_To the Countess of H――――n._
_Exeter, Feb. 24, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
AFTER I wrote to your Ladyship last post, from _Plymouth_, I received
the letters you was pleased to communicate to Mr. _C――――_. They came
quite unexpected. I think it is enough, that my letters are received,
not without being answered; but the LORD JESUS will humble me by
mercies. O that they may have that blessed effect upon my soul!
Inclosed, your Ladyship hath my answers. I have sent them open, that
your Ladyship may (if not too long) peruse them. Whilst I was writing,
the fire kindled, and I did not well know how to leave off. I rejoice
that your Ladyship hath such a promising prospect of doing good among
the rich and great. Mr. _C――――_, in his last, writes thus: “Mr. _G――――_
went with me to wait on her Ladyship; where he owns he spent two hours
with more pleasure, than he ever remembered to have done in any company
before: and, I must freely own, he spoke my own sentiments.” I believe
that your Ladyship will daily reap the fruit of a catholic spirit, and
a free conversation with the truly gracious of all denominations. It
is a conduct truly god-like. Dear Mr. _T――――_ has much of it. I parted
from him on _Thursday_ afternoon. He was once almost blinded by weeping
under the word. He was rejoiced to see the flocking at _Plymouth_.
Indeed it was very encouraging. Our LORD seemed to keep the best wine
until the last. At _Tavistock_, ten miles from _Plymouth_, I preached
last _Thursday_, but was rudely treated. For, whilst I was praying,
some of the baser sort brought a bull and dogs, and disturbed us much.
But I hope that good was done. Blessed be GOD, we know some has been
done. I conversed with three or four, that have been awakened by the
reading of some of my printed sermons. Surely the Apostle spoke like
himself, when he said, “GOD has chosen the weak things of this world,
to confound the strong; and things that are not, to bring to nought the
things that are.” I am now come thus far in my return to _London_. I
purpose, GOD willing, being there in about ten days. On _Monday_ next
I shall set out for _Bristol_; where, as I am informed, the infinitely
condescending Redeemer has been pleased greatly to bless my last visit.
When I think of _London_, I feel a kind of fear and trembling, lest
my bodily sickness should return again, and I should not speak to the
Mighty and Noble, so as to win them to the ever-blessed JESUS. But I
desire to throw myself blindfold into his hands, believing, (LORD, help
my unbelief!) that as my day is, so shall my strength be. At present,
honoured Madam, this is the language of my heart, to Him, whose I am,
and whom I desire to serve:
_A life that all things casts behind,_
_Springs forth obedient to thy call;_
_A heart, that no desire can move,_
_But still t’adore, believe, and love,_
_Give me, my LORD, my life, my all!_
I hope this will find your Ladyship quite happy under the shadow of
redeeming love. I wish your Ladyship an increase of that happiness
every moment, as being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though most unworthy
humble servant,
_G. W._