LETTER TO WM. C. BURNS, DUNDEE - Robert Murray Mcchene
Inquiries about the Revival on first coming home.
20, HILL STREET, EDINBURGH, 15th November 1839.
MY DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER, —I last night arrived once more in my beloved home, conducted through every danger by the unseen hand of our Father in heaven. I cannot lose a moment in writing you a few lines. It was not till we arrived in Hamburgh that we heard anything of what has been doing in our beloved land for the last five months. There we heard only a rumor that God had visited his people in love, and those also that were Lo-Ammi. You may believe that it was with a thankful, joyful spirit that we read of these things. I cannot rest till I hear from you what has been done among my own dear flock. I do not like to impose a task on you; but if you have an hour’s leisure, it would be truly gratifying to me to hear from you, before I come over, a minute account of all that God seems to have wrought in Dundee during my absence. You remember it was the prayer of my heart when we parted, that you might be a thousandfold more blessed to the people than ever my ministry had been. How it will gladden my heart, if you can really tell me that it has been so! My poor, dear flock, hard-hearted and stiff-necked as they were, if the Lord has really opened their hearts, and brought them to a saving knowledge of Christ, and if their hearts and lives are together changed, I will bless God while I have any being!
The work at Kilsyth seems to be owned by all God’s true servants as not the work of man, but indeed divine. What a great joy to you and to your excellent father, to have your labor thus honored of God! The Lord preserves you both from all the personal danger to your own souls which such success exposes you to!
I must not write much, having agreed to preach on Sabbath. I would often have written you when away; but you know my weakness, and I was always uncertain as to your movements. Do write me if you have time. Tell me all the good and all the bad. I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan also is busiest. What of my elders? —of my dear established Christians? What of those who were but lambs? And what of those whom I left in darkness and in the shadow of death?
The Lord sends me good news.
I shall try to be over on Thursday evening next, if I am well, and trust to join you in praising God together for all his mercy and grace and faithfulness since we parted. Whether I shall be able to resume the full work of the ministry again or no, I cannot tell. My heart still beats too much. But I shall try; and if the Lord shows me that my work in that way is done, I shall pray for submission.
Do write me speedily, for I weary to hear. With regard to temporal things, remember I shall expect you honestly to tell how far your small salary has gone to cover your expenses. And if it has not covered them, remember I insist on your demanding as much more as will. The workman is worthy of his hire.
And now the Lord keep you humble and prayerful in secret, and may it not be needful that you be afflicted as I have been and may your ministry be blessed still a thousand times more! With kindest love to all my people, yours affectionately, etc.
