London, Jan. 13, 1753.

Ever-honoured Madam,

YOUR Ladyship’s very kind and christian letter, I have read over and over again. It drew my heart towards the Redeemer, and caused me to pray, that your present retirement, may be a glorious preparative for further, and yet more public usefulness in his mystical body. To have one’s hands or tongue tied from acting or speaking for God, is, to a new and heaven-born soul, one of the greatest pieces of self-denial in the world. But this hath been the lot of many of the most choice and holy souls under heaven. It is a mercy, that where there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, and not according to that which he hath not. I beg that your Ladyship would not have the least thought about my concerns, otherwise than at a throne of grace. Your Ladyship wants a bridle, rather than a spur. My highest ambition is to spend and be spent for Jesus, and to be not the head, but servant of all. When your Ladyship mentioned the word ambition, I could not help thinking of the saying of the Eunuch, “Speaketh the prophet this of himself, or of some other man?” But we know not what is in our hearts. Lord, keep me from being led into, and falling by temptation. I wish your Ladyship much success with B——, but worldly wise men, serpent-like, so turn and wind, that they have many ways to slip through and creep out at, which simple-hearted single-eyed souls know nothing of, and if they did, could not follow after them. Honesty is the best policy, and will in the end (whether we seek it or not) get the better of all. Your Ladyship’s intended letter to Governor B——, will be very acceptable. I hope the inclosed will give your Ladyship pleasure. O that I may be enabled to give the Lord Jesus all the glory! To me nought belongs, but confusion of face. Surely I am the chief of sinners, less than the least of all saints, but for Christ’s sake, ever-honoured Madam,

Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged and very ready servant,

G. W.

LETTER DCCCCLIX.

To Mr. C——.

London, Jan. 15, 1753.

My dear Mr. C——,