To Lady H——.
Plymouth, Aug. 15, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
I Hope this will find your Ladyship recovered from the fatigue of your journey, and sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with unspeakable delight at Ashby-Place. My prayers have constantly followed you, ever since I left your Ladyship at Bristol; and the Lord of all lords has dealt bountifully with me in my way Westward. At Wellington, as I was riding through the town, a good woman stopped me, and entreated me to give the people a sermon. I complied, and preached to a great company; and the next day to a much larger at the same place. I have also preached once at Exeter, twice at Kingsbridge, and once here at Plymouth, where, by the providence of an infinitely condescending God, I came yesterday in the afternoon. Several, I find, were awakened when I was here last; and the fields are every where white, ready unto harvest. My late pamphlet has been greatly blest. My Lord of Exeter was asked, Whether he had seen it? He answered, “Yes,” and said, “I wrote like an honest man, had recanted several things, but he goes on in the same way yet.” Being asked, Whether he did not intend publishing his second part? he replied, “You may expect a second.” God be praised! I wish it may come out before I embark. I find he did not proceed to sentence Mr. T——; he only threatened to pull off his gown. Mr. T—— immediately pulled it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and went out. Upon which the Bishop sent after him, and soothed him. In a few days I hope to see Mr. T——, and then your Ladyship shall have further particulars. Blessed be God, all things turn out for the furtherance of the gospel. “Out of the eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong comes forth sweetness.” In about a fortnight I hope to reach London, and in the mean time shall take care to send your Ladyship historical letters. I count it my highest honour and privilege to wait upon your Ladyship; but I fear shall never have it in my power to express my gratitude as I ought, for those unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXX.
To Mr. S——.
Plymouth, Aug. 18, 1749.