_To Lady H――――n._
_York, September 11, 1753._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
LAST _Saturday_ I returned to _Leeds_, from whence I had been absent
a fortnight. But what the glorious _Emmanuel_ gave us to see and
feel, is indeed inexpressible. What a sacrament at _Howarth_! We used
thirty-five bottles of wine on the occasion. I have been as far as
_Bolton_, _Manchester_, and _Stockport_. At the last place so much of
the divine presence came amongst us, that it was almost too much for
our frail natures to bear; at the former, our cup was also made to run
over. Every where the congregation looked like swarms of bees, and the
more I preached the more eager they seemed to be. At ♦_Burstall_ last
Lord’s day, perhaps there were near twenty thousand, and on _Monday_
morning at _Leeds_, the parting was the most affecting I ever saw: it
has been almost too much for me. I have not as yet half recovered it.
LORD, hasten the time when thy people shall part no more! Last night
I came hither, and preached with quietness. This morning I am setting
out for _Lincolnshire_, and have some thoughts of taking a trip to
_Ireland_. LORD JESUS, what am I that I should be called to go out into
the high-ways and hedges? Besides travelling, I have been enabled to
preach thrice a day frequently. Arrows of conviction have fled, and
of souls I hear scores have been awakened; they tell me that a hundred
have been added to _Sunderland_ society. O that the leaven may ferment
till the whole be leavened! Never did I see the work more promising.
GOD be merciful to me a sinner, and give me, for his infinite mercy’s
sake, an humble thankful and resigned heart! Surely I am viler than
the vilest, and stand amazed at his employing such a wretch as I
am; but his name is Love. I could enlarge, but must away to preach.
Ever-honoured Madam, let me intreat the continuance of your prayers,
and thereby increase the innumerable obligations already conferred
on the unworthiest of the sons of men, but, for CHRIST’s sake,
ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and ready servant,
_G. W._
♦ “Bustall” replaced with “Burstall”