London, December 15, 1753.
Ever-honoured Madam,
THE mail not coming in regularly, your Ladyship’s letter did not reach me till Thursday afternoon. Yesterday morning I obeyed your Ladyship’s commands, and carried the inclosed to Mrs. G——, at St. James’s palace. I was much satisfied with my visit, and am much rejoiced to find, that she seems resolved to show out at once. The court, I believe, rings of her, and if she stands, I trust she will make a glorious martyr for her blessed Lord. O that your Ladyship could see your way clear to come up! Now seems to be the time for a fresh stir. Few have either courage or conduct to head a christian party amongst persons of high life. That honour seems to be put upon your Ladyship:—and a glorious honour indeed it is. Till Mrs. G—— can meet with company that is really in earnest, I think the closer she keeps to her God and her book, the better. The Lord strengthen, stablish, and settle her in his ways and will! I am yet kept in suspence about Mrs. W——y; and have been much concerned, lest by intense sympathy, your Ladyship should contract an illness yourself. But your Ladyship hath long since learnt, that as your day is, so shall your strength be. I pray the Lord of all lords to lengthen out your important life, and make your Ladyship ten thousand times more useful than ever, long after my worthless head is laid in the silent grave. If I should live to see my dear brother truly converted unto God, O how would it delight me! The distant prospect is so pleasing, that I could scarce contain myself at the news of it. I hope to hear from him soon, having written to him lately. On Tuesday I am to dine with Mr. J—— W——, who was yesterday for a few minutes at the Foundery: but I hear his lungs are touched. I cannot wish him to survive his usefulness. It is poor living to be nursed. But our Lord knows what is best for his children. I wish I might have the use of Weststreet chapel once or twice a week; many want to hear at that end of the town: the Messrs. W——y’s are quite welcome to all the help I can give them. I have no desire but to promote the common salvation among all.
From self and party spirit free,
Simply, O Lord, I’d follow thee.
Your Ladyship will still add to my innumerable obligations, by praying that such a mind may be given to, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant, for Christ’s sake,
G. W.