_To Mr. L――――._
_Bristol, Aug. 4, 1749._
_Dear Mr. L――――_,
PROVIDENCE, for wise reasons, prevented my seeing you both at
_Gloucester_, and at the _Hill_. This comforts me, “What is, is
best.” Since I came here, I have seen your letter about the intended
charity-school, and wish you success in the name of the LORD. I
communicated it to our elect lady, who immediately contributed five
guineas, another two, and Colonel _G――――_ one. These I have sent for
you, to Mr. ――――, who, I suppose, will take care to convey them to you.
Mrs. _E――――_, I believe, intends to do something. Mr. _C――――_ likewise
spoke to the Bishop, who, I think, has promised to contribute: so that
you see no time has been lost. Only, my dear friend, take this caution,
“sit down, and count the cost, before you begin to build.” Do not lay
out more than you know you can pay. Go the cheapest way to work; and if
you cannot build, rather keep a stock in hand to pay the schoolmaster,
and hire a house convenient from year to year, and, if possible, find
the children in books. You well know what I have suffered for running
too far into debt for others. I am glad you are likely to settle at
_S――――_. May the LORD JESUS bless you and yours more and more! He
continues to be kind to me, and will at length, I am persuaded, (though
I pass through many tribulations) land me safe in glory. There we shall
meet, never to part again. In the mean while, that we may both behave
like good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST, is the hearty prayer of, my dear
friend,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._