_To Lady H――――n._
_London, June 10, 1756._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
BEING just come off the bed, where I have been sweating for a cold and cholic that had seized me this day, I met with your Ladyship’s very kind and condescending letter. I see your Ladyship is touched in a very tender point: generous minds are always thus affected, when a friend is abused. But I find more and more, honoured Madam, that our own mother’s children will be permitted to be angry with one. The contradiction of saints, is more trying than that of sinners:――but it is all to teach us to cease from man, and wrap ourselves in Him, in whom alone dwells consummate perfection. That I might say, “some of Mr. _L――――_’s principles, in my opinion, are wrong,” I do not deny; but that I put Mr. _W――――y_ upon writing, or had any active hand in his pamphlet, is utterly false. I think it is a most ungentleman-like, injudicious, unchristian piece. However, Mr. _L――――_ knows too much of the divine life, not to see some call even in this cross; and I hope your Ladyship will not suffer it to burden your mind any longer. Satan wants to disturb your Ladyship’s repose. Ere long, blessed be the glorious _Emmanuel_, he will be bruised under our feet. This last week I have had some respite from his artful and perplexing suggestions, and have been enabled to ride upon my high places. My present work at _London_ seems to be over, and _Monday_ or _Tuesday_ next, GOD willing, I hope to set out for _Bristol_, where I purpose preaching next _Thursday_. If divine Providence should not direct your Ladyship thither, I have thought of coming through _Leicestershire_, in my way to _Scotland_. This circuit, I hope, will be a three months circuit. The prospect in _London_ is very promising. Every day we hear of fresh conquests. To thee, and thee alone, most adorable Redeemer, be all the glory! Want of strength forbids my enlarging. O this vile body! Surely our treasure is in earthly vessels. When it is breaking to pieces, and the rattles are in my throat, I hope with my latest breath to acknowledge the innumerable unmerited favours which have been conferred by your Ladyship on, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,