“When I wrote my last to thy father, I hoped to have left this city, last second day; but such hath been the nature of the affair which detains me here, that though I have endeavoured, to the utmost of my power, to get it completed, I cannot yet succeed. The attorney assures me that we shall have everything ready by next fifth day; and, if he is as good as his word, we shall finish our matters that evening, or the next day at farthest. And then, if health permits, I shall set out in the machine second day morning, and reach Plymouth on fourth day.[90] “I am heartily disposed to show every mark of respect to a niece so sincerely and justly esteemed by me; and it hath been one source of anxiety and vexation to me that I have been so long detained here; but there is really a necessity for my closing our affair before I leave this city. When this is done, I shall set my face towards Plymouth with great pleasure. Not that I have any reason to complain of Bristol; for, though I have had the load of important and difficult affairs on my mind, and have gone through a real fit of the gout besides, I have been helped through all in the enjoyment of calm spirits and inward satisfaction. “I have a budget full of interesting matter for your entertainment at my return. I have not had the least reason to complain of R. Champion’s behaviour; and all my acquaintance at Bristol have shown me much kindness and respect; and, on the whole, my time hath been spent agreeably amongst them, all things considered. For, considering my attention to china-wares, the closing of my business with R. Champion, the settling the lovers’ matters, which were in a much worse situation than we imagined; all this, and the attending meetings, have made the last month the busiest one to me that I have known for many years. But quiet dependence is sufficient to carry us, safely and well, through all those things in which Providence engages us. Let this be an encouragement to my dear niece through every difficulty she may meet with. Let us but determine in all things to do our duty, depending only on Him who is mighty to help, and nothing that can befall us can be hurtful to us. Let us learn to despise the superficial judgment of a world that looks only at things that are seen; which renders all its spacious wisdom foolishness in reality. Let the attainment and possession of a conscience void of offence, regulate us in all our views and pursuits; and let us implore the help of the Great Father, and steadily wait for it, through the whole course of our conduct; and we shall know that blessing which maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it to rest on our hearts and houses. “Farewell, my dear cousin; and, farewell, all my dear friends. I am hastening to meeting. “W. COOKWORTHY.”