Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/475

 your Lordship a letter from each, which was written some time ago to Mr. H H. In them your Lordship will see their whole hearts. I verily believe they would rather die than wilfully speak or write a falshood. My Lord, the whole of the matter seems to be this: In Wales they have little fellowship meetings, where some well-meaning people meet together, simply to tell what has done for their souls. In some of these meetings, I believe Mr. C used to tell his experience, and to invite his companions to come and be happy in. He is therefore indicted as holding a conventicle; and this I find is the case of one, if not two more. Now, my Lord, these persons thus indicted, as far as I can judge, are loyal subjects to his Majesty, and true friends to, and attendants upon the Church of England service. You will see by these letters, how unwilling they are to leave her; and yet, if all those acts, which were made against persons meeting together to plot against Church and State, were put in execution against them, what must they do? They must be obliged to declare themselves Dissenters. I assure your Lordship, it is a critical time in Wales. Hundreds, if not thousands, will go in a body from the Church, if such proceedings are countenanced. I lately wrote them a letter, dissuading them from separating from the Church, and I write thus freely to your Lordship, because of the excellent spirit of moderation discernible in your Lordship, and because I would not have (to use your Lordship's own expression) "such a fire kindled in, or from your (Lordship's) diocese." I would beg the favour of your Lordship to return me the inclosed, because I have not kept copies. I send them to your Lordship just as they are, that your Lordship may see the whole affair, and censure what is exceptionable. I really believe the writers will thank your Lordship for it. I ask pardon for taking up so much of your Lordship's time, but I thought your Lordship would desire to have all possible information, that you might be better capable of judging. I pray the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls to direct your Lordship in this, and every other affair that comes before you, and that you may be saluted at the great day with an Euge bone, is the hearty and fervent prayer of, my Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient son and servant, G. W.