_To the Reverend Mr. J―――― W――――._
_Edinburgh, October 11, 1742._
_Reverend and dear Sir_,
ABOUT ten days ago, I sent you a packet by my dear wife, which I hope
you will have received ere this comes to hand. Yesterday morning I
had your kind letter dated _October 5_. In answer to the first part
of it, I say, “Let old things pass away, and all things become new.”
I can heartily say, “Amen” to the latter part of it. “Let the king
live for ever, and controversy die.” It has died with me long ago. I
shall be glad to see the extract of your journal. Be pleased to send
it immediately, under cover, to Mr. _E――――_, member of parliament in
_Edinburgh_. I shall not leave _Scotland_ in less than three weeks.
Before yours came, I had engaged to go through _Newcastle_ in my
way to _London_. I rejoice to hear the LORD has blessed your dear
brother’s labours. I am enabled to preach twice daily with great power,
and find I walk in light and liberty continually. Like the ark, I am
surrounded on all sides, but enabled to swim triumphantly over all. O
free grace! I thank you, dear Sir, for praying for me, and thank our
common LORD for putting it in your heart so to do. I have been upon my
knees praying for you and yours. O that nothing but love, lowliness,
and simplicity may be among us. It grieves me to see what a sad spirit
prevails among Mr. _E――――_’s people. Father, forgive them! I trust
you will remember my poor orphans. GOD gives me strong faith for them,
though no news yet of the _Spaniards_ leaving _Georgia_. Yesterday
morning a dear little hospital girl went off in triumph. The work
is still increasing in _Scotland_, especially at _Kilsyth_. Surely
we shall see great things ere long. Dear friend, my soul is on fire.
O let us not fall out in the way! Let us bear with, and forbear one
another in love. GOD be praised for giving you such a mind. My kind
love to all that love the LORD JESUS in sincerity. In much haste, and
with great thanks for your last letter, I subscribe myself, reverend
and very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though younger brother, in the gospel
of our glorious _Emmanuel_,
_G. W._