_To Lady ――――._
_Norwich, August 9, 1755._
_Elect Lady_,
HOW glad was I some time ago to receive a letter from your Ladyship! How glad am I now to sit down to answer it, and thereby renew a correspondence, which to me was always profitable and delightful! Shall I wish your Ladyship joy? Of what? Not barely of your additional estate and honour, but of your having an opportunity, with your noble Lord, of moving in a superior orb, and letting your light shine more before men. The LORD of all lords only knows, how I love and honour you both; though I have not written, yet I have not ceased praying for you and yours these many years. Your honoured family on both sides, must always be dear to me. What _Bethels_, what gates of heaven have we been in together, whilst engaged in social prayer, and reading and opening the lively oracles of GOD! Had I wings, gladly would I fly to see your Ladyship’s dear little growing family: but GOD only knows, whether I shall be able to reach _Scotland_ this year. I am now at _Norwich_, where there hath undoubtedly been a glorious work of GOD. Twice a day, both gentle and simple flock to hear the word, and I think it comes with power. LORD, what am I? In _London_, I think, our people are as lively as ever; in _Bristol_ they are the same; and as for _America_, words cannot express the glorious scenes that opened in various parts, especially at _Boston_ in _New-England_. The tide ran full as high as ever your Ladyship knew it at _Edinburgh_, or in any part of _Scotland_. This I know is the best news I can send to your Ladyship; for what news, comparatively speaking, is worth hearing, except that which concerns the kingdom of GOD? What beauties worth admiring, but the beauties of JESUS CHRIST? What riches worth possessing, but the substantial and durable riches of the divine life? What honour worth acquiring, but that honour which cometh from GOD? May these be the beauties, these the riches, these the honours of you and your noble Lord! I assure your Ladyship that my heart springs when I think of him, or write his name. I truly loved the father, I as truly and most affectionately respect and love the son. GOD almighty bless you both, and give you grace to keep yourselves unspotted from the world! Glad shall I be to see his Lordship in town. In the mean while, I hope his Lordship, and the honourable family where you are, will accept not of bare compliments, but unfeigned and most cordial acknowledgments and respects. May the great physician of souls vouchsafe to give you all thriving souls in healthy bodies! I am glad to hear good Lady _D――――_ is well. My obligations to her, and all your honoured family, are very great. Be pleased to accept this poor pepper-corn, which, except my poor prayers, is all the acknowledgment that can be made by, my good Lady,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,