_To Captain W――――._
_Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1749._
_My very dear Brother_,
I Do not love to be long out of _Bristol_ without writing to you. I
want to know how it is with you after the loss of my noble patroness,
and whether dear Mr. _H――――_ goes on. I have been preaching as usual in
the _West_, and for some days past have been comforted and refreshed in
a peculiar manner. Last night I heard that the Bishop had published a
second pamphlet, of half-a-crown price, with a preface to me. Have you
seen it, or do you think it worth answering? He told a clergyman some
time ago, that he might expect a second part. He said, “My answer was
honest; that I had recanted many things, but that I went on in my usual
way still.” GOD forbid I should do otherwise. I am informed, that upon
threatening to pull Mr. _T――――_’s gown off, he threw it off himself,
and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and so withdrew.
Upon which the Bishop sent for him in, and soothed him. Particulars
I expect to hear on _Tuesday_ at _Biddiford_, where I hope to see Mr.
_T――――_; and to-morrow se’nnight, GOD willing, I intend to preach at
_Exeter_, in my way to _London_. I hope you find retirement blessed
to you. Whether retired, or in public life, that you may be entirely
devoted to the most adorable Redeemer, is the hearty prayer of, my very
dear brother,
Yours most affectionately,
_G. W._
POSTSCRIPT to Lady _H――――n_.
_Honoured Madam_,
SINCE I wrote the above, GOD has given me a glorious season at the
dock, where I preached to a great multitude. This morning the King of
kings shewed himself in the gallery of his ordinances indeed; and this
evening I preached to many thousands in _Plymouth_ fields. It was a
solemn meeting. Since that, a youth, laden with a sense of sin, came
crying, “What shall I do to be saved?” May JESUS give him rest! May the
same JESUS still fill your Ladyship with all his fulness! To-morrow,
GOD willing, I set out for _Biddiford_. I have now a clergyman with
me, who is made a rural Dean, and who, I believe, preaches CHRIST in
sincerity.