From T. Mitchell [Not to be confused with the noted preacher Thomas Mitchell who came to prominence in the later 1740s, but who was only thirteen at the time this letter was written] in Bristol to [William] Seward. Mitchell thinks that persecution is on its way and that the Lord is preparing a 'day of trial'. Many of the brethren here think that they will soon be denied the communion and if that is the case, 'what must be done?' Mitchell does not know the answer but God will make everything work for the good. Spiritual matters are further discussed in detail, with particular regard to the astonishing love and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus, for which reason his followers must rejoice when they experience persecution for they are being judged worthy of suffering for his sake.
Great things are taking place in this town. The night that Mitchell came home, in the society meeting [Internal evidence from this letter indicates that Mitchell was a member of the Nicholas Street Religious Society] a woman was delivered from 'the spirit of bondage and received the witness of the spirit of adoption. She continued in such agonies for near half an hour, as drawed almost the eyes of every one into tears ...she came to the desk and before all prayed and returned thanks for her deliverance from her grand adversary, since which the joy that then flowed in upon her soul she cannot rest night or day, but continues in praying and singing praises to the glorious Trinity who jointly concurred in the great work of her redemption.'
On Friday [Presumably Friday 20 April 1739 ] at Newgate two more were affected in a similar way. One of them was unable to stand for a considerable time after it was all over. 'Brother Westley [This was John Wesley who was visiting Bristol at this time, while his brother Charles was in London] was obliged to come down to them from the desk and so prayed and sang over them [John Wesley does not mention being at Newgate on Friday April 20th when this specific incident occurred. There is a possibility therefore that Mitchell has confused the dates – John Wesley did preach and pray at Newgate on April 22nd and April 26th. Other alternatives are that Mitchell confused the venues or that Wesley was at Newgate on April 20th but did not record the fact in his journal]. Various reflections are scattered about on this uncommon sight. It is a common saying among the carnal and ridiculing part of mankind in the open streets to ask one another if they have got the Holy Ghost; but of this, more in my next. I believe upon the account of the hands [ie a vote] we shall lose some of our members. They now proposed to build a room [The Bristol New Room, the world’s first Methodist chapel. John Wesley acquired the plot of land for its construction in the Horsefair in Bristol, a few weeks after this letter was written], as that is stopped at Kingswood. I fancy Baldwin Street and our’s will join together and be united as one society.' [Early reference to the merger of the Nicholas Street and Baldwin Street Religious Societies to form what was to become the Bristol New Room society.]
Mitchell hopes that Seward arrived safely in London. He has heard that their brethren went into Moorfields on Easter Monday [22 April 1739] and sang hymns and exhorted. Does Seward think that this is prudent ? Is it not inviting persecution ? 'We must have the wisdom of the serpents joined with the innocence of the dove. Let us walk circumspectly. Let everything be done decently and in order...' Spiritual matters are further discussed.
In a postscript, he passes on his love to Brother [John] Syms [see note below]. Mitchell will write if possible by the next post to Brother [Howell] Harris. He hopes that the late 'reviling' promotes the comfort of Seward’s soul and that he will not regard the threats of men or devils. Spiritual matters are further discussed.