_To Mr. A――――, in London._
_Edinburgh, June 4, 1742._
_My dear Brother A――――_,
FROM a heart overflowing with a sense of GOD’s love, I write you these
few lines. Yesterday our Saviour brought us hither. On board, I spent
most part of my time in secret prayer. Satan shot many of his fiery
darts against me. Our great _Michael_ gave me a shield of faith, by
which I was enabled to repel them all. As soon as I came on shore, the
holy spirit filled my soul. The LORD commanded people to receive me
and my fellow pilgrim into their houses. Our souls rejoiced in him.
The people were soon alarmed at my arrival. As soon as I came on shore
at _Leith_, many came blessing me, and weeping, took hold of me. About
four in the afternoon we came to _Edinburgh_. Great numbers followed
our coach, and almost catched me in their arms, as soon as I came out
of it. How did they weep for joy! It would have melted you down to
have seen them. When I came to my lodging, many dear friends came to
salute us in the name of the LORD. About seven o’clock I went to see
some persons of distinction, whose hearts the LORD reached, when I
was here last. Some were ready to faint with excess of joy: with these
I prayed and gave thanks. The Holy Ghost filled us with all joy and
peace in believing.――At eight I went to a nobleman’s house, where his
lady and several other dear friends received us with great gladness.
The cushions and bible were immediately brought. I gave a word of
exhortation. We sung, and prayed, and spent the remainder of the
evening most delightfully in talking of the things of GOD. When we
came home, we joined in blessing GOD’s holy name. Though late, I
scarce knew how to go to rest.――This morning I received glorious
accounts of the carrying on of the Mediator’s kingdom. The work of
GOD is beyond expression. Three of the little boys that were converted
when I was last here, came to me and wept, and begged me to pray for
and with them. A minister tells me, that scarce one is fallen back,
who was awakened, either among old or young. The serjeant, whose
letter, brother _C――――_ has, goes on well with his company. O my dear
brother, help me to praise the Lamb that sitteth upon the throne for
ever; and desire all the society to join with you. I believe within
these four months you will hear of very great things. Pray that I may
be very little in my own eyes, and not rob my dear Master of any part
of his glory. We do not forget you. Once a day we meet together and
pray for absent friends. He gives us leave, as it were, to ask of
him what we will, and promises never to leave or forsake us. For
the present, my dear brother, adieu! As opportunity offers, and if
possible every post, some or other of my dear friends shall hear, dear
brother _A――――_, from
Your most affectionate, though most unworthy brother
and servant in CHRIST,
_G. W._