LETTER DCCLXXIX.
To Lady H.
Honoured Madam, Newcastle, Oct. 1, 1749.
I Wrote to your Ladyship lately a few lines under great weariness of body. I then promised to send your Ladyship many pleasing particulars. Till now I have not had opportunity; and now what shall I say to your Ladyship? Never did I see more of the hand of God in any of my journies than in this. At Mr. G's I believe there were above six thousand hearers. The sacramental occasion was most awful. At Leeds the congregation consisted of above 10,000. In the morning at five I was obliged to preach out of doors. I was invited to Leeds by one of Mr. W's preachers, and by all his people. The gospel was welcome to them. In my way hither I met Mr. Charles W, who returned back with, and introduced me to the pulpit in Newcastle. As I am a debtor to all, and intend to be at the head of no party, I thought it my duty to comply. I have preached now in their room four times, and this morning I preached to many thousands in a large close. This evening I am to do the same again. The power of God has attended his own word, and there seems to be a quickening and stirring among the souls. To-morrow, God willing, we set out for Leeds, and after about a week's stay in those parts I intend returning to London. As it is so late in the year, my Scotch friends advise me to defer my going thither. Had I known that, I should have embarked for America this fall; but I find there were other reasons for my being prevented crossing the waters this winter. I desire to follow the Lamb whithersoever he is pleased to lead me. At New-haven there is a great awakening. If any thing offers worthy of notice, your Ladyship shall be sure to hear. In the mean while, I continue to put up my usual prayer, that your Ladyship may be filled with all the fulness of God, and to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship's most obliged and willing
servant for Christ's sake,
G. W.
