_To Mr. H――――._
_Lisbon, April 10, 1754._
_My very dear Friend_,
STILL I am here, surrounded with every thing, in an ecclesiastical
way, that can offend a mind which desires to worship the LORD JESUS
in outward as well as inward simplicity. To-morrow is what they call
_Holy Thursday_. May I be as solicitous to have my heart illuminated
by the spirit of GOD, as the people here are to illuminate their
churches and altars. The pageantry is indeed incredible. Though we
have been detained longer than expectation, yet I trust what I have
seen and heard, will do me service in the future part of my life.
Was I returning to, as I am going from _England_, and had I a proper
companion, I would make a tour to _Leghorn_, _Genoa_, _Rome_, &c. and
so to _Marseilles_. What instruction would such a mind as yours gather
from such various scenes? O that I may be like a busy bee, and suck
some honey even from superstitious flowers! I do not wonder now, whence
the illuminations, dressing of altars, and those other things which
I have lately mentioned in a public manner on another occasion, took
their birth. It is all in imitation of what is daily practised abroad.
May the LORD JESUS crush the cockatrice in its egg, and prevent its
growing any bigger! I write this from a merchant’s house, who sent for
me from on board. Thus our LORD provides for those that are employed
for him. Help me to praise him. My fatherless charge are all well.
In a day or two we expect to sail. My most cordial respects attend
your mother, and all your dear relations. Continue to pray for me,
and thereby add to the obligations already conferred on, my very dear
friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._