_To Mr. G――――, at Glasgow._
_Edinburgh, July 21, 1753._
YOURS I just now received, but know not what to say by way of answer.
The inward discouragements I have felt for above a week, against coming
to _Scotland_, have been very many. I have left a people full of fire.
Thousands and thousands flocked to hear the glorious gospel. Awakenings
I have heard of in every place; saints have been revived, and heaven
as it were come down on earth. We have enjoyed perpetual _Cambuslang_
seasons. My eyes gush out with tears of joy, (and I trust at the same
time with godly sorrow for my vileness) at the very thought of it.
My heart is quite broken, to think poor _Scotland_ is so dead. O how
gloomy hath been the aspect! I have been afraid of catching cold,
though, alas! I am too too cold towards Him, who out of warm love bled
and died for me. O that _Glasgow_ friends, if I do come, may pray for
me! I could scarce believe your letter, that your people would be glad
to see such an ill and hell-deserving, good for nothing creature as I
am. If I lose the opportunity of seeing you, I shall be disappointed
indeed. I believe I shall keep to the time proposed. O time, time, how
slowly dost thou go on! When shall I be wafted to an happy eternity?
Often within these three weeks have I hoped to die in the embraces
of my GOD. Had I a thousand souls and bodies they should be all
_itinerants_ for JESUS CHRIST. I want to see all on a flame of fire.
You know, dear Sir, what fire I mean. O! break heart strings, break,
and let the imprisoned soul be set at liberty. I want to go where
I shall neither sin myself, nor see others sin any more. My tender
love to all. I can no more for weeping. When I forget to pray for my
ungrateful vile self,――then will my worthy and dear friend cease to be
remembered by, reverend and very dear Sir,
Yours most affectionately in our common LORD,
_G. W._