_To Lady H――――n._
_London, December 15, 1753._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
THE mail not coming in regularly, your Ladyship’s letter did not
reach me till _Thursday_ afternoon. Yesterday morning I obeyed your
Ladyship’s commands, and carried the inclosed to Mrs. _G――――_, at
St. _James_’s palace. I was much satisfied with my visit, and am much
rejoiced to find, that she seems resolved to show out at once. The
court, I believe, rings of her, and if she stands, I trust she will
make a glorious martyr for her blessed LORD. O that your Ladyship could
see your way clear to come up! Now seems to be the time for a fresh
stir. Few have either courage or conduct to head a christian party
amongst persons of high life. That honour seems to be put upon your
Ladyship:――and a glorious honour indeed it is. Till Mrs. _G――――_
can meet with company that is really in earnest, I think the closer
she keeps to her GOD and her book, the better. The LORD strengthen,
stablish, and settle her in his ways and will! I am yet kept in
suspence about Mrs. _W――――y_; and have been much concerned, lest by
intense sympathy, your Ladyship should contract an illness yourself.
But your Ladyship hath long since learnt, that as your day is, so shall
your strength be. I pray the LORD of all lords to lengthen out your
important life, and make your Ladyship ten thousand times more useful
than ever, long after my worthless head is laid in the silent grave.
If I should live to see my dear brother truly converted unto GOD, O how
would it delight me! The distant prospect is so pleasing, that I could
scarce contain myself at the news of it. I hope to hear from him soon,
having written to him lately. On _Tuesday_ I am to dine with Mr. _J――――
W――――_, who was yesterday for a few minutes at the Foundery: but I hear
his lungs are touched. I cannot wish him to survive his usefulness. It
is poor living to be nursed. But our LORD knows what is best for his
children. I wish I might have the use of _Weststreet_ chapel once or
twice a week; many want to hear at that end of the town: the Messrs.
_W――――y_’s are quite welcome to all the help I can give them. I have
no desire but to promote the common salvation among all.
From self and party spirit free,
Simply, O LORD, I’d follow thee.
Your Ladyship will still add to my innumerable obligations, by praying
that such a mind may be given to, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged,
and ready servant, for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._