Birmingham, Friday Morning,
Nov. 7, 1788.
THIS comes to acquaint you with my affairs, and to let you know how I do. When I set out from London, on the Monday morning, I was more fit for an hospital than a country tour, and for a hot oath than for a pulpit; my back and head were so bad that I hardly knew where I was; but by the time I got to Oxford, the violent pain in my loins began to abate; and by the assistance of a medicine, procured at that seminary of learning, I got some case, but my poor head continued very bad, and the shaking of the coach made it worse; and so it continued all the way to Birmingham.
When I arrived at my journey's end on Tuesday night, what with the smoke and confusion of the place about Guy Fawkes, I could not persuade myself, but that I was arrived at the place where Satan's seat is; land my pain in the head and teeth was so bad, that I had such a dizziness, I could not walk steady through the streets. I was informed that the place I was to preach at was but thinly attended (which I was glad of, as my head was very thin of thoughts), but that many souls were in deep distress, and some had tried to make away with themselves, which grieved me Much, because I thought I was only sent hither just to get into the pulpit, and tell them I could not preach.
I was soon informed that a very crowded audience was expected, which cut me to the quick, as I thought a crowded audience and a confused preacher, would make a very confused assembly; however, my friends insisted on it, that God would be with me. I had no doubt but he would be with me, as my God and Saviour, for ever, but I did not believe that he would be with me in that pulpit, therefore, I said in my haste, " "All men are liars." Just before preaching time I not blooded, but I found little or no relief from that, therefore, I went to the chapel with as heavy a heart as man could carry; the place was very full, and my head was very bad.
When I began to pray I perceived there was some confusion in the prayer, though I believe few, or none, perceived it; but as soon as I took my text, all the confusion fled, the poor people began to blink and nod, and shew every sign of approbation and comfort; therefore I went home convinced, that my covenant head is much better to me than that which wears the black wig. "He that trusts in his own heart, is a fool;" and he is little better that trusts in his own head. The next day a doctor advised me to have a blister, which I submitted to, and at night preached again, and God gave great testimony to the word of his grace. It was a most solemn and powerful time, we were in good earnest on both sides; I spoke for God, and they heard for eternity. I am to preach every night except Saturday; and all the time I can preach, and write, I shall live; and I hope God will take me out of the world as soon as my work is done. I am to preach at Walsall next Monday evening, and leave invitations enough to take up my time for six months; but I intend to return to old Providence Chapel next week, if God spare my life.
I believe that God put me into the furnace last week to humble me, that my success, in this place, may not lift me up; and that I might sympathize with some poor souls in Birmingham, whose head and heart is as bad, or worse than mine. Surely I am born to experience what sovereign grace can do, what law, and what gospel is; what human weakness, and what divine strength is: that I may shun the former, and cleave to the latter. To be short, when I came into this place I had no rest in my spirit: and now I could weep my very soul out under a sense of the Saviour's grace, mercy, and truth. God bless you all, and when it is well with you remember Parson Sack; and depend upon it, it will not be long before we shall exchange weeping upon earth, for singing to heaven. Ever yours, for the sake of him that loves and saves sinners,
W. HUNTINGTON, S. S.
P. S. You may read it to the congregation if you please.
*