To Lady H——.
London, October 21, 1757.
Ever-honoured Madam,
I BURNT, but I believe I shall never forget the contents of, your Ladyship’s letter. Who but the Redeemer himself, can possibly describe the yearnings of such a tender parent’s heart? Surely your Ladyship is called to cut off a right hand, and pluck out a right eye; “But it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good,” This was the language of Eli, whose sons were sinners before the Lord exceedingly. This hath often been the case of the best of people, and the greatest favourites of heaven; but none knows the bitterness of such a cup, but those who are called to drink it. If not sweetened with a sense of the love and mercy of God in Christ, who could abide it? O what physic, what strong physic do our strong affections oblige our heavenly Father to give us! What pruning knives do these luxuriant branches require, in order to preserve the fruit and delicacy of the vine. Blessed be God, there is a time coming, when these mysterious dignified providences shall be explained. I am glad Mr. L—— is with your Ladyship: he has a friendly heart. May the Lord Jesus raise up your Ladyship many comforters! Above all, may he come himself. He will, he will. Mr. H—— ask’d most kindly after your Ladyship. On Thursday Sir John M——, I am told, was at chapel, and many others. The prospect brightens at that end of the town. O for warm winter quarters! O that I could bear part of your Ladyship’s heavy load! But I can only in my feeble way bear it on my heart, before him who came to heal our sicknesses and bear our infirmities. That your Ladyship may come out of these fiery trials, purged and purified like the brightest gold, is the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, sympathizing, and very ready servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER MCLXXVIII.
To Mrs. C——.
London, October 25, 1757.