LETTER CCCCLXI.
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. Es 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
