London, September 19, 1802
MY DEAR SIR,
IT is high time to thank you for your kind consolatory letter of the 30th June: but my eyes fail me, so that I cannot write much. I am under a painful dispensation, but I am mercifully supported — not by lively frames, or sensible comforts, I have seldom been favoured with these — but I am enabled, by his grace, to cleave to his written word. I believe that this affliction does not spring out of the ground, that the thing is of the Lord, and that he is wise and good, and therefore, surely does, and will do, all things well. I believe he can, and I trust he will, bring light out of this dark dispensation; but it is my part to wait his time, way, and will, with submission.
My health is good, and my spirits — I eat and sleep as usual, and preach as much, and seemingly, with as much acceptance as formerly. Perhaps I may be heard more attentively now; for they who know me, take it for granted that I could not preach at all, as things are, if the Lord himself was not to uphold me. I hope some are encouraged by observing his goodness to me: and possibly I may speak with more emphasis to the afflicted from what I feel in myself.
The Lord is a sovereign — I am a sinner. He has the same right to me and mine, as the potter over the clay; and if he has pardoned our sins, and united us to himself, all will be well at last. We ought to be willing to be placed in the most painful situation, if it may promote his glory, which should be our highest end; for he suffered much more for us than he will ever lay upon us-And since he has said, “My grace is sufficient for thee, and ray strength shall be perfected in thy weakness,” and promised that all shall work together for good in the final issue, I am to leave all in his hands, and am, in some measure, enabled to do so. But, I find, if the spirit be willing, the flesh is weak. Self and unbelief often assail me.
Time is short — we are travelling on, and shall soon be at home. Then, farewell sin and sorrow for ever. Heaven and eternity will make rich amends for all the sufferings which his wise plan may appoint us to endure while here.
A report has just reached me, that you have accepted a call to *****, and are settled there: but as I am not sure you are yet removed from Glasgow, I shall direct to you there, for the letter will find you out. Write as soon as convenient.
Give my love to Mrs. B e and Mr. R n,
and to all who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and who inquire after me. I beg all your prayers. I need them, and I prize them. My love
to Mr. E g and his mother-in-law; I thank
them for thinking of us. May the Lord remember them, and do them much good.
May the Lord bless you wherever you are, and make you a blessing to many. Amen.
I am
Your affectionate and obliged,
nist Sept. ft- JJ,