_To Mrs. B――――._
_London, December 30, 1756._
_Dear Madam_,
GRATITUDE constrains me to send you a few lines. They inform you,
that GOD is doing wonders at the new chapel. Hundreds went away last
_Sunday_ morning that could not come in. On _Christmas-Day_, and last
_Tuesday_ night (the first time of burning candles) the power of the
LORD was present, both to wound and to heal. A neighbouring Doctor hath
baptized the place, calling it “_Whitefields’s Soul-trap_.”――Just now
the following letter came to hand.
_Reverend Sir_,
A THOUGHT came into my mind last _Sunday_ morning, to go to hear you at
the new tabernacle, and to see what sort of a place it was. In one part
of your discourse my heart trembled, and the terrors of the LORD came
upon me. I then concluded, that I must prepare for hell, and that there
was no hope of salvation for me. I take this method, being assured that
you will excuse the liberty I take to ask you one question, How I can
be convinced that my past sins are to be forgiven? And O, what must I
do to be saved! My sins are innumerable. GOD is just. I cannot think
that I have any interest in the Redeemer’s blood. My soul is full of
grief. I must conclude. Dear Sir, favour me with a line, which will be
greatly acknowledged by,
Your friend,
_A. B._
I have answered my new friend, and pray the friend of sinners to make
the chapel a _soul-trap_ indeed, to many wandering creatures. Abundance
round about, I hear are much struck. O for humility! O for gratitude!
O for faith! Wherefore should I doubt?――Surely JESUS will carry me
through, and help me to pay the workmen. Accept repeated thanks for
the help afforded by your dear Ladies, and depend on having the poor
prayers of, dear Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._