WHAT shall I say? Your Ladyship’s condescension in writing to unworthy me, lays me low before Him, who continues to follow me with his goodness and mercy every hour of my life. Ungrateful Ashby! O that thou knewest the day of thy visitation! Surely your Ladyship may shake off the dust of your feet against them. This was the command, that the meek and lowly Jesus gave to his apostles, when the gospel was not received. And he himself departed, when the Gadarenes desired him to go out of their coasts. This justifies your Ladyship in removing Mr. B——. What avails throwing pearls before swine, who only turn again and rend you? However, I bless God that your Ladyship’s house is made a Bethel. Glad would I be of the honour of joining your Ladyship’s little select company, but our Redeemer appoints me other work.—Indeed it is very pleasant work. No one can well describe the order, attention, and earnestness of the Scotch congregations. They are unwearied in hearing the gospel. I left thousands sorrowful at Glasgow, and here I was again most gladly received last night. By preaching always twice, and once thrice, and once four times in a day, I am quite weakened; but I hope to recruit again, and get fresh strength to work for Him, who shed his precious blood for ill and hell-deserving me. On Thursday next, God willing, I shall leave Scotland. Your Ladyship shall know whither I go. In the mean while, I send your Ladyship some Georgia letters, which I hope will afford you satisfaction. I have been upon the enquiry for some proper persons, for dear Captain G—— and his Lady to converse with at Dumfries, and last night I hear I have succeeded. Particulars they shall know hereafter. I can now only send them my most grateful and cordial respects, being obliged to stop to get strength even whilst I write this. O this mortal body! How does it weigh down my precious and immortal soul! Ere long it will be set at liberty, and body and soul shall be for ever with the Lord. I cannot enlarge. Your Ladyship is remembered every day by many here. I hope your Ladyship’s honoured sisters are prospering in soul and body. The searcher of hearts can tell how much I count it my honour to subscribe myself, ever-honoured Madam,
Their and your most obliged, dutiful, and chearful servant for Jesus Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCLVI.
To Lady H——.
Berwick, Aug. 4, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
AT length I have taken a very sorrowful leave of Scotland. The longer I continued there, the more the congregations, and the power that attended the word, increased. I have reason to think that many are under convictions, and am assured of hundreds having received great benefit and consolation. The parting was rather more affectionate than ever, and I shall have reason to bless God to all eternity for this last visit to Scotland. Not a dog moved his tongue all the while I was there, and many enemies where glad to be at peace with me. Who is like our God, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, continually doing wonders! Preaching so frequently, and paying so many religious visits, weakened me very much; but I am already much better for my riding thus far, and I trust the Lord will cause me to renew my strength. My obligations to spend and be spent for the blessed Jesus, are greatly increased. O that I may spring afresh, and soar aloft till I fly into the embraces of a sin-forgiving God! He hath prepared my way at Berwick. One of the ministers hath sent me an offer of his pulpit, and I hear of about ten more round this town that would do the same. I came hither this evening, and purpose, God willing, to set out for Newcastle on Monday morning. What success I meet with, your Ladyship shall hear in my next. Was it not so late in the year, I think I would go to Ireland. May the Lord direct my goings in his way! Kendal, I believe, must have another visit. The enclosed is from one of Mr. W——’s preachers. The contents I believe will please your Ladyship. Honoured Madam, what shall I say? The Redeemer’s goodness quite amazes me. “Less than the least of all,” shall be my motto still. With regret, I send your Ladyship Mr. H——’s too, too much embellished and extravagant character of ill and hell-deserving me. It came from Plymouth last post. Your Ladyship desired to see it, or otherwise I could not bear to send it. To me, O blessed Jesus, nothing belongs, but shame and confusion of face. O that praise as well as contempt may humble this proud heart of mine! Then I shall never be hurt by having the honour to subscribe myself, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,