London, May 2, 1756.
Ever-honoured Madam,
VARIOUS have been my exercises since I wrote to your Ladyship last. But I find, that out of the eater cometh forth meat, and that all things happen for the furtherance of the gospel. I suppose your Ladyship hath seen his Majesty’s promise of a pardon to any that will discover the letter writer; and this brings your Ladyship the further news of my having taken a piece of ground very commodious to build on, not far from the Foundling-Hospital. On Sunday I opened the subscription, and through God’s blessing, it hath already amounted to near six hundred pounds. If he is pleased to continue to smile upon my poor endeavours, and to open the hearts of some more of his dear children to contribute, I hope in a few months to have what hath been long wanted,—a place for the gospel at the other end of the town. This evening, God willing, I venture once more to preach at Long-Acre. The enemy boasts that I am frightened away: but the triumph of the wicked is short. Our people, Sir H—— C——, Mr. M——, &c. are all for bringing the rioters to the King’s-Bench, and perhaps upon the whole it may be best. Lord Jesus, direct my goings in thy way! On Tuesday next I hope to set out for Wales. For indeed my body is weakened through care and watchfulness, a variety of exercises, and want of sleep. But the Redeemer’s grace is all-sufficient. To his tender and never-failing mercy do I most humbly commend your Ladyship, and the other elect Ladies, and beg a continued interest in their prayers. With repeated thanks for repeated favours; I subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,
G. W.
LETTER MCXXXV.
To Mr. H——.
Bristol, May 20, 1756.
My very dear Sir,