_To Lady H――――n._
_London, Nov. 30, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Think it is now a whole week since I had the honour and pleasure of
writing to your Ladyship, and as your Ladyship was pleased to desire
the prayers of GOD’s people, I read that part of your letter. Thousands
heartily united in singing the following verses for your Ladyship.
_Gladly we join to pray for those,_
_Who rich with worldly honour shine;_
_Yet dare to own a Saviour’s cause,_
_And in that hated cause to join:_
_Yes! we would praise Thee that a few_
_Love Thee, though rich and noble too._
_Uphold this star in thy right hand,_
_Crown her endeavours with success;_
_Among the great ones may she stand,_
_A witness of thy righteousness!_
_Till many nobles join thy train,_
_And triumph in the Lamb that’s slain._
The verses were made by _T―――― G――――_ who is now under my roof. He
has grievously backslidden, but I hope is now returning home to his
heavenly Father. We had an uncommon scene when he first came to me.
I find the LORD will be sanctified in all them that come near him,
and will not suffer those who are concerned in his cause, and with
his people, to continue in sin long undiscerned. O that I may be kept
simple, and honest, and zealous unto the end! Mine eyes wait upon thee,
O LORD, from whence alone cometh my salvation! I find he never fails
those that put their trust in him. Blessed be his name, I have got
sufficient to pay off Mr. _C――――_’s debts.――Poor, yet attempting at
least to make many rich, I would have my motto still. Mr. _L――――_ also
writes word, that the glorious JESUS hath raised sufficient for his
charity school, and that he is much blessed in his labours. The book
that hath been given to me for your Ladyship, I purpose sending next
week, with one or two of the _Sundays Thoughts_ for your Ladyship’s
honoured sisters. Indeed I honour them very much, and pray for them and
all related to your Ladyship very earnestly. I was glad to hear by Mr.
_R――――_ that your Ladyship and all were so well. May you prosper and
be in health both in body and soul! _London_ already begins to disagree
with my outward man, but the LORD’s smiling upon my poor labours
sweetens all. I have begun to preach by six in the morning. We have
large congregations even then. I trust we shall have a warm winter. I
have not been at the other end of the town this week, but I find all
hold on: however a leader is wanting. This honour hath been put on your
Ladyship by the great head of the church. An honour conferred on few,
but an earnest of a distinguished honour to be put on your Ladyship
before men and angels, when time shall be no more. That you may every
day add to the splendor of your future crown, by always abounding in
the work of the LORD, is the fervent prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, and obliged, though
very unworthy servant,
_G. W._