_To Mr. S―――― C――――, in Deptford._
_Glasgow, Sept. 2, 1742._
_My very dear Brother C――――_,
I Am just now come from the pulpit, wherein I have experienced much of
the Redeemer’s power, and seen his stately outgoings in the sanctuary.
My brother, the cry of my heart is, “and will GOD indeed dwell with
such a wretch as I am.” Methinks a voice echo’s from above, “I have
dwelt in thee, I do dwell in thee, I will dwell in thee for evermore.”
My heart replies, “LORD, I believe and worship.”
_A heart that no desire can move,
But still to adore, believe, and love._
This, my dear brother, is the present, and indeed continual bent of my
soul, which I trust prospers. I feel myself to grow more poor inwardly;
I see, I am but a learner in the school of CHRIST, and my dear Master
teaches me new lessons every day. About a week ago, I think he did
more for me than ever I saw before. Glory be to GOD, that he is so
much with you at _London_. I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice. I am
amazed when I hear, as I do almost every day, of some fresh persons
wrought upon by my unworthy ministry. This humbles me very much, and
brings me very low at the feet of the ever-loving JESUS. I dare not
deny that I am one of his chosen; but I am jealous for myself and for
those about me, lest we should grieve the holy Spirit, and oblige him
to withdraw for our ingratitude, unfruitfulness, pride, selfishness,
and insensibility of the blessings we enjoy. Last night I went to
sleep quite angry, but chiefly with myself.――I saw that I had received
much, and did so little for my GOD, and CHRIST, that I could feelingly
smite upon my breast, lay my head upon my pillow, and close my eyes
with these words, “GOD be merciful to me a sinner?” And to-day, what
have I seen and felt, yea what do I now feel? My soul is swallowed
up in GOD. His presence is filling my soul, and renewing my bodily
strength. Here is free grace, my dear brother. Was you here, I think
I could now warm your heart with a lecture upon the unparalleled love
of JESUS; but time is short: blessed be GOD, an eternity is before me,
but “eternity too short to utter all his praise.” I think I love you
and yours unfeignedly, and rejoice that you enjoy sweet fellowship
together. Glory be to GOD, that you have gotten many living stones.
Trust the great Redeemer, the all-wise contriver and perfecter of his
spiritual temple, to put them together. I have been faulty in looking
too much to foreign help, and despising that which GOD had given me.
When our LORD was to feed the multitude, he would not create new bread,
but multiplied the loaves that were already at hand. “Ye need not send
them away, give ye them to eat,” said he: so say I to my dear brethren
at the tabernacle. “Work with the materials you have.” In doing the
work, GOD will teach you how to do it.――Experience will grow up with
the work itself. Thus GOD hath dealt with me, and so he continues to
deal. May his blessed spirit guide you all into all truth, and give
you a right judgment in all things! I love to see the little child in
others, though I see so little of it in my unworthy self. But I must
not exceed; other business demands my attention. Write to me often
about the state of the church. Mr. _E――――_’s people rather run greater
and greater lengths in misguided zeal. Our love to all. I intreat a
continuance of your prayers, because the archers are shooting from
every quarter at, dear brother _C――――_,
Your poor weak brother in the kingdom
and patience of JESUS CHRIST,
_G. W._