_To Lady H――――n._
_Portsmouth, Sept. 8, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
TO day my wife sent me the melancholy news of the death of your
Ladyship’s eldest daughter, but withal wrote me that she died very
comfortably. Indeed when I left her, GOD’s spirit seemed to be working
so strongly upon her heart, that I thought she would soon go to heaven,
or shine as a glorious saint on earth. It hath pleased a sovereign GOD
to cut short his work in righteousness, and call her home. A trial this
indeed, for your Ladyship! but a trial, in which I hope your Ladyship
will have grace given to acquiesce. O that with _Aaron_ you may be
enabled to hold your peace, and with the bereaved _Shunamite_ to say,
“It is well.” And if the Redeemer should call your Ladyship to part
with another daughter (hard trial for flesh and blood) may you be
strengthened chearfully to give her up, and hear the LORD of all Lords
saying unto you, “Now know I that thou lovest me, since thou hast not
with-held two dear daughters from me.” Now is the time, honoured Madam,
to prove the strength of JESUS to be yours. Now is the time to be
strong in faith, and give glory to GOD. The Redeemer will be better to
you than seven daughters. What a comfort is it, honoured Madam, for you
to think that Miss _C――――_ gave such comfortable evidences of her dying
in the LORD. She is blessed indeed, and the language of her departed
soul is, “weep not for me.” Comfort yourself, honoured Madam, with this
thought, and say like _David_, “I shall go to her, but she will not
return to me.” May this trial be sanctified to your Ladyship’s whole
household, and may your surviving children learn to die betimes! I
could enlarge, but am afraid of being troublesome. On _Tuesday_, GOD
willing, I hope to be in _London_ for one day, and shall be impatient
to know how the all-wise GOD is pleased to dispose of your Ladyship’s
other daughter. In the mean while, my poor prayers shall be put
up night and day, that your Ladyship may have grace given you to
glorify CHRIST in this time of need. I commend your Ladyship to his
never-failing mercy, as being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, sympathizing, obliged,
and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._