_To the Right Honourable Lady M―――― H――――._
_Thales, (near Reading) Feb. 23, 1742._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Am now upon the road to _London_. This morning your acceptable
letter came to hand. Though somewhat wearied, I would fain answer
it before I retire to rest. Blessed be GOD who causes your Ladyship
to be never less alone, than when alone. O Madam, what a comforter is
the Holy Ghost? What sweet company is JESUS CHRIST? What a privilege
is it to have fellowship with the great Three-One? A world lying in
wickedness knows nothing of it. Every thing yields comfort when the
blessed Spirit breathes upon it. Even this scribble, from the chief
of sinners, from one who is less than the least of all saints, shall
again refresh your soul, if JESUS speaks the word. Amazed am I, that
GOD should work by my hands. But JESUS is love. He yet delights to
honour me. I have lately seen the Redeemer riding in his strength,
and getting himself the victory in poor sinners hearts. Letters from
abroad inform me of the same. O that our glorious JESUS may set the
world in a flame of love! Hasten that time, O blessed JESUS: O let
thy kingdom come! I have heard from my dear Orphans to-day. They
have been reduced to straits; but the LORD hath stirred up a wealthy
friend or two to assist them. The everlasting GOD reward all their
benefactors! I find there has been a fresh awakening among them. I am
informed, that twelve negroes, belonging to a planter lately converted
at the Orphan-house, are savingly brought home to JESUS CHRIST. This
will rejoice your Ladyship’s heart. I am glad to hear that the work
goes on in _Scotland_. The LORD, I trust, will ripen your soul apace
for glory. He hath various ways of perfecting his saints. Methinks
I see your Ladyship sitting in your chair, and ravished with the
Redeemer’s beauty day by day. Sometimes you are as it were washing his
feet with your tears; at other times sitting by faith at his feet, and
hearing or reading his word. Sometimes your heart is too big to speak;
then again, out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth poureth
forth hallelujahs. Sometimes you are lost in wonder; at all times
longing to be dissolved and to be with CHRIST; for, when you hear him
say, “Rise up, my love, and come away,”
_Your heart would fain outfly the wind,
And leave all earthly loves behind._
This, I trust, is the life your Ladyship lives. This is life indeed.
They who live otherwise, are dead whilst they live. They call
for our compassion and prayers; for who hath made the difference?
Distinguishing grace! O the unsearchable riches of CHRIST? I could
speak of him for ever; but it grows late; nature calls for rest.
_O when shall I in endless day,
For ever chase dark sleep away;
And hymns with the celestial quire
Incessant sing, and never tire?_
Come, LORD JESUS, come quickly! The LORD be with your spirit, and
abundantly bless both you, Mr. _H――――_, and your child. Indeed I do
not forget your Ladyship; your last should not have remained so long
unanswered, but it came only to-day into the hands of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obedient humble servant,
_G. W._