From the Cardiff Society to 'Dearly beloved Brother in Christ' [William Seward -In this context there can be no doubt concerning the identification – see also DDSe 2 ] May it please God to bless their correspondent. The society always mention him in their prayers 'remembering your work and labour of love, in being the means of reviving our society which was quite extinct, but thro the help of God we have kept it since the time you was with us.' May the Lord direct them so that they may grow in grace.
They are not able to express the great joy at seeing Seward’s brother and 'also our beloved brother in Christ to come amongst us, as he did, for he came as a a good shepherd tender and willing to give us good advice, and in the society delivered your kind, loving letter to us, which filled every member’s heart with joy unspeakable ...we beg the Almighty to recompense you who beholds your zeal and desire of his glory in endeavouring to propogate the practice of true Holiness, for its said without Holiness no man shall see the Lord, and that was our Saviour’s design in coming into the world, to purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works, this is all our desire...'
Spiritual matters are further discussed in detail.
The society begs Seward, as he was the means of beginning their society, that he will give them the benefit of his advice through regular letters, as they cannot enjoy it directly by his company. For they think it a great blessing to enjoy his 'brotherly acquaintance.'
They rejoice to hear that [George] Whitefield has arrived in London and they pray that he might enjoy the assistance of the Holy Spirit in promoting God’s Kingdom through the example of his Holy life and sound doctrine. They trust that Whitefield will convert many to righteousness. They have received his journal covering the journey from London to Georgia [This was presumably a reference to Whitefield’s A journal of a voyage from London to Savannah in Georgia. : In two parts (London : printed for James Hutton, 1738)] and they would be pleased to have access to more of his works, for they rejoice to 'have such a workman in Christ’s vineyard.'
Seward’s dear brother came to see them tonight, the second time that he has visited their society. This gave them great encouragement 'to hold fast in love and unity with one another.'
They will say no more at present except to send their prayers to God that the society will grow in grace.
In a postscript, they add that the sermon sent by Seward with his dear brother, was read out to the society last Sunday night. They all approved of its very good advice.