XCIII.

Dec. 14, 1810.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I KNOW not what to say, nor how to express myself, for your kindness and generosity to me, and towards our new chapel. I never asked it, nor could I find a heart so to do, knowing the expense you have been at in raising your own. At the first news of its being burnt I was unmoved, not knowing what was the mind of God, and believing that this was among the all things that shall eventually work for good, I found my mind composed. But, when I heard of the crowds and public - newspapers ridiculing Divine Providence and of such a triumphant mob assembling daily round the ruins, that the peace officers were obliged to go in person to disperse them, I could not help feeling; however, considering that the triumph of the wicked is but short, and the afflictions of the just are not for ever, I bore it pretty well; but not so as to exclude the voice of Satan, of murmuring, or of unbelief; for, if I take counsel in my own heart, these are sure to be heard. I verily believe that neither Satan, nor hell itself, are half so detestable, in the conception of sinners, as that chapel was. But the standard is now removed from that spot, and "Wo unto them, (says God) when I depart from them," Hosea ix. 12. Indeed their unparalleled hatred, their scorn and contempt, their derision and cruel mockery, are such as it would be grievous to bear, were it not for this - we know there is a judgment, and that we "shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not," Mal. iii. 18; in which day God's wrath shall burn as an oven, the wicked shall be as stubble, and the saints shall appear to be God's jewels. Take away this, and we are (says Paul) most miserable.

I thank you and the friends for this their kind help; and, when the weather shall favour me, I will (if God permit) spend one Sunday with you, to return my thanks in person. I do believe that poor Jenkins, was sent among us to be undeceived, and pulled down; to undeceive some others, and to draw out and exercise the christian charity of many. And these exercises are fruits that will one day turn out to your account, and to the account of others, and that more than many are aware of. He certainly was, in his spiritual stature, a little one; nor have I a doubt of this. And whatsoever is done to the least of these is done to me; and verily a cup of cold water shall not lose its reward, if given to such, says the Saviour.

Our chapel is going on; but we were obliged to dig very deep to get at the original soil for a foundation. Our walls are about four feet above ground, and the weather for the brick-work is favourable at present. Tender my love to Mrs. M. and the large family; while I remain,

Your much obliged in Christ Jesus,

W.H. S. S.

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