_To Mr. S―――― S――――._
_Bristol, April 18, 1762._
_My very dear Friend_,
I WAS quite sorry that I could not take a parting dinner with you. Mr. _Z――――n_ begged me to come just at that time to converse with me about the suffering protestants, and in the evening I read letters. Blessed be GOD, I was not the worse for it. Since my coming here, my health hath improved. The last week I was enabled to preach five times. This morning I have been administering the ordinance; and this evening I hope to be upon my throne again. Our LORD vouchsafes to smile upon my feeble labours, and the people seem to feel a refreshing from his divine presence. Who knows but I may yet be restored so far as to sound the gospel trumpet for my GOD? The quietness I enjoy here, with daily riding out, seems to be one very proper means. Be this as it will, I know ere long I shall serve our LORD without weariness. A few more blows from friends, and from foes, and the pitcher will be broken. Then the wicked one will cease from troubling, and the weary traveller arrive at his wish’d-for rest. GOD grant you and yours very large refreshments in the way! Be pleased to accept of this as a token that you are not forgotten by, my very dear friend,
Yours, &c. under ten thousand obligations, and in the best bonds,