To Mr. Gidley
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DCXXVIII. — To Mr. Gidley, Officer of Excise.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, January 18, 1776.
I AM glad to hear that you are ordered to Exeter: There seems to be a particular providence in this. We have a small society there, which is but lately formed, and stands in need of every help; so that, I doubt not, your settling among them will be an advantage to them. See that you be not ashamed of a good Master, nor of the least of his servants. I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCXXIX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, DUBLIN, July 4, 1778.
I AM glad to hear that the work of God begins to increase even in poor Exeter. If Jos. Jones is able and willing to preach morning and evening, I should have no objection to his laboring next year in your Circuit. As to the house, it would, undoubtedly, be a means of much good if it can be procured. All the difficulty is, to procure the money. We cannot do much, because of the building at London. But “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.”
I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCXXX. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, LONDON, January 25, 1779.
ANY house is ipso facto licensed, if the demand is made either at the Bishop’s Court, the Assizes, or the Quarter-Sessions. The Act of
Parliament licenses, not the Justices: They can neither grant nor refuse. If you have witnesses, your house is licensed: You need trouble the Sessions no farther. If they trouble you, the Lord Chief Justice will do you right. You should mildly and respectfully tell them so.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
P.S. I have wrote to the Chancellor, and hope he will trouble you no more. DCXXXI. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BOLTON, April 11, 1779.
IT seems to me, that this is a very providential thing, and that you did well not to let the opportunity slip. There is no doubt but our brethren at the Conference will readily consent to your asking the assistance of your neighbors for your preaching-house. And the time appears to be now approaching, when poor Exeter will lift up its head. There is no danger at all of your being a loser, by any bond or security that you have given. If I live till the latter end of summer, I hope to call upon you in my way to Cornwall.
I am
Your affectionate brother.
DCXXXII. — To the Same.
MY DEAR BROTHER, BRISTOL, September 22, 1780.
I HAVE much business to do in London; and as I do not depend upon seeing another year, I must be there as soon as possible; and to that end have taken a place in the mail-coach for next Sunday night. If I should live till the next autumn, I shall endeavor to see you at Plymouth. As it was evidently the providence of God which placed you in your present situation, he will doubtless give you grace sufficient for it. Only take care to improve the Sabbaths, and He will everyday stand at your right hand.