Ladyship is happy in him, who alone killeth and maketh alive. Night and day do I look up to him in behalf of your Ladyship, as being, ever-honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship's most obedient, obliged,
and chearful Servant for Christ's sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXXIX. To the Countess D.
Honoured Madam, Leeds, May 30, 1750.
I Heard about a week ago, that your Ladyship was exceeding ill. I have been much concerned ever since, and have attempted to write more than once, but travelling and preaching twice a day prevented me. Ere now I trust the great physician has rebuked your Ladyship's indisposition, and given you to rejoice in his great salvation. If not, his grace will be sufficient for you. He will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation make a way for you to escape. Sanctified afflictions are signs of his especial love. Love holds the rod, love strikes, love wounds, and love heals again. "Strike, Lord; (says Luther) now I know thou art my father."—And, says that sweet singer Mr. Mason,
O happy rod,
That brought me nearer to my God.
This, I believe, will be the language of your Ladyship's heart. Look, therefore, honoured Madam, to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. In all your afflictions, he is afflicted. He will bring you out of this furnace, like gold purified seven times in the fire. Good Lady H is weak too, but I trust will yet live to declare the works of the Lord. Ashby is not worthy of so rich a pearl. Was I not afraid of hurting your Ladyship, I would give you some particulars of my circuit. Let it suffice to inform your Ladyship, that the gospel plough seems to prosper. New ground has been broken up, and seed sown, that I trust will bear fruit to life eternal. I am here amongst a multitude of souls that seem to love the
