_To Lady H――――._
_London, Sept. 17, 1750._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
THOUGH it is a cross to me to be detained so long from coming
to _Ashby_, yet I trust hitherto my steps have been guided by an
over-ruling providence for good. Yesterday afternoon I returned from
_Chatham_, where I think there is as promising a work begun as almost
in any part of _England_. Last night the Redeemer’s glory was seen
in the tabernacle, and your Ladyship’s letter revived my heart, and
gave me some fresh hopes for ungrateful _Ashby_. My heart’s desire and
prayer to the LORD of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may live to see
much of the travail of the Redeemer’s soul. I am glad Mr. _M――――_ is
ordained, and hope Mr. _B――――_ will be the next, soon. By Mr. _L――――_’s
letter to him, I find your Ladyship has acted in the affair like
yourself. Your Ladyship shall have a copy of it, and you will then
see how matters go. Mr. _B――――_ is much for embarking in CHRIST’s
cause, and if the _D――――_ would but help him at this juncture, he
might be a useful and happy man. Both he and Mr. _H――――_ have the most
grateful sense of your Ladyship’s great kindness. The latter I believe
intends to winter with me in _London_. If possible, I will prevail on
Mr. _H――――ly_, at my return, to come and pay him a visit. To-morrow
morning, GOD willing, I set out for _Gloucester_, and intend coming
to _Birmingham_, and so to your Ladyship’s. In my way I hope to write
to Lady _B――――_, and be as particular as circumstances will admit. I
am surprized at your Ladyship’s doing and going through so much. But
what cannot a believer do, when strengthened by the blessed JESUS? Your
Ladyship will be remembered most heartily before him this afternoon,
it being our letter-day. That you may long live to shine in his church
below, and after death be translated to shine with distinguished lustre
in the realms of light and love above, is the continual prayer of, ever,
ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and most
cheerful servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._