Chapter XXI: Letter DCCCCLXXXV: 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._

LETTER [DCCCCLXXXV.]

_To Mr. G――――, at Glasgow._

_Edinburgh, July 21, 1753._

YOURS I just now received, but know not what to say by way of answer. The inward discouragements I have felt for above a week, against coming to _Scotland_, have been very many. I have left a people full of fire. Thousands and thousands flocked to hear the glorious gospel. Awakenings I have heard of in every place; saints have been revived, and heaven as it were come down on earth. We have enjoyed perpetual _Cambuslang_ seasons. My eyes gush out with tears of joy, (and I trust at the same time with godly sorrow for my vileness) at the very thought of it. My heart is quite broken, to think poor _Scotland_ is so dead. O how gloomy hath been the aspect! I have been afraid of catching cold, though, alas! I am too too cold towards Him, who out of warm love bled and died for me. O that _Glasgow_ friends, if I do come, may pray for me! I could scarce believe your letter, that your people would be glad to see such an ill and hell-deserving, good for nothing creature as I am. If I lose the opportunity of seeing you, I shall be disappointed indeed. I believe I shall keep to the time proposed. O time, time, how slowly dost thou go on! When shall I be wafted to an happy eternity? Often within these three weeks have I hoped to die in the embraces of my GOD. Had I a thousand souls and bodies they should be all _itinerants_ for JESUS CHRIST. I want to see all on a flame of fire. You know, dear Sir, what fire I mean. O! break heart strings, break, and let the imprisoned soul be set at liberty. I want to go where I shall neither sin myself, nor see others sin any more. My tender love to all. I can no more for weeping. When I forget to pray for my ungrateful vile self,――then will my worthy and dear friend cease to be remembered by, reverend and very dear Sir,

Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,

_G. W._