Thornhill, near Toronto, Upper Canada,
November, 12, 1836.
* * * * During most of the time since I last wrote to you, we have been
in great uncertainty concerning our movements. At one time I felt so
sinking under my ministerial duties, combined with the peculiarities of
the climate, that my wife and Cecil were strongly urgent on me to retire
from all public and obligatory duty, and to do no more than what my
strength or spirits would enable me occasionally and privately to attend
to. With this intention, after inspecting numerous places, we made a
purchase in the salubrious and delightful district of Niagara, and were
just on the point of removing thither; but, on inspection, the title did
not appear satisfactory, and, at the suggestion of the solicitor, I did
not complete the purchase. While, however, this matter was pending, my
people, at a public meeting, strongly expressed their hope, that I would
not adhere to my intentions of removal, and so unanimously and
affectionately pressed my continuance among them, that I at length
consented; and have since made arrangements for building a house at my
own expense, on some land I had previously purchased near the church, and
am intending now to go on with as much prudence as I can; but still to go
on, and to die, if it please God, in the harness. Of late, however, the
Lord has been pleased so to enable me to use appropriate exercise in the
open air, and so to husband my little strength, that all the unfavourable
symptoms under which I was labouring some few months ago, have altogether
disappeared; and with present adequacy of physical powers and with more
than usual encouragement in spirit, I am proceeding with my work, and
trust all will be well.
* * * * *
After speaking of his family, he adds,
* * * * * Much have we, indeed, of God’s temporal smile, nor is the light
of his gracious countenance withheld. All, all is love, and we would not
only submissively, but gratefully adore. Permit me to assure you of our
best wishes for the months or years, which may yet be in reserve, may
they prove pre-eminently the best! “For such power belongeth unto God;”
and believe me, Yours, my dear Madam, very sincerely,