_To Mr. H――――._
_Exeter, September 28, 1757._
_My very dear Sir_,
JUST this moment I had the pleasure of receiving your very kind letter, and have but just time, before the post goes out, to return you my most hearty thanks. Blessed be GOD, I can send you good news from _Plymouth_.――The scene was like that of _Bristol_; only more extraordinary, to see officers, ♦soldiers, sailors, and the dock-men, attending with the utmost solemnity upon the word preached. Arrows of conviction fled and fastened, and I left all GOD’s people upon the wing for heaven. Blessed be the LORD JESUS for ordering me the lot of a _cast-out_!
For this let men revile my name, I’d shun no cross, I’d fear no shame; All hail reproach!
I am glad that Mr. _M――――n_ and _V――――n_ returned safe. May an effectual door be opened for both! If so, they will have many adversaries. Will my dear Mr. _H――――_ tell Mr. _P――――_, that I expect every thing to be compleated by the first _Sunday_ in _October_? If the weather should alter I may be in town; if not, I may range further.――This spiritual hunting is delightful sport, when the heart is in the work. I expect to hear of a blacker cloud in _America_, but I am glad the expedition was diverted. Our enemies may triumph for a while; CHRIST can soon put a hook in the leviathan’s jaws.
Thoughts are vain against the LORD, All subserves his sov’reign word; Wheels encircling wheels must run, Each in course to bring it on.
Happy for you, my dear Sir, that have fled to this GOD for refuge. The more you know of Him, the more vilely you will think of yourself. GOD bless you and your dear relations. I must conclude, or the letter cannot go. In great haste, but far greater love and respect, I subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Yours, &c. in our common LORD,