To Mr. A——, in London.
Cambuslang, Aug. 27, 1742.
My very dear Brother A——,
THIS day fortnight I came to this place, to assist at the sacramental occasion with several worthy ministers of the church of Scotland. Such a passover has not been heard of. The voice of prayer and praise was heard all night. It was supposed, that between 30 and 40,000 people were assembled, and 3000 communicated. There were three tents. The ministers were enlarged, and great grace was among the people. I preached once on Saturday, once on the Lord’s Day morning, served five tables, and preached about ten at night to a great number in the Church-yard. Though it rained much, there was a great awakening. On Monday at seven in the morning, the Reverend Mr. Webster preached, and there was a very great commotion, and also in the third sermon when I preached, a very great and serious concern was visible through the whole solemnity. The Lord’s people went home much refreshed. On Thursday I preached twice at Greenock; on Friday three times at Kilbride, and again on Saturday once, and twice at Stevenson; on Sunday four times at Irvine. On Monday once at Irvine, and three times at Kilmarnock; on Tuesday once at Kilmarnock, and four times at Stewarton; on Wednesday once at Stewarton, and twice at the Mearnes; and yesterday twice at this place. I never preached with so much apparent success before. At Greenock, Irvine, Kilbride, Kilmarnock, and Stewarton, the concern was great: at the three last very extraordinary. The work seems to spread more and more. O, my friend, pray and give praise in behalf of the most unworthy wretch that was ever employed in the dear Redeemer’s service. I speak this from my inmost soul. I must cry out continually, “Why me Lord, why me?” My dear brother A——, I love you dearly in the bowels of the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I could live with you always. The Lord, I think, hath given you a meek and teachable disposition. O what is it to be as little children! I am glad to find, you so hunger and thirst after a continual abiding rest in God. Assure yourself, the Lord will fill and satisfy your soul. He is faithful, who hath promised, who also will do it. Wait, and thou shalt see and feel the salvation of God. I think I have seen it more for some days past, than in any journey before. Our Saviour loves to let us see yet greater things. O for a large heart to receive all the fulness of God! I rejoice to hear that the Lord is with you at the Tabernacle. May his glory appear, and shine in it more and more! I believe it will: I believe God will bless your school. Our Lord’s Disciples are generally too much in a hurry; at least I am. They are not content to wait. “He that believeth, doth not make haste.” O for a passive, tender, truly broken, child-like heart! that we could watch in reality, and from moment to moment hear the cry of every Christian, with every call from God, whether by his providence or spirit. It is said, that God brought and kept Abraham at his feet. O that we were always there, waiting for divine direction! Blessed be his name, I am for the most part at the feet of Jesus, and indeed he graciously teaches me moment after moment. I have many things before me now. I know brother A—— will help me by his prayers. Blessed be God, our heaven is begun here.
Your truly affectionate brother and servant in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCL.
To Mr. S—— C——, in Deptford.
Glasgow, Sept. 2, 1742.