Hutton, Aug. 9, 1831.
My dear Friend,
I DID, indeed, intimate to Miss P. my intention to write to you at an
early opportunity, and I am quite ashamed and sorry that I should have
delayed doing this so long. Your very kind and most interesting letter,
received a few days since, has not only opened my eyes, but warmed my
heart; and, even were I disposed any longer to postpone, I should find it
somewhat difficult to do it.
I do, indeed, most sincerely rejoice with you in all the goodness and
mercy which have attended you during your residence in Madeley.
You kindly and delicately suppose that the incipient attentions showed
you, on your first going there, were in some measure from their kindly
feelings towards myself. Possibly, the glowing descriptions of a friend
might have prepared the minds of many for expectation, and have procured
for you the more than ordinary courtesies of introduction. But such
expectations would have terminated in all the vexation of contrast, had
there not been that suitableness in my dear friend which I had supposed,
and which the parishioners were in no way backward to discover. It is
with much gratitude to our God and Saviour that I look back on the whole
of the past transaction: the circumstances which seemed indispensably to
require my own separation from the dear people of Madeley; their
hopelessness respecting a suitable successor; your willingness to accept
the charge; the kind vicar’s willing consent; and the long interval of
reciprocal endearment which has since been experienced—one so cordial,
and so thorough * * * and, surely, that most munificent and touching act
of their kindly feeling and high respect which they showed you on your
departure, is no small proof of the accuracy of my supposition.
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped me,” may be the encouraging motto of my
friend. And greatly will it rejoice me to hear that in his new, and yet
more extensive sphere of labour, the same distinguishing mercy from on
high attends him: you go accompanied with many prayers, and encouraged
with many a cheering recollection of the past; and, what is more
comforting, I will freely acknowledge, to my own mind, you go onward with
a humble sense of your own nothingness; surprised at the results of mercy
which you see; pausing, not in self-congratulation, but in lowly
gratitude, to survey and express them.
* * * * * * * *
The account which you give of the new vicar is very encouraging, and
answers, in all respects, to the other testimonies which have reached me.
The times seem peculiarly perilous, both politically and
ecclesiastically; though I was never given to “croak,” yet I cannot but
feel that we are on the eve of danger. God only can avert it, and in Him
is my hope; but _out_ of Him everything seems gloomy and foreboding.
Could my dear wife see and feel with myself, I think it probable, that I
should make some effort to escape from all this stormy wind and tempest,
to some one or other of our colonial shores, and there endeavour to
establish my family under more auspicious promises than those afforded by
our native land: for the mercantile day of England has long been
declining, and with our increasing population no very cheering prospects
can be cherished. {171} My way, however, is not yet clear; and till my
path is opened, I feel no desire to proceed. With your own large family,
thoughts of the future will no doubt, at times, be attempting anxiously
to intrude. But I know full well the accustomed sobriety of your mind,
and can easily imagine how quietly and peacefully you leave these
bewildering anticipations with Him who has encouraged us to cast all our
care upon Himself. In this, as in other respects, may I ever be
endeavouring to follow you.
We are truly glad to hear of Mrs. C.’s amended health, and of the comfort
which you have in your residence and situation. It seems, indeed, in all
respects, the very place for you, and long may you and your beloved wife
be spared to reside among them. Our united and very kind regards attend
you both, and all the members of your dear family.
Believe me ever to remain,
Your very sincerely attached,
G. M.