_To Lady H――――――n._
_Newcastle, July 17, 1753._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
I WROTE to your Ladyship just before I set out for _Portsmouth_, and
thought to have written again at my return, but was hindered by staying
only one night at _London_. Ever since I have been upon the range
for lost sinners, and blessed be GOD, have been much owned by him who
delights to work by the meanest instruments. In _Northamptonshire_ our
cup ran over. In _Leicester_, the Redeemer caused us to triumph; and
in _Yorkshire_, at _Leeds_ and the adjacent places, I have sometimes
scarce known whether I have been in heaven or earth. I have been
enabled to preach thrice a day, and once at _Leeds_, perhaps to near
twenty thousand, as they were computed. Indeed we kept holy-day there.
Many came to me that were awakened at my former visits. Not unto me,
O LORD, not unto me, but unto thy free and unmerited mercy be all the
glory! In my way hither I preached four times at _York_; twice we were
disturbed, and twice all was quiet; and a sweet influence attended the
word. I lodged at Mrs. _G――――_’s, who keeps steady. She enquired most
heartily after your Ladyship, and begged to be remembered in the most
respectful manner. Hither I came on _Saturday_, and have preached seven
times, and once at _Sunderland_, where a great multitude attended, and
were deeply impressed. At five in the morning the great room is filled,
and on Lord’s-day the congregation without was great indeed. Surely the
shout of a king hath been amongst us. All is harmony and love. I am now
going to a place called _Sheep-hill_, and shall return in the evening
to preach here again. To-morrow, GOD willing, I set forwards to
_Scotland_. I could almost wish this was to be the end of my circuit,
for I want to go to various parts. LORD JESUS, magnify thy strength
in my weakness, and send me where thou wilt! If your Ladyship pleases,
this may be communicated to _C―――― W――――_, to whom I would write if
I had time. I can only now entreat the continuance of your Ladyship’s
prayers, and beg your Ladyship’s acceptance of repeated acknowledgments
for repeated favours, from, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful and
ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._