_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._