From [Revd. John] Erskine [at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow], to Revd. George Whitefield at the New House, near the Tabernacle, Moorfields, London. Whitefield's letter was received three weeks ago, and was the cause of great joy, as the month before reports of Whitefield's death had appeared in the 'London prints'. It was feared that the news was true as the 'New England prints' had previously mentioned that he was in poor health.
Both civil and religious affairs have undergone surprising changes in Scotland since Whitefield's last visit [in 1742]. Erskine assumes that Edinburgh gave the greatest cause for hope, for although there was in [Kirkintilloch] 'above a hundred subjects of the late revival, yet none of them dated their awakening from your sermons, but from those of Mr Burnside their late Pastor, and of other neighbours'. The work in Edinburgh was however very great and many enquired as to the means of their salvation. Erskine had particularly close contacts with a group of young male converts, and indeed he does not think that he has ever enjoyed himself him more than when he joined 'with those lively Christians in prayer, praise, and Christian conference'. He has heard that only one from that particular group has since abandoned the faith, but the ladies, who were saved at that time, have sadly for the most part returned to the 'gayeties and follies of life'.
Most of the congregation 'who about six years ago seemed to be planted in the house of the Lord appear to be growing up and flourishing…but alas no new awakenings'.
Last Sunday, Erskine's wife [Christian] was delivered of their second son.
Whitefield has no doubt heard of the death of Erskine's father in law Lord Reay [George Mackay, third Baron Reay]. For some time before his death Lord Reay's faith in Christ had been greatly strengthened.
In a postscript he asks to be remembered to Mr Jenkins. Has Whitefield seen Erskine's printed account of Mr P. Hall? [John Erskine was a noted theologian and a leading member of the evangelical movement within the Scottish Church. He enjoyed a close friendship with Whitefield, but had little sympathy or personal contact with the Wesleys. Source: Dictionary of National Biography]