_To Lady H――――n._
_London, July 17, 1756._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter found me just returned from _Bristol_,
and just setting out for _Maidstone_ and _Chatham_, where I have been
to preach the gospel, and to visit a poor murderer. I hope that my
poor feeble labours were not altogether in vain in the LORD. A divine
influence accompanies the word preached here, and I am now preparing
for my northern expedition. If your Ladyship removes not from
_Donnington_ soon, perhaps I may have the honour of waiting upon your
Ladyship there. My motions must be very quick, because I would hasten
to _Scotland_ as fast as possible, to have more time at my return.
Eternity! eternity! O how do I long for thee! But alas, how often
must we be like pelicans in the wilderness, before we arrive there?
Solitariness prepares for the social life, and the social life for
solitariness again. Thus doth an all-wise Redeemer set one over against
another. JESUS is the alone center of peace and comfort in either
situation. Your Ladyship knows this by happy experience. Perhaps our
consolations come sweetest, when immediately derived from the fountain
head. Springs fail, the fountain never can nor will. That your Ladyship
may every moment be refreshed with its living waters, is and shall be
the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,
_G. W._