LETTER MCXI.
To the Reverend Mr. H—— D——.
Bristol, Dec. 6, 1755.
My dear Friend and Brother,
ONE would think, that Providence did in a more immediate manner interpose to prevent our meeting. I saw your last to Mr. M——n, and intended to have answered it for him, but it hath pleased a gracious and sovereign God to silence me for a few days, by a sore throat, which was like to have terminated in an inflammatory quinsey. This gave me hopes of putting into port; but it seems I am yet to put out to sea again. O that my stammering tongue may be loosed, and that I may begin to begin to speak in earnest for my God! Every thing, both from within and without, calls upon us to cry aloud and spare not. Whatever becomes of ill and hell-deserving me, may the ever-loving and ever-lovely Jesus cause your bow to abide in strength! I trust many arrows have stuck fast in the North of England; and in the West, I trust, the sword of the Lord hath not returned empty. On Monday se’nnight, God willing, I purpose going to Gloucester, and hope to be in London soon. Our meeting, therefore, must necessarily be put off till Spring. In the meanwhile, I should be glad to see and converse with Mr. J——, of whom I have heard a good report. I am sorry there is no greater connection between England and Wales. The harvest is great, and the disinterested labourers are few. This is my comfort, the Lord of the harvest can and will, in his own time and way, thrust out more labourers into the harvest. That he may own and bless you, and all in your connection, more and more, is the earnest prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our glorious Head,
G. W.
LETTER MCXII.
To Lady H——n.