_To Lady H――――._
_Dublin, June 28, 1751._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
MY last from _Cork_, informed your Ladyship of my having preached
twice there to large and attentive auditories. From thence I went to
_Bandon_ and _Kinsale_, where a like blessing attended the word. At my
return to _Cork_, I preached five or six times more, and every time,
both the power of the word and numbers of hearers increased. I believe
on _Sunday_ evening there might be more than three thousand people.
Hundreds prayed for me, when I took my leave, and many of the papists
said, “if I would stay, they would leave their priests.” After
preaching twice in the way, I came here on _Wednesday_ evening, where
I have again published the ever-lasting gospel. Next _Monday_, GOD
willing, I set out for _Belfast_, and hope in about ten days to be
in _Scotland_. From thence, by GOD’s leave, your Ladyship shall hear
from me again: but what return shall I make for your Ladyship’s two
kind letters? I can only repeat my old tribute, my poor but I trust
unfeigned thanks. O for sincerity! O for a simple, disinterested heart.
I think that low politics are below the children of GOD, and if we
will be quiet, our LORD will speak for us. One to whom I had been
represented in black colours, writes thus from _Dublin_ to a preacher
in _Cork_,――“What blessed seasons have we had since Mr. _Whitefield_
came,――his coming hath been unspeakably blest to many. Thousands
constantly attended the word. His word is attended with power. I
never heard a man preach holiness of heart in a clearer manner.――He
powerfully preaches CHRIST for us and in us. I confess I had strange
ideas about him, but blessed be GOD, I have not now. GOD be praised
that ever I saw his face, &c.――――” Thus it hath been elsewhere. O
that I was humble! O that I was thankful! Not unto me, O LORD, not
unto me, but to thy free unmerited grace be all the glory?――May I
learn more and more to leave all to GOD, even a GOD in CHRIST! If his
cause be promoted, my end is answered. Let souls go where they please
to hear, and welcome. Thanks be to JESUS for giving your Ladyship a
disinterested catholic spirit. However afflicted, and in pain on earth,
you shall shine ere long in the kingdom of heaven. CHRIST hath prepared
a place for you, and is daily and hourly preparing your Ladyship for
the place. I am glad you are like to have some company. I beg that my
most hearty respects and acknowledgments may find acceptance with them
and good Lady _H――――_. I hope the waters will agree with the young
Ladies. Above all, I pray that they, and the whole circle of your
Ladyship’s relations and friends, may drink plentifully of that water,
whose streams refresh the city of GOD. I can now add no more, but to
subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready
servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._