_To Captain W――――._
_Plymouth, Aug. 19, 1749._
_My very dear Brother_,
I Do not love to be long out of _Bristol_ without writing to you. I want to know how it is with you after the loss of my noble patroness, and whether dear Mr. _H――――_ goes on. I have been preaching as usual in the _West_, and for some days past have been comforted and refreshed in a peculiar manner. Last night I heard that the Bishop had published a second pamphlet, of half-a-crown price, with a preface to me. Have you seen it, or do you think it worth answering? He told a clergyman some time ago, that he might expect a second part. He said, “My answer was honest; that I had recanted many things, but that I went on in my usual way still.” GOD forbid I should do otherwise. I am informed, that upon threatening to pull Mr. _T――――_’s gown off, he threw it off himself, and said, “He could preach the gospel without a gown,” and so withdrew. Upon which the Bishop sent for him in, and soothed him. Particulars I expect to hear on _Tuesday_ at _Biddiford_, where I hope to see Mr. _T――――_; and to-morrow se’nnight, GOD willing, I intend to preach at _Exeter_, in my way to _London_. I hope you find retirement blessed to you. Whether retired, or in public life, that you may be entirely devoted to the most adorable Redeemer, is the hearty prayer of, my very dear brother,
Yours most affectionately, _G. W._
POSTSCRIPT to Lady _H――――n_.
_Honoured Madam_,
SINCE I wrote the above, GOD has given me a glorious season at the dock, where I preached to a great multitude. This morning the King of kings shewed himself in the gallery of his ordinances indeed; and this evening I preached to many thousands in _Plymouth_ fields. It was a solemn meeting. Since that, a youth, laden with a sense of sin, came crying, “What shall I do to be saved?” May JESUS give him rest! May the same JESUS still fill your Ladyship with all his fulness! To-morrow, GOD willing, I set out for _Biddiford_. I have now a clergyman with me, who is made a rural Dean, and who, I believe, preaches CHRIST in sincerity.