AFTER preaching at Cockermouth, and near Wigton, with great acceptance, last night I came here, and was received in a most loving and tender manner. At noon, I dined with a family that honours your Ladyship very much, and this evening I have been preaching to a great multitude of very attentive and affected hearers. At my return to my lodgings, I had the wished-for pleasure of your Ladyship’s two letters. They both led me nearer to, and laid me lower before Him, at whose throne I am daily pleading for the welfare of your Ladyship, both in temporals and spirituals. Indeed, ever honoured Madam, I have confidence with you that your Ladyship shall have all the deliverance you long for. By divine grace, I will let the Lord have no rest, till he fulfils all your desires. I quite forget myself, when I think of your Ladyship. Ever honoured Madam, the Lord as yet hath but begun to bless you; you shall, you shall, you will be made a greater blessing indeed. If dear Mr. H—— gets A——y, that will be making your Ladyship a blessing. He is a dear soul; I am glad that both he and Dr. D—— have been with your Ladyship. I would have all the good ministers come and visit your Ladyship. There are numbers would go scores of miles willingly for that purpose. I hope soon to send your Ladyship some pleasing particulars. I have heard from my family. May the blessing of many ready to perish descend on your Ladyship. I pity poor A—— B——. Your Ladyship I believe will soon get the better of him. Your Ladyship hath acted like yourself in forgiving the offenders. Such offences come, that Christ’s followers may give evidence of his blessed temper being wrought in their hearts. In my return, without fail your Ladyship may expect me at ungrateful Ashby. Out of those stones may the Lord Jesus raise up children unto Abraham! However God is pleased to deal with me, your Ladyship may be assured of hearing from me. In the mean while, your Ladyship and honoured relations and family will be continually remembered by, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, ready, obliged, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLI.
To Lady H——.
Edinburgh, July 12, 1750.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THOUGH I am really burning with a fever, and have a violent cold, yet I must send your Ladyship a few lines by this post. They bring good news. People flock rather more than ever, and earnestly entreat me not to leave them soon. I preach generally twice a day,—early in the morning, and at six in the evening. Great multitudes attend. Praise the Lord O my soul! Your Ladyship’s health is drank and enquired after every day. Mr. N——, who married Lord ——’s sister, has given me three franks, and his family are in the number of those who are left in Sardis, and have not defiled their garments. Enclosed your Ladyship hath my last from Carolina, and an account of the affair mentioned by the Bishop of Cork. I fear I cannot reach Ireland this season. Your Ladyship’s message to Mr. Robe, I sent last post; he will think himself highly honoured. Some time next month I hope to see your Ladyship. In the mean time, whether sick or well, your Ladyship shall be sure to hear how the Lord of all Lords is pleased to deal with me and his people. His presence makes me to smile at pain, and the fire of his love burns up all fevers whatsoever. This your Ladyship knows by happy experience. That you may know it more and more every hour, and every moment, is the continual prayer of, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and chearful servant for Christ’s sake,