425. Letter Ccccxxiii.
LETTER CCCCXXIII.
T o 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.