London, February 22, 1792
DEAR SIR,
I PRINTED the Ebenezers that I might offer a copy to my friends, and as a friend I enclosed one to you. If any of my friends in Scotland think them worth the reprinting, and will be at the expense, (which would not be very great) so that they may be freely and entirely given azuay, I have no objection.
The revival at Bala demands thankfulness - The Lord, according to his sovereign pleasure, now and then vouchsafes such seasons of refreshment as draw the attention of many. But hitherto they have usually been local and temporary. I remember one in Scotland, almost fifty years ago. The most extensive, I think, took place in
America about the same time, and was first observed under Dr. Edwards’s ministry at Northampton. There is generally much good done in such seasons of power — but we must not expect that every appearance will answer our wishes. There are many more blossoms upon a tree in spring, than there will be apples in autumn. Yet we are glad to see blossoms, because we know, that if there are no blossoms there can be no fruit.
When such sudden and general awakenings take place among people who were ignorant and unacquainted with scripture, they are more or less attended with blemishes and misguided zeal. The enemy is watchful to sow tares among the wheat. Thus it has always been. It was so in the apostles’ day. Offences arise, and they who wish to find something, at which they may stumble and cavil, by the righteous judgment of God, have what they wish for. But they who love the Lord, and have a regard for precious souls, will rejoice in the good that is really done; and can account for the occasional mixtures, from the present state of human nature.
That the good work at Bala may flourish, and extend to London and Edinburgh (if the Lord please) is my sincere prayer, as I doubt not it is yours. I am
Your affectionate,
J. N.
If Mr. comes in your way, I beg you to
tell him I am both sorry and ashamed I have not written to him. But for some time past, I have been taken up with unavoidables more than usual. Every day brings a something which must be attended to, and I am forced to defer what may be delayed without detriment, to a season of more leisure.