_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._