write thus to your Ladyship, the native language of whose heart I trust is, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." The preaching of the cross hath been much blessed here. Multitudes daily attend, and many are much affected. It would please your Ladyship to see the alteration that has been made in a week's time. But what cannot God do? All things are possible to him. I hope your Ladyship will not forget a poor pilgrim in your prayers. Neither you nor your honoured sister are forgotten by him. I send most dutiful respects and grateful acknowledgments to
her Ladyship and Lady G H, and shall only now add, that I am, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship's most obliged, obedient humble servant, for Christ's sake, G. W.
LETTER DCCLIII. To Lady F S.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
AS I am uncertain whether good Lady H be in town, I make bold to inclose a line to your Ladyship in a letter I have just written to the elect Countess D. Gratitude constrains me to take the freedom, and the conviction I have that your Ladyship's face is set Zion-wards, makes me think it will not be altogether unacceptable. With great pleasure I often reflect on that good work, which I trust the ever-blessed God has begun in your soul. My heart's desire and continual prayer unto him is, that your Ladyship, having put your hand to the plough, may be kept from looking back! Satan will not be wanting to exert his utmost efforts to divert you from the cross. He knows of what influence your Ladyship's example must necessarily be, and therefore will always be striving to persuade your Ladyship at least to compound matters, and to attempt to reconcile two irreconcilable differences, Christ and the world. But your Ladyship is too well grounded to hearken to his delusive insinuations, and too noble to refuse to give your whole heart to Him who has bought it
