_To Lady Ann H――――._
_London, Dec. 29, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
WILL your Ladyship and honoured sister be pleased to accept, though
late, my most hearty and grateful acknowledgments for all the
kindnesses you conferred on me when at _A――――_ place. They are noted in
his book, who has promised, “That a cup of cold water given in the name
of a disciple, shall in no wise lose its reward.” What a beneficent
master does the christian serve! Who would but be his disciple, whose
service is perfect freedom here, and who hath reserved in heaven a
crown of glory for those that love him hereafter? I thank him ten
thousand times for calling unworthy me to embark in his blessed cause!
It is indeed a cause worth embarking in. It gives me great Pleasure
to think, that some poor souls at _A――――_ are under awakenings, and
seem inclined to list under the Redeemer’s banner. Your Ladyship and
honoured sister, I trust, will now have repeated opportunities of
seeing not only how JESUS receives publicans and sinners, but also how
the Spirit of GOD strips the Pharisee of his pitiful fig-leaves, hunts
him out of the trees of the garden (I mean his own tinsel performances),
brings him naked to the bar, makes him see himself on a level with the
worst of sinners, and then sweetly reveals unto him a saviour. Thanks
be to GOD, I have had some blessed instances of this very lately;
especially a boatswain of a ship, who a few weeks ago knew no more
of the corruption of his nature, and the righteousness of CHRIST,
comparatively speaking, than the whistle he used to make use of on
board ship; but now hath undergone a wonderful change. What cannot
grace do? Honoured Madam, I could say much of it, was I not afraid
of being tedious. I hope your Ladyship will not be offended at my
presenting you with Bishop _Hall’s_ works. I thought your Ladyship
and honoured sister might now and then like to read one of the
contemplations, which, in my opinion, are very delightful. That both
you and her Ladyship, and every branch of your noble family, may be
every moment under the guidance and direction of the great Shepherd
and Bishop of souls, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
_G. W._