G. W.
LETTER DCCCXL.
To Lady H——n.
Leeds, May 30, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Cannot travel far without sitting down to refresh myself by writing to your Ladyship. Mansfield I hope was taken. After leaving that place, I went to Rotheram, where Satan rallied his forces again. However, I preached twice, on the Friday evening, and Saturday morning. The cryer was employed to give notice of a bear-baiting. Your Ladyship may guess who was the Bear. About seven in the morning the drum was heard, and several watermen attended it with great staves. The constable was struck, and two of the mobbers were apprehended, but rescued afterwards. But all this does not come up to the kind usage of the people of Ashby. I preached on those words, “Fear not, little flock.”—They were both fed and feasted; and after a short stay I left Rotheram, when I knew it was become more pacific. In the evening I preached at Sheffield, where the people received the word gladly. A very great alteration was discernable in their looks since I was there last. On Sunday great multitudes attended, and in the evening many went away that could not come near enough to hear. On Monday we had a parting blessing; and in the evening the Lord Jesus fed us plentifully, with the bread that cometh down from heaven, at Barly-Hall. Last night I preached to many, many thousands, and this morning also at five o’clock. Methinks I am now got into another climate. It must be a warm one, where there are so many of God’s people. Our Pentecost is to be kept at Mr. G——’s. I have seen him and Mr. J——, and hear that Mr. B—— died comfortably, being fully assured, “That not only all his sins before, but after conversion were forgiven him.” To-morrow, God willing, I move hence, and expect to-morrow evening to see Mrs. H——, and to reach Manchester next week. From thence I purpose writing to your Ladyship again. O that any thing I write, say, or do, may afford the least comfort to your Ladyship’s soul! This is my desire and hearty prayer: and I earnestly entreat the Lord, that you may live long, and prosper in soul and body. I send my usual and most dutiful respects to the honourable ladies, and am ever, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.