_To Jonathan B――――, Esq., in New-England._
_Edinburgh, Sept. 25, 1742._
_Honoured Sir_,
I Rejoiced to hear by the reverend and dear Dr. _C――――_, that you are
retired from the world, full of piety and devotion. I congratulate you,
honoured Sir, upon your happy change, and pray that you may be filled
with all the fulness of GOD. Exceedingly engaged as I am, I could
not but send a line to you, because I love you in the bowels of JESUS
CHRIST. I remember your command; I have you upon my heart, and pray
the glorious _Emmanuel_ to do more abundantly for you and yours, than
you are able to ask or think. It is impossible to tell you what the
LORD hath done for unworthy me. Honoured Sir, I feel a bliss I cannot
express. My happiness in JESUS increases daily. I am only ashamed
of my unfruitfulness, and the little I do for GOD. Indeed, honoured
Sir, I could wish for a thousand lives. My JESUS should have them all.
Methinks I hear you say, “thus it is with me.” Hail then happy man!
All generations shall call you blessed. Honoured Sir, my soul is full
in the midst of many trials. O what a glorious redemption hath JESUS
purchased for us! Indeed it is a plenteous redemption. By the power
of his death we are enabled to tread sin, death, and satan under our
feet. This is the present frame of my soul. O free grace! unsearchable
riches! The brightness of it dazzles the eyes of my faith. LORD, I
adore and worship in the temple of my heart! Honoured Sir, be pleased
to accept these few lines from a heart overflowing with love to GOD,
and for his great name sake to you. With most humble respects, and
affectionate returns of gratitude for all favours, I beg leave to
subscribe myself, honoured Sir,
Your most obliged humble servant,
_G. W._