_To Lady H――――n._
_Portsmouth, May 8, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
GLAD, very glad was I to hear, in a letter sent me by Mr. _H――――_, that
your Ladyship was better; and glad am I, yea very glad, that I can send
your Ladyship good news from this part of the country. The night after
I came here, I preached to many thousands, a great body of whom was
attentive, but some of the baser sort made a little disturbance. A very
great opposer sent for me to his house immediately, and could scarce
refrain weeping all the time I was with him. On the _Friday_ evening I
preached at _Gosport_, where the mob has generally been very turbulent,
but all was hushed and quiet, and as far as I could find, all approved.
Every time the word has seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the
people’s hearts, and their affections seem to be more and more drawn
out. In short, I hope I can inform your Ladyship that _Portsmouth_ is
taken, and that we shall hear of many who will in earnest seek after
the one thing needful. I have a great mind to go to the isle of _Wight_,
but am not yet determined. Here is a knot of sincere souls, that seem
to love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Several date their awakenings
from their hearing _T―――― G――――_, who I hear is to be ordained by the
Bishop of _W――――_, but I doubt it. Last night I had sweet conversation
with two of the devout soldiers that have been abroad. They are
soldiers indeed. Blessed be GOD, that there are so many of his children
scattered up and down, who I trust will give him no rest, till he makes
_Jerusalem_ a praise through the whole earth. I do not forget Lady
_F――――_, the Countess, or any of those who seemed inclined to follow
JESUS of _Nazareth_. O that they may be steady, and be enabled with
full purpose of heart to cleave unto the LORD! I beg that my most
humble and dutiful respects may find acceptance with them and your
Ladyship, from, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._