_To the Right Honourable Lord R――――._
_Edinburgh, June 4, 1742._
_My Lord_,
YESTERDAY morning our glorious _Emmanuel_ brought us hither. Your
Lordship’s kind letter was put into my hands. I heartily sympathize
with your Lordship; but could not help rejoicing on your honoured
lady’s account, knowing she is now entered into her blessed Master’s
joy. Indeed, my Lord, I think, among christians, death hath not only
lost its sting, but its name. I never was so joyful as I am now at
the death of those who die in the LORD; and never was so reconciled
to living myself. My general language, when I hear of the saints
departure, is, “Let them go.” Lately at _London_ we had a sister in
CHRIST departed. Her last words were, “Holy, holy, holy!” she could
say no more here; but our Saviour sent for her to finish her song in
heaven. I preached over her corpse; our society attended: but surely
never did souls triumph over death more than we did that night.
Many would say, “O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy
victory?” As for my own part, I was enabled to trample death under my
feet: and, blessed be GOD, through rich grace I can do that daily. But
then your Lordship may ask, “Why are you reconciled to life?” Because
I can do that for JESUS on earth, which I cannot do in heaven: I mean,
be made instrumental in bringing some poor, weary, heavy laden sinners
to find rest in his blood and righteousness: and, indeed, if our
Saviour was to offer either to take me now, or to stay only to take
one sinner more, I would desire to stay to take him with me. But
whither am I running? O my Lord, death is a delightful topic. Excuse
me if I forget myself when writing about it. Blessed be our GOD for
supporting your soul under so close a trial! How sweet will it be to
meet your Lady glorified at the great day! Yet a little while, and
that happy day shall come. But it is time to answer your Lordship’s
question: “How was you on the 24th of last _November_?” I thank GOD,
very well. My soul was much refreshed with the Redeemer’s presence;
and I was rejoicing in hope of the glory of GOD. I hear of wonderful
things in _Scotland_. I can only fall down and worship. I have seen
greater things than ever in _England_. I expect to see far greater in
_Scotland_. Our LORD will not let his people be disappointed of their
hopes. But I must away. We were very happy together with some other
dear friends last night. I have not seen your Lordship’s daughters,
though they have been so kind as to send to enquire after my health.
I hope to see them to-day; and am, my Lord, with all possible respect,
my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,
_G. W._