_To Lady H――――n._
_London, June 10, 1756._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
BEING just come off the bed, where I have been sweating for a cold and
cholic that had seized me this day, I met with your Ladyship’s very
kind and condescending letter. I see your Ladyship is touched in a very
tender point: generous minds are always thus affected, when a friend is
abused. But I find more and more, honoured Madam, that our own mother’s
children will be permitted to be angry with one. The contradiction
of saints, is more trying than that of sinners:――but it is all to
teach us to cease from man, and wrap ourselves in Him, in whom alone
dwells consummate perfection. That I might say, “some of Mr. _L――――_’s
principles, in my opinion, are wrong,” I do not deny; but that I put
Mr. _W――――y_ upon writing, or had any active hand in his pamphlet,
is utterly false. I think it is a most ungentleman-like, injudicious,
unchristian piece. However, Mr. _L――――_ knows too much of the divine
life, not to see some call even in this cross; and I hope your Ladyship
will not suffer it to burden your mind any longer. Satan wants to
disturb your Ladyship’s repose. Ere long, blessed be the glorious
_Emmanuel_, he will be bruised under our feet. This last week I have
had some respite from his artful and perplexing suggestions, and have
been enabled to ride upon my high places. My present work at _London_
seems to be over, and _Monday_ or _Tuesday_ next, GOD willing, I hope
to set out for _Bristol_, where I purpose preaching next _Thursday_.
If divine Providence should not direct your Ladyship thither, I have
thought of coming through _Leicestershire_, in my way to _Scotland_.
This circuit, I hope, will be a three months circuit. The prospect
in _London_ is very promising. Every day we hear of fresh conquests.
To thee, and thee alone, most adorable Redeemer, be all the glory!
Want of strength forbids my enlarging. O this vile body! Surely our
treasure is in earthly vessels. When it is breaking to pieces, and the
rattles are in my throat, I hope with my latest breath to acknowledge
the innumerable unmerited favours which have been conferred by your
Ladyship on, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and
ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._