_To the Same._
_Gloucester, June 23, 1736._
_Dear Friend_,
NEVER a poor creature set up with so small a stock. When the
good Bishop, who ordained me on Sunday, gave out last year in his
visitation charge, that he would ordain none under full three and
twenty, my heart leap’d for joy, for then I thought my friends would
not only be disappointed in their hope of having me enter into orders
so soon; but that I should also have time (as was my intention) to
make at least a hundred sermons, with which to begin my ministry; but
this is so far from being the case, that I have not a single one by
me, except that which I made for a small christian society, and which
I sent to a neighbouring clergyman, to convince him how unfit I was
to take upon me the important work of preaching. He kept it for a
fortnight, and then sent it back with a guinea for the loan of it;
telling me he had divided it into two, and had preached it morning
and evening to his congregation. With this sermon I intend to begin,
GOD willing, next Sunday, not doubting, but that he, who increased a
little lad’s loaves and fishes for the feeding of a great multitude,
will from time to time, in the proper use of appointed means, supply
me with spiritual food for whatever congregation he in his all-wise
Providence shall be pleased to call me to. Help, help me, my dear
friend, with your warmest addresses to the throne of grace, that I
may not only find mercy, but grace to help in time of need. At present
this is the language of my heart,
_A guilty weak and helpless worm into thy arms I fall,
Be thou my strength, my righteousness, my JESUS, and my all._