Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/276

 LETTER DCCLXVI.

To Mr. L.

Dear Mr. L,     Bristol, Aug. 4, 1749.  PROVIDENCE, for wise reasons, prevented my seeing you both at Gloucester, and at the Hill. This comforts me, "What is, is best." Since I came here, I have seen your letter about the intended charity-school, and wish you success in the name of the. I communicated it to our elect lady, who immediately contributed five guineas, another two, and Colonel G one. These I have sent for you, to Mr., who, I suppose, will take care to convey them to you. Mrs. E, I believe, intends to do something. Mr. C likewise spoke to the Bishop, who, I think, has promised to contribute: so that you see no time has been lost. Only, my dear friend, take this caution, "sit down, and count the cost, before you begin to build." Do not lay out more than you know you can pay. Go the cheapest way to work; and if you cannot build, rather keep a stock in hand to pay the schoolmaster, and hire a house convenient from year to year, and, if possible, find the children in books. You well know what I have suffered for running too far into debt for others. I am glad you are likely to settle at S. May the bless you and yours more and more! He continues to be kind to me, and will at length, I am persuaded, (though I pass through many tribulations) land me safe in glory. There we shall meet, never to part again. In the mean while, that we may both behave like good soldiers of, is the hearty prayer of, my dear friend, Yours, &c. G. W.    LETTER DCCLXVII. To the Bishop of W.

My Lord,     Bristol, Aug. 7, 1749.

THE occasion of my troubling your Lordship in this manner, is as follows. I have, more then once, been very credibly informed, that your Lordship has been pleased