(_COMFORT ABOUNDING UNDER TRIALS._)
WORTHY SIR,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to you.--The Lord hath brought
me safe to this strange town. Blessed be His holy name, I find His
cross easy and light, and I hope that He will be with His poor sold
Joseph, who is separated from his brethren. His comforts have abounded
towards me, as if Christ thought shame (if I may speak so) to be in
the common of such a poor man as I am, and would not have me lose
anything in His errands. My enemies have, beside their intention, made
me more blessed, and have put me in a sweeter possession of Christ
than ever I had before; only the memory of the fair days I had with my
Well-beloved, amongst the flock intrusted to me, keepeth me low, and
soureth my unseen joy (1 Cor. ii. 9). But it must be so, and He is
wise who tutoreth me in this way. For[379] that which my brethren
have, and I want, and others of this world have, I am content; my
faith will frist God my happiness. No son is offended that his father
give him not hire twice a-year; for he is to abide in the house, when
the inheritance is to be divided. It is better that God's children
live upon hope, than upon hire.
[379] As for that which.
Thus remembering my love to your worthy and kind wife, I bless you and
her, and all yours, in the Lord's name.
Yours, in his only, only Lord Jesus,