_To Mr. Thomas N――――, at New-York._
_Edinburgh, Aug. 8, 1741._
_My dear Brother_,
I Have written you several letters; and I rejoice to hear that the
work of the LORD prospers in the hands of Messrs. _T――――s_, &c. am
glad they intend to meet in a synod by themselves. Their catholic
spirit will do good. The _associate presbytery_ here, are so confined,
that they will not so much as hear me preach, unless I only will join
with them. Mr. _Ralph E――――_, indeed, did hear me, and went up with
me into the pulpit of the _Cannon-gate_ church.――The people were ready
to shout for joy; but, I believe, it gave offence to his associates.
I met most of them, according to appointment, on _Wednesday_ last.――A
set of grave venerable men! They soon proposed to form themselves into
a presbytery, and were proceeding to chuse a moderator――I asked them
for what purpose? They answered, to discourse, and set me right, about
the matter of church-government, and the solemn league and covenant.
I replied, they might save themselves that trouble, for I had no
scruples about it; and that settling church-government, and preaching
about the solemn league and covenant, was not my plan; I then told
them something of my experience, and how I was led out into my present
way of acting. One in particular said, he was deeply affected; and the
dear Mr. _E――――_ desired they would have patience with me, for that
having been born and bred in _England_, and never studied the point, I
could not be supposed to be so perfectly acquainted with the nature of
their covenants. One, much warmer than the rest, immediately replied,
“that no indulgence was to be shown me; that _England_ had revolted
most with respect to church government; and that I, born and educated
there, could not but be acquainted with the matter now in debate.”
I told him, I had never yet made the solemn league and covenant the
object of my study, being too busy about matters, as I judged, of
greater importance. Several replied, that every pin of the tabernacle
was precious.――I said, that in every building there were outside and
inside workmen; that the latter, at present, was my province; that
if they thought themselves called to the former, they might proceed
in their own way, and I should proceed in mine. I then asked them
seriously, what they would have me to do; the answer was that I was
not desired to subscribe immediately to the solemn league and covenant;
but to preach only for them till I had further light. I asked, why
only for them? Mr. _Ralph E――――_ said, “they were the LORD’s people.”
I then asked, whether there were no other LORD’s people but themselves;
and supposing all others were the devil’s people, they certainly
had more need to be preached to, and therefore I was more and more
determined to go out into the highways and hedges; and that if the
Pope himself would lend me his pulpit, I would gladly proclaim the
righteousness of JESUS CHRIST therein. Soon after this, the company
broke up; and one of these, otherwise venerable men, immediately went
into the meeting-house, and preached upon these words, “Watchman,
what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said,
The morning cometh, and also the night, if ye will enquire, enquire
ye; return, come.” I attended; but the good man so spent himself
in the former part of his sermon, in talking against prelacy, the
common-prayer book, the surplice, the rose in the hat, and such like
externals, that when he came to the latter part of his text, to invite
poor sinners to JESUS CHRIST, his breath was so gone, that he could
scarce be heard. What a pity that the last was not first, and the
first last! The consequence of all this was, an open breach. I retired,
I wept, I prayed, and after preaching in the fields, sat down and
dined with them, and then took a final leave. At table a gentlewoman
said, she had heard that I had told some people, that the associate
presbytery were building a _Babel_. I said, “Madam, it is quite true;
and I believe the _Babel_ will soon fall down about their ears:”
but enough of this. LORD, what is man, what the best of men? but men
at the best! I think I have now seen an end of all perfection. Our
brethren in _America_, blessed be GOD, have not so learned CHRIST. Be
pleased to inform them of this letter. I have not time to write now.
The LORD blesses my preaching here, and the work, I think, is begun
afresh in _London_. I preach to many thousands daily, and several have
applied to me already under convictions. I have been here about eight
days. You may expect to hear from me shortly again. The LORD be with
you. I love you in the bowels of JESUS CHRIST: He will bless you for
what you have done for the poor orphans. He comforts me on every side.
O free grace! Dear brother _S――――_ salutes you all.
Ever yours in our common LORD,
_G. W._