_To Lady H――――._
_London, Sept. 17, 1750._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
THOUGH it is a cross to me to be detained so long from coming to _Ashby_, yet I trust hitherto my steps have been guided by an over-ruling providence for good. Yesterday afternoon I returned from _Chatham_, where I think there is as promising a work begun as almost in any part of _England_. Last night the Redeemer’s glory was seen in the tabernacle, and your Ladyship’s letter revived my heart, and gave me some fresh hopes for ungrateful _Ashby_. My heart’s desire and prayer to the LORD of all Lords is, that your Ladyship may live to see much of the travail of the Redeemer’s soul. I am glad Mr. _M――――_ is ordained, and hope Mr. _B――――_ will be the next, soon. By Mr. _L――――_’s letter to him, I find your Ladyship has acted in the affair like yourself. Your Ladyship shall have a copy of it, and you will then see how matters go. Mr. _B――――_ is much for embarking in CHRIST’s cause, and if the _D――――_ would but help him at this juncture, he might be a useful and happy man. Both he and Mr. _H――――_ have the most grateful sense of your Ladyship’s great kindness. The latter I believe intends to winter with me in _London_. If possible, I will prevail on Mr. _H――――ly_, at my return, to come and pay him a visit. To-morrow morning, GOD willing, I set out for _Gloucester_, and intend coming to _Birmingham_, and so to your Ladyship’s. In my way I hope to write to Lady _B――――_, and be as particular as circumstances will admit. I am surprized at your Ladyship’s doing and going through so much. But what cannot a believer do, when strengthened by the blessed JESUS? Your Ladyship will be remembered most heartily before him this afternoon, it being our letter-day. That you may long live to shine in his church below, and after death be translated to shine with distinguished lustre in the realms of light and love above, is the continual prayer of, ever, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and most cheerful servant for CHRIST’s sake, _G. W._