194. Letter Mclvii.
LETTER MCLVII.
T o Mrs. B――.
London, December 30, 1756.
Dear Madam, GRATITUDE constrains me to send you a few lines. They inform you, that God is doing wonders at the new chapel. Hundreds went away last
Sunday morning that could not come in. On Christmas-Day, and last Tuesday night (the first time of burning candles) the power of the Lord was present, both to wound and to heal. A neighbouring Doctor hath baptized the place, calling it "Whitefields's Soul-trap."—Just now the following letter came to hand.
Reverend Sir, A THOUGHT came into my mind last Sunday morning, to go to hear you at the new tabernacle, and to see what sort of a place it was. In one part of your discourse my heart trembled, and the terrors of the Lord came upon me. I then concluded, that I must prepare for hell, and that there was no hope of salvation for me. I take this method, being assured that you will
excuse the liberty I take to ask you one question, How I can be convinced that my past sins are to be forgiven? And O, what must I do to be saved! My sins are innumerable. God is just. I cannot think that I have any interest in the Redeemer's blood. My soul is full of grief. I must conclude. Dear Sir, favour me with a line, which will be greatly acknowledged by,
Your friend, A. B.
I have answered my new friend, and pray the friend of sinners to make the chapel a soul-trap indeed, to many wandering creatures. Abundance round about, I hear are much struck. O for humility! O for gratitude! O for faith!
Wherefore should I doubt?—Surely Jesus will carry me through, and help me to pay the workmen. Accept repeated thanks for the help afforded by your dear Ladies, and depend on having the poor prayers of, dear Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant, for Christ's sake, G. W.