LETTER DCCXXXV.
To Lady H——.
Plymouth, Feb. 21, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Believe it will much rejoice your Ladyship’s heart to hear what is doing in the West. I could not have thought that the seed sown four years ago, would have met with such a great increase. But what cannot God do? I have now proclaimed here seven times the riches of redeeming love, to very large, attentive, and affected auditories. Generally about two thousand attend every night; and the Sunday evening, in the field, I believe there were above five thousand hearers. On Wednesday, God willing, I move hence. My short stay affects the people. But our Lord orders all things well. I hope to be in town at my appointed time, at least within a few days of it. If Mr. B—— is not returned, I shall be grieved to think how your Ladyship will want the ordinance; but, thanks be to God, the fountain is open, and your Ladyship knows the way to it. Last Lord’s-day I administered the sacrament to some few souls that had no pastor; and I could have wished your Ladyship present to have seen an affecting sight,—two parents, both believers, presenting two daughters and a son, in the most solemn manner, for the first time to be communicants. I received them with all joy; and our Lord graced the feast with much of his divine presence. Indeed, my good Lady, affairs bear a very promising aspect. I hear that much good has been done at Bristol. Every where fresh doors are opening, and people flock from all quarters. Prejudices, I find, do subside, and, through grace, strong impressions are made on many souls. I have not been so well, for so long a season together, for many years, as I have been since I left town. A proof, I think, that the Lord calls me into the fields. I hear how your Ladyship has been, by the B——p. Alas! how does the enmity of the heart sometimes make persons to forget good manners! Your Ladyship has been taught of God to forgive and pity. Well, if the great shepherd and bishop of souls has work to be done, he will raise up instruments, and find ways to send them out.
I.
Thoughts are vain against the Lord,
All subserve his powerful word;
Wheels encircling wheels must run,