_To Lady B――――._
_London, Dec. 30, 1748._
_Honoured Madam_,
HAVE you not wondered at my not answering your Ladyship’s kind letter
before now? But I am persuaded you are well assured, that a variety of
avocations, and multiplicity of business for the best of masters, not
want of respect, hath been the cause. My Lady, your family are always
upon my heart. My constant desire and prayer to GOD is, that you all
may be filled with all the fulness of GOD. As my Lord mentions nothing
to the contrary, I hope your indisposition is removed, and that the
language of your heart is, “what shall I render unto the LORD?” I know
that the love of JESUS which you have felt, must necessarily constrain
your Ladyship to live to Him, who lived and died upon the accursed tree
for you. O how is the power of the Redeemer’s resurrection displayed in
Lady _H――――n_. She is a mother in _Israel_ indeed. It would please you
to see the assemblies at her Ladyship’s house. They are brilliant ones
indeed. The prospect of catching some of the rich in the gospel net is
very promising. I know you will wish prosperity in the name of the LORD.
But how does good Lady _D――――_, dear Mrs. _C――――_, and Mrs. _I――――_?
All, I hope, putting off the old man, and putting on the new with
greater earnestness than ever. O that I may begin to be in earnest!
I am now thirty-four years of age. Is it not time for me to begin to
spend, and be spent, for him who has loved me and given himself for
me? I beg your Ladyship’s prayers, and the prayers of all your dear and
honoured relations. I send them all my humble and hearty respects, and
beg you will accept the same from, my Lady,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
_G. W._