_To Mr. J―――― C――――._
_Edinburgh, Aug. 1, 1741._
_My very dear Brother_,
THE LORD was very gracious to me on board. He gave us a pleasant
passage. As you know that the Messrs. _Erskines_ gave me the first
invitation to _Scotland_, and hath been praying for me in the most
public, explicit, I could almost say extravagant manner, for near two
years last past, I was determined to give them the first offer of my
poor ministrations. Accordingly, I went yesterday to _Dumfermling_,
where dear Mr. _R―――― E――――_ hath got a large and separate, or, as
it is commonly termed, seceding meeting-house. He received me very
lovingly. I preached to his and the town’s people.――A very thronged
assembly――After I had done prayer, and named my text, the rustling
made by opening the bibles all at once, quite surprized me: a scene,
I never was witness to before. Our conversation after sermon, in the
house, was such as became the gospel of CHRIST. They entertained me
with various accounts of the success of the _Seceders_ labours; and,
as a proof of GOD’s being with them, Mr. _R――――_’s son-in-law told
me, that, at one of their late occasions, a woman was so deeply
affected, that she was obliged to stop her mouth with an handkerchief
to keep herself from crying out. They urged a longer stay, in order
to converse more closely, and to set me right about church government,
and the solemn league and covenant. I informed them, that I had given
notice of preaching at _Edinburgh_ this evening; but, as they desired
it, I would in a few days return, and meet the associate presbytery in
Mr. _R――――_’s house. This was agreed on. Dear Mr. _E――――_ accompanied
me, and this evening I preached to many thousands, in a place called
_The Orphan-house Park_. The LORD was there. Immediately after sermon,
a large company, among whom were some of the nobility, came to salute
me. Amidst our conversation, came in a portly, well-looking Quaker,
nephew to Messrs. _E――――_, formerly a Baptist minister in the north
of _England_, who, taking me by the hand, said, “Friend _George_, I
am as thou art; I am for bringing all to the life and power of the
everliving GOD: and, therefore, if thou wilt not quarrel with me about
my hat, I will not quarrel with thee about thy gown.” In this respect,
I wish all, of every denomination, were thus minded. I find GOD has
blessed my works in these parts. I am most cordially received by many
that love the LORD JESUS. I have just been in company with a nobleman,
who, I believe, truly fears GOD; and also with a lady of fashion, that
discovers a christian spirit indeed. I already hear of great divisions.
But JESUS knows how to bring order out of confusion. I hope the LORD
is much with you, my dear brother. O may you be anointed more and more,
till you are filled with all the fulness of GOD. Be pleased to read
this to all in _Wine-street_; and remember me kindly to all that love
the glorious Redeemer. He is a dear, dear JESUS. Tho’ we die for, yet
let us not deny him in any wise. Pray that such a mind may be always
given to
Your weak and unworthy brother and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._