_To Lady H――――n._
_London, July 17, 1756._
_Ever-honoured Madam_,
YOUR Ladyship’s kind letter found me just returned from _Bristol_, and just setting out for _Maidstone_ and _Chatham_, where I have been to preach the gospel, and to visit a poor murderer. I hope that my poor feeble labours were not altogether in vain in the LORD. A divine influence accompanies the word preached here, and I am now preparing for my northern expedition. If your Ladyship removes not from _Donnington_ soon, perhaps I may have the honour of waiting upon your Ladyship there. My motions must be very quick, because I would hasten to _Scotland_ as fast as possible, to have more time at my return. Eternity! eternity! O how do I long for thee! But alas, how often must we be like pelicans in the wilderness, before we arrive there? Solitariness prepares for the social life, and the social life for solitariness again. Thus doth an all-wise Redeemer set one over against another. JESUS is the alone center of peace and comfort in either situation. Your Ladyship knows this by happy experience. Perhaps our consolations come sweetest, when immediately derived from the fountain head. Springs fail, the fountain never can nor will. That your Ladyship may every moment be refreshed with its living waters, is and shall be the earnest prayer of, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and ready servant,