_To Lady F―――― S――――._
_Portsmouth, May 12, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
AS I am uncertain whether good Lady _H――――_ be in town, I make bold
to inclose a line to your Ladyship in a letter I have just written
to the elect Countess _D――――_. Gratitude constrains me to take the
freedom, and the conviction I have that your Ladyship’s face is set
_Zion_-wards, makes me think it will not be altogether unacceptable.
With great pleasure I often reflect on that good work, which I trust
the ever-blessed GOD has begun in your soul. My heart’s desire and
continual prayer unto him is, that your Ladyship, having put your hand
to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Satan will not be wanting
to exert his utmost efforts to divert you from the cross. He knows
of what influence your Ladyship’s example must necessarily be, and
therefore will always be striving to persuade your Ladyship at least
to compound matters, and to attempt to reconcile two irreconcilable
differences, CHRIST and the world. But your Ladyship is too well
grounded to hearken to his delusive insinuations, and too noble to
refuse to give your whole heart to Him who has bought it with no less
price than that of his own most precious blood.――What a price is now
put into your Ladyship’s hands! What a glorious opportunity is now
afforded you, to shew even before kings, that we are made kings indeed,
and priests unto GOD, and that it is our privilege as christians to
reign over sin, death, hell, the world, and ourselves, even whilst here
on earth. Methinks I see angels gazing to see how your Ladyship acts
your part. O that the angel of the everlasting covenant may always
accompany you, and by the power of his eternal and all-conquering
spirit, enable your Ladyship to fight the good fight of faith, and run
with patience the glorious race that is set before you! He is never
wanting to those that put their trust in him. Ask and you shall receive,
seek and you shall find, be always knocking, and a door of mercy shall
be always opened unto you. O the happiness of a life wholly devoted to,
and spent in communion and fellowship with the ever-blessed GOD! It is
indeed heaven begun on earth. May your Ladyship taste of it more and
more every day and every hour! Blessed be GOD, I trust some in these
parts, who a few days ago had never heard of, now begin to look after
this kingdom of GOD. A more visible alteration I have not seen made in
a people for some time. At first some of the baser sort made a noise,
but ever since, thousands have attended in the greatest order, numbers
have been and are affected, and through their importunity I have been
prevailed on to stay longer than I designed. O to be instrumental to
bring only one soul to JESUS CHRIST! But whither am I running? Honoured
Madam, your goodness will excuse this freedom. I believe your Ladyship
will be glad to hear such tidings. It is the best way I can think of to
express my gratitude for the many unmerited favours your Ladyship hath
been pleased to confer on, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant for
CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._