_To Miss ―――― ――――, at Edinburgh._
_London, Feb. 27, 1742._ _Dear Miss_,
I Did not receive your letter till this night. Whilst I was reading it, my heart grew warm with thankfulness to that GOD, who, I trust, by his almighty Spirit hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. In his light you now see light. Do you not, dear Miss _W――――_, find what I said to be true, “That JESUS CHRIST is the fairest among ten thousands.” Is he not altogether lovely? Henceforth you may well say,
_I bid this world of noise and shew, With all its flattering snares, adieu._
The greater advances you make in the divine life, the more you will see what a dream you and the polite world have been in. And O the distinguishing grace of GOD to you! Methinks I hear you calling on angels and archangels to join in praising our common LORD. Well may you say, “You are not henceforth your own:” No, dear Miss, let JESUS have your whole heart. Let his blood, his wounds be continually before you. GOD forbid that you should now glory, save in the cross of CHRIST, by whom the world is crucified to you, and you unto the world. Pity the poor christless creatures about you. Pray for them, as the Holy Spirit gives you freedom. Tell them of the love of JESUS. They need no other motive. This, backed with almighty power, must break the most hardened heart. With much pleasure I reflect on the blessed consolations I have been favoured with, whilst explaining the scriptures to you and your honoured relations. O that not one may remain unconverted! May JESUS look on them; then will they look on him and be saved. Blessed be GOD for sending me to _Scotland_, if it was only to bring you home. Ere long I hope to visit your country again; and then, O that I may see you all meek, humble, heavenly-minded, close followers of the bleeding Lamb! Thanks be to GOD, he hath directed me to a wife, who was once gay, but now with you can sing,
I. _Come, Saviour JESUS, from above, Assist me with thy heavenly grace; Withdraw my heart from worldly love, And for thyself prepare the place._
II. _O let thy sacred presence fill, And set my longing spirit free; Which pants to have no other love, But night and day to feast on Thee._
III. _That path with humble speed I’ll seek, Wherein my Saviour’s footsteps shine; Nor will I hear, nor will I speak Of any other love but thine._
IV. _To Thee my ling’ring soul aspires; To Thee I offer all my vows; Keep me from vain and false desires, My GOD, my Saviour, and my spouse._
V. _Wealth, honour, or whatever else This transitory world can give, Tempt as you will, my heart repels, To CHRIST alone resolved to live._
VI. _Thee I can love, and thee alone, With inward joy and holy bliss; To find thou tak’st me for thy own, O what a happiness is this!_
Dear Miss, whilst I am writing, the love of JESUS fills my soul. I have been talking to night of his love to poor sinners. O that his spirit may break afresh upon your soul when you are reading this! I must now commend you to the Redeemer’s care. In the world you shall have tribulation; be not afraid, JESUS hath overcome the world.――I have many letters before me unread; but I could not help writing this long one to you. Accept it as a token of unfeigned regard for the good of your precious soul, and depend on the prayers of, dear Miss _W――――_,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in CHRIST,