401. Letter Dcccxcvi.
LETTER DCCCXCVI.
T o Lady H――.
Dublin, June 28, 1751.
Ever-honoured Madam, MY last from Cork, informed your Ladyship of my having preached twice there to large and attentive auditories. From thence I went to Bandon and Kinsale, where a like blessing attended the word. At my return to Cork, I preached five or six times more, and every time, both the power of the word and numbers of hearers increased. I believe on Sunday evening there might be more than three thousand people. Hundreds prayed for me, when I took my leave, and many of the papists said, "if I would stay, they would leave their priests." After preaching twice in the way, I came here on Wednesday evening, where I have again published the ever-lasting gospel. Next
Monday, God willing, I set out for Belfast, and hope in about ten days to be in Scotland. From thence, by God's leave, your Ladyship shall hear from me again: but what return shall I make for your Ladyship's two kind letters?
I can only repeat my old tribute, my poor but I trust unfeigned thanks. O for
sincerity! O for a simple, disinterested heart. I think that low politics are below the children of God, and if we will be quiet, our Lord will speak for us. One to whom I had been represented in black colours, writes thus from Dublin to a preacher in Cork,—"What blessed seasons have we had since
Mr. Whitefield came,—his coming hath been unspeakably blest to many.
Thousands constantly attended the word. His word is attended with power. I never heard a man preach holiness of heart in a clearer manner.—He powerfully preaches Christ for us and in us. I confess I had strange ideas about him, but blessed be God, I have not now. God be praised that ever I saw his face, &c.――" Thus it hath been elsewhere. O that I was humble!
O that I was thankful! Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but to thy free unmerited grace be all the glory?—May I learn more and more to leave all to God, even a God in Christ! If his cause be promoted, my end is answered. Let souls go where they please to hear, and welcome. Thanks be to Jesus for giving your Ladyship a disinterested catholic spirit. However afflicted, and in pain on earth, you shall shine ere long in the kingdom of heaven. Christ hath prepared a place for you, and is daily and hourly preparing your Ladyship for the place. I am glad you are like to have some company. I beg that my most hearty respects and acknowledgments may find acceptance with them and good Lady H――. I hope the waters will agree with the young Ladies. Above all, I pray that they, and the whole circle of your Ladyship's relations and friends, may drink plentifully of that water, whose streams refresh the city of God. I can now add no more, but to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam, Your Ladyship's most dutiful, obliged and ready servant for Christ's sake,
G. W.