From [William] Winne in Bristol to William Seward. He received Seward’s kind letter this morning and it was a source of great comfort to him – may God grant that Winne continues to press forward. Spiritual matters are discussed in detail.
Winne has derived much comfort in the bands and he thanks God for sending his faithful minister to awaken him from the dead sleep that he was in before he came to Bristol. He would be as mad as that young man who Seward mentioned in his letter. 'O that I should come to the honour to be put into Bedlam [Popular name for London’s notorious Bethlehem Hospital for the insane] for the same cause as his.'
'Our dear Brother [John] Westly continues making the people cry out. ['The women of our society met at seven. During our prayer one of them fell into a violent agony; but soon after began to cry out with confidence, "My Lord and my God"' (John Wesley’s Journal for 2 May 1739)] What shall we do? he is turned out of the poor house, and he preached in the Bowling Green and a vast congregation was there. [Wesley preached to an audience of 2000 at the Bowling Green in Bristol on 5 May 1739 (John Wesley’s Diary).] Now my dear brother I find myself growing stronger and stronger in Jesus Christ every day. And if my relations thinks I shall grow mad for serving my Blessed Master God, grant that I may grow madder and madder every day of my life...'
In a postscript, Winne mentions that he would write to all his friends but is unable to, as it is market day. His regards should be passed to dear [George] Whitefield, Brother [John] Symes and Brother [Howell] Harris and all the rest of his dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Winne loves receiving letters from Seward and would be grateful if letters could be sent by Brother Ellise [Ellis?] on Thursday.