_To Lady H――――n._
_Leeds, May 30, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Cannot travel far without sitting down to refresh myself by writing
to your Ladyship. _Mansfield_ I hope was taken. After leaving that
place, I went to _Rotheram_, where _Satan_ rallied his forces again.
However, I preached twice, on the _Friday_ evening, and _Saturday_
morning. The cryer was employed to give notice of a bear-baiting. Your
Ladyship may guess who was the _Bear_. About seven in the morning the
drum was heard, and several watermen attended it with great staves.
The constable was struck, and two of the mobbers were apprehended, but
rescued afterwards. But all this does not come up to the kind usage
of the people of _Ashby_. I preached on those words, “Fear not, little
flock.”――They were both fed and feasted; and after a short stay I left
_Rotheram_, when I knew it was become more pacific. In the evening I
preached at _Sheffield_, where the people received the word gladly. A
very great alteration was discernable in their looks since I was there
last. On _Sunday_ great multitudes attended, and in the evening many
went away that could not come near enough to hear. On _Monday_ we had a
parting blessing; and in the evening the LORD JESUS fed us plentifully,
with the bread that cometh down from heaven, at _Barly-Hall_. Last
night I preached to many, many thousands, and this morning also at five
o’clock. Methinks I am now got into another climate. It must be a warm
one, where there are so many of GOD’s people. Our Pentecost is to be
kept at Mr. _G――――_’s. I have seen him and Mr. _J――――_, and hear that
Mr. _B――――_ died comfortably, being fully assured, “That not only all
his sins before, but after conversion were forgiven him.” To-morrow,
GOD willing, I move hence, and expect to-morrow evening to see Mrs.
_H――――_, and to reach _Manchester_ next week. From thence I purpose
writing to your Ladyship again. O that any thing I write, say, or do,
may afford the least comfort to your Ladyship’s soul! This is my desire
and hearty prayer: and I earnestly entreat the LORD, that you may live
long, and prosper in soul and body. I send my usual and most dutiful
respects to the honourable ladies, and am ever, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._