_To Lady H――――n._
_Bristol, Feb. 12, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
WITH great pleasure (on my coming to _Bristol_ last night) I heard of
your Ladyship’s recovery from your late indisposition. May the LORD of
all lords perfect the begun blessing, and give you to live many years
to be an ornament to his church, and a blessing to his people. Since
I wrote last, we have been favour’d both in _Gloucester_ city, and
in the country, with very pleasant and delightful seasons. I have
preached about twenty times within these eight or nine days; and though
frequently exposed to rain and hail, thanks be to the ever-loving,
ever-lovely JESUS, am much better than when I left _London_. I hear
that they go on well in _London_; and if we can be helped to keep a
single eye, I am persuaded in the end we shall see greater things than
ever. Every thing I meet with seems to carry this voice with it, “Go
thou and preach the gospel; be a pilgrim, be a stranger here on earth;
have no party, or certain dwelling-place; but be continually preparing
for, and labouring to prepare others for, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens.” My heart at present echoes back, “LORD JESUS,
help me to do or suffer thy will; only let me be kept by thy mighty
power, and when thou seest me in danger of nestling, in pity, tenderest
pity, put a thorn in my nest to preserve me from it.” Hitherto he has
in mercy answered my prayer; and though sometimes painful to the flesh,
I thank him for it with my inmost Spirit. But surely no one’s heart
requires so much pains to be taken with it, as doth mine. Surprizing,
that the friend of sinners should yet regard me! I must still cry,
“Grace! grace!” At present, honoured Madam, I am lost in wonder.
May the LORD JESUS be with your spirit, and with the spirit of your
honoured sisters, whom I always remember. I doubt not but they were
much concerned at your Ladyship’s illness. May they long live with you,
to be fellow-helpers of each others faith, and to shine as lights in
the world! I hope the work goes on at _Ashby_. How matters go on here,
your Ladyship shall know hereafter. I purpose continuing at _Bristol_
till _Monday_ next. I believe my brother thinks it best to have your
little orphan-boy as soon as possible. May the blessing of many ready
to perish descend on your Ladyship! I must now add no more, but my most
dutiful respects, and my sincere acknowledgements of being, honoured
Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful and ready servant,
_G. W._