honoured sister will ere long bear you company, and travel with you in that narrow road which leads to eternal life. When I remember you, I always think of her, and beg my most dutiful respects may find acceptance with her Ladyship. Some time next week I hope to be in town for a few days, and then shall do myself the honour of calling upon your Ladyship. In the mean while I recommend you to the tender mercies of the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, and beg an interest in your Ladyship's prayers, in behalf of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship's most obedient, obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCLXXIV. To Lady Fanny S.
Honoured Madam, Exeter, Aug. 26, 1749.
THOUGH I took the freedom of writing to your Ladyship before I left Bristol, and though I hope to be in town by next Thursday evening, yet gratitude and respect even compel me to trouble your Ladyship with another letter from this place. Here I came last night, after having preached the everlasting gospel to many thousands in the West. Sometimes I have been weak in body; but He, whose I am, and whom I endeavour to serve in the gospel of his dear Son, hath carried me through, and greatly refreshed and comforted my soul. Alas! to what a heaven are they strangers, who deny the influence of the Blessed Spirit, and cry down the felt and abiding joys of the Holy Ghost, as fancy, enthusiasm, and delusion. Ye poor dry Rationalists! I honour your parts in other respects, but pity your ignorance in the things of God. By this time, I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop's second performance. I think it is an original, and so very scurrilous, unchristian, and profane, that I cannot think it will be worth my while to answer him again. I have satisfied my conscience in publishing my last pamphlet; and I now commit our cause to him who judgeth righteously. O honoured Madam, what a happy thing is it to be despised for the sake of Jesus! When John Huss was burnt, the Bishop of Constance painted devils upon paper, and put them round his head; how soon were they exchanged for a crown of glory! Yet a little
