To Lady Ann H——.
London, Dec. 29, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
WILL your Ladyship and honoured sister be pleased to accept, though late, my most hearty and grateful acknowledgments for all the kindnesses you conferred on me when at A—— place. They are noted in his book, who has promised, “That a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple, shall in no wise lose its reward.” What a beneficent master does the christian serve! Who would but be his disciple, whose service is perfect freedom here, and who hath reserved in heaven a crown of glory for those that love him hereafter? I thank him ten thousand times for calling unworthy me to embark in his blessed cause! It is indeed a cause worth embarking in. It gives me great Pleasure to think, that some poor souls at A—— are under awakenings, and seem inclined to list under the Redeemer’s banner. Your Ladyship and honoured sister, I trust, will now have repeated opportunities of seeing not only how Jesus receives publicans and sinners, but also how the Spirit of God strips the Pharisee of his pitiful fig-leaves, hunts him out of the trees of the garden (I mean his own tinsel performances), brings him naked to the bar, makes him see himself on a level with the worst of sinners, and then sweetly reveals unto him a saviour. Thanks be to God, I have had some blessed instances of this very lately; especially a boatswain of a ship, who a few weeks ago knew no more of the corruption of his nature, and the righteousness of Christ, comparatively speaking, than the whistle he used to make use of on board ship; but now hath undergone a wonderful change. What cannot grace do? Honoured Madam, I could say much of it, was I not afraid of being tedious. I hope your Ladyship will not be offended at my presenting you with Bishop Hall’s works. I thought your Ladyship and honoured sister might now and then like to read one of the contemplations, which, in my opinion, are very delightful. That both you and her Ladyship, and every branch of your noble family, may be every moment under the guidance and direction of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, is the earnest prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most obliged humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCII.
To Mr. S——.
London, Jan. 2, 1750.