_To the Countess D――――._
_Leeds, May 30, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Heard about a week ago, that your Ladyship was exceeding ill. I have
been much concerned ever since, and have attempted to write more than
once, but travelling and preaching twice a day prevented me. Ere now
I trust the great physician has rebuked your Ladyship’s indisposition,
and given you to rejoice in his great salvation. If not, his grace will
be sufficient for you. He will not suffer you to be tempted above what
you are able to bear, but will with the temptation make a way for you
to escape. Sanctified afflictions are signs of his especial love. Love
holds the rod, love strikes, love wounds, and love heals again. “Strike,
LORD; (says _Luther_) now I know thou art my father.”――And, says that
sweet singer Mr. _Mason_,
_―――― O happy rod,_
_That brought me nearer to my GOD._
This, I believe, will be the language of your Ladyship’s heart. Look,
therefore, honoured Madam, to JESUS, the author and finisher of your
faith. In all your afflictions, he is afflicted. He will bring you out
of this furnace, like gold purified seven times in the fire. Good Lady
_H――――_ is weak too, but I trust will yet live to declare the works of
the LORD. _Ashby_ is not worthy of so rich a pearl. Was I not afraid of
hurting your Ladyship, I would give you some particulars of my circuit.
Let it suffice to inform your Ladyship, that the gospel plough seems
to prosper. New ground has been broken up, and seed sown, that I trust
will bear fruit to life eternal. I am here amongst a multitude of
souls that seem to love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. To-morrow I move
_Northward_; and if I hear that your Ladyship is recovered, I shall
take the freedom of writing now and then. I purpose sending a few lines
also to Lady _F――――_ and Lady _H――――_. All were constantly remembered
at _Ashby_ at the holy table. All shall still be remembered, as our
LORD enables, by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged and ready servant,
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._