PUBLIC opinion is, through God’s mercy, effecting much among us. Much
bitterness, indeed, still exists in some, as well as most determined
opposition. But the work is of God, and I feel a blessed assurance that
much good will eventually be done. I am beginning to perceive with much
thankfulness that the Temperance Society is an important engine in aid of
all my ministerial plans—a kind of stepping stone to the church and to
piety; and I am careful to watch all its movements, and to follow up
every indication for good.
* * * * *
THE following letter, addressed to the Rev. John Cooper, it is presumed
may not unsuitably close the preceding Memoir. The writer, who so
affectionately expresses his deep obligations to the late Mr. Mortimer,
has been for many years the faithful minister of a large parish in
Shropshire, very near the scene of Mr. M.’s former labours in that
county.
W— Vicarage, June 18, 1845.
My dear Friend,
I FEEL sincerely and deeply obliged to you for the kindness you have
shown in sending me the interesting extracts you have made from Miss
Mortimer’s letter, relative to her beloved father. There are few, if
any, to whom I am so deeply indebted as I am to that dear and valued
friend. At an early period of my life he noticed me with a kindness and
humility which I can never forget. These were, indeed, traits constantly
exhibited in his Christian character, but they were the more affecting
and attractive as appearing in a man of such ability and accomplishments.
Whatever I know of Christian truth and experience I owe in a high degree
to the daily conversations which I was permitted to enjoy for many months
in three or four successive years, with him, and to the sermons and
expositions which I heard from him at that time, every Sabbath and every
week.
After I left Madeley I saw less of him, though our intercourse was
renewed, in some measure, when he came to Bristol, and, in the end, he
succeeded me in my old curacy at Hutton, on my presentation to the living
which I now hold. * * * Not many letters ever passed between us; but _I
have never ceased to remember him with admiration_, _gratitude_, _and
love_. _Indeed_, _take him altogether_, _and I have never seen his
equal_.
With my very kind regards to yourself and family,