_To Lady H――――._
_London, October 21, 1757._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
I BURNT, but I believe I shall never forget the contents of, your
Ladyship’s letter. Who but the Redeemer himself, can possibly describe
the yearnings of such a tender parent’s heart? Surely your Ladyship is
called to cut off a right hand, and pluck out a right eye; “But it is
the LORD, let him do what seemeth him good,” This was the language of
_Eli_, whose sons were sinners before the LORD exceedingly. This hath
often been the case of the best of people, and the greatest favourites
of heaven; but none knows the bitterness of such a cup, but those who
are called to drink it. If not sweetened with a sense of the love and
mercy of GOD in CHRIST, who could abide it? O what physic, what strong
physic do our strong affections oblige our heavenly Father to give us!
What pruning knives do these luxuriant branches require, in order to
preserve the fruit and delicacy of the vine. Blessed be GOD, there
is a time coming, when these mysterious dignified providences shall
be explained. I am glad Mr. _L――――_ is with your Ladyship: he has
a friendly heart. May the LORD JESUS raise up your Ladyship many
comforters! Above all, may he come himself. He will, he will. Mr.
_H――――_ ask’d most kindly after your Ladyship. On _Thursday_ Sir
_John M――――_, I am told, was at chapel, and many others. The prospect
brightens at that end of the town. O for warm winter quarters! O that
I could bear part of your Ladyship’s heavy load! But I can only in
my feeble way bear it on my heart, before him who came to heal our
sicknesses and bear our infirmities. That your Ladyship may come out
of these fiery trials, purged and purified like the brightest gold, is
the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, sympathizing,
and very ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._