ded the peaceable fruits of righteousness. But Thou
knowest also what a trial it is to me to continue the life I am now
living. Help, Lord, according to my need!

On Feb. 8th I sent a letter to the church in Bristol, which, having
been preserved, I give here in print, as it shows the way in which
the Lord dealt with me during and through the instrumentality of the
affliction, and which, with His blessing, may lead one or other of
the children of God who are in trial, quietly to wait for the end,
and to look out for blessings to be bestowed upon them through the
instrumentality of the trial.

To the Saints, united together in Fellowship, and assembling at
Bethesda and Gideon Chapels, Bristol.

Trowbridge, Feb. 1, 1838.

Dear Brethren,

Twelve weeks have passed away, since I last ministered among you. I
should have written to you repeatedly, during that period, had I not
thought it better to put aside every mental occupation which could be
deferred, as my head is unfit for mental exertion; but I would now
rather write a few lines, than appear unmindful of you. You are dear
to me; yea, so dear, that I desire to live and die with you, if our
Lord permit; and why should I not tell you so by letter? I will
write, then, as a token of brotherly remembrance and of love towards
you; and may it be a means of quickening you to prayer on my behalf.

In looking back upon my past life, I know not where to begin, and
where to end, in making mention of the Lord's mercies. His
long-suffering towards me in the days of my unregeneracy cannot be
described. You know a little of my sinful life, before I was brought
to the Lord; still you know but very little. If, however, I have much
reason to praise God for His mercies towards me in those days, I have
more abundant reason to admire His gentleness, long-suffering, and
faithfulness towards me since I have known Him. He has step by step
led me on, and He has not broken the bruised reed. His gentleness
towards me has been great indeed, very great. (Brethren, let us
follow God, in dealing gently with each other!) He has borne with my
coldness, half-heartedness, and backsliding. In the midst of it all,
He has treated me as His child. How can I sufficiently praise Him for
this long-suffering? (Brethren, let us imitate our Father, let us
bear long, and suffer long with each other!) He has been always the
same gracious, kind, loving Father, Friend, Supporter, Teacher,
Comforter, and a