My very dear Friend,
THOUGH I am somewhat fatigued with my journey, yet I cannot help answering your very kind and wished-for letter. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who delights to multiply his benefits upon us! I wish you and dear Mrs. D—— joy of your twins. May Jesus sanctify them from the womb, and spare them with their tender mother, to be lasting blessings to yourself and others! What shall I render unto the Lord for removing prejudices from Taunton people? It is his doing; and the same grace was shewn at Portsmouth, from whence I am just now come. I was there this time twelvemonth, and now had the pleasure of hearing that many were then awakened, who hold on their way. Thousands came to hear, and the word seemed to strike like a pointed arrow. You have been misinformed about Moor-fields. I have preached there twice lately to many thousands, but without molestation. A blessed power attended the word, and we have had most delightful seasons in London. Help me to cry Grace! grace! I am now going Northward, and hope next week to have another interview with Messrs. H——, H——ly, Dr. D——, and Dr. S——. I rejoice in the success of the Doctor’s books, and pray the Lord earnestly to bless all his labours more and more. Poor Lady H——n is ill. I say of her, as I would to you, serius in cœlum redeas! You may direct to her Ladyship at Ashby-place. I am glad to hear that your brethren begin to envy you; It is a good sign. You have heard of the viper and the file. Their biting will only make their own teeth to bleed. We are to go on. I pray God you may, and increase with all the increase of God. I salute you and all your family. My wife joins, very dear Mr. D——, with
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXII.
To Mr. C——.
Ashby, May 11, 1750.
Very dear Sir,
AS you talked when I left London of setting out on your journey in about a fortnight, I cannot help sending you these few lines. I believe they will be acceptable, because they acquaint you with the continuance of the Redeemer’s loving kindness to the very chief of sinners. At Oulney, where I preached last Lord’s day, we had two sweet seasons. A great multitude attended, and I had the pleasure of seeing some, that were wrought upon when I was there last. On the Monday, about six miles from Northampton, I had a private interview with Dr. S——, Dr. D——, Messrs. H—— and H——ly. On the Tuesday I preached in the morning to Dr. D——’s family, and in the afternoon to above two thousand in the field. Dr. S——, Mr. H——, &c. attended me, and walked with me afterwards along the street; so that I hope the physician will now turn his back on the world, and be content to follow a despised crucified Redeemer without reserve. I expounded at his house in the evening, and am hereafter to come to it as my own. On Tuesday I preached twice at Kettering to several thousands. The people gladly received the word, and the Inn-keeper where I put up, I hope is a real christian. On Wednesday I came hither, and found good Lady H——, though very weak, yet better than I expected. I hope you will beg Mr. G——, and all God’s people, to strive together in their prayers, to keep her out of heaven as long as they can, that she may do more good on earth. I greet you and Mrs. C—— most heartily, and wishing you a very prosperous journey, by the will of God, I am, very dear Sir,