_To Lady H――――n._
_Bristol, Feb. 1, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
YESTERDAY I had the favour of your Ladyship’s letter; and am glad to
find that Lady _G――――_’s journey will not be altogether in vain. Our
LORD will note, in his book, your Ladyship’s endeavour to serve her,
and reward you openly before men and angels, for this and all other
your works of faith, and labours of love. I am glad your Ladyship
approves of Mr. _W――――_’s conduct, and that he hath preached at your
Ladyship’s. The language of my heart is, “LORD, send by whom thou wilt
send, only convert some of the mighty and noble, for thy mercy’s sake!
Then I care not if I am heard of no more.” I am much obliged to those
honourable ladies who are pleased to send me their good wishes. In
return, they have my earnest prayers that they may be filled with all
the fulness of GOD. For my own part, I long to take the field. I trust
we shall see a glorious Spring, and hear of many souls crying out,
“What shall we do to be saved?” Blessed be GOD, we have solid seasons
here. I trust I can with truth say, “The gospel has been preached with
the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” Next _Monday_, GOD willing, I
shall travel further _Westward_. In the mean while, I purpose to preach
here, and at _Kingswood_, and to take a step to _Bath_. Mr. _C――――_
was here yesterday, and brought me a benefaction from Miss _S――――_,
of fifteen guineas, most or all of which I purpose paying to Mr. ――――,
towards discharging what is due to him for the Orphan-house. Thus
doth the LORD help me, who long ago deserved to be banished from his
presence for ever, and to be employed in his work no more. I am glad
your Ladyship approves of Mr. _G――――_: He is, I think, a worthy man.
By taking this method, your Ladyship will have an opportunity of
conversing with the best of all parties, without being a bigot, and too
strenuously attached to any. Surely in this your Ladyship is directed
from above. The blessed JESUS cares for his people of all denominations.
He is gathering his elect out of all. Happy they, who, with a
disinterested view, take in the whole church militant, and, in spite of
narrow-hearted bigots, breathe an undissembled catholic spirit towards
all. That your Ladyship may increase and grow in this spirit, and
consequently increase in true divine happiness every day, is and shall
be the constant prayer of, Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant,
_G. W._