_To Mr. H――――ly._
_Plymouth, March 30, 1751._
_My very dear Friend_,
I Am persuaded you was surprized to find our elect Lady gone from
_Ashby_, and I was as much surprized to see her Ladyship at _Bristol_.
I hope her journey was of GOD. The waters agree with her wonderfully
already, and I trust she will be restored to perfect health. As dear Mr.
_H――――_ cannot be prevailed upon to come down, if it would any way suit
you to be with her Ladyship a month, it would much refresh her, and I
believe be very agreeable to you. Some pulpits would be open for you,
and who knows but you might catch some great fish in the gospel net?
But I need not enforce this, since her Ladyship hath written to you
herself. May the blessed Redeemer direct your going in his way! Put up
the same request for me. I have thoughts of going to _Wales_, _Ireland_
and _Scotland_. We have had good seasons in _Gloucestershire_, and at
_Bristol_, and the LORD enabled me to sow some gospel seed at _Taunton_
and _Wellington_ in my way hither. O that ever such a wretch as I
should be thus honoured!
_If thou excuse, LORD, work thy will_
_By so unfit an instrument;_
_It will at once thy goodness shew,_
_And prove thy power omnipotent._
For the present adieu. It is a grief to me that I cannot write oftener
and longer. I suppose the death of our prince has affected you. It has
given me a shock. “The LORD reigneth.” That is our comfort. That he
may reign more and more every day, and every hour, in our souls, is the
hearty prayer of, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately,
_G. W._