_To the Reverend Mr. E―――― J――――, in Wales._
_Edinburgh, Oct. 6, 1742._
_My very dear Brother_,
YESTERDAY your kind and profitable letter came to hand. My dear wife
being embarked, I opened, read, and now snatch a few moments to answer
it. I took your hints upon _Jacob_’s ladder, and preached upon it
with freedom yesterday in the afternoon. I trust some will be induced
to begin to climb, and others be stirred to climb faster; at least I
shall myself for one, for indeed I am ashamed I have mounted no higher
yet. Blessed be GOD, I am ascended so far as to have the world almost
out of my sight, and I see my dear master standing at the top reaching
out his hand, ready to receive me up into heaven. Indeed, my dear
brother, the LORD hath dealt most bountifully with me; he gives me to
rejoice in all his dispensations towards me. It well becometh GOD’s
children to give thanks for all things that befal them, since it is
GOD ’s will concerning them. I am taught more and more every day to
live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved and gave himself for me.
GOD keeps me, and brings me where I would desire to be, at his feet,
waiting his will, and watching the motions of his blessed spirit,
word, and providence. Here I find safety and refuge amidst the various
storms of opposition and reproach which I daily meet with. GOD is on
my side, I will not fear what men nor devils can say of, or do unto me.
The dear Messrs. _E――――s_ have dressed me in very black colours.――Mr.
_G――――_’s pamphlet will shew you how black. Dear men, I pity them.
Writing I fear will be in vain. Surely they must grieve the holy
spirit much. O for a mind divested of all sects and names and parties!
I think it is my one simple aim to promote the kingdom of JESUS,
without partiality and without hypocrisy, indefinitely amongst all.
I care not if the name of _George Whitefield_ be banished out of the
world, so that JESUS be exalted in it. Glory be to his great name, we
have seen much of his power and greatness in _Scotland_. The work in
the west still goes on and increases. Last sabbath-day, and _Monday_,
very great things, greater than ever, were seen at _Kilsyth_. There
is a great awakening also at _Muthel_, and many living stones building
up in _Edinburgh_. I preach twice every day with great power, and
walk in liberty and love. At the same time I see and feel my vileness,
and take the blessed JESUS to be my righteousness and all. I purpose,
GOD willing, to go through _Newcastle_ and _Yorkshire_ to _England_.
_Ireland_ I believe must be left till another circuit. In about three
weeks, I purpose, GOD willing, to leave _Scotland_, and hope to spend
a month ere long in _Wales_. My dear and honoured brother, I hope the
LORD will give you an heart to pray for me, for indeed I am a very
poor sinner, and many are waiting for my halting; but JESUS is able
and willing to make me stand. I have been much strengthened, since
the _Spaniards_ have invaded _Georgia_. I think I am like the ark
surrounded on all sides with waves, but through free rich grace am
enabled to swim above all. Ere long, I shall rest on mount _Zion_ in
the arms of my beloved JESUS. Here is love would make me drop a tear,
and set my pen a writing quicker, but other business calls for me.
Dear Sir, be pleased to pray for me, and remember me to your dear
wife, and all the followers of the Lamb. Pray write to Mr. _McC――――_
immediately, and send as often as you can, dear Mr. _J――――_, to
Your weak, unworthy, but truly affectionate brother and servant,
in the kingdom and patience of JESUS,
_G. W._