mercy, wh I think far exceeds what Man is capable of, I am also corrected by feeling the power of the Church Militant in our Society, as having a power of Judging (where we have been lazy, & slo in advancing in the highway toward holines in the present time, &1 that almost without, or with very little Verbal or written declaration) now wishing thy advance toward that more perfect state above hinted at I bid farewel;—