LETTER CCCCXXII.
To Mr. A——, in London.
Edinburgh, June 4, 1742.
My dear Brother A——,
FROM a heart overflowing with a sense of God’s love, I write you these few lines. Yesterday our Saviour brought us hither. On board, I spent most part of my time in secret prayer. Satan shot many of his fiery darts against me. Our great Michael gave me a shield of faith, by which I was enabled to repel them all. As soon as I came on shore, the holy spirit filled my soul. The Lord commanded people to receive me and my fellow pilgrim into their houses. Our souls rejoiced in him. The people were soon alarmed at my arrival. As soon as I came on shore at Leith, many came blessing me, and weeping, took hold of me. About four in the afternoon we came to Edinburgh. Great numbers followed our coach, and almost catched me in their arms, as soon as I came out of it. How did they weep for joy! It would have melted you down to have seen them. When I came to my lodging, many dear friends came to salute us in the name of the Lord. About seven o’clock I went to see some persons of distinction, whose hearts the Lord reached, when I was here last. Some were ready to faint with excess of joy: with these I prayed and gave thanks. The Holy Ghost filled us with all joy and peace in believing.—At eight I went to a nobleman’s house, where his lady and several other dear friends received us with great gladness. The cushions and bible were immediately brought. I gave a word of exhortation. We sung, and prayed, and spent the remainder of the evening most delightfully in talking of the things of God. When we came home, we joined in blessing God’s holy name. Though late, I scarce knew how to go to rest.—This morning I received glorious accounts of the carrying on of the Mediator’s kingdom. The work of God is beyond expression. Three of the little boys that were converted when I was last here, came to me and wept, and begged me to pray for and with them. A minister tells me, that scarce one is fallen back, who was awakened, either among old or young. The serjeant, whose letter, brother C—— has, goes on well with his company. O my dear brother, help me to praise the Lamb that sitteth upon the throne for ever; and desire all the society to join with you. I believe within these four months you will hear of very great things. Pray that I may be very little in my own eyes, and not rob my dear Master of any part of his glory. We do not forget you. Once a day we meet together and pray for absent friends. He gives us leave, as it were, to ask of him what we will, and promises never to leave or forsake us. For the present, my dear brother, adieu! As opportunity offers, and if possible every post, some or other of my dear friends shall hear, dear brother A——, from
Your most affectionate, though most unworthy brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCXXIII.
To the Right Honourable Lord R——.