A nobler, a diviner guest,
Hath took possession of my breast.
Well may your —— say, “you have been in a dream.” When God first shewed me that I must be a new creature, I awaked as it were, into a new world. I stood quite amazed. I was astonished to think, what a deep sleep the world around me was in. Thought I, O that I was made instrumental to some of them! The Lord heard my prayer. He has sent me to awaken the dear man I am now writing to. Not unto me, O God, not unto me, but to thy free grace and rich mercy be all the glory! With your Lordship’s letter to-day, came several others from different parts, all with glad tidings of great joy. O that I was humble and thankful! Why me, Lord, why me? Surely I will join with your —— in saying, not because I chose God, but God (O infinitely [♦]condescending majesty!) did chuse me. What shall we render to the glorious Emmanuel? Methinks I hear your —— saying, “Behold, Lord, henceforward I look upon myself as a steward, and not as a proprietor of thy manifold gifts; I will live no longer to myself, but to him that died for me.” Amen, Lord Jesus, amen and amen! Be pleased to excuse the defects of this, being written upon the road. I am now going to London. There has been a great awakening lately in Gloucestershire. I rejoice to hear that the lady —— is so well disposed. May a church be always in your —— house; and every one of your —— family be made a living member of the houshold of faith! No greater thing can be desired in your behalf by, my ——,
Your —— most obedient humble servant,
G. W.
[♦] ‘conscending’ replaced with ‘condescending’
LETTER CCCXCVIII.
To the Right Honourable Lady M—— H——.
Thales, (near Reading) Feb. 23, 1742.