Edinburgh, June 4, 1742.
My Lord,
YESTERDAY morning our glorious Emmanuel brought us hither. Your Lordship’s kind letter was put into my hands. I heartily sympathize with your Lordship; but could not help rejoicing on your honoured lady’s account, knowing she is now entered into her blessed Master’s joy. Indeed, my Lord, I think, among christians, death hath not only lost its sting, but its name. I never was so joyful as I am now at the death of those who die in the Lord; and never was so reconciled to living myself. My general language, when I hear of the saints departure, is, “Let them go.” Lately at London we had a sister in Christ departed. Her last words were, “Holy, holy, holy!” she could say no more here; but our Saviour sent for her to finish her song in heaven. I preached over her corpse; our society attended: but surely never did souls triumph over death more than we did that night. Many would say, “O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?” As for my own part, I was enabled to trample death under my feet: and, blessed be God, through rich grace I can do that daily. But then your Lordship may ask, “Why are you reconciled to life?” Because I can do that for Jesus on earth, which I cannot do in heaven: I mean, be made instrumental in bringing some poor, weary, heavy laden sinners to find rest in his blood and righteousness: and, indeed, if our Saviour was to offer either to take me now, or to stay only to take one sinner more, I would desire to stay to take him with me. But whither am I running? O my Lord, death is a delightful topic. Excuse me if I forget myself when writing about it. Blessed be our God for supporting your soul under so close a trial! How sweet will it be to meet your Lady glorified at the great day! Yet a little while, and that happy day shall come. But it is time to answer your Lordship’s question: “How was you on the 24th of last November?” I thank God, very well. My soul was much refreshed with the Redeemer’s presence; and I was rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. I hear of wonderful things in Scotland. I can only fall down and worship. I have seen greater things than ever in England. I expect to see far greater in Scotland. Our Lord will not let his people be disappointed of their hopes. But I must away. We were very happy together with some other dear friends last night. I have not seen your Lordship’s daughters, though they have been so kind as to send to enquire after my health. I hope to see them to-day; and am, my Lord, with all possible respect, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCXXIV.
To the Reverend Mr. M——, at Cambuslang.
Edinburgh, June 8, 1742.
Reverend and very dear Brother,