_To Doctor D――――._
_Ashby, May 19, 1750._
_Reverend and very dear Sir_,
YOUR kind letter found me happy at our good Lady _H――――n_’s, whose path shines more and more bright unto the perfect day. She is strangely employed now.――Can you guess? The kind people of _Ashby_ stirred up some of the baser sort to riot before her Ladyship’s door, while the gospel was preaching; and on _Wednesday_ evening, some people in their return home, narrowly escaped being murdered. Her Ladyship has just received a message from the Justice, in order to bring the offenders before him. I hope it will be over-ruled for great good, and that the gospel for the future will have free course. This week I have preached in three churches, and tomorrow morning, GOD willing, I am to preach at a fourth. In the evening I shall preach at _Nottingham_, and purpose lying at the house of Mr. _S――――_. Thus, reverend and dear Sir, you see I lead a pilgrim life. Blessed be GOD, it is quite pleasant, and I humbly intreat you to pray, that I may have a pilgrim heart, and be kept from trimming or nestling even to my dying hour. I rejoice, dear Sir, that you was blest at _Kettering_. Gladly shall I call upon you again at _Northampton_, if the LORD spares my life; and in the mean while shall not fail to pray, that the work of our common LORD may more and more prosper in your hands. I thank you a thousand times for your kindness to the very chief of sinners, and assure you, reverend Sir, that the affection is reciprocal. Good Lady _H――――_ greatly esteems you. I go with regret from her Ladyship. Her Ladyship intends writing to you this evening. Do come and see her soon. I shall not be unmindful of your sick student. May the LORD JESUS sanctify all pain, and through his sufferings make him perfect. I would enlarge, but cannot. I write in great haste, but with greater love subscribe myself, reverend and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, obliged, though unworthy younger brother and servant, for CHRIST’s sake, _G. W._