_To Lady H――――._
_Plymouth, Feb. 25, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
THE day after I wrote to your Ladyship my last letter, I preached three
times, once at _Kingswood_, and twice at _Bristol_. In the evening I
stood at _Smith_’s hall window and preached. It was a blessed day. The
next morning our ascended Saviour gave me much of his presence, and
I came on my way rejoicing. At _Taunton_ I met with Mr. _Pearsall_,
a Dissenting minister, a preacher of righteousness before I was born.
At _Wellington_ I lay at the house of one Mr. _Darracott_, a flaming
successful preacher of the gospel, and who, I think, may justly be
stiled (what Mr. _Hieron_ was some years ago) the star in the _West_.
He hath suffered much reproach; the common lot of all that are owned
in the LORD’s vineyard: and in the space of three months, he hath
lost three lovely children. Two of them died the _Saturday_ evening
before the sacrament was to be administred; but weeping did not hinder
sowing. He preached the next day, and administered as usual. Our LORD
strengthened him; and for his three natural, hath given him above
thirty spiritual children: and he is in a likely way of having many
more. He has ventured his little all for CHRIST; and last week a saint
died who left him and his heirs two hundred pounds in land. Did ever
any one trust in the LORD and was forsaken? At his place I began to
take the field for this _Spring_. At a very short warning, a multitude
of souls assembled, and the bread of life, that cometh down from
heaven, was dispensed amongst them. The following evening I preached
at _Exeter_, where there is a little flock, and last night and this
morning I have preached here: I humbly hope to the comfort of many.
This afternoon, GOD willing, I am to take the field again. What success
I meet with here, and in _Cornwall_, your Ladyship shall know by
another opportunity. I am now waiting for a letter from Mr. _B――――_,
which I hope will bring me the wish’d-for news of the confirmation of
your Ladyship’s health. This is what I continually pray for from my
inmost soul. I am sorry to inform your Ladyship (if it has not reached
you before) that Mr. _A――――_ of _London_ is dead. I think he was one of
the most lively, and like to have been the most successful Dissenting
preacher in that great city: but our LORD orders all things well. The
residue of the Spirit is in his hands. Blessed Redeemer, quicken my
tardy pace, and make me also ready! Good Lady _Ann_ I hope is now
perfectly recovered. But why do I talk of a perfect recovery in this
dying life? Then only shall we be perfectly recovered, when we awake
in the morning of the resurrection after our Redeemer’s likeness; then,
and not till then, will my poor soul be fully satisfied; then, and
not till then, will your Ladyship fully know how much the temporal and
eternal welfare of your Ladyship is desired and prayed for by, honoured
Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most humble, dutiful, and ready
servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._
♦ “DCCCXX” used for previous letter also.