_To Doctor D――――._
_Ashby, May 19, 1750._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
YOUR kind letter found me happy at our good Lady _H――――n_’s, whose
path shines more and more bright unto the perfect day. She is strangely
employed now.――Can you guess? The kind people of _Ashby_ stirred up
some of the baser sort to riot before her Ladyship’s door, while the
gospel was preaching; and on _Wednesday_ evening, some people in their
return home, narrowly escaped being murdered. Her Ladyship has just
received a message from the Justice, in order to bring the offenders
before him. I hope it will be over-ruled for great good, and that the
gospel for the future will have free course. This week I have preached
in three churches, and tomorrow morning, GOD willing, I am to preach
at a fourth. In the evening I shall preach at _Nottingham_, and purpose
lying at the house of Mr. _S――――_. Thus, reverend and dear Sir, you
see I lead a pilgrim life. Blessed be GOD, it is quite pleasant, and
I humbly intreat you to pray, that I may have a pilgrim heart, and be
kept from trimming or nestling even to my dying hour. I rejoice, dear
Sir, that you was blest at _Kettering_. Gladly shall I call upon you
again at _Northampton_, if the LORD spares my life; and in the mean
while shall not fail to pray, that the work of our common LORD may more
and more prosper in your hands. I thank you a thousand times for your
kindness to the very chief of sinners, and assure you, reverend Sir,
that the affection is reciprocal. Good Lady _H――――_ greatly esteems
you. I go with regret from her Ladyship. Her Ladyship intends writing
to you this evening. Do come and see her soon. I shall not be unmindful
of your sick student. May the LORD JESUS sanctify all pain, and through
his sufferings make him perfect. I would enlarge, but cannot. I write
in great haste, but with greater love subscribe myself, reverend and
dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy
younger brother and servant, for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._