_To Lady H――――._
_Plymouth, Aug. 15, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Hope this will find your Ladyship recovered from the fatigue of
your journey, and sitting under the Redeemer’s shadow with unspeakable
delight at _Ashby-Place_. My prayers have constantly followed you, ever
since I left your Ladyship at _Bristol_; and the LORD of all lords has
dealt bountifully with me in my way _Westward_. At _Wellington_, as
I was riding through the town, a good woman stopped me, and entreated
me to give the people a sermon. I complied, and preached to a great
company; and the next day to a much larger at the same place. I have
also preached once at _Exeter_, twice at _Kingsbridge_, and once here
at _Plymouth_, where, by the providence of an infinitely condescending
GOD, I came yesterday in the afternoon. Several, I find, were awakened
when I was here last; and the fields are every where white, ready unto
harvest. My late pamphlet has been greatly blest. My Lord of _Exeter_
was asked, Whether he had seen it? He answered, “Yes,” and said, “I
wrote like an honest man, had recanted several things, but he goes on
in the same way yet.” Being asked, Whether he did not intend publishing
his second part? he replied, “You may expect a second.” GOD be praised!
I wish it may come out before I embark. I find he did not proceed to
sentence Mr. _T――――_; he only threatened to pull off his gown. Mr.
_T――――_ immediately pulled it off himself, and said, “He could preach
the gospel without a gown,” and went out. Upon which the Bishop sent
after him, and soothed him. In a few days I hope to see Mr. _T――――_,
and then your Ladyship shall have further particulars. Blessed be GOD,
all things turn out for the furtherance of the gospel. “Out of the
eater comes forth meat, and out of the strong comes forth sweetness.”
In about a fortnight I hope to reach _London_, and in the mean time
shall take care to send your Ladyship historical letters. I count it
my highest honour and privilege to wait upon your Ladyship; but I fear
shall never have it in my power to express my gratitude as I ought, for
those unmerited favours your Ladyship hath been pleased to confer on,
honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, though
unworthy servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._