LETTER DCCLXXX.
To Lady Fanny S.
Honoured Madam, Newcastle, Oct. 1, 1749.
SOME time last week, my wife sent me the letter your Ladyship was pleased to favour me with about three weeks ago. Though I was sorry it did not reach me before I left town, yet I rejoiced to find that it bespoke your Ladyship's attachment to the ever-loving ever-lovely Jesus, and a desire to partake of the sacred symbols of his most blessed body and blood. I doubt not but your Ladyship, with full purpose of heart, will cleave unto him, and in spite of men and devils go on in that narrow way which leads to life eternal. God's grace will be sufficient for you. He hath promised, and he is faithful who hath promised, never to leave nor forsake those that put their trust in him. He is in the burning bush, he is in the fiery furnace. He can and will make us more than conquerors over all. With what courage then may your Ladyship go on through this howling wilderness, whilst leaning on your beloved Saviour? In him alone is all your strength found. Honoured Madam, look to him, consider him, and thereby you will be kept from being weary and faint in your mind. I doubt not but you meet with daily crosses. Persons that stand alone, and in high places, must expect storms. But Jesus is able and willing to uphold you. Thanks be to his great name for giving your Ladyship such a share of prudence and courage. May the glorious Emmanuel increase both; and without being attached to any party, may you be preserved unspotted from the world, and be a common friend to all!—Since I saw your Ladyship, I have disengaged myself from the immediate care of the societies, and am now still more at liberty to preach the gospel of the blessed God. A series of unforeseen providences brought me down this way. In Yorkshire many, many thousands have attended the word, and here at Newcastle thousands also hear the gospel gladly. To-morrow I am returning back, and hope to be in town some time this month. I fear it is now too late to embark for America this winter; but,
