_To Mrs. G――――._
_Tabernacle-House, December 17, 1753._
_Dear Madam_,
I WAS so well satisfied with the frame I found you in yesterday, that
I could not refrain sending you a few lines to-day. O that you may have
grace given you, to stand the first attacks that you must necessarily
meet with from every quarter! Blessed be GOD, that you are determined
to shew out at once, and to let all know, that you are determined
not so much as to attempt to compromise matters between CHRIST and
the world. One might as well attempt to reconcile light and darkness,
heaven and hell. Happy they who set out on a disinterested bottom; it
is the foundation which our great High-priest hath laid, and is a rock
that will never fail. Never fear, Madam, though storms and billows,
afflictions and temptations abide you; he that enabled the three
children to pass unhurt through the fiery furnace, and kept his beloved
_Daniel_ from being devoured in a den of lions, can and will preserve
you unspotted and undefiled, though surrounded on every side. My poor
worthless prayers shall not be wanting for you night and day. Look
up, dear Madam, determine to know nothing but JESUS CHRIST and him
crucified, and he will make your very enemies to be at peace with
you. But faith must be tried, and grace, when given, must be kept
in exercise. Welcome, welcome dear Madam, into the glorious kingdom
of the children of GOD. O that all of _Cæsar_’s houshold were in the
same situation! How would they exult in the happy change! A change
from darkness to light, from bondage and misery to the most consummate
liberty and happiness. For those whom the Son of man makes free, they
are free indeed. Now, now may you sing,
Be gone, vain world, my heart resign,
For I must be no longer thine;
A nobler, a diviner guest,
Now claims possession of my breast.
I could enlarge, but am afraid of being too bold. The freedom already
taken, proceeds from unfeigned regard to our common LORD, to good Lady
_H――――_, and to yourself, for his great name sake. I just now informed
her Ladyship of the honour done me yesterday, and of the providential
call she seems to have to town. Her Ladyship is a mother in _Israel_
indeed, a mirror of piety, detached from worldly hopes and worldly
fears, and therefore no wonder that she so simply copies after her
great Exemplar, and glories only in his blessed cross. Till you can
find some like-minded, I believe you will find your GOD and your book
the best company.――That you may be never less alone, than when you are
alone, and that you may be continually directed so to speak and act,
that you may win many souls among the rich and great to the ever-loving,
ever-lovely JESUS, is and shall be the earnest constant prayer of, dear
Madam,
Your most obliged and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._