_To Lady H――――n._
_Portsmouth, May 8, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
GLAD, very glad was I to hear, in a letter sent me by Mr. _H――――_, that your Ladyship was better; and glad am I, yea very glad, that I can send your Ladyship good news from this part of the country. The night after I came here, I preached to many thousands, a great body of whom was attentive, but some of the baser sort made a little disturbance. A very great opposer sent for me to his house immediately, and could scarce refrain weeping all the time I was with him. On the _Friday_ evening I preached at _Gosport_, where the mob has generally been very turbulent, but all was hushed and quiet, and as far as I could find, all approved. Every time the word has seemed to sink deeper and deeper into the people’s hearts, and their affections seem to be more and more drawn out. In short, I hope I can inform your Ladyship that _Portsmouth_ is taken, and that we shall hear of many who will in earnest seek after the one thing needful. I have a great mind to go to the isle of _Wight_, but am not yet determined. Here is a knot of sincere souls, that seem to love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. Several date their awakenings from their hearing _T―――― G――――_, who I hear is to be ordained by the Bishop of _W――――_, but I doubt it. Last night I had sweet conversation with two of the devout soldiers that have been abroad. They are soldiers indeed. Blessed be GOD, that there are so many of his children scattered up and down, who I trust will give him no rest, till he makes _Jerusalem_ a praise through the whole earth. I do not forget Lady _F――――_, the Countess, or any of those who seemed inclined to follow JESUS of _Nazareth_. O that they may be steady, and be enabled with full purpose of heart to cleave unto the LORD! I beg that my most humble and dutiful respects may find acceptance with them and your Ladyship, from, honoured madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient humble servant for CHRIST’s sake, _G. W._