Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1741.
My Lord,
THOUGH nature calls for rest, yet love and gratitude oblige me to sit up to answer your Lordship’s letter, lest I should not have time in the morning. Blessed be the glorious Redeemer! who seems in some degree to be working upon your heart. My prayer to God is, that these convictions may continue, ’till they end in a sound conversion. You do well, my Lord, to fear, lest they should wear off. I have not had so much acquaintance with the world as your Lordship; but I know it is a deceitful thing, and without the utmost care and watchfulness, will insensibly divert the soul from God. Your Lordship is in a dangerous situation. A fear of contempt, and a love for honour, falsely so called, render religion unfashionable amongst the rich and polite part of mankind. But the blood of Jesus is almighty, and makes the soul more than conqueror. Here is the fountain to which you and I must apply, to wash away all our sins. And is it yet open for all poor sinners? Come then, my Lord, and lay yourself at the feet of the blessed Jesus. He can, he will, if you believe on him, abundantly pardon you. But faith is the gift of God. I pray God to give you no rest, ’till you have received the full assurance of faith. Then will you recover your primitive dignity, trample earth under your feet, and with your soul be panting after God. O my Lord, it is a blessed thing to have fellowship with the Father, and with the Son. I am a poor despised minister of Jesus Christ; but I would not change my Master for ten thousand worlds. I have food to eat, that the world knows nothing of. I long to have your Lordship taste of it too, and shall as it were travail in birth ’till Jesus Christ is formed in you. Your Lordship need not remind me to pray for you. Your eternal welfare is much upon my heart. My Lord, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. The blessed spirit is now striving with you, and saying, “My son, give me thy heart; what hast thou to do any more with idols?” I hope your reply will be, “Lord, I give thee my heart, my whole heart, and will no longer keep back from thee the least part.” Then will your Lordship be truly happy; for so far as we are void of God, so far we are miserable. But whither am I running? It is late; but your Lordship desired a long letter, and therefore I have taken the liberty to write freely. I am sensible of the honour put upon me by your Lordship, and hope I shall never betray any trust reposed in me. I pray God to sanctify this, and bless our fellowship when we meet together. I thank your Lordship for your concern about the orphans. I am persuaded you will in no wise lose your reward. I hope your Lordship received my last letter, which gave an account of my intended preaching at Kinglassie and Coupar. May the glorious Jesus sanctify my continuance in these parts, to the promoting his own glory and the good of souls! I think I can say, “to me to live is Christ.” It revives me to see so many seeking after Jesus. At Kinglassie the power was extraordinary. O free grace! that God should make use of such a wretch as I am. I desire to lie humbly in the dust, and say, “Why me, Lord, why me?” Fear not, my Lord, I have received remission of sins by the blood of Jesus. Into his arms, I am just about to commend your Lordship. I pray God to visit your soul with his salvation; and hoping my humble respects will find acceptance with your Lordship, your lady, and lady Ann, I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCLV.
To the Right Honourable Lord R——.
Gallashiels, Sept. 28, 1741.
My Lord,