_To Lady H――――._
_Plymouth, Feb. 21, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Believe it will much rejoice your Ladyship’s heart to hear what is
doing in the _West_. I could not have thought that the seed sown four
years ago, would have met with such a great increase. But what cannot
GOD do? I have now proclaimed here seven times the riches of redeeming
love, to very large, attentive, and affected auditories. Generally
about two thousand attend every night; and the _Sunday_ evening, in the
field, I believe there were above five thousand hearers. On _Wednesday_,
GOD willing, I move hence. My short stay affects the people. But our
LORD orders all things well. I hope to be in town at my appointed time,
at least within a few days of it. If Mr. _B――――_ is not returned, I
shall be grieved to think how your Ladyship will want the ordinance;
but, thanks be to GOD, the fountain is open, and your Ladyship knows
the way to it. Last Lord’s-day I administered the sacrament to some
few souls that had no pastor; and I could have wished your Ladyship
present to have seen an affecting sight,――two parents, both believers,
presenting two daughters and a son, in the most solemn manner, for the
first time to be communicants. I received them with all joy; and our
LORD graced the feast with much of his divine presence. Indeed, my good
Lady, affairs bear a very promising aspect. I hear that much good has
been done at _Bristol_. Every where fresh doors are opening, and people
flock from all quarters. Prejudices, I find, do subside, and, through
grace, strong impressions are made on many souls. I have not been so
well, for so long a season together, for many years, as I have been
since I left town. A proof, I think, that the LORD calls me into the
fields. I hear how your Ladyship has been, by the B――――p. Alas! how
does the enmity of the heart sometimes make persons to forget good
manners! Your Ladyship has been taught of GOD to forgive and pity. Well,
if the great shepherd and bishop of souls has work to be done, he will
raise up instruments, and find ways to send them out.