[497] From the original, among the Wodrow MSS. vol. xxix. 4to, No. 66.
This letter is addressed on the back, "For his Reverend and dear
Brother, Mr. Thomas Wylie, Minister of the Gospel at Kirkcudbright,
and Moderator of the Presbytery there."
(_REGARDING A LETTER OF EXPLANATION._)
RIGHT REVEREND,--I look on it as a significant expression of your
respect to me, and above all deserving in me, that you take notice of
any appearance of clouds, or alienation of mind among brethren; and am
glad of your testimony of my brother. I had no interest but brotherly
advice, and hearty desire of the real prospering of the work of the
Gospel. Nor was it either necessary or expedient, that your w[isdoms]
should be troubled and put to any presbyterial testimony, upon the
ground of a private missive letter, written by misinformation. I give
credit to your testimony, and judge much ought to be laid upon it,
and shall think myself obliged to your w[isdoms], and look on it as a
testimony of your affectionate zeal to the work of God. The Lord of
the harvest thrust out labourers to His vineyard, and bless His work
in your hands! Excuse me, dear and reverend, for my troubling you with
any private misunderstanding. I am not a little refreshed to hear of
your care and zeal for the house of God.
The Lord be with your spirit.
Your unworthy brother and fellow-labourer in the Gospel,