_To the Countess D――――._
_Exeter, March 21, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Did not think of being so long out of _London_, without sending
your Ladyship a letter; but I have been so employed in travelling
and preaching and answering letters, that I have scarce had any time
at all. However, I bless the glorious Redeemer, that I can now send
your Ladyship good news. Every where the word of GOD has ran and been
glorified. I am just returned from near the land’s end, where thousands
and thousands heard the gospel gladly. I have generally preached twice
a day, and rode several miles; but my greatest grief is, that I can
do no more for the blessed JESUS. Wherever I am, your Ladyship and
honoured sister, with the other honourable ladies, are continually
remembered by me at the throne of grace. I hope all are determined with
full purpose of heart to cleave unto the LORD. The earthquake hath been
an alarming providence. Happy they, that have an interest in CHRIST,
and are always ready! On Him alone is my strength and safety founded.
Did not this support and comfort your Ladyship under the awful alarm?
Go on then, honoured Madam, and by a constant looking to JESUS, make
continual advances in the divine life, which I believe hath been
communicated to you from above. The more you see of his excellencies,
the more will all created things sicken and die in your view and taste.
I commend your Ladyship to his never-failing mercy, and beg leave to
subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, and obliged humble servant,
_G. W._