_To Mr. ――――._
_Glasgow, June 9, 1757._
_My very dear Friend_,
TO me, it is almost an age since I wrote to you last. But at
_Edinburgh_ I was so taken up all day, and kept up so late at night,
that writing was almost impracticable. Surely my going thither was
of GOD. I came thither the twelfth of _May_, and left it the sixth of
_June_, and preached just fifty times. To what purpose, the great day
will discover. I have reason to believe to very good purpose. Being
the time of the general assembly (at which I was much pleased) many
ministers attended, perhaps a hundred at a time. Thereby prejudices
were removed, and many of their hearts were deeply impressed.
About thirty of them, as a token of respect, invited me to a public
entertainment. The Lord High Commissioner also invited me to his table,
and many persons of credit and religion did the same in a public manner.
Thousands and thousands, among whom were a great many of the best rank,
daily attended on the word preached, and the longer I staid, the more
the congregations and divine influence increased. Twice I preached in
my way to _Glasgow_, and last night opened my campaign here. The cloud
seems to move towards _Ireland_. How the Redeemer vouchsafes to deal
with me there, you shall know hereafter. In the mean while, my very
dear friend, let me entreat the continuance of your prayers. For I am
less than the least of all saints, and unworthy to be employed in the
service of so divine a Master. LORD JESUS,
If thou excuse, then work thy will,
By so unfit an instrument;
It will at once thy goodness shew,
And prove thy power omnipotent.
I hope this will find you, and your dear yoke-fellow and daughter,
enjoying thriving souls in healthy bodies. I doubt not but you are
brightening your crown, and increasing your reward, by doing good for
your blessed Master. Ere long, you shall hear him say “Well done.” That
will crown all. I can no more, I must away to my throne. My very dear
Sir, be pleased to accept ten thousand thanks for all favours, and give
me leave (after sending most cordial respects to dear Mrs. _S――――_ and
Miss) to subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Your most affectionate, obliged friend, and
very ready servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._