_To Lady H――――._
_London, December 15, 1757._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
I WISH your Ladyship joy of being for once so long alone: and why?
because I am persuaded your Ladyship is never less alone, than at
such seasons. Then the Father is in a particular manner with his dear
children: and though they seem in themselves to be like pelicans in the
wilderness, yet he is near at hand to hear their cry, and to bottle up
every tear: he that seeth in secret, will ere long reward your Ladyship
openly. O how are your Ladyship’s children indebted to you, for your
more than maternal tenderness! What a comfort is it, ever-honoured
Madam, that JESUS CHRIST is to come, and to be our judge! O that he
would come quickly! Why does he delay? I was near port, and am now put
out to sea again. O that it may be to pilot in some more dear souls!
The work seems but to be beginning. At _Tottenham-Court_ the word runs
and is glorified. By new-year’s day I hope the debt will be discharged.
Several have proposed building some alms-houses for godly widows,
on each side the chapel. I have a plan for twelve. The whole expence
will be four hundred pounds: we have got a prospect of two. I purpose
allowing each widow half-a-crown a week. The sacrament money will
more than do. The ground is most commodious, and near the high road.
If effected, I think it must bring glory to GOD, and be a standing
monument that we are not against good works. I only mention it to your
Ladyship. May that GOD, whom I desire to serve in the gospel of his
dear Son, direct and bless us in this and every thing we undertake for
his glory. But I fear I am detaining your Ladyship too long. O that I
could offer any thing adequate to your Ladyship’s repeated kindnesses
to such a worthless worm! My poor prayers and unfeigned sympathy, is
all the testimony I can give of my being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your most dutiful, obliged, and very ready
servant in our compassionate High-priest,
_G. W._