To Mr. A——.
Bristol, November 21, 1753.
My very dear friend,
I HOPED a few days ago to send you glad tidings, and blessed be God, I am not disappointed. Never had I before such freedom in Gloucestershire. It was so pleasant, that I intend taking it again in my way to London. Sunday was indeed an high day. I preached and gave the sacrament at the new-house in the morning, and preached again at Mr. G——’s and Mr. F——’s in the field, at noon and in the evening. Showers of blessings descended from above. Mr. L—— supped with me; our Lord gave us richly to feast upon his great love. At Painswick we had two pleasant seasons, and the same favour was vouchsafed us at Chafford and Tedbury. At Gloucester also a time of refreshing came from the presence of the Lord, and the dear Alderman’s house was made a Bethel to my soul. God brought me here on Monday evening, and to my great disappointment the new tabernacle is not finished, so that I know not well what to do. However, we had a good time last night at the hall, and I hope all this is but the beginning of a warm winter. I am glad that the Lord Jesus deals so bountifully with you at London. May he do so more and more! I believe he will. Your motion to go to Norwich I much approve of. Whatever others design, that is nothing to us. Simplicity and godly sincerity will carry all before it in the end. O that the sons of Zeruiah could be persuaded to let us alone! But how then should we be able to approve ourselves sons of David? By thorns and briars, the old man must be scratched to death.—O this crucifixion work! Lord Jesus help us to go through it! He will, he will. I commend thee and thine to his almighty protection and never-failing mercy, as being, my very dear man,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER MIII.
Stroude, November 27, 1753.
Dear Mrs. C——,