G. W.
LETTER DCCCXVI.
To Lady H——n.
Bristol, Feb. 12, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
WITH great pleasure (on my coming to Bristol last night) I heard of your Ladyship’s recovery from your late indisposition. May the Lord of all lords perfect the begun blessing, and give you to live many years to be an ornament to his church, and a blessing to his people. Since I wrote last, we have been favour’d both in Gloucester city, and in the country, with very pleasant and delightful seasons. I have preached about twenty times within these eight or nine days; and though frequently exposed to rain and hail, thanks be to the ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus, am much better than when I left London. I hear that they go on well in London; and if we can be helped to keep a single eye, I am persuaded in the end we shall see greater things than ever. Every thing I meet with seems to carry this voice with it, “Go thou and preach the gospel; be a pilgrim, be a stranger here on earth; have no party, or certain dwelling-place; but be continually preparing for, and labouring to prepare others for, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” My heart at present echoes back, “Lord Jesus, help me to do or suffer thy will; only let me be kept by thy mighty power, and when thou seest me in danger of nestling, in pity, tenderest pity, put a thorn in my nest to preserve me from it.” Hitherto he has in mercy answered my prayer; and though sometimes painful to the flesh, I thank him for it with my inmost Spirit. But surely no one’s heart requires so much pains to be taken with it, as doth mine. Surprizing, that the friend of sinners should yet regard me! I must still cry, “Grace! grace!” At present, honoured Madam, I am lost in wonder. May the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and with the spirit of your honoured sisters, whom I always remember. I doubt not but they were much concerned at your Ladyship’s illness. May they long live with you, to be fellow-helpers of each others faith, and to shine as lights in the world! I hope the work goes on at Ashby. How matters go on here, your Ladyship shall know hereafter. I purpose continuing at Bristol till Monday next. I believe my brother thinks it best to have your little orphan-boy as soon as possible. May the blessing of many ready to perish descend on your Ladyship! I must now add no more, but my most dutiful respects, and my sincere acknowledgements of being, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful and ready servant,
G. W.