_To the Same._
_Bristol, June 12, 1735._
_My dear Friend_,
LAST night about eight o’clock, your good spouse and myself came safe
to our journey’s end, and met with a very kind reception from all
parties. After you left us, the ladies grew more serious, and at last
by the assistance of _Mr. Norris_, our discourse ran into a proper
channel. My brother does not propose sailing this fortnight; but tho’
he stays longer than he proposed, yet I hope to be at _Gloucester_
on Wednesday, for methinks my heart is still there, tho’ my body be
at thirty miles distance. On whose account, I leave you to guess. I
cannot help reflecting on Sunday. Did not those sighs, think you, Sir,
proceed from some unusual meditations on the importance of religion?
Were they not some infant strugglings after the new birth? Surely they
were. And I trust ere long, after a few strugglings with corrupted
nature, the Holy Ghost will replenish your heart with comfort and
peace. Proper retirement and solitude are no bars; but rather great
helps to a religious life. We find, our Saviour was led into a
wilderness, before he entered on his publick ministry, and so must
we too, if we ever intend to tread in his steps. As for my brother,
I trust the cares of the world, the desire of riches, &c. will not
always choak the good seed. However, I hope you my dear friend will
not defer so important a thing. But, why do I say hope, when I am
assured you will not. Methinks, I would willingly undergo the pangs,
so you might enjoy the pleasures of the new birth. But this must not
be. All we can do is to sympathize with and pray for each other, which
I hope will not be wanting on either side, as such a close friendship
has commenced between dear _Mr. H._ and
Your sincere friend and humble servant,
_G. W._