LETTER TO THE REV. R. MACDONALD, BLAIRGOWRIE - Robert Murray Mcchene

Inward life—Words of counsel.

DUNDEE, 1842.

MY DEAR FRIEND, —This is Friday evening, and I do not know what to preach on Sabbath next, else I would have written you at greater length; but as I am to see you so soon face to face, there is the less need of communing with ink and pen.

I hope your health keeps good, and your labors abundant, —that you have a continued interest in the blood which speaketh peace, —a sense of forgiveness and acceptance in the beloved, —that you feel “his right hand under your head,” and the power of his indwelling Spirit dwelling in you and walking in you. These sweet experiences alone make the minister’s life calm and serene, like this autumnal evening. Ah! how easy it is to peak or write about them! What a different thing to feel them! It is my constant desire, and yet I am constantly disappointed. I think I never was brought to feel the wickedness of my heart as I do now. Yet I do not feel it as many sweet Christians do, while they are high above it, and seem to look down into a depth of iniquity, deep, deep in their bosoms. Now, it appears to me as if my feet were actually in the miry clay, and I only wonder that I am kept from open sin. My only refuge is in the word, “I will put my Spirit within you.” It is only by being made a partaker of the divine nature that I can escape the corruption that is in the world through lust.

All things go on here much of us they did. I cannot say that my sermons are much shorter, though I have tried to shorten them. My meeting is still the hour and half, nor do I see how I can shorten it. It is very well attended. A stranger started up and prayed one evening. I did not interrupt him, or take notice of it, but have thought it best to forbid it. None but ordained servants should speak in churches.

I hope you have got all your preparations well forward. Deal faithfully by all that speak to you for the communion, especially the young. If you would have a clear conscience, none but those who are seeking really to close with Jesus Christ should be allowed to take the bread and wine, if a word of yours can help it.

Be decided in keeping back the scandalous. Stir up your elders to this. They are very apt to be remiss. May you have much grace given you at this time, and peace—droppings of the Spirit, and refreshing’s of peace in the heart. I invite all who have any wish to speak to their minister before communicating, to do so. May you have much fruit at this time that shall appear many days hence! I have been surprised to find even a poor table service blessed. Expect much, and much will be given. Pray for me, for I am all but desolate. —Yours faithfully, etc.