_To the Countess of D――――._
_Biddiford, Aug. 24, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
AS I am always praying for, so I cannot help sometimes writing to your
Ladyship. I think I can say, “The love of CHRIST constrains me.” Thanks
be to GOD that your Ladyship knows what these words mean. I hope you
find it every day constraining you more and more to every good word
and work. My greatest pain is, to find that I can do no more for Him,
who has done and suffered so much for me. Blessed be his name, that the
fields are yet every where white, ready unto harvest. Since I have been
in the _West_, I have been preaching as usual, and a divine influence
hath every where attended the word. This, I think, is the best way
to answer those that oppose themselves. If GOD be for us, who can be
against us? I suppose your Ladyship hath seen the Bishop’s second
pamphlet. Surely it is an original. May the LORD JESUS open his eyes,
and change his heart! Well might the glorious _Emmanuel_ break out into
this blessed exclamation, “I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and
earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and
hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good
in thy sight.” Honoured Madam, how much are you indebted to divine
grace, that hath singled you out from among the Mighty and Noble,
and placed your Ladyship to the number of those happy few to whom it
is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of GOD! I trust your
honoured sister will ere long bear you company, and travel with you
in that narrow road which leads to eternal life. When I remember
you, I always think of her, and beg my most dutiful respects may find
acceptance with her Ladyship. Some time next week I hope to be in town
for a few days, and then shall do myself the honour of calling upon
your Ladyship. In the mean while I recommend you to the tender mercies
of the ever-loving, ever-lovely JESUS, and beg an interest in your
Ladyship’s prayers, in behalf of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient, obliged humble servant,
_G. W._