Dear Sir,
by this time I hope you are both returned in peace and happy together
in your stated, favoured tract: rejoicing in the name of Jesus
yourselves, and rejoicing to see the savour of it spreading like
a precious perfume among the people. Every day I hope you find
prejudices wearing off, and more disposed to hear the words of
Life. The Lord has given you a fine first fruits, which I trust
will prove the earnest of a plentiful harvest. In the meantime
He will enable you to sow the seed in patience, leaving the event
in His hands. Though it does not spring up visibly at once, it
will not be lost. I think He would not have sent you, if He had
not a people there to call; but they can only come forth to view
as He is pleased to bring them. Satan wild try to hinder and disturb
you, but he is in a chain which he cannot break, nor go a step
further than he is permitted. And, if you have been instrumental
to the conversion of but a few, in those few you have an ample
reward already for all the difficulties you have or can meet with.
It is more honourable and important to be an instrument of saving
one soul, than to rescue a whole kingdom from temporal ruin. Let
us, therefore, while we earnestly desire to be more useful, not
forget to be thankful for what the Lord has been pleased already
to do for us; and let us expect, knowing whose servants we are,
and what a Gospel we preach, to see some new miracles wrought
from day to day; for, indeed, every real conversion may be accounted
miraculous, being no less than an immediate exertion of that power
which made the heavens, and commanded the light to shine out of
darkness.
Your little telescope is safe. I wish I had more of that clear
air and sunshine you speak of, that with you I might have more
distinct views of the land of promise. I cannot say my prospect
is greatly clouded by doubts of my reaching it at last; but then
there is such a languor and deadness hangs upon my mind, that
it is almost amazing to me how I can entertain any hopes at all.
It seems, if doubting could ever be reasonable, there is no one
who has greater reason for doubting than myself. But I know not
how to doubt, when I consider the faithfulness, grace, and compassion
of Him who has promised. If it could be proved that Christ had
not died, or that He did not speak the words which are ascribed
to Him in the Gospel, or that He is not able to make them good,
or that His word cannot safely be taken; in any of these cases
I should not doubt to purpose, and lie down in despair.
I am, &c.
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